As I wake up this Monday morning, I realize that I am indeed at the final stretch of my training for the Marine Corps Marathon. I have 15 weeks of disciplined and planned training behind me, along with a few 'bumps along the road' just to make things more interesting!
Yesterday I participated in my last race prior to next Sunday's marathon. It was the OctoRun 13K and I finished in 1:58:57 (unofficial) beating my time from last year by about 2 minutes. However, there were faster older guys on the course yesterday and I failed to place in the top 3 for my age group (55-59). I thought for sure I was going to medal when I saw a fellow who I passed during the last mile placed 2nd in his age group (40-44) but it wasn't meant to be. I've said before.... It all depends on who else is on the field!
My approach this week is to follow my training plan and to stay hydrated (which is my biggest challenge) and well nourished. No more 600 calorie muffins from the cafeteria at work for my 'mid-morning snack'!
So, here it is, the Final Stretch, and I will be running a Marathon in 6 days!!
Safe Training Folks,
John
Showing posts with label Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. Show all posts
Monday, October 22, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
8 Days and Counting
This is my final weekend heading into the Marine Corps Marathon which is next Sunday, October 28! At this point, I have the better part of 15 weeks of training behind me and I am going to use this weekend to log my last long run and pamper myself with a massage.
Today (Saturday) is technically a REST day for me but I am considering going to the fitness center to do some light cross training on the stationary bike and weight training. Nothing too serious. Tomorrow is a more active day as I am registered to run in a local race in Hatfield, PA. The Octorun 13K is an unusual distance (8.03 miles) but it fits nicely into my schedule. My training plan calls for a 60 minute run this weekend and I ran this same race in 70 minutes last year so I think it is a good fit.
This time next weekend I will be in the final preparations for running my 2nd marathon!!
Safe Training Folks!
John
Today (Saturday) is technically a REST day for me but I am considering going to the fitness center to do some light cross training on the stationary bike and weight training. Nothing too serious. Tomorrow is a more active day as I am registered to run in a local race in Hatfield, PA. The Octorun 13K is an unusual distance (8.03 miles) but it fits nicely into my schedule. My training plan calls for a 60 minute run this weekend and I ran this same race in 70 minutes last year so I think it is a good fit.
This time next weekend I will be in the final preparations for running my 2nd marathon!!
Safe Training Folks!
John
Monday, September 17, 2012
Half Marathon Summary
It is pouring rain at the moment and although my left foot is still sore from my race in Philly on Sunday, I am planning to head out to the gym after I have another cup of my Morning Joe to do some cross training on the bicycle and some strength training.
Marathon training is moving forward!
John
Rolled Through Philly in 1:57:42
The Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon could not have asked for a more beautiful day yesterday. A gorgeous late summer day with temps in the 60's and low humidity - very sweet!.
My finish time of 1:57:42 was a PR for this course (this was my 3rd year running this half marathon) but not an overall PR.
I have to say that I was well on my way to achieving a new PR and was on target to finish around 1:52. However, at or around mile 8, I started to feel pain on the bottom of my left foot. I did my best to focus my thoughts and energy on my form and my time but by mile 11 the pain was all I could think about. In all honesty, I am really not sure how I crossed that finish line.
At the time, I was convinced that I developed plantar fasciitis. However, when I changed out of my running shoes into my sandals after the race, I noticed a small piece of gravel was in my left shoe - Aha!! How could I have not noticed? I didn't even feel it but it was big enough to cause a point of irritation for each foot strike.
Several hours later after I started to ice my foot, it became clear that the tiny piece of gravel was indeed the culprit. I noticed 3 distinct reddish areas on the bottom of my foot that represented strike points. That little bugger was moving around and causing so much grief for my foot. By last night, the bottom of my foot looked bruised and this morning it looks cherry red and it is still very sore. I think it will be several days before I lace up again for running. Today is my rest day so I am thinking that I will resort to bicycling when I head back to the gym tomorrow.
Lesson learned - when pain begins at a strike point - consider stopping to see if there is anything in your shoe. No kidding. That could have been gotten me a new PR and saved me a lot of grief!
Marching forward with my training (although this week may have some modifications) for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28!
Happy Trails Folks!
John
My finish time of 1:57:42 was a PR for this course (this was my 3rd year running this half marathon) but not an overall PR.
I have to say that I was well on my way to achieving a new PR and was on target to finish around 1:52. However, at or around mile 8, I started to feel pain on the bottom of my left foot. I did my best to focus my thoughts and energy on my form and my time but by mile 11 the pain was all I could think about. In all honesty, I am really not sure how I crossed that finish line.
At the time, I was convinced that I developed plantar fasciitis. However, when I changed out of my running shoes into my sandals after the race, I noticed a small piece of gravel was in my left shoe - Aha!! How could I have not noticed? I didn't even feel it but it was big enough to cause a point of irritation for each foot strike.
Several hours later after I started to ice my foot, it became clear that the tiny piece of gravel was indeed the culprit. I noticed 3 distinct reddish areas on the bottom of my foot that represented strike points. That little bugger was moving around and causing so much grief for my foot. By last night, the bottom of my foot looked bruised and this morning it looks cherry red and it is still very sore. I think it will be several days before I lace up again for running. Today is my rest day so I am thinking that I will resort to bicycling when I head back to the gym tomorrow.
Lesson learned - when pain begins at a strike point - consider stopping to see if there is anything in your shoe. No kidding. That could have been gotten me a new PR and saved me a lot of grief!
Marching forward with my training (although this week may have some modifications) for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28!
Happy Trails Folks!
John
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Rockin' and Rollin' in Philly
Final preparations tonight for the Rock 'n Roll Philadelphia half marathon tomorrow morning! This will be my 4th half marathon in as many months and it will be my last half marathon before the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of Ocober. The weather is forecasted to be an absolutely beautiful day to run 13.1 miles. Temps will be around 60 degrees at 8:00am - race time!
Feeling good - I had a few strong runs this week so I am feeling prepared. I did not include intervals in my training this week as I figured my racing on Sunday would compensate for that.
Planning to have a light dinner shortly followed by relaxing. The alarm clock will be going off at 4:30am - that will be here soon enough.
Good luck to everyone who is racing this weekend!
John
Feeling good - I had a few strong runs this week so I am feeling prepared. I did not include intervals in my training this week as I figured my racing on Sunday would compensate for that.
Planning to have a light dinner shortly followed by relaxing. The alarm clock will be going off at 4:30am - that will be here soon enough.
Good luck to everyone who is racing this weekend!
John
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Week 5 Marathon Training – 31 Miles!
Date | Target Time (minutes) | Actual Time (minutes) | Distance (miles) | Weight (pounds) |
8/06/2012 | 45 | 50 | 4.1 | 167 |
8/07/2012 | 60 | 65 | 5.3 | 168 |
8/08/2012 | - | - | - | |
8/09/2012 | 60 | 90 | 5.7 | 168 |
8/10/2012 | - | - | - | |
8/11/2012 | 120 | 128 | 12.25 | 167 |
8/05/2012 | 45 | 46 | 3.6 | 168 |
Total: | 330 | 379 | 31 |
Another week down and 31 miles logged for Week 5 of Marathon Training. The highlight for this week was a 12.25 mile Long Run on Saturday. Despite managing a hectic travel schedule this week for work, I was able to pretty much stick to my training plan although I had to make a few minor adjustments. For instance, today (Sunday) is supposed to be a Rest Day but I did get to the fitness center and logged a 3.6 mile run at an easy pace. I also included some lower body strength training after my run this morning.
This weekend I was able to watch Team USA (men and women) perform at the 2012 Olympics in London and all I can say is that all of those athletes are such an inspiration to anyone who enjoys running as a sport. My goodness – the speed with which they bolt around the track is mesmerizing. How is it possible for the human body to move at such speed with such finesse? Lots of grit and determination, commitment, and dedication to what they want to accomplish. It felt so proud to be an American watching them bring home the Gold and Silver Olympic Medals this weekend. Congratulations Team USA!
As for me, I will embark on my 6th Week of Marathon Training beginning tomorrow – Go Team John!
Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Marathon Training – Week 4!
Date | Target Time (minutes) | Actual Time (minutes) | Distance (miles) | Weight (pounds) |
7/30/2012 | 45 | 49 | 4.1 | 167 |
7/31/2012 | 60 | 66 | 5.25 | 168 |
8/01/2012 | - | - | - | |
8/02/2012 | 60 | 62 | 5.3 | 168 |
8/03/2012 | 45 | 51 | 4.1 | 168 |
8/04/2012 | 105 | 97 | 8.0 | 167 |
8/05/2012 | - | |||
Total: | 315 | 325 | 26.75 |
Another week of marathon training is now behind me. And I have to say the warm weather and humidity that we've been experiencing has been quite the challenge. So, this morning for my weekly long run, I had to resort to 'Plan B' and ran inside at the fitness center, logging 8 miles. My original plan was to tackle 10 miles outside but it was already 74 degrees at 7am this morning and the air was thick with fog and humidity – not my idea of ideal conditions for running a LONG RUN. Nonetheless, I felt really strong throughout the run and I probably have gone longer but I mistakenly thought my target time was 75 minutes rather than 105 minutes. I knew I should have double-checked my schedule before I left the house but I wasn't as organized as I should have been. Another lesson learned – Have a solid plan the night before and commit to it!
Tomorrow will be a rest day but I am planning to do some strength training at the fitness center. Other than that, I hope to have a relaxing and restful Sunday!
Safe and Happy Running!
John
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Marathon Week 3 – Completed!
I finished up my 3rd week of marathon training with a 9 mile long run this morning. My goodness it was warm! I started out at 7:30am and it was already 70 degrees. My 90-minute 9-mile run left me thoroughly soaked in sweat and quickly reminded me of my half marathon run in Chicago last weekend under similar conditions. This really has been a brutal summer weather wise and not so ideal for training because of the warm temperatures. All-in-all, I ran a total of 26.25 miles for week 3 and my total time was about 13% higher than my target:
Date | Target Time (minutes) | Actual Time (minutes) | Distance (miles) | Weight (pounds) |
7/23/2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 168 |
7/24/2012 | 30 | 40 | 3.1 | 168 |
7/25/2012 | 60 | 66 | 5.25 | 169 |
7/26/2012 | 60 | 65 | 5.5 | 169 |
7/27/2012 | 30 | 40 | 3.4 | 169 |
7/28/2012 | 90 | 95 | 9.0 | 169 |
7/29/2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Total: | 270 | 306 | 26.25 |
Looking back on the past 3 weeks, I consistently 'over' ran based on my time targets but this week represented my closest time to target so I feel like I am pretty much on track. One thing I want to consider for week 4 is to begin adding one speed training session to my program. I'll be looking at my week 4 plan later this weekend to figure out my plan of attack.
Aside from training, my next race will be the Rock 'n' Roll Providence Half Marathon on August 19 so that is 3 weeks away! Hard to believe at that point, I will be finishing up week 6 of my marathon training!
Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John
Monday, July 23, 2012
Marathon Training Week 2
Date | Target Time (minutes) | Actual Time (minutes) | Distance (miles) | Weight (pounds) |
7/16/2012 | 30 | 45 | 3.75 | 169 |
7/17/2012 | 45 | 66 | 5.5 | - |
7/18/2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
7/19/2012 | 45 | 65 | 5.3 | - |
7/20/2012 | 30 | 0 | 0 | - |
7/21/2012 | 75 | 54 | 4.25 | - |
7/22/2012 | 0 | 128 | 13.1 | 168 |
Total: | 225 | 358 | 31.9 |
Two weeks down and 14 more to go!
Last week was my 2nd week of training for the Marine Corps Marathon and I probably overdid it – spending 59% more time running than my program allotment. Knowing that I was running a half-marathon on Sunday, I should have tapered a bit in the earlier part of the week but I didn't. Perhaps that is why I had a lackluster performance at yesterday's Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon although the extreme weather conditions had to be a contributing factor.
For week 3, I need to get back on track and not overdo it. Over training can be as bad if not worse than under training!
Safe Training Folks!
John
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Chicago – Done!
To say this morning's Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half-Marathon was a challenge would be an understatement. Although race time was 6:30am, the temperature was already close to 80 degrees and there was no breeze to speak of. I knew I was in trouble when I reached my 10-mile target time (1:35) at the 9-mile marker. I was averaging a 9:15 minute mile at that point so I knew I would be close to 10 minutes off of my overall target time. There wasn't any way I'd be able to beat my PR of 1:55.
All in all, I finished in 2:08:26 (that's an average 9:48 pace) which, coincidentally, is my worst time ever for a half-marathon – Yikes! However, the weather conditions for this race were the most extreme of all the half-marathons I've run so I know that was a huge factor. After mile 9, I literally took walking breaks after each water station which were 1-mile apart.
Disappointed, YES, but having just reviewed the results on-line, I still managed to place in the Top 3rd in my age group (Male 55-59) so that tells me I didn't fair too badly amongst my peers. It was a very tough race and I knew I was overheated – thus, I made sure to stop at every water station and took in both water and Gatorade.
Highlights of this race were sponges soaked in ice cold water at around mile 11 and washcloths soaked in ice cold water at the finish line – what a relief they provided!
Oh, and my favorite tee-shirt was worn by a young woman and it read "Just give me my medal and no one will get hurt". That really made me chuckle and it came at a great time during the race to uplift me a bit and stop focusing on how terrible I felt. And – it worked for about a mile!
I am now home in Pennsylvania, safe and sound, and have yet another half-marathon experience under my belt. My lesson learned here is that there will be extreme conditions that will influence my performance along the way. Just suck it up and move on!
Safe Running Folks!
John
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Ready to Rock 'n' Roll in Chicago!
It's the night before race day and I am getting ready to turn in. I wanted to be in bed by 10:30 at the latest and it is now 10:10 so I am right on schedule.
Running gear is laid out, bib is pinned to my shirt, chrono timing tag is attached to my running shoe. And, oh yeah, coffee maker is all set to go! Since race time is 6:30am, I am planning to have my alarm go off at 4:30am. I scoped out the starting area earlier today and it is only a 10 minute walk from my hotel. So, that's one less thing I have to worry about in the morning - trying to find the venue.
I need to be up and about for at least an hour before I head out in the morning and I especially don't like to feel rushed on race day.
It's going to be another warm day tomorrow - a high of 91 degrees and 75 degrees at the starting line but I am still looking forward to having an awesome time!
Rock on Chicago!
John
Running gear is laid out, bib is pinned to my shirt, chrono timing tag is attached to my running shoe. And, oh yeah, coffee maker is all set to go! Since race time is 6:30am, I am planning to have my alarm go off at 4:30am. I scoped out the starting area earlier today and it is only a 10 minute walk from my hotel. So, that's one less thing I have to worry about in the morning - trying to find the venue.
I need to be up and about for at least an hour before I head out in the morning and I especially don't like to feel rushed on race day.
It's going to be another warm day tomorrow - a high of 91 degrees and 75 degrees at the starting line but I am still looking forward to having an awesome time!
Rock on Chicago!
John
Friday, July 20, 2012
It's Chicago Time!
Whenever I'm in Chicago I remember a verse that my parents used to say when we were kids - it went like this: Chicken in the car and the car won't go - that's how you spell Chi-car-go.. It seems silly now but it's just one of those childhood memories I have. So, YES, I arrived in Chicago earlier today, got settled into my hotel room, picked up my race materials for Sunday, took a 3 hour nap and had a relaxing dinner this evening.
Yes, a 3 hour nap - not a 3 hour tour. I couldn't understand why I was so tired but then I reflected on how my week progressed and it became clearer why I was so pooped!
Monday: Worked all day, drove an hour to the Philadelphis airport, flew to Boston.
Tuesday: Ran 5+ miles along the Charles River in high humidity, sat in an all day business meeting, flew from Boston to Kansas City (through Charlotte), Drove an hour to my hotel in Lenexa, KS, got to bed at 1:30am Central time.
Wednesday: Woke up at 6:00am, went to work, hosted a retirement luncheon for one of my Director's, attended meetings during the afternoon.
Thursday: Drove back to the Kansas City airport, flew back to Philadelphia, drove an hour home, unpacked, did laundry, and packed for my trip to Chicago.
Friday: Woke up at 4:30am, drove to the Philadelphia airport, flew to Chicago, took the train from the airport into the city, checked into my hotel, walked for a couple of hours around the city.
Whew! I think my 3 hour nap was justified.
Tomorrow I am planning to get in an eary morning run and then do some touristy stuff - not exactly sure yet.
Race time is 6:30am on Sunday morning so it will be another early start!
Happy Trails Folks!
John
Yes, a 3 hour nap - not a 3 hour tour. I couldn't understand why I was so tired but then I reflected on how my week progressed and it became clearer why I was so pooped!
Monday: Worked all day, drove an hour to the Philadelphis airport, flew to Boston.
Tuesday: Ran 5+ miles along the Charles River in high humidity, sat in an all day business meeting, flew from Boston to Kansas City (through Charlotte), Drove an hour to my hotel in Lenexa, KS, got to bed at 1:30am Central time.
Wednesday: Woke up at 6:00am, went to work, hosted a retirement luncheon for one of my Director's, attended meetings during the afternoon.
Thursday: Drove back to the Kansas City airport, flew back to Philadelphia, drove an hour home, unpacked, did laundry, and packed for my trip to Chicago.
Friday: Woke up at 4:30am, drove to the Philadelphia airport, flew to Chicago, took the train from the airport into the city, checked into my hotel, walked for a couple of hours around the city.
Whew! I think my 3 hour nap was justified.
Tomorrow I am planning to get in an eary morning run and then do some touristy stuff - not exactly sure yet.
Race time is 6:30am on Sunday morning so it will be another early start!
Happy Trails Folks!
John
Thursday, July 19, 2012
This One’s for You Mom!
Anna Marie Baker
August 10, 1919 ~ July 22, 2006
August 10, 1919 ~ July 22, 2006
On Sunday, July 22, 2012, I will be running the Chicago Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. This date will also be the 6th anniversary of my mother's passing away. I'm sorry you never got to experience my interest in running, Mom, since I just developed this passion 4 years ago. But, I know you would be proud of me. Your strength and 'steely determination' have stayed with me and have been such an inspiration to help me through the rough spots along the way. I love you and miss you very much.
So, Mom .... this one's for you!!
Much Love,
John
Countdown to Chicago!
Tomorrow I leave for Chicago to run the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon on Sunday, July 22. This will be my 2nd half marathon in as many months and is part of my lead up to the Marine Corps Marathon in October. I am feeling confident and strong – this is also my 2nd week of marathon training so I am excited to be able to include this Sunday's race in my training program. This week I traveled to Cambridge, MA and Kansas City, MO for business so I was able to log some training miles in different states – another way for me to keep motivated!
Sunday's weather forecast for Chicago is a high of 93 degrees which will be a challenge. (However, it will be cooler than the 105 degrees I experienced in Kansas City yesterday). The mid-west USA is really burning up this summer!! So, my plan is to stay hydrated on Friday and Saturday leading up to the race on Sunday.
I've wanted to run a race in Chicago for some time now so I am really looking forward to this weekend. Once I have this one under my belt, I'll know if I want to return for a full marathon sometime in the future.
Happy and Safe Running Folks!
John
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)