posted Oct-08-2007 08:05 AM            

M: 45 mins trails
T: 45 mins trails
W: 45 mins trails
T: OFF
F: OFF
S: OFF
S: 50K race: 4:41:5X, 8th overall

Got a cold from my kids Wednesday night so tried to get as much rest as possible before the race. Was still a little gunked up Sunday, but getting better.

My time was a 6+min PR over last year's time - not bad considering the heat and my cold. I still ran like an idiot though - just not as much as an idiot as last year.

This years 15.5 mi splits: 2:07 / 2:35 as opposed to last years 2:05/2:43. I guess I still have not figured out this whole trail racing thing -- but it sure is fun!

IP: Logged

posted Oct-08-2007 08:51 AM               

M: REST
T: 0:45 min (4 miles EZ + 2 mile @ MP)
W: 1:05 AM // 0:35 PM (12+ miles)
T: REST
F: 0:40
S: 0:35
S: Sacramento Cowtown Marathon (3:01:37) 9th Overall; 1st AG. Happy with my effort especially under the conditions. Full report after I had my coffee.

**********

Race report. Wow, where do I start? Felt pretty good in the last few days going into this. This was one of the most difficult training cycles for me due to the battle with the constant minor injuries. A few months ago I said to myself I would be happy to get to the starting line in one piece. The race was especially important for me because I would be running it with my 72-year-old Dad. This was his first marathon. The numerous ART (Active Release) sessions, the daily stretching/yoga routines, helped get me here.

Set the alarm for 4AM. Had good sleep all week. Had my bagel, ˝ banana and coffee. Took and warm shower to wake up and got all my things together. Weather was looking at about 50 degrees at the start with a high of 75. Felt relatively warm outside so I decided to dress light. Headed out the door at 5:30, picked up my Dad and got to the race site @ 6:30. Lots of runners were already there. They expected about 4,000 people racing, but most of them would be doing the half marathon. Only 283 people ended up completing the full marathon.

The race got started right on time (7:30). I lined up toward the front and crossed the chip mat in a matter of seconds. The weather was perfect at the start, but I knew that it would start to warm once the sun came up. In the first 5 to 6 miles it was hard to see whom you were racing against since most people were running the half marathon. The marathon course at Cowtown is the half marathon route run twice. I knew this would be a mental challenge and I even practiced running a lot of double loops in practice. I was running easily in the beginning and hitting my paces. I was feeling good aerobically, but I was having some digestive/intestinal issues. First 6 mile splits were:

Mile 1 6:54
Mile 2 6:52
Mile 3 6:42
Mile 4 6:43
Mile 5 6:41
Mile 6 6:41

I was enjoying the course, but I must admit there were a lot of turns. I was happy that I was keeping a consistent pace. The course is relatively flat, but it was hard to just “zone” out and run because of the turns. Miles 7 to 13, I was still feeling pretty good, but I could feel it warming up. I tried to take fluids (Cytomax) at every stop. I packed some gels, but my stomach was acting weird and I did not think I could digest them. Splits:

Mile 7 6:46
Mile 8 6:52
Mile 9 6:42
Mile 10 6:46
Mile 11 6:51
Mile 12/13 13:35 (1:28:12 @ Mile 13)

I hit the half in just over 1:29. Right on pace, but I knew even then that sub-3:00 was going to be a challenge. I started to feel the sun’s affects. I was also a weird sensation crossing the “finish line” only to know that you had to do the whole thing over again. Especially when most of the people near you were done racing. Even with all the half marathoners registered, I still ran most of the race alone. I did managed to lock up with a guy at Mile 14. He asked if I was hoping to break 3? I said that would be great, but the way I am feeling now, just finishing strong would be a plus. We ran together for about a mile or so before he dropped off pace. Miles 14 to 18 were really lonely. I was by myself for the most part. It felt like average training run. There was one short out and back section where I saw a few runners, but that was about it. Splits:

Mile 14 6:49
Mile 15 6:45
Mile 16 6:46
Mile 17 6:54
Mile 18 6:52

When I crossed Mile 18, I figured I had about an hour to go. I was getting a little hot and a bit dehydrated. The Cytomax was really diluted. And, at a few checkpoints, they only had these small 4 oz. cups so I new I probably wasn’t getting enough fluid in. I was taking electrolyte tablets which definitely helped. The run started getting real tough mentally. One obstacle the marathoners were faced with was passing all the slower ˝ marathon walkers and joggers. There is a long stretch of bike path were many walkers were walking side-by-side. When you are trying to zone in and stay on pace, it is very difficult to have to think about weaving and navigating between people. This one idiot on a mountain bike almost hit me at one point. Once I hit Mile 20 I felt myself starting to slow a bit. I decided to stop checking my splits and just gut it out and run the best I could. There was one runner about 200 meters ahead of me. I just tried to focus on him and stay with him. I still felt real solid aerobically. My heart rate was lower than normal. Not sure if this was a result of minor dehydrating or not. My usual marathon HR is @ 146-148. I was running 143-145. My right foot which I have been having problems with since December starting acting up. It was completely numb in the forefoot area. Not sure how much that was affecting my physically, but it was just an added distraction. It is been 10 months of diagnosis and doctors visits and they still cannot determine why I am getting this. Splits:

Mile 19/20 13:57
Mile 21 7:17
Mile 22 7:14
Mile 23 7:12
Mile 24 7:16

Once I hit Mile 24 I knew I was going to finish. I still resisted the urge to look down at my watch as I did not want to be disappointed if I did not break 3 hours. My leg turnover was still pretty good at this point. Finally I hit Mile 25 and I had to look down. The watch said 2:52. I still thought I may have a chance at this goal after all. I was still passing a lot of walkers and made my way to the finish. I saw the clock for the first time and at that point it was already reading 3:01+. Crossed the finish line with a smile on my face. I was so glad to be done. I would have really liked to have met my goal, and I think under more optimal conditions I would have done it. However, I feel real fortunate that I did not have to suffer through the miserable conditions so many of my fellow marathoners had to endure over the weekend. Splits:

Mile 25 7:20
Mile 26 7:13
Last 0.2 1:36 (3:01:37) 9th overall; 1st AG

Now what do I do? I am going to take 4 weeks off no running. I think I may be done with marathons for a while. I really need to get my ailments taken care of before I embark on another marathon training cycle. In some respects it is hard to train for six months only to run slower. At age 42, I am not going to get any faster. Long gone are the days when I would improve 7 minutes every marathon I ran. I think I need to find a new challenge. I am extremely happy that I took my first Age Group award ever for a marathon. I have never run Boston before, that is still something I want to do, but I will have to be put off for the time being. I will probably try and get a qualifier when I turn 45 and hope to run Beantown then. Until that time, I want to get back to the fun of running. Unstructured training, trail running, etc. Throw in a couple of low-key 5K’s etc.

Best wishes to those folks who still have their races ahead of them. I will continue to follow this thread with earnest. Thanks for reading.

[This message has been edited by GoDawgGo (edited Oct-08-2007).]

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posted Oct-08-2007 08:59 AM            

------------------
My User Profile

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posted Oct-08-2007 09:19 AM            

My week (first taper week)

m: 0ff
tu: 7.5 w/ 4x600 intervals
w: 5 easy
th: off
fr: 4
sa: 7.5 w/ 10k race in 38:33
su: 16 w/ 3@MP

Saturday's race was my PR at 10k (probably because it was my first 10k ). Two weeks until goal.

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posted Oct-08-2007 09:46 AM            

runninlaw I tracked you for a little while after I got home from my own long run in the jungle like weather. You were looking so good at the half I was so excited and then I just felt for you every time I checked. I wish I was there to give you a hug at the end. You did so well. I just hate that it's the second one in a row with an aserisk for you. Third time's a charm. You're going sub 3:20 in the next one!

joplus I agree with everyone. You made the right call. Want to come up and run Columbus with me?

rootsrunner Man. I was so ready for you to pr. Oh well. I hear the Columbus marathon 3:0x pace team needs someone. You interested?

godawggo So close! Can't wait to read the report.

92heelgrad Congrats on the pr! It's amazing considering you ran in hot soup!

After all you weekend racers went through this weekend I feel kind of silly posting my training for the week. Oh well. Here goes:

Su: AM 18 (avg 8:20) I ran 18 the day before including the 10k so my expectations were quite low. My first 2 miles were 9:00 and then I was gradually able to drop the pace to go confortably sub 8:00 the last 7 or so miles. Turned out pretty good. PM 4 slow gangly recovery miles

Mo: AM 4 (8:45); PM 6 (8:22)

Tu: 10 (8:29)

We: AM 6 (8:44); PM 4 + 6x100 strides (8:24)

Th: AM 3 (9:07); PM 14 including 8 mi w/u, 4 tempo (~6:42, 6:40, 6:37, 6:32--a guess. Garmin crapped out); 2 mi c/d including 5 x 100 strides.

Fr: 6.5 (8:38)

Sa: AM 6 (8:30); PM 6 (8:43)

Su: AM 20.5 (7:54) Easy pace until 18 and then 6:57, 6:37 last two miles. I knew I picked that last one up a little, but I was surprised it was so fast. It was hot and sticky and even so I felt comfortable. Good sign! PM 3 (300:00--ok, probably 9:15 )

Total: 89

I went a little OCD and changed my log to mon-sun because it makes it easier to sometimes do long runs on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. I hate the two long runs in one training week and none in the next phenomenon!

Taper begins right...now. Yeah!!!

Good weeks all!

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posted Oct-08-2007 09:59 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Johnny J:

Joplus-- I have to say that was very smart. Is there not a race even sooner (say next weekend or two?) that you could turn around and do since you're all trained to race now? Either way, good luck if you do the one in December.

---

I absolutely agree here. Joplus, you're at the peak of fitness RIGHT NOW!!! Take a couple weeks recovery and go for it under more auspicious circumstances. You made a damn good decision to bail--now let that choice pay dividends IHMO.

PS--John J: A neg split marathon! You don't read those too often. Great time and work!!!
------------------
Tuscaloosarunner

[This message has been edited by tuscaloosarunner (edited Oct-08-2007).]

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posted Oct-08-2007 10:12 AM            

My official race report is here. I warn you that it is a long one.

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posted Oct-08-2007 11:11 AM               

M: Water run 1 hour
T: 8 miles @ 7:40's
W AM: 8 @ 7:50's
PM: 3 @ 9:00's
T: 16 @ 6:50's
F: 8 @ 8's hilly course
S AM: 3 @ 9:30's
PM: 8 @ 8's
S 16 @ 7:30's

70 miles total

This week 90+. Progression run on Thursday.

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posted Oct-08-2007 11:12 AM            

thereshegoes - thanks so much for tracking me - you have been such a support and inspiration - THANK YOU!!

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posted Oct-08-2007 11:57 AM            

As for me well, I'm really excited I ran my first marathon. I didn't hit my goal at all. 3:50:47 was my chip time. Miles 1-21 went off without a hitch, splits were exactly where I wanted them to be, I felt like millian bucks. Around mile 21 is when it got hot out and the fit hit the shan. I got the worst stomach cramps I ever had in my life. I slowed the pace and pressed on but by mile 24 it brought me to the ground. It was so bad I couldn't stand up stright. Some guy came out of his yard with a garden hose and sprayed me as I laid in the middle of the street. Long story short I had to "walk it off" for about a mile till I could finally jog in the last mile. Even though I was 25 min off my goal I'm still happy. At least now I have lots of room for improvment for my spring date.

Homestly I thought marathoning would be easier. The training was hard, the race was even harder. I st here today not even able to walk all wasted from my efforts.I learned I need to train smarter, slower and up my mileage. I need a new hydration stragity as well.

I would like to personally thank everyone in this thread for motovating me and sharing your training with me. It was a real treat.

It's been fun. I will be checking in on the folks who have yet to race and wish you all good luck. I will join the spring thread once it's underway.

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posted Oct-08-2007 12:46 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by thereshegoes:
[b] JohnnyJ Woah! Great job! Looks like someone underestimated himself when he made his goal

runninlaw I tracked you for a little while after I got home from my own long run in the jungle like weather. You were looking so good at the half I was so excited and then I just felt for you every time I checked. I wish I was there to give you a hug at the end. You did so well. I just hate that it's the second one in a row with an aserisk for you. Third time's a charm. You're going sub 3:20 in the next one!

joplus I agree with everyone. You made the right call. Want to come up and run Columbus with me?

rootsrunner Man. I was so ready for you to pr. Oh well. I hear the Columbus marathon 3:0x pace team needs someone. You interested?

godawggo So close! Can't wait to read the report.

92heelgrad Congrats on the pr! It's amazing considering you ran in hot soup!

After all you weekend racers went through this weekend I feel kind of silly posting my training for the week. Oh well. Here goes:

Su: AM 18 (avg 8:20) I ran 18 the day before including the 10k so my expectations were quite low. My first 2 miles were 9:00 and then I was gradually able to drop the pace to go confortably sub 8:00 the last 7 or so miles. Turned out pretty good. PM 4 slow gangly recovery miles

Mo: AM 4 (8:45); PM 6 (8:22)

Tu: 10 (8:29)

We: AM 6 (8:44); PM 4 + 6x100 strides (8:24)

Th: AM 3 (9:07); PM 14 including 8 mi w/u, 4 tempo (~6:42, 6:40, 6:37, 6:32--a guess. Garmin crapped out); 2 mi c/d including 5 x 100 strides.

Fr: 6.5 (8:38)

Sa: AM 6 (8:30); PM 6 (8:43)

Su: AM 20.5 (7:54) Easy pace until 18 and then 6:57, 6:37 last two miles. I knew I picked that last one up a little, but I was surprised it was so fast. It was hot and sticky and even so I felt comfortable. Good sign! PM 3 (300:00--ok, probably 9:15 )

Total: 89

I went a little OCD and changed my log to mon-sun because it makes it easier to sometimes do long runs on Saturdays and sometimes on Sundays. I hate the two long runs in one training week and none in the next phenomenon!

Taper begins right...now. Yeah!!!

Good weeks all!

[/B]

---

Yep you guys rock for racing in this heat! Great work all.

Tuesday- 5 miles (slow tempo @ 8:00)
Wednesday- 10 miles @ 8:40
Thursday- 5 miles @ 8:40
Saturday- 20 miles at 8:53 (only my 2nd 20 miler ever)
Sunday- Off - resting old legs

Last week was it was like running in water it was so hot and humid; and I run between 5 and 5:30 in the morning. Lots of heavy/pattchy fog during the mornings. You gotta love VA weather...lol

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posted Oct-08-2007 01:07 PM               

Training this week,

Mon: 4.7-AM 4.7-PM
Wed: 9.4-AM 9-PM
Thu: 4.4
Fri: 9.4-AM 5-PM
Sat:8.5-AM 3-PM
Sun:18.7 with 12.5@GMP

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posted Oct-08-2007 01:47 PM            

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I MISSED SOMETHING as there was so much info this time. Also, please keep the race reports coming - we want to hear all about your race!!
________________________________
IN THE BOOKS:

Grandmas - 6/16
RunForFun - 2:47 2:50:00

Foot Traffic Flat - 7/4
bhearn - 3:12 3:20:31

San Francisco - 7/29
Dr. Wu - 3:35 3:48:08

Lehigh River Relay - 9/9
loopy - 2:59:59 3:02:50

Adirondack - 9/16
Dr. Wu - 3:35 3:39:14

Omaha - 9/23
Travis Hubbard - 2:45-2:50
tonya921 - 3:39:59 3:22:40

Akron 9/29
mrinertia - 3:59:59 4:52:02

Toronto Waterfront - 9/30
DanMoriarity - 2:59:59 3:00:10.3

Berlin
uli - 2:36 2:39

St. George - 10/06
Johnny J - 2:59:59 2:44

Chicago - 10/07
AndyHass - 2:28:38 - scrapped - life got in the way
jakey - 3:15
JSM - 2:22
jtv - 3:15
sack77 - 3:59:59 4:49
tramirez - 2:59:59
92heelgrad - 3:20 3:30:23

Lakefront - 10/7
RunForFun - 2:44 - out for injury

Mohawk Hudson Marathon - 10/7
Dr. Wu - 3:24:59 3:29:05

Portland (OR) - 10/7
Zoomharp 3:59 4:17
bhearn - 3:10 3:08:50

Sacramento - 10/7
GoDawgGo - 2:59:59 3:01:37

Steamtown - 10/7
runawayjesse - 3:25 3:50:47
willamona - 3:45
rootsrunner - 3:03-3:08 3:16:27

Twin Cities - 10/7
joplus - 3:09:59 DNF to compete later
runninlaw - 3:25 3:53:27
doctster - 3:15:59 3:23
Fast Like the Wind - training run DNF to compete later
stepstep - 3:00 3:28
________________________________________
UP NEXT:

Baystate - 10/14
joev9 - 3:15:59
Gazelle2007 - 3:10:00

Long Beach, CA - 10/14
DAVIDR262 -3:20
arc918 -3:20
________________________________________
DOWN THE PIPELINE:

Newport - 10/20
wheaton - 3:10?
Penikese - 3:10

Columbus - 10/21
thereshegoes - 3:09:59
Mailbox Head - 3:09:59
eyates73 - 3:10

Des Moines - 10/21
bowulf - 3:42:00

Eurasia - 10/28
oguzkesimli - 3:05

Cape Cod 10/28
maratacious - 2:50

Grand Rapids - 10/28
corland14 - 3:40-3:45

Marine Corps - 10/28
Fast Like the Wind - 3:30
Shera2316 - 3:59:59
tss1202 - finish/TBD
gregw - 3:15:59
willamona - pacer - time unknown

Dublin - 10/29
deco - 3:00
uli f - 2:36 - out - rocked a 2:39 at Berlin

Elyria - 11/4
cowardlylion - 3:15:59

Manchester marathon - 11/4
roadrunner262 - 2:30 - 2:40
cookie74 - 3:45

New York - 11/4
Warrior1971 - 2:27:59
teek - no goal stated
BrianMcN - TBD

Richmond - 11/10
HOSS1961 - 3:50:00
goldpoint - no goal stated

Philly - 11/18
dzillas - 3:15
Schnakees - 2:55
Dr. Wu - 3:24:59

Memphis - 12/1
spkoest - 3:08:00

California International 12/2
afletche - no goal yet - scrapped until London in spring

Tuscon - 12/2
Downhill Racer - 3:10-3:17

Huntsville - 12/8
tuscaloosarunner - TBD - scrapped due to injury

Miami - 1/27/08
Hannibal Granite - 2:48

[This message has been edited by runninlaw (edited Oct-13-2007).]

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posted Oct-08-2007 01:50 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Doctor Wu:
[B]46 +/- miles for the week with the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon today in 3:29:05. My 2nd fastest marathon (out of 21) and only my 2nd time ever under 3:30. A little bit of Canadian air slipped into the NY capital district keeping things nice and cool, in the 50's to low 60's with clouds, then sun. I ran a crazy first half: 3:23 pace at 20k, 3:24 pace at halfway, but slowed after 20 miles. Couldn't match my 3:27:10 PR from last year here but I'm happy considering that I'm about 250 miles behind last year YTD.

Next up: Philadelphia marathon. One week of recovery followed by three weeks of mid distance (lots of 10 - 15 milers) and speed, followed by a two week taper. Hoping to get under 3:25 there, weather permitting.

To all of you who ran in the heat today: I can commisserate after doing Boston '04. I was very lucky to have picked the right race today.

Edited to add: ADD PHILADELPHIA MARATHON, NOV 18. Goal = 3:24:59.
[B]

---

Way to go Dr. Wu! And you are already adding another one! Very impressive. I look forward to your full report!

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posted Oct-08-2007 01:52 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by loopy:
S: 50K race: 4:41:5X, 8th overall

Got a cold from my kids Wednesday night so tried to get as much rest as possible before the race. Was still a little gunked up Sunday, but getting better.

My time was a 6+min PR over last year's time - not bad considering the heat and my cold. I still ran like an idiot though - just not as [b]much as an idiot as last year.

This years 15.5 mi splits: 2:07 / 2:35 as opposed to last years 2:05/2:43. I guess I still have not figured out this whole trail racing thing -- but it sure is fun! [/B]

---

Very impressive, loopy. I want to hear more about your race though - do you have a report? Sorry to hear you got a head cold. But it looks like you ran a great race nonetheless. Apparently you have recovered very well! Congratulations!!!

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posted Oct-08-2007 03:21 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by runninlaw:
Very impressive, loopy. I want to hear more about your race though - do you have a report?

---

Also, again great job in the heat Yesterday -- so sorry you didn't have decent conditions...

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posted Oct-08-2007 07:40 PM            

And congrats Docster on coming so close to your goals!

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posted Oct-09-2007 02:29 AM            

GoDawgGo-- Mentally that has got to just be brutal running all alone for so long and on a double loop course. Let alone dodging walkers during the toughest miles. Great race without, and superb with all those factors.

Runninlaw-- Wow, it's like a trip down memory lane to Boston 2004 for me. You can't fight the heat. You just can't. I feel very sorry for all that had that bad luck this last weekend. At least you were able to be positive about it when it got the best of you. That's more than I can say about myself when the heat beat me.

I've posted a VERY detailed race report finally, inspired by you two. I do like to catalog my marathons and keep them in my journal to try to dissuade future generations from such idiocy, thus the painstaking minutia and minute to minute thoughts through the race. My race reports will give me something to read when I'm old and demented I guess. But if you have an hour or so, feel free to read the gory details.

http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/Forum8/HTML/010651.shtml

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posted Oct-09-2007 07:57 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gazelle2007:
Good luck folks and JoeV, let's try and meet before/after the race next week!

---

Definitely. Have you run this race before? Never been up there, so I'm not sure where we can meet up. Any suggestions???

M - Rest
T - 7.05 EZ
W - 5.02 EZ
Th - Rest
F - 8.06 with 3 miles at MP
Sa - Rest
Su - 12.07

Total - 32.20

So nervous about Sunday it's not even funny. I feel like I would be so better off if I had done this before. It's all the unknowns that are driving me crazy. Oh well, after Sunday all those unknowns will be known. The weather is looking good, hope it holds up. Got a nice boost yesterday when my dad called to say he is going to go up to the race with me. Felt good that even though he is working like 60+ hours per week right now, he is going to use his one day off this week to come and support me in my race.

Congrats to everyone who survived Chicago, that sounds like it was very ugly!!!

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posted Oct-09-2007 08:52 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by joev9:
Definitely. Have you run this race before? Never been up there, so I'm not sure where we can meet up. Any suggestions???

---

I have only run the HM a few years ago, but I hear that the field of ~ 1,500+ runners is made up of 2:1 running the half vs. the marathon and I recall both groups going off at the same time. I am making a mental note to not let myself get caught up with all the "noise" in the first half as two races are going on. Stick to the plan...stick to the plan.

I know most runners congregate around the school/Tsongas arena where the bathrooms are and it is a little warmer indoors. I'll shoot you my bib number before Sunday so at least you have a reference. I have a buddy driving me so I don't have to worry about other stuff.

Keep the nerves in check and relax! Looks like the weather is looking good (as of today) so eat well, sleep well, and run EZ over the next 5 days!

-G

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posted Oct-09-2007 09:03 AM            

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posted Oct-09-2007 09:57 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Johnny J:
It was great to read the detailed reports GoDawgGo and Runninlaw.

GoDawgGo-- Mentally that has got to just be brutal running all alone for so long and on a double loop course. Let alone dodging walkers during the toughest miles. Great race without, and superb with all those factors.

Runninlaw-- Wow, it's like a trip down memory lane to Boston 2004 for me. You can't fight the heat. You just can't. I feel very sorry for all that had that bad luck this last weekend. At least you were able to be positive about it when it got the best of you. That's more than I can say about myself when the heat beat me.

I've posted a VERY detailed race report finally, inspired by you two. I do like to catalog my marathons and keep them in my journal to try to dissuade future generations from such idiocy, thus the painstaking minutia and minute to minute thoughts through the race. My race reports will give me something to read when I'm old and demented I guess. But if you have an hour or so, feel free to read the gory details.

http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/Forum8/HTML/010651.shtml

---

Thank you for the kind words...I really appreciate it. I am really looking forward to some well need time off. Hopefully rest is what I need at this point. My toes on my right foot are still a little numb two days afterward. Aside from that, feeling pretty good. I was checking the race results again this morning. I noticed that a couple other fine Masters runners (John Blue and Jenny Hitchings) ran 3:14 and 3:15, respectively. John ran CIM last year in 2:48. I am not sure what accounted for the time difference, but it made me feel much better about not breaking 3 hours. It really got warm out there in the 2nd half.

The race was extremely well organized. I am surprised it does not attract more runners. I would definitely run it again, especially the half marathon. I enjoyed the course, even with the double loop. Technical t-shirt and great finishing medal (Cowbell).

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posted Oct-09-2007 01:56 PM            

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posted Oct-09-2007 09:18 PM            

Downhillracer- congrats on your first ever 60 mpw! A big accomplishment. I hope you are recovering from your 3 stater with hills!

tss1201 - Enjoy your taper! Your fitness looks great and a BQ looks in the bag so long weather and your health cooperate. I would go out at BQ pace, then pick it up at the half (20 miles) if you feel great and let her rip!!!

Gazelle and joev = again good luck! G - I hope that ankle is close to 100% soon!!

joplus - I hope you made it back in one piece. So what is next?! I can't wait to hear where you are going to bust out a big performance. I KNOW you have it in you. I looked for you pre-race but there were WAY too many people around the metrodome....

bowulf - I hate to hear about your injuries. RECOVER WELL!!

EVERYONE - Thanks for all of the support. This has been my favorite training season to date and I have you all to thank. Marathon training is a tough ride and it is nice to go through it with a bunch of fellow crazies. You rock and I wish you all the best in recovering, training, tapering, wherever you are at.

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posted Oct-09-2007 10:54 PM            

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