Weekly Recap

Sunday.
Ran slow six, but lots of incline.

Saturday
Worked in am, hit pavement after lunch for 5. Raphael cruised up behind me. I ran with him for half a mile and let him go. Walked / jogged 2 on mill afterwards.
Walked / jogged 4 more at night

Friday
Walked / jogged 5

Thursday..
Off

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Kingwood Marathon (3:46)

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap-May do Kingwood, May Not

Sunday.
Met Mike at 06:00 for 6.

Saturday
Off

Friday
Quick 5 in mill

Thursday..
Off

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Christmas-Off

Monday
Off-Traveling

Weekly Recap-1 Weeks Until Kingwood.

Sunday.
Off-Traveling

Saturday.
Off-Traveling

Friday
Off-Traveling

Thursday.
Off-Traveling. Did walk / jog 4 at hotel, but facilities not conducive to working out hard

Wednesday.
Came home ran fast 9. Was going to 17, but too hot and too much on my mind. Came in took a shower, packed and sat down 15 minutes. Then at 10:00, hit mill for another 5, walked one more.

Tuesday.
Off-long day

Monday
Jogged / walked 3 at 6:00 -6:30 am, before work. Just burning extra calories.
Tried to run 5 at night, 2 miles in, felt dizzy. Not enough calories. Walked another 2

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks Until Kingwood

Sunday.
Jogged 4, walked two more. On low calorie diet, makes training very difficult.

Saturday.
5k with girls in the am. 5 miles on mill at night.

Friday
Quick 8 after work. Walked one more

Thursday.
Off-Long work day

Wednesday.
Off-Long work day

Tuesday.
Off-Long work day

Monday
Hit pavement for six

Weekly Recap-No Races Scheduled But Looking For One

Sunday.
Easy two miles to Yorktown and back with girls, then a good 6 on the mile. Hit the pavement for five more after dinner. Nice and easy.

Saturday.
Worked 7:00am to 2:00. Then fast five, walked one more.

Friday
Long 13 hr day. Quick 7 after work

Thursday.
Off-Too much work

Wednesday.
Hit pavement for slow six after work.

Tuesday.
Solid 9 on mill

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap-No Races Scheduled But Looking For One

Sunday.
Met mike at 6:00am for easy 6. Bad humidity. Another 5 on mill at night

Saturday.
6 on mill, walked two more

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Off-Busy

Wednesday.
Off-Busy

Tuesday.
Long 13 hr day. Came home from work and hit pavement for quick 5

Monday
Long 14 hr day. Came home from work and hit pavement for quick 4

San Antonio Marathon 2011

Too bad the weather was crap. I was in top shape. I know I look like half dead, but I ran a 1:29 half marathon on a hilly course just 3 wks before this race.

Weekly Recap-No Races Scheduled But Looking For One

Sunday.
Met Mike, Jeff, Sid, and Clay for 17 by doing 2 loops from Coffee Waves Alameda to Naval Base and back, through University Trail.

They left me behind pretty quickly. Wasn't pretty but I got in all 17.

Saturday.
Off
Friday
went out for 4-5, again saw Raphael running in opposite direction. Again I could only stay with him about 1.5 miles. I let him go and finished up to get in almost six.

Thursday.
4 mile turkey trot with girls in am. Walked / jogged another 9 throughout day.

Wednesday.
Quick 5, waked one more.

Tuesday.

Monday

Went our for a four miler right after work.  At mile 1, I saw Raphael running the opposite direction.  I did a 180 and ran with him for about a mile. 

A little to warm and humid for me to keep up with a top runner like that, I let him go after about 1.5 miles.  Had the weather been cold, I would done all 5 on his route.
 

Weekly Recap-No Races Scheduled But Looking For One

Sunday.
Fast 5 on mill. Walked jogged another. 6 at night.

Saturday.
Pretty good 15 with Huerta in the early morning. Nice cool weather.

Friday
Off

Thursday.
On road at 5:10 for two. Then met Mike and Jamie for four more easy

Wednesday.
Up early and jogged / walked a couple on mile.  Just buring calories.  Have to get weight down.
Jogged 3 on mill at night.

Tuesday.
Fast five on mill, walked one more.

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap-San Antonio Race Week

Sunday.
I haven't run a race, of any kind, in seven months. Normally this time of year I'm running 60 miles a week. In the eight weeks prior to race day, I only averaged 20. My longest training run was only 12 miles.

 Come race week, I knew I was kidding myself, but pretended that with perfect weather I could still run a Boston Qualifier. When I saw the weather forecast called for a high of 83, that was it, I was going to stay home. I sent an text out to my running mates saying I was out. I received a reply from Von, "Do it as a workout. I'm going to pace a friend to a 3:35."

That single sentence completely changed my perspective. Von is the top runner in our group, a solid sub 3:00 marathoner. I realized that if he was willing to set his pride aside and run a much slower pace, I should get off my high horse.--Yes, Von had it right, not every race has to be a PR attempt, or even a Boston Qualifying run.

I queued up 50 meters behind the starting line. This alone busied my ego. I finished in the top 100 in my last two S.A. marathons. I had become accustom to queuing 10 yards behind the start, with all the pretentiousness that comes with it.

 

The gun fired and we were off.  I went out slow, 8:00 min / miles.  Almost immediately I felt the heat and humidity.  But mile two I was sweating good.  By mile four I was drenched and sweat was literally flying off my arms as I swung them.

 

I step off course and walked a minute.  I started to jog again.  At mile five, I stepped off course, turned off my watch and ripped the official timing ribbon (chip) off my shoe. 

 

I walked / jogged the half marathon course and immediately went back to the hotel in digust.

 

Lots of work to do.

 

Saturday.
Off

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Off

Wednesday.
Well, Von, one of groups top runners (sub 3 marathoner) is pacing a friend to a 3:35-3:40 at the S.A. marathon.  Von told me I could join and it would be a good training run.

Well, weather looks bad.  Forecast is for 83 with high humidity.  But I do need the training.  I guess I'll give it a go.  Von is a good guy.   If will be fun to run with him some.

Did five on mill last night in new shoes.  Put on my 9 ounce racers.  Man it's amazing how much going from 12 oz to 9 makes in terms of feeling light in your stride.

Tuesday.
Off-Don't think I'll do San Antonio Marathon.  Out of shape and weather looks awful.

Monday

Off-Don't think I'll do San Antonio Marathon.  Out of shape and weather looks awful.

Too Fat

My weight was too heavy at the San Antonio marathon last year.  If I can lose another 10 to 15 pounds, I'll be perfect :)

 

--
Believe or not, I was about 172lb at the start of this race. It was that I had lost about 10lbs of water weight at his point. I nearly heat stroked.

 

81st out of 4,040 full-marathon finishers

 

I'm scheduled to run it next week, but I haven't done a single run over 8 miles in two months.  I'm a blimp.

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Met Huerta for slow 12 in the early am.

Saturday
5k with children in am. Ran another 3 afterwards.


Friday
Slow 7 on the mill. Gotta lose 10 lbs fast. Extra weight just beats you up.

Thursday
Off-being lazy

Wednesday
Off-being lazy

Tuesday
Off-being lazy

Monday
Took Juliet to dance class.  Jogged 6.5 around Country Club area while I waited.

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Walked / jogged 8 at hotel in morning. Walked / jogged another four at home at night.

Saturday
Walked / jogged five in morning. 5k in SA with girls at night

Friday
Walked, mostly jogged, four before work (6:00 am). Walked / jogged another 5 at night

Thursday
Quick five on mill after work, walked on more.

Wednesday
Quick four on mill.  Better than nothing.

Tuesday
Off-Busy with Work

Monday
Off-Busy with Work

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Jogged 7 slow and low on mill, walked one more. Man, carrying around this extra 10 lbs makes it so much harder.

Saturday
Quick six in morning, back home. Walk / jogged another 5 in afternoon.

Friday
Off-still in Dubai

Thursday
Off-still in Dubai

Wednesday
Off-still in Dubai

Tuesday
Off-still in Dubai

Monday
Off-still in Dubai

Weekly Recap-5 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Off-out of country

Saturday
Off-out of country

Friday
Couldn't sleep. Up at 5:00 am and walked / jogged six around saga park

Thursday
In Dubai-Walked / jogged 7 around Safa Park

Wednesday
Off-out of country

Tuesday
5 on mill. At halfway point, did a 1/2 percent incline increase every quarter mile. Good short workout.

Monday
Off-Busy with work

Weekly Recap-6 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Solid 7 on mill.

Saturday
Ran 5k with girls in am.

Friday
Five, with some striding, but not very good. Out of shape
Walked 1 more

Thursday
Off-busy with work

Wednesday
Off-busy with work

Tuesday
Fast 8 on mill. My short game good, long runs suck. Probably need to slow down.

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap-7 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Walked / jogged 5

Saturday
4 with bump in incline

Friday
Decent 5, walked one more. Man, I need to lose weight

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Decent 6, walked one more. But still running like crap.

Tuesday
Off-Too busy

Monday
Off-Too busy.

Weekly Recap-8 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Ran 5k with girls in the morning.  Did easy 4 on mill in evening, walked on more.

Saturday
Slow 6.

Friday
Fast 4.

Thursday
Fast 6 with a bit of a nudge on on the incline.

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Fast 6, walked one more.

Monday
Fast 7, walked one more.  Need to lose weight, hard to run smoothly

Weekly Recap-9 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Met guys downtown at 5:30am for 6.  Was very humid, really ran like crap.

Saturday

Ran 5k with girls in the morning.  Did 5 on mill in afternoon.
Friday
Off

Thursday
Walk / mostly jog 5. Just burning calories

Wednesday
Good 7 on the mill.

Tuesday
Off-Busy with work

Monday
Off-Busy with work.

Weekly Recap-10 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Went to Coffee Waves at 5:30 am, Jamie and Huerta no shows. New guy, Sam came along. We did 5 down to Dodridge nice and slow. One Back at CW, went out over Harbor Bridge, beautiful sunrise.
Ran some more on other side and saw Sid, Steve, and Kamie. Came back with them slow

12 in all.

Saturday
Off

Friday
Off-Got on mill, ran a mile and quit.  Just to fatigued.  Really need to get on a diet.
Well, autumn here soon, running will be fun again.

Thursday
Fast five with 5 X 400 moderate hills.

Wednesday
Off-Lots of work

Tuesday
jogged / walked 5 in the morning.

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap

Sunday.
Walked / jogged 7.5

Saturday.
Fast 5 on mill, walked two more

Friday
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Thursday.
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Wednesday.
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Tuesday.
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Monday
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Weekly Recap

Sunday
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Saturday
Off-Swamped with work.  Traveling out of country

Friday
Off-Swamped with work. Traveling out of country

Thursday
Off-Swamped with work

Wednesday
Off-Swamped with work


Tuesday
Off-Swamped with work

Monday
Off-Swamped with work

Weekly Recap

Sunday
Walked, mostly ran 11 throughout day

Saturday
5 on mill, walked 1 more

Friday
Off

Thursday
Walked two with girls than ran fast 5 on mill. Good speed

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Fast 5 on mill.  Walked one more.  Road 4 miles on bike with girls.

Monday
Ran fast 5 on mill.  Walked 2.5 more with girls.

Weekly Recap

Sunday
Fast six on the mill, walked 3 more.   Walked / Jogged another 4 at night.

Saturday
Fast 7 on the mill.

Friday
Off

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Slow, but decent 12 on mill. Could of cruised 15 with more time..

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Off

Week 11 in Summer Limbo-No Major Races Soon

Sunday
Walked, mostly jogged 5.
Saturday
Fast 6. Walked 1 more

Friday
Fast 7 on mill

Thursday
Off- swamped with work

Wednesday
Off-Swamped with Work

Tuesday
Off-Swamped with Work

Monday
Off-Swamped with Work

Week 10 in Summer Limbo

Sunday
Walked , mostly jogged 6.

Saturday
Walked , mostly jogged 6.

Friday
Fast 7 on mill in the morning. 8 morn at night, walked two more

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Off-Swamped with work

Tuesday
Off-Swamped with work.

Monday
Walked / jogged 5 late at night. Couldn't breathe, soaked through

Run Report-Ten Minutes of Tranquility

"Sometimes I think that all you want to do on this trip is run!?"  By the frustrated way she said it, I knew Jen meant it rhetorically, so I had the deep sagacity to be reticent rather than say what I was really thinking, You're damn right about that.  See, those who are familiar with my yearly vacation Down Under know that for me, it's no vacation.  It is mainly due to the fact that I hate children.

Okay, that's not exactly true; I don't hate children.  It's just that I hate your children.  My own children; they're exempted because of the direct blood line.  I've also conditioned myself to somewhat tolerate the children who are the friends of my children, as long as I limit my exposure to them in intervals of ten minutes on followed by one hour off.

However, I can't stand snot-nosed, screaming, out of control children in general, especially when assembled in mass.  And there's the crux of the problem.  See, just about everyday of our annual three week trip follows this basic routine.  

We load up the minivan with my two girls and then drive to one of my wife's cousins or friend's house.  Then we squeeze their three or four children into the van.  More often than not, one or two more children laden minivans have been prearranged to join us.  From there, our little minvan convoy drives to the park, skating rink, beach, or any other place where children tend to congregate in the hundreds.  And for the next four to six hours, all the mothers sit and talk about how wonderful their children are, the whole while completely ignoring the fact that their kids are whining, complaining, yelling, hitting, spilling, breaking, and snatching everything they come in contact with.

So when Jen said, "We're going to drive over to Jane's tomorrow and take all the kids to Balmoral Beach, where Michelle and her boys will also meet us," I replied, "Hey, the map says it's only 13 miles from here.  How 'bout you take everyone in the van and I'll run down and meet you there?"

It wouldn't be a full pardon, but if I could get just two hours of solitude, I'd take it.   After some resistance, Jen finally acquiesced on the condition that I get there by 10:00 a.m. sharp.  So while everyone was still asleep in the predawn morning, I rolled out of bed and suited up.

By 6:45 I was on the road but the plan wasn't to run straight through as the course was less than a two hour jog.  Instead, I hoped to spend about an hour ambulating through the inner city, a place I rarely get to see since its mostly children free.  

I ran the first nine miles straight through and arrived at Saint Mary's Cathedral at 8:00.  I took the opportunity to say a few prayers.

Exiting the east side of the church, I walked a hundred meters to the Sydney Botanical Gardens, 200 acres of paved walking / running paths surrounded by the most beautiful landscaped flora and fauna.

I could have spent the whole day there.  But at 9:00, I knew that I better get running if I didn't want to be late to the beach and risk losing my running privileges altogether.   As I exited the Gardens, I heard off to the west an irritating high pitch noise that wax and waned. As I ran down toward the wharf, I started to think the noise might be a massive flock of squawking seagulls.

Passing the wharf, I turned north and then saw what it was. 



Yep, The Bieber is Down Under, and was performing live on the Sydney equivalent of Good Morning America. Circular Quay was inundated with hundreds of snot-nosed, screaming, out of control kids!  Crap!—There's no escaping it.

I made a 180 and ran back to the Gardens.  From there I followed the outer parameter of Circular Quay, and then finally made it to the Harbor Bridge.


I ran over and then jogged another 5k reaching the Beach at 10:06.  However, when I looked around, Jen, Jane, Michelle, and all the kids weren't there.  I took out my iPhone and saw an email from Jen, "We're running late, be there at 10:20."

I sat down on the beach and spent ten minutes listening to the soft, rhythmic, and tranquil waves brush up against the shore. It sure was nice while it lasted.

Week 9 in Summer Limbo-Down in Sydney

Sunday

Saturday
Off -coming back to corpus

Friday
Ran into town in the early morning, 8 miles. Walked another 2. In afternoon, ran a fast 4.2 miles around Iron Cove, 31:20. Then walked / ran 5k with girls in afternoon. Bakery Run.
Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Walked 4 miles

Tuesday
Ran 8 to down town. Walked / jogged another 6 to Balmoral beach


Monday
Off

Week 8 in Summer Limbo-Down in Sydney

Sunday.
5k bakery workout with girls. Walked 2 more miles.

Saturday.
Out the door at 5:20am. Jogged / walked 5k to Ashfield Park. Met local running group, Sydney Striders. About 6:15, 6 of us (5 guys and one girl) headed out at a 8:30 pace in good cool weather.
Hilly course. At 10k, all runners except one broke off to finish the 15k loop. Dave and I continued on the 24k loop. I was kaput when we finished. I walked home another 5k.
Four the $4 contribution pre race, they had a nice snack table post run. I had a little fruit, that's all

Friday
Off

Thursday.
10 miles. Down to Iron Cove, around once and back. Slow and hilly.

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Off-Twisted ankle. But did walk 4 miles.

Monday
Off-Twisted ankle. But did walk 4 miles.

Race Report-An Involuntary Participant

I rolled out of bed before day break and strapped on my cold running gear.  It's Winter here in Oz and the weather was a perfect 45 degrees (7 for my metric friends).  My plan was a nice out-and-back 18 mile long-run starting at our Western suburb in Concord and pivoting at the Opera House, pausing just long enough for photo.

Being pre-dawn on a Sunday, the traffic was light which allowed me to run straight through the multiple city intersections.  However my route was hilly, hilly, and hilly.  There really wasn't a flat stretch the whole run.  After about 10 miles, the undulations begin to wear on you.  However, they also break up the course and add little interim challenges along the way.

About five miles in, I began the long stretch to the apex of Anzac Bridge, where I saw a beautiful unobstructed view of the inner-city just as the sun was rising behind the downtown office buildings.  In my mind, I imagined getting a great shot at the top of the Opera House stairs.

Then, with two miles remaining to the Opera House, I unexpectedly and spontaneously entered a race.  It happened just as I crossed over Pymont Bridge and started toward Hyde Park.  Running between two large buildings I saw a long stream of runners passing across an intersection about 100 meters ahead.

I thought, Awesome!  Some locals out for a Sunday morning long-run.  I'll latch on and chat about the local running scene.  However when I reached the intersection, I discovered about three thousand runners, wearing large race bibs, and stretched out over a half a mile.  The course was roped off to prevent spectators from crossing.  Unable to continue straight on my planned route, I turned left and started to run parallel with the racers, but outside the course barriers.  

About 25 meters along, a race official acerbically called out to me, "Back on the course!  Stay within barriers!"  I jumped across a roped barrier and voila, I was instantaneously 'entered' in some kind of race, but I had no idea what kind. This is so cool!

I looked up and saw a mile-marker that read "7".   I then realized that I had run dead smack into a half-marathon.  Oh, this was perfect!  I actually had wanted to do a half marathon while Down Under; how fortuitous.

I pulled along side a runner so I could start a chat, "Morning, morning.  What's the name of his half?"  "Uh, what, uh!" he curtly replied without even looking in my direction.  I figured he was struggling so I ran forward looking for some runners with a more relaxed stride or already in conversation.  

To my surprise, I couldn't find any.  There were absolutely no runners conversing.  If fact, most stared toward the ground with a focused determination as if they were trying to qualify for the Aussie Olympic marathon team.  I tried once more, "Morning,  where does this half finish?  Does it go by the Opera House?"  Again, "What!?  I don't know.  What?"  I asked, "Is this a half marathon?"  "No mate, 10k.  It's a 10k!"

Now my reaction was "What!?"  I then realized that it wasn't mile-marker "7", it was kilometer-marker "7" (mile 5).  I was incredulous.  Our pace couldn't have been more than 8:00 minute miles, and I had already 13k under my feet before converging on the course.  I felt great which was why I was a bit taken back at the labored effort and seriousness of the other runners.  At that point I thought it best to step off the course.

I wasn't three feet off when another official yelled out, "No no no!  You have to stay on the course."   At this point it became comical.  I couldn't stop grinning.  I gotta get a picture; Jen is not going to believe this."  I finally found an entrant walking on the side of the course;  I pulled up and handed her my phone, "Excuse, can I get a picture."

We both stopped and she took a few seconds to focus the shot as the stream of runners passed behind me.  "Okay, ready?" she asked, and then she began running.  What the Hell!  Oh!, I get it; she thinks I'm racing and that I want a live action shot for prosperity.  I couldn't stop laughing.

As we ran along the water, I had no idea where we were going.  I did hear another runner tell a friend, "We're almost to the Rocks," which I knew was by the Sydney Harbor Bridge.  Sure enough, a few minutes later we ran straight under the south riverside of the Bridge.  Best I could tell, the course was headed back toward Circular Quay.

I tried one last time with two kilometers remaining, "Morning, wow, beautiful weather for a run."  Nothing--Not a reply, not a nod, not a grin.  O' righty! I decided, You want to race, then let's race.  I dropped the hammer and split through the pack, "On your right; to your left please."  "Coming up between you; excuse me please!"  I was on a 6:30 pace buzzing runners left and right.  With half a mile remaining, a pack of four came up behind and were about to ask me to move.  Oh no no no.  I dropped to a 6:00 min pace and pulled away.

Within 100 meters, I could see the finish.  Not only where there hundreds of yelling spectators, they were giving out finishers medals.  Finisher medals for a 10K?  The humorous (pronounced "smart-ass") in me decided to have some fun.  I was going to spring across the finish, grab a medal, triumphantly flare my arms over my head, and scream out "YES!"

But with 50 meters remaining, I just couldn't do it.  I turned perpendicular to the course and slid through two barriers, cutting straight across an open restaurant patio, where the patrons looked at me like I was nuts.

About 10 minutes later I found my bearings and headed toward the Opera House for that fantastic photo I planned.

Unfortunately, all I got was this.

The area was blocked off by construction.  I turned back and rounded home to get in my full 18.   

Well, what I planned to happen turned out to be crap.  What I didn't plan to happen turned out to be great fun!  Yep, running is a "real-life" experience.

Week 7 in Summer Limbo-Down in Sydney

Sunday
Off-Twisted ankle.

Saturday
18. From Concord to Opera House and back.

Friday
Jogged 4 with girls around Iron Cove, ran back to get in 7.

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Went to Olympic park and did 3 with girls around track.

Tuesday
Walk / jog 10 through out day

Monday
Walk / jog 5k with girls around QE park. Then at night, two laps around Iron Cove and back to Concord for 11. Feeling all beat up. Hills have really taken a toll on the legs. Will need to take it easy a couple of days

Weekly recap

Sunday
Off-swamped with work. And in Dubai Middle East

Saturday
Off-swamped with work. And in Dubai Middle East

Friday
Off-swamped with work. And in Dubai Middle East

Thursday
Off-swamped with work

Wednesday
Off-swamped with work

Tuesday
Off-swamped with work

Monday
Off-swamped with work

Weekly Recap

Sunday

Saturday

Friday
Off-traveling

Thursday
Off-swapped with work.

Wednesday
Off-swapped with work.

Tuesday
Off-swapped with work.

Monday
Off-swapped with work.

Sunday

Saturday

Friday

Thursday

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Off

Week 6 in Summer Limbo-No Major Races Soon

Sunday.
In Sydney. In morning, 10 miles down to Anzac Bridge. Really really hilly.

In afternoon, 5k around Queen Elizabeth park.

Saturday.
Traveling

Friday
Off-traveling

Thursday.
Off-packing

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Easy five around Oso parkway at night.

Monday
Quick four around Oso parkway a sunset

Week 5 in Summer Limbo-No Races Scheduled For A while

Sunday.
Meet Mike for a planned 10 miles at 5:30am. Humidity bad, soaked through at 6. Just before 7, I called it quits. Need to remember to bring extra shoes to switch out

Walked / jogged another 5 later.

Great news, treadmill seems to be working. Hope it stays fixed.

Saturday.
Met Mike, Mcalister and some others at Coffee Waves on alameda at 5:30am. Did 15.

Walked / jogged another 5 on mill at golds after lunch.

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Nine in morning (5:15 a.m.) with John and Mike.  It was raining on and off.  Walked / jogged another 2.5 at night with Cate.
BAD BAD news.  Treadmill console not working!!!!! Hope and pray I can get it fixed ASAP.

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Fast 7 on mill after work. Jogged walked another 7 at night.

Monday
Easy five on mill

Week 4 in Summer Limbo-No Races Scheduled For A while

Sunday.
Five with 4 X 800 meter moderate hills. Walked one more.

Saturday.
Late afternoon, ran fast fast 4 on mill, walked 1 more. At night, jogged 3.

Friday
Well, something. Did slow 12 on mill, but not too bad. Walked one more.

Thursday.
Off-Out of town with work. Starting strict diet to lose 4-5 lbs before going to Australia in 2 wks

Wednesday.
Off-swamped with work.

Tuesday.
Off-Didn't get home till 8:30 from work.

Monday
Did quick three on mill, but had to quit to handle family items.

Week 3 in Summer Limbo-No Race Plans

Sunday.
Walked, mostly jogged 6 miles on mill. Did 15 mins of bike work with Juliet at Golds.

Saturday.
Fast 5 on mill in morning. Walked, mostly ran another 5 in afternoon. Ran fast 3 at night.

Friday
5 on mill

Thursday.
Finally something. Ran easy 5 on mill.

Wednesday.
Had on my running shorts and shoes. Went into the treadmill room, and then family stuff came up. Never even got to start. That's five days of no running.

Tuesday.
Off-swamped with life

Monday
Off-In a bit of a funk. Need to back on a plan

Week 2 in Summer Limbo-Might Do August Marathon

Sunday.
Off-Feeling beat up.  Foot / ankle is bothering me.  Calf has a knot.  Overall, needed a bit of a break this week.  Will start easy, weight reducing, mileage for next three weeks.

Saturday.
Off-Lots of family stuff to do

Friday
Met Alamar, Jeff, Jamie, and John for 5.5 miles at 5:30am. Humidity and still air bad.
I got left behind by 200 yards at end. I was literally sloshing in sweat soaked shoes after 5.

Thursday.
Off

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Ran 4 walked 1

Monday
Ran fast 5 on mill. Walked 1 more

Beach to Bay Marathon Relay 2012

Beach to Bay Marathon Relay

May 19, 2012

Corpus Christi, TX

Team Name-"Keeping Up with the Joneses"

 

Every year I write about Beach to Bay being a crappy race.  I'll recapitulate:  terrible course that's open to traffic; the legs are spread out over a 26-mile point-to-point course; the 100 percent certainty that at least one team member will pull out; and saliently, the dangerously hot and humid weather conditions.

 

However, like every year, it's a fantastic event!  Beach to Bay is the largest marathon relay in the country—almost 2,500 teams and 15,000 leg runners.  Although it attracts the best runners in Texas, its greatness is that it motivates people to participate who aren't regular runners.  Well, "motivate" might not be precisely accurate.  Most people are coerced by a family member, friend, or co-worker who does run: "Come on—we need you!  We have five team members, but we need you to be the sixth."  Of course, team captains tell everyone that.

 

Regardless of how team members are recruited, most participants love the challenge and camaraderie that Beach to Bay provides.  That's why I strongly encourage my girls to participate.  My ten-year-old, Juliet, has run it twice.  Cate, eight years old, was now ready.  However, having them both run was going to be a logistics problem if we were on three different teams.  Just getting myself to the start of a leg and then to the finish/post-event party is a pain.  There was no way Jennifer and I could also simultaneously shuttle the girls through the course.

 

There was only one solution—a family team.  If Jennifer, Juliet, Cate, and I concatenated our race legs in a series, then the girls could start and finish next to at least one parent.  However, Beach to Bay is a six-runner relay.  I asked John, my longtime friend and running buddy, if he and his 13-year-old daughter Caitlyn would come down from Houston and round out our family team.   John and I are practically brothers in that one of us is smarter and better looking, and the other one won't admit it.

 

Everything was set, but then with the 100 percent certitude that occurs every year, a team member had to pull out.  Jennifer had a legitimate excuse.  While playing tennis, she completely ruptured the ACL in her left knee.  We modified the plan so that she would become the designated driver and shuttle our team runners from leg to leg.  I would run both my leg and Jennifer's.

 

However, I wanted to run with my girls, so I decided to also do their legs.  But John and I haven't run together in a while, so I added his.  Since John would also run Caitlyn's leg with her, I might as well do all six of them. 

 

As usual, the final race logistics made the Marshall Plan seem like a pizza delivery by comparison.  Though significantly more convoluted, in a nutshell, the final plan was set:

 

Leg #1 (3.41 miles)-Cate* and David

Leg #2 (4.67 miles)-Juliet* and David

Leg #3 (4.36 miles)-David*

Leg #4 (4.69 miles)-David* and John

Leg #5 (4.20 miles)-John* and David

Leg #6 (4.89 miles)-Caitlyn,* John, and David

 

*The officially designated runner carrying the race baton

 

The first level of crappiness began at 4:30 a.m.  Everyone had to wake up so we could get to the start before it became too crowded.  We arrived at the beach about an hour later.  Parking was already a problem, but eventually we found a spot about half a mile from the staging area.   Cate and I walked down to the start line about 15 minutes to gun, and everyone else walked Juliet to the second-leg handoff area.

 

The start was on a narrow road packed with 2,500 runners.  Cate and I queued a 100 yards behind the line.  When the 7:00 a.m. start time arrived—nothing.  Five minutes passed, then ten, followed by 15. We heard later that a shuttle bus was delayed.  Again, this race is a logistics pain in the butt.  But finally the horn sounded and Cate and I started to run.

 

Well, "run" might not be precisely accurate because that's when the second level of crappiness began.  Of the 15,000 participants, only about 1,000 are what you would consider runners.  The others try their best, which means shuffling along at slightly faster than a walking pace.  Cate has learned that you have to politely, but assertively, ask other runners to let you by.  However, the course was also packed with people not only walking, but unable to hear us because they were literally browsing their iPhone music selections.  When my girls get blocked in by one of these "runners," I unapologetically stiff arm them out of the way.

 

The crappiness increased when Cate and I turned onto the beach.  There is no delineated course path, and runners have to fend for themselves to find a section that's not mushy soft or covered in seaweed.    As Cate and I made our way to the turnaround, we were running a bit of a zigzag.  We would see a narrow section of packed sand next to the water and run down.  Two thousand other runners would do the same and create a jam.   Cate and I would head back toward the dunes to find a runnable section, but eventually a herd would converge again.  After 15 minutes of back and forth, I told Cate, "Forget about time.  Just find a rhythm."  The rhythm ending up being 12:30 minutes/mile due to the awful conditions.

 

However, there was one fun aspect of the first leg.  Cate, being only eight, is a Beach to Bay rarity.  I'll bet there were less than half a dozen girls her age in the whole event.  But with a mile to go, she was passing adults left and right.  As we came up behind them, I would call out, "Wow, Cate—you're doing great.  Look, you're passing this man,"  or "Awesome, Cate, you're just in second grade and you're gonna beat these women."  Actually, most runners appreciate her effort and offer encouragement rather than take offense.

 

Cate's pace was much slower than her usual effort, but she didn't walk once the entire 3.4 miles. We reached the second-leg handoff area where John, Caitlyn, and Jennifer were waiting with Juliet.  They gave Cate an enthusiastic cheer.

 

Juliet grabbed the baton and was off.  Her running has improved this year and she is a solid sub-10:00 minutes/mile runner.  Since we reached her chute surrounded by slower runners, she began moving up through the pack fast.  Almost immediately I tried to slow her down because I knew the fourth level of crappiness was about to begin.

 

I understand that at least one lane of traffic must be open.  You can't close down all of Padre Island; however, the one auto lane becomes traffic jammed.  The runners have to breathe the exhaust-polluted air.  Additionally, the heat is intensified by the hundreds of cars creeping along just five feet from the runners' lane.   Two and a half miles in, I could see Juliet was overheating.  It was now 9:30, and the sun was beating down and there was a total lack of breeze.  We were running north-west with a very light and undetectable south-east wind at our backs.

 

I told Juliet that it was perfectly fine to stop and walk until she caught her breath.  Two years ago I ran the same leg for a Fleet Feet competitive team, and I still had to stop and catch my breath twice.  However, Juliet was determined to stay with it.  I started to become concerned she might experience the greatest level of race crappiness, heat stroke.   It's a real danger; even elite runners have blacked out on this course.  Juliet finally pulled up, and I handed her the water bottle I was carrying.

 

She then impressed me with her course awareness.  She looked up and said, "Let's run to that second light pole down the road."  Once there we walked for a minute and then she picked another mark, saying, "Let's make it to that big white sign."  For the next two miles she mostly ran, but occasionally walked, until we reached the bridge.  With a final push, we ran under the bridge and into the chute.  Juliet finished with a solid 10:30 minutes/mile average pace.  She handed me the baton, but before I could start the third leg, we had to deal with the final logistics problem—getting Juliet back to Jennifer.

 

We originally planned for Jennifer to park underneath the bridge.   However, at packet pickup, a race official was highly critical of the idea.  "If there's a traffic problem near the bridge, you could be stuck for hours.  It's best to use a shuttle bus."    We changed our plans, and instead Jennifer waited at the bus return depot.  I walked Juliet over to the queue where other runners were waiting for the buses to return. The problem was we didn't know if it would be five minutes or 20.  Juliet said she would be all right, so I handed her my iPhone to keep in contact with Jennifer and then asked two other runners to help her on the shuttle.  I started the third leg.

 

The leg was uneventful.  I ran over the bridge and  reached the first mile on a 7:40 minutes/min pace.  I settled into a comfortable stride knowing I had 18 miles remaining.  My mile splits didn't deviate more than a second the entire leg.  However, one thought did concern me—Caitlyn.  The heat was already terrible and the sun was intense.  It would be another hour and a half before Caitlyn would start our final leg.  I was concerned about dangerous running conditions.

 

Jennifer had already dropped John off at the fourth leg, and he was waiting for me as I came through the chute.  I ran straight through and he joined in stride with me.  However, our plan fell apart almost immediately due to a communication mishap.  The week before, I told John that I would run an 8:15 pace through the base and then hand off to him at the start of leg five just outside the north access gate.  Since he would be fresher than I would be at that point, he could pick up the pace to get to Caitlyn faster.  This worked for John since he was going to run a half dozen 1,200 meter repeats two days before the race.  This was his first taper day in preparation for a full marathon he's doing next week.  He agreed to cruise a steady pace with me through the naval base.

 

The night before the race, we confirmed the plans, but then John said, "I'll run with you for a couple of miles and then you can hand off to me.  I'll pick it up through the base so we can get it to Caitlyn as fast as possible."  His suggestion had nothing to do with our team time.  He just wanted to get Caitlyn off the course before the midday heat.  So as we began the fourth leg, I assumed the plan was to push as fast as we could. I dropped the pace to 7:15 minutes/miles and lengthened my stride.

 

About a mile into the base, John was ten yards behind me.  I again eased back to a 7:40 minutes/mile pace.  He stayed right behind me.  The heat was wearing on me and I looked straight ahead, trying to remain focused.  When I finally reached the leg five chute, I stopped and turned to give the baton to John, but he wasn't there.  I had unknowingly pulled away, and he was a quarter mile back. Two minutes later he came into the handoff area, and I reached forward to hand him the baton.  He said, "You'll have to carry it.  Go!  I'll catch up to ya'll later."

 

I immediately started toward the sixth leg.  About a mile from the base, I started to fall apart.  I had gone the last six miles without any water, assuming John would be pushing through the fifth leg.  I pulled up for a minute to cool down.  I ran another mile, then walked a minute.  I did this two more times before reaching Jennifer and Caitlyn, who were waiting at the final handoff point.  I came into the chute. "John?  Where's John?" Jennifer asked.  I told them he said to start running and he would catch us.  Unfortunately, I didn't have much running left in me.  I was badly dehydrated.  Jennifer said, "You look awful!  Do you want to quit here?" 

 

I looked at Caitlyn and said, "Let's run for a mile and see how it goes from there."  She didn't flinch and replied, "Let's go."  We fell into stride and ran a solid first mile, but I just couldn't breathe.  Caitlyn was also overheated, and we both stopped and walked.  The next four miles were tough.  Neither of us was able to run more than a quarter to half a mile without pulling up.  Nevertheless, Caitlyn stayed positive the entire leg and didn't once think of quitting.  She endured the course quarter mile by quarter mile for an hour.  With a mile remaining, we heard, "Caitlyn! David!"  John had caught us.  The timing was perfect.  Over the last quarter mile, John and Caitlyn joined hands and ran to the finish as hundreds of spectators cheered for them.

 

Our team finished in a clock time of 4:27:01, placing us 715 out of 2,455 teams.

 

Well, the race was total crap!  Terrible course, awful logistics, and dangerously hot weather.  However, everyone on our team did a super job individually, and as a team we placed in the top 30 percent.  WHAT A GREAT EVENT!

 

Special thanks to John and Caitlyn for rounding out our family team, and much appreciation to Jennifer for helping us through the course—my mom, too, for also helping with the logistics.  And kudos to Juliet and Cate for accomplishing something I couldn't have imagined at their age.

 

 

Cate After Finishing

 

Juliet Waiting To Start

 

Team Photo

Week 1 in Summer Limbo-Might Do August Marathon

Sunday.
Did a 25k in S.A. with Mike, Robert, Clay, and Von.

Von-2nd overall 1st Masters, 6:45 pace;

Clay 2nd Senior Masters 7:46 pace;

Me-3rd place Master 7:42 pace-Overall, 10th out of 55

My 5k-splits were fairly consistent
Lap 1-23:12
Lap 2-23:37
Lap 3-24:08
Lap 4-24:09
Lap 5-24:33





Saturday.
Easy 5, walked 1 more.

Friday
Ran two on mill, and called it quits. Bought bottle of jack and got drunk.

Thursday.
Met John and Robert for 4 at 6:00 am.  They had done 3 already, and we went out for another 4 mile loop.  I wanted to run at night, but work, children, and stuff came up.

Wednesday.
Met Alamar for 6 at 5:30. Good 7:48 pace despite high humidity.
Walked / jogged another 5 at night on mill.

Tuesday.
Met John and Robert for 6 at 5:45. Walked one more. Walked , mostly jogged, another 4 on mill late night.

Monday
Off

Week 7 in Limbo-Beach to Bay Week

Sunday

Saturday
Beach To Bay

Friday
Off-Taper

Thursday
Off-Taper

Wednesday
Met mike at 5:45am for easy 6. Walked one more. Jogged another 4.00 at night on the mill

Tuesday
Off-wanted to get in some miles, but work / family, etc.

Monday
Five on mill after work.  Walked / jogged another 5

Grand Canyon

A buddy of mine is running the Grand Canyon today.


"Tomorrow is the double crossing. 48 miles, 10,000 feet of elevation gain."

Week 6 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday.
Downtown at Coffee Waves at 5:30 am. Couple 3 miles loops with Alamar, Jamie, Robert, and Randy. Then at 6:30, a few other runners came, and out and back down Ocean Dr for another 6. Easy 8:30 pace.

Saturday.
Fast 8 on the mill

Friday
Met Jamie, John, and Alamar for 6 at 5:30. Walked 1 more. Jamie had a foot stress, turned off the path at four.

Thursday.
After work, 7 slow, low, and slow. But burned some calories

Wednesday.
Off-too busy with stuff

Tuesday.
Off-wanted to get in some miles, but worked late

Monday
7 on mill, walk one more. Cheated on diet a little as someone brought cupcakes to work. I had 4, or was it 5.

Week 5 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday.
On mill, fast 18. With all the flab I'm carrying, not fun. But aerobics good. Time to taper. Walk / jog another 6 at night.

Saturday.
5k with girls in am, ran 6 on mill later in day. Walked 1 more.

Friday
Off-wanted to get in 15-18 but with work and family, no can do. Will try for 18 Sunday morning, and then really diet 10 days before carbing for beach to bay.

Thursday.
Met John at 5:30 for 3 warmup. Was sweated through when finished doing 8:15 miles as humidity was 93%. Waited at conner store for 5 minutes, but Mike didn't show, so John and I ran another 3. Again, completely soaked and sloshing in shoes when finsihed.

Wednesday.
4 on mill after work.

Tuesday.
Met John for 6 at 5:00. Humidity really bad. had to stop three times, for only 10 seconds, to catch my breath.

Monday
On mill, 4 in the early morning, and 4 more in evening. Walked one more.

Week 4 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday.
Off

Saturday.
Off

Friday
Met Jamie and John for 6, walked 1 more

Thursday.
Met Mike for easy 6, walked 1 more.

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
4 in morning, walked two more. Ran good 6 at night on mill at night.

Monday
Met mike for 6 at 6:00am. Ran some small 2:00 min intervals. walked one more.
At night, 4more on mill, walked one more

Week 3 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday
Met Mike at 6:00am for easy 10,  last cool weather for probably 5-6 months  Later in afternoon, 4 on mill with speed strides, walked 1 more.

Saturday
Fast 4 on mill in early afternoon. Easy 3 on mill late afternoon

Friday
6 on mill with some speed strides

Thursday
Ran easy six with Mike.

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Ran a couple from 5:10-5:30, then met mike and John for 6 at 5:30. Pretty strong pace. I got left behind but made it up toward end. Walked 1.0 more.

Monday
Off

Week 2 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday
Up at 4:30 am, downtown Coffee Waves at 5:00 to meet Jamie, Jeff, and Robert for 12-15.

Jamie stuck at work due to heavy wind power out. Jeff texted he'd be there at 5:30, but didn't show. No word from Bob. At 5:40, I went back home and back to bed.

Saturday
Off-busy with work

Friday
Did 3 miles from 5:00-5:30 am. Crew was to show up at 5:30 for 7 more. Nobody came. As I had a stomach ache, I called it a day

Thursday
Met Mike for 6 at 5:30. Walked one more. Need to get serious on diet

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Ran 5 in the am, then met mike at 6:00 am for another 5.

Monday
Off

I RAN Marathon Pre-race

Week 1 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday
Met Jamie at CW at 5:00 am for 17. Clay joined in last 8.

Saturday
Arise and Shine 5k with girls. Juliet solid run, Cate -1st in 8 and under division
Ran 4 more on mill when we got home.

Friday
Slow 6 with Mike in the early a.m.

Thursday
7 miles in the early am with crew

Wednesday
Did 5 from 5:15-6:00. Then met morning crew for another 5. Soaked in sweat post run. Sloshing in shoes.

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Off

Marathon #21-The I RAN Marathon--San Antonio

Marathon #21

I RAN Marathon-San Antonio

March 31, 2012

 

I never step on a scale.  Even when it's physician mandated, I look away and say, "Don't tell me."  It's not like I have arithmophobia—hell, I'm a CPA.  I just believe the number is meaningless.  The conventional wisdom is that weight is the best general indicator of physical condition; that's a bunch of crap.

 

You'll often see runners at the front of the chute who look like they'll be lucky to survive past mile one.   For many, your fat-cist prejudice is confirmed, and as you pass by, you snarl in disdain because you were boxed in as they waddled in front.  However, there's always a couple of runners who break the "husky" stereotype and finish respectably high in the pack.  I saw an extreme example at the San Antonio Marathon in November.

 

Standing next to me in the first corral was a little roly-poly dressed in all black.  However, what really caught my attention were his bare feet—no shoes, no socks, no tape, not even a Band-Aid.  I stared at him superciliously for a few seconds, then rolled my eyes as if to say, "You, sir, are no Abebe Bikila."   However, at mile eight, I looked to my right and that little jelly bean was holding strong.  I decided that next time I would be more open-minded and STHUAJR.

 

The real reason I don't step on a scale is because it's a no win.  Never in recorded history has anyone ever stepped on a scale, read the number, and thought, That's perfect!  That's the exact number I want, not a pound more or less.  Oh, no—at best it's almost perfect, just a little off optimal.  At worst, it's just damn depressing.   Accordingly, I haven't weighed myself once in six years.

 

However, I do employ a general flab-o-meter: the notches on my belt.  Starting with the innermost notch, I've developed this stratified scale:

 

Notch #1:  You're in top form!  With a little good weather, you'll PR for sure.

 

Notch #2:  You're in decent shape.  With excellent weather, good pacing, and a flat course, you might PR.

 

Notch #3:  Looks like someone has been enjoying himself?  Well, run your best and try not to hurt yourself.

 

Notch #4:  Congratulations—you're a total lard ass!  I hope you're happy with yourself.

 

Notch #5:  Oh my God, NO!—I'm going to have to quit running, buy some metrosexual gaudy spandex shorts, and become a cyclist.  Please, God, kill me now.

 

I temporarily made it to Notch #1 for two weeks in the fall.  Though running great, I looked like a discarded pin-up Halloween skeleton.  In fact, when I made an office visit for a cough, my doctor took one look and handed me a prescription.  I thought it was for antibiotics—nope—a full-body MRI.

 

Notch #2 is my general running weight, and I struggle to maintain it.  After daily doubles of Christmas cookies, I was sucking it in to hit Notch #2 when I ran the Kingwood Marathon.   A month later, I was a solid Notch #3 for Galveston.   Two weeks more and a few bottles of wine, combined with the occasional Dairy Queen pit stop, I was officially at Notch #4.  I knew only the fear of lugging around an extra ten flabby pounds for a full marathon could save me.

 

I hastily searched the Web for a race.   I found a local one scheduled just a month away—The I  R A N Marathon in San Antonio.  The event is very small, with only about 120 runners—no big corporate sponsors, no designated pacers, not even age division awards.  The course itself is no frills as it's run at Schnabel Park.

 

I ran the park last year for a local 20-miler.  It is located five minutes north of Loop 410 and surprisingly scenic given it's surrounded by urban sprawl.   The park is thickly wooded, and the trail winds up and down rolling hills.  The best course feature is its unblemished and beautifully paved, solid concrete path.  Normally for a park run, you'd expect a lopsided, cracked, and potholed trail.  The worst course feature is its unblemished and beautifully paved, solid concrete path.  The concrete is great for a 10k or halfer, but over 26 miles, its hard surface just beats the hell out of you.  This would be especially true given the extra flab I was carrying.

 

Oh, I had made some progress since I committed to the race, if you define progress as not getting any fatter.  But I hadn't really lost much weight, though with a little mechanical leverage, I was able to squeeze into Notch #2.  However, weight wasn't my only problem.  I hadn't really trained to run a full marathon.  Over the past two months, the longest run I had done was a single 18-miler.  Lastly was the terrible weather.  At gun it was already 68 degrees with 98 percent humidity; the forecast high was for 91 degrees—that's 91!

 

As I apprehensively made my way into the chute, I was glad to see a friendly face, Ultra Don.  We exchanged greetings, and then Don lamented, "I haven't run a marathon since Houston, two months ago."  A two-month marathon race gap for Ultra Don is equivalent to the average runner taking off eight years.  We mutually stated our plans to just cruise it with no particular goal and made our way into the chute.

 

As I stood behind the start line, I thought, What the hell am I doing here!  I'm fat, out-of-shape, and the weather is crap.  The gun fired and we were off!

 

Two runners shot out of the chute, leaving the pack behind.  I went out with an easy and relaxed stride.  I had no planned pace or even time.  However, about a half mile in, I found myself sharing third place with a younger runner.  We began to chit-chat and he asked, "The half or the full?"  I replied the full, and he said the half.   It would have been nice to keep the moderate pace and friendly conversation longer, but at mile three we had to get serious as the hill work began.

 

The course itself was four out-and-back laps along a stretch with a few rolling hills.  However, the race director added a strenuous climb, not on the loop itself, but as a perpendicular tributary.  The hill climbed about thirty-five feet over a quarter mile.  Up once or twice would have been enough.  Unfortunately, we had to turn left and run up when heading outbound and then turn right and hump it up on the way back, for a total of eight climbs.

 

After the first time up and down, the half-marathoner pulled away and I was alone.  I strode out to the turnaround and then pushed up the hill again on the way inbound.  I still felt rhythmic after completing the first loop.  Though covered in sweat from the warm and humid weather, surprisingly, I held a steady breathing pattern.  Outbound again, I made my way up the hill climb for a third time.  Fifteen minutes later, I made the U-turn at path's end and began the inbound stretch.   I caught the halfer at mile 10 and moved into third among all runners.

 

Coming through the checkpoint at the end of the second lap, I saw the two lead runners seated on one of the pavilion's picnic tables.  That meant they were halfers, which meant I was the marathon leader.  Leader?!  Oh, that's just wrong!   It would be a crime for a fat and out-of-shape accountant to win this.  Well, it was still early, and I had confidence that a good runner would catch me.

 

I started outbound for the third lap and again up the hill for the fifth time, which had somehow gown higher.   The sun was now above the tree-line and beating down; the hills were also wearing on me.  I made the third-lap turnaround at mile 15 and was hurting.   Fortunately, some other runners noted my lead and offered encouragement, "Nobody is near you; you can cruise it," "Bell lap is coming up; it's yours," and "You're looking good—well, for a fat and out-of-shape accountant."    Okay, that last one was actually me thinking out loud.

 

Completing the third lap, I would have been toast, but was ironically saved by the course design.  Oh, the course itself was a bear, but it was looped.  Instead of thinking, Seven more miles to go, I said to myself, Just ONE MORE LAP!  I went through the checkpoint and outbound for the final lap.  Don't walk, don't walk!  You've made it up six times already, I repeated while struggling up the hill for the seventh climb.

 

Almost at the U-turn for a final time, I saw Ultra Don.  He was completing his third lap and chatting with another runner as they walked up an incline.  When a world-class ultrarunner like Don has decided it's just too hot to race uphill, you know you're in the danger zone.

 

I made the turn, now at mile 23, and was a bit concerned.  I was completely dehydrated and believed heat stroke was a real possibility.   But all I needed was to make it up the hill for the final eighth time.  Reaching the base, I was determined not to stop and walk.  That determination lasted 30 seconds—too much, and I couldn't breathe.  I alternated walking and jogging every half minute to reach the top.

 

With just two miles remaining, I accepted that I had nothing left.  Then just behind me, I heard, "Dude!"  Two young men on mountain bikes pulled alongside.  "Dude—we, like, saw you running on the other side of the park—like, three hours ago!  I wish I had your stamina."  It was enough.  I gutted it up the final mile.

 

I crossed in 3:41:01, winning—First out of about 25 full-marathon starters, though only 18 finished the race.

 

I think that may be a world record.  Yes, I'm quite sure that many many years from now, someone will come across an old dusty box in the back room of a used bookstore.  Inside they'll find a partially torn and faded copy of the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records.   Thumbing through the back pages, browsing the "Miscellaneous" final chapter, they'll see my name listed:  "David G. Jones, winner of the world's smallest, most obscure, and inconsequential marathon."

 

Well, perhaps I'm being too negative.  I guess placing first in the world's smallest, most obscure, and inconsequential marathon is still preferable to placing second in the world's smallest, most obscure, and inconsequential marathon.

 

I'll take it!

 

Weekly Recap-Race Week San Antonio IRAN Marathon

Sunday
Off

Saturday
San Antonio Iran Marathon

Friday
Off

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Off

Tuesday
Met Mike for 6 at 6:00. Six more after work along Oso parkway.

Monday
Did 4 at 5:30-6:00, then Met Mike at 6:00 for another 6:00.

Fwd: Runners

From a buddy of mine:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mueller, David

Date: Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 11:04 AM
Subject: Runners
To: David Jones jonescpa@gmail.com

Dave,

 

I ran into a mutual acquaintance who had seen you lately.  He said you looked much different & wondered if you were ill.  I told him, "Dave's not ill, in fact it's much worse, he's become a runner".

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Off

Saturday
5k with girls in am, ran 4 more on mill when I came home.

Friday
Met Mike for easy 6 at 5:30 am. Walked one more.

Thursday
Easy 4 in am

Wednesday
18 road miles on early a.m.

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Met mike for easy 6 at 5:30. Jogged three more in evening. Walked 2 more

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Met crew downtown at 5:30am for 13.

Saturday
Solid fast 10 on mill

Friday
Some light exercising with Jules at Golds.

Thursday
Off-out of town.

Wednesday
Off-out of town.

Tuesday

Off-out of town.

Monday
7 on mill during lunch.

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Fast 6 on mill, walked jogged another 3.

Saturday
Off

Friday

10 on mill at golds in an. 4 on mill at home in pm

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Met Jamie and John for 6 miles of VOmax work at King. Walked / jogged another 3.

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Met Jaimie for 10 at 5:30, got in another 2 walk run throughout day.

Weekly Recap-5 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday.

Saturday
5k with girls in morning. Ran another 5 fast on mill when I got home. Walked / jogged another 5 throughout day.

Friday
Met Jamie at 5:00 for 10 at natatorium.

Thursday..
Off

Wednesday.
Jogged 5 throughout day.

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
Off

Weekly Recap-6 Weeks Until San Antonio

Sunday
Met Jamie and Robert for 12 downtown (4 loops of 3.1 miles). Not bad, sub 8:00s, but a humid. Also felt little decarbed after 6 last night.

Saturday
Six on mill at night, walked one more

Friday
Light 2.5 miles and a little bike with Juliet at Golds.

Thursday
Off

Wednesday
Met Jeff and Jamie for 10. Humid but nice 8:20 pace. Need to lose some fat.

Walk / jog another five throughout day.
Tuesday
Off

Monday
Off

Week 1 in Limbo-No Race Schedule, Except Beach to Bay

Sunday
Walk / jog 4

Saturday
5k with girls in am. Jogged two more after getting home

Friday
It hurt, in the chest, but did 4 during lunch, walked more. Helped cough some of the gunk up.
Walked / jogged 3 at night.

Thursday
Off-Still sick and eating like a pig

Wednesday
Off-Still sick and eating like a pig

Tuesday
Off-Still sick and eating like a pig

Monday
Off-Still sick and eating like a pig

The Woodlands Marathon-Out

Sad to say, I've pulled out of The Woodlands Marathon in 3 weeks.  Just too busy with work, sick with the crud, and well, just not motivated.

Hope to find a early June marathon somewhere.

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks Until The Woodlands Marathon

Sunday
Off

Saturday
Met Robert M and John M for easy 8 at 5:30am. Cool weather and good conversation. Nice run.

Did a two miler with girls at cupid chase run in the morning.

Friday
Off

Thursday
Met mike four easy 4 miles at 6:00.

Wednesday
solid 6 on mill during lunch. Walked one more.

At night, jogged 2 walked 2

Tuesday
Off

Monday
Off

Marathon #20-Galveston Mardi Gras Marathon

Marathon # 20-Mardi Gras Marathon
Galveston, TX
February 5, 2012

He wore running shorts.  He had a marathoner's build.  But man!—he also had this strange and aloof countenance about him.  His dark scraggly beard was a good foot in length, and he was conspicuously standing alone on a raised platform next to the starting chute.  Given the weather conditions, I began to suspect his name might be Noah.  It had been raining nonstop since midnight.  The streets were soaked and puddled.  The forecast called for more rain all day.

The showers did temporarily abate about 15 minutes before the gun.  The rain doesn't bother me, and I actually appreciate the cooling it provides.  I was concerned about the two negative consequences—waterlogged shoes and wind.  The general rule is each ounce of shoe weight adds about a minute to a marathon final time.  I figured my shoes would soak up about a quarter to a third of a pound.

Then there was the wind.  About 50 percent of the two-looped course runs along the Galveston seawall, with very little infrastructure to block the blowing 20+ mph north wind.  Another 25 percent is along a beach access road where the gusts can really add resistance against your stride.

About five minutes to gun, I removed my sweat top and stood shirtless about ten feet behind the start.  I heard a couple of runners derisively chuckle behind me, as many runners were wearing full winter gear (beanies, gloves, etc.).  However, the temperature was only 55 degrees, which was cool in the direct wind, but not really cold.  Additionally, waterlogged shoes would be enough; I didn't also need a soaked shirt, hat, and gloves.

Two minutes to gun, an affable-looking younger runner to my left congenially asked, "What time are you goin' for?"  I slowly tilted my head left to right a couple of times to communicate a fleeting confidence, "Well, I would like 3:10, but given the weather, I'm think'n something probably around 3:15."  I figured he was looking for someone to pace with so I reciprocated, "How 'bout you?"  When he nonchalantly said, "2:45," admiringly I responded, "Wow! Well, that should be enough to win."  He then humbly and encouragingly said, "Well, you never know who's gonna show up.  Anyway, you're really just running against yourself."

The gun fired and we were off.  A dozen half-marathoners took the lead, pulling me along.   After a quarter mile, we turned left and headed due east to the seawall.  About a half mile later, a group of five or six behind me slowly started to pass.  Their leader was the official 3:00 pacer, but his pack was all half-marathoners shooting for 1:30.  Relative to my stride, their pace intensity seemed to be just nominally faster, so I tagged along.    Just before reaching the seawall, I saw my longtime friend and running buddy John.

He had driven down from North Houston with his daughter Caitlyn to give me a two-person cheering section, which is two people more than all the other spectators along the course this day.  The bad weather, combined with Super Bowl Sunday, was enough to keep all sane people indoors.  Even if a marathon is very well organized with great volunteer support, many runners will rate it badly if there isn't a large spectator turnout.   I feel  the opposite; sure, crowd support is nice in dispersed pockets, but constant yelling is distracting, especially when it's the jeering, "You're almost there!" every half mile.   I prefer to zone out and STHUAJR (see previous race report, or text John for advice).

Proudly wearing his A & M sweat top and holding an umbrella in one hand, John stretched forward with the other to give me five and called out, "You lucked out on the temperature."   Reaching the seawall, I turned due south with the 3:00 pack, pushed along with the wind at our backs.   Again, their pace was just a nick quicker than my natural stride, but I had to let them pull away.   It wasn't the marginal effort, but the duration.   It's analogous to picking up a light  two- or three-pound weight and holding it out at arm's length.   Initially it would take just a minimal effort, but keeping it there for three solid hours would be a Herculean task.

At mile four we turned right to make the one-mile square loop through a residential neighborhood before starting the six-mile upwind section along the seawall.  Except for passing (or being passed) by the occasional half-marathoner,  I was now completely alone.  I settled into a rhythmic stride, leaned back, gazed up high above the horizon, and zoned out.

About ten minutes later, the course turned due north and the real work began.   I would prefer to run uphill than against the wind.  At least a long hill climb is a constant resistance.  With frequent and unpredictable gusts of a strong wind, often from slightly different angles, you are also swayed a bit off-center.  It's just enough to affect your striding rhythm, whether it's from upwind, crosswind, or even downwind gusts.

Passing the same point as mile one (but now mile five in the opposite direction), John called out from the other side of the street, "You're in ninth!"  Ninth was the overall position that I finished in this event last year, and I squeaked in with a third-place award in my age division.     Today, however, by the time I reached the beach access section at mile seven, though physically feeling good, mentally I was ready to fall into a warm cushy bed.

My shoes and socks were soaked through, and the strong wind now had little drops of rain beating against my face and body.   Then a total shock—the 3:10 pacer pulled up to my side, and it was Noah!  He only had one runner with him, for whom Noah was graciously blocking the wind.  Given his motif, I thought he would be leading two runners, one male and one female.  Since he already had the male, and Texas doesn't recognize civil unions, I let them go.

Finishing the first lap, I was curious to see my time.  I had yet to look at my wristwatch.  Fortunately, my 1:36 split was about what I had figured, and I firmly believed I could hold the pace another lap.  Now that the faster half-marathoners were finished, I was really running solo.  There wasn't another runner within a quarter mile of me.

Headed due east toward the seawall for a second time, I again saw John.  However, this time he was running toward me excitedly calling out, "Come on! Come on! The 3:10 pacer is right in front of you—you can catch him! Come on! You're in seventh overall!"  John ran next to me for 50 yards encouraging me to pick it up.  Aerobically I felt great, but said, "Hey, I feel good, but the wind—Man, the wind is bad."

From mile 14 to 16, I tried to appreciate the two-mile downwind push before having to fight the six-mile upwind stretch to the beach for a second time.  That's when I saw that affable youngster (well, early 30s).  He was all alone in the lead, with literally not another runner within a mile.  Passing in the opposite direction, I yelled out, "Yeah, buddy, looking good!"  He went on to win in a 2:46, a full 20 minutes ahead of second place.

Reaching mile 18, John, who was now faithfully standing in a steady drizzle with Caitlyn at his side, yelled out, "Fifth! You're in fifth overall."  That was a surprise since I had no recollection of passing any other runners.  At mile 19, John and Caitlyn pulled up alongside in his car with the window down a bit, but not enough for me to jump through.  He yelled, "Hey, that long-bearded guy dropped out!"  That was encouraging as I knew it meant the rain was probably about to stop.  I increased my arm swing and lengthened my stride.

I really felt that I was holding a 3:12 to 3:13 pace and felt good; in actuality, I had slowed down by 20 seconds a mile.  It was just that most of the other runners had slowed as well.  Later at the post-race event, most runners agreed that the upwind section was hard the first time, but just too much the second.

At mile 22, my waterlogged shoes took effect.  My quads were burning not only from the extra weight, but the hard heel strikes.  Normally, a shoe's air-filled foam provides a springy cushion with each stride, but as liquids are non-compressible, each shoe strike forward felt like running with wood blocks strapped to my feet.

Then at mile 24, another shock—a competitor came up from behind.  I had been running solo for about an hour and almost forgot I was in a race.   My legs were hurting too much to challenge him.  "Go get 'em! Finish strong!" I encouraged.  Then again at mile 25, another runner caught me.  I could tell he was about ten years younger and not in my age division, so I decided to let him pass unchallenged.  However, when he pulled about 25 yards ahead of me, he slowed his pace a nick.  With a half mile remaining, I made a move to catch him.  My quads were really burning, but I closed the gap to about ten yards.  He then made his move and pulled away.

I crossed the finish in 3:19:05, placing seventh overall out of 156 full-marathon finishers, and second in my age division.

I e-mailed the race director the next day, "In spite of the weather, another great race!  You guys put on a high-quality event.  Great organization, great volunteer support, and great little post-race gathering."  

They really do a fantastic job. There's a heap of free pizza, breakfast tacos, sweets, and drinks.  The awards are large, quality-made plaques.  Packet pickup is a snap at the local running store.    The course is pancake flat and fast.  3:19 is not my fastest, but in those weather conditions, solid.  

I don't know why more runners don't do the full marathon.  My guess is the Galveston Marathon is only  two to three weeks after Houston and two to three weeks before Austin.   Most probably only do the half as a pre-Austin final workout or a post-Houston new cycle run.

Great day! Loved it, and will sign up again next year.

Special thanks to John and Caitlyn for the support!

About 1,200 Runners Total (Full and Half Marathon)


By mile 10, I almost forgot I was in a race.

Post-race—A bit happier after downing 11 bean & cheese
breakfast tacos and half a pizza.