Heat Wave Makes For a Nice Time to Peak!

Unseasonably warm temperatures and no more long runs in the training schedule make for a good way to end the year. 

Ever since my epic failure on the Hueston Woods Main Loop run, my confidence on long runs has been shattered; actually, it has been a struggle to get motivated to get out and run at all, especially with the holidays mixed in.  Well, as the day of judgement (the marathon) drew ever closer, the window to peak in training kept getting smaller and smaller.  Thankfully the stars aligned and Jordan was left home alone with no wifey.  Seems that he had been having similar motivation struggles, and he was able to come down to Oxford and meet up for one final long run.

We split our course into two loops, a 6.5 mile loop and a 5.4 mile loop.  Each time we completed a loop we ended back at the house, allowing us to refuel, take a pee, retape nipples, or whatever else may have needed attention at that time.

First two loops went off without a hitch, both of us feeling quite well.  The second 6.5 mile loop was a bit grueling with a nasty crosswind, but each of us felt pretty good at the end of 18.  It was AMAZING how much both our bodies degraded into a slow, shuffling trudge on the second 5 mile loop between 18 and 23.5 miles.  We each dragged through and made it to the end, legs hurting, but feeling a renewed sense of confidence that we are actually going to do this, run a marathon and run it well.  Both of us were coherent and able to move after the run, feeling that another 2.7 miles was in reach and possible.

Once again, I can not emphasizes how awesome it is to have a running partner.  I do not think I could have done that long run without someone to talk to and knowing that my feet were being held to the fire to finish.  Lots of good talk and fun conversations along the run as well.  The deeper and deeper we went into the run, it was funny how the conversations tended to revolve around how much our bodies hurt, and how the hurt seemed to cycle through different body-parts at different times.

Well, my plane tickets are bought and tapering in my mileage can begin.  I now feel like a major hurdle has been cleared and am starting to get excited about the trip... well except for the running of 26.2 miles.  I hope every ones training is going well and that the Ohio peeps are able to get out and enjoy this weather.

Have a happy and safe New Year!

 

Frozen Weiner...

Took a mini break since my last run, allowing myself to physically and mentally recuperate.  Today I went out for a short run (6 miles).  It began quite routinely, heading out of town on the back country roads.  It is nice being off on break because I can run in the middle of the day, not having to worry about being visible to drivers.  As I headed away form town, I had the wind at my back, which made for a very pleasant start to the run.  I made my first turn and noticed there was a pretty stiff breeze coming out of the east, but still was not bothered by it because I was headed mostly to the North.  My run continued as planned until I had to make another right and my run took a turn directly into the wind.  At this time, I noticed the sky becoming a bit darker and it began to sleet/mist/snow.  This was driven directly into my face, causing my eyes to immediately water.  This in turn led to tear-drops freezing on my eye-lashes, making seeing a bit difficult.  Other than this, I was still feeling quite well and continued on into the frigid wind.  Then I noticed something I had not felt on any of my previous runs; a slight pain in my crotch.  The pain intensified with every step I took.  I was quite concerned as you can imagine, so I removed my glove and inspected the area.  It seems the unyielding winter wind had cut through my three layers of clothing and turned my penis into a fleshy icicle.  It was a bit alarming at first, how cold my gentiles were to the touch.  I continued in toward town, one hand down my pants warming my man-parts, and one trying to shield the wintry mix from stinging my face.  I passed one gentlemen shoveling his drive and can only imagine what he thought I was doing.  Luckily, it was only a little over a mile to the gym where I usually work out from where I was in my run.  I made it into the restroom of the gym and forced myself to pee, hoping all was not lost and that the warmth of the piss would help speed up the warming process.  Soon enough, feeling came back and no permanent damage was done (as far as I know).  I used paper towels as extra insulation around my most private of areas, and finished my run.  Actually, everything else felt so good after my brief stop, I stretched the 6 miles into 9, the paper towels working like a charm. 

Dave, your last post says it all... the memories we will have...

Oh the memories we'll have from training . . .

This post is inspired by one of the more interesting training runs I've experienced, as well as, Jess' crazy run. I'll start with mine:

The day started off pretty poorly because the sidewalk I started out running on was riddled with obstacles first I slipped on a metal temporary manhole cover, next I sunk my foot ankle deep in the mud next to a manhole cover while trying to avoid an angry dog that this little woman could hardly handle, and lastly I rolled my ankle on a metal plate handle (which was nearly impossible to see since it was covered with snow). Fortunately, I came out of that first mile relatively unscathed but had to fight off the damaging mental letdown that I felt brewing. Once I got rolling everything was fine but the last 6-7 miles were pretty rough because of the fierce headwind which basically froze my face; my lower lip was numb to the point where I could hardly spit and when I got back inside I noticed a crease had frozen on the side of my face from the facial expression I had the last several miles. Overall the run went well, 21 miles at a solid pace and no major issues.

The real interesting story come from Jess though. She basically broke down in the last 3-4 miles of her run to the point where she was so disoriented when she got back that she went into the wrong apartment building and tried to unlock the door that would be ours if it weren't the wrong building I guess she ended up knocking and the guy was just as dumbfounded as her and she actually asked "where am I". Then the rest of the day she had the runs and even puked. . . . classic case of dehydration but still an interesting story . . . make sure to tease her about this in Arizona.

Lead legs and a ride in the saggin' wagon...

Well, I am flying the failure flag high this weekend.  It was my own fault, which probably makes it sting that much more.

I took off this morning around 8:30 a.m. for a 22 mile run.  As soon as a took off, I had lead legs; that feeling like your legs aren't really moving you, they are just heavy and dragging along.  I thought it would go away, but by mile three, they were really heavy and I should have cut my losses and just quit.  My mentality at this point was that if I could push through 22 miles with lead legs, I could definitely push through 26 with fresh legs.  So I tried to be captain bad-ass and kept on going.  The other thing I had going against me was for this particular route, I picked a very hilly course, running out to Hueston Woods, running around the Main Loop Road (an 8 mile loop that circles the state park), and then back.  The Main Loop Road seems to have a magical ability to transform and shift its elevation.  You see, back in the summer, I ran this loop by itself for training for the half-marathons that coming fall.  And I remember thinking while on that run that it felt like I was going uphill the entire time, even though I ended in the same place I started. Well, this time, I thought I would be sneaky and run it the other way (counterclockwise instead of clockwise).  Guess what, it still felt like I was always going uphill.  Or if there was a downhill, it was followed immediately by an uphill that was at least twice as big... well, felt twice as big.

I gutted it out and finished the loop, then continued back toward home (another 8 or 9 miles.)  At this point, the pain in my legs started in and I began to wish I had a horse to ride : ).  It got to the point where I didn't think it was worth risking an injury, and I stopped and gave up.  I felt like a complete bitch, but I just couldn't hack it.  I must say, I had a few choice words about this whole marathon idea and training regiment while I was retrieving my cell-phone from my Camelbak and calling for a ride.  I called Kim, my sister, and she graciously (like an angel) came and picked my sorry butt up.

I am very sore and tired tonight, more so than after my 20 miler two weeks ago.  One encouraging thought is that I am pretty sure I know why my legs are dead.  I have continued to crossfit three to four times a week during this training.  On Thursday, I did a workout that wrecked me and then ran 6 miles.  My legs were very sore all day Friday and just weren't ready for the run today.  As much as I hate losing a lot of the strength gains from that workout regiment, I think I need to cut it back and concentrate specifically on running during these last couple of weeks.  Another thought I had was that the Camelbak weighs probably at least 8 to 10 pounds at the beginning of my run.  I might try cutting back on the fluids in the pack and shorten my routes to 6 to 10 mile loops.  This would allow me to come back to the house and refill as necessary without carrying the load the entire time.

I want you guys to know that I am very thankful for you enduring this training with me.  I would be done with it if it wasn't for the fact that I know you all are keeping me accountable to see this to the end.  With that said, I will be back on the horse... well, back off the horse and running hopefully next weekend with fresh legs and a MUCH flatter course.

How much longer do we have?

First of all, nice to hear everyone's training is going pretty well (Jordan I had a completely ruined run last year because of stomach aches, gas, and dehydration and probably would have loved to hitch a ride with someone so that's nothing to be worried about).

Training has become a bit boring for me lately but I'm finding ways to get around it: I've been listening to ESPN podcasts on anything over five miles except for my long runs when I try to avoid music and enjoy the nature.

I also realized that I can keep a really strong pace up to about 16 mile but after that my pace gradually (sometimes sharply) drops but I've been right where I need to be on long runs for the most part.

The left foot is starting to hurt on the top but nothing major and my right knee and both hips are sore more often than not . . . I'm in great need for some rest after this rest.

The one thing that really keeps me motivated is the fact that I only have 2 more long, long runs and most of all; that we're going to be in ARIZONA of all places! I am starting to wish I had taken another day off work but either way Brad needs to find us an awesome place to chow down Sunday night.

Tired Legs, Diarrhea, Chafed Butt, and a Hitched Ride

Well to say the least my run on Saturday was an adventure. I set off to do a 20 mile run, because I won't be able to run the next week because I am getting the first of a couple gum grafts done this Thursday (not looking forward to this). Well I bundled up with my layers, grabbed 2 granola bars, and the camelbak. The first couple of miles of my run felt great, my body was loving being outside with the fresh air and challenge of a long run ahead. My stomach started to bother me at about mile 4, and figured it was just gas. So at a couple of stop lights while jogging in place I let a couple farts out to relieve my stomach. I felt better and continuing my run for another mile or so, my stomach started to bother me again. So i decided I would try taking a poop at the porta pot about a mile away at the entrance to a park trail I run at. Well when I got there and sat down, it was explosion time. After I was finished, I felt great and ate my first granola bar. My trail run went well and it was exciting to see other people out running in the cold and snow. We all had that nice nod and look of "good to see I'm not the only loon out here today".

Well after making it back out of the trail and onto the road again, my hands started to get pretty cold. And figured it will be nice to get back inside, when I am finished. I still felt great at this point in my legs and overall condition on the run other than the soreness that comes to different body parts with long runs. Well after a couple of miles my left hand is basically numb (yes I wore gloves, but need to invest in some heavy ones) and I'm trying all I can to get feeling back in it. I'm moving my hand up and down, as well putting it in my pockets. I realize, I need to not be an idiot and try to hitch a ride home because I don't want frost bite. So I ask a couple of people at one stop light. One guy says he on his way to work (didn't believe him, 4:40 on Sat), and another lady speeds through the light when she sees me motioning to her. Well I run another mile and try again. This time a women say "no" when she figure out what I want and another lady speeds through again to avoid me after we make eye contact (am I really that scary?). I continue to run and am about 2 miles from the end of my run, but this feel like an eternity because of my hand being numb. I have one last stop light or I'm thinking I have to make it to a CVS or Donato's to sit inside until my hands regain feeling. A lady with her son rolls down her window, and I think she sensed the desperation in my voice and body, as I'm shaking and telling her I can't feel my hands and could use a ride to the corner of Sawmill and Hard (where we live). This lady is a saint to me, by letting me hitch a ride home with her. Once I'm in the car, she tells me that she figured I couldn't be holding a gun on me under my athletic shorts (what a great world we live in). She asks me why I am running in the cold and snow, so I explain that we are training for a long race out west. She then asks if I have a treadmill somewhere to run on (treadmills are awful for anything over 5 miles, but am always ready to be done after 3 on them). So I explain this to her as I'm still shaking and freezing. She offers to drop me off at my door as opposed to the corner like I asked (she is a saint).

So as soon as I get home, I struggle to get all my clothes off and sit shivering in a blanket and get a heat warmer next to me. Jen walks in after her run in the middle of this wondering what is wrong with me.

So overall I got to 18-19 miles, but fell short of my goal of 20-21 miles. But I did get a story to tell in the process, so I guess it's worth it. Hope everyone's training is going well.

Any news on Brett (haven't heard from him in awhile)?

Leaving the Teens Behind

Longest run of the training so far, I hit 20 miles today.  I was suppose to only run 19, but I felt good and the route I chose made it pretty easy to stretch it into 20.  I must say, I felt decent during the run, except my feet started to hurt pretty bad from the pounding on the pavement.  I think new shoes will help with this. Other than that, the run went well.  I thought at one point I was going to have to stop and crap in a field, but the urge went away.  I feel pretty lucky that I have not had to deal with that in the training process so far.  I got another taste of cold weather running as well.  Running into the wind was brutal.  Sometimes I had to let out a little scream to keep myself motivated and to make sure the air was not frozen in my lungs; probably sounded like a complete fool/toolbag, but it kept me motivated.  Energy levels were fine with consumption of Gatorade and a Cliff Bar (Oatmeal, Walnut, Raisin) during the run.  The worst part about the run was the end; when I stopped, my legs hurt.  Not cramping, they were just in pain.  I think it is caused by a combination of all the blood and lactic acid built up from the run.  I heard it gets better as your body gets better at metabolizing lactic acid.  Right now, mine must suck, cause everything is still very tired and sore.  Hopefully tomorrow I will feel a little more rested.

Hope every one's training is going well and the holiday went well for everyone.  Less than 50 days now...