Very proud of Jennifer

Still out running. 5 months in to her pregnancy, and still out there. Our run was a little slow as it was pretty hot and humid but a nice 4 mile run.

35 down, 17 to go!

Since I began my "marathon a week" plan earlier this year, there were a couple of marathons that I was not looking forward to. Today was one of those days. After a 100 miler last weekend, I did not want to get back out and run a marathon 6 days later. But I knew this going in. Today had to finally arrive.

I began optimistic. I actually felt pretty good. But I knew 26.2 would be pushing it. I was right.

Laura and I began running just shortly after 3:00 a.m. I hadn't had a lot of sleep, maybe 2 1/2 hours or so, so I began the day pretty tired. But I had to do it. We trekked along just fine for about 11 miles. 5:10 and we were done with that first 11 miles. Now we had to drive a couple of miles over to the Team-in-Training run and another 15 miles.

I joined in with 4-1 run/walk group, which helped significantly. The next 10 or so miles went well. I drank and ate well, but my energy declined every mile. I didn't feel any real tiredness with my running, just an overall tiredness. I don't mind the walk breaks, but I hate the long water stops, that sometimes take 5+ minutes.

Mile 20 was about my limit. But I kept moving.

Nearly 5:30 after starting the day, I finished. 114 average heart rate on the day.

35 down, 17 to go!

So far, so good.

Amazingly, after 5 days, I think I am alive. Today's 4 miler went slow and steady, but no complaints. A little pain in the hip/knee, but it should be fine. 38 minutes. Just took it easy.

Late night at work, late evening on the treadmill

Planned to work late tonight, so the easiest way to get my run in was to take a break from work around 8:00, go for a quick run at the nearest gym, grab some dinner and head back to work. 34:43. Hip is a little sore.

Evening stroll

Nothing too exciting. Usual course, usual pace. 4 miles in 34:38.

It was too good to be true.

Tonight the real fatigue set in. Nothing really hurts, although my right hip and knee ache a little. Probably early signs of ITBS, so I probably should do some stretching. Anyway, tonight went a little slow. Needed some walk breaks just from the fatigue. Didn't really want to be out hear anyway.

First day back

For the first day running after a 100 mile run, I feel like a million bucks. No real pains, other than some muscle fatigue. 4 easy miles and I didn't even need any walk breaks. This is too good to be true.

Lean Horse 100 Mile Ultramarathon - 34 down, 18 to go!

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Last 4 miles before the race!

This morning I hopped on the hotel treadmill in Kearney, Nebraska at about 5:30 a.m. to get my last run in before the 100 miler! Hotel treadmill kinda sucked, but it got the job done. Feeling ok, but my back is a little more sore than I would like.

Morning 4 miler with Jennifer

I'm intentionally taking this week easy. As much as I would have liked to get a little bit longer run in this morning (beautiful morning!), I resisted. I'm not good with tapering, but the last thing I really need is a 10-15 mile run two days before an ultra. Feeling pretty good, certainly nervous, but feeling like I can do it. Still not sure why I looked at the elevation chart!

Why do I do this to my self?

This morning I made the mistake of looking at the elevation chart for Lean Horse this weekend. I'd guess between 7,000 and 9,000 feet of climb and decent. I thought this was supposed to be flat! I really am not looking forward to the first and last 15 or so miles. It looks like those miles have the bulk of that climb and decent. The rest of the course (miles 15-85 or so) is run on an old railroad bed, which apparently doesn't climb or fall more than 3% at any time. But even 3% if it goes on for 5 miles can get pretty tiring.

Despite my now fear of the run, I made it out for an evening 4 miler. 39:50. Nice and easy.

Early run with Jennifer

Easy morning. 4 miles in about 45 minutes. Jenn needed the walk breaks with the high morning humidity. Such a trooper she is.

Slow and Steady

That is the game plan for Saturday. Slow and steady. Its how I've been training. Slow and steady. Most of my long runs have been slow and steady. My marathon or longer distance runs have been 10 minute miles or slower, often with several designed walk breaks. That is how I plan on getting through Saturda - run at around a 10:30 mile while I am running, and mix in some walk breaks every 10 minutes or so, or when the grade demands it.

Today I did what I have been training to do. Slow and Steady. 40:05 for 4 miles. Felt good.

Lazy 4 miler

I'm tapering. Trying not to push myself on the bike or the run this week. So I am applying that to all parts of my life. I've been really lazy today. Not done much but eat and watch TV. So about 4:30, I decided to just cruise around for 30 minutes or so on my bike, then go for a run. Took the dog, she loved it.

33 down, 19 to go!

I woke up very nervous. Not about my marathon planned for today, but for my 100 mile run next Saturday (www.leanhorse.com). I'll post more about this in the days to come, but I just didn't feel ready. I know I had some great training in the last month, but with the extreme bout of dehydration that I went through two weeks ago (See August 2nd), I'm just nervous about having my body ready for race day. And I will be the first to admit that my marathon streak is not the best idea when (a) training for (b) tapering for and (c) recovering from, a 100 mile run. So I was nervous.

But today really helped. My running partner Laura began last night about 11:00 for a 45 mile run. Her and Dave, Dawne and Pam (TNT coaches/friends) started running from my house at 11:00. I saw them off, got a couple hours of sleep and was ready to meet them at 2:30 for my marathon, and the last 28 or so for Laura. I started slow, and finished slow, but never once felt fatigued. The pace (around 11 min/miles) was perfect preparation for Lean Horse. The temperature was great, my hydration was great, and my food/energy was great. Huge confidence builder.

I want to make a quick mention that I was able to try out my new headlamp today. Its a Brunton L5 headlamp. It puts out 5 watts - huge compared to my .3 watt headlamp that I have been using. Its very cool. Almost like running with a huge floodlight out in front of you. This will be very nice to have with me as I attempt the 100 miles solo (no pacers).

Total time today was 5:48. There was a lot of stop time in there. Average heart rate was 116, and max was 144. I know that is way too slow. But the fact that I was able to keep everything under control gives me some confidence.

Back to the gym - and a baby photo!

I planned on running early tomorrow morning (2:30 a.m.), so I wanted to get a run in early this morning. But with Jennifer's doctor's appointment, I needed to run later. So I ran at noon. This gave me a chance for a short bike ride in the evening, and time to mow the yard. Both of which were very necessary.

But on to more important things. Today we had Jennifer's first sonogram. For the first time, we got to see our little baby. Very, very, . . . very exciting! Still very nervous about this whole baby thing, but I couldn't be more excited.

4 gym miles

I had a meeting this evening. Had to run at the gym. Wasn't a bad run. Actually kinda enjoyable as I got to watch some Olympics while I ran. I'm a little sore. Need to spend some time stretching.

An easy 4 mile run

I'm tired. Tired of traveling. Not much energy tonight. Managed a 4 mile run with the dog. She enjoyed it. I did not.

Finally Home!

I mentioned yesterday that I was supposed to be home on Sunday. Well, I didn't get home yesterday either. After sitting on the run way for 4 hours, we finally made it to Washington D.C. (we were supposed to fly through Atlanta, but were redirected to D.C.). The airline (Delta) made us fly in to Washington Reagan and out of Dulles (a $100 ride away by private car - 40 miles!). We of course missed the Dulles fight. So we were then rebooked on United.

As I didn't make it home until noonish, and had to work all afternoon, and had to go to my work softball game, and had to go to a bar and have a beer and burger (I had to do the first few, but the later I admit was optional), I didn't get a run in until late.

Very slow with a beer and burger in my belly.

Not what I had planned.

Jennifer and I were supposed to fly home last night. But after arriving at the airport and waiting in line for 2 hours, we learned that our flight was canceled due to weather. We found one of the only remaining hotel rooms (not cheap) and rested. Woke up early and got on the hotel gym's treadmill.

I wanted to losen up a little, so I started at about 8 min/miles and picked it up gradually to around 6 min/mile for the last mile or so. But I broke the treadmill. Blew a fuse or something. I hopped on a neighboring treadmill and finished up slowly.

Another journey around New York

I'll have to admit my wife is pretty brave. I had this brill ant idea to take the subway down to Battery Park on the south tip of Manhattan, and then run back to our hotel in Times Square. I guessed somewhere between 4 and 6 miles, depending on how much winding we would do. So that is what we did. We headed to Battery Park about 8 a.m., arriving at around 8:30. We took a map, with a few general sights in mind to see, but no real planned route.

We began running along the water line. We stopped and took a few pictures of the Statue of Liberty (see background above).

We then headed to Ground Zero. I hadn't realized they had really started back with construction. It was a little odd. Not quite what I expected. Very large.

We headed north a while longer. Unfortunately, I hadn't realized how close to Wall Street and the Stock Exchange we were. So we missed that. We kept going, heading towards City Hall.

We headed towards China Town and Canal Street. We didn't buy any purses.

Next toward Little Italy. I wished I had time to have a meal there.

Kept heading north towards the Flatiron building and Madison Square Park.

From this point, we simply pick out the Empire State building and run towards it. Probably still a mile or so off. Probably the shadiest neighborhoods during this mile.

Another Mile or so and we are back to the hotel. About 6 miles. Very slow, but we were sight seeing. Very proud of Jennifer.

4 miler

Back to the hotel gym for a 4 mile run. Would have rather been outside.

32 Down, 20 to go!

A while back I made it my goal to run a marathon when I travel - and especially if and when I made it to New York. Having missed my planned marathon last weekend, running a marathon today was the only option. While I had conferences all afternoon, the morning was wide open. Why not hit the New York sidewalks for a marathon?

I woke about 4:45, ready to hit the treadmill by 5:15. The plan was to run somewhere between 10-13 miles on the treadmill before it was safely light. At about mile 12, and 7 a.m., that time arrived.

I headed out without a plan. I set out of the hotel and around Times Square. Oddly, even at 7:00 a.m., there are hundreds of people already out and about.

I then headed to Rockefeller Center and around 5th avenue. I don't know really what I had pictured, but it was certainly smaller than I expected. The Rockefeller building was big and magnificent, but the surrounding area was smaller than I thought. But beautiful.

Then I headed towards Central Park. On the way I ran past the Ed Sullivan Theater where the Tonight Show with David Letterman is filmed. Of course, I also ran by the Hello Deli.

Soon I was at Central Park. This place is amazing. I would say that it is worth the trip to New York just to see central park. On this morning, there were thousands of people running, walking and cycling. Truly an amazing sight.

But what makes it truly amazing was that a place like this exists. Green grass, treas and ponds surrounded by skyscrapers. Beautiful.

I headed all the way north towards the Harlem end of the park. I had to stop often to figure out where I was, but it was worth it. I really just took my time and took in all the sights. The ponds and lakes were beautiful.

Soon I was back out of the park, with about 6 miles or so to go. I again was without a plan. So I picked out a landmark - the Empire State Building. I headed that way.

After taking a few pictures, I headed back out. From there, my story gets boring, because I have no idea where I was! So I just ran. Very enjoyable. Slow, but enjoyable.

All in all, a great day. Saw some beautiful areas of Manhattan.

32 marathons down, 20 to go!

A very odd feeling.

We made it to New York today. While I had intentions of running this morning before we left, having to be at the airport by 4:45 put a stop to that. So Jennifer and I arrived in New York City for our legal conference and got all checked in. Grabed a late lunch and then I hit the treadmill before heading out for the evening.

Normally I would not describe a treadmill as an odd feeling. But this was very different. At our hotel in Times Square, the gym was on the 23rd floor, and it overlooked Times Square and all its billboards and people. The treadmills were facing the floor-to-ceiling windows, as if you could just run out to mid air above the street. Very weird. It took a long time to get used to it.

Afternoon 4 miler with the dog

Warm afternoon, but not hot. Temperatures today were easily 15 degrees cooler than yesterday. So while it was warm, I couldn't deny the dog the opportunity to run. A 34 minute 4 mile run.

Hot afternoon

Rough day at work. I had to be in early, and had a work softball game late. So the only opportunity for a run was at 4:30 - when it was 100 degrees. I headed to the softball fields. Instead of the usual "road run," I put on the old cross-country shoes and headed around the field for a 4 mile run. The course wasn't marked for distance, but based on pace I knew I hit my distance in about 30 minutes. I'd guess the fields are around 1.5 miles around, as each loop took me around 12 minutes. Nice to get off the road, but a tough run with the heat and high grass.

Morning 4 miler

Jennifer and I made it up early to avoid the heat. Having run the last week or so in 85+ degree temps, the mid 70's felt great. My legs still aren't quite right, but a 11 min/mile pace felt pretty nice.

I hurt.

I haven't felt this bad in a long, long time. Severe Dehydration. I know I was down about 10 lbs yesterday, because I am close to 10 lbs up today. But nothing feels right. I have water back in, but I am clearly low on everything else. And I hurt.

Today's 4 mile run late in the evening was a struggle. Around 40 minutes, but very rough.

Dehydration sucks!

Forecast: 102. High humidity. Plan: 12 mile run and 30 mile bike. Success? No.

I thought I felt ok when I began the 12 mile TNT run. But as I would find out, I never really felt right. And it would go downhill.

Normally, I don't struggle much with our TNT participants. I usually find myself with a slower group, usually run-walking, usually at a nice, easy 10:00-11:00 min/mile pace. But today, I got the opportunity to run with the runners. This year we have a couple of women who are training at the 8:00 - 9:00 min/mile pace, which normally isn't a problem for me. But today it was. I didn't know quite what my problem was when I started, but something wasn't right.

From the outset my legs felt tight, almost cramping. I was too hot. And my heart rate was way too high. I pushed on, but really struggled to finish. It had to be some mild dehydration.

I had plans on a 30 mile bike ride when I finished, but with a marathon scheduled tomorrow and not feeling well, I called it a day. Really not feeling well by this point. I decided to go home and rest.

By the time I got home, I was still feeling pretty rough. I knew it was dehydration, but I didn't know quite how bad. I just didn't feel right, and I couldn't get cool. Despite that I probably drank 24 ounces of water on the way home, I was down over 8 lbs on the day! Without that water, that is near 10 lbs, or 6% of my body weight! Not a good thing.

I think I will reconsider my arrogance and the heat. I don't know if I can make it the marathon tomorrow.

A cycling course record!

So my excitement is likely not shared by many. But tonight I again set a course record on my 21 mile cycling course. Out in the 98 degree temperatures at 6:00 pm, I hit the heat with everything I had. Not exactly sure why, but I really was feeling good. Little wind, just a nice day to really sale on my tribike. 1:01:21 for 21 miles. With the time at stops, I think I easily hit a 22 mph average.

Headed home for a tough 4 mile run. Feeling a little dehydrated... But only a 12 miler tomorrow, followed by an easy 30 mile ride.