Watch out

I guess this is now my "running watch." No GPS, no mileage, no pace, no app... just the time (and the date, which I now see is not set correctly). I've had it since 2021, and before that had one just like it from 2009. It has lasted longer than 2 1/2 years.

The Garmin Forerunner 45 that I bought in October 2023... not so much. It died a rather untimely death this past Tuesday. Actually, just the band. However, as it would happen, with this model of Garmin, if the band breaks, the whole watch becomes useless. Nice design flaw.

Immediately I got online to see if there was some way to fix it. Nope. Several sites pointed me to the Garmin Support site where some people said it may be possible to get a replacement for free. Unfortunately, what they meant was, you can supposedly get a replacement for $99. I went ahead and paid it, sent the broken watch via UPS so they will hopefully send me the replacement ASAP... yet, when I go on the Garmin website... I see that the Forerunner 45 is DISCONTINUED. 

Well, isn't that just swell...

I was hoping to have a new actual GPS watch for my 20-mile run this Friday. Now I just hope to have ...something... by the marathon at the end of April.

Fortunately, I have run all my training miles for this marathon on the same stretch of roughly 6 miles of trail, so I have a fair degree of confidence knowing exactly where I'm at mileage-wise and how far I've run. Still, it's not ideal.

I probably should have just gotten a different model of watch (if not a different brand). I liked the Forerunner 45, though, for it's simplicity. I don't want anything fancier than time, distance, pace and such. Although, I had started using it to keep track of my heart rate, stress level, body battery, and sleep. I'd still like those things too, I guess. But that's it. Plus, I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for something to wear on my wrist. But... I would like it to last a bit longer than 2 1/2 years...

So, all that said, and I'm still just sitting here with nothing but my old Timex watch. I'd say this is a "first-world problem"... but I'm not entirely sure we live in a "first-world" country anymore...

The fall festival half marathon

There’s one Saturday every fall when Fort Wayne feels a little closer to heaven: the annual Fort4Fitness Fall Festival 4-mile, 10k, and half marathon! This was our 14th consecutive year participating. Jane did the 4-mile, and I ran the half marathon. 

This event is special to us for a variety of reasons. This is where I ran my first-ever half marathon, in 2012, and that's what got me hooked on running!! That year I believe there were around 10,000 total participants, and it really did create quite the community-wide buzz. The field has shrunk over the years—just over 3,000 runners this time—but it still feels huge, and it’s ours! This is where we live, and this is the vibe we love!!

Personally, I felt like this year was a little funner than some recent years had been. I mean, I think ALL running events have been down since 2020 (covid). For me, though, this is also the first year in awhile I wasn't merely using this as part of a training run for a marathon. The past several I've either run some before, after, or both while also doing the half marathon. It seemed to coincide with my 18-20 mile run, which would be done at a much slower pace. So it simply lacked some of the usual excitement. This year I only ran the spring marathon, so I could enjoy this half for what it was! It made it much more enjoyable.

Statistically, I ran it in 2:09:35, for a 9:54/mile pace, and finished 470th out of 940 (exactly in the middle of the pack - I should get a prize for that!). I was 8th out of 22 in the 60-64 age group, and the 326th male. My watch said I ran 13.17 miles in 2:09:36 for a 9:51 pace (pretty darn close). Some other random stats from Garmin:

• Ave. heart rate was 152/ max of 175
• Ave. cadence - 166
• Ave. speed 6.1 mph, with max of 6.8
• Slowest mile - 10:18 (I walked for a bit, and there's a story, haha)
• Fastest mile - 9:30 (last one)
• 3 miles were over 10 min./ 10 were under 10 min.

I do have to say... Even though I'd already run a number of half marathons this year, this one kinda took a lot out of me! Earlier this summer I was thinking I'd like to do another one in under 2 hours. After the last half I did (September?) I developed a bit of plantar fasciitis in my right foot... but I was still hoping for something less than my normal 10-min./mile pace. So I went just a tad faster than usual, it was also hotter than I expected, and even though I didn't kill myself... I had to work for it a little bit. In the end, I was happy with a 2:09. I know I can go faster, but this way I could enjoy the traditional post-race beer with my love, and the next day I was no worse for wear!

An added bonus this year was Pinhouse Social at The Fairfield of Fort Wayne hosted an after-party, and they allowed us to park there for the entire event! It made for convenient parking before and after, and a nice place to eat lunch and celebrate with other runners (plus get a free drink)! 

The only real complaint I heard this year was - just like every year - the number of walkers in the shorter races who made it difficult for runners to get through. This was the first year they had the half start at 8am and the 4-mile and 10k both started at 8:30. With everyone finishing on the same route at the stadium it did create a bit of a bottleneck at times. I'm sure there is a way to alleviate that. Although, us half marathoners do need to remember it's not all about us. The walkers are making strides of their own - literally! The point is that we all encourage one another to be active, and I think we can (right??). :) 

All in all, this is kind of a pinnacle point for me every year. Sure, I plan to do one or two more half marathons this year, but this is the BIG EVENT. The post-race letdown will fade soon enough. For now, I will enjoy the fact that the tradition continues... and wait for next year!!!

Trying to run again (and the run/walk method)

Boy, take six weeks off from running and it's almost like you've never done it before! 

At the end of May I took a break from running. I was having some ankle soreness and swelling, we were going to be doing some traveling, and it just seemed like a good time to give my legs and feet a rest. I was maybe logging around 30 miles per week at the time, and actually rode my bicycle to try to maintain some semblance of fitness.

Geezaroo... Starting back left my legs a little more sore than I anticipated!

The last thing I wanted to do was start back by trying to do too much too soon (that's nothing but a recipe for injury and disappointment), so...

I'd recently read a bit about the Run/Walk method in Jeff Galloway's book 'Running Until You're 100' and decided to give it a try. It really is as easy as it sounds. You simply run/jog for a set time or distance, and then walk for a set time or distance. That's it! Apparently there is an app you can download, or, if you have a watch like mine (a simple Garmin Forerunner 45) you can program it in on there.

My first few run/walk workouts consisted of: 

• Warmup walk for 10 minutes
• Run for 1 minute
• Walk for 1 minute
• repeat the 1/1 for as many times as I wanted (I think it's currently at 19 times)
• Cool down walk for 10 minutes (or sometimes 1 mile)

Today I was supposed to run 3 miles, so I did a 1/10th mile warmup walk, ran for 1 mile, walked for 1/10, ran another mile, walk another 1/10, ran the 3rd mile and walked a little over a mile to cool down.

One thing I noticed about the first workout in 1-minute intervals is that I was running much faster than I normally go, and wasn't really even getting tired.

My watch can be set up to either distance, time, or with timed intervals (it will notify you if you're going too fast or too slow). I opted to shut off the timed intervals because it was a bit too distracting, but there are all sorts of options.

So, I don't know how long I will tinker with this, but for someone just getting back into it, or someone who would like to start exercising or running... this is a fantastic way to do it!

Marathon #9

It was the worst of times; it was the best of times...

Yes, I have that backwards (sorry Dickens), but juxtaposing was on fire around here last week!

So, this story is going to take a minute before we even get to the running part. A long story leading up to a long run, so to speak. I'll try to mark the route so you don't get lost...

>>NON-RUNNING PART OF THE STORY>>

It all started one week ago today. We took a quick trip to see the Minnesota kids - arriving there Saturday morning and flying back home Monday evening. Before returning, and while the daughter-in-law was at work, the two of us and our boy and his boy decided to visit the Como Conservatory. I didn't think much of it at first, and even when the smells started overwhelming me, it still didn't register...

Whew, baby. We made it home fine, slept good, but when I woke up Tuesday morning I was sicker than a dog! It was then I remembered the last time I felt like this: our trip to Jamaica two years ago. Apparently my olfactories cannot tolerate tropical foliage and such. I was coughing, sneezing, dripping and draining, and my body felt like I'd been run over by a truck and left to die! I was miserable beyond mere pollen season plug-up. Ugh. It was not good.

Wednesday I settled on the fact I was not going to be running any marathon anytime soon and felt miserable both physically and mentally. Thursday I didn't even care about missing the marathon - as long as God would somehow help me feel better!!! Friday there was a little clearing, and I thought, "I wonder if there's anything the doctor could give me?" (sort of on par with 'praying as a last resort'). Well, lo and behold, it worked! And by "it" I mean the prayer, the doctor... and I am now a believer in PEDS (performance enhancing drugs)!

The doctor agreed my symptoms appeared related to seasonal allergies exacerbated by visiting the floral conservatory. He suggested going back on the nasal spray and zyrtec I had taken for years... and he actually gave me a steroid pack too ("maybe you'll at least feel better IF you can run"). I had to assure him I would stop running and call it quits at the first sign of any breathing issues or chest discomfort. Yeah, yeah... sure. ;)

Let me tell you, my friend, I now know why steroids are banned in sports! I mean, Wed/Thurs I was SURE there was no way I'd be able to run Sunday. I tried jogging Thursday afternoon and within a half mile I could hardly breathe and my chest burned like those first few track practices back in high school. Friday I allowed the slightest glimmer of maybe being able to at least start the race. Saturday I was like a new person... but as the day wore on, I wore down. Even Sunday morning... I felt SO GOOD when I woke up at 4:50am, but by the time we left for the start of the marathon at 7:20 I had begun to temper expectations a little. I think in the back of my mind I was planning to slog through the first half and at least make it back to the car. I figured I would know if I could run at all before I made it out of the parking lot, but I was bracing myself for the fact that these last 18 months of training were not going to be enough to get me the full 26.2 miles. We were playing it by ear, and I was trying to be realistic.

>>>MARATHON STARTING POINT>>>

Well, I suppose you already know I ran the marathon. I believe it was the slowest one I've done (of 9). However, it was also one of my best! 

First, though, remember when I did this marathon last year and said I'd never do it again? I'd had an ablation to fix my afib/flutter seven weeks prior and was running this to prove I wasn't dead yet, and it was such a miserably humid day, with rain at the start, the course was poorly marked, I got lost temporarily, which was the only way I was able to cover the whole 26 miles because it was marked short, and there were only like 30 people doing the full marathon, and I barely saw any other runners after the half, and I was miserable by the end. Maybe it's starting to come back to you... Well.. you know how people will say things... Right? :)

This year was different. It was a beautiful blue-sky sunshine day, about 44°F at the start, apparently the Carmel Marathon had been cancelled last week so there was an influx of extra runners (107 just for the marathon!), and while the course was still a tad short, it was altered slightly and is actually a pretty route, partly on city streets but mostly some of the best greenway trail in these parts. Someone even put the medal around my neck at the finish line (instead of me having to find the table where they'd all been left in a pile like last year). An added bonus this year was that Jane wasn't running the half, and since it's still a small race, she was able to ride her bike along with me the last 8 miles or so!

>>>>OK, LET'S START THIS RACE>>>>

We lined up to start thE third annual Fort Wayne Marathon & Half Marathon (Rubletiming.com) at 8AM. The first .7 miles or so are around the parking lot of the Coliseum before spilling us onto the greenway at Johhny Appleseed Park. From there we took Parnell Ave south to Main Street and headed west. I was excited to see Drew Carrie standing along Main, and they offered to take my jacket (around the 3-mile mark). At first I hoped I wouldn't regret it, but I felt so good running, and my breathing/chest was fine, so I was at least gaining confidence I could keep jogging and wouldn't need to walk back to the car with my tail between my legs.

Anyway, I can't remember all the course, but we went West to Sweeney Park, then wound around on greenway most of the rest of the way back to the Coliseum. The half and full start together and follow the same route, then the full heads North up past The Plex, Concordia Seminary, through Shoaff Park, and back to the Coliseum again.

The first half went great. I wanted to stay at or just above a 10-min/mile pace because I didn't want to push it at all. I met Jane in the Johhny Appleseed parking lot (half way) about the 2:16 point and changed my hat and shirt and swapped out water bottles. The first half I used my 12oz bottle (filling it twice) and took 3 GU gels, and the second half I used my 21oz bottle (filling 1 1/2 times) and 4 gels. I was still feeling pretty good, but I wasn't sure how much longer I could keep up that pace, or if I even wanted to. At this point I was happy that it looked like a finish was possible, and I didn't care how long it took.

There were a lot of younger runners in this race (or, not a lot of older ones like me). So even though there were more people, the second half still gets pretty lonely. There were maybe a dozen people behind me at this point. It was around mile 17 3/4 I first noticed myself spacing out (which is pretty good). I was jogging through a marshy area and all of a sudden was like, "Wait, where am I? Oh yeah, I'm running a marathon." Not long after, as I was leaving the seminary area and planning to use the portapotty there, Jane showed up on her bike. I had to wait on some random guy who took forever in the jon, finally went myself, and then she rode with me through Shoaff and back.

For the first half I took a drink every 2 miles and gel every 4. I walked 1/10th mile or less while doing the gel. The second half I took a gel every 3 miles and mostly just drank with that. Once Jane joined me she was able to take my water bottle and that helped immensely. However I also walked a little more and had slowed down some. I was probably talking more than I should have, but it was nice to have her along, plus I was just really, really happy (I was SO happy) that I knew now I was going to be able to finish. So I didn't care how long it took. This section also had several turn-arounds, so you could see the people ahead of and behind you, and everyone was being pretty friendly and offering encouragement to one another. Pretty soon, though, I realized I had maybe lollygagged a little too much and was nearing a 5-hour finish, so I focused on coming in before that.

Some random stats:

• I got 92nd out of 107 total marathon runners (2nd in my age group - out of 2); btw, there were 102 half marathoners (results page)
  
• 4 hours 57 minutes finish time - though I swear 5 minutes was waiting on that guy in the portapotty!
• 11:19/mi total pace... 11:03/mi moving pace... 8:03/mi best pace
• My fastest mile was 9:21; slowest 16:42 (portapotty). 13 miles were 10-something pace, 7 were 11-something, 4 at 12-something.
  
• My Garmin watch distance measured 26.24 miles, so I just made it over the 26.22, and only because I knew the course was short from the start (.05 short on the very first mile) so I was taking curves as wide as I could and running a little past each turnaround point to make up some miles.
• Oddly enough my watch said my max heart rate was 148 bpm, and average was 129. Afterward it went right back to normal at home too. Normally it may take a day or two to do that. Must be another Prednisone miracle! 

So I guess if I had to sum up with a TL;DR it would go something like:

The worst:

• Being sick almost the entire week before the marathon, and not really running for 8 days prior
• My slowest time
• The uncertainty of whether I could even start, let alone finish

 The best:

• Running a marathon at home (I really, really want Fort Wayne to have a marathon!)
• Jane being there for support, encouragement, and riding along the last few miles
• Finding a doctor who listens to me, and who offered the Prednisone (I felt great not only for the race, but recovery has been so sweet too! This was the best I've ever felt post-race.
  
• Finishing another marathon and living to tell about it!

 

I do apologize for this being so long. It's been an emotional week. I was prepared to not run, and it would have been fine. I was just so looking forward to having this out of the way so I didn't have to worry about a fall marathon, or even trying to find another one in a couple weeks. Now it's done and I don't have to think about another one until next year!! :)

Thanks for sticking around, and have a nice day!

Weekly workout plan(?)

Here I am on a random Tuesday... trying to figure out a weekly workout schedule...

Far be it from me to know what is best, most healthy, or otherwise make a recommendation for anyone else, but I need something for myself. I have no interest in being a top-level athlete, but I'd like to stay as healthy as I can without making myself crazy. Last night we were leaving the grandkids' school and followed some folks our age down a flight of stairs. It took them f o r e v e r! I/we don't want to be like that. At least not yet. We have a new grandbaby, and I still want to be able to get down on the floor and play with him when he's able!

Fortunately I have also finally matured to the point where I don't HAVE TO adhere to a strict regimen or all is lost. Missing a day here and there, or not doing things exactly as they're written is okay (whew, it's taken me awhile to get here). And, the fact is, running is my habit of choice for cardio. There are other just as legitimate options, but running is mine. So I'm basically always at some point in training for something (which includes periods of rest and recovery). For instance, I just took a couple weeks off from any kind of running or exercise during the holidays. But I am now back into an 18-week marathon training plan gearing up for the end of April.

And, as an older adult, I am aware of the necessity of weight work to combat the deterioration of muscle and in limiting fat development. It's a thing, and it has nothing to do with being "muscular." It's all about quality of life. As long as I'm living... why not?

So, here is the current plan I am working my way into (which will likely change from time to time, but, dangit, it's time I put something down in black and white!):

• Monday: Egym with Jane early morning; first run of the week (using 4-day running schedule) - right now it's 3 miles, either slow or make this the one day of speed work.
• Tuesday: The longer "midweek" tempo run (currently 5 miles, going up to 9 or 10 later on); 75 kettlebell swings.
• Wednesday: short run (right now it's 3 miles, either slow or speed work depending on what I did Monday).
• Thursday: Egym with Jane early morning, then rest the remainder of the day.
• Friday: Long run (this week will be 9 miles, then I'll mostly be doing double digits up to 20 miles until the end of April).
• Saturday: Run with Jane however far she wants to go; 75 kettlebell swings.
• Sunday: Rest (big time)

* For marathon training I have always used Hal Higdon's plans. Usually some variation of either the Novice 1 or Novice 2 format. They're free, time-tested, and haven't let me down yet.

* Egym is unique to the gym I used to work at (and a handful of others around the country). It's not a great weight workout for "weight lifter" types, but is a pretty solid generalized workout that covers arms, legs, shoulders/lats, and core. It is a great system for older adults who wouldn't otherwise be doing any weight work.

* The kettlebell swings are something I've just started. I got the idea/motivation from Tim Ferris and this letter he wrote to a friend who "wanted to get in shape." I've yet to use a 50 pound kettlebell (or even 35 pounds), but it kicked my butt nonetheless! In the above link he has a video for the correct way to do swings, as well as a cheap way to make a kettlebell alternative (which I have done because no way am I spending that kind of money and the alt works just fine).

And there ya have it. Speaking of which, it's time for my 5-mile run.

**Btw, I intend to do all my running outdoors. The past few have been in my trail shoes because of snow/ice on the ground. I think today I will put screws in my Brooks Glycerin 20s so I can wear some actual running shoes. 

Here we go!

Trail half marathon

Who wouldn't want to get up early Saturday morning, drive an hour from home in the pitch dark, and run around in the woods just as the sun is coming up? Oh, and it's 20°F!

Well, I realize not everyone. And probably not everyone should. But there were plenty of us who did, and lived to tell about it!

I ran the Ignite Trail Series Marathon/Half Marathon Saturday at Chain O' Lakes State Park in Northern Indiana. It was damp and frigid, dark until 10 minutes before the start, and I still had no idea what conditions I would be running in or where I really even was.

But it was a blast!

I finally received the Athlete's Guide the day before the race, and there were a few people I knew who were also running the half (including our pastor, and Jane's boss). It ended up being a well-marked beautiful course through hills and trees along lakes and wildlife, and I had no trouble reminding myself to smile and take it in throughout.

 

We left home just after 6:30am and headed north. I always forget how dark it gets in the country, especially on unfamiliar roads. There were more trump signs than stop signs on the hour trip, and finally we entered the park grounds and followed neon markings until we came to a parking lot beside a big white tent. There was the familiar sight of porta-potties lined up. The race place.

I got registered, pinned on my bib, and we sat in the car and tried to keep warm until it was time to go. Finally 8 o'clock arrived!

Perhaps the biggest hill is right at the start. I'd been told to walk up the hills and run down them. At first I was like, "Yeah, whatever." Before I was halfway up this first one I discovered the soundness of the advice. Woof!

After that, though, I was soon rolling along and through some of the most breathtaking scenery this state has to offer. These were some late night thoughts I posted (and then removed) from Facebook:

Man, I loved that half marathon trail run today. Temperature is just a matter of clothes. I loved running downhills like a child, and walking up hills full of wonder and awe at the beauty of our surroundings. At my age I care way less about my time than enjoying the surroundings. And it was grand. Slower seems to always be better. Remembering to smile…. I can’t remind myself of that enough.

Anyway, I finished in like 2 hours 25 minutes. Apparently I got third in my age group (who knew?!?). I know I did a couple miles at an over 12-minute pace, but I also got moving at a pretty good clip coming down hills under an 8-minute pace a few times. I also think the results page showed there were 80-some half marathoners and 60-some marathoners (who did two loops of the same course). And... while there were only two aid stations along the route (plus the start/finish line), wow did they have some nice food! Cheeseburgers, pulled pork, toasted cheese and peanut butter with bacon sandwiches, cheese cake, chips, soup, and who knows what all else! This Ignite Trail Series group seems to have quite the dedicated volunteers.

So, after all the anxiety beforehand, it was a pretty fun time and I hope to do this race again. I was -as always- glad to have the lovely Lady Jane waiting for me at the finish line to snap this pic. Once I found the guy who had the medals and downed a pulled pork sandwich, we headed back home where I showered, napped, and then we worked a concert that night. A good day!

Marathon #8 and a birthday

Well, that's done. I am now 62 years old, and I covered 26.2 miles on said birthday. Oof. Who thought that might be a good idea?!?

Actually, it was a beautiful day to run. Maybe the best weather I've had for any of my 8 marathons. It was a crisp 35F at the start, and maybe got up to 50 by the time I was done. Not a cloud in the sky and only a few moments of slight breeze here and there. 

That was the good part.

I've had this Columbia City, Indiana marathon on my radar for years. It's only 30 minutes from our house, and I don't mind a 2-loop course. I do, however, mind running on an "open" course of almost entirely country roads where you're either going up or down the entire way! Ugh. It was a bit brutal. The blacktop roads are so steeply crowned, and it seemed there was soooo much traffic. I think some of it (maybe most of it) was spectators driving around. And while none of the hills were huge, they just wore on me. Of course the worst one is about mile 25 1/2 as you come back into town.

Anyway, I survived. The first look wasn't even too back. The marathoners and half marathoners started together, so there were more people. I averaged a 9:30 pace and didn't feel bad at all. However, I could tell the second time around would not be the same...

I think mile 15 was my first 10-minute mile, and somewhere around 16 or 18 or something I started walking a tenth of every mile. At 20 or 21 I started to consider having to walk in the rest of the way. I also started feeling really alone. It seemed like miles where I couldn't see anyone else, and I started to wonder if I'd missed a turn and was going to be lost on the back roads of redneck haven. I also had trouble judging whether I was going uphill or down.

I was still on track to break Oprah's 4:29 when I finally made it to mile 25, walked my tenth of a mile, but when I tried to start into a jog... it wouldn't happen. I was toast. I'm not sure how much longer I walked, but I was finally able to muster a trot when I came into town and made it across the finish line. It was right around 4 hours 33 minutes, and my watch said 25.35 miles.

My cheering section (Jane, Carrie & Anna) was relieved to see me, and I was happy to see them. There was actually a nice little crowd cheering people in at the finish. They also had water and soup, which I didn't think I would be interested in, but it tasted pretty darn good!

As far as overall health: I was fairly calm the night before and even the morning of. During the race I developed some tightness in my left calf, but never felt any knee pain, had no chafing or blisters, and really didn't feel bad at all other than just tired legs. However, as the day(s) went on, I think this is probably the sorest my legs have been after any marathon. I'm still having trouble getting up and down stairs today, and my left calf is more sore now than it was while running. I'm sure everything will be fine, and it's probably forced me to take some time off from running - which maybe isn't a bad idea. I didn't take any time off after the marathon this Spring.

As for the practical stuff: I went to bed maybe around 8:30 the night before and got up around 4:30am. Had a couple cups of coffee, and my usual pre-run breakfast of peanut butter and jelly on toast, and otherwise dinked around until we pulled out about 7am. We arrived in CC in the dark right about 7:30-ish, parked, found the porta-potties, and pretty soon Carrie & Anna joined us.

I started out wearing my gray cap, light blue T, blue Brooks jacket, gray shorts, Creeper toe socks, gloves, and the new Brooks Glycerin 20 (8 1/2) shoes. I was plenty warm with the hood up, and never really sweat too much. When I came around toward the start after the first loop I took off my jacket and gloves though, and changed into a dry long sleeve dark blue shirt. I probably could have went with a short sleeve T, but depending on the breeze and the sun I wasn't too bad either way.

I carried my 12oz water bottle and stored 3 gels for each lap. I debated whether to carry the water bottle, but am glad I did. Not only to keep the gels in, but as I feared, the water station that was 2 miles from the finish - which was there for the half - was all packed up and gone when I came around for mile 24. WHY DO PEOPLE SHUT DOWN WATER STATIONS BEFORE THE MARATHON IS DONE!!!! I don't know what in the world these people were thinking. Fortunately I'd refilled my water bottle, so I was okay, but I bet there were a few runners that really needed it. 

Anyway, I'm glad I did it. Yes, it was a challenge, but, then, I guess that's kind of the point. 

I think there were 88 marathoners, of which I came in 53rd(?). I was surprised to find out the next day that I got 2nd in my age group actually! I think there were maybe right around 100 half marathoners, and I'm not sure how many did the 5k.

One thing that I did notice was the number of women running the marathon seemed to far outnumber the men. I'm not sure if that's normal or not, but it's the first time it's stood out to me.

So, it was a nice day for a run in the country. As for the rest of my birthday, we came home, I looked at my phone for a bit, soaked in the tub for awhile, took a shower, and we went to Cork'n'Cleaver for supper and had filets, baked potato, and salad bar, with a bottle of wine. Not a bad day.

At the finish line

I got a rock

The last run (before the marathon)

Am I ready to run a marathon this Saturday? Well, um, I don't think anyone is ever really 'ready' to run 26.2 miles (at least not at my pace). However, I have done all the necessary training... So, let's say I'm "prepared." Mostly.

This week was easy-breezy. I did a 3-mile run Tuesday and 2-mile run yesterday (both followed by the customary 1+mile walk). Now it's two days of rest and then... The marathon.

I don't recall if I've mentioned that I drove the course last week. Ugh. That was maybe a mistake. I had no idea it was so hilly. Undoubtedly the hilliest course I've run - marathon or otherwise. But still...

I feel pretty good. I have no aches or pains other than an occasional ache in my left knee, which is probably more from how I sit on the couch than running-related. I've taken better care of my feet this year by soaking in a mixture of Epsom Salts and Baking Soda, and the use of a pumice stone; plus the size 8.5 Brooks Glycerin 20s fit me like Cinderella's slipper. Also, the upper respiratory "thing" I've been dealing with the past couple weeks seems to have finally cleared up. 

Mentally I feel pretty good too. The first year (2018) was good because I was excited and was around a lot of other people who were either running it too or were simply just excited for me. That's really the only thing I miss about not working: I don't really have anyone to talk about training and running in general with. But the nice thing about not working is I don't have the stress to deal with. In fact, I'd say that I am a much calmer person overall. Hopefully I'm not as difficult and don't make as many bad decisions as I used to.

So, the only thing left to do is try to get plenty of sleep, rest, and at some point I need to get everything ready for the morning of the marathon. It looks like the rain may hold off (at least as of right now) but the temps are still a little iffy. It should be somewhere between 35-40F at the start, and maybe just up to 60 by the end. I haven't yet decided on shorts, long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves; whether to carry my water bottle or not; phone or not; how to carry gels, and what I might want to take to change out after the first loop (or not). I also want to have a cooler for post-race snacks/drinks, because I'm not sure what/if they will have there. So there are still a few variables up in the air that will likely be morning-of decisions. I'd at least like to have everything accessible, and may just pack it all in the car just in case. :)

Otherwise, yep, looks like I will likely make it to the starting line Saturday for marathon #8. The bigger question is if I can make it to the finish! You just never know. Four and a half hours is a lot of time for any number of things to happen.

And... have I mentioned that I will be running 26.2 miles on my 62nd birthday?!? Yeah, that was kind of why I ultimately chose this one. How often is that gonna happen? Plus, it's a "veterans" marathon, so I thought I'd do it in honor of my old man. God knows I never did anything for him while he was alive, and it's a bit overdue, but I did have a boatload of respect for him. I wish he hadn't been the high school principal, so I could have been proud of my dad like most people are. I guess I always felt like that wouldn't be "cool" since all my friends and basically everyone else in our small town in some way always thought of him as the "enemy" in some way or other. So, hopefully I can spend some soul-time reminiscing over the course of the day.

Now I'm going to go try to vote - if I can find a place that doesn't have a mile-long line!

2024 fort4fitness

Another Fort4Fitness Fall Festival has come and gone. It's one of our favorite days to be FortWayne-ites!

According to their website, this event started in 2008 as a way of "helping northeast Indiana residents improve their overall quality of life through fitness events." We joined the fun in 2012, which is when I ran my first ever half marathon (and thought I could do anything!). We have both ran either the 4-mile, 10k, half marathon, or full marathon every year since.

This year Jane did the 10k and I officially did the half marathon (I ran another 6 miles before the event because my marathon training called for 19 miles on this day). She got 4th in her age group and 256th overall (out of 821+) with a time of 1:04:31. I got 10th in my age group and 355th (out of 777 overall) with a time of 2:12:43. Although, I swear, when I looked at my results the other day I was 379th out of 800-some. Who knows, or cares, really.

Altogether, at least when I looked at the results page today, and if my math is correct, there were just under 1,500 total runners, broken down like this (which is a far cry from the almost 10,000 the first year we did it):

• 4-mile: 1270
• 10k: 821 finishers (plus a bundle who were disqualified for some reason)
• Half Marathon: 777 (interesting there were none who didn't finish??)
• Triple Crown (all 3 races): 48 finishers, plus 16 who didn't finish
• Virtual: apparently 3 overall
  

What makes this so much fun is not only the other runners, but all the volunteers and ALL THE SPECTATORS who show up to lend their support! So many people are doing something for the first time, or their best time, or the mere fun of it... and seeing so many people all along the course clapping, celebrating, and joining together in neighborhoods to encourage others... it's just the best feeling for me. I especially love the Oakdale neighborhood where the street is line with friends and neighbors partying and have it decorated in a Christmas theme every year (complete with beer shots).

My day actually started at 4:40am when I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and immediately went out and ran 2 miles. Then I took a shower, ate breakfast, and got dressed again. We left the house around 6:45am and headed downtown for the festivities. While waiting for Jane's 10k to start at 7:30am I ran another mile, then ran the first couple miles of Jane's race with her before turning around and heading back for my race start at 8:30 (so I got my extra six miles in spurts). I actually changed my shoes and clothes before the half because, while the temps were a near-perfect 60-ish, it was a bit humid and I was a sweaty mess. I was more than happy with my time of 2:12 in the half, because I wasn't intending to run even that fast. I followed the 2:15 page setters for much of the race and apparently they didn't understand that's the pace they were supposed to be keeping, because they were going way faster than that. Oh well.

I wore my Brooks Ghost 14 shoes (which I ran last fall's marathon in) for the initial 6 miles, and changed to my Brooks Glycerin 20s (which I ran this spring's marathon in) for the half. I wore toe socks for both, and ended up in my gray shorts, navy tank, and gray mission hat for the half. I also ended up carrying my 12oz water bottle. I wasn't going to carry water but it's become sort of a security blanket as I've carried it for so many races. It also held the 4 jells I ate over the 19 miles. I never did refill the water bottle, but emptied it and I think I stopped at every water station too.

It was a somewhat weird year in that Jane and I were both there to start her race. When she got done, though, she headed out to attend the granddaughter's last volleyball game of the year. When I got done I grabbed some water, chocolate milk, and food (banana, pretzels, cookie) and had my free beer. I chatted with so many people I knew, including the son-in-law who also ran the half. We hung around and had a couple more beers, then Jane returned from the volleyball game and soon after we all headed to a restaurant downtown where we met up with Carrie. My watch said I walked (or ran) over 41,000 steps for the day!

One thing I thought about while running this year is how I miss those almost "zen-like" moments at the start of races. I used to love that part so much. When you've put in all the training and finally get to the starting corral, and everyone is squashed in together and you're waiting for the cannon to go off.... I recall it being such a calm moment, just taking it all in. Somewhere along the way I've lost that. Either because there are so many other things going on, or maybe it's because I just take it for granted anymore. Like, even this, it wasn't just running a half marathon, and when I did do the half it was more just a training run rather than a "real" run (I was intentionally trying to go slow). I'd like to work at trying to get back to enjoying each race for what it is, and finding the joy and simply being able to do ... this. It's not something I should take for granted, and I don't want to be like that.

Anyway, I really do enjoy this event every year. Yes, I know, I have also complained so much about so many things... but I hope they never stop doing this. I also hope someday they can regain some of the numbers they've lost over the years. I don't know why so many local runners choose to not support local races and events. I guess there are reasons. For this year, at least, I was pretty happy with this day again. I'm glad.

Marathon #7 completed

Every marathon has been a challenge. It is not easy to cover 26.2 miles on nothing but your feet. I think this is the first time I've seriously thought "this may be the last one" though. 

Sunday I completed the Fort Wayne Marathon (Ruble Racing). I can't say it was "lucky number 7," but it was the 7th I've attempted and completed. While I doubt I ever really thought I wouldn't finish (because it was the only way back to my car), I wasn't sure I would make it in under the minimum 6 hour time limit. I did... but this was my slowest - at 4 hours 56 minutes (the official time was 4:59 but the race director admitted to some "technical issues" and said my 4:56 was likely more accurate). I'm not going to quibble, especially since I took a wrong turn during mile 14 and added a quarter mile. It is what it is and I was glad to survive. 

THE GOOD

Certainly there is much to celebrate (especially two days removed from the horror event). A few months shy of my 62nd birthday and I feel completely blessed with the privilege of time, energy, and good health to be able do put in the necessary training. This is not work. I try to remind myself and be grateful on every run I do. Many people can only dream of such luxury.

Jane did the half marathon, and not only did both events cover the same 13 miles, they also started at the same time (8am). That doesn't often happen, and I was glad we got to run together for a couple hours anyway. I believe it was somewhere around mile 11 when she finally told me to go on ahead. She ended up getting 2nd in her age group. 

Our daughter and her daughter volunteered at a water station somewhere around mile 9-10 or thereabouts. It was nice seeing some familiar faces. They also both joined Jane at the finish line to wait for me to come in almost 2 1/2 hours later. 

While I was plenty sore, I did not suffer any injuries, dehydration, heart/breathing issues, blisters, or chaffing of any kind. That is always a plus, especially on a day where it rained and was hot and humid. So, after stretching on the Monday after, I was able to walk down the basement steps carrying a laundry basket without needing to hug the railing! It's almost like it never even happened. Lol.

Even though this was in our hometown, it was an entirely new course for me. And I liked it! It started at the Coliseum and was on city streets for the first 4 miles or so to downtown, then we were able to utilize paved trails the rest of the way. I had never been on the trail system through Swinney Park, Shoaff Park, PFW, the Pufferbelly, and probably several others as we headed north by The Plex, Concordia Seminary, and up to almost where Clinton meets Dupont Road. There was some beautiful scenery and I discovered some cool new places. Plus none of these trails were flooded like the ones on our side of town are (south).

This was a really really small event. I think 65 did the half and maybe 33 did the full. Still, I probably talked to as many or more other runners along the way than I usually do. There seemed a fairly good vibe of camaraderie. 

It's been awhile since I've won my age group, but I managed to beat the only other person in the 60-69 year range. :)

THE BAD

It was brutal. In so many ways...

For starters, it just poured rain Saturday night into Sunday. And, while it wasn't raining when we arrived, it started just before the start of the race. At least it never rained hard, and only lasted maybe the first few miles, then let up, then sprinkled some more later on... but then it got HOT and HUMID. Considering most of my training was in 20-50F temps, a sticky near-80 degree day was a bit of a shock to the system. This was the hottest, muggiest day we've had all year, and it came on all of a sudden. Fortunately the sun didn't shine too much, and there was a fair supply of cold towels for the marathoners on the second half of the course (which I utilized several times). 

The signage was "okay," but apparently they had used a lot of tape to mark the path... and the rain washed most of it away the night before. I got confused at a turn right before crossing Coliseum Blvd and went south toward Concordia High School. Pretty soon I didn't seen any other runners or signs and I kind of just stopped for a bit hoping maybe someone would come up behind me. Finally I walked back to the last sign I remembered and discovered the correct route under the bridge. There was also a spot after crossing the PFW bridge where the sidewalk split 4 or 5 ways and none of them were marked. I finally saw some spectators I recognized from the start line and they pointed me in the right direction.  Then there were several spots where they had return signs but not forward signs, so with a somewhat fried out brain I had to try to make backward sense on the fly. Ugh.

As is the case it seems with every marathon I've run, the water stations were great through the first half of the course, but not so much on the second (you know, where you really need it!). It wasn't terrible, but the last one - at mile 25 - had been abandoned when I got there and there were just some glasses of water, gatorade and coke, and who knows how long they'd been sitting out in the sun. 

I'm not sure when I started walking a bit of each mile. It was somewhere between 16 and 20 (I think). At first I walked a tenth of each mile, then two tenths, and so on. When I got to the last water station I figured I had 14 minutes to cover the last 1.2 miles, so I jogged that in without stopping in order to make it under 5 hours.

The finish line was... a little underwhelming. There were orange cones all over the parking lot and I had no idea where to go. There was also no clock at the finish... and no-body! I mean, a few people were milling about, but you basically just crossed the line and there was a table with medals on it and I guess you we were just supposed to grab one. There was no water, no food, no one to congratulate you... You just stopped, and that was that.

I don't think the mileage was right. Like I said, I'd went out of my way about a quarter of a mile and was that far off at every mile marker, but when I crossed the finish line my watch said 26.23 miles. Somewhere there was a discrepancy. The person who finished after me had to run around the parking lot awhile in order to get the full 26.2. And this was supposed to be a sanctioned race (meaning it needed to be at least 26.2 miles at the the minimum).

THE UGLY

The worst part to me was, as usual, my reaction to all the above. Rather than coming down the final stretch full of joy at accomplishing yet another feat... I was irritated. I don't even remember now what I may have said (or at least said out loud), but it was likely something about this being a terribly run event, and I was never doing it again, and everything was stupid! You know how I can get. And I regretted it soon after. I hate when I behave like a jerk, and I did.

Even though I am not really competing for a certain time, I was still a bit disappointed. I thought I would do better since I'd quit drinking, I'd been lifting weights, and my weight was down (152 lbs.). I suppose, though, considering I was in the hospital with AFib in November, and just had an ablation and had to take a week off a mere 7 weeks ago... I should feel pretty good. And I do. But.... you know.

MISCELLANEOUS

I know these events take A TON of work to put on, and I am grateful for the guy who apparently almost single-handedly does this. He should just advertise it as an outright no-frills marathon/half-marathon. I could get behind that. The fact that it's small doesn't matter. Embrace it. Although, if I had one suggestion (other than a little better course-markings), it might be to find someone to do his advertising/communication for him, and maybe a "cheerleader" of sorts. I take it he's just not a people-person and I think it would go a long way to have a little help. Still, I'm glad he does what he does.

As for specifics:

• I think there were 65 half-marathoners, and Jane was 46th(?) and 2nd in her 60-69 age group.
• There were like 33 marathoners, and I was 21st(?), and 1st in the 60-69 age group.
• I wore my cut-off dark blue tank top, dark blue shorts (from Dicks), original Injinji toe socks, Brooks Glycerin 20 shoes (8.5), light gray Mission hat, Garmin Forerunner 45 watch, and carried the 21 oz Nathan water bottle.
• For fuel I used four Tailwind Endurance Fuel packets in my water bottle (I started with one and refilled about every hour); I ate a GU gel at mile 25; and took plain water at several stops.
• Pre-race I used 2Toms Sport Shield on my nipples, crotch, and privates; Desitin diaper rash cream on my butt, and taped the ball of both feet (a bandaid and two pieces of tape on the right; one piece of tape on the left).
• I had to stop and pee twice (which is probably good, but I don't usually go at all). 
  
• I got up at 4:30am, had some coffee and chilled on the couch, ate a breakfast of peanut butter & jelly on toast around 6, and we left the house just after 7am. I took a cup of coffee with me in the car and drank that up until the race start at 8am.

And... that's about all I can think of. It's probably way more than you wanted to know (assuming you're still reading)... but now you know (and so will I).

I'm still a bit undecided on the future. I took yesterday off entirely (other than mowing the lawn), and just lifted weights at the Y this morning. I will likely take a walk later today, and jog a few miles tomorrow and Thursday. There's a chance I may continue with the Hal Higdon "Senior" marathon plan, or just take a few weeks to simply do some light jogging and/or walking. Whether I do another marathon later this year remains to be seen. It's a delicate balance to appreciate where I am physically and mentally... but also try to keep in mind just how brutal this last race was.     We'll see.

Another marathon (and half) done.

Trip to buda; summit city half/quarter marathon

I am back home now. We took a quick trip to the old homestead in Illinois Sunday through Tuesday. Just a visit with my mom, Jane's brother, and taking care of some odds and ends (mainly putting my mom's patio/porch furniture out for Spring). It was uneventful and there were no surprises.

We chose these days (instead of a weekend) because we both ran in the Summit City Half & Quarter Marathon Saturday, we wanted to be in church on Sunday, and apparently Jane has some vacation days she needs to use. 

I/we like the Summit City race because it's local and we like to support it (I get peeved at local runners who won't support local events). I also like that it has a minimal footprint. There are no road closings or traffic disruptions, and a bare-bones volunteer crew. The downside is it's a somewhat hilly course, it's two loops for a half marathon (which I don't mind but some don't), and high winds made it especially chilly and not fun coming up the long stretch of Illinois Road this year. Still, it adds to the challenged and I like it. This year Jane ran the half and I did the quarter (we usually do the opposite) because of our training schedule for the following weekend. I actually ran 8 total miles by starting the quarter, running a mile, then turning around and coming back to meet up with Jane and then run the first loop of the half with her. We can't remember if that was our third or fourth time doing this event.

So, that's about all there is to say about those two things...

Fort4fitness 2023

Here we are at the 2023 Fort4Fitness Fall Festival. Hoisting our traditional post-race beer.

This is one of our favorite days as Fort-Wayners. I believe this is our 11th or so year of running either the 4-mile, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, or Triple Crown. It's always so exciting to see so many people out and about either overcoming obstacles, striving for personal milestones, rooting for someone else who is, or simply enjoying the vibe. It's a day filled with a log of energy.

This year we opted for the 4-mile since we had just completed a half marathon (Jane) and full marathon (me) a mere 6 days before. We wanted to do something at this event, but weren't sure how we would feel. So, we did the least we could while still making the most of it!

I was kind of hoping we could just do a nice slow jog, but Jane had other ideas. Apparently she had covered 4 miles in 40 minutes last week, so on this day she wanted to do it in UNDER 40. I was happy to lend a hand (or, my legs, actually).

Even though we had to maneuver past a number of walkers at the start, we accomplished our mission! We crossed the finish line in 37 minutes 13 seconds (9:18 per mile pace). And like that wasn't enough, Jane won her age division!!!

I believe I heard somewhere there were close to 4,000 runners in all events, and just under 1800 for the 4-mile. This is down significantly from when there used to be around 10,000 overall, but it's still a good crowd.

So, while I try to get myself motivated to writing on a more regular basis again... this is today's installment. :)

Marathon #6

I can't seem to get back into the swing of blogging... but I am pleased to say my 6th marathon is now complete! On Sunday, September 24, Jane and I both ran in the TBK Quad Cities Marathon (her the half and me the full). I think you can see my results here: my Quad Cities Marathon 2023 - TBK Bank Marathon results.

If not, I finished in 4:45:30, with a per-mile pace of 10:54. That put me at 306th place out of 555 marathoners, and 6th of 14 in my age group (60-64). I did the first half in 2:09 (9:53 pace), which is what I was maybe hoping I could maintain. Not so much though.

Jane ran a 2:14 half (10:19 pace) for 622nd out of 1203, and 15th of 46 in her age group. I'm pretty sure she could have done faster, but I'm super proud of her nonetheless.

They advertise this as: 6 races, 4 cities, 3 bridges, 2 states, and 1 island. It is that. The marathon, half-marathon, and marathon relay begin in Moline, IL, cross the Mississippi River to Bettendorf, IA, chug along the river to Davenport, IA, cross back over to Rock Island, IL, make a jaunt onto Sylvan Island in the middle of the Mississippi, then back to Moline. It seemed exactly that long if not longer...

They also advertise this as a "fairly flat" course. Uh, THAT it is not! At least not in my book. I was expecting the this bridge to be a bit of a climb, but I didn't expect it to be quite that much of a chore, and THEN to be followed up by a pretty serious hill in Bettendorf (among a few more minor hills and the other bridges). Ugh, they about did me in.

Top that off with the fact the weather forecast had been for rain and mid-60s for all day... and it ended up being sunny and 80 degrees!!! Things did not exactly go as planned, which, of course, is just how a marathon should go! :)

Anyway, I finished on two feet and with a smile on my face. That was the main thing.

This was a little different marathon than the others in that my mom and my daughter came along with us. We all stayed near the starting line Saturday so they could experience the expo and the start/finish of the race. Carrie has been to events like this before, but not my mom. I think she gained a bit of appreciation for the sport. She had no idea. She also wasn't aware there would be people near her age participating. So that was nice.

As for me...

I thought this would be a good marathon to do because we lived most of our lives a mere 40 minutes from the Quad Cities. This is probably the closest one I could ever do to "home." I've also decided I like ones about this size. In a city, but not huge. Similar to Fort Wayne, Grand Rapids, and even Indy - though that was pushing it. I really don't have a desire to do a major marathon at this point (Chicago, New York, etc.). I prefer supporting these efforts, and they simply feel more "me."

As mentioned before, I'd expected it to rain all week, and even the forecast that day was still for rain. The heat and sun was totally unexpected, and honestly I think I'd rather have had rain. There isn't much shade (or any) on this course, and it did a number on me.

I also made the mistake of starting out with the 4:20 pace group. I planned to run with the 4:25s, but there ended up not being one. It really didn't feel all that bad though... until mile 9 and I was on the second of what I would consider a sizeable hill. I couldn't believe I was walking already! Although, our pace was also faster than the 9:55 it should have been to start. It was more like 9:30-9:45. I don't know if the pacer was aware of the hills, or just figured people would slow down later, or what. I didn't think that's how pace groups worked. But what do I know. I should have just done what I KNOW you're supposed to do, and ran my own race. Oh well.

I walked more in this race than any of the previous ones I've done. I knew I'd done the first half too fast and once I was walking I figured it would be a chore. I don't even know where I was at when I decided to walk a quarter of each mile. Then for awhile I walked a quarter and jogged a quarter. At about the 3-hour mark I came to the realization it might take me 6 hours to finish... then I began to hope I could do it in 5... and pretty soon I leveled off and knew I'd be okay. "Slow and steady and find your form," was one of many mantras I resorted to.

I wore my white Brooks Ghost 14 (size 9), with my old Injinji toe socks. Also my oldest pair of shorts (from Old Navy, no less) and an old Walmart tank top. I got a new hat at the expo the night before and wore that. I wasn't going to take my water bottle, but decided to at the last minute. I'm glad I did, because I think there were two water stations missing on the last half of the course. It was like 5 or 6 miles between some of them. I also did all 5 GU gels I brought along in my belt pack.

It was quite the relief to get to mile 25, and I remember smiling and feeling pretty good as I was leaving the island and heading in to the finish. I ran by myself most of the time and only chatted with a couple folks, and even though I walked A LOT, I actually felt better than most overall at the end (maybe because I walked a lot). No blisters, chafing, or pain of any kind. However, after crossing the finish line, grabbing a beer, and finding Jane, my mom and Carrie, I started feeling pretty week. We'd found a spot in the shade and everything started going black. I'm almost sure if I hadn't sat down I would have passed out. I've never had that happen post-race before. But Jane got me a breakfast burrito and a water and after downing that I felt alright. It was a little scary for a moment.

Afterward we headed back to our room. We stayed at the Stoney Creek Hotel (Quad Cities), and it was EXCELLENT! It was just a block from the start/finish line, and they'd upgraded us to an extended stay cottage (for free!). Everyone was very nice, the continental breakfast was great, and the little bar had a really good pizza (along with wings and a few other things to eat). 

All in all, it was a nice marathon. I wish it hadn't been so hot, or that there was more shade, but the views were incredible, and even though the bridges were A BEAR, it was pretty neat going over them. It is not a flat course though... but one I'm glad I did at least once. I may consider doing this event again someday, but we'll see.

We are back to training now (as of Tuesday), as the big Fort4Fitness event is this weekend. Jane and I just signed up for the 4-mile because we weren't sure how we would feel. I still have to say this is the best I have ever felt following a marathon. So I'm pretty happy about all that, and, honestly, feel very fortunate to be able to do any of it at all! :)

Marathon meal plan (the week of the race)

I've been trying to prepare for what to eat next week (which is the week my annual marathon). Here are a few things I found that I want to revisit:

• Marathon week nutrition (Sanford Health)
• Best Foods To Eat the Week Before A Marathon (runnersconnect)
• What To Eat The Week Before A Marathon (thewiredrunner)
• (there was another one that I must have deleted already but it had an actual example week-long plan) 
  

20 miles

I did my 20 mile run Saturday. It went okay. Nothing spectacular, but also no major issues. Just another long slow run.

Fortunately we got out early - a little before 7AM. It was light enough that we didn't need our lights. I really didn't want to have to lug my bike light around all that time, although I guess Jane could have taken it. She only had to do a 10k.

Looking back at other years I probably ran this one a little slower than most. Which is what I'm usually trying to do. They say you should try to make the 20-mile run last about as long as you think the marathon will take you. It didn't take me that long. This year it was around 3 hours 50 minutes. I think previously I've done 20 mostly between 3:35 and 3:45. So I suppose those are all pretty close given the amount of time.

One little glitch was during mile 11. My watch went haywire and it said I did a 22:40 mile. Which is insane! I didn't even stop. It was probably more like a 10:40. I thought the watch would compensate for it on the next mile or something, but it didn't. Strange. I hate it when my watch does stuff like that. It has been working fine, now I don't know if it's going to make it through the marathon or not. I suppose in the grand scheme it won't matter either way. Still...

This week I really drop in mileage, doing a 5/4/5/12. It drops even more next week to 4/3/4/8. So after Saturday's 12 miles I won't have anymore double-digit runs until the marathon. Yippee! 

I did the 5 miles this morning at a 9:20 pace. The last couple were 8:40. Still I have a feeling this year's marathon may be slower than the rest. I just haven't had any speed on longer runs. Which, I know you're not supposed to worry about on the long runs, but you know me. It's not like it matters though. My only goal is to finish. Hopefully I can do that.

Fortunately I'm feeling pretty good physically. No major injuries, and the only minor problem is my right heel. The fascia bothers me some, but I try to massage it as much as I can, and most of the time I don't notice it. Otherwise I don't have any blisters, soreness, or anything. I'd like to keep it that way for the next 3 weeks anyway. I also hope to avoid catching anything too.

I can't really say I've started getting excited for the event yet, but I am pretty happy to have the 20 miles done and see the weekly mileage drop. It's almost here!

Nineteen (and nine) miles saturday

We do "long runs" on Saturdays in preparation for our upcoming marathon and half marathon. This past one was nineteen miles for me and nine for Jane. We lived to tell about it.

Fortunately we got out fairly early (though it's never as early as we intend). At 7:30am it was a mild mid-50sF, and wasn't crazy hot even when I got done around 11 (mid-70s). That can make such a difference.

I wore my white Brooks Ghost 14, size 9. I'm pretty sure I've decided on these for the actual marathon, so I likely won't wear them too many more times before then. They are not as cushioned as my other current shoes (New Balance 880s, and two pair of Brooks Glycerin 19s), so my feet don't swim quite so much in them. That helps with blisters (for me anyway).

I was happy enough with 3 1/2 hours. I should probably have tried to take a little longer. They say these long runs aren't about speed, but trying to spend time on your feet. So when I do twenty miles, they suggest taking as long as the marathon will take me. I expect it to be somewhere around 4 1/2 hours again, and I'm just not sure I want to take that long for a training run. If I can stretch it to four hours that may have to suffice.

About the only problem I had was my feet were getting sore, but I had no blisters and my legs don't feel too bad. I made myself go up and down the basement steps a number of times the rest of the day just to make sure.

Lately I've been taking baths in epsom salt, baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and about ten drops of lavender essential oil after my long runs. I soak for about twenty minutes. I don't know if it helps, but I don't think it hurts.

This week's long run is only twelve, then next week is the twenty, then I start to taper, doing twelve, then eight, and then the marathon. I'm ready for the taper now.

I talked to a friend on Sunday who had been training for a thing called the "triple crown." It's a 10k, half marathon, and 4-mile run all back to back. He said he was doing a long training run and just decided he was tired of it, so he's not going to do it now. I was like, "Yeah, that happens." I get tired of it too... But what else am I going to do? Plus, there's nothing like a race day!

18 miles and the longest week

I did my 18-mile run this past Saturday. Not that it was enjoyable by any means, but it wasn't terrible either. The most important thing is that it's done!

Jane ran the first 8 miles with me and I felt pretty good. We got out about 7:45AM and temps were fairly mild (upper 60s-low 70s). We did the loop down to Bluffton Road, around Foster Park, and back on the greenway. It worked out to about 9 miles total (we started by winding a bit thru our neighborhood).

We almost got attacked by a dog a mile in, and then almost saw the dog get hit by a car! Ugh. It was along Lower Huntington and this lady was on the other side of the road. Of course the dog was not on a leash, and it bolted across 4 lanes right at us. When it got to us we realized it was old, and when we didn't react it just turned around. Of course then it started right back across the street and there were two cars RIGHT THERE. I waived my arms and got them to stop so the stupid dog could cross. The lady apologized but we just went on. I didn't want her to be sorry. I want her to not let her damn dog run around loose.

Anyway, after the first loop, I ran pretty much the same course the second time. Even though it wasn't hot I seemed to be sweating a lot. Around miles 11-14 I was struggling a bit, but then seemed to get a burst of energy at mile 15 - which didn't last real long, but long enough to get me thru the 18th mile and half-mile cooldown walk home.

I took gels at mile 6.5, 11, and 15. I think I stopped and filled my 12 oz water bottle 3 times. So I was fairly well hydrated and electrolyted.

Altogether I think it took just shy of 3 1/2 hours, but I haven't checked to see my pace. I was hoping it would be about that or maybe a little longer.

And... not only was this the longest run so far this year, it was also the longest weekly mileage of this training program. That is what I am most excited to have over! This is a pretty low-mileage marathon plan compared to most, but it was still 36 miles for the week (plus about 5 miles of cooldown walks).

I still have a 19 and 20-miler to do, but those weeks only require 35 total miles. And, the best part, this is probably the best I've felt energy-wise at this point in training. Normally I seem to really be dragging about now, only to regain energy during the taper weeks toward the end. So I'm pretty happy about that. It probably helped that I was taking Prednisone all week for my poison ivy rash. I will say, the heel pain I'd been having went away - though it has now come back a little since I've stopped the steroid.

Anyway, it's always nice to get this week behind me. The next long run is just 13. After that I think they go 19, 12, 20, 12, 8, and then the marathon. Almost there!

Running movies & documentaries

How do I stay motivated as an athlete? Well, I'm glad you asked... and also acknowledged that I am, in fact, an athlete! ;) 

We started watching running movies/documentaries several years ago on nights before our "long run" (usually Friday night). It really helps with mental preparation, and most of these are also encouraging that not every athlete is a professional or "world class."

So, here is a partial list of the running movies & documentaries we have watched. They're not necessarily in any kind of order, but the first twenty or so are some of our favorites. There are also a few others that I've either not written down or forgotten.

• The Barkley Marathons (2014)
• Spirit of the Marathon I (2007)
• Spirit of the Marathon II (2013)
• Boston: the Documentary (2017)
• Karl Metzler: Made to Be Broken (2017)
• Free To Run (2016)
• Desert Runners (2013)
• Gun Runners (2015)
• 3100: Run and Become (2018)
• The Human Race
• Marathon Men
• 100 Miles to 40
• Found on 49
• Rx Run
• From Fat to Finish
• The Why: Running 100 Miles
• Run Free: The True Story of Caballo Blanco
• Brittany Runs A Marathon (2019)
• Breaking 2 (Youtube)

• Run for Your Life (2008)
• The Long Green Line (2008)
• The Jericho Mile (1979)
• Without Limits (1998)
• Showing Up (2016)
• Six Million Steps (?)
• Mile... Mile and A Half
• Prefontaine
• Chariots of Fire (1981)

• Transcend (Youtube)
• The Mountain Runners (2012)
• Where Dreams Go To Die (2017)
• Running on The Sun: The Badwater 135
• Unbreakable: The Western States 100
• Ultra Marathon Man: Dean Karnazes
• Life In A Day: The Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
• Fifty: The Movie (2016) (Youtube)

Enjoy!