Motivated to Succeed

Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1

Previous MonthRecent EntriesHomeJoin Fast Running Blog Community!PredictorHealthy RecipesBenn Griffin's RacesFind BlogsMileage BoardTop Ten Excuses for Missing a RunTop Ten Training MistakesDiscussion ForumRace Reports Send A Private MessageWeek ViewYear View
Graph View
Next Month
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
20072008200920102011201220132014
15% off for Fast Running Blog members at St. George Running Center!

Location:

Pittsfield,MA,

Member Since:

Jul 02, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Boston Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

 

 

  •  2006 Mohawk Hudson River Marathon (NY)
  • 2007 Vermont City Marathon (VT)
  • 2011 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
  • 2011 Mind the Ducks 12 Hour (NY)
  • 2012 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 (IN)
  • 2012 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #2 (IN)
  • 2012 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
  • 2012 Mind the Ducks 12 Hour (NY)
  • 2012 Memorial Day Marathon (MA)
  • 2012 Around the Lake 12 Hour (MA)
  • 2012 Hancock Shaker Village 50 (MA) 
  • 2012 Bay State Marathon (MA)
  • 2012 First Descents Marathon (DE) 
  • 2013 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 (IN)
  • 2013 Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #2 (IN) 
  • 2013 Circular Logic Marathon (IN)
  • 2013 Lake Waramaug 50M (CT)
  • 2013 BPAC 6 Hour Run (NY)
  • 2013 Ragnar Cape Cod Ultra Team (MA) 
  • 2013 Memorial Day Marathon (MA)
  • 2013 Relay For Life No. Berkshire (MA)
  • 2013 Ragnar Adirondack Ultra Team (MA)
  • 2013 BayState Marathon (MA)
  • 2013 One Day At the Fair Marathon (NJ)
  • 2013 West Palm Beaches Marathon (FL)
  • 2014 Arena Attack XL Center Marathon (CT)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #1 (IN)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #2 (IN)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #3 (IN)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #4 (IN)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #5 (IN)
  • 2014 Maple City 6-Pack Marathon #6 (IN)
  • 2014 Circular Logic Marathon (IN)

 Personal Bests:

  • 400 - 1:01 (2004)
  • 800 - 2:16 (2004)
  • Mile - 5:12 (2004)
  • 2Mile - 11:27 (2004)
  • 5k - 19:44 (2005)
  • 10k 40:46 (11/22/07)
  • 15k - 1:07:40 (11/11/07)
  • 13.11 Half - 1:38:31 (12/9/07)
  • Marathon 3:59:18 (1/25/14)
  • 50 miles 11:44 (5/14/11)

Eagle Scout with Bronze and Gold Palms (2002)

Biked from Ticonderoga, New York to Old Orchard Beach, Maine in August of 2005 (Total of about 290 miles

Short-Term Running Goals:

200 miles @ 72 Hour Race in May

Under 200 #

Sub 4:00 Marathon

 

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

QUALIFY AND RUN IN THE BOSTON MARATHON.

Personal:

I am 27.  Have done 33 marathons and ultras. Really trying to get in shape to get back to running the miles I want to. I love to read and worked for four years in a bookstore. I like to keep track of the books I read. Currently I work as a 6th & 7th grade history teacher at the only charter school in Berkshire County, as well as serve as the coach for the cross country team! Been experimenting as a pescatarian (eating only fish) since August 10, 2011. 

 

Just earned my Master's Degree in Adolescent Education for Social Studies. I have the most wonderful WIFE in the entire world.. EMMA! October 16, 2010

Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must. Just never give up! - Dean Karnazes -

We are all teachers and we are all students in this sport. - Dean Karnazes -

The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward at an accelerated rate can be one of life's greatest - and simplest - pleasures. ~Dean Karnazes 

"Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny." - MK Gandhi 

"The marathon mercilessly rips off the outer layers of our defenses and leaves the raw human, vulnerable and naked. It is here you get an honest glimpse into the soul of an individual. Every insecurity and character flaw is open and on display for all the world to see. No communication is ever more real, no expression ever more honest. There is nothing left to hide behind. The marathon is the great equalizer. Ever movement, every word spoken and unspoken, is radiant truth. The veil has been obliterated. These are the profound moments of human interaction that I live for." - Dean Karnazes 

 

Benn Griffin


Create Your Badge{C} 

2014 Books I've Read: 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Lifetime Miles: 367.52
Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Lifetime Miles: 570.38
Vibram Bikilas (red) Lifetime Miles: 655.87
Vibram Bikilas (blue) Lifetime Miles: 414.89
Altra Lone Peak Lifetime Miles: 155.19
Lizzy Miles 2012 Lifetime Miles: 58.60
Vibram Komodo Sport (black) Lifetime Miles: 195.60
NB Trail Minimus (orange) Lifetime Miles: 101.74
Altra Instinct (grey) Lifetime Miles: 389.78
Vibram Bikilas (red #2) Lifetime Miles: 10.60
Vibram Bikilas (green) Lifetime Miles: 230.05
Altra Adams Lifetime Miles: 2.00
Merrell Road Glove Lifetime Miles: 46.11
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
127.920.000.00
Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 34.43Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 86.29Vibram Bikilas (blue) Miles: 6.70
Night Sleep Time: 39.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 39.50Weight: 226.75
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
5.250.000.00

7:30 PM - Ran on the Treadmill of Tranquility. It was nice to shut out work stress for at least an hour. Just feeling run down right now. Struggling to stay afloat. Waking up early to plan that day's lesson. So far behind and feeling like I am sinking in water. I think I am cranky due to running on too little sleep with too much stress. I am running more than I have in over a year, and yet I am still gaining weight. Angry at myself. As one of my seventh graders so aptly asked this week, "Who lit the fuse on your tampon?". I just don't know. Onwards and upwards. I guess.

Total Time: 48:23 Total Distance: 5.25 miles Average Pace:  9:13/ mile

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 5.25
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 225.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
10.050.000.00

8:15 PM - Long day of errands, 6 hour online coaching training, and then had to go to the esthetician for an appt that Emmy made for me. Feeling a bit run down. Deciding that I have to make a sacrifice to get the results I need - giving up drinking and hanging out with the guys/gals at work on Fridays. I need to invest that time in my relationship as well as in training, and I am too susceptible to making poor decisions. Jump starting fitness 101 with a morning run tomorrow before going to NY for the Super Bowl. I need to make the effort to get in a solid 5-6 miles each day EVERY day to make it a habit. Ran on the treadmill of tears today. Felt fine though. Getting stronger.

Total Time: 1:28:49 Total Distance: 10.05 miles Average Pace:  8:50/ mile

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 10.05
Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
5.000.000.00

9:30 AM - 5 Lucky Miles for the Giants in the Superbowl! Busy busy with coaching stuff and trying to get organized tomorrow. Still need to come up with a lesson plan for tomorrow. Will see how that goes. I think I will have to do a bit of planning during the Super Bowl. Glorious run on the treadmill with Emmy on the elliptical. Felt really great. Running is getting easier and easier. Now I just need to get the weight under control. Work stress does not help much, but I think if I give up alcohol and put running first before school, there might be hope.

Total Time: 42:33 Total Distance 5 miles Average Pace: 8:30/ mile 

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
5.000.000.00

Ran on the treadmill after dinner. Need to learn to run before dinner, because my stomach never feels well. Dairy does not sit well. Got in five miles, but I bent down to pick something up at work today, and the inside of my right calf strained. I hobbled through the run tonight, but it was not very pleasant. I hope that things are still okay!

 Came up with a pretty neat idea to use with my 7th graders. Am allowing them to have a say in my Heifer Project Runs at the end of the month. Between now and February break, I am having three different awards:

 One section that has best attendance, gets to choose what pair of shoes I wear for the races.

One section that has best homework completion rate gets to choose the color shirt and shorts I wear.

One section that has best score on Interim Assessment #4 gets to choose the quote to go on each of my shirts. (catch being they have to present valid argument to the class and the class will vote to decide which is the best - majority rules).

2 Races - so each of these works twice. 

Total Time: 46:00 Total Distance: 5 miles Average Pace: 9:11/ mile 

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
3.100.000.00

5:00 AM - Did a quick 5k run before school. Today is the blood drive my seniors have been working to organize with ARC. Hoping for good things. Hard with only 9 of them. First Annual BART Blood Drive kick off in just about 6 hours! Hoping to get a decent amount of donors from 1-6. Run was nice. Wish I could have done more.

Total Time: 28:00 Total Distance: 3.1 miles Average Pace: 9:02/ mile

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 3.10
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
10.100.000.00

AM RUN - Treadmill of Time Travel - Blood Drive was excellent. Some people had to be turned away because we could not accomodate them during the afternoon rush. We ended up with 47 donations total. Pretty sweet! Got home at 7:30pm last night and slept in a bit late this a.m. Then got up and ran while Emma ellipticized before errands and chores.

Total Time: 46:00 Total Distance: 5 miles Average Pace: 9:14/ mile

PM RUN - Run #2. Trying to keep the fitness for the marathons coming up 2 weeks from today. Felt great. It's nice to get the sweat pouring. I feel so much better afterwards!

Total Time: 48:00 Total Distance: 5.10 miles Average Pace: 9:18/ mile

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 10.10
Night Sleep Time: 9.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 9.00Weight: 228.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
10.550.000.00

AM RUN - Got up and had breakfast with Emmy - pancakes with banana and blueberries. Then went for a jog while she did the elliptical. The Biggest Loser is giving me some big motivation. Done letting work be the boss of me. I need to say it's okay to not give 100% every day and to take some time for me. More importantly, I need to take time to be with family. Emm is my everything and I am fortunate that she is committed to helping me feel better about myself. 27 pounds to go until my goal of being under 200 lbs again. I think I can I think I can.

Total Time: 51:00 Total Distance: 5.55 miles Average Pace: 9:14/ mile

PM RUN - Second run. My work computer died and I had to make lessons and weekly from scratch on the PC laptop. Hoping everything turns out okay. Was able to jump on the treadmill for another run after dinner and watch the first 45 minutes of one of my favorite running movies, Without Limits. I lost my copy at college, so I have to get that back on my "to get" list. I felt like channeling Billy Crudup or Pre as I ran. Felt so great. And Donald Sutherland is a great Bill Bowerman. Speaking of my Pre (my 2001 Chevy Prizm nicknamed Prefontaine): He is hitting 194,000 miles this week. Am ready to start planning his 200,000 party!

Total Time: 46:00 Total Distance: 5.00 miles Average Pace: 9:11/ mile

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 10.55
Night Sleep Time: 8.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 8.50Weight: 226.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
5.000.000.00

7:45 PM - Got home from work and made the mistake of eating before I got on the treadmill. Had to make an IPS at about the 3 mile mark. Then did .5 miles at 15% gradient and 4.5mph, jogging to work some other muscles. Finished it out at the usual 1%. Overall felt good. Got to thinking about the races coming up next weekend. 10 days from tomorrow I will be in Indiana!

Total Time: 48:18 Total Distance: 5 miles Average Pace:  9:39/ mile

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 5.00
Night Sleep Time: 8.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 8.00Weight: 228.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
6.030.000.00

Late night run on the treadmill of torture. Getting excited for next week's marathons! 6.03 in 53:00; 8:47 pace!

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 6.03
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
3.250.000.00

Hiked Galway Nature Preserve in KomodoSports, and then walked the far end of Crane St. It's nice to know my youngest brother helped make Galway Nature Preserve a bit better for everyone. Now if we could just take care of roots so that it would be runnable!

 

Total of 57 minutes with Emmy. Felt good. A day later though, am a bit sore in the shin area. Uses different muscles for sure! 

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 3.25
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
3.550.000.00

Keeping the horsies in check. Checking out my new shoes that the kids picked out in the competition. Blue Bikilas. Felt okay, a bit tight though.

Total Time: 34:00 Total Distance: 3.55 miles Average Pace: 9:34 

Vibram Bikilas (blue) Miles: 3.55
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
3.150.000.00

3.15 in 30:00. Feeling good. Getting excited for the double marathons. Am going to paste last year's races below for saving purposes, then update my 2012 race list in prep for my first race! Excited!

2011 RACING SCHEDULE:

  • 1/1/11 Hangover Half Marathon (13.11), 1:58:31, good for 194th of 289 finishers
  • 4/17/11 BPAC 6 Hour (27.492 miles prorated; 29.65 miles total in 6:22)
  • 4/30/11 Berkshire Humane Race 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:23:55 
  • 5/14/11 - Mind the Ducks 12 Hour (50.184 miles)
  • 6/16/11 - Green Mile Road Race (1 mile) 6:10, 35th place of 204 finishers and 10th in AG.
  • 6/21/11 - BART Field Day 1 mile:  6:42 (1st place!)
  • 7/4/11 - Pittsfield Independence Day Run 5k: 23:06, 195th overall, 42nd in age group
  • 9/25/11 - Brock Trot 10k: Lenox, MA: 54:35, 89th of 154 finishers (coming off a big illness this summer)
  • 10/02/11 - Fall Foliage 5k: Adams, MA 24:04, 58th of 163 finishers
  • 10/09/11 - Monroe Dunbar 10.5 miler 2:35:13, good for 75th place overall of 94 finishers
  • 10/16/11 - Paddy's Pub Shillelagh Shuffle Road Race (5k) 23:48, good for 409th place of 1808 finishers. ANNIVERSARY RACE!
  • 10/22/11 - The Great Pumpkin Challenge (10k) 51:16, good for 146th place of 516 finishers! (8:15s)
  • 10/30/11 - Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon (13.11) CANCELLED due to 10.29 snowstorm which dumped 22" of snow!
  • 11/13/11 - Stockadeathon 15k 1:21:13, good for 15th place in Clydesdales, 7:51 overall (8:43/mi)
  • 11/24/11 - Saratoga Springs Turkey Trot 5k24:56, 395th of 3000 finishers. Nice start to Turkey Day!
  •  

      2011 Goals:

    • Finish the year <200 lbs.
    • Set at least one PR in a distance.
    • Finish another marathon
    • Complete my first ultra (Mind the Ducks 12 hour)
    • Have fun each and every run!
    • 1500 miles for the year

 

Vibram Bikilas (blue) Miles: 3.15
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
0.500.000.00

BENN’S ITINERARY FOR THE WEEKEND – GOSHEN, INDIANA

 

Thursday, 2/23/12

Benn to Galway around 6pm with Lizzy (to spend the weekend).

Mom/Daddio/Harry fly in to ALB Airport at 9:15, Home by about 10 or 10:30

Friday, 2/24/12

3:30 am wake up call; on our way to Goshen, IN (12h30m driving time)

5:30 am pick up Jonn from SUNY IT and head to Su’s apartment in Rochester

7:30 or 8am – Breakfast with Su/Rocc either at home, or at the Frog Pond

            Frog Pond: 652 Park Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 (585)271-1970

9am – back on the road (8h17 min driving time)

5:30-6pm – arrive in Goshen, Indiana

Friday/Saturday Staying at:         Courtyard Marriott

                                                1930 Lincolnway East

                                                Goshen, Indiana 46526

                                                1(574)534-3133

 

 

Saturday, 2/25/12   MARATHON #1   @ 8:00 AM

Location: Goshen College, 1700 S. Main Street, Goshen, Indiana

Goal: 10 min slow jog: 2 min walk until done. Goal time: 5h30m End Time: 1:30pm

 

Sunday, 2/26/12   MARATHON #2   @ 7:00 AM

Location: Goshen College, 1700 S. Main Street, Goshen, Indiana

Goal: 8-10 min slow jog: 2 min walk until done. Goal time: 5h30m End Time: 12:30 pm

 

Shower, hot-tub, changing on campus (available to runners until 3pm)

Grab lunch quick in Goshen somewhere. On road home by 2:30pm

Sunday, 2/26/12 Goshen, IN -> Buffalo, NY (7h34 min)

Estimated Arrival time to Buffalo (10pm)

Staying at:       RED ROOF INN   1(800)733-7663

                        42 Flint Road

                        Amherst, NY 14226

 

Monday, 2/27/12 – wake up 7am.

Arrive to Rochester around 930 or so – pick up Jonny (breakfast)

Drop Jonn off at SUNY IT (1130am)

Arrive at Griffin abode (2pm) – Lunch and leave by 3pm

Home to 53 Essex Street by 5pm on Monday, 2/27

 

 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(2)
Race: Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 (26.22 Miles) 05:18:24, Place overall: 20, Place in age division: 19
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
26.220.000.00

Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #1 - See February 26th entry for full race report.

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 26.22
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Race: Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon #2 (26.22 Miles) 05:39:07, Place overall: 22, Place in age division: 19
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
26.220.000.00

     Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon Race Report - Goshen, IN (2.25.12 and 2.26.12)


     When I first toyed with the idea of doing two indoor marathons in two days, I was excited, nervous, and arguably a bit naive. I had run two marathons in college, a 6-hour and 12-hour last year, and had recently transitioned to wearing only my Vibram Five Fingers. Nothing I did could have possibly prepared me for the fun, challenges, heartbreak, and feelings of accomplishment that summed up this whirlwind weekend. 

     The idea to run for a cause has always been a goal I have had. Growing up I participated in UNICEF fundraisers and activities for the food pantry, Lions Club, etc. at church and school. In middle school I had the opportunity to attend a weekend campout at a Heifer Project location in western Massachusetts. During this weekend I was fortunate enough to work with others to help this great cause. Heifer International seeks to provide economic security and independence to less fortunate people around the world by providing necessary farm animals to provide work, food, milk, and offspring. I considered Heifer for my run because one of the requirements for this great organization is that the families that receive gifts are not allowed to simply eat the animals they receive. Rather, they are required to raise and mate their animals to produce offspring they can pass on to a neighbor.

     In September, I was fired up and ready to complete a run for a purpose. The Maple Leaf Indoor Marathon x 2 in Goshen, Indiana is in its fourth year in 2012. I set my sights on it for several reasons. Firstly, it was a destination marathon and one of my 48 states yet to run for my 50 state club. Secondly, it was unique in that it was run on a 208 meter loop (I actually prefer running on small loops because it helps me meditate and ‘zone out’.). Lastly it provided a challenge. I had completed a marathon before, then pushed myself to the ultra distance with the 2011 BPAC 6-hour and 2011 Mind the Ducks 12-hour. Never, however, had I tried to run a full 26.22 race on one day and then follow it up with another 26.22 mile run the following day.

     I packed up my bags complete with extra shirts, towels, three pairs of Vibrams, two Nathan bottles and holders, and a couple audiobooks on Thursday and headed to Galway, NY to touch base with my mom, who was returning late Thursday night from Vieques in the Caribbean where she’d been since Valentine’s Day. After only four hours of sleep or so, I woke at 3am and was surprised to see my mom was up and going, despite getting in at nearly 11pm the previous night. The task before us - driving to Utica to pick up my brother Jonn, then on to Rochester to see my sister Su and drop Jonn off for the weekend, before continuing on to Goshen, Indiana by way of Buffalo, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

     We picked Jonn up without incident and then quickly made it over to Rochester and went to breakfast with Su. We were back in the car and on our way before 10am, and were predicted to be in Goshen sometime around dinner time. I reserved a spot at the Courtyard Marriott in Goshen, as it was only 1.9 miles away from the college. We got in and got settled in the room - finding out there was a roaring fire, swimming pool, hot tub, and popcorn machine all in the front entryway! Dinner consisted of Ponderosa as it was the closest to the hotel. Mom and I were surprised to see Amish/Mennonite families in the ‘rosa fueling up too! I hit the pasta, buttered rolls, salad bar, grilled shrimp, and anything else edible to fuel up for the race on Saturday. By 8pm I was back in the room and rested with a little Law & Order before passing out.


RACE #1: MAPLE LEAF INDOOR MARATHON - SATURDAY, FEB. 25


6:00 AM - Woke up and got a shower before changing into race garb - short shorts, yellow Vibram Komodo Sports, and a blue tshirt. Nervously checked email, unsure of why I was doing this. Started to get a little psyched for the trials ahead.


7:00 AM - Headed to Goshen College - by the time the TomTom located the address, we had already found another car headed there and found the Athletic Center and parked! Went inside and scoped out the athletic arena. The track is upstairs, with the bathrooms, shower facilities and everything else located directly underneath. It looked like a pretty sweet track online, and I was a little concerned to find the track was not rubber as previously thought, but made out of cement and a thin covering of foam. Oh boy. “What have I got myself into?!”


7:50 AM - The Marathon Maniacs assembled for a group picture. This is a running organization of certified “maniacs” - oddly enough I had not qualified before to join this organization, but found out mid-way through the race that I would indeed qualify and earn 4 of 9 stars by running two marathons in two days. More to come on this later. They seemed to be a quirky little group with yellow singlets on, calves of steel, and a wide array of shapes and sizes.


7:57 AM - About 30 runners assembled for race directions and a group photo. I was elated to hear someone ask about course maps and course directions. Doug Yoder, the RD, responded “Well I ran the course this morning and it appears to be well marked. If you get lost it’s your own damn fault.” It’s funny at the start of marathons/ultras with small groups. It’s almost a fight to see how far to the back you can get before starting. I started fourth or fifth to last. My goal was to go as slow as possible while feeling “fresh” so as to save some energy for the second, and arguably harder day.


THE RACE (8:00 AM) - I set up my aid station in the far turn of the track. The course consisted of a 4 lane track and generally walkers stayed in lanes 3 or 4 and runners in 1 or 2. I picked a couple people I thought were going at a leisurely pace and started to click off laps. My early estimate had been to run 10 mins and walk 2 mins. I tried to stick to this as much as possible and stay hydrated early on.


I took one BR break at lap 64. Felt pretty good and had started to find a rhythm. This was good, I thought. At least I know I’m hydrated! Great thing about this race is that I had a cheering section every 208 meters. My mom was a great supporter, and helped fill my water bottle, get me pretzels, and offer words of encouragement as I clicked off each lap.


I hit the 13.11 mile somewhere around 2h30m and felt good. Did not take another break until lap 128 to change my shirt. Cotton shirts get really wet, really fast. I could feel my chest already chafing, despite the fact that I had already put bandaids on my nipples (ended up going to Target to buy wicking shirts that night!).


Continued to push on and felt myself battling hydration issues. The eventual winner, Jake Gillette, was trading the lead with Chris Friedman, who had led close to 120 or 130 laps before he got passed and fell about 100 m behind. Gillette ended up blazing his way to a 2:59:47 (winning by over 15 minutes), and I was ecstatic to discover I’d only been lapped about 85 times!


I did not really talk to anyone but ran by myself most of the day. I did exchange briefly with two others at the back of the back who were doing the double (as the majority of us were). Greg Beaulieu was from Ohio and offered a handshake and inquired about me running in Vibrams. I also passed some laps with Jenn Savage, who would become a close friend the second day of the marathon. Perhaps one of the most curious people out there on the track was the self-proclaimed “Maddogs” who ran with dog tags around his neck which clink-clank-clinked with each stride.


I hit the wall a bit early, around mile 17. This was expected as I had not done many long runs (only a couple 15 milers and a 17). I pushed through and continued on. As more and more runners finished, I found the track opening up and tried to focus on the cadence. I had started with 180 strides a minute (a goal for any minimalist runner), but had found my cadence slowing in the latter stages of the race. I was probably more near a 140-150. This would come back to haunt me the second race.


As I neared the end of the race, the folks at the timing table told me “Looking great #13. Nice job, Benn. 12 laps to go!” I made it my goal to run to the end. A couple laps went by. “6 to go, Benn! Keep it up!” 6 Laps? They definitely were not counting right. Another lap “3 to go! 3 to go!” I wasn’t arguing. Turns out number 3 was just ahead of me and the timing people had me confused with him. I pushed on hard, determined to finish feeling great.


I crossed the finish line in 20th place in 5:18:24, good for 19th in my age group. Only one woman had finished in front of me.


After the race, I got changed, went back to the hotel and then went out to grab some food at Chili’s and pick up dry wicking shirts at Target. I was back in the hotel by 6pm that night and I think I slept nearly 11 hours. Race time on Sunday was earlier by an hour, so would have to be up and ready!


RACE #2: MAPLE LEAF INDOOR MARATHON - SUNDAY, FEB. 26


Got up at 6am and got changed quickly. I knew the commute was only 5 minutes and that I didn’t need a warm up. What I liked about Doug’s laid back race is that if you run the second day, you keep the same bib number. I was lucky #13 again. I was excited on the second day of the race to meet my long-time friend Alexis Mazzini. She was coming in from Illinois and was staying at the Courtyard Marriott as well. I walked right past her when I first got there, but after getting changed headed back and said hey. She is an inspiration to me. She is only 18 or 19 and this would be her 13th marathon or ultra race. And I thought I ran a lot!

6:57 AM - Marathon Maniacs assembled and grabbed their picture. Most looked to be in fine spirit again. One guy yelled out to Doug before our whole group picture at the starting line when he asked if there were any questions, “Yeah! Did the course change?!” We all laughed. A good way to start the race off.


7:00 AM - We started the race together. We both agreed we were a little foolish and a lot of dumb, though I guess I was a bit dumber as I not only planned on running 204 laps, but had run 204 laps the day before as well! She asked me why I made her sign up for this and I said, “easy! to have someone else share in this madness!” We ran a few laps together, and settled into a rhythm. I chatted with Doug Yoder for a bit, and then said hi to Greg. He was nursing a blister from the previous day as well. He had finished a few minutes behind me on Saturday, but had planned to go a bit faster today. He went on to have a really good race and ran a 4:31!


I stopped again for a BR break around 64 laps. I remembered today what I did not remember yesterday, to take in salt capsules every 45 minutes. I struggled all day with BR breaks, so I ended up making 4 visits before the 13.11 mark. Oh well. Lost a total of about 12 minutes with these stops. 


The first lap was the hardest. After that it only got easier. I joked with Alexis that the great thing was that though she was starting on lap 1, I had the privilege (or stupidity) of starting on lap 205. I watched a very fast Grant Stieglitz and speedy Melissa Gillette, sister-in-law or wife of the previous day’s winner, racing around the oval. I think I was lapped somewhere near 80 or 85 times. At the 13.11 mile mark my mom and Alexis informed me that Melissa was on world-record pace. I think that the old record had been 3:10 or something like that. Melissa would go on to run a 3:08:53, only one minute behind Grant. As of right now she is certified for running a new world record! Amazing that someone can average 7-minute miles for an entire marathon, let alone an indoor one!


I kept plodding along, chatting with Jen about how Alexis inspires me and how one day I want to be a maniac like them. It is amazing how friendly and inspiring people are you meet while running marathons and ultras. By the halfway point people were saying “Hey Vibrams! Way to go!” I was the only one wearing minimalist footwear, and I see why now. The constant pounding was really taking its toll. I likened the bottom of my feet to that of ground turkey. 


Somewhere I hit 23 laps to go. My mom checked for me. I just wanted to break 6 hours. I pushed hard and did not stop to walk or refill my bottle once in the last 23 laps. Slowly, minute after minute, I ticked off one lap, then another, and still another. It gets easier when you see the numbers decreasing from the 20s to the 10s, and finally the single digits.


I ended up crossing the line in 5:39:07, good for 22nd place overall, and 19th in my age group. I was really happy with my performance. Not only had I exceeded my expectations, but had only gained 19 minutes on the second marathon. 


While I swore off running this race again during the entire trip back to MA by way of Buffalo (Sunday night right after the race) and Rochester, I think I may try my luck and do it again. I raised just over $1,500 for Heifer International and am glad to be a part of a larger cause - changing the world one step and stride at a time. 


I think the take away from this awesome experience is that we all hold a little good in us, an untapped reservoir that allows us to fulfill greater causes. It is humbling to think about what others accomplish. I know it is not a lot, but it is something that I can do and work towards to help others. The Maple Leaf Indoor Marathons x 2 in Goshen, Indiana were worth every step and every penny to get there.


In 408 laps I shared laughs, high fives, handshakes, and life lessons. I look forward to maintaining some of the friendships that I gained during this trip and am anxiously looking forward to my next big races: BPAC 6 Hour in April, Mind the Ducks 12 Hour in May, Memorial Day Marathon (May), and the Self-Transcendence 24 Hour race in Ottawa in September.


Stay tuned for my next big adventure!


Always,


Benn

Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 26.22
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments(1)
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
2.050.000.00

Easy back to hobbling after the marathons. Nice and slow. 30 minutes total for 2.05 miles. Still a bit tender for tendons on the left outside/bottom of foot from pronation and the stiff track. Overall felt pretty good though.

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 2.05
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
2.900.000.00

8:30 PM - Well it appears winter is not going to spare us after all. It figures that on Leap Day we get our one true storm of the winter. Things started getting white around lunch time and the gods of administration decided it a smart decision to not hold us for all faculty PD. A wise decision. I left at 3:45 and made it home at 5! (45 mins longer than usual).

I finally typed up my race report for the Goshen races. I may decide to add some more to it, but I think it is sufficient enough. Decided to get a jog in as it was 1) Leap Day and 2) to test my feet out. Did 2.9 miles for the 29th! Won't get to do that again until 2016, if ever - given the possible Mayan prophecy cataclysmic theory of death and all.

Total Time: 31:31 Total Distance: 2.9 miles Average Pace:  10:52

Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 2.90
Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Running MilesSwimming YardsBike Miles
127.920.000.00
Vibram Bikilas (red) Miles: 34.43Vibram Komodo Sports (yellow) Miles: 86.29Vibram Bikilas (blue) Miles: 6.70
Night Sleep Time: 39.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 39.50Weight: 226.75
Debt Reduction Calculator
Featured Announcements
Recent Comments: