Sub 2:30 SMASHED!

wow nice tempo run there and great song too love it!

I thought Karate kid was so coool :-)

ooooh very posh nice run :)

hey hey not just any blog but a Marks and Spencers blog nice and proper posh there Benny. btw great running 4 mile cooldown at 6.40 pace ouch thats fast :-)

Great workout. Hitting something solid like that should put you in good shape for your upcoming half.

What's the deal with the fancy blog formatting? Am I missing something, or are you just an html wizard? Nice workout, BTW.

5:15 miles? Nice.

Sam: thanks Sam gotta be realistic... I have goals that I am after I will not rest until they are accomplished.

Superfly: I hope so man... I really want to run a good half and I know I should be ready for it.

Paul: lol, I'm not a wizard bro... as far as the workout... point taken from you man...I'm learning how to run to my best and hopefully I can achieve some good outcomes. BTW thanks to you I have been running consistent and with determination hopefully I can see a difference. I have a question, Should I taper for the Half or run straight through it with long run 1 tempo and then use the race as a workout? I'm trying to go sub 1:10...Can you give me some pointers on how to attack this half marathon.

Jon: thanks.. but you guys are faster than me I'm just trying to get there. It's about time I start going after it.

Hey your getting there Benny you are :)

I would train normally up through three days before the race. Then two days before the race, do an very easy set of doubles (ie 8 miles + 4 miles ez), and then just do 5-6 miles ez the day before the race. This is not a huge taper (won't really affect your mileage for the week), but should still leave your fairly fresh to race. Be sure to get at least 20 miles on raceday, with the warmup + race + cooldown. That will count as a "long run".

You have a enough base to be fairly aggressive with this half marathon, so don't be afraid to put the hammer down toward the middle of the race. It may take you a few miles to "ease into the race", but expect to run strong and hard in the middle through the end. Try to go out right around 5:20/mile pace (1:10:00), and inch your way toward 5:15/mile by the middle of the race, and then hold it to the end.

Good luck!

Sam: hopefully hopefully

Paul: thanks for the pointers, you were right when you told me I would change things around, I have done that, it also prevented me from getting injured. I hsve learned a lot from your logs.

Oh that sucks Benny. I had my CD player stolen and I've yet to replace it.

Crazy miles this week.

OUch bloody mindless idiots sorry about these people! nice running again and great miles so far your gonna pr for sure :-)

Sorry about the truck issue, nice folks out in this world, huh?

Your training is going very well, keep it up...you are going to go great at the half marathon this month based on your recent runs.

Yea I know...o'well it's nothing for me to sleep over.. I just don't want them to invade my house next..

I was pulling for Texas. Almost pulled it out without Colt, I'm impressed. I'm a Utah alumnus, no love for Alabama.

I know for a fact they would have won with Colt on deck, but o'well they played their hearts out. It got me doing a tempo before the game! lol

I agree they could have won with the freshmen who did a good job. But with McCoy I really think they would have had no problem. The Freshmen (Gilbert) took to long to finally adjust and get some nice throws.

Hopefully the Cowboys will do well.

Benny Your running numbers are mind boggling. Just Crazysauce!!

And I HAVE to mention something else..Don't think it funny...I'm into Bodybuilding so I am always fascinated by Physique...I'm also looking at your thighs..LOL. I mean GEEEEEZE go Striations!

Maybe not for the St.GeorgeHalf, but My next race I am going to have Shredded thighs. U wait and see. :)

Missy: I know (mileage), but I'm trying to break 2:30 for the marathon. This is my first time I put all the marbles in one bag and I am on a mileage high. lol@your striations comment! Thanks! I wish I could put more time on my upperbody :/.... You'll get your shredded thighs I bet you will... I might do St.George Marathon if I don't get a sub 2:30 at Los Angeles.

You've posted some great times in marathon's. Your training is looking awesome. Do you practice trying to short your stride rate. I know this help me get my time down to a 2:36. How is the marathon course in LA?

Kory: I haven't tried that in this buildup but had tried it back in some of my other buildups. I'm going to keep everything the same right now. The course is flat, they changed the course from last year.

Ahh Benny, don't you just wish there were more hours in the day?!? I can never get as much done as I want to! SO you don't have time for weights..curious tho..do you do core exercises..I have always mocked Core Enthusiasts until my Tri Coach said it is essential I work on my core...His reasoning that it will make all the difference at the end of races when you are falling apart, Your core literally holds you together! So I'm studying up on Functional Core Movements and planning working core at least 30min 3x weekly. I know sounds Pretty much OCD! Now you see why I want more time!!! I keep adding more workouts..lol.

Would be cool if you ended up doing St. George. I am planning on running it this year, although they always REJECT me! Didn't get in last year. :(*

Missy: I do core exercises they have been incorporated into my regular workout routine, three to 4 times a week. Core work helps me maintain my form @ the end of my long run. I do push-ups for arm strength but other than that, nothing. Why would you get rejected? Is there a cap ?

Yep yep Benny...St.George Marathon has a lottery...One year I called them after getting rejected and they let me in..

Benny - if you break 2:30/1:10 on a flat, sealevel course, St George will probably let you bypass the lottery.

Missy: wow! I didn't know that.. thanks for letting me know.

Paul: Sounds encouraging hehe btw Paul I hope my pr's come through!!!! I have been inspired by you man! I hope everything pans out!

Benny, with your projected race time I bet St. George would automatically put you in..So register.

Wowsers thats allot of miles Well done Benny, thats so good your doing so well, only 128lbs ouch do you mind me asking how tall you are ?

Sam I'm 5'7 and weigh 129 give or take.

Nice job Benny. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

I'll be there too. Just way behind you..

hey nice running there, and I am so looking forward to reading about your race, loving the blog :)

Sam: I hope it feels easier lol! :)

Looks like you are totally ready for your race - go burn it up!

Dang, man, that is some awesome training. 5:35 for the last mile of the tempo is fantastic. I agree with Dave, you are going to hammer Austin!

Holt: I will !! I sure will thanks for the encouragement!!

jtshad: THANKS Man! I just gotta see if it all pans out on that day, otherwise I'm going to have to wait for another race.

With the training you have put in and the pace you have been doing wowsers Mr Speedy Gonzales :)

Yeah I agree with HOlt and Jeff, your gonna hammer Austin :-)

Sometimes that's just how days go.

Jon: tell me about it, i felt like i could have gone for another tempo... but i know i could have gotten hurt.

Wow Benny you sound like your race ready and rareing to go, just hold on to that feeling and good call on not doing another tempo, I remember those days, and I am hoping I get them back soon :-)

Wowsers one heck of a work out Benny, I think we all hate the 1st rep of any session, and the last one well its a gotta go go go, but your running really fast and doing high mileage too glad your settled into it too.

You hate writing and I type too much LOL

Your diet isnt that bad..... humidity is quite high ouch :)

I hear ya man. I hate workouts... I really hate 1000's. In fact my most hated workout. But you hit it like a champ. Good job.

My diet only gets good about a week and a half before a real race. Most of the time outside of that it's a free for all. And since I have been injured and haven't raced in like 15 months I'm in a valley of bad diet hell.

Woah, speed Demon take it easy! ;P Seriously, nice pace there...under 7's. That'll be me in a year! Yah..that's it...heh. :) Anyhow..Sending Wicked Karma your way..for an awesome Race on Saturday!

Thanks Missy!! I'll promise not to let fastrunningblog down!!! I'm going for a pr!

Good luck this week I hope this race puts you where you want to be for your fitness at the start of the new year. I hope you achieve your HM pace goal.

Nice running Benny, thats some pace, but as it should be right on track for 1 min slower than your goal Marathon pace, or thereabouts!

I think your going to blast the 3m half marathon, I just been looking at it on their website looks pretty good course too and a nice place to run. Heres loads of goodluck every day for the run upto your PR! awesome :-)

Great run, have a good taper week and go nail the 3M half marathon!

Kory: Muchas gracias kory! I'll make sure to dig deep in that race.

Sam: thanks Sam! The race is one of the best organized half marathons in the country. thanks for all the encouragement

jtshad: this one is for you guys!!!

Woah HE is unstoppable! :D

Don't worry Missy I'm gonna shut her down by wednesday tomorrow calls for a tempo run and the rest will be split into 2 runs to get some kind of taper going into the race.

U are Crazy Inspiring Benny...I think if I can get to some sort of performance weight I could run faster..I'm thinking 125#'s is doable..at 5'7". The tricky part is maintaining my muscle at the same time..so it needs to be done gradually. I'd go under 125 too if it didn't leave me looking wasted away..lol. Kick butt this weekend..Sending you more Powerful Crazy speedy vibes! :D

Nice run Benny, Cant wait to read about your tempo run, I love the fact your easy pace is so faaaasssssttttt :-)

Oh and please dont do anything Tuesday as I am just ahead on the mileage board LOL

oh p.s good luck day 2 :)

Missy and Sam thank you ladies! I'll post workout later! BBL

Benny looking goood thats a great tempo workout well done and relax for the half as your going to fly it :)

p.s good luck

Sam: Muchas gracias!!! I will fight it!

hey hey hey nice easy run there GOOD LUCK :)

Man, you have put in some miles for a taper week. See you this weekend. Are you going to the dinner Saturday?

well im going to do around 80 plus miles, i feel bad for cutting that much after avging 95 mpw for 8 weeks. Now that I think about it, I really just want to get this half out of the way. I'm not going to the dinner, I'm going to Olive Garden with a friend from Austin. Are you ready?

Now just relax.

Superfly: Thanks man! I am going 5 am and 8 pm tomorrow and 6 miler saturday in the am then RACE Sunday! Hope everything goes good with your 30 miler yikes! :)

Hey Benny your gonna fly this one ;-D

nice easy run there Bennys at my very easy run pace I bet that felt kinda weird running so slow LOL Good Luck :-)

Sam: muchas gracias! we will definetly see what happens! I am going to make it hurt! Gotta leave out on the course :)

Wow, awesome run. Great job getting your goal right off the back...1:09 is smokin'! Congrats on a stellar race! Imagine if you wouldn't have had the wind.

Great start to 2010!

Great way to start the year. Congrats. Nothing to complain about with a 1:09 Id say.

thanks guys! I guess I can't complain...

Bennys I have been waiting to see how you got on its exactly 12.00 midnight in England LOL

Congratulations on your new pr, wowsers thats an awesome time Bennys really nice race with windy conditions thats insane, what a great start to your campaign of sub 2.30 which is well in your sights :-D

Sam: I would have posted earlier, but I had to drive back home, it was a 3 hr drive. Yea 20mph wind was brutal, but I know I'm better than that. I'll just take it and attack it at a later date. For Now I'm gonna hop back to marathon training for Los Angeles. Thanks for all the positive comments you have given me. :)

Awesome!!! I wish I could do that!! Maybe someday....

Great job man. After seeing you workouts the last few weeks I knew you were ready. 2:30 should be no problem with sub 2:25 very possible in LA with (no wind).

Great job and a great way to start the year!!!

Superfly: I sure hope so. I need to register though. 135 buckaroos ouch!

bunkgoats: thanks I hope everything start rolling the same way.

Awesome Benny! That's smokin' fast! I'm a little confused that you put 13th place overall and the results at the bottom say 3rd place overall.

Anyway, go get that 2:30!

Great job! Sub-2:30 should be no problem for you, as long as you run a smart race. But for now, enjoy the PR.

Freaky Deaky Benny! You run like the God's! :)You inspire me to focus and work hard! It is clear that is what you do! I have been stretching more...thanks for the great example! :)Oh, and I know the race was so windy..Geeze..I could hear it blowing on the video I watched 3 times..hehe...I know you feel you could have done better, but for what it's worth we amatures think you are crazy amazing! :D

Burt: The top 10 were removed as they got cash prize for being in the top ten. The next places after that were put in the open division so 1 2 and 3 were actually 11, 12, and 13.

Paul: thanks to you man!!! you're the man! I have been following some of your work, now I need to work somewhat on core to keep it smooth and under control in a race.

Missy: Awww your sweet, but I'm just like everyone else trying to get better. If you put in the time you will shine. I haven't been doing anything for the last 3 yrs and I just got the urges to train and get my rear to the level I want. You! ME! Anyone can do it!!

Huge congrats, Benny! Well deserved. Keep up the good work and go get your marathon!

Jon: Muchas Gracias and I'm definetly going after that sub!

Benny You are just like me! I took 3 years off too..Started back in April and am about where I was before speed wise...I'm ready to work..lets just stay injury free. :)

Kudos.

Missy: it's wise to train smart...don't try to go at it too hard too soon!

RivertonPaul: thanks

Congratulations on sub-1:10! Good progress.

Sasha: I'm going for sub 31:00 in this coming 10k, Watch me attack the first mile in 4:56-5:04 I'm gonna listen to your advice, let me see how it shapes up and thanks

Benny - I had some additional thoughts after I have contemplated your form in the video. You look like you are jogging, like you could run the whole marathon like that. What that probably shows is that your muscles can, you just need the cardio support and the fuel. Which would come from consistent mileage over a few years and no injuries.

A late congrats Benny, from a fellow Texan. Cool watching the video - Sasha is right. When I think about the fact that you're running at my sprint speed the whole time and it looks like a stroll in the park for you, it's crazy impressive. Anyway, I make it a point to read your blog once a week to psyche myself up for longer runs. Great race and good luck in LA.

Sasha: sure does looks like I'm jogging :/ the wind was brutal, I honestly think I'm in 5:09 shape but anyways the heck with it, I'll get it. btw I hope that it pans out in a year or two. I just want to maximize to the best as possible. BTW Sasha your blog rocks! It's a good community.

Slowjoe: I'm just enjoying this cool weather because from April to October we average 100 degrees and I won't be able to put this kind of mileage in those months. L.A. I hope to register by Feb 4, 2010 it's 135!!!! I have to wait to get paid. hehe thanks!

Nice form Benny. You are silky smooth.

I just showed you off to my Hubby Benny..we think your race time here is "Sick"!!!! :)

Woah! 1/5 on effort @ 7 pace for 12 miles! I am sore from my workouts yesterday..lol. I need to take Vinh's Cytomax and Amino Vital or something..lol. :) GooD ImpressivE WorK Benny!

Bennys great recovery run eh! and I am so made up you have no soreness well done :-)

Are you going to let me in on the secret why ? How? :)

Missy: thanks

Missy and Sam: It could be various of things

a) mileage plus the 2 workouts I have during the week that have made me stronger

b) Ez centrum performance? dunno

c) prolly didn't maximize my running in the half this weekend or the cooldown ? I did 3 miles

d) I eat a lot!!

Benny's I get the training, yeah you have been doing great.

b) gonna go look at that one, I have been researching supplements, and energy drinks! Vinh prompted me.

c) yeah I agree tooo great easier week

d) ha ha eating helps, but even in marathon training I need to get my weight down a touch as I know it makes a difference, I am struggling with the ratio at the moment to get it right...but I am doing okay at the moment just really tired all the time.... thanks Bennys :-D

Benny...I started Taking Costco's version of Centrum Performance...Not sure how I like it yet...My energy has been weird in January with decreased workouts..You would think it would be the opposite..Less workouts more energy...It's the opposite for me...More workouts more energy..I'm confusing myself! LOL...

As for increasing mileage..I will be adding in lots of bike and swim..I might try to sneak in an extra run here and there if I feel up to it..

:D

Missy: don't worry whatever your body doesn't want it will be pee'd out. Pretty balance with all that training. I wish you the best.

Um you said Pee...*snicker*

Nice run Bennys you rock with the wind, and getting lost sorry to hear about it but looks like you added some miles on doing that :)

Woooooow there thats a good tempo, were the hills every other mile at first, I mean like you hit a few 6.03's there and quite a few 5.58's nice pacing Benny, I like the note too ...... and I just noticed the wind holy cow i hope you didnt have to run into that wind! :-O

Cool that you are testing shoes...I was accepted as a Lab Rat as well, but no shoes yet.

Great run!

jtshad: currently testing the r5 and boy are they good.

Sam: it was windy again we either get gulf winds or northern winds during these months, cold fronts and warm fronts hehe

It is nice to follow you on the blog.

RivertonPaul: thanks, I hope you accomplish your goals, all it takes is dedication, commitment, and perseverance. The will to go out the door and just hit roads. I often think of things while I'm out running, my thoughts: can I actually get better? will I get better? and then it hits, I will get better that's why I am out here! Heck I'm not an elite runner I'm just here to prove to everyone that anyone can go out and get better with the right training for the individual. Best of luck to everyone! I know I need it! lol

Hey Benny nice running there, and those test trainers sound goood :-)

If you want to track mileage on your shoes, there is a shoe tracker choice once you login to your calendar.

I saw that Jon but I run through so many shoes...it becomes pointless. hehe :) Jon: are you getting better?

I know what you mean- I'm tracking 10 shoes, and I have another pair in the box. Nuts.

Hopefully. Not sure- I'm not wanting to push myself far enough to find out, figuring I should just keep resting and then go race and see what happens next week.

Jon: well good luck with that! When I saw all that mileage done about a mth ago, I was gonna say be careful, but anyways I hope you get over the hump.

Glad your feeling fresh, nice feeling eh! great week you have logged some nice miles there :-)

I can run 5 miles at your pace. :D Lol.

Missy: I hated today's run, my quads were screaming!!! literally!! they were saying stop!! please stop!!! NOW! we should go for a run!! virtual! lol

My run today was Boring...Didn't want to overdo it so I ran moderately..ZZZZZ.

I will trade my boring run for screaming quads..sounds more satisfying..I Love screaming quads on hills..Makes me feel alive! :)

Maybe if I lose 20 pounds and start running more than 30 miles a week I will be fast like you..:D

Missy: Trade! done deal!

Hey Benny thats one awesome run, I am so not surprised your legs screaming at you, that is one pace dude your getting so fast :-D I would like to run that pace at tempo just as a session but hey its more like my mile reps at the moment :)))))

Quads feeling better today? :) Looks like that was a recovery run for you. :)That would be my race pace for a half..lol. :D

Quads felt better today, but tore them up again today! This is my last workout of the week before the 10k this saturday :) I need to get my rear to run ST GEORGE! I want an aided MARATHON TIME!! LOL

I just tore up my quads on the bike tonight..and Felt like puking after..hadn't had enough calories in the day..lol. But I ate 6 whites, an Ounce of Fat Free cheese, and two pieces whole grain toast. Made me feel all better! :D Yarrrr You come to St. George!

Oh..a 10k too? You are a racing maniac! :D

Nice tempo run there Benny, wow thats allot of tempo miles too, Your gonna rock at the 10k this weekend, GOOD LUCK ;-D

OUch at the accountant but hey sounds good in the end, wowsers thats some humidity Benny well done for getting a run in, day 2 day life can play havoc with training some times. :-)

it did create havoc!! today i ran like $!!@#$!

Wow...10pm..sounds like my crazy summer runs..$$ is ALWAYS good! OH my goodness Benny....Sounds like you need a personal assistant to do your taxes and make your meals for you so you can get your runs in and take naps. :)

lol $$$$.$$ coming in so i didnt mind the wait..

Hope you had a great race today (Saturday)! Can't wait to hear how you did!!!

*Hands Benny a fluffy dream pillow!* :)

Oooh...racereport..Post it stat! :)

i was going to post my race repoooort and bang my modem got reset, so i"ll post it later..sorry missy and marathon dreamer ill post it in 2 hrs im typing from my cell phone, but i gotta go buy meat for tomorrows superbowl.. i alreeady wrote it and have it saved on microsoft word so ill copy and paste..for now gotta go sorry guys, i was only able to post fridays run 30 mins easy ha,,, ahhhh

btw that whole week was tiring and felt like bad! i just noticed on my blog i felt bad all week before the race.. o well!! I shouldn't have raced!

I cant see Benny! you say you had shades on so I cant see anyone with shades on the front line maybe one man back on the left ?

Hey I have done a 5k like this, went out really hot with a very fast runner whom I didnt know was so fast, I did the fastest 2 miles of my life then died and trailed in doing the slowest 5k of my life LOL Its good to do this though as it shows even 10ks 5ks, you can go out too fast, and if you do it in the Marathon the same again you will slow down near the end. But well done for hanging in there and holding the half pace, I probably would have died allot more LOL not that Id do that pace anyway ha ha.... How cool is it to be with the elites eh! Congratulations there Benny thats an achievement isnt it :-)

Wow, awesome race. Good job trying something new and pushing yourself to a great time (even if it wasn't 31:00).

Do you mean Mary Akor? If so, I ran about half of the Twin Cities Marathon with her in 2008. Nice gal, great runner.

Sam: no shades black tank

jt: yes Mary Akor! very nice lady just ran 18 with her as she jogged in another mile

* Note * She says it's beneficial to go cool down after 18 miles, she went out and did another mile easy to shake out.

I told her I was doing 3 to 5 miles later after the superbowl and she told me I'm nuttz that it's too much? Your opinions?

*** Note *** One kenyan said yesterday that running is a buisness and that everyone does performance enhance even the world class runners.

Cool that you got to run with Mary, how did that come about?

I would say going out for another run is not necessary. Your mileage is awesome, your performances are great and improving...don't fall into being a mileage junky!

For some of the Kenyans and other elite runners, running may be a business but for most of us it is a passion or hobby. We run not to make money, but because we love it (I am hopeful they do too!) and don't expect the same thing from the sport. Treat it like a business and you may lose the love you have for the sport.

jt: not a mileage junky but the 3 or 5 miles were to shake out the webs of the the 6am run, but I get your point and so far I have not been a mileage junky, all my miles have been setup to correspond to my goal.

I agree with you jt on your last comment...

Hey Benny that doesn't sound good does it performance enhance, shows us mere mortals that don't p/enhance have no chance then !

I dont think its mileage junky at such, but I think higher mileage is good, and you need to know your body if you can do some more or not ! Like I knew I could get away with a huge week, and do my long run a day early to make that week even bigger as I have easy weeks fitted into my marathon plan, which most athletes dont do these easy weeks/backing off weeks..... I find they give me the chance to recover having such a hectic lifestyle as it is, and then I can do heavy sessions knowing I have these weeks in too.

Benny I really cant see you sorry LOL

Right behind the Orange guy!! :)

Isn't it funny how almost everyone is looking at their feet?

Great job Benny. 15th place amongst all those elites puts you as an elite yourself. Plus you're so old. How many 33 year olds are that fast? LOL! (That's a rhetorical question. Don't answer it, Jeff.)

Lol Burt, except the guy in bib #13 has feet envy..hes checking out #3's Sneakers!

Benny, is that black tank the TRI top you were talking about? I wanna see a closeup! ;)

I loved the Where's Benny game Tho I cheated and looked in comments for the answer..lol. Great race in my humble eyes...and how cool to rub shoulders with the Elite..well you ARE one of them! I think you are amazing Benny! :D

Missy: Refresh your internet explorer or mozilla or chrome and you'll see me wearing it on the left hand side. Thanks missy I'm not one of them... I wish so I could have gotten some $$ lol

Burt: thanks man! I love toeing the line with them, I know all of them, some of them I have been running against for years.

That #13 is my friend westly keating he is a stud! He got 3rd place....

Another great race so far this year. Way to go!

Um whatever...ELITE ELITE ELITE!:P

Superfly: thanks

missy: you're elite! help me build muscle!!

Okie...Let's boogie Benny! I train you like a BEAST! :)

ha ha I wasnt sure if you were the one behind the orange top, lol at everyone looking at their feet Now why would Burt notice this LOL

I have a foot fetish.

Oops. Delete! Delete!

Burt Especially likes Hobbit Feet. :)

I stepped right into that one.

Nice Pun Burt.

"He's going the distance...He's going for speed.."..You put this song in my head:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__PU5CVSegg

Ever run in a suit before? :D

Ouch...was watching the video..That wine in his eyes has got to hurt..lol..Don't splash wine in your face during a race..Lol.

Missy: I ran with that top in the race. That's the owner of the bicycle shop, he is a good friend of mine and he wanted me to run in his gear so I did. It was too tight, I like the fitting but not for running... I guess tri gear can be so intimating. It's a zipper down top it's neat.. I ran in shorts not in tights...lol

Missy: I love that song! That song is on my long distance playlist ;)

hey I just ran 18 yesterday too :-)

Zipperdown! O.o...Those TRI guys get really wild..lol...I just got a zipperdown TRI top but for women there is a shelf bra inside..lol....Do you have a picture of the Top you are talking about?

Missy: refresh, it's the top I'm wearing on the right hand side... I'm with the Owner of Wally's Bicycle Shop in McAllen, Texas.

That top is Sweet! I love it. :) I want one. :D

Missy: want it? lol I don't do tri's!!! PLUS it stuck on me like glue when I was running, I'm sure my friend wally wouldn't mind someone representing it in Utah! ha!

Hmmm think it would fit me..lol. Tell your buddy at the Bike shop..I will win a Triathlon one day..wait and see! If there is finish line tape I will rip it with my teeth..lol.

Way to keep the ridiculously fast pace. South Texas is gonna suck pretty soon! In Abilene the low is around 80 in mid-summer so I'm sure Laredo will not be fun in a couple months. Good luck.

Yup that's why I gotta enjoy it! avg temp here in the summer is 101 lol

Great "effortless" run. That is the challenge we all face, having that perfect day come together for the big event.

jtshad: yup, thats the thing..o well soon we'll find out

Way to be absolutely crazy fast Benny!! Awesome... you give me hope!!!

Marathon Dreamer: thanks!! hope you can accomplish your goals!

10 miles 6.49 pace ouuch your flaming hot fast there Benny, thats not easy pace or is it :-D

it felt easy, my easy pace is from 6:42 to 7:10

great running Benny...hows the legs after your race? I am sure they're doing great :)

Hey Benny hope your okay no running latley ?

Sam: I have been running I have not posted though!! LOL How are you doing! ;) I'm doing good!!! aww thanks for looking out for me!!! :-)

Sounds like you're starting to get in shape. Good sign.

Hey Nuttz glad to see your blogging again, missed you there for a few days..... great running eh !

OMG your 8 miles easy is my tempo well mp tempo LOL nice paces there Nuttz :)

Paul: Yes sir the 5:34, and 5:32 felt like a 6:00 it felt like a breeze.

Sam: don't worry it still needs to pan out in a race! I can run like an all-american but if I can't put it together it's useless.

WOW - you are true inspiration Benny!!!

aww! thanks, but I like to inspire myself to get out the door already!!! lol I need to go run, but I have some work to do...and I feel like dragging it..

oooh, I felt like that for over a week its crap isnt it Benny but hey these are the days we need to get out, as our competitors will be training too !

Benny I am sure you will do great in the races you are an inspiration I agree :)

Nuttzzz Rocks!!! Love it Benny!!!

Woah that is coming up fast! *cheer* :)

yes mam! hopefully it all goes well! how are you doing? I haven't been able to keep up with my running log.... ALL Is well though,,,

Hiya Benny. :D I'm doing well...also been busy here too...haven't on FRB either! Days are flying...almost March, can you believe it??? Glad all is well. :)

Nice brief entry..hehe...Fast training run. :D Hope you are well Benny!

Good luck in Green Bay, hope the weather is ok. Does this mean you are not running LA?

BTW, I will try to keep my marathon on March 7 in Baltimore anywhere close to yours as far as finishing time!

That's a busy schedule. Godspeed.

wowsers great run there Benny and nice splits at mile 15 & 17...

Holy smoke what a schedule hope it all goes really well

busy schedule indeed, not racing all of them will prolly race lttle rock n seattle, use the others as gear up races ...not doing l.a. not a pr course

I always have more trouble if I remove my callouses- they seem to protect my feet and don't bug me.

true jon...but some of my callouses are hard and when i step it hurts... so removing them is my only option to feel at ease

Nice running Benny wow fast winds eh too :)

yea winds have been brutal due to a cold front...

Wow yeah we have some wind too.... :(

Benny I had a day like that on Monday I couldnt hack it, also I am supposed to be doing doubles but I just cant get outta bed in the mornings urghh :( but hey 10 days to a marathon is it one your racing or just using as a test >...? I so cant believe you do that but hey your a tough animal :-)

Exciting!!! Can't wait to hear how you do!!!

Huh your easy runs sound so fast great running Benny :)

ha! thx sam!....

urgghhh! thats not easy well maybe for you thats dang fast to me Benny well done.... dress rehearsal like the sound of that do we get to see photos LOL

Um....YUK YUK.....48% humidity, great for the skin but not much else! When My friend moved to Texas one summer she told me that when She grated cheese there, it clumped together it was so humid..haha. Me no like clumpy cheese! Unless it is supposed to be...like Feta or Blue or....Gorgonzola! :D

You are SO going to rock that race! :D

I hope so!

Benny...YOU are going to find me annoying...BUT I was just telling Sam...I firmly believe that you MUST believe in yourself..This is how you will succeed...that and Be oblivious to pain..haha..Let no doubt enter your mind...Your focus is only positive. You have a goal..That is all you see.

running is a mind game!! i need to defeat my mind... the physical makeup I got! It's just convincing the mental...part...

You gotta psyche yourself up...Pump yourself up...tell yourself that you are a beast and you are going to win and you don't care how bad it hurts! If some lucky guy wins this time..It will be his last..because you are going to conquer! You gotta let it boil inside!!! Think of that guy trying to take your finish!

hey hey hey Missy your so right your gonna fly Benny just fly :-)

LOL sorry Benny I had to laugh at that comment eating double I am sure it will fuel you through hey hey hey

LA Marathon next :-)

Not doing L.A. doing Little Rock Marathon March 7 in 5 days

Awesome Benny!!! Good luck with the marathon and keep us informed!!!

That is some crazy wind to run in!

Enjoy the food during the tamper:) It's such a stressful time from the time you drop the mileage until you actually start running the race-

Has to be a great feeling being ready! :) You sound confident and ready to go!!! I guess you aren't going to post till tomorrow? Hehe....Happy Marathoning! :D

Psyche Up Psyche Up! Woo Hoo!!! :)

Benny well done, I know your not happy but hey it was a tough course and you got pretty close to your pr so Id take a positive out of the race, also seems like you didnt switch on hence feeling like a training run, maybe you hadnt tapered enough not sure with that one !

Congratulations on a 2nd place, and hey pat yourself on the back.... Positive hard course great even running on hills.

2. you came 2nd

3. you went the wrong way extra mileage id say too

so well done Benny :-)

Damn, dude that is a smokin' time and second place! You did great and I know how hard it is to run hard when you hit that no mans land and don't have someone there to push/motivate you. Great that this race felt like a workout. You will use this get get those big successes you are looking for!

Cheer up, after some time you will look back and see that while it didn't go the way you wanted, you can learn from it and say you succeeded here.

Your late miles, that is what has normally happened to me. I started slower yesterday to help avoid that and it paid off for me!

Sorry you didn't have the race you wanted. Everything needs to come together perfectly for a marathon to really click, and sometimes that takes a few tries. Sounds like you will recover fast though. You just need to shed the bad from your memory, and take on the good (2nd place, how it just felt like a workout, etc). Stick with it.

Yeah, sorry to hear it didn't work out quite as well as you hoped... but 2nd place is dang good for a race you weren't overly happy with. I think it was amazing.

Recover quickly, remember your lessons, and you'll be back to really kick everyone's butt in Eugene.

well the guy that won it ran a 2:29 and ran a 1:20 second half so i know that i was not the only one that got pounded by the hills.. thx for the positive comments..

dont mean to sound like a crybaby but i know when i hit the wall...i hit the wall twice and slowed down to 8 to 9 min mile on those marathons... i guess since moving to second place i just felt content and saw that i didnt need to press anymore....i knew the guys i passed were toasted....after that happen there was no one to work with...dont get me wrong im not pissed about the place...the time was the most dissapointing thing because from mile 1 through 20 i looked at my pace and then after moving to second place i never looked at my watch again...i know im in 2:28 shape.... anyways IT IS WHAT IT IS... the heck with this one gotta move on to the next one...

thx for your positive comments :)

Amazing Benny!! I am so sorry that you are disappointed and things didn't go as planned.... but you did something that most people can only dream of doing... with that being said, be proud!!!

Sorry about the wrong turn and not getting the overall race you wanted. But you did great. 2nd place overall is great. Running that well on a "workout" or bad workout is a good sign. When you feel like you really raced well your results will be amazing.

Try the Brooks Launch. By far the best feeling marathon shoe I've ever worn.

Good race Benny, always cool to read about fast runners and their marathons and sounds like you did TX proud. Good luck in your quest for 2:29.

MD: Thx

SF: I'll look into that...i put that body glide on my feet and it didn't work .. so i gotta what i can do..too much slipping and sliding on the inside..

SJ: thx man! I'm normal just like you! I love the pain though!

If you're doing Eugene,be prepared for a pancake course... much more conducive to PRing.

cdViking: that's what I want to here!!! SUB 2:30 !!!!! Yea I need to buy my plane ticket.. I already got the hotel and entry covered ;)

CAN'T WAIT!

Benny- I bought a pair of Drymax Maximum Protection socks. Very expensive, but I wear them in every race (up to 100 miles) with no blisters or hotspots. I used to get blisters at the balls of my feet and arches, now nothing. And you don't put body glide or anything on your feet, either- the socks take care of it. I don't ever recommend things... but I recommend these socks. You may want to look into it. I'm glad I did, and I'm even buying a few more pairs soon.

Jon: thx for the info... ill look into that... half, 10k and marathon i got bad blisters its the musha 2 from mizuno.. i gotta switch the shoe... thanks for the info on the socks..

Nice job Benny. You've almost reached your quest.

How much time did you lose on the detour?

In any case, this is good progress. You are starting to cash out on your speed.

Burt: Gracias

Sasha: 45 seconds

Hey, nice pics.

sorry it didn't work out quite like you wanted but thats an awesome run! Next time its going to all come together ... and not having the cops send you the wrong way will help too.

I think thats a great time for an early year marathon. For us up here in Salt Lake City, I doubt to many can hit that right now. Keep up the good work.

Nice marathon Benny, and pretty cool slideshow too.

Great race! I can't solve the blister problem right now either!

wow you cease to amaze me Benny thats awesome :)

gotta move on to the next one..

yeah for sure..... although it shows how strong you are physically you must be ! :)

Hi Benny- hope you are feeling recovered and strong and that your spirits are lifted!!!

MD: Got food poisoning on weds and was sidelined ...but I'm back!!! :) hehe How is your training going?

Glad you're feeling better. You will just love Eugene. There is some weird pavement in the 2nd half as the bike path has short brick sections at the crossings, but it is really lovely in May and mostly nice and flat.

I was just coming back to your blog to see what your recovery routine is. It's taken me so long, and you are back to running so fast! I'll have to just make allowances for being a 50-something female. Good luck this spring.

Benny nice 18 miler there your doing so great :-)

Nice!

heck yea! I love Mizuno!! hey how are you doing super? when are you racing?

Doing ok. I had or have a 10k this Saturday but have been sick longer than I thought I'd be... so I might bail on the race. Have to see how I feel Friday. Nothing big though.

Very nice.

That is some sweet gear.....

Just got Mizuno Ronin racing flats myself.

+1 on how awesome Mizuno is !

NICE!!!

BennyBobcat!!!!! That's a great pace...7:15...for post marathon...how are you feeling? Recovering well? I have been distracted over here..not on the blog much..but I Have you know Saturday before your race I was looking for your race results online (Thought the race was on Sat.) So when I found out it was on Sunday I checked then too...I was an ultra spy! Must have driven you crazy waiting in your hotel that long..geeze..didn't you get there Thursday??? Man. I would have gone bonkers!

Sorry I have been a poo poo blogging friend! I will be better. :D

Hope you are feeling FINE!!! I am proud of your race...I will read your race report in a bit, Am running around crazy here getting ready for my TRI tomorrow...TTYL!!

Aww Benny! Sorry you felt bad. That wind....must have been a thorn in your side. I would feel wicked cool about myself running that fast tho! :D

Yeah me too, sorry but i get you on that :( but smileys your way :)

Where'd you go Benny? You are like me..getting busy huh? I hardly have a moment to update my blog..and when I Think how far behind I am on this and my other blog..I get stressed! I need a secretary to help me be organized..haha.

Missy: ahhhhhhhhhhh where should I start? lol

Samantha: I've been lost but now semi-found! lol

Nice. A day off? :) Hope you are well!!!

Yeah second that hope your doing great Benny I see you have done a nice week too :)

Missy and Sam no days off yet... I have been trying to keep up with the blog...I am having a hard time posting... my post are short though... in any case how are you two gals doing?

Everything is good here...90 degree weather already....it's scorching!!! hehe

Woah. 90! You can handle it..you are tough!

It's ok..you can be like me and post a weeks worth of blogs in like 10 minutes..I did that like a week ago...haha.

So don't stress about your blog laziness. ;P

nice run the green stuff is flowing now (jealous) but great training Benny :)

I did an 800 like that yesterday but it was down a crazy steep hill...I know I am a cheater pants! Good looking workout. GJ Benny.

Great 8's Benny nice even splits too well done :)

Great running as always, are you doing Boston ??

Holy Speed, Batman! You rock! Congratulations! Eugene? I think that's the one that rattletrap is running...

That is awesome. I think those are the fastest splits I have ever seen.

A really nice time Benny. And 5th overall out of 20,000. Cool.. can't beat that feeling.

thanks !

Good job. You're about ready to roll in Eugene.

Great job Benny! When I saw the pictures of your Mizuno buddy from behind, I thought it was blood running down his back.

Nice race Benny, have you run that race before? The hills took me by surprise. Great time.

Hey hey Benny great job, how good are those splits awesome......... looks like that marathon is going to be a real fast occasion for you :-)

Let's see- 5th out of 20,000 means you are the top... um... 0.025%. Amazing.

Great Job! Look out Eugene...

Those are crazy insane splits Benny...and 5th out of 20k!!! Sick! :D

And Benny, what did that humidity feel like? Are you used to that? I don't know if I could breath that thick of air..haha.

Looks like things are clicking for you. Good job.

Wow nice workout Benny.......that is awesome ! ;)