Just do it

Mother beastliness.  That's all I have to say.  My wife Rebecca really wanted to run this race and signed up before going to Utah.  I finally signed up right before I went with a plan to just run the half marathon.  After I reached the 48 laps required for the half, I figured I might as well just keep going until I couldn't run anymore and then I just kept going until 96 laps.  I ran with Rebecca most of the time after the half and we had a pretty good pace going for a while.  We then walked the last 6 making a total of 102.  My legs were hurting really badly.  The longest I had run this past year was a 10 miler and the longest was about an hour and half.  Jumping to a 28 miler on an indoor track for over 4 hours was painful but I was glad we kept going.  I think I enjoyed it much better after we finished.  The pace was 10:26 per mile but that included about 7 laps of walking and a little bathroom break to put on some nip guards, change my shirt, and normal fuelings.  Ended up being a good start to the new year :)

Over the river and through the woods with lady Rebecca at McCallister Park.  We ran once through the trails and then an out and back on a paved pathway.  It was pretty fun.

So initially I though that Rebecca and I were just going to run this race for fun... Not race it.  Then the night before I found out that Rebecca did indeed want to race it so blah.  I figured I would shoot for a sub 7 pace.  The first few miles went pretty well.  I was just scoping out the competition.  I could see that I would clearly be unable to get to the 1st or 2nd place dudes unless they were to fall off pace.  They looked like seasoned vets so I figured that wouldn't happen.  They were also both shirtless so obviously they are freakishly fast ;)  

Behind them was "Blue".  I could tell that he wouldn't be able to hold the pace... Don't know how.  I came to find later that he was actually running the relay so I was in 3rd place the whole time!  Ha! I went out pretty relaxed so I was actually in about 7th position of guys.  After about a mile I decided it would be beneficial to catch up to the group of three ahead of me.  I sped up to them and jumped behind the last guy.  Then I just jumped ahead to the different guys.  I didn't feel like my training would allow me to be successful through ability alone so I figured I would focus on tactics.  

There was also a beast lady who was running a sub 7 pace.  I stayed with her for over half the race.  When we hit the hills she crept away and I knew I wasn't going to catch her... And frankly I didn't care.  She was a female so she wouldn't mess with my gender placing and she was awesome so more power to her!  

The hills were HORRIBLE.  I kept thinking they were going to stop or that we were going to get to the top and start going down.  It never really happened.  It ended up being a steady climb with some small downhills in between.  I did everything I could to recover on the downhills and keep my pace on the ups.  At mile 10 I noticed the arrows going the opposite direction and realized I would have to turn around and come back.  I was not happy about that.  

 At the 10 mile point turn around I saw that I was about 200 meters ahead of the next male.  I figured I would be able to keep that for the rest of the race.  I saw Rebecca on the way back and she made a strange face at me.  I just looked like I was in lots of pain because I was.

 When I hit 13 miles on my watch I was super stoked. I came around the corner thinking that the finish line would be up ahead and I couldn't see it.  All I could see was a MASSIVE BEASTLY BEAST MONSTER DEVIL HORRIBLE HILL!!!  My watch was past 13.1 and I had lost all will to live.  It was everything I had to just climb to the top, turn the corner and finish.  Ended up showing 13.45 on the watch and I wasn't too happy about that.  I got first in the military category (which wasn't too difficult) but also first in my age group and 3rd overall.  It was a good race.  Rebecca got the same stats.  I was proud of her performance.

6:25, 6:37, 6:36, 6:38, 6:40, 6:47, 6:43, 6:44, 6:57, 7:10, 6:58, 7:03, 6:36, 3:08

Looks like I went out a bit fast and the hills were beastly.  Especially mile 10 as you can see... 

My wife Rebecca had the maniacal desire to run 30 miles for her 30th birthday so she sneakily used the credit card and signed us both up for the m-thon in Huntsville.  The funny part is that we stayed in Huntsville when we ventured to Groveton to run the Davy Crockett Bear Chase and we didn't remember.  Rebecca recognized the places and I was like... "Ummm no we've never been here."  Indeed we had.

The race was just up the road in Huntsville National Park. We had to pay $5 to get in.  We were complaining about how they were charging us to get in and how it should have been part of the registration or we should have gotten a Military discount.  Then when we went to get our race packets they told us there was $5 in there to reimburse the park entry fee.  Foot in mouth...

The madness began with our 2 mile warm up... A completely ridiculous notion for anyone running a marathon.  It was pretty chill there.  The temp and conditions could honestly not have been more perfect.  It was overcast and mid-fifties with low humidity.  The trail was firm (thankfully). Neither of us had run a trail marathon so it was going to be a new experience.  We started out in the middle of the field and the Rebecca-dubbed "Soul Train" caused a pretty slow start.  Later on I felt that this is what helped us to feel so good throughout the race.  We hit our goal pace in the race and I think the forced slow start made a big difference.  

At about 4 miles or so it started to thin out but we just kept moving along picking people off.  A lot of the halfers were ahead but we knew we wouldn't see them after the turnaround.  The trail was frightening at times and it took it's toll on Rebecca.  I was just glad she didn't hurt herself on her 5 dives.  She just got up and started running again.  She's a tough cookie.

We were pretty motivated at the half.  Our pace picked up to about 8:30 and we felt super good.  Through mile 16-20 we were moving along pretty good.  At one point were holding sub 8 for a bit.  Mile 25 was the longest mile of my life.  I probably looked at my watch about 125 times... In that mile.  We had passed Number 1 somehow and he was keeping pace behind us for a long time.  Then at the last mile we passed him and he was gone forever.  We kept a very strong pace through the last mile and finished.  It felt great.  Then when all the adrenaline had diminished we went and ran 2 miles.   Worst 2 miles of my life.  It was actually 1.93 miles because the marathon had been 26.07.  During the race I told Rebecca I would laugh if she won first overall in women.  She did and I laughed.  She almost beat the men too... She beat me.  Results don't lie.

Splits:

9:18, 9:01, 8:46, 8:21, 8:14, 8:41, 8:54, 8:46, 8:37, 8:41, 9:34, 9:00, 8:44, 8:27, 8:34, 8:41, 8:24, 8:26, 8:42, 9:34, 8:45, 8:52,8:31, 9:33, 9:41, 8:24, 0:33

Total Ascent: 1846

Total Descent: 1830 

Ran with Rebecca on and out n back fiasco.

This course was great!  Extremely flat and the temperature was really nice.  It was low key so there wasn't much competition.  I went out at about a 6:10 pace which is definitely slower than I like but considering my lack of training, i'll take it.  Second mile was just below 6 and so was the third.  I was impressed with the exactness of the distance.  Felt good to rehack the 5k.  Rebecca came strolling in not long after me.  She's gotten a lot faster.

I ran a 6 mile out and back from the apartment with a time of 33 minutes...

 APRIL FOOLS!

 Add 11 mins to that and you have my time :) 

Rebecca and I got up at 5:15 to make sure we wouldn't have to deal with traffic and parking at the race.  They were saying it was going to be crazy with over 30,000 people.  Well it wasn't that bad.  We paid 10 for parking and walked to the event.  Unfortunately there was no bag drop but we left our stuff with some nice volunteer ladies.  We got a mile warm up and then went to the starting line.

 I was pretty pumped when we started.  There were quite a few people.  A lot of people went out way fast!  I was surprised.  I tried to stay relaxed and hang back for the first mile.  After that I started moving up until I was in 3rd.  I saw the first place guy up ahead who was moving pretty fast so I tried to pick it up.  Between mile 3 and 4 I knew I wasn't going to be able to catch him.  He just kept pulling away.  He ran very well.

I felt pretty alone the whole race.  Later I found out that 3rd place was only about 30 seconds behind me.  There were some bands along the way and some cheer groups and what not.  It was pretty fun.  Definitely a good course and I was very happy with my time considering I haven't done any speed work for months and I've been lucky to get 15 miles during the week.

Rebecca did great with a PR!  It was a really good course and a good day.  Glad we decided to do it! 

 On a side note, my watch actually clocked 6.29 miles and showed an AP of 6:00.  That pace would actually put my race time at 37:17.  It's still almost a minute slower than my PR but it's not bad.  

Splits: 6:07, 5:59, 5:59, 6:00, 6:05, 6:02, 1:36

5k Splits: 18:57, 18:51 

My calves/ankles/all muscles attaching to foot hurt...

My calves/ankles/all muscles that attach to my foot still hurt.

Out and back.  There's been some rain recently and the run goes by some grass fields.  I haven't paid much attention recently but three are lots of flowers growing.  It's quite a sight.

Ran around the humid base with the lady of the lake.

Beautiful morning for a race.  It was in the forties when I left the house but by the time the sun came up it was in the fifties and rising so very nice temps.  I could have raced without paying as I actually signed up, got my bib and left without giving them money.  I then realized it and went back to give them their $15.  The lady made sure to tell me not to put the number on my hoodie if I wasn't going to be wearing it for the race.  Thank you for that information.

I got all warmed up and stuff and was ready to go at the starting line when I realized I had forgotten to put my anklet on.  We had under 5 mins to go so I ran to my car real fast and ran back just in time to start.  There was a group of kids that sprinted out like mad hyenas but based on their general attire and stride it was pretty obvious I would see them shortly.  Oliver was here today and Miguel (not their real names but that's what their names should be.  If I named them they would have those names.  They are good names.)  I figured Miguel would get first followed by Oliver and then either me or St. Patrick (Green shirt).  Unfortunately Rebecca wasn't there to share in the namings.  

After about a half a mile it was Oliver in first then Miguel who came from somewhere in the back. Rodrigo and I followed behind them.  Rodrigo was older than me but he and I were right in the same pace.  At one point I just got tired and went behind him so he could be my wind sail.  He slowed down quite a bit at that point so I went around him but I never put a lot of space between us.  At this point Miguel had passed Oliver and was about 40 seconds ahead.  Oliver was about 20 seconds ahead and Rodrigo was about 8 seconds behind me.  St. Patrick was nowhere to be found.  

I got my second wind in the last mile actually and I picked my pace up quite a bit.  I left Rodrigo behind and nearly caught up to Oliver.  Miguel was gone.  He finished a bit under 18.  Oliver finished in 18 flat and I finished 9 seconds behind him.  I honestly could have passed him in the last half mile but I just didn't care anymore.  I felt like I was going to crap my pants if I exerted anymore effort.  On a side note, my dinner last night consisted of Little Caesars jalapeno pizza, a big cup of Sprite, and a box of Reese's Pieces.  I regretted that immediately after, in the morning and during the race... and after.  And right now to be honest.  Bad choices... Bad choices.  I didn't poop my pants though so that was good.  

After the finish I cooled down for 1.5er.  We then had to wait for everyone to finish.  There was a women who decided she wanted to do the whole race with crutches.  Why?  Why?!?  It took FOREVER.  Not sure what was the driving force behind that one but she finished and we got our cool little awards for age groups.  Oh and there was an old man in slacks and a decent shirt and a cane who won an award.  He totally beat crutches.  He's the man.  

So I had an AP of 5:48.  I actually stopped my watch at 18:07.82.  Last year on this same course I ran an 18:12 so it's good to know I haven't lost much.

Splits: 5:45, 6:03, 5:40, 5:16 (.1)  Umm not sure what happened on the second mile. 

HOT

PT test - 8:29

Speed work.  1 mile warmup and then 10x400 at a 6 min pace.  1.5 mile cool down.  

It was a last minute decision to run the 10k.  My training has been almost non-existant and therefore felt like the 5k would be fine.  Rebecca ran the 10k so I figured I might as well give it a go. I immediately regretted the decision but it was too late.  Kind of a painful uphillish course but not too terrible.  I was 3rd for the first couple of miles until I passed Yunior.  I stayed behind him for a bit to recover and then I passed him on an uphill to ensure that I at least made a decent gap between us.  After that I was chasing the lead guy who happened to be an Lt on the base who just started flying T-6's in the flight room down the hall from me.  He's still fressh and fast I guess.  I ended up finishing about 30 seconds before me so he did well.  I was happy with my performance all things considered.  Rebecca got first by a good amount of time if I remember so she got a trophy for the 2nd year in a row.  I keep getting 2nd these days but I guess I shouldn't expect much when I am running about 15 miles per week.  

Calves did not allow me to run today.

It was nice to run as the sun was coming up instead of well before.  Humidity was rather beastly though.

Morning stroll with the wifey.

Thought about going 6 today but that was all I did... Thought about it.

6x800 at a 5:50 I think.

Tempo run.  Did a mile warm up and cool down.  6 miles round the base and 6:37 pace.  Splits were all within 5 seconds. Finished just under 40 mins.  Goal was 6:40.  Hoping to get an AP of 6:10 for the 10k this next week.

Rebecca ran the Frankenthon.  I ran about 9 miles with her.  She get a 3:31 (BQ) and it was a tough course.  I just wanted a bit of distance in prep for the 10k.

4x400

4x100 meter intervals with warm up and cooldown. 

Great race!  Wx was nice and cool and the course was flat and shady.  I had been training for this race (unlike my other recent races) so I was hoping for a good time.  When I started there were 3 of us out and in front.  We three ended up being the contenders.  I stayed a good distance behind the number 2 guy because he went out so fast and I didn't want to burn myself out.  Nearing mile 3 I knew that if I didn't close the gap, I never would.  I upped my pace a bit and nestled in behind him.  This was very helpful for recovery but he was a bit toasted and started to drop off pace.  I should have passed him much earlier but I didn't.  I waited until just inside mile 5 to pass him and I hadn't realized how much energy I had left.  I probably could have caught the leader if I had kept my pace up earlier.  The course ended up being about 1/10 of a mile short so my time would have been just barely under 37 in reality.  My AP was 5:57.  I was shooting for 6:10 so I was happy.

Splits - 5:49, 5:56, 5:50, 6:07, 6:14, 5:52

Run in Fort Worth, TX during cross country flight.  Had the great timing of getting caught up in a walk for Diabetes.  Needless to say it was nearly impossible to cross the river bridge.

Morning run with the wifey.

Laughlin Race.  There were about 20 people there but there was a fast guy that kept it interesting.  It was super windy so I drafted o off him.  He went out pretty fast.  With about a mile left I passed him and that was about it.  The race distance was actually a bit short.  We were fortunate to win two turkeys!