Nice distance and splits! any way you get to 17* it's cold!

Thanks Tom! 11 more miles still seems impossible at this time. :-)

Nicely done! 15 miles in below 20F temps is a big deal, and glad to hear you were sweating by the end. My first couple years running I didn't quite have the gear I needed but would brave the cold for any distance. I ended up sick quite often, so it now makes me nervous to do a long run in the cold. Way to kill it!

It is exciting to see the body turn the corner from training. You getting some freezing temps yet?

Glad you got a nice day! Nice HR run, very cool to see some quick improvement, especially at your advanced age (sarcasm...) :)

Dan, our lowest was 18 degrees.

Russ, no sarcasm needed there. I am OLD! :-) But can outrun most of those young whippersnappers!

Nice run! Sad she's got to go soon. Glad your weather is better! I had 42 degrees myself today: tights, long sleeve shirt with it pulled up to my elbows, took my gloves and hat off, and my jacket wrapped around my waist. Definitely not what I expected.

Hey, do you live anywhere near San Antonio? I'll be there in early April for a school board conference, would be fun to go for a run if you're anywhere nearby.

Russ,

I do live close to SA. Let's make a plan to get together. When you know the exact dates and times let me know!

Sweet! I fly in Friday 4/6 at 3 pm and fly out Tues 4/10 at 8 am. I don’t know my schedule yet, but I’m sure we can find a time in there for a nice run! Will be awesome.

Looks like you are going to have a great running year IJR.

IJR - Which marathons are you and Callie going to compete in to get a 2019 Boston qualification?

Looking good man -you have to be loving running with your daughter so much lately.

Russ, We'll make some plans when it gets a little closer!

Thanks Rhett!

Dan, Yes I've really enjoyed it but now it's over. :-(

IJR - She will be back!

Outstanding training.....in so many ways!

Thanks Tom, I Just Run.

Solid run. Look for good things:)

Training gets much tougher the next 3 weeks!

each and every mile counts...

Take a rest day, rebuild your mojo !

Nice training splits. Don’t you just love this retirement stuff!

You already hit you mileage for the week and you still have tomorrow...nice. So how tall are you now that your legs have grown? :)

As long as the legs are still even you should be okay. You really don't want one 6" inches longer than the other. Nice running!

20 miler? Go do it, man! Should be easier with your ginormous legs!

Are you going through another teenage growth spurt?

IJR - are you running The Woodlands Marathon in February '19 or 2018?

Some times you just have to live to run another day. Good job listening to your body.

Thanks Guys, still hoping to get a 20 in this week but today it's 25 degrees and freezing rain, ice on the roads!

That is the exact sentiment I agree with. Listen to your body and follow your training plan. PPPPPP!

Ugh, sorry to hear that. I think once I ran one of my long runs on a TM, but it was a horrible experience. Hopefully your weather will clear up shortly and you can get out later this week for a 20 miler. You are definitely not prepared for doing 20 in these temps and ice, it's just a recipe for disaster. You would get sick for sure, and likely slip and fall and injure yourself, so don't worry.

Maybe it's time to take an unscheduled day off to recapture your MoJo. I've found in the past that no matter what we do to control every last detail of our running and the weather we run in, we have absolutely no control over the weather. It's what you see is what you get, especially on race day at the starting line!

I am hearing you on the ice. I agree about taking the day off and come back strong with a new cup of mojo :)

Took 2 days off. Really need to get the 20 in but it's not looking good. Maybe Friday..???

Hey Man, take it easy...you’ve Got a race coming up about the 18 of next month...chill out, stick to the plan, screw the weather, dress accordingly and get the job done! You are a warrior, you have fought many battles to get to this point, suck it up and get that “BQ” for 2019. Ya!

Running in cool or cold weather is great......get after it.

Man that’s a solid run!

Strong work.

Great running Preston....when do you start your taper for the Woodlands Marathon?

Way to go! Even gave us a quarter mile bonus I see :)

Well done IJR. I got tired just reading all those splits.

Great run! "Squeeze in" a 20 miler!? Ha! Hey are 9-10, 19-20 downhill or did you throw some extra effort in for the finish?

Just a little extra effort. 😁

Keep up the great training....your big day at the Woodlands is coming quickly!

Well done Progression Run Master.

Nicely done!

Nice! Pretty snappy paces, brother!

This bodes well for your race!

Tm.......I resemble that kind of run.

I do not like TM's.

Sometime I actually like TM miles. :-)

are you still racing on feb 18th?

running is 90% mental. The rest is your head. Nice work.

Gross.

"Somewhat fatigued?" I'd be completely fatigued! Those splits are super duper consistent. You are in some great shape, man! This has got to give you some confidence.

BTW, how slow do you have to run 0.15 miles to get an 8:42 average pace, after running 22 @ less than 8:00 pace?

Outstanding long slow distance (LSD) run. Traditionally LSD runs are run at one to two minutes slower than your marathon goal pace. What is your projected marathon pace in your upcoming race?

Good catch Tom K. CORRECTION MADE!

It was calculating on 20 miles and not 22.

Actually not really a slow distance run. It's more like a 3:15 long steady pace marathon training run. Don't think I can get to 3:15 but that's what its targeted at. I'll be shooting for a 3:25 if the weather is good and a strong kick the last 6 miles if I'm on 3:25 pace at 20 and feeling good.

Wow what a great long run. like Tom said it's a confident builder for sure. so I take you are running the race.

Holy cow Preston, you killed it!!!! I have never had a fast distance run like that, I've always taken it long and slow, but I should do what you did, as my marathon results have never been what I hoped for. You are looking great my friend!

Fatigued and you still ran your fastest mile on your last one! Well done. You're looking fit and ready.

Looking good!! That is something to build the mental toughness on for sure!

I reread your comments about feeling fatigued towards the end and how you could've used another gel. Something I've found in my marathons and ultras I've done is to save 1-2 gels for the end that are caffeinated. Seems to give me the extra umph I need to get up a tough hill, or to finish strong. Maybe try it on your 20 mile run next week, as you never want to eat something in a race you haven't tried before. Again, you are looking great!

Thank Russ! Great suggestion. I will try that. I typically eat a gel every 7-8 miles in a race but not training. I like my body to learn to use it's own energy before the quick gel energy.

It's a very good thing. Looking forward to your race.

Nice progressive lower > split run. Seems like you are peaking at just the right time .....

Thanks Tom S.

Time to pay attention to taper time - you’ve advanced your conditioning as far as you can, now it’s time to rest and get your mental game up to speed!

Hey IJR, my good friend, Ms Smooth is doing the Woodlands, please reach out to her and talk about the marathon and how you too are going to smash it and bring home “BQ’s” !

Beating the 8 minute man on a 20 miler? Awesome! Dude, you are ready for whatever race you pick. Crazy last 2 miles! Well done!

Very nice last long run, now get into your taper time, the rest will take care of itself! Get that much need rest time in to recover from all the dings and dangs that pester us through a training cycle! So what’s it gunna be, the Woodlands or Cowtown?

It looks like you are well on your way to a BQ. Enjoy the taper.

Rhett gave you tough advice... enjoy the taper... Hey great run! Stay tough mentally, your body is there.

Thanks guys!

I think I may run the Woodlands, since I've never run it before. It's supposed to be really flat but sometimes hot.

I don't really have any dings and dnags this training cycle jut not enough miles to suite me.

The good thing is I only have to beat a small group of old men to get my BQ. 😁

Father Time is a wicked compedator!!

Wow, you are running amazingly well! Great timing. When's the marathon?

Nice way to start the taper.

You could try rolling? Downhill is great... steep downhill is hard on the quads and I am not sure how to do it!

Nice job!

Running the hills is very hard. I’ve always found that keepin an erect posture , “keeping your head up and your shoulders neutral” makes all the difference for me. Going up the hill take shorter steps but quicken the leg turnover and slightly leaning into the hill from the waist. Downhill I try to keep a confident posture taking shorter strides the steeper the downhill, stretching out to a normal stride as the grade decreases! There’s my two cents!

I agree with Tom; uphill is short consistent strides, downhill I just run. Keep posture erect, and don't hold back - you won't tip over. I basically just run my normal way, but faster. Sounds like you may have been holding back if your hips and butt hurt, as for me it's normally my quads that are super sore for days and it hurts to go down stairs or sit on the toilet. Best way to get your quads used to that is run downhill more. Prop up the back of the TM to simulate it, or run down the stairs of a tall building, that sort of thing.

You are but 6 days out of race day, time to back it off to 3 days of rest before you shred the Woodlands.

Tom,

Actually, the race is March 3rd so it's 19 days out from right Now... so I've got some more running to do.

Whoops - I’ve got your Marathon dates mixed up! Are you doing a two or three week taper?

Looks like a nice half at mp.

Strong work, as usual, IJR!

I thought your race was on the 18th too still 16 days are not much eat sleep and just jog lol. Good luck and enjoy the tapering you did the hard work already.

Nice diversion day....we all need more of these! This kind of training day just helps bring sanity and clarity to your training regimen into focus and bolister your commitment and moral, not to mention a breather to help heal up some of those running dings and dangs to your body. 😎👌

I am a big fan of the no watch runs. Nice miles!

No watch...good for you.

I. Can't lie ... it was hard without a watch guys! 😁

March 3rd is coming fast, 14 days and a wakeup, have you got your running attire all set out for the big day at the Woodlands Marathon? Are you doing a two or three week taper? What is your carb load routine? What do you eat? Are you thinking "BQ"?

Sounds like a fun run!

Tom,

Not sure about the race attire, who knows what the weather will be like here in Texas...???

I'm doing a 3 week taper but I'm not much on carb loading. I've tried it and seem to feel too puffed up when I do that.

The whole intent of this race is for a "safe" BQ. Anything other than that will be a complete failure!

You my man are in the home stretch, time to rejuvenate in mind, body and spirit! Just two weeks till showtime. Get out there and get in your modified taper miles and all the extra rest you can manage. Remember, You’ve planned your race now go and race your plan! & “ Nothing New on Race Day”!

Looking good. Did my message back to you via private message help at all?

Rhett,

It didn't come through. My email is

Ptatumpackred@gmail.com

Oh wow, hopefully the weather does take a huge dip. 70 is way too hot. Apparently 50 degrees is the perfect marathon temp, and I believe it. Anything over that and I start overheating. Well, if it is hot, wear as little of clothing as possible (singlet/tank top is a must), and keep pumping the fluids and keep a positive mindset. I believe mind over matter can happen, but it is a huge challenge. Prayers for optimal weather!

Nice run. It's always humid in Houston. I know. I grew up there and went to Optometry school there. Hopefully it will be a cool day though.

Those are some really good times. You look ready, bro!

You are ready! Focus on what you CAN control. Leave the weather in the good Lord hands. :)

IJR - I’m directing my local weather to head your way and cooperate in providing you with ideal weather conditions at your up coming marathon. Plan for the worst and hope for the best conditions and remember your hydration like Russ said. With correct hydration heat is only a maddening situation that can be overcome. Have you checked the two week forecast for the woodlands marathon area to see what the voodoo weather people are saying?

I'm hoping for some race day magic that makes these paces feel like an easy jog!

You’ve been wishing for cooler weather, what gives? Suck it up cowboy!

Too funny, those SoCal dates are when I'll be in San Antonio...

I would love to come run a Ragnar with your team “but” the dates don’t work for me. At that time I will be only about 10 days out of my 13th Boston Marathon. Please keep me in mind for a future Ragnar!

I’m glad to here it is cooling off. 1 week till race day !

Oh Man...! Russ, That's when we were going to get together. What are your dates in SA again?

Looking like a well oiled machine!!

"Chill". Hey man, "Payday" is one week from today! You're into your last week of Taper Madness, step back and enjoy the ride. You've done the work (PPPPPP)now it's time to reap the benefits, "ie", a trip to the finish line at The Woodlands Marathon. Now go out and enjoy your last few token training runs and get your your mental psyche on board at 110% with your physical and spirit. Then get yourself home and post your race report on the FRB. "Just Do It"!!!

Some day I will not be able to do this...today is not that day!

IJR - I went to the I phone weather channel and they the weather gypsies say that Saturday the 3rd of March is going to be a cloudy/rainy day with a high of 72* coming from an over night Friday low of 50*. Get prepared now.....

Poop. Hope and prayers that it cools down for Saturday.

IJR- It looks like you will be enjoying about 50* weather at the starting line. That’s just 2* off what I have always thought was perfect. So at your speed you will be finished before it gets over 70*. Good luck, run happy and don’t sweat the small stuff ! “Just do it” !

Tom said it right, you're having classic pre-race doubts. You have put in the work. Looking forward to your results!

Race day magic - It's going to happen for you!

Good running Saturday, may the wind be at your back, both ways....

Have a great race!

Thanks my friends ... !!!

Lots of anxiety this time, not sure why. I'm going to try and manage my effort for the first 1/3 and see if I feel comfortable at that point so I might make something happen.

Good luck today. I'm sure you are going to rock it.

A few more details would be nice !

Sorry, driving 3 hours. It was good! I surprised myself.

Outstanding time today! Way to put it all together through adversity to success! I think while the irons hot you might want to consider a sub 3 hour marathon!

Oh man, that time is awesome! Well done! Did Yasir write this detailed race report for you?

Excellent!! And Yasir more concise Tom.

Look forward to the full report!

Congratulations! You really killed this race. I think none of us are shocked, as your training was consistent, and your training paces were excellent. So glad the weather cooperated and you could hit your goal time. 15 minute BQ? Wahoo!!!! Great job, well done.

Congrats on the substantial BQ. From the looks of things you ran the right effort. Nothing quite like the feeling of running your fastest miles in the end of a marathon.

Wow! Congratulations IJR. You made your plan and you nailed it! Great race. After all you went through with your foot, it is amazing you were able to return to such great form. You are an inspiration to us all.

Thanks Guys,

Tom S, I know you're kidding about a sub-3 marathon but I do now think I can break 3:20 again!

Tom K, Hipe this is now enough detail. The more I write the dumber I sound to myself.

Russ, Yes it was truely a surprise. I guess it had been so long since I ran a marathon I'd lost my confidence.

Jason, Thanks, that's how I've always tried to run all my races. Trust me, it's not always easy.

Rhett, Thanks, and thanks for the GREAT tapering advice. You know what I was planning and it wasn't what you suggested. I'm really glad I took your advice!

Sorry for the late congratulations. Wow you are back to your old speedy ways. Really this was a great run specially how fast you finished and still had more in the tank after. You could definitely break the 3:20. Really glad that you are fast and healthy again rest eat but not too much

You really knocked this race out, man! Only 2 miles run at 8+ minutes?! Again, I say Awesome!

Tom K,

Yeah, I was really disappointed in those two miles!

IJR - How ya feelin’ today?

Wow! There are not many dull moments for you, IJR! Exciting times! And you are right back into the running groove!

Good luck to your son! Callie, run Smooth, fast and strong and get that “BQ”. IJR - good to see you getting out and moving down the road after your triumphant return from clobbering The Woodlands. Yahoo, here comes Boston 2019!!!!

Congrats on your sons marriage. I’m glad to hear you are recovering well and even better that you got to run with your daughter.

Congrats all around on this one! Glad to hear it.

It seems to me it was a well deserved break. Now get well soon!

A nice break will probably do you some good.

Sheesh! You are motivated. Nicely done, hope your chest cold is gone. And don't pick up any packages. That bomber is scary stuff!

Where are you and Rhett planning on Running sub-3’s?

Russ, I'm still stopped up and have a little rattle but much better.

Tom, Lemon...😁 Don't I sould confident saying sub-3!

Way to bring it back gently!

What is the name of that progressive rum you speak of?

You know, the faster you run, the more time you spend in the stinky Ragnar van. It might be be wise for you to run slower. This is an uncommon approach, for sure. But it is still valid.

Really fast stuff, IJR!

Progressive rum on the rocks is fantastic!

One shot every mile ... you should try it!!!

gettin' a little warm and humid in your neck of the woods!

70 ahahhahaha We in the same country!?

Nice job

Nice pace even if it is a little slower.

Gotta get back to some consistent miles. I would like to keep it around 25 - 30 per week for the summer.

You are one busy cowboy!

Yes I am!

You should see the rest of my schedule for the next few months!

Hope the roping went well! Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Preston! Hope you found your way to the podium.

Happy Easter Guys!

Hi JG! I tried to call you the other day, before my Woodlands Marathon. Not sure if I still have your correct number. Mine is 512-757-0063. Could you text me yours?

You can do that!

YOU CAN DO IT!

It’s a Ragnar...enjoy the ride!

Run the light....

Tom,

So you've run a Ragnar? And it's fun?

8:05 is great considering the lights! Keep competing and have fun!

IJR - I've run two in Utah and one in Nevada.

Nice job- and it happens to many of us. My 50K last year was several miles long because I took 2 wrong turns. Nice to see you run this race, very different from what you normally do.

Great job! That's pretty awesome. What was the average length of each segment? And how stinky was the van by the end? Run, sweat, get in van, repeat 12 times, and it gets smelly!!!

Very cool! I have never done anything like that. Looks like you guys did great!

The legs were from about 3 miles to about 12 the longest. I ran the 3rd most of our team.

This was a lot of fun! Especially just getting to know the other people on our team. If any of you guys want to form a team, I'd be in! :-)

Yes, the van was pretty stinky! ha ha

We were very happy with our results finishing 64th our of 650 teams. I think the reason is we had enough competitive runners that it rubbed off on the other team members and made them want to compete instead of just completing the distance. I was very impressed with several non'runner's efforts and results on our team.

Sounds like a great time! I'm glad you had fun.

You've got to wonder if you would have placed even better, had you not caught all of the stop lights! Like, you're racing other teams. But, at the same time, you are gambling on street lights. Kind of a strange situation.

The So Cal race draws a lot more teams now than the Del Sol race. For obvious reasons. But Del Sol is still my personal favorite.

Burt,

I forgot you were a Ragnar runner and fan. I should have contacted you and gotten the inside scoop. It was definitely different and fun! Hope you're still running them and having fun!

There’s no place like home. Did you enjoy the Ragnar? People are always trying to get me to do one, but I have always declined.

Still running fast!

SOLID! Nice. Always good to push it like that once in awhile and if the legs were fresh why not.

Thanks Dan. Don't know what I'm going to do with it but I'll take it.

Hey way to enjoy some nice weather :)

wow 7 miles @ 7 min why not.