theBrainrunner

Hospitals love us Insurance hates us

2015-03-09T10:46:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been almost a year since my last blog post. What a year it's been! I haven't been just hanging out there has been some significant stuff going on.

First of all shortly after or right before my last post my wife was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Crappy yes! Terrible, no. Her cancer was young stage 1/2. She opted for a double mastectomy, and you can read more about her journey from her here. During that process she was subsequently diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Without the Breast cancer diagnosis the MDS could have gone undiagnosed for a long time, so in a way it was a blessing.

What the heck is that? Yea that is what I said too. So this is what the MDS Foundation says about it:
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. MDS is often referred to as a “bone marrow failure disorder”. MDS is primarily a disease of the elderly (most patients are older than age 65), but MDS can affect younger patients as well. To help you better understand MDS, it might be helpful to first consider some basics about bone marrow and blood. The bone marrow functions as a factory that manufactures three kinds of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Healthy bone marrow produces immature blood cells — called stem cells, progenitor cells, or blasts — that normally develop into mature, fully functional red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In MDS, these stem cells may not mature and may accumulate in the bone marrow or they may have a shortened life span, resulting in fewer than normal mature blood cells in the circulation.

So she finished her Breast cancer treatment, skipping Chemotherapy but having radiation, and then reconstruction. Once she was cleared from that she began treatment for the MDS. That basically entails high doses of Chemotherapy to kill your immune system and bone marrow, bringing the patient to the point that without new cells they would die from the high doses of Chemo. Then grafting in new stem cells through the blood that eventually take over and start producing new blood cells the proper way. Sounds easy enough, but as she lays here in the hospital bed waiting for these new stem cells to start working I can say it's much more difficult then it sounds. That being said her MDS was caught early, she's young, and was in good shape, it has been a difficult journey for her so for those whose diagnosis comes later in life, or detection, and are in poor shape I can't imagine their journey.

Needless to say this is where my focus has been, rightly so, for the past year. I've run but it's been sporadic, I had a minor injury that was the result of genetics, and that's about all on the running front.

On a side note: Special thanks to the 25 year old guy, who is O+ and lives somewhere in the Mountain Time Zone. This is where Tammy got her new stem cells from, We're not allowed to know his name for at least a year, then only if he agrees. She was lucky, her Dr. had 15 matches to choose from, but others aren't so lucky. For the donor the procedure isn't painful like it once was, it's just like giving blood now, thanks to advanced technology. So, I encourage everyone to go to BeTheMatch and register as a donor.

Carmel Marathon 2014

2014-04-18T20:12:00.001-04:00

So this winter has been horrid! There enough said!!!

Thankfully it seems to be getting close to normal. It's April 18th as I'm writing and it hasn't snowed since the 14th. The Carmel Marathon is in the books, and while it wasn't even close to a full training cycle I'm counting this as a win. It was rough at 16 or so and my longest training run just happened to be around 17 I think... But let's look at the wins:

WIN:1

I was able to meet up with Mike H. (A Hendricks County Runner) At the start line. He ran a nicely paced half.

WIN:2

I also got a chance to talk to Harry (another Hendricks County Runner) who was helping set up the finish line.

WIN:3

I had the best support crew a husband and father could have!

WIN:4

I hung with the 4 hour pace group easily up until somewhere between mile 15-16 that's when it started to get tough.

WIN:5

Even though it was physically tough I was able to push through mentally, and persevere!

SOME FUNNY THINGS:

I don't remeber the mile marker but some lady in a white Urban Assault Vehicle was mad that traffic was stopped. So she started laying on her horn. The entire group started laughing and it kept things light and fun. You could hear the horn for over a quarter mile away, I'm sure she eventually got to where she was going.

At mile 24ish I stopped at a med tent, to get checked out. A first for me but the lady was supper nice. My hands were going numb and I could only feel the tingles. I figured it was low blood sugar, which it was, glucose taken feeling better, Ironically I run high when my blood pressure is taken but surprisingly after 24 miles my blood pressure was great. (I guess I should run to my doctors office from now on)

Headed toward the finish!

Overall a great event and a fun time!

Want to see some funny splits? Of course you do!

8:54, 9:02, 9:01, 8:44, 9:09, 9:13, 8:46, 8:48, 9:02, 8:58, 9:14, 8:52, 9:12, 8:56, 8:50. Looks good right? Well, hang on:

Mile 16; 9:41, 10:40, 10:59, 11:31, 10:48, 12:09, 13:08, 13:33, 13:52, 13:23, 11:27.

Yep there was some walking going on there.

Next race, THE BIG ONE! Ultra 45 miles,

I better get training!

How do you push through those tough runs?

Change of Plans

2014-01-20T16:42:00.001-05:00

So, January 12 was my birthday. The plan was to run 40 miles however, I had to work. No problem, I had the next weekend off and planned to do it then. Did it happen?

No! Here's why:

1: I didn't want to run 40 miles in 2-3 inches of snow that would be on the ground at the start of Saturday.

2: We were supposed to get an extra 3-5 inches on Saturday during my run.

3: This is probably the most important, I didn't feel it was safe to share the roads with vehicles trying to drive in snow. (I'm not into getting hit by cars)

So here's the plan now. I'll not be running 40 miles for my birthday because I need to start focusing on my marathon training and can't delay it anylonger.

I will however plan on running a 45 mile Ultra on June 14th to commemorate my birthday.

Let the marathon training begin!

A year in review, looking forward

2014-01-03T13:14:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd take some time and review 2013.

It was a year that started with all the gusto and possibilities. I was coming off of a marathon PR, and immediately started training for the next one. The Hendricks County Runners was just getting started and my vision for that club was large. Early in the year I set a modern day PR in a half marathon (not including my high school time). Then the wheels fell off.....

I got sick and the Marathon training derailed, then I lost my mojo. I tried to recover and train for another marathon but never made it to the start line, instead opting to run the half with a friend as a pacer. Looking back at the year it feels like a wasted opportunity. Now, before you think I'm going to get all "woes me" on you let me say I've done some reflecting and learned some things.

What did I learn?

I learned that I still have some speed in these legs if I put in the work. Just like everything in life if you do the work you will be rewarded. I learned that I can't get down on myself for a poor performance. This will happen, things won't always go exactly as planned. I also learned that starting this running club is a benefit not only for myself, but now we have members who I see are getting better and more consistent in their running. Although this takes some time in my life it's well worth the effort.

What does the new year hold?

I've no idea, but it's going to be a fun journey!

I do have some goals for the upcoming 2014. What's a good way to keep yourself accountable for these goals? You guessed it! Tell people.

So here they are:

1. A 40 miler around the time of my 40th birthday.

2. A sub 1:40 half marathon

3. A sub 4 hour full

4. A modern era PR in a 5k

5. Log the most miles ever in a year for me.

6. Stay injury free

So there you have it, now you can help keep me accountable.

New Playlist additions:

1. Bad Blood, Bastille

2. Come A Little Closer, Cage The Elephant

3. Hippy Hill, Grouplove

4. So Into You, Wilhelm Tell Me

5. Making Art, JD Samson & Men

A thr33 month update

2013-08-12T07:39:00.001-04:00

I know it's been a while, three months to be exact, but things have been out of routine with the summer months. The girls were out of school which throws the entire routine off. Since we last spoke I've run a couple of races and set a new PR at the 6mile distance. More about those in a minute, but I've also been training for a fall marathon which I've yet to sign up for. Training has been a little spotty as of late. I'm not sure if it is the lack of routine, motivation, or flameout? Time shall tell. I did have some really tough but fun runs when I was on a business trip to Florence, KY. More elevation than I'm used to, but supper fun at the same time. Maybe I just need more change of scenery on my runs. Maybe I'm getting bored seeing the same sights all the time on my normal everyday training runs. Hmmm?

July4 2013 and it's time for the Firecracker 6! This is a six mile loop course through downtown Indianapolis. Goal sub 48 minutes; I just missed this last year. I also wanted to be top 100 overall and top 75 males (because top 75 of each gender get a cool mug).

It was a beautiful day and looked to be a fast day with the weather. I pushed hard but tried to stay consistent, yea I have pacing problems.

Splits: 7:10, 7:50, 7:30, 8:13, 8:00, 7:04 official time 45:47. I feel a little bit robbed with that 8:13 there was a bad water cup handoff and I had to stop, turn around, then start again. Overall pleased with the time, finished in place 100 overall, and 77th male. Dang! No mug, maybe next year.

I just ran the Jeremy Wright 5k, super humid and coming off a decent week of training with tired legs. I didn't get an official time and I stopped my watch late but I think it was about a 23:30. Nothing great but it was for a good cause and honored a fabulous runner and person.

So, as of late my training runs have been up and down. Sometimes I feel great and other times I just want to stop and be finished. Hopefully this will pass! I feel like I need to do something mentally to better engage or prepare, I have the endurance in the legs but the mind has been weak.

Do you struggle getting your miles in sometimes?

How do you cope?

Playlist additions:

What It's Like, Everlast

Anastasia, A Silent Film

You've Got Time, Regina Spektor

Pompeii, Bastille

Inbread Evil, Boondox

Now get out there and run!

Sometimes you got it, and sometimes you don't

2013-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Right after my new PR for a half marathon at the Sam Costa I became sick. Most of the time I push through this and just grind it out. But this one hit hard, I ended up taking two days off from work which is extremely rare for me. This sickness lingered for almost a month.

The morning of the Carmel Marathon arrived and I didn't feel very much of the sickness left but I had taken almost a month off from training.I wasn't sure how this was going to go but this was supposed to be my "A" race this year. So I decided to go for it and hang with the 3:35 pace group.

Everything started fine when we headed out. We were clicking off 8:12 miles like no ones business. At mile six I started to feel a little fatigue in my legs and fell off the back of the pace group. I stayed calm and slowly reeled them back in within a half mile. By mile 8 I could feel the weight still in my chest from being sick. I started coughing up the remains of my lung. Then my right calf started to get tight. I could still run but I started to slow. Somewhere between 8 and 9 I lost my pace group, and had the 3:40 group pass me. Things were going down hill fast. I continued to cough up the lung and by the time I saw my wife and kids at mile 10 I felt like I'd already run a full marathon. I continued on and muddled through the next mile before I really lost all motivation and will to continue. I battled through not wanting to quit but thinking it may be the best thing. I was so discouraged, disappointed, and generally pissed off.

At mile 12 when I couldn't stop coughing up the lung I decided it wasn't my day. I called Tammy and told her to pick me up. This was the hardest decision I had made about running, and one I hope to never have to make again. It is still disappointing even after a couple of weeks have passed. It's even hard to sit here and type this out. I felt like a failure. My children were there and I was worried about what kind of example I would be setting for them.

Since then I've tried to come to grips with my decision and I think it was the right one, even as hard as it may have been to make. Some runs are up and some runs are down, sometimes you got it and sometimes you don't. The key is to try not to dwell on the negative, but focus on the positive and keep getting out there to do what you love. In my case I'll run...

Have you ever had to drop out of a race or DNF'd?

Playlist Additions
1. Synthesizers by Butch Walker and The Black Widows
2. The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel
3. Tourist by Yuna
4. No Wow by The Kills
5. Down By The Water by The Decemberists

Now get out there and run.

Pop Quiz

2013-04-05T12:10:00.002-04:00

This has been the longest training cycle I've ever undertaken. I have had some fluctuations throughout and as such early on I had planned to have a couple of test before "A" day. That is the A race, the Carmel Marathon is on April 20th.

The Goal
This was the Sam Costa half marathon, a similar course to the Carmel Marathon with lots of turns and some quote, unquote rolling hills. My goal for Carmel is a 3:35 marathon. What I wanted to accomplish in the Sam Costa was to maintain an 8minute mile pace throughout. But I wanted to do this and not have to push hard to get it done. I knew it wouldn't be an easy pace, but I didn't want to feel as though I was out of control and giving everything I had to accomplish this. I also wanted to make sure I could keep an even pace, not going out to fast and possibly even or negative split this thing.

Why?
My thinking is this, if I can maintain an 8 minute pace and have that pace be controlled for a half marathon then the likely hood that I can maintain an 8:12 pace for the full a month away would be greater.
Granted it's only 12 seconds off over 26 miles, but I wanted this to be a test, or a pop quiz. I guess the real test is April 20th.

The first 7
The first seven miles was good, I felt controlled I settled into a rhythm and found my group to run with.

Although we did have some instances where we had to run with some traffic it was a nice steady seven. Most of the turns come after the half way point as you can see.

Splits:
7:28 oh, a little too fast
7:56 better, settle in
8:03
7:59
8:00 nailed it
7:59
8:03

Official 7 mile time 55:45 in 184th place.

Finishing the half
So far so good, everything was feeling fine I felt really good. I powered through mile 8 which had the second biggest climb of the day in it. I began to pass people and or shed people from my group. I always find it best to think of the groups as mine. It gives me ownership and internal power, even though it's only perceived. :)

Splits:
7:55
7:42
8:15 got clogged at the water station
7:49
8:04
7:56 + the point one.
overall 1:44:02 official time NEW PR!

I finished in 143rd place passing over 40 people the second half and negative split this race. I will say the finishing stretch was a bear as you head up an S turn hill into the finishing shoot, not cool. But it worked out well.

Recap

I'm pleased with my performance and look forward to the true test on April 20th. The nutrition went well as did my stomach, no issues!

Now get out there and run.

That's me in the red, on a side note look at all the heal strikers.

Lemons make good.

2013-02-25T07:54:00.001-05:00

When the world gives you lemons, make lemonade. Isn't that how the old saying goes?

Well this past week I had some lemons. Mainly it was more congestion, runny nose, soreish throat etc... However it was scheduled to be a big week for my running. It should have been a total of 50 miles this past week. Being a guy (most guys are bad patients when they're sick and want to be coddled) I just wanted Tammy to take care of me. I went to work because that's what I do but was wiped out by the time I got home. I ended up with only 10 miles this week and although I'm feeling a little better now I'm glad I made the decision to adjust my schedule and use last week as a recovery week. This means that I will now have a five week build before the next rest week. That rest week just happens to be the start of taper madness.

I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me a little nervous but I shall make this final push and rely on the taper to rebuild the damage I'm about ready to do. The weather seems as though it might be starting to make a little adjustment to the not so terrible side. This will make it easier to get out for the long runs when it's not showing a negative wind chill. I'm really crossing my fingers for some good weather for the Carmel Marathon!!

This week also saw the first group run for the Hendricks County Runners. It was great to meet some of the others for a run and get to have actual conversations instead of virtual ones. I have big hopes for the group as it sounds like others do as well!

Now get out there and run!

PLAYLIST ADDITIONS:
1. Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
2. Echo by Foxes
3. C'Mon Let Me Ride by Skylar Grey and Eminem
4. Whip It by Devo
5. Timeless by The Airborne Toxic Event

Crazy Schedule Calls for Crazy Training

2013-02-20T09:47:00.000-05:00

I know some of you that read this have a crazy schedule as well, so this is for you. If you have a quote unquote normal schedule then this is for you to have empathy for those of us that don't. :)

I work retail. You know the kind of retail that requires odd shifts, a couple of nights a week. As well as days off in the middle of the week. I don't get every weekend off, in fact I work more weekends in a month than I have off. Although after switching jobs in the middle of last year to a different retailer my schedule is better, but it's still retail. Don't mistake this for complaining, I chose this profession for myself, or maybe it chose me. I'm not sure who chose who but here I am.

This schedule provides unique conflicts when it comes to training for marathons, or any running for that matter. A normal opening shift has me crawling out of bed at 5am, leaving the house at 6 and to work by 7am. As a manager I can't be late so I routinely get there a little bit early. A normal morning shift starts that same process at 11am. I get home at either 5pm or 10:45pm depending. Many times I close then open which besides being tired doesn't give much time for a run.

In my current training schedule thus far I've tried to stay consistent with the days that I run. However, I've come to the realization that this isn't feasible. So now I find myself half way through my training schedule and the mileage is really getting up there as well as the time I must allocate to this training. So I've decided to adjust my schedule depending on my work schedule. This means that sometimes I may not be able to get a long run in followed by a rest day. Instead I'll have to let my work schedule dictate the training schedule. It may sound worse than it is. I've completed two marathon training plans this way and have gotten faster at each. This time I will be even faster due to the work I've put in not the constraints of my schedule.

I'm interested to hear how you adjust your training routines based on your schedule, so leave a comment below and maybe I can learn from your experience.

Now get out there and run!

New Songs added to play list:
I love listening to music, so I figured I'd start to share some of the songs I've recently added to my playlist. With each post I'll now add the last 5 songs I've added to my playlist. If you have any good songs let me know, my music taste know no bounds.

1. LOW by Cracker
2. Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
3. Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground
4. Do You Love Me by Amanda Jenssen
5. Beam Me Up (Kill Mode) by Cazzette

Running Partner Position Opening

2013-02-01T11:09:00.000-05:00

January is over, and typically I enjoy this first month of the year as my birth month. However, this one has been suspect. It's been a January of ups and downs both from a running standpoint and on a personal side.

In this month of the marathon training plan I was supposed to do 177 miles. But, I only did 124. Although this month had some severe weather in Indiana with the blizzard of 2012 and some drastic temperature fluctuations this didn't seem to bother me that much. What was the real problem? The problem I suspect was a couple of things. First, I began to experience some issues with the treadmill, I would get dizzy during my runs. I still haven't figured out what's causing this, although one dailymile friend suggested that it may just be a visual thing. In other words I'm not able to find a fixed point to focus my vision on and thus I'm getting dizzy. This might be the case.
In the last week of January I had some leg pain that is unexplained. Basically I have pain in the upper quad, or hip flexor area and in the glut area all on the same leg. It makes it difficult to walk let alone run. Although this is getting better with rest. So, hopefully this will take care of itself. Thankfully this was a recovery week so I'm trying to stay positive. I've also lost my running buddy. I won't get into the specifics of this because it also revolves around the personal stuff which at this time I'm not comfortable with getting into. But, it is much easier to do the 20 milers with a friend than it is to do them alone. I've tried to reach out to others to do some group runs without success due to scheduling conflicts and such but it's never fun when you lose a close friend.
There are some other personal things that have been going on that have caused this month to not be that great. Again I won't get into these things here but it has to do with family issues outside of my immediate family. I will just say that there are multiple conflicts going on that although I'm not directly involved in it's taxing from a mental standpoint. I'm not sure how it is for most, but for me I have to be in a good frame of mind to complete big runs. I just haven't been there. So, the running has suffered.
One of the ups that I've been experiencing is the fact that I've actually had a sense of closeness that I've not felt with my children in some time. I chalk this up to my level of patience and attentiveness to them. This is a good thing and I feel blessed to have them reaching out to me. I love my little girls with all my heart, but I know I've not always shown them how much I love them. I want to be a good father to them and have been making more effort to show them this love, and it's paying off.
I'm looking forward to February, as today is the first day of this short month. This is the 182 mile month in my training plan in preparation for the Carmel Marathon in April. I've officially signed up for this run so it's a go! However with the set back that January provided I may have to adjust my goal pace back a little but I should be able to tell better where I am at toward the end of the month.
I hope all who read this have a good February, and appreciate the families they have. On a side note, if you would like to get together for a run and we live near each other I'm open to that. Just reach out because I have an opening for a running partner.

Rambling's of the Snag

2013-01-04T10:56:00.002-05:00

I've hit a snag! I'm not sure what it is or what has caused this snag but I've hit it.
Everything seemed to be going well up until a couple of weeks ago. I started to feel sick so I missed a couple of runs. Then I had an emergency dental issue. I mean who really likes the dentist? Mandatory 72 hours no exercise. UGH!
Then the winter started, it snowed. I was actually looking forward to running in the snow, which I did and had a blast. Then it snowed some more. I enjoy running outside and in the snow but it can be hard to get out and get moving when it's below freezing. At this same time I had a wrench thrown in my schedule with my girls being out of school. I love the extra time I get to spend with them but it makes my routine get out of whack. More treadmill time is required. Who likes the treadmill? Not me!
I need to figure out how to make the TM more enjoyable. New Years! Tammy and I had plans, and went out with some friends. Recovery, seemed to take a little longer than I would have liked. Ehm! Note to self, be more wise next time.
I'm having a hard time getting back on the routine that I had been on. I've run, and had some good runs.
I finished 2012 with 1232 miles, 32 over what my goal was. I have visions of doubling that this year, but I need to get my but moving. The last couple of days have been a struggle to get anything done. I wake up, the air is dry and my sinuses are kicking my butt. Headache! Not the kind of headache that you have when a brain aneurysm ruptures, but strong enough that all you want to do is nothing.
I got in a run the other day, in the icy snow. Now I have some knee pain. Shortly after that a fellow runner posted on his twitter feed to stay off of the snow and ice as he's seen lot of issues arise, ie... knee pain. I wish he would have posted that sooner.
It's only 3 days away from finding out if I've been selected to be an Altra Zero Drop ambassador. I can't help but be a little nervous. Hopefully I will be selected, but if I'm not I'll still use their products because they have done me well.
I started a fb running club, and hope that it will turn into something bigger at some point. It's geared to local runners in my county of residence. If your interested you can find it here.
Bottom line, hitting snags suck! But, I am at the point where I need to suck it up and push through. Make myself get out there and get it done, even if I don't feel like it. Even if I'm tired. Even if I feel bad. Even if the TM is boring. Just get it done! The fun will come back, the days will get longer, I will get to run in the sun again instead of always in the dark. I need to kick my own butt and get moving.
I hope to have a better report of things next time....

Planning for the Carmel Marathon

2012-12-21T11:19:00.003-05:00

Shortly after the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon that I ran in November, I began looking ahead to the next one. I decided to stay local again and run the Carmel Marathon in April of 2013.

Social media is a great thing, and I'm able to gather opinions and resources just from logging in to my account and reading for a little while. On one such day @ghein83 tweeted about setting up his next marathon plan and how he used Runner's World Smart Coach. Having met him before and knowing that he is fast I decided to take a similar approach and check out the smart coach program. I figured if it worked for Glenn then it could work for me as well. So I've decided to share my plan with the blog-o-sphere if anyone's interested. Also if you'd like to check out Glenn and Lindsey's blog you can at "Out for a Run"

As of this writing I've already completed the first five weeks and everything is going well with the plan.

WEEK 1: 31 Mi

Mon	Nov 12	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:08
Wed	Nov 14	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:44; Cool
Thu	Nov 15	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:08
Sat	Nov 17	Long Run	Dist: 12 Mi @10:08

WEEK 2: 33 Mi

Mon	Nov 19	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @10:06
Wed	Nov 21	Speedwork	Dist: 6 Mi, inc Warm; 3x1600 in 8:03 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Nov 22	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:06
Sat	Nov 24	Long Run	Dist: 14 Mi @10:06

WEEK 3: 34 Mi

Mon	Nov 26	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:03
Wed	Nov 28	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:39; Cool
Thu	Nov 29	Easy Run	Dist: 5 Mi @10:03
Sat	Dec 1	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @10:03

WEEK 4: 27 Mi

Mon	Dec 3	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @10:00
Wed	Dec 5	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @10:00
Thu	Dec 6	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:00
Sat	Dec 8	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @10:00

WEEK 5: 36 Mi

Mon	Dec 10	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @10:00
Wed	Dec 12	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:36; Cool
Thu	Dec 13	Easy Run	Dist: 5 Mi @10:00
Sat	Dec 15	Long Run	Dist: 18 Mi @10:00

Now I'm into week 6 and I've decided to make a few changes to my training plan. I'm going to add in an extra run through the week similar to my easy runs. I'll be adding these runs on either Sunday or Tuesday depending on my work schedule and if I get my long run in on Saturday or Sunday. This extra run isn't listed on the plan outlined below but it will be there when I do it. Also on Speed Wednesday's my pacing will and has been faster than outlined.

WEEK 6: 37 Mi

Mon	Dec 17	Easy Run	Dist: 5 Mi @9:57
Wed	Dec 19	Speedwork	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 7:56 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Dec 20	Easy Run	Dist: 5 Mi @9:57
Sat	Dec 22	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:57

WEEK 7: 39 Mi

Mon	Dec 24	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:54
Wed	Dec 26	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:31; Cool
Thu	Dec 27	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:54
Sat	Dec 29	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @9:54

WEEK 8: 31 Mi

Mon	Dec 31	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:51
Wed	Jan 2	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:51
Thu	Jan 3	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @9:51
Sat	Jan 5	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:51

WEEK 9: 41 Mi

Mon	Jan 7	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @9:51
Wed	Jan 9	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:28; Cool
Thu	Jan 10	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @9:51
Sat	Jan 12	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:51

WEEK 10: 43 Mi

Mon	Jan 14	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:49
Wed	Jan 16	Speedwork	Dist: 8 Mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 7:48 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Jan 17	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:49
Sat	Jan 19	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @9:49

WEEK 11: 44 Mi

Mon	Jan 21	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:46
Wed	Jan 23	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 5 Mi @ 8:23; Cool
Thu	Jan 24	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:46
Sat	Jan 26	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:46

WEEK 12: 35 Mi

Mon	Jan 28	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:43
Wed	Jan 30	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:43
Thu	Jan 31	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:43
Sat	Feb 2	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:43

My easy runs have been run in the low 9 minute pace although I've been trying to make sure they feel easy to allow me to recover from either the long run or the speed work. After January is over I'll begin to add marathon pace onto my long runs. I'll be starting with the last 25% of the long runs at MP and ramp it up to just over 50% as I get into late March and early April.

WEEK 13: 46 Mi

Mon	Feb 4	Easy Run	Dist: 11 Mi @9:43
Wed	Feb 6	Tempo Run	Dist: 9 Mi, inc Warm; 6 Mi @ 8:25; Cool
Thu	Feb 7	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:43
Sat	Feb 9	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @9:43

WEEK 14: 48 Mi

Mon	Feb 11	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:40
Wed	Feb 13	Speedwork	Dist: 9 Mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 7:41 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Feb 14	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:40
Sat	Feb 16	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:40

WEEK 15: 50 Mi

Mon	Feb 18	Easy Run	Dist: 12 Mi @9:38
Wed	Feb 20	Tempo Run	Dist: 11 Mi, inc Warm; 6 Mi @ 8:20; Cool
Thu	Feb 21	Easy Run	Dist: 11 Mi @9:38
Sat	Feb 23	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @9:38

WEEK 16: 39 Mi

Mon	Feb 25	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:35
Wed	Feb 27	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:35
Thu	Feb 28	Easy Run	Dist: 9 Mi @9:35
Sat	Mar 2	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:35

WEEK 17: 51 Mi

Mon	Mar 4	Easy Run	Dist: 11 Mi @9:35
Wed	Mar 6	Tempo Run	Dist: 10 Mi, inc Warm; 6 Mi @ 8:17; Cool
Thu	Mar 7	Easy Run	Dist: 10 Mi @9:35
Sat	Mar 9	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:35

WEEK 18: 53 Mi

Mon	Mar 11	Easy Run	Dist: 12 Mi @9:33
Wed	Mar 13	Speedwork	Dist: 10 Mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 7:34 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Mar 14	Easy Run	Dist: 11 Mi @9:33
Sat	Mar 16	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:33

WEEK 19: 55 Mi

Mon	Mar 18	Easy Run	Dist: 14 Mi @9:30
Wed	Mar 20	Tempo Run	Dist: 12 Mi, inc Warm; 6 Mi @ 8:12; Cool
Thu	Mar 21	Easy Run	Dist: 13 Mi @9:30
Sat	Mar 23	Long Run	Dist: 16 Mi @9:30

WEEK 20: 57 Mi

Mon	Mar 25	Easy Run	Dist: 13 Mi @9:27
Wed	Mar 27	Tempo Run	Dist: 12 Mi, inc Warm; 6 Mi @ 8:10; Cool
Thu	Mar 28	Easy Run	Dist: 12 Mi @9:27
Sat	Mar 30	Long Run	Dist: 20 Mi @9:27

WEEK 21: 30 Mi

Mon	Apr 1	Easy Run	Dist: 6 Mi @9:25
Wed	Apr 3	Speedwork	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 7:28 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Apr 4	Easy Run	Dist: 5 Mi @9:25
Sat	Apr 6	Long Run	Dist: 12 Mi @9:25

WEEK 22: 30 Mi

Mon	Apr 8	Easy Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:24
Wed	Apr 10	Tempo Run	Dist: 7 Mi, inc Warm; 3 Mi @ 7:54; Cool
Thu	Apr 11	Easy Run	Dist: 7 Mi @9:24
Sat	Apr 13	Long Run	Dist: 8 Mi @9:24

WEEK 23: 36 Mi

Mon	Apr 15	Easy Run	Dist: 3 Mi @9:23
Tue	Apr 16	Speedwork	Dist: 4 Mi, inc Warm; 2x1600 in 7:26 w/800 jogs; Cool
Thu	Apr 18	Easy Run	Dist: 3 Mi @9:23
Sat	Apr 20	Marathon Race Day	26.2 Mi @8:10 Time: 3:34:13

The plan as it was written by RW smart coach will log 900 miles not including race day. In adding an extra run I'll pick up an extra 150 miles, for a total of 1050 miles prior to race day. This is a large increase over the miles that I completed in 2012 but I believe that with my current fitness level I'll be fine. I just completed a 15.5 mile run last week and I didn't have any negative effects. In fact I felt fresh after the run.

So this is my plan that will put me well below the 4 hour mark for 26.2 miles. In fact according to smart coach they believe I should be able to finish in 3:34:13. I guess I'll find out when I get to Carmel.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below, or give me a shout out on twitter @thebrainrunner

Now get out there and get your run in!

Monumental Marathon Recap

2012-11-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

The alarm was set for 5:00am yet it was a couple of hours before and I was awake. I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep, which I think I did at least for a little bit. At a quarter till five I turned on the television to catch a glance of the weather for the race. I knew it was going to be in the 30's at the start of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon but there was a chance of rain so I wanted to see if that was going to happen at the start. Thankfully it looked like it was going to hold off. I ate breakfast, took a shower, got dressed, and met Matt who was running the race with me. All four of us, Tammy (my wife), Matt, Jody (Matt's girlfriend) and I headed down to the start line.

Matt and I said our goodbye's to the girls, who were going to ride their bikes around the course to see us, and headed off to where Back on My Feet were going to have a group prayer before the race. We got there right as they were starting, and while they were giving the group prayer I said my own. Then it was time to go over to where we would meet up with the four hour pace group. The coral was crowded but we were close enough to the group that we could easily see them and catch them once we started. I took a gel and took off my throw away clothes.

As the race started I told myself to stay calm and stay with the pacer, especially since I have a tendency to go out too fast. We headed out through the streets of downtown Indianapolis on this 26.2 mile excursion. Just after mile 3 we saw the girls and I blew Tammy a kiss. I was feeling good and strong at this point which I should be.
1-3 splits: 9:02, 9:39, 8:57

Soldiers and Sailors Monument

We then head north, away from downtown toward our northern most point near Broad Ripple on 66th street. But on the way to that point we went through the art district on Mass Ave where I took my first gel. At near mile 5 I felt like I needed to pee so I started looking for a pit stop. I thought I found one but after waiting for 12 seconds realized the line was to long and decided to go ahead. I saw the girls at mile 6 or so and waved and wondered if they thought I dropped Matt or if he dropped me. Then I caught back up to Matt who wondered where I went, and when I told him he laughed at me and said he needed to go as well. So we started to look for a pit stop without a line. We finally found one at mile 10 that still had a small line but neither of us could hold back any longer so we waited a little bit and did our business then headed back out on the course.Trying to do math and figuring out how far behind the pace group we were, how long it would take us to catch them if we ran 8:55's proved to be more than either of us could do at that point so we just went with it.
4-10 splits 9:02, 9:09, 8:53, 8:54, 9:21, 9:29, 10:49

We ended up catching the pace group near mile 12. Wow! We were pushing it, because by my calculations they had about a minute plus lead on us. The problem was now that I needed another pit stop, my stomach started to become sour, and churn. I told Matt I was going to try and put some distance on the pace group so I could use the rest room again. I wished him good luck just in case I didn't see him again, and he did the same. I took off on my own out in front of the group. Other than the stomach urgency I was feeling good, my legs felt great, but holy cow my stomach was not cooperating. Just after crossing the timing mat at the half way point there was another pit stop, without a line. I ducked in to my disgust, and quickly realized that wasn't happening, so I ran on with stomach urgency.
11-13.1 splits 8:47, 8:34, 9:46

Oddly enough my stomach subsided and I kept running smoothly. I thought that the issues might come back so I planned to run an even pace (even though I'm typically not good at that) and see where that left me. Somewhere in the 16th mile my issue returned, even worse this time. There wasn't a pit stop in sight....
I even half seriously contemplated going off course into a wooded area. But thankfully that didn't have to happen. Just a little bit after the 16th mile marker I saw another pit stop and quickly made my way inside, did my business which seemed to take a long time. But upon exiting I felt so much better. I said a quick prayer that I'd seen the last of stomach troubles.
14-17 splits 7:54 (this was only .9 miles), 9:02, 8:25, 12:51

Now that that was behind me I tried to figure out where I was. As we made a turn I looked back and didn't see any pace group signs. Then I found a runner who I remembered seeing with us earlier and asked if the pace group was ahead or behind them. Unfortunately they said they were ahead by a couple of minutes. I knew I was behind my pace, but I wanted to try and stay smooth, and strong. I went through a mental check list. Feet-Good, Calves-Good, Legs-Good, Stomach-Good (thank goodness), Breath-Good, Mind-Real Good. So I pushed on.... Just before mile 18 there was a gel station, where I grabbed two gels. Unfortunately an overzealous volunteer had already opened them. I had planned on carrying one and taking one. Instead I took one and dropped one, then tried to lick the gel off of my hand. That's not as pleasant as you would think considering all the sweat. We ran by the Butler University campus where I had run my very first race after my brain surgery with Tammy. Then we made our way toward the Indianapolis Museum of Art and ran through some of their grounds. That's when I caught up to Matt. He said he was feeling a little tired and was having some cramping issues and I should go ahead if I could. I waited for a little bit since I'd been pushing for a while to try and catch up to the pace group. Then we fist bumped, and wished each other good luck and I headed off again.
18-20 splits 8:42, 9:30, 8:46

Mentally I had split this race into 6 segments, 4x5 milers and 2x5k's. I was now into the short segments. It was starting to get tough, but my legs felt good considering. At mile 22 the temperature seemed to drop quickly and then sleet started to fall. This can't be good was my thought. I knew that at mile 23 I needed to be at 3:30:50 which I didn't meet. I needed to run a fast 2nd 5k, I figured this was not going to happen, by my calculations. I could see in the distance to the south Methodist Hospital where I'd been airlifted to exactly 4 years earlier to the day with a ruptured brain aneurysm. I almost lost it right there and had to hold back the tears. I'd come so far from then. I then saw the girls up on the next corner and gave Tammy a quick kiss, and told them Matt was behind me a little ways. I also told Tammy that I thought 4 hours was out, but she encouraged me, saying I was doing great and that it would still be a PR from Chicago the year prior. Off I went!
21-23 splits 8:52, 9:27, 9:28

I had a brief moment where I thought maybe I could. Maybe if I could just run a 25 minute or even a 26 minute 5k I might make the four hour time. I gave it everything I could but mile 25 was rough. I walked for 30 seconds during this mile, but it seemed like it was longer than that. With only a mile left to go one of my inspirational songs started playing from my playlist. It was like I timed it perfectly for when I was feeling low. The song, by Eminem 'Till I Collapse, the opening lines say: "Sometimes you just feel tired, you feel weak, and when you feel weak you just want to give up. But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse." That was what I needed to get running again I didn't want to be a quitter, I'd go until I finished or collapsed. My legs were tired, I was about finished, then it happened.......I crossed the finish line!
23-26.2 splits 9:19, 9:39, 9:18, 1:51(for the .2)

I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. One of the volunteers who was at the finish line, said to me "It's ok! You did it!" I gave it everything I had on that day and even though I didn't make my four hour goal I know that I have that in me. I just need to get the stomach issues under control. I'm proud of this finish!

Total time 4:03:30.3

This won't be my last....I love this race distance!

Marathon Anticipation

2012-10-05T10:41:00.001-04:00

One month from Saturday, I'll be running my second marathon. The first was painful as you may have read here, or part 2 here. I'm cautiously optimistic about this one.

The starting line.

I was looking at my training and comparing the two training cycles with each other yesterday and found something that really boosted my confidence. In the training leading up to the Chicago Marathon in October of 2011 I had one 20 mile training run. That run was completed with a pace of 10:18 per mile with an overall time of 3 hours, 26 minutes and 59 seconds. Going into that race I was nervous and wasn't quite sure what to expect. This time I've completed one 20 miler thus far and have another scheduled next week. This time my 20 miler was completed in 3 hours 1 minute, and 22 seconds, or an 8:57 pace. That's a minute and twenty one seconds faster per mile. I'm feeling good!

This time I'm not nursing a severe injury, although I have had some issues with my ankle it doesn't keep me from running and it is getting better. Last time I was having pain on the bottom of my foot, which flared up during the race. I know there will be pain during the race it's expected this time. I'll feel tired, I may want to stop, but I'm in a better place, I've done more miles, and more quality.

Can a year make that much of a difference, I think yes. The race plan will be the same plan that I was going to try and implement last time. I plan on sitting right on the shoulder of the 4 hour pacer which is a 9:10 per mile split. I'll let them guide me, and take me to mile twenty. Then I plan on gradually increasing my speed, and finish under a four hour marathon. I feel confident that I can do this. Now, when I run at that pace it feels easy, and well within my means. I do have a specific time that I want to hit, but I will keep this close to my vest at this time. Why? You may ask. I'm also running this marathon, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, with a friend of mine. We are evenly matched, and I don't want to give away what my exact plans are, because it is a race. However, I hope he does well, it's his first marathon, and I want him to be successful. I don't want him to feel as though he has to try and go with me. We will be toeing the line together, both with the four hour pace group and we are both planning on staying with them until 20 miles is hit, but then it's up to each of us after that point.

My nutrition is nailed down, as good as it can be with my experience. Last time I consumed too many gels which led to some minor stomach issues. This time I have a better defined plan on my nutrition. I'll eat breakfast three hours before the race, to give me enough time to digest. Then I'll take a gel 10 minutes prior to the start. I'll only carry one gel with me and pick up the rest on the course. I'll take gels at the following mile markers: 5(the one I'll carry), 10.5, 14, 18, 22 (I'll grab 2), 24. I'll drink at every water stop, and where Gatorade is available I'll have a half cup followed by water, until later in the race when I'll switch to a full cup of Gatorade and a half cup of water.

This race, I feel confident in! I'm hoping for temps in the 40's to start then reaching up to the mid fifties. These temps are right in line with the averages for this time of year in Indianapolis. I'm hoping we won't have the 26 degree temps we had when I completed the half version of this race. But if it's to be I'll adjust my clothing selection. If the temps are where I hope they will be I'll be in a singlet and shorts, with a pair of throw away gloves and hat. Any colder than 40 and I'll go with a sleeved tech shirt.

There are still slots available for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, the half and 5k if your interested. Hopefully I'll see you out there. If not, wish me luck as I embark on my journey to break 4 hours in the marathon. Gods Speed!

Hoosier Hospitality is Dying.....

2012-09-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

Hoosier Hospitality: Is the genuine friendliness associated with those from the Hoosier State. However I won't get into what a Hoosier is or how the word came to be.

Along the trails, both paved and dirt I've noticed a disturbing trend recently, and that is Hoosier Hospitality may be dying. On almost all of my runs I pass several other people, and I'm assuming that they are from the state of Indiana. I am a friendly runner, if I see you I'll give a wave, a head nod, or say "Hi" or "Good Morning." More times than not however I'm greeted with an empty response of nothingness. Many times the others that I'm passing will not even make eye contact with me, let alone say "hi" in response.

As a fellow runner we have a duty and obligation to look out for our fellow runners. Part of this responsibility is to acknowledge that we are each out on the "road" trying to improve our bodies and make them better by engaging in physical activity. Is it to much to ask of ourselves to respond in kind to a fellow runner. I can understand if someone is out for a hard tempo run to maybe only get a quick flick of the hand, or a nod of the head, but when it's obvious they are just out for an easy or normal run and I receive nothing it leaves an empty feeling in my gut, almost to the point of frustration.

All I'm asking of you as runners is to show a little respect and acknowledge your fellow runners out on the "road" and say "hi." It won't kill your time, it may even make your run better knowing you aren't alone out there trying to get your miles in. Smile, let the others know you are enjoying your time outdoors in nature getting your run in. Wave, head bob, say "hi," "hello," "good morning" make it a peaceful day where we all feel the joy that is running.

Catching Up

2012-08-01T07:58:00.000-04:00

Since I last wrote many things have happened and I'll bring you up to speed on all that's been going on.

500 Festival Mini Marathon
I ran this race as a fundracer for Back on My Feet Indianapolis and had a lot of fun. It was a very humid day and ended up being hot as well. So, Hot and Humid equals a slower pace. Which was what happened I was able to finish in just under two hours. I also got to run with some friends for a little bit throughout the race.

Firecracker 6
This race is run on July 4th and again it was a hot one! The race is a 6 mile race in Indianapolis with a patriotic theme. My goal going into the race was to run it under 48 minutes. I ended up finishing it in 48:17. Although I barely missed my goal I was pleased with my performance. I was especially pleased with my last mile split of 6:48:41.

Marathon Training
I'm currently training to run the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon which will be on November 3rd 2012. This course takes you through many different areas of Indianapolis and is a lot of fun. I ran the half two years ago and really enjoyed the course and experience. Training is going well and I'm hoping to have a much better run that Chicago of last year.

Personal Update
I've been trying to secure a new job for quite some time, and have recently accepted a new position with a different company. This should allow me to have more time with the family and have a more consistent schedule for some fun stuff like running.

I hope to not have such a long break between my next post and this one in the future, but I've been focusing on securing my new job which as some of you may know takes up a lot of time.

Giving Back, it's Time

2012-04-03T16:34:00.001-04:00

After my aneurysm ruptured, I don't remember much from the time in the hospital before my surgery. But, I do remember thinking that if I was to live past the current predicament that I was in I would make sure to "give back." Giving back can be exemplified in many different forms, you can donate, volunteer, start a non-profit, etc... I started a company, and one of the founding principles of the company is that a portion of the profits would go to different charities that I wanted to support.

As I began running and got more and more involved in the running community by attending races and expo's, as well as being involved on twitter, etc. I came across a nonprofit that really resonated with me. You may have heard of Back on My Feet before, but I was introduced to them via twitter and thought that it was a very neat concept.


Back on My Feet Indianapolis, at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis IN

Here's the basics of BoMF from their website: Back on My Feet (BoMF) is a national nonprofit organization that is dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. The organization does not provide food nor shelter, but instead provides a community that embraces equality, respect, discipline, teamwork and leadership. Back on My Feet’s approach focuses on the very profound and innate desire for all of us – regardless of age, race, socio-economic status – to feel recognized, appreciated, valued and important. Through dedication and hard work, Members earn the opportunity to create a new road for themselves by advancing to the “Next Steps” phase of the program where they gain access to educational, job training and employment opportunities, as well as financial aid. In short, BoMF focuses on changing the direction of people’s lives by changing the way they see themselves.

I met the Communications director of the Indianapolis chapter at the Carmel Marathon expo in 2011 where I was running their half with my wife for her first 13.1 miles. We talked for a little while there and have kept in touch via twitter. After running the Chicago Marathon I had heard of others running for charity but didn't know exactly how it worked, but I thought that it might be a fun opportunity to do that at some point.

This brings us to real time where I will be running the 2012 edition of the 500 Festival Mini Marathon for Back on My Feet's Indianapolis charter. I'm raising money for them to continue to do the great work that they do everyday. I would love to be more involved with them and run with their groups, however the time that they meet doesn't match up with my work schedule so I'll have to be content with helping in this manner. Maybe at some point in the future I could do more with them but for I'll work to raise money.

I'm committed to raising a thousand dollars to run the Mini Marathon for BoMF, although I'd like to reach a higher dollar amount. Eighteen hundred is the amount that it takes to get a participant through the entire program which I think would be great. I'm telling you this not to brag or say look at me. But I'm telling you this to hopefully inspire you to do something you've not done before and get involved to give back. If that means donating to something I'd love it if you donated to me. But if it means doing your own fundraising program, then I say what are you waiting for? Get started now!

If you choose to donate to my cause here's the link, I thank you, but there is no pressure.
My Fundraising Page

A Winter Trail Half Marathon

2012-02-28T10:01:00.000-05:00

It was a cold January day, with temperatures in the low 30's at dusk and a stiff wind driving the "feels like" temperature into the 20's. I was about to toe the line of my first trail race of any distance. Before I signed up I was contemplating doing the full marathon but someone wiser than I (my wife) talked me into doing only the half since coming off an injury from the Chicago Marathon. In hindsight this was a very wise choice.
Just to give you an idea of how cold it was here's what I was wearing to try and stave off the chill of the wind. A pair of running shorts (as a wind shield) 2 pair of running tights, a compression short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve technical shirt, a long sleeve thermal technical shirt, a wind proof jacket, a pair of winter running gloves, an ear warmer, and a face screen. With all that I was still quite chilly before the start of the race.
As the race took off there was about 200 feet before the trail went down to a single track so there we waited for the bottle neck to open up a little. Then we meandered on a two loop course of trail and paved trail through Eagle Creek Park on the northwest side of Indianapolis. Some of the hills were very steep and probably topped out at a 20% grade, or so it appeared. With the headlight on and running with a friend (Matt) we were out in the woods. Everything was going well until we got to about mile 4, then the mud started and didn't let up until we were almost finished with the first loop. For those keeping track at home that's almost two and a half miles of ankle deep mud, muck, puddles, etc... My feet were frozen, and according to the race director who ran the course the day before and today it was "a lot better conditions today than yesterday" Holly Cow! I couldn't imagine it being much worse, everyone was slipping and sliding all over the trail, and I think this caused extra fatigue for me. Especially my hips which were already calling in for reinforcements. But I was having fun, and it helped that I had a friend to run it with, who was taking pity on my lack of endurance after taking almost two full months off by waiting for me when I needed to take a breather.
The second loop was much the same but I did shed my outer layer at the half way point because I had built up so much heat I was now frying. After going through the second batch of mud I was trying to save a little energy so I'd have enough left for a kick at the end. (As stated before, I'm very competitive and like to finish strong) Making the final turn there was about a 5 foot drop that I had forgotten about and I almost took a header into the mud. After barely catching myself we sprinted to the finish and in a virtual tie (Matt beat me by 7 one hundredths of a second) we had a great time and congratulated each other on finishing what I am referring to as The Muddy Mucky Winter Half Marathon.
I look forward to doing some more trail races in the future, since this was so much fun. But I think it will be more fun once I have my endurance built back up.
Speaking of endurance, I've begun my training for the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis this year as you might recall from the 35th running. This year I'm running for charity and fund raising or fundracing for an organization called Back on My Feet more to com on this in the future but if you would like to help me reach my goal of $1800.00 you can visit my fundracing page and help out, any and all amounts help.

Until next time, run fun!

Chicago Marathon 2011 My First - Part 2

2011-11-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

On the way to the start line riding the train.

As the horn sounded the crowd began to surge forward and before I knew it, I was crossing the starting line. I was on my journey to completing my first marathon.

There was a cacophony of beeping from watches, including my own, as all 45,000 runners crossed the starting line. It was music to the ears. This was quickly replaced with the crowd giving tremendous encouragement as the runners headed off on their 26.2 mile quest.

I fell in line behind Bob (one of the four hour pacers) and decided I was going to follow him since he was the easiest to recognize. We headed up Columbus Drive and under a bridge where there were hundreds if not thousands of spectators watching from above. It was an amazing sight to see and one that I don't think I will ever forget. I just followed Bob, as we were bobbing and weaving through people. It was so crowded it never felt like I could open up and just relax. Running through downtown Chicago was amazing. The sound from the crowd reverberating off of the buildings just intensified the noise, energy, and emotions. At around 3 or 3.5 miles we started to head north and away from the massive buildings of the Loop and toward Wrigley Field, which I tried to see but never did. Somewhere between 7 and 8 I met my wife, who passed off some gels. I grabbed them and headed off again to catch back up with Bob.

I was feeling good, my pace was on target, we had placed about 29 seconds in the bank, thus far. My legs felt fresh, I was hydrating well, everything was going according to plan. I gave some kids high-5's and kept on moving. At about mile 10 I started to get some feedback from my body that I may have hydrated too well, so I began to look for another port-o-potty. Somewhere between 11 and 12 I saw one just off of the course without a line. I hurried up and did my business and got back out there. I knew that I'd lost my pace group, but I was feeling good and figured that I could slowly pull them back over the next few miles.

Between mile 12 and 13, as the course makes a left onto North Franklin Street, my worst fears became true. It started as just a little twinge of discomfort in my arch. (I'd had some issues in my right arch leading up to the race and had been trying to get mostly healed before Chicago.) I thought to myself, just ignore it and it will go away, don't think about it.

Mile 13 was hit in 2 hours 2 minutes and 30 seconds. I was two and a half minutes off my pace and I'd stopped once to use the restroom... not bad. But, my arch was starting to hurt a little more. By mile 14 I was finished! My 4 hour marathon was done. I remember texting my wife: "not great." At 25k which is only about 2 and a half miles from the half way point it had taken me just over 26 minutes to complete that distance. By this time I was suffering, and suffering severely. All I could do was to keep moving forward. My arch felt like it was on fire, so I stopped and tried to shake and stretch it out.....nothing. Keep moving...you've got to go.

The next five miles I have no recollection of, other than my wife texting me her location on the north side of the road at mile 20, to which my reply was, "which way is north?" She replied, "on the left." I found her, or rather, she and our friend Matt found me. I stopped to get a couple more gels, and to bitch about my foot. She was so supportive. I was in so much pain that the fire had turned to flaming hot daggers. I knew I was probably damaging my arch and that I would probably have to take some time off for recovery, but I was going to finish. However, I was pissed off! I was having my own little pity party in my mind. I'd trained so hard for this day and it wasn't going like I had planned. I kept moving....

Mile 20.. Temp on bank sign 84

I was into new territory now, my longest run to date was 20 miles. I just wanted to finish now. No, I'm not talking about me wanting to finish as in quit. I wanted to be at the finish line NOW. But I wasn't, I kept moving. I implemented a run walk philosophy. I'd run until I couldn't stand the pain in my arch any longer, then I'd walk until I could get up enough courage to run again. I remember running under the Chinatown gate, and the dragon dancers. I remember running through mile 23 where someone was handing out beer. I like beer, but at that point in the race, with the way I was feeling, the smell was so overwhelming it made me nauseous. I vaguely remember the long straight run up Michigan Avenue toward the finish. Somewhere along this stretch of hot pavement I saw my wife and handed her my iPhone, because I just couldn't stand to have any extra weight that I didn't deem necessary.

Mile 25, dumping the arm band.

Then, I made a right hand turn onto Roosevelt Road and knew from the course map that the finish was near. All I had to do was go up this little hill which seemed like Everest at the time, and then make a left hand turn onto Columbus Drive. Nearing the top of the hill, I had to walk again because the pain was so excruciating I thought I might puke. I then began to think. I thought of all the training miles, I thought of where I was just a couple of years ago after my brain aneurysm surgery, I thought of my wife and daughters, I thought I'm only zero point two miles away from completing my first marathon. Then I began to jog, slowly at first, then faster. I made the left hand turn onto Columbus and I could see the finish line. The crowd was screaming, and I pushed faster. I was in an all out sprint. I was moving so fast, for the moment the pain was gone. Nothing mattered except crossing the finish strong. I'm guessing I passed probably close to 100 people in the final 0.2 miles. Then, it happened I raised my arms in my own personal victory as I crossed the finish line in 4:45:08.

Tammy, and I

After crossing I got my finishers medal, which I was happy about, but I was disappointed in my performance. After talking to my wife she reminded me that you can't control what your body does, and that I should be proud to have finished under the circumstances. In retrospect I am. But the 26.2 monster and I shall meet again after I'm healed. Hopefully I'll win that battle.

After the race, rubbing the arch. Ugh, that arch.

Chicago Marathon 2011 My First - Part 1

2011-11-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Chicago Saturday October 8th and took the subway to the marathon expo. Let me just say, WOW! This was the largest expo I'd ever been to, it had everything a runner could want. All the big names were there but I was really excited to get to the Newton booth. My wife and I went to the packet pick up and got my bib number and headed into the main expo room where they smartly made you walk the entire length of the expo to pick up your tech shirt. On the way I saw the Newton booth and got even more excited. We picked up my shirt and made our way back through the expo. I eventually went to the Newton booth and after having a lengthy conversation with one of the representatives there I bought some cool Newton stuff.We met up with a friend and finished walking the rest of the expo, where I also bought another shirt. Then I took him back to the Newton booth and talked to him about the shoes and natural running etc, etc.

We had dinner that evening with some additional friends who live in the area and got to catch up on everything that had been going on in with each of our lives. It was a great time to sit and relax before the big day. After dinner we headed back to the hotel and I checked all of my gear again to make sure it was all ready for the morning. We went to bed and as is mostly the case I didn't have much problem going to sleep. Although, I did wake up a few times anxious that the 4 alarms I had set wouldn't go off and I would over sleep. (I usually have this happen when I have a big event the next day.)

Four fifteen came fairly early and it was Race Day! I got ready and we headed out of the hotel where we met up with our friend Matt who would hang out with my wife while I ran. We drove to the train station where we boarded the train heading for downtown. It was about a half hour ride or so, and at almost every stop someone else got on the train who was headed to the race. I must say it's a very surreal experience to see so many like minded individuals who all spent so much time and effort training for one event gathering and making a trek to one destination.

Once we arrived downtown and walked toward Grant Park it was time to say my goodbye's to my wife who's been so supportive of this goal of mine. I finished my preparations, gave her a hug and kiss and told her I would see her at about mile 7 where she would meet me for the first time. I crossed inside the gated portion of the starting areas and began immediately looking for a port-o-potty, because I needed to go REALLY BAD. The lines were excruciatingly long everywhere I looked, and a little bit of panic started to set in. Then I noticed something very odd, that I'd heard about but never thought it would be so blatantly obvious. I saw many a runner near a single tree standing extremely close to the said tree. It dawned on me then what they were doing. Now, myself growing up in the country had done this thing many times but generally without an audience. But, hey I had to go and it was getting urgent. So, I went.

Then I headed over to the D corral where I found that my pace group was actually in the open corral. So I moved back a little bit and found the four hour group with their signs where I settled in for the wait. It was an amazing sight, every direction I looked was a sea of runners. As the start approached, the announcer began to introduce the elite athletes and there wasn't much of a reaction until Ryan Hall's name was announced, then the crowd had an obvious reaction to his introduction. I must admit I had goosebumps.

As the horn sounded the crowd began to surge forward and before I knew it I was crossing the starting line. I was on my journey to completing my first Marathon.

To Be Continued...

Am I doing this thing right?

2011-09-30T08:17:00.002-04:00

I'm running the Chicago Marathon on October 9th, 2011. I'm now less than 2 weeks away from this race and this will be my first full marathon. Having never run this distance before, I'm kind of freaking out!

With only 10 days left before race day (as of this writing) I know at this point there is nothing I can do to improve. But, I keep having the question "Are you ready?" flash in my mind. I know I've put in a lot of miles preparing for the BIG DAY. I know I'm registered, I have the hotel booked, I even know I can cover the distance. That's not the issue! The issue is this: I'm very goal oriented, and I've set achievable goals (at least in my mind they are achievable.) I want this race to be special! I know it will be special in all the normal ways a race is special. But I've put my heart, and brain into this race.

After all of my brain surgeries were completed and I ran that first 5k race with my wife I decided I wanted to run a marathon. This was a way for me to prove to myself that I'm back to normal after having a life altering brain aneurysm rupture and nearly killing me. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. The first week fighting to stay alive even though I was not conscious for most of the first week (at least that I remember)

I read some books on marathons and some training plans, but how do you know if you're doing all the right things for success? Did I pick the right training plan? (I really didn't use one, I made up my own because of my crazy schedule) Did I run enough miles to hit my time goal? (Who the heck knows) Will I hit the wall? (I hope not, I hope the gels and hydration will prevent it) Am I setting too lofty of goals on my pacing? (I've added a minute per mile to my pace from my half marathon pace) I'm tapering now, am I doing it right or am I not running enough? (I feel well rested, but will that result in over-rest where I feel sluggish on race morning) I had some chaffing on my 20 mile run, was that just because it was 90 degrees with high humidity, or will I have that same issue on race day? (Who knows but I'm buying some Body Glide)

I've heard a lot of people say it's your first one, your goal should be to just finish. That's fine and dandy but I don't operate like that. I want to finish but I want to finish strong. I want to finish with a final kick after I make the left hand turn off of Roosevelt Road onto Columbus Drive. I want to maintain a 9:10 per mile pace through at least 20 or 23 miles and then let it fly. I want to be under 4 hours.

But having not done this before I don't know if I'm doing this right? Is this what is suppose to happen? Am, I suppose to feel like this? I've run in some big races before but I've never felt this level of anxiety, especially so far out from race day.

So....... I hope! I hope I've done this right, I hope I'm ready. I guess I'll find out when the gun goes off on October 9th 2011 at 7:30am

To be continued.........................

Sidenotes vol. 1

2011-09-07T21:32:00.000-04:00

Since I last updated you I've had quite a bit going on, I'll try to be fairly brief and bring you up to speed.

Jeremy Wright Memorial 5k:
I ran the Jeremy Wright Memorial 5k on August 13th as planned, and although I had an age group positioning lower than last year, my time was faster. I ended up going out a little too fast at the start and paid for it a little later. My first mile split (my tracker had poor reception so these are close guesstimates) was 6:45, followed by 8:21, and a 7:49 plus the point 1. This came out to an official time of 23:26 which just happens to be a PR for myself. I was happy with this as I'd not been doing any real speed work since I'm actually in training for my first marathon attempt in October. I did not win my age group this year but I did get a door prize which was nice.

Marathon Training:
I've really been trying to increase the long runs this month as we're getting close to race day. The Chicago Marathon is on October 9th this year, and I'll be there running it with 45,000 other runners. I ran my first 20 mile long run with some success. I took it nice and slow just wanting to make sure that I got it finished. I did finish it, however, I did experience a little chaffing. Then it was time to try my hand at my first ice bath which was cold but relaxing. Work has been a little hectic and has made my training difficult to get in at times but I continue to be creative and find ways to make it happen. I run at night, or early in the morning. I do not run super early in the morning though, mostly because I can't seem to get my body moving that early unless it's race day.

My Brain:
I had a brain scan to see if any additional aneurysms have formed since my last surgery. I went in to the hospital and was hooked up to an IV so they could inject a dye so they could see the contrast in the veins better. The nurse told me that I might experience a hot flash when they inject the dye and I didn't think much about it but WOW! When that stuff started flowing through my veins the hot flash was like a giant wave that washed over my entire body. It was extremely hot and uncomfortable but it only lasted for a few seconds. I did get the results back a few weeks later and my doctor informed me that I am clear of any abnormalities. I'm so excited, as was my wife and family. Thankfully I still get to run the marathon. I had a deal with my wife that if it came back and I did have another formation I would not be running the marathon this year.

Until next time..... keep on running!

Jeremy Wright Memorial 5k

2011-07-29T16:57:00.000-04:00

All of us that run races have experienced a race or two or three that hold a special place in our heart. Each of them hold that place for different reasons. Maybe we set a new P.R. last year, or it was the first race we ever ran. Maybe we have a special memory that set that race apart from the others, etc. etc. etc.

I have one of these races approaching in August. It's not a big race, typically there is less than 100 particpants in the 5k race. But, this race holds a special place in my heart for a reason not related to me but for the person the race is named after. The race is the Jeremy Wright Memorial 5k.

Jeremy Wright at Wabash College

Jeremy grew up in rural Shelby County, Indiana as did I, however he attended Southwestern and I attended Triton. We were on rival teams growing up, but as our teams competed I did admire him. He was a great distance runner and a tremendous competitor. Not to mention that he was much faster than myself. After High School I went on to do my thing, and so did he.

Jeremy went on to Wabash College where he was the the most decorated distance runner in Wabash athletics history, and was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. Wright was a two-time All-American cross country runner, First Team Academic All- American, NCAA Great Lakes Regional champion in 1993 and Indiana Collegiate Athletic Conference cross country Most Valuable Runner in 1993 and 1995. He won a total of seven ICAC distance-running championships, including three in the 10,000 meters, two in cross country and two in the 5,000-meter run. Then after college in the late 1990s, Wright's trail running achievements piled high. He was a two-time champion of the Pikes Peak Ascent (Colorado Springs, Colorado), a half-marathon climb to the summit of 14,110-foot Pikes Peak, and claimed many major snowshoe championships. Most remarkably, Wright represented his country on the U.S. Mountain Running Team four straight years, from 1998 to 2001.

Then after September 11th of 2001, he enlisted in the US Army, and went on to become a Green Beret. He was stationed in Afghanistan where he would continue to run up mountains. However on January 3rd 2005 Jeremy's Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb and a great runner, and patriot was killed.

As a way to honor what he meant to running, and those that loved him every year since 2006 there is a 5k run in his hometown. Proceeds go to fund a couple of different scholarships. For me this race is a time that I remember Jeremy and it's a way for me to honor the sacrifice he and his family have made.

Here are some additional links about Jeremy Wright, and if you're in the area in August I urge you to join this race.

http://jeremywright5k.com/

http://www.trailrunnermag.com/article.php?id=76&cat=10

http://runningtimes.com/Print.aspx?articleID=4347

http://www.wabash.edu/news/displaystory.cfm?news_ID=2116

The Youthful Runner

2011-06-15T15:42:00.000-04:00

The other day I was reading my June issue of the Running Times magazine. I was reading a great article titled "Kids Going Long" by Jonathan Beverly. The article looks at opposing viewpoints on the subject of how many miles should young runners run, and can too many miles ruin young runners? I believe this article does a good job at highlighting these viewpoints but the thing I took away from this is that the miles are fine as long as the kids want to run, and they build gradually.

One of the main runners Jonathan Beverly looks at is Alana Hadley and her 70 plus miles per week at age 14. There are those that say this is too much for these young kids, but she's gradually built up to this mileage over the course of 8 years. If she's not having fun or is being pushed by her parents then it's probably not a good thing. But if it's her choice then let her be and let her have fun.

For me I found this article interesting because my oldest daughter has begun to ask about running some races with her mom and myself. I couldn't be happier with her interest in running. While I was running through school I found the experience to be very enriching and hope that if that's what she chooses to do that she will find it to be the same. At only eight years old and a bundle of energy I can see in her a young distance runners body. But, I've never been sure about how early to start letting her run. I'd been doing some research on youth running and when it was safe to start letting kids run. I've also noticed that I'm starting to see kids her age at some of the races I've attended.

After seeing the progression that Alana Hadley had gone through over the years I have decided to allow my daughter to begin her training. We will however have some ground rules going into this, and it will be her choice and I will be there to encourage, and support her in whatever she decides to do.

If you have a child, I suggest you read this article and then let them run responsibly.

Running My Town, In and Around

2011-06-02T10:58:00.001-04:00

Plainfield Pedestrian Bridge

Have you ever been out on a run, or bike ride, and seen a store, shop, or business that you’ve never seen before or didn’t know existed in the town where you live? I’ve lived in my town for 6 years now, and this still happens to me on occasion. When it does, it provides me with a sense of wonderment and adventure... knowing that this place has been here for some time now and I had no idea that it even existed. Yet I’ve been down that street before, but never realized or paid attention. It starts me thinking while I’m running that maybe I don’t know my town as well as I think, or I wonder what else I’ve missed and what else could be here.

I live in a small Indiana town called Plainfield. The name used to say it all, but not any longer. The town is anything but plain. It’s continued to grow and expand even during the economic downturn the country has been experiencing over the last several years. In 1990, the population was just over 10,000 residents and as of the 2010 census, the population has grown to 27,631. The town of Plainfield IN was incorporated in 1839 and got its name from early “Friends” (Quakers) who were a “plain” people. US route 40 runs through the center of town as Main Street, on which in 1842, then President Martin Van Buren was deliberately spilled from his stage coach in the thick mud of the highway. This was due to his vetoing a bill from Congress to improve the highway system. I wish we could sometimes do this now with some of our lawmakers and government officials, but I digress.

My town has over 26 miles of paved bike/running trails and they continue to add more all the time. (For those of you keeping track that’s enough to run a marathon on, right?) I live on the west side of Plainfield, nearing the town limits, and from my house it’s only a short warm-up before I’m on the trail system. Once on these trails I can travel through and around my town. I often run the same initial stretch of trail, but on my longer runs I get to see many more areas of town. On one such run I became aware of how many pizza places we have. Evidently Plainfielders like their pizza because at last count, we have 12 pizza shops. I think we’re approaching 25 hair salons but I’ve not actually counted these.

There are several gyms, a bike shop, 3 or 4 karate studio’s, yet there isn’t a running store. I would love to open one up but that would take a lot of capital that I just don’t have. With all of the trails and activities, we’re becoming a more active and fit community, so I would venture to guess that before long someone else will get the idea of opening a running store. When they do, I can't wait to visit and shop there. I just hope they have the kind of shoes that I like, but if not, it will be a convenient place to pick up gels and the like.


Plainfield Aquatic Center Splash Island

A typical run for me will start out on a long stretch of the Vandalia trail that used to be a railroad trackbed. I sometimes wonder how many trains have passed through there over the life of the train system. I'll head east for about a mile and a half before reaching the Plainfield Aquatic Center. During the summer months as I pass I can hear the children playing in the Splash Island pool. From there I traverse a slight hill, which drops me down toward Franklin Park, and in the spring & summer I can see little league games being played. This reminds me of my youth, when I played on diamonds that were less fancy than the ones here, but I can remember the joy of contacting the bat with the ball and the sound it makes as it flies into the sky. Heading south on the White Lick Creek trail during the fall, I can smell the leaves and grass as they near the end of the life cycle. This smell reminds me of my high school days and the fragrant smell of many cross country meets. During the winter when it snows, this is my favorite part of the trail. All of the trees catch the flakes and the blanket of white shuts out all other sound except the sound of my footfalls and the water of the creek nearby. I'll cross the pedestrian bridge where during my night runs, the sign above the bridge is lit up so it can be seen by passing cars. A little farther and I will come to an iron bridge, where I can remember the thrill my family and I had when we found our first geocache.


White Lick Creek during winter

Sometimes running isn't about your split times, PR's, races, etc... Sometimes, it's just about getting out there and putting one foot in front of the other and experiencing your surroundings. The smells, or the sun on your face, or rain in your eyes, and sometimes it's about the snow encrusted hair on your head. Running is, and should be, fun. It's not just about getting faster, or losing weight. But it should be about the joy of being alive and experiencing everything life has to offer, which sometimes can be painful during the long runs when you're pushing it. But it can also be easy, like when you're running with a friend and having a good conversation as you run.

The purpose of me writing this is not so much that you’ll know what my town is like, but to inspire you to get out and see your town on foot. You can experience so much more when you’re on foot than if you were driving around in a car. Even if you are a much faster runner than I you have the ability to see your town for what it is. You can experience the sidewalks, streets, or trails with your own two feet and revel in the beauty of the place that you live. Not every street may be beautiful, but even then sometimes the lack of beauty is beautiful in and of itself.