6/14/08 Sound to Narrows 12K

Four weeks since my last race, but plenty of training miles in the bank. As I was looking forward to the summer racing season I realized that if I do all of the races that I have penciled in the calendar, I will have 8 races in 8 weeks at 8 different distances. Sound to Narrows will start it off with the uncommon 12K distance. My goals are to finish strong and I feel like I have a realistic chance at a PR. This is the only 12K course I have done, each time I have run it I have gotten a little faster. Two friends mention the low turn out, but it still seems like a massive number of people to me. Where are all these people at the other races? Cool and mostly cloudy. Yellow wave.
Start - What to do about that downhill start? I want time in the bank, but is it possible to go out too fast, making the transition to uphill more difficult? I decide to go slower than usual, but move along. I had a one mile warm up with no strides, so I need to ease into the race.
Mile 1.25 - That was one long downhill. I am at 7:20 pace which seems just about right. The turn into the park with the sudden steep rise puts a quick end to all the fun.
Mile 2.5 - Bout of negativity. Bad thoughts in my head. Thoughts of walking, thoughts of not racing again. I have beaten this devil before, it is just my brain not appreciating what I am doing to its body. Early in the race though, not a good sign. The trick is to slow the pacve ever so slightly and get into a comfortable fast groove. The groove is just hard to find with all the ups and downs.
Mile 3.5 - This was easier here a few weeks ago as mile 12 of the marathon. Keep the average pace at 7:30 and if I can be at that speed out of the park, I should be in good shape to PR. I am feeling ever so slightly wobbly however. When I see the mass of runners just ahead of me, all bobbing up and down it makes me feel unbalanced. Looking at the ground does not help much. I try to focus on symmetry and it seems to help.
Mile 4 - Form a pack of four, all of us wearing Tacoma City Marathon T-shirts. As soon as the pack forms it breaks up. Anther kid in a black shirt keeps playing leapfrog with me. Othwise I am passing more runners than pass me. Cut off by a guy at the water station and almost crash into him. Lots of dodging around.
Mile 6 - Out of the park with a 7:33 average pace. Big dip does not impress as much, now that I have run it 5 times. Still leapfrogging the black T-shirt kid. Passing a few green bibbers.
Mile 6.5 - Right turn onto Vassault street, with one mile of uphill to go. I decide that I can ease up a bit, at least not stress it, and when the watch hits 7:40 average, I'll give it my all.
Mile 6.75 - Hill is not so bad, I am passing more than being passed, finally pass black T-shirt boy for good.
Mile 7 - Watch still says 7:35 overall pace. I am concerned that my GPS mileage may be off, I should not trust the watch completely, but 15 seconds per mile faster than PR by the watch, has got to get me in on time. Relax and have fun.
Mile 7.4 - Top of the hill, left turn and quick right onto the grass of the finish line. Always feel better at the top of the hill and I pick up the pace. Now a quick descision, should I just cruise in and end it easy, or see how much kick I have left? I decide on the latter and turn on the power. Blistering fast by my standards, I pass 5 runners in the last 50 yards and finish in a fury of speed. That was too much energy to end a race with, but since I took over a minute off my PR, I'll just say that I ran well today.

Finish - Jog back to watch Billy finish and almost miss him, wait for Tammy and almost miss her. Too many people for my taste. Lost in the crowd at the finish area, although I do see a few more friends.
57:21 PR

306th of 2164 runners and walkers, 42nd of 143 in age group
race#137 Sound to Narrows #4
*****

5/18/08 Capital City Marathon

Seems like I was just running a marathon 8 days ago. This will be my first time doing back to back weekends. No pressure to run fast, all I need to do is finish and I will accomplish many goals. Warm with abundant sunshine.

Start - I feel a little suspect downing a pill, but the Succeed S-caps are just sodium salts. Lesa recommended that I try them and I was so pleased to see the box arrive in the mail earlier this week. They are supposed to help with nausea and light headedness my two biggest limiting factors on most marathons. I also feel a little funny with my purple #5 bib and yellow tank top. I am not a tank top guy, but it is warm today. Throw in a new white cap and sunglasses and I barely recognized myself. Say hi to Mike and Ashley and plan to run nice and easy with Ashley with walking breaks at the water stops.
Mile 2 - Giving the tour of Olympia. Here is a course I know well. Many a long run on the outer miles. This is the third CCM on this "new" course and I have run them all. My 4th CCM in a row, and 5th CCM (hence the number 5 that I did not ask for but was a nice touch. Ron Fowler got number 25)
Mile 4 - Dumping water on my head to cool off already. I usually save that for later in the race, especially if it is cool or windy, but no chance of that today and it feels nice.
Mile 8 - Pleasant running with some friends. We are going slower than last week, but not that much. I look forward to showing off the big hill to come and it does not dissapoint.
Mile 12.4 - Mike Strong is walking?! That is really bad. Later found out he dropped out at mile 14. We are running steady at about 8:43/mile average.
Mile 14 - Hill number 2 conquered. Really it is a small one, but a little steep and up out of the sea level we had just dropped to. This hill marks the end of the rolling hilly section and leads to 5 miles of gentle up and level.
Mile 16 - We hear a runner fall behind us. I see Maniac Herb on the ground and stop to turn around, really afraid that he collapsed or something. He says he is fine, just tripped on the gravel and took a spill. He catches us and I see the blood dripping down from his knee, cool, and so glad he is OK.
Mile 17 - It dawns on me that I have had zero lightheadedness and very little tummy trouble despite having a gu, lots of water and some ultima drink. This is awesome!! I felt way worse at this stage of the race last week. My quadriceps however are starting to really complain. Nothing I can do about that. Ashley and I had been starting to split up a bit, sometimes me in front, other times she took the lead. Now she is moving ahead for good. Time to battle it out with myself.
Mile 20 - Take a pill at the water stop. I have done very well to not take any walking breaks, except at the water stations, but now I will start the walk/shuffle/jog thing. Later in the race than last week!! And it is only because my quads are shot. I can blame the tired legs on Tacoma and be very pleased with whatever happens now. I dump 4 cups of water on my head. Much of it reaches my shoes and makes them heavy and soggy. I can feel my socks sliding around.
Mile 21 - Playing leapfrog with a couple of runners. Head is great and I am in good spirits, joking with the spectators and volunteers. Long steep downhill. Sudden knee pain/twinge. I am sure it is because my quads are in tatters and I am not too concerned, but it stops me in my tracks and I need to walk.
Mile 22 - Here is the final hill, the dreaded, long Eastside mountain. I put my head down and jog along at a slow pace but make it most of the way without walking. I remember previous years here, staggering or walking because I might faint. This year my head feels good and I am so grateful for that.
Mile 23 - Being passed by a fair share or runners, but what should I expect at 10 minutes per mile? Knee pain again, and again.
Mile 25 - My favorite location in all of racing, I see the downhill ahead. I am not going to beat 4 hours, but that is OK. Not too focussed on the watch. Also feeling like I should not give it my all on the long downhill to the finish in order to protect my legs and not end up on the ground. I have a real fear that my legs might just give way.
Mile 25.7 - I can see the finish now. Pick up the pace some. Not quite as emotional as I had expected.
Mile 26.2 - Done and survived in pretty good shape. As I walk around I can tell that my legs are more beat up and stiffening worse than last week. Eat some pizza, watch the finishers and keep moving some. So great to see Tracy finish in just under 5 hours.
4:04:28
126 of 315
Race #136 Marathon #20 Capital City Marathon #5
****

Tacoma City Marathon 5/10/08

Funny how things change in a year. Last year I was dissapointed when I heard about this race. Not that I did not want to run it, just not happy with the date being one week before Capitol City. A year ago I thought that no one could run both races, that would be crazy. Surely you would lose about 30 minutes on the second race and it would be pure misery. But then I did hear about some folks who did both, and some even ran faster on week two. A few were qualifying for the Marathon Maniacs club. I took a closer look at that club, met a few members and planned out the easiest way to get in, 3 marathons in 3 months, which seemed quite possible. That went great and it has been off to the races ever since. I have so much fun at races and am doing so many, so what if I take a hit in finishing time once in a while? It is not like I am racing to win. I will just do my best and let the chip time be what it may. Cloudy, nice temperature, no wind, who could ask for anything more?
Start - Always fearful that I am going to oversleep and miss the start but it has not happened yet. Arrive in plenty of time. Cheer on some of the early starters. See some friends. Watch the introduction of the pacers who arrive by limo. That was funny and classy at the same time. Met my pacer Steve. I am going to run with the 3:45 group which would give me an unrealistic PR by 6 minutes. But that pace is still slower that I have started the last few races, and I am still a beliver in putting some time in the bank for the inevitable crash.
Mile 2 - We have gone out faster than I thought we would, but Steve is in control now and pace has slowed down some. I am not feeling that good though. A little sluggish, feeling my legs and not really enjoying running. That is odd. I even think about just dropping out and walking back to my car. Very unusual for mile 2!!
Mile 3 - Wright Park - Always heard about it, had never seen it.
Mile 4 - Stadium High School - Always heard about it, had never seen it.
Mile 5 - Sea level - Ruston Way - Have driven and run along here a few times. Staying right with the pace group. We have put some time in the bank for the hills to come.
Mile 7 - Still not feeling so good. This should be the easiest and best part of the race where I am running comfortably, but it seems a little fast for my legs today and my stomache aches just a bit. Others in the group are talking a lot. I am hearing war stories (from Iraq), all about jet engines and radar, and arborculture. Sometimes they try to get me in the conversation but I am not that interested. I prefer short exchanges, then focus on the running. Most people get real silent later in the race and that is when I like a little conversation as a diversion. I hope that I do not bug people who are focussing on running, I am trying to be sensitive to that.
Mile 8 - Through the tunnel. I try my loon call but can not get it out properly. Big hill a coming. We maintain effort, thus slowing down, but get to the top in good shape. Someone asks if my Maniac tattoo is real. Excellent, I was hoping for that, but of course tell her the truth.
Mile 12 - In Point Defiance Park on the 5 mile drive. Long long gradual uphill. Have I really run this twice before at all out pace at the Sound to Narrows Race. I forgot how brutal that course is and now I am doing it as the middle third of a marathon.
Mile 13 -Feeling the best I have all day. Right with Pacer Steve and about 10 of us in a nice pack. I am sure that they will leave me soon, but lets at least get past Billy and Tammy so they will think I am running strong.
Mile 14.6 - There is Billy, I don't think he even saw me in the pack.
Mile 14.8- There is Tammy. Throw my sweaty hat to her and another runner joked that I was being rude.
Mile 14.9 - Up the steep hill coming out of the "dip". Tough at Sound to Narrows and tough today.
Mile 15.5 - Losing contact with Steve and the 3:45 group. Next to a woman who suggests that we need to reel them back in. I am strong enough to do that and we are back in the pack.
Mile 16 - That did not last long. Pack is getting away for good this time. Feeling warm I take off my outer shirt and tie it around my waste
Mile 16.5 - Feeling cold. Put shirt back on.
Mile 17 - First walking break. Head a little light, legs tired. Don't like all these turns in the neighborhood, can't maintain pace. Poor me.
Mile 20 - Pity party is over. Spirits are better, but today is not my day. 3:50 pacer passes me. I keep getting light headed on the uphills. Not severely so, but not something I can push through. When I walk for just a few seconds it gets much better. I am taking many short walk breaks. My pace has slowed and I take a look back expecting to see Ashley catching up, but she is nowhere in site.
Mile 21 - Oops, there she is, I knew she would catch up. Next half mile is a pleasant run together along the "trail" beside Highway 16. I think the trail is an extra lane or off ramp and others do not like it much but I do like being able to see a ways ahead and know what is coming, rather than all the quick turns alot of the course has had. As for being able to see far ahead I can now see that we are approaching another longish uphill. I encourage Ashley to keep going as I need another break.
Mile 22 - I want to be Judy Fisher when I grow up!!
Mile 23 - Pass a guy wearing a " running with diabetes" t-shirt. He has an insulin pump on and I think about asking him if I can use it for a mile or two just to see what is going on with my blood sugar. I hold my tongue but do encourage him and move on.
Mile 23.5 - Woman with my same Maniac shirt catches me. I ask her name, secretly suspecting that it is Lesa Overfield and in fact I am right. Nice to meet her and we talk a little. She beat me by 6 seconds in San Fransisco and I was hoping to meet her.
Mile 24 - What a beautiful down hill!! Legs are OK, no pains and my head is still attached. At the bottom the hill I slow a bit and send Lesa on her way.
Mile 25 - Significant de ja vu. I have run here before with these same people around me, except I have never been here before and do not know the guys I am with now. Feeling passes quickly. If I start hallucinating I will walk it in. Actually feeling happy, relaxed and running better with the shortest of walk breaks now and then.
Mile 25.7 - I have done well to not look at or negotiate with my watch. Just running as well as I can. With about a half mile to go and feeling like I could speed up I look at my watch and see that if I can do it in six minutes I will beat 4 hours. Having a blast, I pick up the pace.
Mile 26 - I know where I am!! This is where I park when I visit UWT, Here is the walk way between the buildings. Sprint around a planter box and start looking for the finish.
Mile 26.2 - Awesome finish area. I am running strong and really enjoying myself. Blow some kisses to the crowd and yell "I love Tacoma!!". Ask for two medals because I ran hard but he says I would have to do another loop. I feel like I could keep running for a while, my fuzzyheadedness caused me to slow more than my legs needed the rest. I have a new "limiting factor" to work on. Time to recover/taper for CCM.

3:58:16
126th of 347

race #135 marathon #19 Tacoma City Marathon #1
****

5/3/08 Public Agency 8K

April 13-19 = 51 miles including 20 miler
April 20-26 = 42 miles ending with a killer 15 mile hilly workout
That is a lot of miles for me and it is time to taper for upcoming marathons. My easy runs this week have not been so good, just feeling sluggish and no spring to my step. Took an extra day off and it will be interesting to see how today's race goes.
Tons of friends and familiar faces. It is like a reunion here. Same short course as last year so I am prepared for that. Light rain.

Start - After a mile warm up I go to retie my shoes. Severe lower back pain/spasm as I bend over. This is the third race in the past six months where I have had this pain after warming up, while bending over to tie my shoes. Very strange. Note to self: don't bend over.
Hey there is Mike Strong. We greet each other and he says that he hopes to run a seven minute mile. Sounds like a plan. I line up behind the front row of fast guys and take off fast for the downhill start.

Mile 1 - On level ground now and I did the first mile in about 6:38. Difficult to determine how fast to take a downhill start. I should take advantage of the slope, but not go so fast to burn adrennaline or have my leg turnover be excessively fast. Too late to experiment with a slower start this year. Mike has caught up to me and we are side by side.

Mile 2 - Around the lake. Still with Mike and a nice pack of runners. Two guys in front of me are chatting away and looking very relaxed while I am working hard. I do pass them but it is not easy.

Mile 3 - Passing tons of walkers, holding my own with the runners. Even with Mike but here comes the Brewery Hill.

Mile 3.5 - Top of the hill, still with Mike. He seems comfortable while I am gasping for air. My legs are OK, but I am getting out of breath. We encourage each other and continue on.

Mile 4 - Mike eases on by. I catch him once but it takes a lot of effort and he gains the lead for good this time. I am well off of last years pace, but it is fine. I feel good, just can't get the legs to go as fast as I would like. Getting wet, even a little soggy in the shoes. But my attitude it fine. Again, that feeling of belonging. Bob Martin way up ahead of me, Jay or Erik Lindburg just in front of me, other regular runners in front or somewhere behind. This is where I am supposed to be today, doing what I love and was meant to do.

Mile 4.8 - This has to be one of my favorite finish areas. Half mile downhill, left turn and a long view/sprint to the finish. Kick it in to high gear and call it done. Raining harder now, I cheer on a few finishers then go to the car for dry clothes. Sit in the car till the rain lets up, then go to the awards ceremony. They start early this year and keep it moving, but alas, no award or raffle win for me. Plan to come back next year for this quality event. Hopefully a good tune up before the marathons.

34:38
27 of 119
race #134, Public Agency race #5, Public Agency 8K # 2, 8K #7

4/5/08 Yakima River Canyon Marathon

14 days post Easter Marathon. Lets see what these legs can do. Only good thing to say about the Days Inn is that it is a short walk to the start. Big thanks to Jody for coming with me, picking good foods and driving back from my first point to point course. Cold but bright sun and the promise of another perfect weather race day.

Start - I am starting to see many of the same people at every race. All a friendly bunch of crazies. My two week rest between marathons is absolutely nothing compared to what some of these guys do. Quick run through of the National Anthem, and we are off.

Mile 5- It has been very flat and pleasant doing two little loops off of the Canyon road. Nice big crowd of runners. Now the road drops off into the canyon. Stunningly beautiful. Lots of twists and turns but also at times I can see a half mile or more ahead. Road closed to most traffic, it is nice and quiet and safe.

Mile 6 - I had been warned of the camber/slant on the road and in fact it is significant at times, but it eases up too and does not seem to be a problem.

Mile 7 - Just a little off, very early bad patch, but not so rough. I quickly recover. I also have been just behind Hope Fox and some of her friends. I am determined to not pass them, as I have been on 8:20 pace and I know that they will finish ahead of me. Later I would pass them when they stopped for some reason, it took them a few miles, but all of them except Hope did indeed pass on by.

Mile 9 -Big splash in the river. I see the "circles in the stream" then see a monster trout leap out of the water once, then again, then a third time. Also see some mountain goats way up on the rim of the canyon.

Mile 10 - Getting hot. I wonder of it would be worth it to take off my shirt. Pour some water on my head and try to not drink so much as to get sick. Throughout the race it would get warm but then there would be a nice stretch of shade and a considerable temperature drop.

Mile 13.1 - Right on pace at the half. I can slow down and still have a decent time. I expect to hit the wall sooner than usual and I dread the last few miles picturing myself being passed by streams of runners all looking fit and smart.

Mile 14 -Serious uphill. I am able to keep running, slowly anyway. Walking through water stops pouring lots of water on my head, then running to the next one.

Mile 19 - I am officially tired, but plodding along. Still awed by the beauty of the course. Being passed by a few, but also passing some. The slant in the road has beat up my feet and ankles to some degree.

Mile 22 - The famous mile long hill. Taking some walk breaks now, but keeping them short. Every once in a while I get a little light headed and decide to not push it, walk it off and recover quickly. Not sure that the rock music blaring from hidden boom boxes up on the cliff was appropriate for the scenery....oh I get it "rock" music.

Mile 23 - Fun signs and a few very supportive race volunteers at the top of the hill. Turn the corner and see the most lovely sight of all, a huge downhill, all the way to the finish.

Mile 24 - More negotiating with the watch. No PR today so I just need to make sure that I beat 4 hours. Do the math, how slow can I run and still beat 4 hours? I have got to stop looking at that watch in the final miles and just do my best.

Mile 25 - Hate to be taking short walking breaks, especially on a downhill but that is what is happening. Quads have held up better than last races, I am not being passed by the streams of runners. My head is alright and I will get in under 4 without any epic struggles.

Mile 26.2 - There is Jody to cheer me in. Put on a little finishing kick and next thing I know I am getting a hug from Lenore. Quick recovery at the finish, then a 3 hour drive home.


3:57:51
130th of 401

Race #133 Marathon#18 Yakima Marathon#1
*****

3/23/08 Easter Marathon

My first time not running a race that I was registered for. I had signed up for the 20 miler in Steilacoom, but when this marathon was listed I figured that this would be the easiest chance to get silver level in the Maniacs (6 in 6 months). I had planned on 20 miles today, what is another 6.2?

Double out and back route. Cold but sunny at the start, soon to warm up to nice mild temperatures with little wind, perfect running conditions. Small turn out for the early start, but some familiar faces. I decided to go out quickly and settle into a comfortable pace no faster than 8:15/mile.

Mile 1 - I am in third place overall ( of the early starters). The lead runner, all the way from Texas, plans to run a 3:10 and is way out in front, I hope he does well.

Mile 4 - I hear some clomping behind me, it sounds like two or three runners bearing down fast. Nope, just Stevie Ray Lopez. He appears to be on a mission and soon is well ahead of me.

Mile 6.5 - Turn around at the cone. I am at 8:11 pace overall. Really should slow down, but I have been holding back. If I go sub 8:10 I will take a walking break.

Mile 13.1 - Back at the park. Made a quick turn around and headed for lap 2. SR Lopez took a long break and I am ahead of him again.

Mile 15 - SR Lopez blows by. Nobody behind me. Another "Bob Green run by yourself until Billy shows up" race.

Mile 16 - Passed by a large biker gang. After about 25 motorcycles passed me I threw my hands in the air in salute. Got buzzed by a monster harley, so loud, but a nice distraction.

Mile 17 - Starting to slow a bit, but with so much time in the bank I let myself slow but kept moving.

Mile 19 - Still at about 8:25 overall. Right shoe is a little loose, might as well stop to tie it. Oh, there is SR Lopez back from the turnaround. He had seen me bent over and asked if I was alright. Since my severe dizzy spell in the ten mile race, I have been much more appreciative of fellow runners and sensitive to others possible needs. I think that I will always carry my cell phone with me on Bob Green races just in case one of us is found in the ditch. A benefit to running more marathons is that no one race is so all important that I would risk injury to myself or allow someone else to suffer.

Mile 20 - Slowing down. Play music on the cell phone, no one around that could be bothered. 4 Grateful Dead songs would get me to the finish. Oh, there is Billy, he checks on me, then tells me that he has tired legs and will join me at mile 22. I am about 2 miles ahead of the next runner.

Mile 22 - Running and taking walking breaks now, with Billy. My head feels good, stomache feels good with much less fluid intake, just getting fatigued and starting to feel some discomfort in the quads. I am in very positive spirits however, a much better mood than my last marathon.

Mile 23 - Darn quadriceps are not cooperating. They basically stop functioning every once in a while. My legs feel like noodles. I have to take some short walking breaks. Try to not look at my watch and just do my best.

Mile 24 - Spamroll

Mile 25 - Give the fuel belt to Billy. Why didn't I do that at mile 22? My PR has slipped away, but I am still in good shape mentally. Into the park with a half mile to go. Look at the watch and think that I could get under 3:54 if I can finish strong. Legs are not cooperating though and I cross the line in 3:54:06. Averaged about 9:45/mile for the last 6 miles.

26.2 -Marathon #17 is done. My second fastest time yet. Nice blister on my left foot that I had no idea I was getting. Hung around the finish area with some Maniacs for a while. Looking forward the Yakima Marathon in two weeks and a larger group of runners.

3:54:06

10th place of 34 runners

****

3\1\08 Run for Luck 10K

Flat and fast on the Chehalis Western Trail. Thurston County Parks and Recreation puts on a quality race. Another green t-shirt. Jody ran the 5K. Cool and dry with some breeze

Start - Good to see Bob Martin. Plan to stay behind him. A couple of other very fast runners.

Mile 1 - Out of the crowd and all alone again. Sub 7 pace will not hold.

Mile 3 - The two leaders are not that far in front of me. They also do not seem to be running very fast. Later I learned that they overshot the turn around and ran considerable farther that they were supposed to. They gave up on racing and just ran in together at a comfortable pace.


Mile 3.1 -No trouble for me seeing the turnaround with aid station and volunteer. At a 7:15 pace and feeling pretty good.


Mile 4.5 - Pass one of the fast guys who is walking. I think it is Andy Piercy. I ask if he is OK and he says that he pulled his hamstring. I told him to walk it in and not make it worse.


Mile 5.5 - No one ahead of me, or behind me. Jody and Jared are out to cheer and push me on. I like that last quarter mile to the finish.


Mile 6.2 - Bob Martin comes to congratulate me but I push him away thinking that I just might vomit. I recover pretty quickly and am pleased with the results. Ten seconds faster than last year.

45:24

8th place overall out of 50
****