I was pleased with yesterday's 5K time. Today I would like to just have a decent run and I won't mind if I slow down some. My first time at this Evergreen State College Event which is something of a fundraiser for the library and the cross country team. In February I raced here and found the organizers to be overwhelmed with day of race registrations. There was a late start, the facilities were not the best and the course had a few marking issues. Today seems to be much better. The Library is open for restroom use and thanks to Club Oly Running there are volunteers at just about every turn. Even Jody and Jared are helping out, so it will be fun to see familiar faces along the way. The sun is out but it may be a little cooler than yesterday. Also this course should be mostly shaded. More of a running crowd than yesterday, a few of the seriously fast folk are here.
I go about my warm up and it takes a while to loosen up. Eventually I start to feel good. One of my favorite feeling in all of running are the strides before a 5K. After at least a mile warm up, I walk a bit then head off at a fast pace. I can feel the power and know that I am moving fast, then I back down to a walk. I try to get four or five of these in with the last one just a minute or two before the start. Everything feels great and I am relaxed and ready to run. Judy Fisher sighting just before we start.
Start - Blast off at top speed, but I positioned myself behind the front row as I know that John Riak and Ulrike and a few others are much faster. Down a little hill. Big group in front of me, hopefully I can pick some of them off. Tammy points the way through an intersection and into a parking lot. One loop around the lot, then criss cross the course near the start, now Tammy is pointing us down a hill into another parking lot. Ahead I see Jody and Jared to make sure we turn right at the end of this lot. Now there is a gradual uphill. I can feel it in my legs. Funny because I did my warm up here and I did not notice the hill at that time. Yesterday's course was so flat I sort of forgot about hills on 5Ks. Off onto a paved trail that winds through the woods.
Mile 1 - 6:53 - Slower than yesterday, but fast enough. Nice downhill and there is Sabrina to make sure I do not go the wrong way. Now on a long straight road. I'm about 20 feet behind an older guy and I surge to catch him. He steps up the pace and I close the gap to about 10 feet but no more. I try again and am repelled again. I am working hard but feel OK. Every time I feel relaxed I try to surge a little more, pick up the pace as best I can. Now an uphill. Focus on the stride and on moving the arms. Just can't get past that older man.
Mile 2 - Right turn coming up. We have crested the hill. I try one more acceleration and am able to blow past him, just before the turn. Hmm my pace is faster than yesterday. Feel good, though I am borderline anaerobic and may want to vomit if I go any faster. There is Bill pointing us up a little hill, then Tammy at the top and I know I am close to the finish
Mile 3 - Shannon at the intersection with Jody and Jared cheering and making me keep running fast. Some kid trying to pass me on the right so I surge as best I can and fight him off. Make the turn and kick it in to the finish.
Very pleased with today's run. Eight seconds faster than yesterday and on a tougher course. Having competition right in front of me is great motivation to run faster. Good event too. Now I plan to go fast one more time, this Tuesday evening. Then I will be able to watch Jody and Bill do a triathlon on Saturday and still have the Rock and Roll Seattle be my 200th race.
22:13
17th of 122
1st of 5 in age group
Race #198
5K #53
****
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
6-12-10 Run For Rett 5K
New race that is designed to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome http://www.nwrettsyndrome.org/
The race is a 5K around Capitol Lake in Olympia. Many runners are at the big Sound To Narrows race in Tacoma, but I am opting for a smaller event today. This is a first time event that I want to support, and I am hoping that it will be well organized. Beautiful sunny day, its warming up but terrific for a 5K with sunglasses. As I warm up I see that the course is well marked. A decent crowd is here and many are not pre registered, but there are enough volunteers to handle it. Twenty minutes before the start time there is no line at the registration table. Lots of families including kids with Rett. In fact as I look around I do not see any familiar fast runners other than Ron Frederick, who is just getting back into shape after some injury. At his best he is always ahead of me, but today he may be a little behind. Could make for a good race. Just before the start I see Ulrike and Linda, then a couple of fast guys that I do not know well. I have done a two mile warm up and am ready to race.
Mile 1 - 6:49. Way too fast. I flew out the gate and pushed hard on the crushed rock trail. Navigated some turns, over the wood bridge, through a parking lot and now heading south on the sidewalk along the lake. A few runners are way ahead and I will never catch. One guy, in black, is just a little ahead but I can not gain on him.
Mile 1.55 - At the turn around I realize that I am in sixth place overall, with Linda and Ulrike ahead of me of course. Ron is just behind me, not far back at all. The guy in black is gradually getting farther ahead, he is out of range but I will keep an eye on him in case he falters.
Mile 2 - I am slowing, but the fear of Ron keeps me moving. I don't hear any footsteps behind me though.
Mile 2.6 - The course continues around the lake, not turning into the parking lot the way we came. I can see across the lake to the balloon arch finish and it sure looks like it is more than a half mile away. I feel OK, just hard to keep up the pace. I really want to have a look back to see is anyone is close. I know that is a sign of weakness and it really will not help me at all so I fight the urge to look back. A few quick turns and then I am on the crushed rock path with the end getting very close. A male runner who came in second place and was way ahead of me tells me to relax, now I know that no one is right on my tail, also I would have heard their footsteps on the path. I ease up just a bit, but then I am nearing the finish. There are my friends from Guerrilla Timing cheering for me to finish strong. I pick it up and sprint across the line. Ron finishes next, a mere ten seconds behind me. My GPS watch shows the course to be accurate in length.
As a cool down I do a loop around the lake and encourage others who are finishing up. There are bagels and water at the finish and a nice atmosphere on this beautiful day. It was well organized and yet another race that I hope to run again.
22:21
6th place of 141 runners and walkers
****
The race is a 5K around Capitol Lake in Olympia. Many runners are at the big Sound To Narrows race in Tacoma, but I am opting for a smaller event today. This is a first time event that I want to support, and I am hoping that it will be well organized. Beautiful sunny day, its warming up but terrific for a 5K with sunglasses. As I warm up I see that the course is well marked. A decent crowd is here and many are not pre registered, but there are enough volunteers to handle it. Twenty minutes before the start time there is no line at the registration table. Lots of families including kids with Rett. In fact as I look around I do not see any familiar fast runners other than Ron Frederick, who is just getting back into shape after some injury. At his best he is always ahead of me, but today he may be a little behind. Could make for a good race. Just before the start I see Ulrike and Linda, then a couple of fast guys that I do not know well. I have done a two mile warm up and am ready to race.
Mile 1 - 6:49. Way too fast. I flew out the gate and pushed hard on the crushed rock trail. Navigated some turns, over the wood bridge, through a parking lot and now heading south on the sidewalk along the lake. A few runners are way ahead and I will never catch. One guy, in black, is just a little ahead but I can not gain on him.
Mile 1.55 - At the turn around I realize that I am in sixth place overall, with Linda and Ulrike ahead of me of course. Ron is just behind me, not far back at all. The guy in black is gradually getting farther ahead, he is out of range but I will keep an eye on him in case he falters.
Mile 2 - I am slowing, but the fear of Ron keeps me moving. I don't hear any footsteps behind me though.
Mile 2.6 - The course continues around the lake, not turning into the parking lot the way we came. I can see across the lake to the balloon arch finish and it sure looks like it is more than a half mile away. I feel OK, just hard to keep up the pace. I really want to have a look back to see is anyone is close. I know that is a sign of weakness and it really will not help me at all so I fight the urge to look back. A few quick turns and then I am on the crushed rock path with the end getting very close. A male runner who came in second place and was way ahead of me tells me to relax, now I know that no one is right on my tail, also I would have heard their footsteps on the path. I ease up just a bit, but then I am nearing the finish. There are my friends from Guerrilla Timing cheering for me to finish strong. I pick it up and sprint across the line. Ron finishes next, a mere ten seconds behind me. My GPS watch shows the course to be accurate in length.
As a cool down I do a loop around the lake and encourage others who are finishing up. There are bagels and water at the finish and a nice atmosphere on this beautiful day. It was well organized and yet another race that I hope to run again.
22:21
6th place of 141 runners and walkers
****
Sunday, June 6, 2010
6/6/10 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
I have decided to go for it again and try to PR. I feel better rested than at Capitol City having an extra week between marathons and this course is easier than the Olympia course. I ran here last year and had a very decent race. So I will try to get in under 3:48, but who knows what will happen?
Out of the hotel room at 6AM and it is raining steady in Port Angeles. It does stop by the time the bus leaves for the start in Sequim. I am not prepared for rain, and showers are forecast, but it is not raining at the start and it is warm and humid out. Wind will not be an issue so I think I will be fine in my Maniac singlet.
This is a terrific race. Nice big room to wait in. There are plenty of well staffed aid stations with friendly volunteers. Its on the paved trail, but there are spectators at many locations. Great scenery once we get off the roads of Sequim. I like the shirt this year and the medal is nice too. But I have some running to do before I can collect that medal.
Start - Visit with friends. Relaxed and feeling good. There are some pacers here and just as the gun goes off I see that Maniac Jeff Bollman is pacing for 3:45. This is great. I do not have to rely so much on the watch. I can just get in behind him and make sure I do not pass him, otherwise I am definitely going too fast. If I can hang with 3:45 most of the way I can drop back a little at the end and still PR.
Mile 1 - 353 runners. A little crowded but it will sort out. Jeff is getting ahead but not much. There is this long gradual uphill and I know that I can make up time later, I should be going even slower than I am.
Mile 3 - Its a fast pace. Fly down a hill. Feeling good though.
Mile 5 - Big loop is done, now the main road. My least favorite part of the course, separated from traffic by cones, but it is well directed and safe. I am probably 20 seconds behind Jeff. Still somewhat crowded.
Mile 9 - Now we are on the paved trail. Enthusiastic spectators and volunteers at the aid station. The long wooden bridge over the Dungeness River. Now a bear sighting. Oh its not really a bear, just a giant shaggy dog standing alone on the trail. He ignores me as I run past. I do hear a raven calling in the woods and that is cool.
Mile 12 - Have been just behind two runners with East Side Running Club shirts on. I have been watching them chat away and appear to be running very comfortably. I catch up and we talk a little bit.
Mile 13.1 - 1:53 is right on pace but I know that miles 16-21 of this course are the toughest.
Mile 16 - Just like that it gets very hard. First some wind in my face on an exposed part of the trail, then a sharp decent to cross a creek. Too steep to run fast on the downhill and I real grind to get up. Jeff is gone.
Mile 17 - Work to catch a runner and stay even with him. We talk a bit but I am struggling. Early on in marathons I don't need or like much conversation, but at this stage it is great to be next to someone. Even if no words are exchanged there is something about running side by side. You can help pace each other and keep the pace from slowing. I just can not hold it though and I drop back.
Mile 18 - There is the steepest creek bed still to come, but this section is bad too, with steep little uphills. Maniac President Steve Yee passes me. He gets a few steps ahead and turns to take my picture. I stop for the camera but he tells me I am supposed to keep running. I am looking for any excuse to slow down. Steve moves on and next up is Maniac Robert Lopez. Robert won a 50K race yesterday and here he is gaining speed and finishing strong today. I guess that if I have to be passed here it might as well be by Maniac#1 and #111. I am struggling big time with energy to run but my spirits are fine. The course has very much thinned out and I am not being passed by many runners. In fact I am starting to pass walkers who began their race two hours before I did.
Mile 20 - The dreaded last creek bed. Its insane trying to get up out of it. Small drum circle is making music at the top of the hill that is more ominous than encouraging. Finally up the steep hill and a long downhill to come.
Mile 21 - Studying the watch now. I have faltered so badly that I am fairly confident that I will not beat four hours. I will need to keep running with no walk breaks and no dawdling at aid stations in order to reach that goal and although there are no more hills, there is still a long way to go. Bob Dolphin sighting. He is walking and I am temped to walk with him a bit. He is 80 years old and has 460 something marathons complete. In fact I could just walk the rest of the way with him, keep him company and I'm sure he would entertain me. I'll at least walk a bit and say hi but as I get real close behind him he starts back up running. I pass him, just a quick hello and keep moving on ahead.
Mile 22 - Now along the waterfront, nice that there is little wind. Very minor drizzle. I have been warm most of the race, but not super hot. I can see the finish area way off in the distance.
Mile 23 - Bald eagle flying low over the water away from shore, makes a turn around and is now heading towards me. If I speed up just a little it will fly directly overhead and in fact it does. Great diversion. The finish area is getting closer but still so far away, I doubt I will beat 4. I want to walk. But I keep running and start passing some runners as well as walkers. I catch the East Side Runners and speculate on our chances of getting in under 4 hours. I am sure that I can do it if I do not walk at all, and I still do not really think I will be able to do that.
Mile 24 - Still running, actually feeling better energy level. I have found some kind of groove and I just go along at this pace. It feels like a 9/mile. Turn onto the rocky path around the water treatment plant, that half mile section where you can hear the finish line, but have to go away from it for a bit. Young guy is walking and I encourage him to get moving again. I explain that it is all mental now and all he has to do is not take another walk break and he will beat 4. He is with me for a quarter mile, but then fades and I hear him say thank you.
Mile 25 - The last aid station. I run through this one, taking just a little fluid and feeling even stronger. My body senses the finish line and I am now sure that I will make my goal. Well not that 3:48 PR. but a secondary goal is always to get in under 4 hours.
Mile 26.2 - I finish in 3:58:34. That gives me 3 marathons in 5 weeks with finish times of 3:57, 3:58 and 3:58. The 3:57 was at Tacoma where I ran conservatively and had little difficulty. The next two races I went out much faster and paid the price. Finish times were amazingly close but I felt better and enjoyed myself most at Tacoma. Next marathon is in three weeks. That will be my 50th and right now I plan to run conservatively like at Tacoma, maybe go for a negative split, but for sure not worry about the finish time so much. In the mean time, if I can get in three more short races, I can have the Seattle Rock and Roll be my 50th marathon and 200th race.
3:58:34
106th of 353
Race #196, Marathon or ultra#49, NODM #2
****
Out of the hotel room at 6AM and it is raining steady in Port Angeles. It does stop by the time the bus leaves for the start in Sequim. I am not prepared for rain, and showers are forecast, but it is not raining at the start and it is warm and humid out. Wind will not be an issue so I think I will be fine in my Maniac singlet.
This is a terrific race. Nice big room to wait in. There are plenty of well staffed aid stations with friendly volunteers. Its on the paved trail, but there are spectators at many locations. Great scenery once we get off the roads of Sequim. I like the shirt this year and the medal is nice too. But I have some running to do before I can collect that medal.
Start - Visit with friends. Relaxed and feeling good. There are some pacers here and just as the gun goes off I see that Maniac Jeff Bollman is pacing for 3:45. This is great. I do not have to rely so much on the watch. I can just get in behind him and make sure I do not pass him, otherwise I am definitely going too fast. If I can hang with 3:45 most of the way I can drop back a little at the end and still PR.
Mile 1 - 353 runners. A little crowded but it will sort out. Jeff is getting ahead but not much. There is this long gradual uphill and I know that I can make up time later, I should be going even slower than I am.
Mile 3 - Its a fast pace. Fly down a hill. Feeling good though.
Mile 5 - Big loop is done, now the main road. My least favorite part of the course, separated from traffic by cones, but it is well directed and safe. I am probably 20 seconds behind Jeff. Still somewhat crowded.
Mile 9 - Now we are on the paved trail. Enthusiastic spectators and volunteers at the aid station. The long wooden bridge over the Dungeness River. Now a bear sighting. Oh its not really a bear, just a giant shaggy dog standing alone on the trail. He ignores me as I run past. I do hear a raven calling in the woods and that is cool.
Mile 12 - Have been just behind two runners with East Side Running Club shirts on. I have been watching them chat away and appear to be running very comfortably. I catch up and we talk a little bit.
Mile 13.1 - 1:53 is right on pace but I know that miles 16-21 of this course are the toughest.
Mile 16 - Just like that it gets very hard. First some wind in my face on an exposed part of the trail, then a sharp decent to cross a creek. Too steep to run fast on the downhill and I real grind to get up. Jeff is gone.
Mile 17 - Work to catch a runner and stay even with him. We talk a bit but I am struggling. Early on in marathons I don't need or like much conversation, but at this stage it is great to be next to someone. Even if no words are exchanged there is something about running side by side. You can help pace each other and keep the pace from slowing. I just can not hold it though and I drop back.
Mile 18 - There is the steepest creek bed still to come, but this section is bad too, with steep little uphills. Maniac President Steve Yee passes me. He gets a few steps ahead and turns to take my picture. I stop for the camera but he tells me I am supposed to keep running. I am looking for any excuse to slow down. Steve moves on and next up is Maniac Robert Lopez. Robert won a 50K race yesterday and here he is gaining speed and finishing strong today. I guess that if I have to be passed here it might as well be by Maniac#1 and #111. I am struggling big time with energy to run but my spirits are fine. The course has very much thinned out and I am not being passed by many runners. In fact I am starting to pass walkers who began their race two hours before I did.
Mile 20 - The dreaded last creek bed. Its insane trying to get up out of it. Small drum circle is making music at the top of the hill that is more ominous than encouraging. Finally up the steep hill and a long downhill to come.
Mile 21 - Studying the watch now. I have faltered so badly that I am fairly confident that I will not beat four hours. I will need to keep running with no walk breaks and no dawdling at aid stations in order to reach that goal and although there are no more hills, there is still a long way to go. Bob Dolphin sighting. He is walking and I am temped to walk with him a bit. He is 80 years old and has 460 something marathons complete. In fact I could just walk the rest of the way with him, keep him company and I'm sure he would entertain me. I'll at least walk a bit and say hi but as I get real close behind him he starts back up running. I pass him, just a quick hello and keep moving on ahead.
Mile 22 - Now along the waterfront, nice that there is little wind. Very minor drizzle. I have been warm most of the race, but not super hot. I can see the finish area way off in the distance.
Mile 23 - Bald eagle flying low over the water away from shore, makes a turn around and is now heading towards me. If I speed up just a little it will fly directly overhead and in fact it does. Great diversion. The finish area is getting closer but still so far away, I doubt I will beat 4. I want to walk. But I keep running and start passing some runners as well as walkers. I catch the East Side Runners and speculate on our chances of getting in under 4 hours. I am sure that I can do it if I do not walk at all, and I still do not really think I will be able to do that.
Mile 24 - Still running, actually feeling better energy level. I have found some kind of groove and I just go along at this pace. It feels like a 9/mile. Turn onto the rocky path around the water treatment plant, that half mile section where you can hear the finish line, but have to go away from it for a bit. Young guy is walking and I encourage him to get moving again. I explain that it is all mental now and all he has to do is not take another walk break and he will beat 4. He is with me for a quarter mile, but then fades and I hear him say thank you.
Mile 25 - The last aid station. I run through this one, taking just a little fluid and feeling even stronger. My body senses the finish line and I am now sure that I will make my goal. Well not that 3:48 PR. but a secondary goal is always to get in under 4 hours.
Mile 26.2 - I finish in 3:58:34. That gives me 3 marathons in 5 weeks with finish times of 3:57, 3:58 and 3:58. The 3:57 was at Tacoma where I ran conservatively and had little difficulty. The next two races I went out much faster and paid the price. Finish times were amazingly close but I felt better and enjoyed myself most at Tacoma. Next marathon is in three weeks. That will be my 50th and right now I plan to run conservatively like at Tacoma, maybe go for a negative split, but for sure not worry about the finish time so much. In the mean time, if I can get in three more short races, I can have the Seattle Rock and Roll be my 50th marathon and 200th race.
3:58:34
106th of 353
Race #196, Marathon or ultra#49, NODM #2
****
Sunday, May 16, 2010
5/16/10 Capital City Marathon
My hometown race is still one of my favorites. Organizers do a terrific job and I get to run with Maniac friends, local Olympia running friends, and I always know many of the spectators and volunteers. No shirt or medal, but we get a nice hooded jacket, luggage tag and a commemorative coaster. Living so close I can almost sleep in and make it to the 7AM start. I know where to park and it is a stress free time getting in place to run. It has been warm, but is cloudy now and won't get as hot as previous years, though a little warm for optimal running. I do not have to decide what to wear as I am sure I will be fine with just a tank top and there is no chance of rain.
It has been two weeks since the Tacoma Marathon and I am not quite fully recovered. One week ago we went to California and I spent three long days at amusement parks. I wore the GPS on two days and know that I walked over 12 miles each of those days. Add the time on feet waiting on lines and I do know that my feet ached each evening. After 4 days of no running, but lots of walking, and too much fast food, I went for a 4 mile run on Thursday. It was horrible. I felt so tired and off, it was a real struggle. Ran three miles on Friday and it was a little better but still an effort. Also feeling some cold symptoms, a little sore throat and general weakness at times. So I took Saturday off and here I am Sunday contemplating a PR attempt. Recently I have seen people run some very fast races somewhat unexpectedly. I am thinking that I will not know if it is my day unless I try. Probably best to wait till the next race and play this one safer, but I feel OK this morning. I'll start off with M761 which will be at my PR pace, and if I feel lousy after a couple of miles I'll drop back to a slower pace.
Start - I find lots of friends and eventually M761 just before the start. With the half marathon starting a little later and having a sold out event, there is a large crowd of spectators to see us off. We are positioned well and it is a smooth send off.
Mile 7 - I don't feel horrible but I don't feel great either. Just running along at a steady pace. Plenty of space on the scenic country roads. We run a bit with Arthur from the UK who ran the Windemere/Spokane Marathon yesterday.
Mile 14 - Not much to write about. Beautiful day. Flowers in bloom. Can't decide if this course is hillier than Tacoma, they both sure have some ups and downs. Letting M761 set the pace, I'm not really focused on the watch, but I do realize that we on my PR pace. As much as I do not need/want an entourage of support staff to run/bike with me and cheer for me, its good to be with one or two other people side by side and not all alone.
Mile 17 - Mild stomach issues. I think it is the Ultima drink and perhaps I am downing more fluids than I can handle. Its warm and I start pouring a little water on my head at each aid station. The stations are two miles apart and I begin to look forward to each one more and more.
Mile 2o - More stomach issues and now plain old tiredness. The pace has slowed, what with walking through the aid stations and I will not get that PR. Still moving OK and it could be a good run after all.
Mile 22 - Liked the big downhill, but now I face the dreaded Eastside Hill. It starts with just a little bump, but that is hard enough. M761 continues at an even pace while I really start to falter. Now come the walk breaks.
Mile 23 - Still moving uphill. I am passing lots of half marathon walkers so it is not as evident that I am being passed by marathoners. Everyone is slow going up this hill.
Mile 23.5 - Same little girl at the same place as last year with her tiny cups of cold water. I tell her thank you and that I remember her from last year. Hook up with two runners that I had passed some miles ago. We get a little conversation going and it helps me stay with them.
Mile 24 - Sudden severe muscle cramp in my right groin area catches me in mid stride. It goes away as I walk but it will happen two more times while running and each time give me a great excuse to walk a bit. Run/walk/shuffle on.
Mile 25 - I had been very confident of beating 4 hours and am still sure that I will make it, however the closer I get to the finish, the more I realize that I need to keep moving to even make that goal.
Mile 25.5 - Love the view down Capital Blvd as I see the finish and a good crowd cheering. Get in just under 4 hours and am satisfied that I "went for it" but just did not have the right stuff today. I slowed so much after mile 22 that M761 beat me by seven minutes.
Finish - Find Jody, who did well in the half, and then stay for a long while cheering in the rest of the finishers. Thanks to David Gardner for taking the photos. And happy that Deb Gardner did not catch up and tap me on the shoulder like I deserved, it sure was close though. Next race should be the North Olympic Discovery Marathon on June 6.
3:58:51
Race #195
Marathon or Ultra #48
Marathon or Ultra #48
Capital City Marathon#7 (sixth consecutive)
Capital City race (full, half or five miler) # 10
*****
Sunday, May 2, 2010
5/2/10 Tacoma City Marathon
My third consecutive year here. Previous two finish times were both 3:58. I have not run a sub 4 hour marathon since last October due to the three 50Ks, 6 hour run, trail marathon and being sick at the Lost Dutchman Marathon. So today I will be happy to get anything under 4 hours. It would be extra nice to run under 3:58 for a new best time on this course. I'll try to go faster at future marathons but for today my time goal is 3:57.
I arrive plenty early and find my same parking spot. Enjoy seeing lots of Maniac friends. Marathon Maniac Club reunion race and there are a whole lot of yellow shirts all around. Its cool and cloudy and windy. I had planned to leave my long sleeve shirt behind at the start but it is so chilly that I decide to keep it on for the run. I often do this and just tie it around my waist when I warm up.
Start - M761 and I line up with M61 the 3:50 pacer. I know I wrote that I was hoping for 3:57 but I would like to run a few miles with my friend and then drop back early, before I get tired. I feel good and relaxed and the start goes off with no issues.
Mile 1 - The long straight on Market Street. Head wind is really strong. Eventually we make the sharp turn and run with the wind. We comment on the fact that we really can not feel it at our backs however. It often seems that way, strong in the face, then calm when you turn around. It must be helping though, or else I am just warming up as the running gets a little easier.
Mile 3 to 6 - Through the park, past the High School and down towards Ruston Way. Time to say goodbye to M761. This is nicer than the times that we run together till mile 17 and then she trots on while I suffer and flounder. I ease back gradually planning to run now with the 4 hour pace team (M1681 and M171). M985 catches up to me and we run together for a bit.
Mile 8 - Quick Port-a-Potty stop. I am really fast in there but as I exit I see that the 4 hour group has passed by and I have to hurry up to get even with them. Soon enough I am in the pack and on cruise control.
Mile 10.5 - That hill after the tunnel is super steep.
Mile 11 - Pace groups are great, but I don't like being packed in so tightly. I ease ahead some, just to have a good clear space in front of me. Tacoma could do well to pave some of these roads, but I have not tripped or seen anyone fall yet. Better to have a good line of sight though.
Mile 12 - That long long hill in Point Defiance Park. Something of a grind, but I am holding a steady pace. I'm not checking behind me but I think that I have increased the distance on the 4 hour group. I had planned to stay with them till mile 20 or so, but it looks like I have struck out on my own now. Running with a couple of first timers and we don't talk much but it is nice to be in step with them, yet have plenty of running room.
Mile 13.1 - Clock reads 1:57 and something. I'll have to run the second half in 2:00 to get my 3:57 finish.
Mile 15.5 - Out of the park and into the wind. Down the big hill, up the big hill, turn left then turn right onto Vassault Street. Major hill for the next mile and a half. The hill itself is bad enough but the wind is really blowing right at us. I still feel good but I know that this is zapping my energy. My legs have felt a little fatigued since early in the race (perhaps due to yesterday's race) but they have been able to hold the pace well. It is the energy level that I am worried about. My overall pace has dropped some on this long incline with wind, but as long as I don't really tire soon, I am in good condition.
Mile 18 - Highest elevation of the course. Oh I remember being here last year, ahead of my current pace, but really tiring quickly. Today I feel OK. I have also been able to choke down some gels, I have had three already, and my stomach is tolerating that and all the fluids.
Mile 19 - Finally the turn onto the paved trail that parallels Route 16. My least favorite part of the course, but now I have that strong wind at my back. It is so strong that I can feel it pushing me along.
Mile 20 - Under a bridge, then a turn and now the wind seems to be in my face again. I was not expecting that. Maybe it is more blowing sideways, but I was hoping for a push all the way to mile 24.
Mile 21 - I can see the Target store more than half a mile ahead. I try to relax and focus on the bulls eye and flow along at least till I get there. I can not zone out completely, but I am still running and I am pleased that I have made it this far without "hitting the wall"
Mile 22 - Run for a bit with M1106. This is a great place to have a little company and keep moving. I hit the lap button on my watch to set a new overall pace. I can run 10/mile from here to the end and still beat 4 hours and I am thinking that I should be able to do it, especially with the wonderful downhills to come.
Mile 23.3 - Almost off the trail and I take my first little walk break. I also take my long sleeves off for the first time.
Mile 24.2 - One more really short walk break as my pace the last two miles was about 9:45 (after the break). I expect to turn down the hill and not walk anymore.
Mile 24.5- The hard part is over. Long downhill, a little steep for tired legs, then flat and gradual downhill till the race is almost over and the excitement of the finish can carry anyone through. I feel very confident that I will beat 4 hours. Can I get in under 3:58? It is too close to call at this point.
Mile 25 - 3:48 on my watch. Better keep moving. Really pleased with today's run. I think those ultras this Winter paid off with better endurance. Can't say why I did not have my usual nausea but I'll take it for sure.
Mile 26 - Hey I will beat 3:58. Terrific. No need to sprint to the finish, I just cruise along like I have been and at the finish I feel like I could keep going for a few more miles. Very rare that I have finished a marathon feeling so good.
I arrive plenty early and find my same parking spot. Enjoy seeing lots of Maniac friends. Marathon Maniac Club reunion race and there are a whole lot of yellow shirts all around. Its cool and cloudy and windy. I had planned to leave my long sleeve shirt behind at the start but it is so chilly that I decide to keep it on for the run. I often do this and just tie it around my waist when I warm up.
Start - M761 and I line up with M61 the 3:50 pacer. I know I wrote that I was hoping for 3:57 but I would like to run a few miles with my friend and then drop back early, before I get tired. I feel good and relaxed and the start goes off with no issues.
Mile 1 - The long straight on Market Street. Head wind is really strong. Eventually we make the sharp turn and run with the wind. We comment on the fact that we really can not feel it at our backs however. It often seems that way, strong in the face, then calm when you turn around. It must be helping though, or else I am just warming up as the running gets a little easier.
Mile 3 to 6 - Through the park, past the High School and down towards Ruston Way. Time to say goodbye to M761. This is nicer than the times that we run together till mile 17 and then she trots on while I suffer and flounder. I ease back gradually planning to run now with the 4 hour pace team (M1681 and M171). M985 catches up to me and we run together for a bit.
Mile 8 - Quick Port-a-Potty stop. I am really fast in there but as I exit I see that the 4 hour group has passed by and I have to hurry up to get even with them. Soon enough I am in the pack and on cruise control.
Mile 10.5 - That hill after the tunnel is super steep.
Mile 11 - Pace groups are great, but I don't like being packed in so tightly. I ease ahead some, just to have a good clear space in front of me. Tacoma could do well to pave some of these roads, but I have not tripped or seen anyone fall yet. Better to have a good line of sight though.
Mile 12 - That long long hill in Point Defiance Park. Something of a grind, but I am holding a steady pace. I'm not checking behind me but I think that I have increased the distance on the 4 hour group. I had planned to stay with them till mile 20 or so, but it looks like I have struck out on my own now. Running with a couple of first timers and we don't talk much but it is nice to be in step with them, yet have plenty of running room.
Mile 13.1 - Clock reads 1:57 and something. I'll have to run the second half in 2:00 to get my 3:57 finish.
Mile 15.5 - Out of the park and into the wind. Down the big hill, up the big hill, turn left then turn right onto Vassault Street. Major hill for the next mile and a half. The hill itself is bad enough but the wind is really blowing right at us. I still feel good but I know that this is zapping my energy. My legs have felt a little fatigued since early in the race (perhaps due to yesterday's race) but they have been able to hold the pace well. It is the energy level that I am worried about. My overall pace has dropped some on this long incline with wind, but as long as I don't really tire soon, I am in good condition.
Mile 18 - Highest elevation of the course. Oh I remember being here last year, ahead of my current pace, but really tiring quickly. Today I feel OK. I have also been able to choke down some gels, I have had three already, and my stomach is tolerating that and all the fluids.
Mile 19 - Finally the turn onto the paved trail that parallels Route 16. My least favorite part of the course, but now I have that strong wind at my back. It is so strong that I can feel it pushing me along.
Mile 20 - Under a bridge, then a turn and now the wind seems to be in my face again. I was not expecting that. Maybe it is more blowing sideways, but I was hoping for a push all the way to mile 24.
Mile 21 - I can see the Target store more than half a mile ahead. I try to relax and focus on the bulls eye and flow along at least till I get there. I can not zone out completely, but I am still running and I am pleased that I have made it this far without "hitting the wall"
Mile 22 - Run for a bit with M1106. This is a great place to have a little company and keep moving. I hit the lap button on my watch to set a new overall pace. I can run 10/mile from here to the end and still beat 4 hours and I am thinking that I should be able to do it, especially with the wonderful downhills to come.
Mile 23.3 - Almost off the trail and I take my first little walk break. I also take my long sleeves off for the first time.
Mile 24.2 - One more really short walk break as my pace the last two miles was about 9:45 (after the break). I expect to turn down the hill and not walk anymore.
Mile 24.5- The hard part is over. Long downhill, a little steep for tired legs, then flat and gradual downhill till the race is almost over and the excitement of the finish can carry anyone through. I feel very confident that I will beat 4 hours. Can I get in under 3:58? It is too close to call at this point.
Mile 25 - 3:48 on my watch. Better keep moving. Really pleased with today's run. I think those ultras this Winter paid off with better endurance. Can't say why I did not have my usual nausea but I'll take it for sure.
Mile 26 - Hey I will beat 3:58. Terrific. No need to sprint to the finish, I just cruise along like I have been and at the finish I feel like I could keep going for a few more miles. Very rare that I have finished a marathon feeling so good.
3:57:34
139th place of 391Marathon or ultra #47, 3rd consecutive Tacoma City Marathon
Race # 194
*****
Saturday, May 1, 2010
5/1/10 Public Agency Challenge 2 Miles
Quick in and out run today. Need to leave right after the race so I'll miss any raffles. Feeling really good. Ready to run Tacoma Marathon tomorrow. I'll do a short warm up to keep the mileage low. Its cloudy with some wind. Cool and decent running weather. New start closer to the Capitol. We will go slightly downhill for a tenth of a mile, then make a sharp right turn and head uphill to the turn around. Lots of children running and many casual runners. Most of the faster runners do the 8K race. I'm glad that Bill chose the 8K because I am pretty sure that he would beat me if we raced together.
Start - Line up near the front. Still there are some small kids directly in front of me. Off we go and everyone goes flying out too fast. At the turn, looking uphill I can see that there are many people ahead of me, despite the fact that I am on 6:38/mile pace according to the GPS.
Mile 0.5 - One by one I am picking off the kids in their high top basketball shoes.
Mile 1 - Nice to get to the turn around and know that it is all downhill.
Mile 1.7 - No one has passed me and I continue to pass some people. I catch up to a guy who looks about my age. Every time I have run this race I have gotten an age group award, but seeing the runners ahead of me, coming toward me before the turn around, most of them looked like they could be in my age group. I ask the guy how old he is and yes he is in my age group. I make a move and pull ahead of him, but very quickly he matches it and blows past me on the final shot to the finish. When I realize that I will not be able to catch him, I ease back also remembering that I have a marathon tomorrow. My last 50 yards is lame, but I am really happy to get in under 14 minutes and do way better than last year. Legs feel good and strong.
Mile 2.0 - I congratulate the guy who beat me, then take a look at the board where they are taping finishers bib tags so I can see how I placed. 14th overall is really good, but I will have to settle for 4th in my age group. That has me a little discouraged but I get over it quickly and enjoy watching others finish, before I have to leave.
13:52
14th of 83
****
Start - Line up near the front. Still there are some small kids directly in front of me. Off we go and everyone goes flying out too fast. At the turn, looking uphill I can see that there are many people ahead of me, despite the fact that I am on 6:38/mile pace according to the GPS.
Mile 0.5 - One by one I am picking off the kids in their high top basketball shoes.
Mile 1 - Nice to get to the turn around and know that it is all downhill.
Mile 1.7 - No one has passed me and I continue to pass some people. I catch up to a guy who looks about my age. Every time I have run this race I have gotten an age group award, but seeing the runners ahead of me, coming toward me before the turn around, most of them looked like they could be in my age group. I ask the guy how old he is and yes he is in my age group. I make a move and pull ahead of him, but very quickly he matches it and blows past me on the final shot to the finish. When I realize that I will not be able to catch him, I ease back also remembering that I have a marathon tomorrow. My last 50 yards is lame, but I am really happy to get in under 14 minutes and do way better than last year. Legs feel good and strong.
Mile 2.0 - I congratulate the guy who beat me, then take a look at the board where they are taping finishers bib tags so I can see how I placed. 14th overall is really good, but I will have to settle for 4th in my age group. That has me a little discouraged but I get over it quickly and enjoy watching others finish, before I have to leave.
13:52
14th of 83
****
Sunday, April 11, 2010
4/11/10 Mt. Si Ultra 50K
My first time here, though I ran part of this course at the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon almost two years ago. The name is misleading in that we do not climb up Mt Si, but rather go part way around it. There will be a very long gradual ascent, but after the turn around there will be about ten miles of gentle downhill. Rails to trails course, a few rocky places here and there but overall very good for running. 50 mile race started at 6AM. I'll do the 50K that starts at 8:30AM. Also a 57 mile relay race and the event is sold out. Good parking, restrooms and warm area to wait at the Snoqualamie Elementary School. Nice fleece vest instead of a T-Shirt. Its cool and cloudy but we expect sun and warmer temperatures later in the day. I see a few Maniac friends but there are many people I do not recognize. The relay crowd looks young and fast. I feel good and relaxed as we get ready to go.
Start - I want to keep it around a ten minute per mile pace. Its hard to run that slowly in a efficient manner so I will go a little faster than that but take nice long walk breaks every 2.5 miles or so. This seems to work well for me on the ultras. This will be my 4th ultra in the last five months, with two marathons in there as well. We start out on a road, take a bridge over the river and go down a little hill, still on the road. In less than a mile we turn onto the trail and have to climb up steps to a foot bridge over the river.
Mile 1 - Now it is a very flat and straight wide trail for the next 4 miles. Some headwind. We are spreading out and I run alone. I do leapfrog one guy a couple of times as he passes me on my walk breaks, then I pass him while I'm running.
Mile 5 - Across a road, with police to guide us, pass by the self serve aid station, then under Interstate 90. Now the trail starts to go uphill. It will be gradual uphill for the next ten miles. I recognize this as the end of the Tunnel Marathon. That race was point to point downhill and as I work my way up, I realize that it was no wonder that I had a fast time there. Beautiful scenery along the river.
Mile 10 - Staffed aid station and relay exchange point. Lots of people here. I show my number to the check in person and fill my bottles with something red. Move out of the area quickly but soon the trail parallels another road. There is a crosswalk with maybe a trail on the other side, but the trail I am on looks like it continues along the road, though maybe it looks like it peters out. I think I should cross, but there is no volunteer here and I am just unsure and do not want to go the wrong way. So I wait for the next runner to come up, maybe 20 seconds and he is sure that we stay on the trail. I go ahead of him and soon see that it is the correct route.
Mile 13 - Fast runners are coming back toward me, so the turnaround is getting closer. It has been a long uphill trip but I have held the pace OK. A little bit of snow on the sides of the trail. I still have my long sleeve shirt on and am comfortable.
Mile 15 - Looking forward to that turn around and aid station. It will be all downhill and its always nice to be heading back. Not around this bend......not around the next one. What is this? The trail forks with the main trail continuing up, but a sign directs us to a steep downhill. Sharp angular rocks and the steepest hill of the course; down, down, down for a quarter of a mile.
Mile 15.55 - Finally at the bottom and I am not looking forward to going back up. Fill with more red fluid. Try a potato slice dipped in salt; really tasty. Walk up most of the hill, then jog to the top. Now finally I can take advantage of the gentle down slope. Fun to see fellow Maniacs. Very easy to run at 9:30/mile pace. Some of the 50 mile racers are heading up the hill, not that far behind me. Try to keep holding back while letting gravity help me move along.
Mile 21 - Aid station. Lots of people milling about including relay runners. I try some Pepsi that is on the table and it is horrible, I can not finish the small cup. Strange because after a long race I like to guzzle a large cola. I stick with the red liquid, and continue eating from my stash of fig newtons and Gu gels as I can. The next few miles go well as relay runners are coming toward me but few are passing me. Most of them offer encouragement. It has warmed up a lot and my long sleeves come off.
Mile 26 - Self serve aid station. I fill a cup of water and douse my head. Energy level is good but I am warming and my stomach seems to be cramping. Not the more common nausea, this is new, a mild clamping or something down there that feels pretty lousy. Now I am on the flat and straight section and not a whole lot farther to go.
Mile 27 - OK, now I am low on energy and having stomach issues. More frequent walk breaks. Earlier I told myself that I would give it a good two miles push through the wall, then ease up and not allow myself to suffer much after that. So I put my head down and try to pick up the pace and it is a lousy time, no fun at all. I think of something different to try. Instead of focusing and pushing hard, I will try to zone out, yoga style. I "look to my third eye" and "center my drishti" on a white post that is at least a half mile away. "Hands in mudra" I try to think only on my breathing. The legs have been on autopilot for four and half hours I don't need to think about them, or anything. Pace does not matter, as long as I can keep running I'll be doing great. The meditative running actually works. Its a little tough to ignore the relay runners coming toward me every now and then, and as I realize that I am doing well I lose focus, but this is worth trying again. After the post, I sight on another object as far away as I can see and do it again.
Mile 29 - Yoga is over, now it is math time, thinking that I have a shot at a PR. If it were not for the mild stomach cramps, this would be a terrific race day. More frequent walk breaks.
Mile 30 - Finally to that bridge, then I have to climb down those stairs, but I know I am close. I remember the downhill on the way out, on this road, but as I approach it and start going up, it does not seem so bad. Real short walk break to say hi as I pass a fellow Maniac, then turn onto the other bridge. Legs are moving good now. Onto the last bit of road. Its actually funny how easy I am running now that I can see the school and know that the finish is so close. I just flow down the road so much easier than I had been shuffling a half hour ago. I will get that PR and that sure helps my mood.
Mile 31.1 - Finish with a 3 minute best time. Stand in the shade with a friend while I drink two cups of ice cold water that is so refreshing. Nice glass finisher's medal. Soon I am chugging that cola. Next is a cup of grapes that taste delicious. As I am finishing the grapes I think about how I usually have an orange after a race and I did not see any at the table. I reach for a grape and find half a small orange at the bottom of the cup. Perfect.
Another really well put on event and race that I hope to do again.
5:14:05
34th of 64
race #192, marathon or ultra#46, 50K#4
*****
Start - I want to keep it around a ten minute per mile pace. Its hard to run that slowly in a efficient manner so I will go a little faster than that but take nice long walk breaks every 2.5 miles or so. This seems to work well for me on the ultras. This will be my 4th ultra in the last five months, with two marathons in there as well. We start out on a road, take a bridge over the river and go down a little hill, still on the road. In less than a mile we turn onto the trail and have to climb up steps to a foot bridge over the river.
Mile 1 - Now it is a very flat and straight wide trail for the next 4 miles. Some headwind. We are spreading out and I run alone. I do leapfrog one guy a couple of times as he passes me on my walk breaks, then I pass him while I'm running.
Mile 5 - Across a road, with police to guide us, pass by the self serve aid station, then under Interstate 90. Now the trail starts to go uphill. It will be gradual uphill for the next ten miles. I recognize this as the end of the Tunnel Marathon. That race was point to point downhill and as I work my way up, I realize that it was no wonder that I had a fast time there. Beautiful scenery along the river.
Mile 10 - Staffed aid station and relay exchange point. Lots of people here. I show my number to the check in person and fill my bottles with something red. Move out of the area quickly but soon the trail parallels another road. There is a crosswalk with maybe a trail on the other side, but the trail I am on looks like it continues along the road, though maybe it looks like it peters out. I think I should cross, but there is no volunteer here and I am just unsure and do not want to go the wrong way. So I wait for the next runner to come up, maybe 20 seconds and he is sure that we stay on the trail. I go ahead of him and soon see that it is the correct route.
Mile 13 - Fast runners are coming back toward me, so the turnaround is getting closer. It has been a long uphill trip but I have held the pace OK. A little bit of snow on the sides of the trail. I still have my long sleeve shirt on and am comfortable.
Mile 15 - Looking forward to that turn around and aid station. It will be all downhill and its always nice to be heading back. Not around this bend......not around the next one. What is this? The trail forks with the main trail continuing up, but a sign directs us to a steep downhill. Sharp angular rocks and the steepest hill of the course; down, down, down for a quarter of a mile.
Mile 15.55 - Finally at the bottom and I am not looking forward to going back up. Fill with more red fluid. Try a potato slice dipped in salt; really tasty. Walk up most of the hill, then jog to the top. Now finally I can take advantage of the gentle down slope. Fun to see fellow Maniacs. Very easy to run at 9:30/mile pace. Some of the 50 mile racers are heading up the hill, not that far behind me. Try to keep holding back while letting gravity help me move along.
Mile 21 - Aid station. Lots of people milling about including relay runners. I try some Pepsi that is on the table and it is horrible, I can not finish the small cup. Strange because after a long race I like to guzzle a large cola. I stick with the red liquid, and continue eating from my stash of fig newtons and Gu gels as I can. The next few miles go well as relay runners are coming toward me but few are passing me. Most of them offer encouragement. It has warmed up a lot and my long sleeves come off.
Mile 26 - Self serve aid station. I fill a cup of water and douse my head. Energy level is good but I am warming and my stomach seems to be cramping. Not the more common nausea, this is new, a mild clamping or something down there that feels pretty lousy. Now I am on the flat and straight section and not a whole lot farther to go.
Mile 27 - OK, now I am low on energy and having stomach issues. More frequent walk breaks. Earlier I told myself that I would give it a good two miles push through the wall, then ease up and not allow myself to suffer much after that. So I put my head down and try to pick up the pace and it is a lousy time, no fun at all. I think of something different to try. Instead of focusing and pushing hard, I will try to zone out, yoga style. I "look to my third eye" and "center my drishti" on a white post that is at least a half mile away. "Hands in mudra" I try to think only on my breathing. The legs have been on autopilot for four and half hours I don't need to think about them, or anything. Pace does not matter, as long as I can keep running I'll be doing great. The meditative running actually works. Its a little tough to ignore the relay runners coming toward me every now and then, and as I realize that I am doing well I lose focus, but this is worth trying again. After the post, I sight on another object as far away as I can see and do it again.
Mile 29 - Yoga is over, now it is math time, thinking that I have a shot at a PR. If it were not for the mild stomach cramps, this would be a terrific race day. More frequent walk breaks.
Mile 30 - Finally to that bridge, then I have to climb down those stairs, but I know I am close. I remember the downhill on the way out, on this road, but as I approach it and start going up, it does not seem so bad. Real short walk break to say hi as I pass a fellow Maniac, then turn onto the other bridge. Legs are moving good now. Onto the last bit of road. Its actually funny how easy I am running now that I can see the school and know that the finish is so close. I just flow down the road so much easier than I had been shuffling a half hour ago. I will get that PR and that sure helps my mood.
Mile 31.1 - Finish with a 3 minute best time. Stand in the shade with a friend while I drink two cups of ice cold water that is so refreshing. Nice glass finisher's medal. Soon I am chugging that cola. Next is a cup of grapes that taste delicious. As I am finishing the grapes I think about how I usually have an orange after a race and I did not see any at the table. I reach for a grape and find half a small orange at the bottom of the cup. Perfect.
Another really well put on event and race that I hope to do again.
5:14:05
34th of 64
race #192, marathon or ultra#46, 50K#4
*****
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