As mentioned in previous posts, my hope is to train more and race less in 2017. In order to keep myself honest, I will need to select race distances that I can't fake. So, in late 2016, I committed to running the 26.2 at Cowtown. Having run the 13.1 distance twice before, I knew what to expect in terms of the expo, 1st half of the course, etc. But, 26.2 would be a new distance for me at Cowtown.
Within just a few hours of registering, I was getting pressure from my racing buddies to run the 50k Ultra. "it's only 5 extra miles"...peer pressure is a bitch.
So, several days later, I upgraded. Time to train.
In mid-december, I joined the FWRUNCO training group. I would need some motivation and structure if I was to be successful.
When I ran the Chicago Marathon in 2015, I pulled a training plan off the interwebs, and, loosely followed it. But, for Chicago, I had just one goal: finish. The FWRUNCO plan would offer structure, accountability, and training options. So, for 11 weeks, I'd follow a plan...again...train more, race less. Basically, the plan would call for Cross Training on Sundays, a Short Run on Mondays, Speed Work on Tuesdays, Cross Training on Wednesdays, Tempo Runs on Thursdays, Rest days on Fridays.
I latched on to a great pace group and each week looked forward to my long Saturday runs. In 2015, for Chicago, I completed on 1 19 mile run. This training block, I completed runs of 17, 19, 19, 20, and 26 miles (RNR NOLA 26.2 served as a training run). Over those several weeks, I'd connected with good running buddies, developed a bit of a race strategy, and had lots of laughs.
I was not as diligent about my speed work, but, felt good about my stamina.
My training and nutrition got derailed during the 2 weeks prior to the race, as I was packing and moving my mom's house. With very few workouts and an extremely poor diet, I felt a little shaky going into race weekend.
Like many races, The Cowtown offers and incentive to run a race (5k or 10k) on Saturday, and a race (13.1, 26.2 or 50k) on Sunday. If one completes the "Cowtown Challenge" they receive an extra medal and an extra tech shirt. So, in Saturday, with a little help from Remi, I was able to get registered for the Saturday 5k. I figured I 'd use it as a "shake out" run prior to Sunday's 50k. Because I had not planned on running Saturday, Griffin and Lindsi had signed up for the 10k, leaving me to watch Gage. So, logistics would be tricky. Originally, it was my plan to keep Gage and cheer for Griffin, who would be running his 1st 10k. But, with my 5k registration, things would be trickier.
The 10k was scheduled to begin at 7 a.m., with the 5k starting at 8:30. Griffin planned to run, while Lindsi would be walking with a friend. I was hopeful that by 8:30, they would both be back, allowing me to make the 8:30 start. Gage had agreed to allow me to run only if I pushed him in the jogging stroller...that's rich, a nearly 7 year old in a stroller. ugh.
Griffin and Lindsi took off at 7. I was keeping up with each of them on the runner tracker. I watching Griffin's splits, I was surprised that the little dude posted a 30:36 3 miles (10:12 pace). He was killing it! Griff has had a habit of going out too fast in races and slowing late in the race. However, in the event that he could sustain that pace, I headed to the finish line to see him finish. Navigating the crowds with Gage in the stroller was tough. I got to the line in time to see him finish. That little dude booked a 1:05:04! Having never run that distance before, he killed it! I'm so proud of that little dude!
I was watching Lindsi's pace, and, it was clear that she would not be back by 8:30, as she was walking. Additionally, after Griffin crossed the finish line, he was in a runner restricted area, keeping me from getting to him. So, for the next 40 minutes, I felt both frustration and fear, as I couldn't find my little dude, and Lindsi was nowhere near finishing. That, coupled with the extreme challenge of navigating the crowd with a 7 year old in a stroller, led to a tough start to the morning. Finally, after 1:45:20, Lindsi finished. I was checking the runner tracker, and, immediately called Lindsi. I told her I had not seen Griffin since he crossed 40 minutes earlier. She saw him still standing in the finishers chute. The poor little guy had been standing in the cold since his finish. Now that everyone was accounted of, and Lindsi had Griffin, I worked my way towards the start line.
The adult 5k had gone off 35 minutes earlier, and, the kid's 5k runners were making their way to the starting corrals. I worked my way to the corral, sweet talked my way through 2 sets of race officials, slithered through the hundreds of people near the start line and asked the race official if we could still run. After a quick explanation of my morning, he lifted the tape and let me go. Now, for a shake out run, I should have been running 10ish minute miles...that didn't happen. I suspect that the pressure of the morning, coupled with the fact that we were running alone, led to a fast start. As I looked down at my Garmin, we began at a sub 8 minute pace. yikes! I'll admit, it was cool to run alone for a bit. With the police stopping cars just for us, not having to avoid other runners, etc, it was fun. Gage was chatty, telling me about a werewolf on one of his TV shows. Even with the stroller, I booked a 8:34 mile 1. We began to catch the walkers before mile 2, and booked a slower 8:55. By the time we reached 2.5, we were having to steer around lots of walkers, walking 4-5 wide. 9:08 for mile 3. Overall time: 27:56, or, 8:59 per mile...too fast for a shake out, but, fairly impressive for pushing a stroller, I think!
We reconnected with the family and headed to brunch. I needed an easy day before the Sunday Ultra.
I opted for some pasta for my pre-race meal on Saturday night, and hit the sack early.
On Sunday, I was up at 4:30 for a 7 a.m. start time. That allowed plenty of time for oatmeal, race prep, an the trip to the race site. I arrived at the site a little before 6, and spent some time in the Jeep listening to music before heading to the FWRUNCO group picture at 6:20:
The temps were in the mid 40's and forecasted to reach the mid 60's. A perfect day for long run. I'd layered my clothing with 2 throwaway jackets to shed along the route.
We moved to the starting corrals early. Several of my FWRUNCO and FWTRI friends were together in the corral, allowing for some fun and laughs prior to the race.
As we made our way to the starting chute, I shed a jacket. I had a near disaster as we were approaching the starting line, as I lost one of my race bib cable locks. Sheila was kind enough to offer me one off of her race belt...crisis averted.
Our plan was to run at our 11 minute training pace for most of the race, with hopes of speeding up late in the race. Much of our training group, including: Remi, Albert, Jan, Marc and myself planned to run together. I had only one goal: finish the 50k in sub 6 hours: 11:35 per mile...easy, right? We got off to a good start and were hitting our pace.
I made a quick pee stop behind a building at mile 3, and ran hard to catch the group. I caught them near mile 4, and, soon after, saw Alex, James and Jason cheering from the side of the course. As we headed down University towards the Northside, I shed my pullover. I would be down to a tank and arm-warmers, which would be plenty for the day. We made our way through Northside and The Stockyards, and were feeling good. As we approached Main Street Hill, most of the group needed a pee stop. Everyone but Jan stopped. I wouldn't see Jan again until mile 28.
As we headed up Main Street, I felt the beginnings of some hunger and leg fatigue. With 23 miles to go, this could be trouble, I thought.
As always with Cowtown, cresting the Main Street Hill is the best part of the race. The crowd support and energy is awesome. As per usual, Brain Luenser was hanging out Downtown. I managed to get his attention and make his camera roll for the day:
We hit the half / full course spilt, and shit got real. As we watched the half marathoners take the right towards the finish, we went left towards the magnolia area. It was, windy, cool, and lonely. The crowds had disappeared, the route wasn't scenic. Albert had gone ahead, and it was just Remi, Marc, and me from our group. At about that time, the game of cat and mouse began, as we were alternating pee breaks and then the subsequent catch-up chase. I found in all of my marathons that I typically begin to struggle at about the 18 mile mark. Cowtown would be no exception. I'd struggled with fatigue and hunger all day, and, simply could not get caught up on my nutrition. Additionally, I'd started to experience some light cramping. Remi had been kind enough to stick with me until mile 18, but, I knew that I would likely walk / run the remainder of the race. It was time for her to go on, as she still could finish a solid 26.2.
My walking started in mile 18. Every so often, I'd do my best to muster up the energy to run for a bit, but, had trouble sustaining it. By mile 20, I'd caught up to Marc and Albert. Everyone seemed to be struggling a bit. I hung with those guys until we hit the Trinity Trails at mile 21. There was a big group of FWTRI folk at Woodshed near where we looped back onto the trail. Their presence and encouragement gave me a good boost, but, alas, it would not last. While I'd hoped to run the rest of the way, it simply wasn't going to happen. We ran through the park, past the 26.2 turnoff, past panther island pavilion, and out towards white settlement. I saw Bernie, Jan and a few others as I made my way towards the turnaround at mile 27. I stopped to sign the runner sign, and headed back:
I was walking most of the way back, and, finally, made the turn towards the finish line. As I approached the finishing chute, there was Remi, as promised. It was great to see a supportive, familiar face. I mustered up the energy to run to the finish, and crossed the line...6:27:30. Much slower than planned, but, box checked.
We hung out with friends for a bit and then headed to World of Beer for post race festivities.
Glad to have this one done...
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