it's time...

5.24.15

...to get serious

about:

• training
• cutting down on beer consumption
• nutrition
• swimming 
• getting back to desired weight

so:

• drinking stops today...at least until DC trip in a month
• swimming starts today - brick workout ideal
• long bike ride tomorrow 

training for Chicago Marathon starts in 2 weeks, which will help, but, my change starts in 3...2...1...

Cox Running Club Mothers Day Half Marathon & 5K

5.17.15

This event was scheduled for last week, but, due to bad storms, was pushed a week.  As a result, it took some extra effort to make this work, as Lindsi was flying out of town today.  My mother was kind enough to watch the boys for a few hours to allow me to run and Lindsi get to the airport.

The route changed due to the reschedule, but, would still take place on the trinity trail system, just a different segment.

I was registered for the FWRC Michelob Ultra 5k today as well, but, in an effort to keep my monthly 13.1 streak alive, opted for the Cox event.

It stormed again last night, and, there was concern that the race may get pushed, again.

I was out the door at a little before 7, and arrived in time to exchange my bib etc. prior to the run.  The rain continued to fall steadily until race time, and then, just moments before the start time, it stopped.  As I looked around at the field, it appeared to be quite small.  I'm guessing that the reschedule and the wet weather were factors.  The results show a total field of 83 runners.

The route took us NW from the Henderson Street bridge thru rockwood park, past hidden road, etc, with a turnaround at the halfway point.  I'd run and ridden much of this area before, but, most of today's run was on the gravel trail.

The surface was really muddy and sloppy, leading to several slippery spots and lots of puddles.

I felt decent through about 6 miles, and then felt really good after the turnaround, increasing my pace a bit.  I've learned that interaction with other runners can be a motivator for me.  As with my last few races, miles 10-12 were pretty slow.  I wanted a sub-2:20 time, and knew I could get there, but, would have to pick it up in the last mile.  I began to pick up the pace a bit.  As I got closer to the end, a nice woman asked if she could run with me, as she was worn out.  We ran together for most of the last mile, and talked.  Turns out that she had recently lost 60+ pounds through running.  We had a nice visit, but, it did slow my pace a bit. Checking my Garmin, I realized I'd miss my sub-2:20 goal.  I kicked down the stretch and finished with a 2:20:13.  A pretty average day for me.

However, I'm glad I committed to running today.  Interestingly, I was not all that sore and achy afterwards.  I'm unsure if that is due to running on the softer surface, or, if my body is getting accustomed to the longer distances.  I missed placing in my AG by about 4 minutes, and certainly could have been in the top 3 if I'd pushed a little harder.

Another 13.1 in the books, making a total of 7 thus far in 2015, and, 5 for 5 in months that I've completed a half this year.

Tri season will start for me in 2 weeks.  I better find some more bike and pool time soon!

2015 Half Marathon Challenge Derailed?

5.10.15

I'd struggled to find a 13.1 for the month of May, but, finally settled in on the Cox Racing Mothers Day Half Marathon, scheduled for today.   Due to Lindsi's travel schedule and my racing schedule, today looked to be the only weekend that a 13.1 would work.  While it was to take place on Mother's Day, I would have been back home by 10:30ish, as this race takes place at Trinity Park.

However, the weather has changed things.  Due to heavy thunderstorms this morning, the 5k has been pushed back to 9, and the half has been postponed to next week.  Next week...huh.  I have already registered for a 5k next Sunday, and, Lindsi is due to be on a plane next Sunday at noon...

Not sure that a May 13.1 is going to happen...there goes the 12 month half marathon challenge.

Mayfest 10k 2015

5.2.15

ouch.

this one was a mess...

I'd looked at a few options for this weekend, but, ultimately settled on this one, as it was close to home and a decent distance.  It would be only my 2nd 10k of the year.

I set myself up for failure for this one:

• I played golf yesterday for he 1st time in year.  While a golf outing is not an issue, not appropriately stretching afterwards is...
• I drank 6-7 crappy mass produced beers yesterday 
• I ate golf tourney food, including BBQ for lunch and fajitas for dinner
• I didn't manage my race well
• my training regiment continues to suck.  No activity for me since last weekend's 13.1

But, I was out the door and optimistic this morning.  I got off to a great pace for the 1st 3 miles.  While I could feel myself slowing a bit each mile, I was thinking that I might have a good time today.  Each of my 1st 3 miles was under 9 min.  

I made the turn and headed back.  Then it happened...

I felt what my buddy used to call a "fat kid cramp"...the cramp that one gets in their side / back area.

I stopped to walk for a minute, and then began to jog again...at a much slower pace.

I felt the pain again, and realized that this was no cramp...it was back spasms.  

the next mile and a half sucked.

now...prepare for the cheesy motivational song lyric reference in 3...2...1...

My Pandora station played a Eminem song that I hadn't heard before:  

"'Cause sometimes you just feel tired,
Feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
And just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
And not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.

Yo left, yo left, yo left right left
Yo left, yo left, yo left right left
Yo left, yo left, yo left right left
Yo left, yo left, yo left right left"

Really?  This was a little too cliche, but, it did help a bit.  

Needless to say, miles 4-6 were slow and ugly, but, I finished.  

I'd like to review my splits, but, my Garmin screwed up...again.  Get it together Garmin.  this happens  far too often.  

from what I can remember, I finished at about 1:03:30, but, my Garmin had me a 6.6 miles or so....

yuck.  

Sure enough, results show 6.6 miles, which makes me feel slightly better.

so, this happened...

4.30.15

In 2014, I set a goal of running my 1st 26.2.  I was targeting the Metro PCS Dallas Marathon in early December as that race.   However, life got in the way of my training, so, only 13.1's for me in 14.  I completed 5 half marathons, and 43 total events.

My goals have changed a bit for 15.  I want to race less, and train more.  I would like my races to be longer distances...fewer 5k's and 10k's, etc.

I also plan to complete a 13.1 each month this year, and, have them all mapped out.  To date, I've completed 6, so,  I'm ahead of schedule.

A few months ago, on a whim, I entered my name into the lottery for the New York Marathon, which takes place in November.  I figured I might as well might as well "go big" for my 1st 26.2.  I have been struggling to commit to consistent training, so, was hopeful that a 26.2 would force me into training for a new distance.  Only 18% of applicants for NY are selected, and, on March 3, I was informed that I was not one of them.

Shortly thereafter, the lottery opened for the Chicago Marathon, which takes place October 11.  The lottery was open March 10 - April 21, with results being announced April 28.  The odds are better for Chicago, as 52% of the applicants are selected.

So, on Tuesday, I waited...

I had mixed feelings about whether or not I was selected, as an October race date presents challenges related to a family getaway (due to kids' school schedule), the cost of a destination race can be challenging, etc.

But, a little after 3:30, I saw this:

So...now what?

Well, I have until 5.5.15 to pay the race registration fee...$185.  Then, I'll need to figure out how to make this trip happen "on the cheap", as it is unlikely that the family will be able to join me for the trip.

Then...18 weeks of training leading up to the race.

I'm excited about training for something, as I have not truly trained for an event since Cowtown 13.1 2014.

It will be interesting to train for this while attempting to maintain a racing schedule (including multi-sport season).

I must admit...I kind of excited!  here we go...

Lonestar 13.1 2015

4.26.15

For the past two years, the Shiner GASP has been one of my favorite events.  For whatever reason, this year, they moved the event up a week. As a result, I couldn't go, as YMCA Healthy Kids Day conflicted with the event date. 

As a result, I began to look for other events for the weekend. Initially, I planned to drive to OKC after HKD and run the OKC Memorial  Half today.  I went as far as to book a hotel room in OKC. However, in an attempt to save a little money, I cancelled it.  Maybe next year, as I've heard that the OKC race is a good one.   I set my sights on the Lonestar Half in Arlington instead.  

I had no awareness of this event prior to a month or so ago, when I saw it pop up on Facebook.  Susan and Brian Smith are connected to the event, so, I figured I'd give it a go.  

I ran into Brian and Susan last week,  and they gave me a few of the details.  It sounded like a smallish race, but, it was close to home. It was scheduled to start at 6:30, which, is a little early, but, apparently that was due to the need to keep roads closed for a shorter amount of time.  

While my alcohol consumption had been far less this week, my diet has been poor.   My training has continued to be sporadic, at best.  I was up a little before 4:30 with no alarm, as I wanted to have some coffee and allow myself plenty of time.  

I rolled out at about 5:20, and arrived at the race site before 6.  As with all races, a restroom stop is key pre-race.  Perhaps my biggest win of the day was arriving to a bank of port-a-lets with no line, and, choosing a fresh port-a-let. #winning 

I took some time to stretch before this half, which, I oftentimes skip for longer races.    When the horn sounded, I got out to a fast start, and felt great. The early start time led to a cool start to the race.   I was pacing ahead of the 2:10 pacers, and felt good.   I ran the 1st 10k at a 9:50 pace, and, that was with extending .1 mile from early on in the race.    I began to walk up a few of the hills and through water stations, but, still felt good.   A quick pee stop slowed me a little again at about the halfway mark.  The 2:10 pacers passed me just after.   

My pace slowed drastically over the last the last 7 miles.  I ran most of the way, but, took the opportunity to briskly walk the hills.  The 2:20 pacers catching me was the motivation I needed to push through the end.  13.26 miles in 2:19:21.  

As for the course, I had pretty low expectations going in, but, was pleasantly surprised.  We ran by The Ballpark, Cowboys Stadium, and through some cool neighborhoods with big tree canopies.  The end of the race fed us through the UTA campus.  Good course.  

I'll likely do this one again.

Big D Half Marathon 2015

4.12.15

year 2.

meh.

Another Mellew Event.  This race group misses on a lot of easy runner experience items:

• race shirts are fair at best
• no expo
• no on course entertainment
• no "after-party" to speak of
• no corrals at start line 
• poor courses
• overall..mediocre events, at best

Considering the lack of attention to detail, you'd think that the race cost would be lower, but, it isn't by much.  My entry was $94.  

But,  I was there, as my quest for 1 half marathon a month in 2015 continues...at this pace, it may be more like 15 in 15, as today was #5 for the year.

Once again, Mellew promoted a new, flat course.  Once again...BS.

My Garmin crapped out last night / this morning.  As a result, I would be racing with less data than usual.  I'm hoping a hard reset will resolve the issue.  

After fighting through the 1st 2 miles of 2500 runners all bunched up, through narrow streets, and, at 1 point, through a grassy area (???), I found some room to run.  I felt pretty good, considering the lack of training.  

The new route took us down West Shore towards WRL.  I always appreciate being back in the hood.  We were fed on to the trail system, past the filter building, etc.  At several points, the course became incredibly narrow, leading to traffic jams...frustrating.  We worked onto the Santa Fe Trail, and back towards fair park.  At one point, we ran under a bridge where an abandoned couch had been dumped...nice.  

It was an incredibly humid day, making it difficult to keep core temp down, and, as a result, leading to a slower pace.  

Not much to say about this one...slow, humid day...slow time.   

Surely I can find better events for next April.