Thanks for the Help – Austin Marathon 2013

Posted on February 25, 2013 by admin

I did not plan to enter the Austin Marathon this year, but after the bad weather in Houston, I received approval from “The Boss” and registered for the race a few days later. This would be my 20th marathon in 4 years, and I really didn’t have any goal or purpose for the race, but I figured it would be fun to run in my city with friends both in the race and in the crowds. I had no idea how much they would help.

I PR’d in Houston 5 weeks earlier by a whopping 10 seconds, but something about that race didn’t sit well. I felt like I let the weather affect my performance during the first third of the race, and my time could have been better. A few days before the race, Coach Al sent the standard email asking for race predictions from any Shipmates running the race. I decided to get aggressive, and I “called my shot” with a goal of 3:09:59. To be honest, with the difficulty of the Austin course, I didn’t think this was possible. Regardless, since I have already qualified for Boston 2014, I figured I should run this race more aggressively and see what happens. Nothing like stating a goal before your friends to motivate!

Since fellow Shipmate Colin was pacing the 3:10 group, I figured I would stay near him. To be honest, I have never run with a pace group, nor did I want to. I usually use pace groups as reference points during a race, but I never run alongside them. I figured I would start out staying close to the group, but wouldn’t really worry about running alongside him until the later miles.

My buddy Trent (who was running the half) and I found a parking spot easily enough. We ducked into my brother’s office building for a little warmth and to use the facilities (what a blessing, an indoor toilet on race morning!). We dropped my bag at the bag drop and walked the 3/4 mile walk to the start. Since Trent was looking to run at a 7:15 pace for his mini, we were able to start with each other. I found fellow Shipmates Colin and Jim as we waited for the start. I told Colin that although I doubted I would run with the group the entire way, my goal was to be in yelling distance at all times. I was hoping that this strategy would allow me to run my own race but still use the pace group to pull me to the finish. Also before the start, I was able to give/get good luck hugs from Robyn and Sam, Shipmates that I have spent many miles with during training over the past few years.

The weather was in the low 40s, and I was really unsure how many layers to wear, so I wore my new, bright shirt as my bottom layer with two “disposable” shirts on top. I figured I would start with all 3 and discard as during the race. However, I was feeling a little warm and decided to ditch the 2 shirts before the gun.

The start of the race was pretty uneventful. For the most part, people started in the right spots and the crowd was moved smoothly. This course has a few turns within the first mile, so it can get a little crowded, but compared to some of the races I’ve run, I was very pleased. I tried to relax and keep Colin and the 3:10 group in sight, but they were a little ahead of me. After the first mile during a downhill, I had a pain in my left knee and was concerned that the 5 week turnaround between marathons wasn’t enough. Fortunately it subsided a few minutes later and was never a factor. I yelled hello to Al and Sandy around mile 2, the first of a long list of people that would encourage me thought the day. By the time we hit the Congress Avenue bridge I had (unintentionally) caught up with the pace group, but as we hit the long uphill they pulled ahead.

Mile 1: 7:24.
Mile 2: 6:49
Mile 3: 7:04

Trent had stayed with me for the first 4 miles, but then I realized either he had slowed or I had sped up. Regardless, I was keeping my focus on holding a consistent but aggressive pace while keeping the 3:10 group in my sight. When we turned north (and downhill) my pace quickened and I caught up with Colin and Jim. We chatted a bit during “the easy miles” but unfortunately Jim tweaked something and announced he would be cutting the race short as he had a 50k in a few weeks. Turning the corner onto Cesar Chavez, I was lucky enough to see my Dad and to give him a high 5. Although a little more winded than I would usually be at this point in a marathon, I was still feeling pretty darn good, and I stayed with the pace group a few miles longer. Coworker Jen managed to wake up and make it to mile 9 to cheer the racers on for the second year in a row.

Mile 4: 7:20
Mile 5: 7:02
Mile 6: 7:00
Mile 7: 6:53
Mile 8: 7:00
Mile 9: 6:59

As we turned North again on the Mopac frontage road, I let the pace group venture ahead. We were entering a long (8-9 mile) stretch of rolling hills and gradual incline. I felt if I could keep the pace group in my sight, even if they were a minute or more ahead of me, I could make up the difference with the downhill to the finish and my usual negative split energy. We hit the rolling hills on Exposition, and I just focused on a consistent pace. Since the group was ahead of me, I turned up the volume on my playlist and tried to stay relaxed. I felt a little relieved when we hit 35th street that I had gotten through the hills unscathed. Turning North (again) I still had the pace group in sight. I also saw my first “casualty” as someone was struggling and started walking with his hand on the back of his leg. I remember thinking how unusual that was as we were only at mile 16 and most of the runners at this pace are experienced. Oh well, run and learn.

Mile 10: 7:17
Mile 11: 7:18
Mile 12: 7:20
Mile 13: 7:20
Mile 14: 7:10
Mile 15: 7:05
Mile 16: 7:15

Just before turning on Great Northern, I counted how many seconds behind I was from Colin and the 3:10 group – about 30 seconds – perfect. If I stayed this far back, I could catch them by mile 20 and finish 1 step ahead to hit my goal. On Great Northern I saw a few Shipmates. My brain was a little scrambled at this point, but I think I saw Ed T. and I know I saw Ellie. I smiled and gave them my best “Everything is fine, I feel like a million bucks” look. Of course, I have been feeling uncomfortable and pretty tired for a few miles, but it is better to look good than to feel good, right?

Mile 17: 7:16
Mile 18: 7:07
Mile 19: 7:13

As we reached the top of Great Northern, I decided the race was on and I would try to catch up to the 3:10 pace group. About a mile later as we started the long trek South, I had caught up to the group that was dwindling in numbers but I wasn’t feeling too great. Since the wind had picked up and was coming from the South, I decided to try to use those ahead of me to block the wind. I’m not sure if the folks I wanted to draft behind were too keen on the idea, because they seemed to be zig-zagging a bit making it difficult for me to get in a good stride. I decided to skirt around the group and move in front of them, using them to push me to the finish (versus the pull strategy many use). I was feeling pretty good at this point as I had seen many other Shipmates (Ray, Jack, Jeanne, Mary). I realized I was close!

Here I am tucked in behind Colin and the 3:10 pace group around mile 21

Hiding the pain on my face with a thumbs up

At mile 21 I saw a coworker (Ray), but the best sight ever was at mile 22 as my family was there cheering me on in full Packer attire, which was a great choice of clothing because I saw them and was able to wave at them for several hundred yards. I’m not sure Olivia knew what was going on, but she was witnessing history!

My family making sure I would notice them

Mile 20: 7:16
Mile 21: 7:13
Mile 22: 7:11

The 3:10 group caught up with me (or was I slowing) and had dwindled down to 2 pacers and 2 runners (including me). Colin said something like “It’s you and me Joe” and I ducked behind him and tried to hang on. He made another comment about the fact that we were 20 seconds ahead of pace. My response, “I only need 1 second.” He didn’t take the hint to slow down. More coworkers at Mile 24 (Buck and Tara) forced me to smile again, but I could feel the gas tank running on “E.” I was doing my best to hang with Colin, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. As we ran by the stadium, I turned off my ipod and tried to focus. Man, I was breathing heavily!

Trying to look better than I felt at mile 24.

Mile 23: 7:15
Mile 24: 7:13

Running down San Jacinto, I was pretty confident I would break 3:10. However, I was running on fumes. When Colin asked me how fast I run my Yasso’s, I knew I only had 800m to go. Unfortunately, to remind us we were in Austin, there was one more nice hill to climb. I hit the hill and I felt like the world slowed (actually, it was just my legs). “The wall” had finally appeared, but fortunately the end was near. It felt like my pace slowed from the low 7s to the high-teens as I approached the top. Colin was yelling something as we turned on 11th, but at this point it sounded like the person on the other end of the phone in the Charlie Brown specials (“Wa, WaWa Wa Wa, Wa).

No matter how scenic the course, the best sight in any marathon is the finish line. I turned onto Congress, looked up and there it was. What a glorious sight. I did what I could to get to the finish and I was done.

Mile 25: 6:56
Mile 26: 7:06
0.2 and Garmin Bonus: 2:57

Final Time: 3:09:06, 84th place overall, 9th in age group (40-44 Men)

Afterthoughts

Professional sports talk about home field advantage on a regular basis. I never understood why the advantage was so significant until 2/17/13. Thanks to all my friends and family that helped by watching the race, or others that (literally) ran it with me, I was able to achieve another goal I never thought possible. As much as running seems like a “solo” sport, it is everything but. Thanks to all of you that motivate/force/encourage me to train and race the best I can.

Next stop: Boston!

I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Posted on January 16, 2013 by admin

Houston Marathon 2013

In contrast to last year where I raced a marathon every 6 weeks from October to February, this year I thought I would try a more traditional approach and actually give myself some time to recover and train properly. So after running Frankenthon in October 2012, I set my sights on a race that has been good to me over the years, the Chevron Houston Marathon. I have raced Houston twice, and both times set a PR. I was hopeful this year as well, and set my usual 3 goals – the achievable goal (a new PR), the stretch goal (3:09:59), and the Holy #*&! goal (3:05:59).

Weather is always a concern for me, and as the date neared is looked more and more ominous. The forecast called for thunderstorms all night and temperatures plummeting from 70 into the mid to high 40s. The storms were supposed to subside, but rain and high winds were still in the forecast. Lovely.

I left my hotel a little after 5 am to catch the pre-race Sunday mass they hold in the Convention Center. Although it was a bit breezy, the streets were absolutely dry. “Looks like we dodged a bullet” I said to myself. After the fastest mass in history, I met Summer and Ben in the team meeting area. There were plenty of porta potties, and Ben and I checked out the special Men’s porta urinals (why didn’t I think of that, I could be rich!) and met back up with Summer for some pleasant conversation. Some folks were doing some research regarding weight loss during the marathon, so Ben and I decided to get weighed before and after.

My Weigh In

We checked our bags and left the Convention Center at 6:30. Thank goodness Ben and Summer gave me a plastic poncho the night before, because when we stepped outside we were greeted with rain and a stiff breeze. We laughed at how crazy it was that we were running in this junk and shivered all the way to the “A” corral. After about 20 minutes, the gun went off and away we went.

The 20 mph wind was blowing straight from the North, which of course was the direction we were running. At times the rain stung like sleet, but I trudged through the first few miles, cursing myself that I had left my nice tech gloves in the hotel room while my fingers were freezing in the cloth gloves I was wearing. Running into the wind caused me to work harder than normal. Only a few miles into the race, I had already resigned myself to the fact that this was going to be a miserable, slow race and I’d have to save my PR for the next one. Thankfully, the course began to turn toward the south and the wind would be at our backs for the next 6 miles.

Mile 1: 7:44
Mile 2: 7:27
Mile 3: 7:15
Mile 4: 7:17
Mile 5: 7:22

Given how well the city supports this race, it was not surprising that despite the conditions there were still plenty of spectators cheering us on. In my opinion, this is the best thing about big city marathons. Although I’m sure I had a scowl on my face as the weather continued to upset me, I was thankful that they were there and their presence motivated me to “take a man pill” and just run. I began the race wearing 4 short sleeve shirts, and around mile 5 I decided to shed some weight and threw away my heavy top shirt. At this time the 3:10 pace group passed me and I told myself just to keep them in sight. This lasted for a few miles before I stopped trying to find them. It was still raining, but not nearly as hard as it had been, so I discarded the second shirt just around mile 8. At mile 9 the half-marathoners split off and I settled into a pace that felt a bit uncomfortable but sustainable.

Mile 6: 7:12
Mile 7: 7:22
Mile 8: 7:14
Mile 9: 7:13
Mile 10: 7:16

I need to mention that at this point I was truly convinced this was going to be a bad race. My hands were cold, my stride felt a little awkward and now I felt like I had to go to the bathroom (#1). Fortunately the bathroom urge passed, and I realized around the halfway point that my pace was still pretty good (7:23/mile) despite how miserable the wind, wetness and cold were trying to make me feel. There were 4 or 5 of us that began running together around mile 13, and once we neared the Galleria my attitude changed. I passed one of the runners at mile 15, another at mile 16, and before I knew it I was finally “feeling it.” The wind was becoming a factor again as the course zig-zagged to the north, but it seemed bearable since the rain had stopped about an hour earlier.

Mile 11: 7:20
Mile 12: 7:23
Mile 13: 7:24
Mile 14: 7:14
Mile 15: 7:16

Those that know me and my little race traditions and quirks and know that I usually spend more time than I should putting together a music playlist for a race. For out of town marathons, I usually try to pick a few songs that have some connection to the host city. Earlier in the week, I typed “Houston” into the search bar in iTunes, and what came up, but “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by the late Whitney Houston. Sure enough, at mile 16 the song kicked in. I grinned like a psychopath confident I was the only runner channeling this song during the race! I high fived a few kids and decided to make the most of this thing.

Mile 16: 7:15
Mile 17: 7:14
Mile 18: 7:16

Around the 19th mile the course turned back to the east. This was a huge emotional lift as not only were we heading toward the finish, but historically I have done very well on this stretch. I began picking off runners one by one as folks who had gone out too fast were paying the price. I consumed my 5th GU and smiled at the belly dancers that jiggled their support at mile 20. I kept checking my watch and was happy to see my overall pace improving. I knew I was right on a PR pace, and thought I could even break into 3:09 territory. I shed another shirt and continued to pass runners. Around mile 24, I saw a gentleman jogging slowly on the sidewalk against traffic. As he neared, I realized it was Meb Keflezighi, U.S. Olympic marathoner. In between my grunts and gasps I gave him a cool wave and said, “Hey Meb” as if I’ve known him for years. He threw out some words of encouragement as I passed. Very cool.

Mile 19: 7:10
Mile 20: 7:15
Mile 21: 7:16
Mile 22: 7:13
Mile 23: 7:01
Mile 24: 7:01
Mile 25: 7:07

We entered downtown for the final mile, and I could see the Convention Center. However my experience told me it was further away than it looked. I focused on runners in front of me, and passed a few more. We made the turn to the finish and I made sure to pass one more guy before crossing the finish. Final time: 3:11:06. A new PR by 10 seconds, and thanks to turning 45 years old this year, a big-time BQ.

Mile 26: 6:45
Mile 0.2 + Garmin Bonus: 2:37

I have run many marathons that were fun to run from beginning to end. This was not one of them. The weather discouraged me from the start, and after the first few miles I had resigned myself to a poor performance. Almost every mile was a struggle, and I was convinced I had worked too hard in the early miles and they would come back to haunt me. Then Whitney, the high five to the kid, and Meb happened, and it became a different race. I started having fun and realized the crazy early morning runs and my training was solid enough to get me through. I worried about what I could control (my pace and the music on my iPod) and stopped worrying about what I couldn’t (my frozen fingers). I just ran, and despite the fact that I was cold, wet and uncomfortable, managed to do something of which I am very proud.

Frankenthon 2012

Posted on January 16, 2013 by admin

This was my 4th year running this race. I guess I just love it. It keeps me running through the summer, and through a little luck have managed to win something every year. This year, 6th overall and 1st Masters!

Slow Down Dummy!

Posted on October 30, 2012 by admin

Chicagoland Marathon, Schaumburg, IL, 5/20/12

Shortly after I started running marathons in February of 2009, I discovered the impact weather has in determining the race performance. I had been lucky when running my first four marathons where the weather was close to optimal. Then I ran the San Antonio Rock n Roll marathon in November 2009 and experienced my first warm weather race. Disaster struck and for the first time I “blew up” and suffered through walking and running the final 7 miles.

In the years since then, I have tried to focus my races on the late fall, winter, and early spring months, giving me the best chance for a good experience. However, every year I have also attempted to stretch the season and run a late spring race. First I tried South Bend, Indiana, then Deadwood, South Dakota, and this year I decided to give Schaumburg, Illinois a try.

10 days out, things were looking pretty good with the weather. Temps in the upper 50s to start the race. However, as the race date neared, the forecast worsened. Seven days out the forecasted start time temps were suddenly in the upper 60s and lower 70s, and a few days before race day the race director emailed the following message (probably copied from the email the BAA sent to Boston Marathon participants this year!):

The weather is predicted to be over 80 degrees on event day. If you are not highly fit or have an underlying medical condition such as cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, or any of a number of medical problems you should consider NOT running this race depending on race day temperatures.

For those athletes who choose to run in warmer temperatures, the following precautions should be taken:

-Run at a slower pace and maintain hydration
-Consider breaks with walking instead of running
-If temperatures reach into the 70s or 80s this would not be a day to go for a PR, be safe above all else
-Heat stroke is a serious issue and can be related to intensity of running as well as the heat and humidity

Having run through many Texas summers and the aforementioned warm weather races, I knew what I had to do – plan a conservative strategy and goal. My previous 3 marathon times had been my fastest three ever – 3:18 (Dec 2011), 3:11 (Jan 2012) and 3:17 (Feb 2012). A goal of 3:30 seemed reasonable given the conditions. Since I have negative split most of my previous races, I figured I would start the race at a pace in the low 8′s, and see if I could provide some sort of surge during the back half of the race to finish with an 8:00/mile pace overall.

The race was a 13.1 mile out and back style course. The course started in an office park (nice with ample parking) and proceeded down a wide road which was partially closed for the race. After two miles the course turned into a large preservation area with a paved path and nice scenery. A few miles in the park the course had a few spokes connected at the hub by a large water stop the runners would pass by 3 times each lap. The half marathoners would run it once, and the full marathoners would run it twice. Although I don’t typically like to run the same route twice, one benefit is that I can take mental notes of the course the first time around so I know what is coming the second time around. I knew there would be around 4 times as many half marathoners as full, so I made a mental note to not let the runners pull me into a faster pace than I wanted to run. The race had pace groups, and being Mr. Conservative decided to start behind the 3:30 pace group. The gun sounded and off we went.

Weather conditions at the 7am start (moved earlier by 30 minutes at the last minute to help out the runners): 74 degrees, blue skies and forecasted to be 83 at 10am.

We proceeded and the first 5 miles or so were pretty uneventful. Since this was a small race, there was no issue with dodging other runners and settling into a pace. There were the usual folks that let the adrenaline take over and seemed to be ready to set a world record, but I just focused on taking it easy and nailing my goal pace.

Mile 1: 8:01

Mile 2: 8:08

Mile 3: 8:01

Mile 4: 8:05

Mile 5: 7:56

Miles 5 and 6 provided us with our first out and back “spoke” and I was able to see the runners ahead of me in the race as they passed. A few looked like they were laboring a bit, but I assumed they were the half marathoners and didn’t need to be as concerned about pacing and energy conservation as the full marathoners would have to be. At miles 9 and 10 I began to review my status. I certainly was feeling the heat, but I hoped I looked nothing like the runners coming toward me. Some of the half marathoners were clearly paying the price for their fast start, and I was certain some of the full marathon runners were going to struggle soon as well. I gave a couple words of encouragement to the runners coming back at me, all the while thinking in my head that they didn’t stand a chance and that I would be passing them on lap 2. I least I had some confidence to ride shotgun with my stupidity!

Mile 6: 7:55

Mile 7: 8:01

Mile 8: 7:53

Mile 9: 8:10

Mile 10: 8:06

As we exited the park back onto the street around mile 11, I was feeling pretty darn good. I had managed to stay on goal pace and decided I would press it a little after passing the halfway point. In what could only be described as a bad omen, just as we approached the office park, my iPod shuffle died (2nd one in less than a year – a pretty crappy piece of equipment in my opinion, but I digress). Even worse, the last song I heard was “Price Tag” by Jessie J. that was my daughter’s contribution to my playlist. Great, now THAT song would be playing through my head for the rest of the race. “No big deal” I tried to fool myself. We exited the office park and began loop 2.

Mile 11: 8:03

Mile 12: 8:05

Mile 13: 8:08

Mile 14: 7:58

Mile 15: 8:17

My usual plan is to take inventory at mile 16 to determine if I should start quickening the pace a bit. However, I was already beginning to struggle and I could tell I would have to wait a few more miles.

Mile 16: 8:09

Mile 17: 8:08

(This portion of the race report was written on 10/29/12. That is how bad the rest of the race went!)

Once I hit mile 18, I knew I was in trouble. Around mile 21, I saw a race laying on the grass receiving medical attention. I remember thinking, “Maybe I should do the same thing. At least I could get a ride back to my car.” It was about this time I began taking walk breaks, which I haven’t done in a race since Deadwood a year earlier. At first the breaks were short, but then they lasted longer and longer.

Mile 18: 8:35

Mile 19: 8:46

Mile 20: 8:43

Mile 21: 9:19

Mile 22: 9:12

I remember being passed by someone about 2 miles from the finish. I pride myself on being a negative split marathoner, so this really ticked me off. However, anyone who has hit “the wall” knows the feeling. I wanted to move faster, but was incapable of doing so.

Mile 23: 10:08

Mile 24: 10:46

Mile 25: 10:32

Mile 26: 10:37

.2: 2.23

When I hit the office park, I managed to run the final half mile. I have never been so glad to be done, but I was very disappointed in myself. I have run enough in warm temperatures that I should have formulated a better, more conservative strategy. But my ego won and I crashed and burned. Despite this being my 17th marathon, I learned much, and will definitely be a better runner for experiencing it.

Results: 7th in age group (out of 38), 23rd male (out of 154), and 29th overall (out of 256).

You Never Forget Your First Time – Austin Marathon 2012

Posted on March 10, 2012 by admin

February 15, 2009: I remember it as if it were yesterday. Mike, Sean and I at the starting line of my first marathon, the 2009 Austin Marathon. I had run 8 half marathons before this, and performed the proper training for this race, but never have I run 26.2 miles in a row! I stood at the starting line, anxious but confident. Above all, respectful of the event and the distance. The music blared, the gun went off, I started moving forward…

Fast forward 3 years: I stand at the starting line an experienced marathoner, with 15 marathons under my belt, including hilly ones (San Francisco), small ones (Davy Crockett Bear Chase, Frankenthon) and famous ones (Boston). I have crashed and burned (San Antonio, Deadwood) and surprised myself (Houston).

I was 5 weeks off of a 7 minute PR. With a baby born 2 days after that PR, I was experiencing mild sleep deprivation. Most of my runs since the Houston Marathon did not feel good. My pre-race 20 miler was the worst one in a long time. I was tired, run down and unmotivated.

Yet there I stood bright and early on a Sunday, with Shipmates all around me, ready to run Austin again. The temperature was perfect, around 50 degrees. I was referring to this race as my “victory lap,” a celebration of my love for marathons, this city, and life. I know this course well, and was aware that short of a significant miracle I was not going to set a PR here. But I did not care.

While passing time near the start line, I chatted it up with Sean, Colin, Aaron, John, Kareem, Robin and Sam. Minutes before the start I turn to my right and see “Buff John,” a Shipmate who recently moved to Massachusetts. We had run many long runs together in the past, and it looked like we would run one more. The gun sounded and off we went.

The race started just north of the state capitol, made two right turns and headed toward Lady Bird lake. There was a short uphill as we passed the capitol, but generally speaking it was downhill. John and I chatted as we tried not to get caught up in the speed of the more aggressive racers. We knew this course was going to be a challenge and saving energy was going to be extremely important.

My least favorite part of the course occurs between miles 2 – 5, a gradual uphill with 250 feet of elevation change. I know from my training runs that going to fast here will kill me at the end, so I tried to keep an even pace. Oddly, even though I started the race with about 8 Shipmates, I didn’t see anyone besides John until mile 4 when I caught up to Sam. As this was her first marathon, I was really rooting for her to have a good experience. Knowing her competitive spirit from many runs together, I knew she wanted more than a good experience, she wanted a good time.Finally making it to the top of the hill at mile 5.5, we made the turn back toward downtown. Weeeeee! All that kinetic energy built up could finally be released.

Mile 1: 7:54
Mile 2: 7:14
Mile 3: 7:29
Mile 4: 7:42
Mile 5: 7:34
Mile 6: 7:33
Mile 7: 7:17
Mile 8: 7:24

Miles 9 and most of 10 were on Cesar Chavez and were relatively flat, but I did get a chance to say hello to Robin, who was looking strong and focused at this point. I also saw a coworker that I convinced to wake up and cheer on some runners before her liquid brunch. I was somewhat optimistic at this point, but I had run the upcoming part of the course many times. We were about ready to start an 9 mile climb. This climb would have its share of short steep hills and long gradual inclines. The first 10 miles had been easy, but things were about to get much more difficult as is evidenced by the increased splits.

Mile 9: 7:21
Mile 10: 7:34
Mile 11: 7:37
Mile 12: 7:47

It was about mile 11 when John picked up his pace a little bit. I knew I was a fool if I tried to keep up with him, especially this early in the race. Before I knew it, I was running solo. Unfortunately, my not-so-trusty iPod shuffle had given me the “low battery” signal at the start of the race, so I just tried to get through the next few miles of steep and rolling hills by smiling at the crowd and sharing a few high fives with the kids that sparsely populated the streets.

Mile 13: 7:44
Mile 14: 7:36
Mile 15: 7:33
Mile 16: 7:38

One of the good things about running as many marathons as I have is that I have a pretty good gauge of my body. Unfortunately, I was not feeling that great. In contrast to this point in the Houston Marathon, my legs were beginning to feel very heavy. I was just trying to crank the legs to get through mile 20 with a decent time and I would worry about the rest then. Finally, the course turned back to the south and down we went.

Mile 17: 7:39
Mile 18: 7:36
Mile 19: 7: 30
Mile 20: 7:27

I have always thought that the key to marathons is to finish the final portion of the race faster than the beginning. I believe the main difference between a “good” finish and a “not as good” finish is the length of the final kick. When I ran Austin for the first time, my final kick was probably 1/2 mile. When I ran Cowtown a year later, my final kick was probably 2 miles. But as I have progressed as a marathoner, the distance of my final kick has increased to about 5 miles. Said differently, I feel that if I can get to mile 21 with even a little gas left in the tank, I will “kill” the final few miles. At this point I saw Coach Al, Sandy and a few other Shipmates. I tried to look strong and confident as I veered their way for a few high fives. About a quarter mile later, another Jerri was yelling support. I love local races!!!

My motivation is always the same at the end of these things. Find a runner ahead of me and focus on closing the gap. For the most part I was able to do this, although around mile 23, one of my potential victims was joined by a spectator, and they took off. Although I past many people during those final few miles – I will always be haunted by that guy!

Mile 21: 7:13
Mile 22: 7:13
Mile 23: 7:15
Mile 24: 7:13
Mile 25: 7:14

The last mile was just like all last miles, a blur. I remember a hill about 800 meters from the finish. I remember Ben yelling encouragement towards me as I past another runner on that hill. I remember the final turn and the glorious sight of the finish line just ahead. I remember crossing the line and that familiar feeling in my legs when they finally are able to stop. Number 16 was in the books.

Mile 26: 6:58
.2 + Gamin Bonus 2:42

Given that this race was to be my “victory lap” I wasn’t very concerned about setting a goal. When pressed to do so by The Ship’s “call-your-shot” contest, I blindly threw out a 3:17:00. My final time: 3:17:06, which was my second fasted marathon ever, and good enough for that coveted 18th place in my age group (out of 364). With that type of accuracy, maybe I should have picked a faster goal!

My Post Race Reward/Celebration

Posted on February 5, 2012 by admin

Just 2 days after the best race of my life, this wonderful gift showed up! What a great couple of days I had!

Houston Marathon 2012 – Where Did That Come From?

Posted on January 27, 2012 by admin

“Run like you can.” Those were the words my brother emailed me few days before the 2012 Houston Marathon. He knows me too well. He knows that I will try to talk myself into not running as well as I could. After all, I just ran the White Rock Marathon in Dallas 6 weeks earlier in 3:18, which was a 2 minute PR for me, how much better could I expect to do? Add to this the fact that I had some sort of unusual headache (migrane?) on Friday night, and had been popping a few Tylenol on Saturday to control further episodes, I really had no clue what experiences Sunday morning would hold for me.

My goals for this race were simple: to set a new PR and if possible, qualify for Boston, which suddenly became more difficult when the BAA changed the qualifying standards in 2011. Now I would need a 3:15:00, a time that seemed a bit out of reach for me. As I walked to the convention center alone that morning, I whispered to myself (really!) “Let yourself succeed.” In other words, “Get out of your own way dummy!” I’m not sure where that sentence came from, but once I got it out, I felt ready to go.

I met up with Sean in the chaos that is the convention center. We walked to the start without stopping at any of the porta potties. No problem I said to myself, I saw some in the starting corrals, I’ll go there. One problem, the lines were long, and I could sense the corrals getting crowded. After my Dallas experience, I wanted to make sure I was up near the front so I wouldn’t get caught up in some of the slower runners. So, I decided to forgo the bathroom break, and told myself if I really needed to go I would use the porta potties on the course.

The race started and off we went. The crowd moved pretty smoothly through the first few miles, and after a slower first mile, I settled into my groove. My plan was the usual, get through the first 10 miles, then start pressing it and see how it goes. With temps in the mid-40s, I was wearing 3 short sleeve shirts and a pair of gloves. I tossed the first shirt about 2 miles in, and the second a few miles later. I was getting in a groove and feeling great. I had started just behind the 3:20 pace group, but I passed them at mile 6 and remember thinking “that’s the last I’ll see of them!”

Mile 1: 7:53
Mile 2: 7:32
Mile 3: 7:26
Mile 4: 7:35
Mile 5: 7:22
Mile 6: 7:18

The first time I ran Houston, I remember loving the crowd support. For the second time, they did not disappoint. Just past the half marathon turnoff around mile 10 a priest was spraying water on the runners. The course traced the outer boundaries of Rice University for a few miles, then into an absolutely beautiful neighborhood with (oak) trees lining the streets. Very cool.

Mile 7: 7:22
Mile 8: 7:15
Mile 9: 7:22
Mile 10: 7:22
Mile 11: 7:10
Mile 12: 7:17

I stuck to my usual strategy of taking an energy gel every 4 miles through 12, then about 1 every 3 miles until mile 20. I was properly fueled! While running through the Galleria area (roughly miles 16-17) I looked at my watch and realized I was on pace to easily go sub-3:15. Keep in mind my previous two Boston Qualifying times were by 23 and 46 seconds, so easily beating 3:15 to me meant by more than 1 minute. At this point I started attempting to figure out if 3:10 (my NY qualifying time) was possible. Accurate math at this point was not an option, so I just told myself to give it a whirl and press the pace even more. “Run like you can.”

Mile 13: 7:20
Mile 14: 7:14
Mile 15: 7:21
Mile 16: 7:17
Mile 17: 7:04

One detail I have left out of the story thus far is that my wife Kim was 8.5 months pregnant. She really wanted me to run the race (or just didn’t want to tell me not to!) and was convinced we weren’t in danger of having the baby before or during the race. Fortunately, my neighbor Terri was going to be at the race watching her husband Sean run the race, so I created a plan. If something happened and I needed to get back to Austin immediately, Kim would call Terri and she would (hopefully) find me on the course and tell me to stop running and get home.

I turned the corner at mile 18 and saw Terri (and another friend Carter). They were screaming “Go Joe! You look great!” (yea, but how’s my running?) Relieved that she didn’t say I had to stop, I continued to press the pace. At mile 20 were the infamous belly dancers (you have to see them to understand). I was beginning to pass people pretty consistently, and at this point I knew my negative split strategy had paid off. Although I have negative split a majority of my marathons, never was I so far ahead of my race pace. What a great feeling to know that I had my BQ in the bag by mile 22. I had no fear that I would crash and burn. I was going to do it!!!

Mile 18: 7:05
Mile 19: 7:03
Mile 20: 7:06
Mile 21: 7:09
Mile 22: 7:04

The last few miles were a bit of a blur (aren’t they always?). The course meanders through a park and what few hills are on the course are here. Although I still felt great and holding my pace pretty well, I was having trouble going any faster. The final little hill before hitting downtown was just a minor speedbump, and I was nearing the home stretch. I tried to speed up when I saw the convention center near the finish line, but my legs just wouldn’t go any faster. About a half mile from the finish, I see a sign sticking out on the left that reads “Go Ship” and I waved at CM and Cristi as they yelled their support. One final turn and I saw Terri and Carter screaming something about “Boston.” I raised my fist in the air (I don’t know why I do this) and cross the finish line in 3:11 and change. A 7 minute PR and a BQ for 2013!

Mile 23: 6:53 (where did that come from?)
Mile 24: 7:02
Mile 25: 7:10
Mile 26: 6:57
.2 and Garmin bonus: 2:33

Without trying to sound conceited, I am incredibly proud of this race. It marks my 3rd marathon in 12 weeks, and my 2nd PR in 6 weeks. It means I can run the Austin marathon with my Shipmate friends and not worry too much about having to achieve a qualifying time. I can simply enjoy it!

Post Script:

What the father in me was thinking…

In hindsight, perhaps running a marathon this close to the birth of my 3rd daughter was a selfish thing to do. You see, Olivia was born less than 45 hours after I finished the race. What if I would have missed the birth? What if my father or brother had to drive Kim to the hospital and be there while the doctor delivered the baby. Fortunately I made it back in plenty of time, but that was definitely too close for comfort.

What the runner in me was thinking…

I better run quickly so I can get home in case Kim goes into labor. This may be the last marathon that I will be able to properly train for a while. I know Terri will be out on the course, and there is a chance she will stop me and tell me I need to drive home ASAP. However, if I run fast enough, the wind noise will block out her words out and prevent me from my first DNF ever.

At Least it Wasn’t Too Hot – Dallas White Rock Marathon

Posted on December 11, 2011 by admin

In preparing for the Dallas White Rock Marathon, I ran a 20 mile run two weeks before the race. About 7 miles into that run, I had to remove my sweat-drenched shirt and squish through the remaining 13 miles as if it were summer. 200 miles north and 2 weeks later, my shirt was soaked, but for a different reason. Race day weather: 43 degrees and rain. I had two goals for this race. First, to set a new PR (previous PR was 3:20 at CIM last year). Second, to break 3:15 and qualify for Boston in 2013. I wasn’t sure either was possible, but I definitely had to try.

I was pretty happy when I received my bib and found out I was in corral “A-2″, which meant I would be starting near the front. Unfortunately, not everybody plays by the rules, and when I started looking around, I noticed there were people in A-2 that should have been back 5-10 corrals. I don’t get it. Why would a race put so much effort into creating tiers, printing and assigning bibs with the correct corral, then not police the corrals? Seems like a waste of time to me.

The rain subsided for a few minutes while the Star Spangled Banner was sung. I removed the garbage bag I was wearing just before the gun went off. Needless to say, the start was pretty slow. This was the first marathon I have run in a while that also had a half marathon event, which typically means a few inexperienced runners. I struggled through the first 2-3 miles, dodging slower runners (and even a walker). I don’t own a rain jacket (and I’m too cheap to buy one), so I was wearing 5 shirts, including a long-sleeved shirt. The top 3 shirts were disposable, so I removed my top shirt at mile 2, and the second shirt at mile 4. Then it started raining.

Mile 1: 8:06

Mile 2: 7:51

Mile 3: 7:28

Mile 4: 7:44

Mile 5: 7:23

I have been lucky enough not to run much in the rain, so I was not sure how it would affect me. For the next 4 miles or so, the course would rise up a slight incline – hardly enough to even notice. I was trying not to look at my watch and just run by feel. The few times I decided to sneak a peak, I noticed I was running around 7:45 or so, and I was fine with that. At mile 9, the half marathoners split off, and the course opened up nicely.

Mile 6: 7:41

Mile 7: 7:47

Mile 8: 7:40

Mile 9: 7:45

I usually try to break out the race into 3 segments: the first 10 miles, the second 10, and the final 6.2. Once the half marathoners split off, I ran much more relaxed and was able to pick up the pace again. This is also the segment the course winds through some pretty awesome neighborhoods (huge estate homes) and around White Rock Lake. I was glad to see spectators braving the elements to watch their friends and family run. Although I didn’t have anyone there that I knew, I would still slap a few high-fives from the kids and thank the folks that were encouraging us. There are many things that bug me about large races, but almost always, the crowds make up for it. Dallas was no exception.

Mile 10: 7:24

Mile 11: 7:29

Mile 12: 7:25

Mile 13: 7:24

Mile 14: 7:28

Mile 15: 7:24

Mile 16: 7:29

Around mile 16, I started feeling a few twinges in my left hamstring and both of my calves. I walked for about 5-7 seconds through a water stop around here and noticed significant tightness that made starting up again difficult. I told myself I would not walk through any water stops from here forward. I should also mention that during races I take 1 energy gel every 4 miles. However, when I began to feel my legs tightening up, I rapid fired 3 in about 4 miles. Fortunately, I have a stomach of steel and felt no adverse effect.

Mile 17: 7:26

Mile 18: 7:30

Mile 19: 7:28

Mile 20: 7:28

Crossing the 20 mile mark, I noticed I was passing people pretty easily. I also noticed the sign marking the “Dolly Parton Hills” that would greet me for the next 1.5 miles or so. I remember running the first hill and thinking that wasn’t so bad. Then I noticed the course switched back and I looked up. Oh, there’s the tough one. With increasing tight calves, I put my head down and just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. As my brother in law says, “Running is easy, left, right, left, right, repeat.”

Mile 21: 7:30

Mile 22: 7:46

Mile 23: 7:35

With the hills behind me, I peaked at my watch and knew if I could just keep it together for the last 4 miles, I would have a new PR. My energy level was pretty good (no wall here!) but man, my calves were screaming!!! I definitely did not feel I was running with my normal stride, but I was still passing folks, and I started thinking about how cold I was and how warm the finishing area (inside) would be.

Mile 24: 7:12

Mile 25: 7:28

Mile 26: 7:02

0.2 and Garmin Bonus: 2:38

Total time: 3:18:35 – A new PR!!!

Much like the California International Marathon last December, this race gave me a ton of confidence that I can qualify for Boston again. Also, it is good to know that all those miserable, hot runs in the summer (and a good part of the fall) were worth it and the speed would come back with cooler temperatures. Despite the weather, the crowds and the pain, I really did like this course. I would have no problem running it again.

*****************************************************************************

I was debating whether or not to complain in my race report. Instead, I decided to vent in a “post script.” Since this is published in a public blog, I thought it might provide benefits to the running community in the future.

P.S. I am starting to think they should start requiring participants to take tests and get a license before being able to participate in races as large as this one. Before I go on, I LOVE the fact that anyone can run a race. I believe that every human alive should try it at least once. I love the fact that elites, experienced runners and first times can run the same race and enjoy it in very different ways. That said, I wanted to give the newer folks to our sport a few tips:

If you have to spit, please look to the side/behind you to be sure no one will be hit with your projectile.
If you remove a piece of clothing, please toss it to the side of the road, or even better, drop it at the next water stop. Do not just leave it in the middle of the street. Races often recycle discarded clothing to the less fortunate.
Be aware of people around you. If you would like to move to the left, look to the left first. The same applies if you would like to move to the right.
When approaching a water stop, be aware that everyone goes to the first few volunteers. The volunteers in the back are usually lonely and would welcome your business.
Running the tangents is a smart thing. Cutting someone off to run the tangent is rude and dangerous.

Race Directors, a few things for you as well.

Police the corrals. It is no fun to pass walkers in the first mile. You went through a lot of effort to create a smooth start. It sucks that it all goes to waste at the most important moment, when people enter the corrals.
Keep the location of the water and gatorade the same at each water stop (water in the front, gatorade in the rear, or vice versa).
If you have plain cups and gatorade cups, use the plain for water and the gatorade for gatorade.
Have water or gatorade for the runners at the finish line.

Frankenthon 2011 – 3rd Time’s a Charm

Posted on October 22, 2011 by admin

Austin’s summers are usually hot…real hot, but 2011 was one for the ages. I believe the final count was 85 days above 100 degrees. Crazy! As I usually do, I registered for Frankenthon, which takes place in October, providing me with sufficient motivation to run through the summer.

The weather the morning of the race was warm, with temps in the upper 60s and humidity somewhere around 90. I knew this was not going to be a fast race, but I also was determined to run a smart race. If you remember, my previous marathon was a disaster, and I refused to let that happen again.

I wish I could provide a ton of detail about this run, but to be honest, there isn’t much to say. I managed to run the race with even (or even a little bit negative) splits. I ran my fastest race (3:30) in 3 Frankenthon attempts. I managed to beat an 11 year old girl who was running her first marathon (amazing!). I loved the volunteers, especially the Shipmates. And because the other fast runners were smart and sat this race out, I managed a 9th place finish overall and was 1st in my age group! Woo hoo!

I do enjoy this race, and will probably run it again next year. It provides the motivation I need to suffer through another Texas summer, and I would highly recommend it to anyone that isn’t afraid of a small race.

The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, Deadwood, South Dakota – June 5th, 2011

Posted on June 17, 2011 by admin

I deserved the outcome of this race. I had it coming. I was feeling pretty darn good about myself after both CIM and Boston. Then came South Dakota.

Deadwood is a little town about 1 hour from Rapid City, SD (don’t worry, I didn’t know where that was either). This area’s claim to fame is the town of Sturgis, which apparently holds one of the largest biker rallys in the U.S., and Mount Rushmore. It really is beautiful country, but not exactly optimal marathon territory if time is important (Isn’t it always?).

The weather leading up to the race was looking pretty good. In fact, when we landed on Saturday, the low that morning was in the mid-40s. Exactly what we were looking for in a June marathon. Unfortunately, the race was being held on Sunday.

When we woke up on Sunday, the temperature was around 60, which usually is not terrible, but this was at 5:30am and the race didn’t start until 8:00am. I was concerned until we arrived at the start line. Due to the shade and the altitude, it felt at least 5-10 degrees cooler here. Did I say altitude? The race started at about 5400 feet, climbed to 6200, then descended into Deadwood at about 4800 feet. Seemed like the perfect recipe for my negative split running strategy.

I was running this race with my neighbor Sean and brother in law Chris. Sean and I have run several marathons together, including Boston, but this would be my first with Chris, who unfortunately had not run a marathon in 4 years.

The first mile of the race was a pretty good downhill on the road before we turned onto the Mickelson Trail. The Trail was a nice crushed rock trail that long ago was cut through the hills to accommodate a railroad line. It was quite nice to run among the trees and fields that lined the course. Around mile 3 we started the slow, gradual climb that would not end until mile 13. The three of us ran together with the mindset that we would take it a little slower due to the altitude.

Mile 1 7:47
Mile 2 7:30
Mile 3 8:15
Mile 4 8:00
Mile 5 8:31
Mile 6 8:09
Mile 7 8:15

Everything seemed to be going according to plan. I wasn’t terribly concerned about my pace, but I was struggling a bit with my breathing. I was coughing every few minutes, but no big deal. I figured I just needed to wash down GU #2 with some fluid to get the tickle out of my throat. Shortly after mile 8, Sean picked up the pace a bit, but Chris and I hung back and hoped the top of the hill would come soon.

Mile 8 8:14
Mile 9 8:25
Mile 10 8:19
Mile 11 8:45
Mile 12 8:54
Mile 13 8 47

Around the halfway point, the course definitely got better, and that’s a good thing, because the sun had been beating down on us for almost 2 hours, and it was getting hot. I could tell I was struggling, but was hoping that the downhill and lower altitudes would bring me some much needed energy. I sped up my consumption of GUs to one per water stop. Just passed the half marathon start, the course turned downhill and Chris and I picked up the pace.

Mile 14 8:50
Mile 15 7:45
Mile 16 8:07
Mile 17 7:46
Mile 18 7:56

Not feeling great at this point, Chris sped up (or did I slow down?). I was trying to hold it together, but the downhill portion of the course took a pause and some uphill came back for a visit. I was struggling, and during the 20th mile I decided to do something I haven’t done since South Bend exactly 1 year ago…I took a walk break.

Mile 19 8:18
Mile 20 9:36

The rest of the miles were kind of a blur. I told myself I would take a 1 minute walk break each mile, but that quickly changed to every half a mile, and despite the downhill, my times slowed considerably. I was in full “crash and burn” mode now, just trying to survive and hang on with some respectability left. I had many thoughts running through my head, so I thought I would document them at the approximate point in the race they occurred.

Mile 21 8:45
Mile 22 8:46

“I hate red Powerade, why isn’t isn’t it cold?”
“I have never quit a race before, and I’ll be damned if this is the first.”

Mile 23 9:19

“Why am I doing this”
“Marathon’s suck”
“Did someone just pass me near the end of the race? That does not happen to me!”

Mile 24 8:52

“Thank you to the nice half marathon walker that said I look good…but you are a liar!”
“Darn, passed by another and I can’t even attempt to keep up.”

Mile 25 10:23

“I hope I never set foot in South Dakota again.”

Mile 26 9:51

“Damn, did that chick just pass me?”

.2 + Garmin Bonus 4:16

“Thank you kind sir for asking me 4 times after I finished if I am OK. This is as good as I’ve felt in hours.”

Final time: 3:46:16, a personal worst. I was somewhat comforted by the fact that I was 9th out of 38 in my age group and 31st overall out of 396.

The fact that it took me 11 days to get this race report produced should tell you how much fun I had at this race. This one hurt in every way. I have struggled to get back up and running, and when I did I did not feel too good. I am not scheduled for another marathon until October, and I think that is good. I need to erase this one from my memory before I toe the line at another race.

Middle Aged Athlete

Thoughts of a middle aged athlete