Well, I am scheduled to run my 2nd marathon on April 11th, just a little more than 2 weeks away! I will be running the Davy Crockett Bear Chase in Groveland, TX. In stark contrast to the popular, and sometimes crowded Austin Marathon, this race is extremely small. I am looking forward to the different experience, although I fear the many lonely miles that are sure to be waiting. I’ll have to make sure my new mp3 player is loaded with the proper music (I’ll have to write another entry about my definition of proper music is. One hint, it can include Hannah Montana).
After my business trip to Vegas this weekend, full fledged detox and marathon fueling will ensue. My goal you ask? Sub 3:40 and I’ll be rewarding myself with a Whataburger on the way home.
About 2 years ago, someone I met in a business networking group mentioned that I should go visit this free running group. So I did. Many training sessions and one marathon later, I continue to attend the group. However, no matter how big I think my accomplishments are, they pale in comparison to the leader of the group, Coach Al, and his wife Sandy. They will be running their 50th marathon in50 states next weekend (plus the one in D.C.). What a great feat!
The local news channel did a little story on them, that really captures the personality of those two. View it here. Congrats to the two of you, and “Run every chance you get!”
Well, it has been 3.5 weeks since the marathon. Last weekend, I decided recovery time was officially over. Last Saturday, I ran 14 miles on the Town Lake Trail, including 3 on an extention on the east side I didn’t know existed. Exciting times.
For whatever reason, my IT Band is absolutely fine. For the first 2 weeks after the Austin Marathon, I could barely run 1 mile before the pain started. Then, just as quickly as it started a few months back, it stopped. I have been running pain free for a little over a week, and I love it! I will still continue to do the stretches and use the roller, as I NEVER want that to come back again - I’ve got more running to do!
I am eyeing the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon on April 26th as my next race. I really need to commit to it so I can put some urgency in my training. My thought is I will enjoy my vacation this weekend in Las Vegas, getting one short run in either outside or on the treadmill. Then pick it up again next week, putting in a 20 miler on Saturday the 21st. The following weekend I am in Vegas again (for work this time), but the following weekend (April 4th) I will do another 20+ miler. Then a 3 week taper will put in in OKC. My goal? 3:40.
I have set a longer term goal of qualifying for Boston within 1 year. The time I need as a 40 year old male? 3:20. I have no idea if it is achievable or not, but I’ll never know if I don’t try!
I feel like I need a tag line. Since I haven’t come up with one yet, I’ll “borrow” one from Coach Al. RUN EVERY CHANCE YOU GET!
