Where o' where have I been?
Me and some 10million others have been swept up by Facebook.
Have I been busy, keeping up w/ or improving my training?
Hell to the yeah!
At this point I feel at least twice as fit, in terms of strength and cardio conditioning, than at this time last year. Swimming, biking, running, lifting - check, check, check, check. All disciplines are fully adopted in my weekly routines and I'm seeing great gains in my 2 weakest areas, swimming and biking. PLUS, I've added a ton of cross-training stuff that has allowed me to have some serious fun and break up what can be an endless grind of just getting in the mileage. Extreme hikes/trail running, snowshoeing, and skiing have helped this offseason fly by. Even better is it's helped to carry last year's fitness gains into this season's training and what I hope to be a great race year.
On tap so far,
The Platte River 1/2 Marathon - April 5th 2009
Xterra Buffalo Creek Triathlon (Olympic) - June 20th 2009
Xterra Beaver Creek Triathlon (Almost Olympic) - July 18th 2009
Xterra Indian Peaks Triathlon (Sprint) - August 1st 2009
Pikes Peak Ascent 1/2 Marathon - August 15th 2009
The adrenaline is flowing full steam just thinking about it.
This year's gonna ROCK!
Gotta go update my FB status ;-)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
New Spin on the Routine
The last couple months have been nice.
Simple
Relaxing
Moderate Activity
Lots of Family Time
and
Lots of Eating w/ Naps (and don't forget ALL that FOOTBALL, followed by more naps)
I've been hitting the gym regularly and my strength is coming back to to last year's pre-race-season numbers. No cycling, no swimming, a fair amount of running and a lot of time off. The family time has been wonderful, especially on the weekends when I know Bree loves for me to do the shopping and help w/ the chores. It's much more desired than taking off for 1/2 day workouts and laying on the couch recovering the rest of the day.
Well, that was going pretty good through October and 1/2 way through November, but things were getting stale. The sun was out much less, the warm days fewer and shorter and my psyche was sliding down. Running was becoming more difficult as the sole cardio on my schedule, plus my knees and back were begging for relief. But I just could not get the bike into my schedule. It takes so much more commitment w/ gear and time and w/ the little experience I have, I just couldn't get the timing or mindset to fit cycling into my days.
Thanksgiving came, along w/ a nasty cold, and I took the entire week off, allowing for indulgence after indulgence. The week after Turkey Day, I was miserable, feeling fat, unfit and w/ fewer options and motivation to really get back in a groove w/ any enthusiasm. The only solace I can find is that the extra food around my midsection translated into more energy and strength in the gym. Somethings gotta change. Swimming and cycling need to be picked up and integrated if there's any hope of building on the fitness of this last year.
Doubt was filling my thoughts and spreading like Cancer.
"I can't go to the pool w/ this gut, I can't afford a bike trainer, the spin classes at the Rec. Center suck, running is killing me."
"Maybe my window has closed, no more Marathon, sure as hell no Ironman."
That's only a minuscule fraction of the onslaught of negative thoughts that permeated my brain on a daily, hourly basis. Money, time, ability, motivation. All necessary components to at least attempt triathlon and/or long distance running and I was feeling out of all them.
Sometimes a fault, other times an attribute, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I tell people how I feel, what I'm going through and somewhere, through that process, I get it out and gain some determination to change it if needed. Last week I looked at the various gyms around town, gathering info on times and costs of spin classes, lap pools and some options became clearer.
I can do this.
HELLO, last year at this time I didn't even know how to swim and had never been on a road bike. I AM NOT behind the curve. I CAN start anytime now and be light years ahead of my fitness level a year ago. Just F&$#ing DO IT. It doesn't all have to be done this week.
Just START.
Today, I purchased a punch card to another gym w/ spin classes and have mapped out some swim times. I left work at 5:15pm w/ heavy snow falling and made the short trip to the gym. Walking in for the first time, I asked where the class was and went and got my bike set up. 5-6 others came in and just like that spin class was in motion. 80% max. output was my limit and I didn't want to go there very much. I resisted the urge to get out of the saddle every time and instead kept the cadence up but not too much, I did not want to feel an oncoming fatigue. It doesn't matter what activity it is, weightlifting, running, cycling, if I've been away from it for 2 or more weeks, I come back into it slowly. It's much better finish w/ some gas in the tank than burn through all of it and sputter on empty for days afterward.
The result, a workout high I haven't felt in months.
The spin instructor was good, the energy level of the class was good and I felt great.
I went to my main gym to meet Tom, my workout partner. He had to work late so after stretching my legs, I dove into a nice bicep workout. After that I jumped on the treadmill for a few miles just to let them know that training is coming.
And this year is going to be different.
More Bricks, more speed drills and more learning.
There will be lapses, valleys between the hills and there's no telling what obstacles are bound to come up. Right now, the benchmark is doing at least as much as last year but I'm realistic to know that plans do not come w/ guarantees.
Just keep moving forward.
Even if I fall, I hope to fall forward.
That's my spin on things today.
Simple
Relaxing
Moderate Activity
Lots of Family Time
and
Lots of Eating w/ Naps (and don't forget ALL that FOOTBALL, followed by more naps)
I've been hitting the gym regularly and my strength is coming back to to last year's pre-race-season numbers. No cycling, no swimming, a fair amount of running and a lot of time off. The family time has been wonderful, especially on the weekends when I know Bree loves for me to do the shopping and help w/ the chores. It's much more desired than taking off for 1/2 day workouts and laying on the couch recovering the rest of the day.
Well, that was going pretty good through October and 1/2 way through November, but things were getting stale. The sun was out much less, the warm days fewer and shorter and my psyche was sliding down. Running was becoming more difficult as the sole cardio on my schedule, plus my knees and back were begging for relief. But I just could not get the bike into my schedule. It takes so much more commitment w/ gear and time and w/ the little experience I have, I just couldn't get the timing or mindset to fit cycling into my days.
Thanksgiving came, along w/ a nasty cold, and I took the entire week off, allowing for indulgence after indulgence. The week after Turkey Day, I was miserable, feeling fat, unfit and w/ fewer options and motivation to really get back in a groove w/ any enthusiasm. The only solace I can find is that the extra food around my midsection translated into more energy and strength in the gym. Somethings gotta change. Swimming and cycling need to be picked up and integrated if there's any hope of building on the fitness of this last year.
Doubt was filling my thoughts and spreading like Cancer.
"I can't go to the pool w/ this gut, I can't afford a bike trainer, the spin classes at the Rec. Center suck, running is killing me."
"Maybe my window has closed, no more Marathon, sure as hell no Ironman."
That's only a minuscule fraction of the onslaught of negative thoughts that permeated my brain on a daily, hourly basis. Money, time, ability, motivation. All necessary components to at least attempt triathlon and/or long distance running and I was feeling out of all them.
Sometimes a fault, other times an attribute, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I tell people how I feel, what I'm going through and somewhere, through that process, I get it out and gain some determination to change it if needed. Last week I looked at the various gyms around town, gathering info on times and costs of spin classes, lap pools and some options became clearer.
I can do this.
HELLO, last year at this time I didn't even know how to swim and had never been on a road bike. I AM NOT behind the curve. I CAN start anytime now and be light years ahead of my fitness level a year ago. Just F&$#ing DO IT. It doesn't all have to be done this week.
Just START.
Today, I purchased a punch card to another gym w/ spin classes and have mapped out some swim times. I left work at 5:15pm w/ heavy snow falling and made the short trip to the gym. Walking in for the first time, I asked where the class was and went and got my bike set up. 5-6 others came in and just like that spin class was in motion. 80% max. output was my limit and I didn't want to go there very much. I resisted the urge to get out of the saddle every time and instead kept the cadence up but not too much, I did not want to feel an oncoming fatigue. It doesn't matter what activity it is, weightlifting, running, cycling, if I've been away from it for 2 or more weeks, I come back into it slowly. It's much better finish w/ some gas in the tank than burn through all of it and sputter on empty for days afterward.
The result, a workout high I haven't felt in months.
The spin instructor was good, the energy level of the class was good and I felt great.
I went to my main gym to meet Tom, my workout partner. He had to work late so after stretching my legs, I dove into a nice bicep workout. After that I jumped on the treadmill for a few miles just to let them know that training is coming.
And this year is going to be different.
More Bricks, more speed drills and more learning.
There will be lapses, valleys between the hills and there's no telling what obstacles are bound to come up. Right now, the benchmark is doing at least as much as last year but I'm realistic to know that plans do not come w/ guarantees.
Just keep moving forward.
Even if I fall, I hope to fall forward.
That's my spin on things today.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Life takes over as race season ends
Since this blog is more of a diary, I've tended to let it fall down the priority list.
The high from the 1/2 Ironman lasted for a solid couple weeks. It was the culmination of years of training and really exceeded my goals for the year. So I felt ecstatic, I walked taller and beamed w/ a sense of accomplishment.
At the time I foresaw some changes coming in regards to my available training time. My wife Bree was finishing her Bachelor's Degree and looking to start working full-time any day. She'd been a wonderful stay-at-home mom for 12 years and had been taking online classes the last 3yrs so she could pursue some her own goals once both kids were in school full-time. While being a homemaker is a full time job in it's own right, it did have its' advantages, especially for me. My only job was to go to work and try be home a couple nights a week and one day on the weekends. Beyond that, as soon as the work day struck 5, I could go workout til' my heart's content. Each day was full of opportunity, swim in the morning, run at lunch, weights at night; or any combination thereof.
This all came to sudden, though expected, crash when Bree got her job at a local daycare; the first step towards becoming a licensed teacher. Her hours were a strict 9-6 M-F. So just like that, after years of her taking the kids to and from school, keeping up w/ household chores during the day, and putting dinner on the table, Bree would no longer be able to do any of those things during the week. That put the responsibility square on me. My job is pretty flexible; so long as I put in my time and get jobs done I can come and go as necessary, within reason.
Now I take the kids to school, pick them up and get them to and from football, karate and track. I love being a part of it but it really cuts the day up and forces my work schedule to either go late or start early. My workouts are sporadic and it's been difficult to get any consistency. Plus, with the workouts being later at night now, I've found it hard to keep the energy needed to push it w/ out drinking coffee and causing sleepless nights.
In short, I've thrown any planned schedule out the window. Any free time I have in the evening is spent on the couch watching some TV w/ Bree. I'm just now starting to adapt and find the necessary energy to workout at night or early in the morning. It just take time. I've never held myself to the strictest of schedules, allowing my energy levels and body needs to tell me when and what to train but now it's truly a la carte. Get in a quick run here, hit the gym for 30min there.
A typical long winded excuse for my lack of consistent blogging to be sure. I just wanted to get something down as a pause for the upcoming Colorado Relay race report.
Preview: My first of 3 runs was a 12.85 mile run/hike up and over Georgia
Pass at almost 12,000 feet. The bonus: blizzard like conditions, 4inches of fresh snow pelting us most of the way. That's how memories are made!
The high from the 1/2 Ironman lasted for a solid couple weeks. It was the culmination of years of training and really exceeded my goals for the year. So I felt ecstatic, I walked taller and beamed w/ a sense of accomplishment.
At the time I foresaw some changes coming in regards to my available training time. My wife Bree was finishing her Bachelor's Degree and looking to start working full-time any day. She'd been a wonderful stay-at-home mom for 12 years and had been taking online classes the last 3yrs so she could pursue some her own goals once both kids were in school full-time. While being a homemaker is a full time job in it's own right, it did have its' advantages, especially for me. My only job was to go to work and try be home a couple nights a week and one day on the weekends. Beyond that, as soon as the work day struck 5, I could go workout til' my heart's content. Each day was full of opportunity, swim in the morning, run at lunch, weights at night; or any combination thereof.
This all came to sudden, though expected, crash when Bree got her job at a local daycare; the first step towards becoming a licensed teacher. Her hours were a strict 9-6 M-F. So just like that, after years of her taking the kids to and from school, keeping up w/ household chores during the day, and putting dinner on the table, Bree would no longer be able to do any of those things during the week. That put the responsibility square on me. My job is pretty flexible; so long as I put in my time and get jobs done I can come and go as necessary, within reason.
Now I take the kids to school, pick them up and get them to and from football, karate and track. I love being a part of it but it really cuts the day up and forces my work schedule to either go late or start early. My workouts are sporadic and it's been difficult to get any consistency. Plus, with the workouts being later at night now, I've found it hard to keep the energy needed to push it w/ out drinking coffee and causing sleepless nights.
In short, I've thrown any planned schedule out the window. Any free time I have in the evening is spent on the couch watching some TV w/ Bree. I'm just now starting to adapt and find the necessary energy to workout at night or early in the morning. It just take time. I've never held myself to the strictest of schedules, allowing my energy levels and body needs to tell me when and what to train but now it's truly a la carte. Get in a quick run here, hit the gym for 30min there.
A typical long winded excuse for my lack of consistent blogging to be sure. I just wanted to get something down as a pause for the upcoming Colorado Relay race report.
Preview: My first of 3 runs was a 12.85 mile run/hike up and over Georgia
Pass at almost 12,000 feet. The bonus: blizzard like conditions, 4inches of fresh snow pelting us most of the way. That's how memories are made!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
5430 Boulder Long Course Triathon - Race Report
"70.3 is the new 31.9" the sign read.
"Hmm, wonder what that means", is what went through my head while biking past the sign.
I'm guessing 31.9 is the total mileage of an Olympic distance triathlon. A bit wordy but I get it. 31.9 just doesn't roll off the tongue.
HALF IRONMAN has much more punch; even 70.3 has a short, cool sound to it.
What's really cool though is completing my first ever road triathlon/ first half-ironman distance/ third triathlon ever.
On this day, Sunday August 10th, at the Boulder Reservoir in the
5430 Boulder Long Course Triathlon
........drum roll.........The numbers please....................
Matthew Bayless - Bib #819 - Category M35-39
Place 451 out of some 933 finishers
Swim 1.2miles: 40min 36sec - Swim Rank 463
Transition 1: 3min 18sec
Bike 56miles: 3hr 4min 59sec - Avg Speed 18.2mph - Bike Rank 752
Transition 2: 3min 01sec (including long pit stop)
Run 13.1miles: 1hr 49min 48sec - Pace 8:23min/miles - Run Rank 205
So going back to my last post where I think the words used to describe my triathlon ability were..."SUCK", I think I may have to upgrade that a little. Don't get me wrong, I still suck on the bike. 751st ranking? Yeah, there were little girls on trikes passing me w/ the tassels streaming off the handlebars, ringing the little bell for me to move over. That's fine. I laid out a strategy, stuck to it and it paid off.
So picking up from the Race Prelude post, falling asleep to a Cowboys game at 8pm was perfect.
3:30am Sunday August 10th, awake, not a bit of anxiety; let's get up and see what happens today. In the fridge was a mega-heart shocker, 4-shot espresso that I had bought the night before. Heat it up, throw in some protein and start your engines.
Energy? Check! Throw on the head phones (kids and wife still soundly sleeping) to keep the nerves calm and dance and lip sync while preparing.
Next: hydration. Mix up some Accelerade w/ Gatorade and down it. Add a large cup of water.
Next: fuel. 2 granola bars w/ peanut butter spread on top, and an apple.
Time: 4:30am. Get water bottles filled and cooler ready. The strategy was to take a small, soft, lunch type cooler that would easily fit in my transition bag and keep all my water bottles ice cold.
Race fuel:
1 bottle w/ accelerade. (w/ 1/2 ice for the first part of the bike)
2 bottles w/ 1/2 gatorade, 1/2 water. (1 half ice for the bike for the middle to last part of the bike, the other 1 w/ majority ice to be saved for run)
1 bottle of just ice and 2 bottles of ice water. (to sip on pre-race, and a guaranteed cool down bottle)
I planned out my fueling strategy based on experience and a couple very useful articles.
It started on Saturday, drinking gatorade and water, eating brown rice, wheat bread, fruit, veggies and chicken. No sweets except a handful of Peanut M&M's that Seb, my 7yr old, found in a bowl and brought me at the wedding reception, a small fraction of the amount I typically consume. What a good kid, he knows how much Daddy loves the Peanut M&M's!
Race Day Fueling:
- down the liquids and food 3hrs before the start, nibble and sip up to an hour before the start and then nothing more til' I'm on the bike (w/ a lot of pit stops, trying to squeeze everything out before the start).
- Bike - 2 powerbars, 2 gels, and energy jelly beans along w/ the accelerade, gatorade and water I would exchange the bottles for on the course.
- Run - 1 powerbar, 2 gels, and energy jelly beans and slam down down some ice cold gatorade in transition then mix in gatorade w/ water on the course.
The bars and gels are much more than I had ever used in training, until the last brick session. Tom, my gym partner, mentioned a Runner's World article about Lance Armstrong's fuel regimen during one of his Marathons (sub 3hrs on his first and faster each one since), where much like the Tour de France, his team had formulated exactly how many calories he would be burning and how to replace them. FIFTEEN GELS is how many the 7 time Tour winner took down his first marathon at the NYC 2006. Armed w/ that knowledge I added some palatable bars and gels to my race nutrition plan and successfully tested it during my last brick session.
Transition area opened at 5am but I didn't feel the need to get there that early. My wave would be starting at 7am and I just wanted enough time to comfortably setup and get in 20min. of swim warm-up. Plus, not enough can be said about using the home bathroom versus a port-a-potty. There was a fair amount of traffic as expected but it didn't take long to get in and get everything together. Some real die-hard eco-types were riding in from Boulder, w/ everything on their back. Crazy nice bikes and super fit (fit looking anyway) people everywhere.
"Focus, only think about things right in front of your face Matthew," is what I kept repeating in my head. "Look only at your bike, keep your eyes on your backpack, make sure there's no glass where I'm walking." These are the ways I stay calm. I get flustered when I look around and allow my brain to let me feel out of place, inadequate, w/ lesser gear. "Look how calm and cool they look; do I look like that?" That's the crap my brain has done in the past and I've noticed how much calmer I am when focusing on the things I have, in my hands, at that moment. Slowing down to check that the zippers are pulled closed, the endcaps are on the bike handlebars, the keys are in my backpack before I close the door. (Well, even though I remained calm and focused, I still managed to lock my keys in the car and pulled up to the transition area w/ one endcap missing. Luckily in a zen like state, I got the keys out and the endcap on w/out a bit of anxiety.These things happen, allow for it.)
In the transition area at 6:15am, items laid out, body glide and sunscreen applied, I walked down to the Boulder Rez. How incredible was this. It felt more daunting than the marathon months ago but so beautiful, tranquil and serene. As the first wave lined up I swam out and back a couple times in the roped off section. And there across the rez was a hot air balloon 30ft off the water just gliding across. A smile crept on my face and POP, the pro's were off and racing. I swam out again and suddenly there were lots of balloons, 5 or 6 floating across the rez.
"I am really about to try this, along w/ 1200 other masochistic maniacs."
Every time a hint of doubt or a question of finishing even whispered in my brain, I short circuited to thinking only of the swim and my strategy, slow and steady. Get in that rhythm and just keep going to the end. Everything else will fall into place; I'll deal w/ pain when I feel it, not now. Right now, this is beautiful, this is my life, I'm going to try and do this; I wish the kids and Bree were here to see my grin.
"Wave 6 counting down, 5.4.3.2.1" POP. We're next, Wave 7, Males 25-29 and 35-39. Yep, a bunch of guys wearing pastel purple swim caps (I'm guessing some angry ex-girlfriend picked our color). I get towards the side, in front and pass along some "good luck everyone" chants along w/ a plea, "hey, uh, everyone, I'm gonna be a little slow so please don't run over me, ok."
5.4.3.2.1.POP
The swim was one long, long loop. Clouds had covered most of the skies so the sun wasn't an issue and with the wave sizes around a 100, there seemed to be a lot of space to swim as we got further out. I felt good, reminding myself to keep it slow and steady, getting glimpses of the hot air balloon overhead and dealing w/ a person here and there. Sighting the buoys was pretty easy and I just keep plugging away. Somewhere before the first of 2 turns, about 10-15min in, I felt a little winded and a whisper of a doubt trickled in. Focusing on my stroke and sighting the buoys, the time passed, the doubts cleared and already I was around the 2nd turn and heading towards the beach (though it still looked amazingly far away). At that point I knew it was 2/3 over and I would get through it w/ not too much energy expelled.
Ripping off the top, I made my way to the transition, stepping through the kiddie pool to wash the sand off (very cool; there wasn't one at the Xterra and it sucked cleaning off my feet to put on my socks) and jogged over to my spot. I had things laid out well and felt good jogging out w/ the bike; clicked into the pedals and mentally prepared for my ride.
"Save the legs, don't push it up the hills too much, get hydrated and eat; here we go." Having road biked for only 2months I knew my legs weren't developed enough to push it hard and have anything left for the run. Plus, the bike was a loaner and wasn't the best fit; it's a real nice bike and road like a dream, but my back didn't like my position and let me know loud and clear after an hour of riding during training rides. So, I would take it slow, and sit up a lot, stretching and just try to get through it w/ as little pain as possible. I had accounted for 3hrs 30min max and didn't want to come in under 3hrs or I knew it would've meant I'd cranked it too hard.
I was getting passed, a lot. But I'd prepared for that and wasn't going to get sucked into someone else's race. Clouds still covered the sky, saving me from the sun's energy-zapping rays. It couldn't have been better weather, considering the last 3 weeks had been sunny and hot as hell. I sipped on the accelerade mix and about 20min into it, broke into the powerbar. 45min later I ripped open a gel, finished the accelerade and traded the bottle in for water. Coming around the first 28mile loop I looked at the watch; 1hr 35min. Perfect. I started on the 2nd power bar and mixed in sips gatorade and water. 45min later I chewed up the jelly beans and kept drinking the water. Seeing the last turn, knowing there was another 10min left, I ripped open the last gel, which had caffeine, and washed it down w/ a little gatorade.
3hr 5min of cycling was over! There were a lot of bikes racked but I didn't care; I felt good, not too winded and no jelly legs. I threw on my shoes, stocked up on powerbars and gels, gulped down some refreshingly ice cold gatorade/water mix and headed out, by way of pit stop in the port a potty.I reset the chrono and changed the brain for the run. The course was two 6.6mile loops around the rez and the only real difficult part was two hills in the first 2miles. I felt like I was running very slow, 10min/miles but then mile marker 1 came up and I was around an 8:40min/mile. Hmmm. Slowing up the second hill though still passing people, I felt good. Mile marker 2, mile marker 3, still hitting right around 8:30min/miles.
"Ok Matthew, don't get too excited yet; keep an easy pace, manageable heart rate. There's still 10miles left, plenty of time to blow up if you speed up too soon. Wait and see how you feel after the first loop, then you can push it out if it's there."I munched on the first powerbar and took both water and gatorade at every aid station along the way, about every 2miles. The laps begin/end right next the the final finish and the transition area so there were lots of people along the course as I came through the first lap. I couldn't wait to get back here and felt some adrenaline kicking in. I tore into another powerbar and really started passing a lot of people, especially up the hills. As it flattened out, I started chewing some jelly beans and kept pushing it a little more every few minutes. Yeah man, I was going to finish this thing; and finish it strong. Coming around to the dam at the back end of the rez I knew there were only a couple miles left. I tore open the last gel w/ caffeine and sped up.
I had told Bree to plan on traffic so try to get there around noon. Figuring 6 to 6-1/2hours of racing would put me finishing right about 1pm. But I suggested maybe she get up to the finish line around 12:45 on the outside chance I'm feeling strong and finish early.
I clicked past the chrono to the watch. The time, 12:38pm. I could see the finish line and the sides were packed with people a 1/4mile from the end. "Finish strong Matthew. Hmm, where are they; I so hope they made it." Last corner. Look! Yeah, that's them. Seb and Sarah were waving wildly and Bree had the camera poised to take a pic. I smiled, waved and shouted out a big hell yeah or something kid friendly like that.
"Number 819, Matthew Bayless of Longmont coming in now," came the announcement blasting through the speakers.
6:11:41 the clock read (not accounting for the wave starts, I would realize later that my time was actually 30min faster and man did that make my year). Sweet, I was done!
"Hey guys!" I managed to utter to the gorgeous, smiling threesome that walked towards me. Seb ran up to hug me, Sarah close behind and I stood up to accept, though warned against too tight of a hug given my stinky sweaty shirt. The kids were in bathing suits and had been playing in the rez so we walked back over there to let them play some more. Bree mentioned quite a few of the racers had been cooling off in the rez and instantly I realized how smart and beautiful she was. Walking into the water had never felt so good, I dropped to my knees and sank underneath, fully LOVING the cool refreshing water. Minutes later I walked out and sat next to Bree. I couldn't believe how good I felt. I still had energy, I could walk, easily; no soreness to speak of. Nothing like the marathon which left me limping for a week afterwards. It's better to know I could've pushed it more than to have blown up on the course and wished I hadn't pushed so hard.
Yes, I'm addicted, this was one hell of a day, a great race and an incredible accomplishment. I had hoped to get into some Olympic Road Tri's next year. Now, I've already completed a half-ironman. Rest a little, keep up some off-season conditioning including a lot of road bike time and who knows what next year may bring.
In 2008:
- I learned how to swim
- Completed my first Marathon
- Completed my first full length Xterra Triathlon
- A personal record in the Bolder Boulder 10k
- Started road cycling
- Finished a 1/2 Ironman Distance Triathlon
- And most importantly, made some great friends and had lots of fun along the way.
5430 Boulder Long Course Triathlon - Prelude
Let's back up a week to a time that quiting the race was a real possibility. Even prior to that I had doubts, but it wasn't until attempting to ride and run the course was dropping out real. Here I am 15minutes from the race course and I hadn't been on it. I hadn't done a brick workout (ride/run combo) in 6weeks and had been grossly sick for almost 2weeks and still not fully over it. So the answer, go out and do a Brick on the course allowing me assess my fitness and get familiar with the course. The bike seemed fine; I did the loop in exactly 1hr 30min which was slower than expected but not too much. I pushed it a little but I didn't sprint it. Then wham, right into the running shoes, I felt good. I started down the dirt road away from the Boulder Rez and thought it was going to be a hard but good workout. The first hill had other plans for me. I slowed to a crawl, felt nauseous and kind of panicked. My legs were suddenly very tight and my heart rate was UP, way up. I looked around and there were a couple other runners out so I decided to push on. A 1/4 mile later, I was hunched over, grabbing my knees and yelling obscenities out loud. Game over, I'm screwed. "Turnaround, go home and rest Matthew". And I listened to that voice, trying not to be too discouraged. I mean not only was I unable to jog after a mile into the run, coming off the bike, but when I went home, I was DONE. I laid out for 2-3hrs and felt like I had just run a marathon. Breanna was reminding me how I was still getting over the stomach crud that had kept in the bathroom hourly for days and unable to train. Knowing how my confidence was in the toilet as well and seeing the pain in my face, she urged me to drop out of the race, worried about my health. But after a day of thinking it through, I swallowed the pill that I might not be able to finish, that I might be in the lower 1/3 or even 1/4 of finishers. The only way to know just how far I could go, would be to show up and push through it, allowing myself to stop and drop out when & if that time came. Once I conceded that, I was ok.
So Monday, the next day after the failed brick session, I went out for an hour run on tired legs, in the heat, thinking it would be good to push through some pain. Then on Wednesday, I went out and did the brick again, one of the 28mile loops on the bike and about 7miles of running, on as much of the course as was open. The difference? I slowed down on the bike, adding 10minutes to the ride, but felt no pain and therefore saved my legs for the run, which was difficult and painful but I was able to slog through it. So, having succeeded going slowly, my confidence went from about 15% to 60% sure I could at least finish the 1/2 Ironman.
And I had my race plan. I would almost say that last week's disappointing brick training helped to define the strategy. Slow and steady to the finish line.
Thursday before the race, was a little Stroke N Stride at the Boulder Rez. 1500meter swim followed by a 5k run. I had planned on picking up my wetsuit there and thought it a good idea to get in the race. It's not a full on competitive event but more a way to get comfortable open water swimming w/ people on top of you. Plus, I get to know what the wetsuit is going to feel like and get more familiar with the race venue. The added bonus was taking the kids, letting them play on the beach and watch the activities; letting Mom stay home and do homework in peace and quiet. The race was fun, the swim a little slow but I wasn't looking for a workout 3days before the triathlon; this was just to get comfy in the suit, in the water w/ a bunch of people. The run was real easy, it was hard to not just sprint the thing flat out but I kept reminding myself of the 1/2 Ironman and just where this little event stood in grand scheme of things. I still ran a 7:26min/mile pace but I knew it wouldn't be that easy after biking 56miles and was glad that I didn't feel any soreness or fatigue from the Stroke N Stride. I definitely will be doing more of those next year.
Friday, a little strength training (I typically do 4-6times a week but don't include it as part of my tri training) and Saturday was complete rest and devoted to organizing and fueling up. I slept in, lounged around and then me and the whole family went over to a friends wedding reception. No junk food or cocktails and back home by 7. I took an ambien took my time, going through the gear and planning out my fueling strategy during the race. I fell asleep watching the Cowboys vs. the Chargers. Perfect!
So Monday, the next day after the failed brick session, I went out for an hour run on tired legs, in the heat, thinking it would be good to push through some pain. Then on Wednesday, I went out and did the brick again, one of the 28mile loops on the bike and about 7miles of running, on as much of the course as was open. The difference? I slowed down on the bike, adding 10minutes to the ride, but felt no pain and therefore saved my legs for the run, which was difficult and painful but I was able to slog through it. So, having succeeded going slowly, my confidence went from about 15% to 60% sure I could at least finish the 1/2 Ironman.
And I had my race plan. I would almost say that last week's disappointing brick training helped to define the strategy. Slow and steady to the finish line.
Thursday before the race, was a little Stroke N Stride at the Boulder Rez. 1500meter swim followed by a 5k run. I had planned on picking up my wetsuit there and thought it a good idea to get in the race. It's not a full on competitive event but more a way to get comfortable open water swimming w/ people on top of you. Plus, I get to know what the wetsuit is going to feel like and get more familiar with the race venue. The added bonus was taking the kids, letting them play on the beach and watch the activities; letting Mom stay home and do homework in peace and quiet. The race was fun, the swim a little slow but I wasn't looking for a workout 3days before the triathlon; this was just to get comfy in the suit, in the water w/ a bunch of people. The run was real easy, it was hard to not just sprint the thing flat out but I kept reminding myself of the 1/2 Ironman and just where this little event stood in grand scheme of things. I still ran a 7:26min/mile pace but I knew it wouldn't be that easy after biking 56miles and was glad that I didn't feel any soreness or fatigue from the Stroke N Stride. I definitely will be doing more of those next year.
Friday, a little strength training (I typically do 4-6times a week but don't include it as part of my tri training) and Saturday was complete rest and devoted to organizing and fueling up. I slept in, lounged around and then me and the whole family went over to a friends wedding reception. No junk food or cocktails and back home by 7. I took an ambien took my time, going through the gear and planning out my fueling strategy during the race. I fell asleep watching the Cowboys vs. the Chargers. Perfect!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Time Off
Neglect.
That's the word for my time away from blogging.
A confluence of busy schedule (work, home, and training/racing) along w/ differing mental and emotional perspectives on the blog itself have allowed me to consciously neglect continuous blogging.
I'll just leave it at that and throw out a quick recap of the past 2 months.
1. June 1st, 2008 - My last entry eluded to my personal triumph at completing (and kicking ASS) the Steamboat Marathon. I didn't hit my dream time of 3hr 30min, but I was very close at 3hr 39min. While I may go back and elaborate, it's suffice to say that I made the classic mistake. I started out too fast and felt great til' mile 18, at which point I slowed slightly each mile. Then at mile 24 I completely melted and could not jog even the slightest bit. It took every ounce of positive thinking to keep moving forward; I was literally yelling "GO, KEEP MOVING, C'MON, JUST FINISH" every couple minutes. My legs just did NOT want to move.
Perseverance did prevail and a goal 2 years in the making was attained. Many lessons learned and I'm not sure where it goes from here but there will be another Marathon in my future and qualifying for Boston is the ultimate goal.
2. June 21st, 2008 - Buffalo Creek Xterra Triathlon (Olympic Distance) - Finished & Humbled.
Screw that.
Ok, I can run, pretty good even. As of right now I SUCK at triathlon.
Lessons:
While training for a marathon obviously carries over into any running related event,
it does NOT replace bike training, especially mountain biking.
Do not schedule another event w/in 3 weeks of finishing your first Marathon.
Yes, it was fun, it was a challenge, pretty scenery, great people, well organized ........
BLAH BLAH BLAH.
However great everything was, the fact is I sucked.
It did serve a purpose in highlighting my weakness and that is undoubtedly biking. My little legs can take me quite a way in running shoes but those tiny quads desperately need some additional mass to get power and will only get better with more time in the saddle; a LOT more time.
The best part of the race?
Camping with my daughter Sarah and her friend. Would've been even better if the other 2 family members had been there but we had a great time.
3. TODAY, 4 days before 1/2 Ironman Distance Boulder Peak Long Course Triathlon.
hmm,
what to say,
well,
i'm sorely under-trained.
Will I finish?
Hard to say. At this point I'm 60% confident. That's much better than the 20% confidence I had after my meager attempt at a BRICK session last Sunday. But I'm still conceding that there is quite a real possibility that I may drop out somewhere around mile 5 of the run.
Cliche really, bit off more than I could chew.
I think the euphoria of the Marathon led to over-confidence and I just signed up, thinking I could get the bike fitness fairly quickly given my run fitness. But then I quickly reflect how it took 3 years of mileage build up w/ running to barely complete the Marathon. Cycling muscles are not the same ones used in running and I was naive thinking that they would build up enough to carry me through a long distance cycling event after less than 2 months of training.
I had been wanting to try road-cycling and knew that the only realistic path to an Ironman Distance Triathlon would have to include many road triathlons along the way and that meant buying a road bike and putting in some time. I hadn't really thought that I would have the opportunity to go for one this year but some great friends stepped up and offered me a very nice loaner if I wanted to go for a road-tri this year.
So here I am, having put in some miles on a road bike, keeping up with swimming and running but the 1/2 Ironman distance is probably too much too soon. I rationalized that the Olympic off-road tri is at least 2x's more difficult than a standard Olympic road tri and I still think that's true. Mountain biking 20miles is considerably harder than 20miles on the road and more like 50miles of road cycling. And 5miles of difficult trail running is about the same as 10miles on the road. But wait, I sucked at the off-road tri so I guess it's logical to expect that I'll suck at this almost comparable endurance test. Additionally, while the individual components of the Olympic Xterra may be comparable to the 1/2 Ironman distances, it is much more difficult when combined. (No Shit huh Matthew)
The positive of going through with this test is that I will know just how much work I need and only racing helps you get more comfortable racing. So even if I don't finish or have the really bad expected finish, I'll at least have gone through the motions of preparing for and being in a race environment at this level; which can only mean next year will be that much more attainable and successful.
That's the word for my time away from blogging.
A confluence of busy schedule (work, home, and training/racing) along w/ differing mental and emotional perspectives on the blog itself have allowed me to consciously neglect continuous blogging.
I'll just leave it at that and throw out a quick recap of the past 2 months.
1. June 1st, 2008 - My last entry eluded to my personal triumph at completing (and kicking ASS) the Steamboat Marathon. I didn't hit my dream time of 3hr 30min, but I was very close at 3hr 39min. While I may go back and elaborate, it's suffice to say that I made the classic mistake. I started out too fast and felt great til' mile 18, at which point I slowed slightly each mile. Then at mile 24 I completely melted and could not jog even the slightest bit. It took every ounce of positive thinking to keep moving forward; I was literally yelling "GO, KEEP MOVING, C'MON, JUST FINISH" every couple minutes. My legs just did NOT want to move.
Perseverance did prevail and a goal 2 years in the making was attained. Many lessons learned and I'm not sure where it goes from here but there will be another Marathon in my future and qualifying for Boston is the ultimate goal.
2. June 21st, 2008 - Buffalo Creek Xterra Triathlon (Olympic Distance) - Finished & Humbled.
Screw that.
Ok, I can run, pretty good even. As of right now I SUCK at triathlon.
Lessons:
While training for a marathon obviously carries over into any running related event,
it does NOT replace bike training, especially mountain biking.
Do not schedule another event w/in 3 weeks of finishing your first Marathon.
Yes, it was fun, it was a challenge, pretty scenery, great people, well organized ........BLAH BLAH BLAH.
However great everything was, the fact is I sucked.
It did serve a purpose in highlighting my weakness and that is undoubtedly biking. My little legs can take me quite a way in running shoes but those tiny quads desperately need some additional mass to get power and will only get better with more time in the saddle; a LOT more time.
The best part of the race?
Camping with my daughter Sarah and her friend. Would've been even better if the other 2 family members had been there but we had a great time.3. TODAY, 4 days before 1/2 Ironman Distance Boulder Peak Long Course Triathlon.
hmm,
what to say,
well,
i'm sorely under-trained.
Will I finish?
Hard to say. At this point I'm 60% confident. That's much better than the 20% confidence I had after my meager attempt at a BRICK session last Sunday. But I'm still conceding that there is quite a real possibility that I may drop out somewhere around mile 5 of the run.
Cliche really, bit off more than I could chew.
I think the euphoria of the Marathon led to over-confidence and I just signed up, thinking I could get the bike fitness fairly quickly given my run fitness. But then I quickly reflect how it took 3 years of mileage build up w/ running to barely complete the Marathon. Cycling muscles are not the same ones used in running and I was naive thinking that they would build up enough to carry me through a long distance cycling event after less than 2 months of training.
I had been wanting to try road-cycling and knew that the only realistic path to an Ironman Distance Triathlon would have to include many road triathlons along the way and that meant buying a road bike and putting in some time. I hadn't really thought that I would have the opportunity to go for one this year but some great friends stepped up and offered me a very nice loaner if I wanted to go for a road-tri this year.
So here I am, having put in some miles on a road bike, keeping up with swimming and running but the 1/2 Ironman distance is probably too much too soon. I rationalized that the Olympic off-road tri is at least 2x's more difficult than a standard Olympic road tri and I still think that's true. Mountain biking 20miles is considerably harder than 20miles on the road and more like 50miles of road cycling. And 5miles of difficult trail running is about the same as 10miles on the road. But wait, I sucked at the off-road tri so I guess it's logical to expect that I'll suck at this almost comparable endurance test. Additionally, while the individual components of the Olympic Xterra may be comparable to the 1/2 Ironman distances, it is much more difficult when combined. (No Shit huh Matthew)
The positive of going through with this test is that I will know just how much work I need and only racing helps you get more comfortable racing. So even if I don't finish or have the really bad expected finish, I'll at least have gone through the motions of preparing for and being in a race environment at this level; which can only mean next year will be that much more attainable and successful.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Marathon - A year in the making
Before I get into the Steamboat Marathon race report, here's a clip of the year leading up to this point. I've separated it out, knowing that at some point, it's not as juicy and for the one or two other people that ever read my blog (including my wife Breanna) they might already know the details and/or not care about the journey and want to skip right to the destination.
Past:
I signed up for the Boulder Marathon last year as a way to reach for a goal, something to commit to which would force me to get on a running plan and push myself further than ever before. Up to 2007 my longest run was around 6miles, and that was painful. Fresh out of high school, we ran 5miles 4-5x's a week in the Marine Corps; and I HATED every single minute of it. I never got used to it, I don't remember any kind of "runner's high", all I knew is I had to do it. Fast forward 17years and at some point in early spring 2007, I felt like I needed a bigger challenge. According to the magazines, books, and podcasts, the best way to commit and hold myself accountable to any challenge would be to simply sign up for a race. Looking through training plans, I found a 20wk plan which gave me a couple months to build up my base before the actual plan started. I stuck to it pretty well though some of the mid-week runs were cut short by a mile or 2 and a couple were skipped all-together when I felt too sore. Getting up to the 10mile long runs was so gratifying and I started to "get it", that "runner's high". Hitting 14miles felt so, so good. Then, 16miles laid me out pretty good and 2wks later, the 18miler left me for done. My left knee was in constant pain, the same knee I had ACL surgery on 13yrs ago. What a delicate balance, navigating through the natural pains associated w/ the pounding of running and trying to determine if I should try and get through it or do I shell out $100 for a doctor's visit and have it examined. Days later with a thinner wallet, the doctor determined I had a slight tear in my Patella Tendon. He didn't the think the tear would get any worse but if I laid off for a couple weeks, it would repair itself enough for the pain to go away and I could push on so, Recommended Treatment: either shut-up and deal w/ the pain or lay-off it. That was the answer I needed to opt out of the full marathon and switch to the half. And in hindsight, it was a good move. Having put in multiple 12-plus mile runs, I was very confident w/ a 13mile race; 26.2 miles though, not so confident. History shows it paid off as I far exceeded my goals and felt much more able to move forward w/ continuing my base for a future marathon.
Past:
I signed up for the Boulder Marathon last year as a way to reach for a goal, something to commit to which would force me to get on a running plan and push myself further than ever before. Up to 2007 my longest run was around 6miles, and that was painful. Fresh out of high school, we ran 5miles 4-5x's a week in the Marine Corps; and I HATED every single minute of it. I never got used to it, I don't remember any kind of "runner's high", all I knew is I had to do it. Fast forward 17years and at some point in early spring 2007, I felt like I needed a bigger challenge. According to the magazines, books, and podcasts, the best way to commit and hold myself accountable to any challenge would be to simply sign up for a race. Looking through training plans, I found a 20wk plan which gave me a couple months to build up my base before the actual plan started. I stuck to it pretty well though some of the mid-week runs were cut short by a mile or 2 and a couple were skipped all-together when I felt too sore. Getting up to the 10mile long runs was so gratifying and I started to "get it", that "runner's high". Hitting 14miles felt so, so good. Then, 16miles laid me out pretty good and 2wks later, the 18miler left me for done. My left knee was in constant pain, the same knee I had ACL surgery on 13yrs ago. What a delicate balance, navigating through the natural pains associated w/ the pounding of running and trying to determine if I should try and get through it or do I shell out $100 for a doctor's visit and have it examined. Days later with a thinner wallet, the doctor determined I had a slight tear in my Patella Tendon. He didn't the think the tear would get any worse but if I laid off for a couple weeks, it would repair itself enough for the pain to go away and I could push on so, Recommended Treatment: either shut-up and deal w/ the pain or lay-off it. That was the answer I needed to opt out of the full marathon and switch to the half. And in hindsight, it was a good move. Having put in multiple 12-plus mile runs, I was very confident w/ a 13mile race; 26.2 miles though, not so confident. History shows it paid off as I far exceeded my goals and felt much more able to move forward w/ continuing my base for a future marathon.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Let the Races Begin!
Tis' the season for racing - for me at least.
I'm already signed up for more races just this year than I've done up to this point in my life and hoping to fit in at least 2 more races if my plans come together. Everything this year is a warm-up for next year w/ the idea that I can work out those first timer nerves and obvious mistakes. As with anything, practice makes perfect (or at least practice makes me better).
What better way to start the season than w/ 54,000 other people?
So seemed the sentiment of my running group, whose constant banter of the event finally persuaded me to sign up so as not to be left out.
The Bolder Boulder 10k Memorial Day Race is the perfect way to feed off some collective athletic energy. So many people, just happy to be running together, for fun, for sport, for whatever, just to run (w/ 54,000 other people). This would also serve as a last training run for my first marathon a week later so I was ok w/ starting out fast, hitting my threshold and maintaining it all the way through.
That morning was cold and overcast, perfect running weather by all accounts. I had no idea what to expect time wise because I've training for the marathon, not a 10k. Three goals were set, which as I've read serves to mentally prepare for 3 different scenarios. First, if I'm feeling like crap, either sore, injured, sick, or just random stomach issues, then an easily obtainable goal set according to my easy pace which I peg as 8min/miles for a 10k or rounded up to 50min. Second, a middle-of-the-road goal. A time that is around my average threshold pace, something slightly challenging but a pace that I've run often during training. Last year's 1/2 marathon was 7:30min/miles so I'm pegging 10k at around 7:15/7:20 or a total time under 45min. And lastly, a dream goal, the pie in the sky if I'm feeling super-human. That dream was sub 7min/miles for a total time under 43:30.
The last time I ran the Bolder Boulder, I just found out via the ever-amazing google, was 1999; which at the sprite age of 26 I ran a 43:25. Hmmm, that can't be right. Nine years ago I did not run, not consistently anyway. I hiked 14er's, albeit very fast, and climbed and lifted weights, but running? No, I did not run and not only did I not run, but at the time, I quite enjoyed every kind of micro-brew available and often partook in smoking a Boulder staple, aka kind bud.
Ok, great reminiscing, but I no longer have a ponytail and can no longer wake up hungover, hit the bong, and haul ass up a a 14,000 foot peak. Snap out of it Matthew, you have children! No, now a days, I have to watch what I eat, sleep, and run, a lot.
Wave B, that's where my Boulder Backroads 1/2 marathon time put me. The 4th wave back w/ an expected finishing time between 43:06 - 44:05 or around 7min/miles. Wait a minute, seriously, 7min/miles? Luckily I hadn't done that math before the race; for some reason, knowing that my 1/2 marathon was 7:30min/miles I just kind of assumed my wave placement equaled that exact pace. Good thing I'm not the race director.
BANG! and we're off. Wow this feels good, running the Bolder, the energy, the people, the
excitement all around! Breathing, yes breathing hard; these people are running too fast! They have to be, it's not in my head, I'm not nervous and, damn it, I know my pace and the respective breathing.
Mile 1 - 6:35. Yep, this is too fast, I will not be able to maintain this speed. Ease off just a little Matthew; keep pushing but ease off just a little. Mile 2 - 7:09 (13:45 total). Better, keep going. Look around, the bands are cool, the people cheering, "Hoo Rah", "Whoo Hoo" I start yelling back here and there. Mile 3 - 7:05 and feeling good. More cheering from bystanders and more smiling from me, "Yeah, let's go" I remember yelling. Gotta step it up a bit; we're gunning for sub 7's all the way. Mile 4 - 6:57. Push it a little more! Mile 5 - 6:35! Whew, I'm breathing and the hill up Folsom is coming. Keep going, maybe you can sprint up the hill into the stadium and slam it home. Ughhh! This hill SUCKS! Finish Line! Hit the chrono. Watch says 42:35, YEAH. 6:52min/miles. A dream has come true and I feel solid!
Where's my crew, those great group of runners that unknowingly coerced me into this thing?
First, water, on my head; more water, in my face, on my head again and again. It's cold outside but I am hot and sweaty. Next, restroom, food, stretch then, find the girls.
Sweet, there's Stephanie and some more of the club. High five, congrats and all that! All of you rock and I'm glad to tag along.
Next, a marathon! God help me.
I'm already signed up for more races just this year than I've done up to this point in my life and hoping to fit in at least 2 more races if my plans come together. Everything this year is a warm-up for next year w/ the idea that I can work out those first timer nerves and obvious mistakes. As with anything, practice makes perfect (or at least practice makes me better).
What better way to start the season than w/ 54,000 other people?
So seemed the sentiment of my running group, whose constant banter of the event finally persuaded me to sign up so as not to be left out.
The Bolder Boulder 10k Memorial Day Race is the perfect way to feed off some collective athletic energy. So many people, just happy to be running together, for fun, for sport, for whatever, just to run (w/ 54,000 other people). This would also serve as a last training run for my first marathon a week later so I was ok w/ starting out fast, hitting my threshold and maintaining it all the way through.
That morning was cold and overcast, perfect running weather by all accounts. I had no idea what to expect time wise because I've training for the marathon, not a 10k. Three goals were set, which as I've read serves to mentally prepare for 3 different scenarios. First, if I'm feeling like crap, either sore, injured, sick, or just random stomach issues, then an easily obtainable goal set according to my easy pace which I peg as 8min/miles for a 10k or rounded up to 50min. Second, a middle-of-the-road goal. A time that is around my average threshold pace, something slightly challenging but a pace that I've run often during training. Last year's 1/2 marathon was 7:30min/miles so I'm pegging 10k at around 7:15/7:20 or a total time under 45min. And lastly, a dream goal, the pie in the sky if I'm feeling super-human. That dream was sub 7min/miles for a total time under 43:30.
The last time I ran the Bolder Boulder, I just found out via the ever-amazing google, was 1999; which at the sprite age of 26 I ran a 43:25. Hmmm, that can't be right. Nine years ago I did not run, not consistently anyway. I hiked 14er's, albeit very fast, and climbed and lifted weights, but running? No, I did not run and not only did I not run, but at the time, I quite enjoyed every kind of micro-brew available and often partook in smoking a Boulder staple, aka kind bud.
Ok, great reminiscing, but I no longer have a ponytail and can no longer wake up hungover, hit the bong, and haul ass up a a 14,000 foot peak. Snap out of it Matthew, you have children! No, now a days, I have to watch what I eat, sleep, and run, a lot.
Wave B, that's where my Boulder Backroads 1/2 marathon time put me. The 4th wave back w/ an expected finishing time between 43:06 - 44:05 or around 7min/miles. Wait a minute, seriously, 7min/miles? Luckily I hadn't done that math before the race; for some reason, knowing that my 1/2 marathon was 7:30min/miles I just kind of assumed my wave placement equaled that exact pace. Good thing I'm not the race director.
BANG! and we're off. Wow this feels good, running the Bolder, the energy, the people, the
excitement all around! Breathing, yes breathing hard; these people are running too fast! They have to be, it's not in my head, I'm not nervous and, damn it, I know my pace and the respective breathing.Mile 1 - 6:35. Yep, this is too fast, I will not be able to maintain this speed. Ease off just a little Matthew; keep pushing but ease off just a little. Mile 2 - 7:09 (13:45 total). Better, keep going. Look around, the bands are cool, the people cheering, "Hoo Rah", "Whoo Hoo" I start yelling back here and there. Mile 3 - 7:05 and feeling good. More cheering from bystanders and more smiling from me, "Yeah, let's go" I remember yelling. Gotta step it up a bit; we're gunning for sub 7's all the way. Mile 4 - 6:57. Push it a little more! Mile 5 - 6:35! Whew, I'm breathing and the hill up Folsom is coming. Keep going, maybe you can sprint up the hill into the stadium and slam it home. Ughhh! This hill SUCKS! Finish Line! Hit the chrono. Watch says 42:35, YEAH. 6:52min/miles. A dream has come true and I feel solid!
Where's my crew, those great group of runners that unknowingly coerced me into this thing?
First, water, on my head; more water, in my face, on my head again and again. It's cold outside but I am hot and sweaty. Next, restroom, food, stretch then, find the girls.
Sweet, there's Stephanie and some more of the club. High five, congrats and all that! All of you rock and I'm glad to tag along.
Next, a marathon! God help me.
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