Boston Marathon

Well, our time in Boston this weekend did nothing to change my mind about what a fun event the Boston Marathon is.  Val and I flew up to Boston on Saturday morning with a conspicuous presence of other runners, including "Ultra" Joe Schelerth, fresh from his 20-hour Umstead 100 finish.  This year, we stayed at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, which was recommended by my fellow Blue Ridge Relay teammate, Andrew Golomb, who was also staying there.  When we arrived, it was cold and blustery - very similar to last year.  We hooked up with Andrew and went to the Expo for packet pick-up, which was as jam-packed as ever.  If expansion at the Convention Center is possible, BAA really needs to consider that; the crowds are starting to get a little out of hand.

Saturday night, Val and I had a nice informal dinner at Uno's on Boylston St., before retiring for an early bedtime.  Oh, a great big shout out for the Park Plaza: at check-in, we said it was also our anniversary weekend.  When we returned from dinner, we had a bottle of wine, cheese and crackerswaiting for us in our room with a nice note from the person who checked us in.

On Sunday morning, Andrew and I met up with One2Tri Racing teammate, Kim Eagens, to bandit the BAA 5K.  This was just to be a slow easy run to stretch the legs out, with a few pick-ups.  The weather was cool, overcast, and drizzly as a strong front had just blown through.  After our leisurely run, we cleaned up at the hotel and met everyone at a diner for a late breakfast.  Joining us was Troy (Kim's boyfriend) and my good friend and running buddy, Julia Engel, a Boston veteran.  A quiet day walking around and another early bedtime, and we were ready for race day!

With One2Tri Racing teammate Kim after BAA 5K

This year we were able to hook up with private charter buses, rather than the school buses that everyone else uses.  This is a HUGE benefit.  You do not have to wait in line for the buses, they leave an hour later, and most importantly, they have bathrooms!  Also, the morning was cold (38 degrees with a 20 mph wind) and once the bus is parked, you can remain on it rather than having to exit to the Athlete's Village - another huge benefit (did I mention it has a bathroom?!)  Joining us on the bus were fellow One2Tri Racing teammates, and speedsters, Chad and Danielle Crockford.  Chad and Danielle, and Andrew left first as they were in Wave 1, then Kim and I (Wave 2) and then Julia (Wave 3).  Even though BAA added another wave this year, the corrals were still very crowded.  Kim and I both needed to make one last pit stop just before the gun, so we unceremoniously, but discretely, used someone's front yard. We later learned that if the police caught you doing that, they were taking your bib and DQ'ing you!

Kim, Andrew, and me at the BAA 5K

Last year, my goal was to just have fun and post a respectable time, in that case, anything under 3:45 (I ran a 3:42).  This year, I wanted to push a little bit more, but was not shooting for a PR (3:26).  So I had my pace band from NikeTown (customized for Boston's elevation) made for 3:30 thinking anything on either side of that would be a good day.  With a year's worth of hard training behind me, no injuries, and ideal conditions (cool temps, dry, 20 mph tailwind), I began thinking a sub-3:30 was realistic.  But, a slight problem: my pace band was so small - OK, and my eyesight is getting worse - I had difficulty reading my it.  So I had to run with my reading glasses; otherwise the pace band was worthless.  I was about 40 seconds slow on my first mile split, which is fine, and about 20 seconds off the mile 2 split.  I gradually made up time and my first 5K split was 24:20.  But then I misread my pace band and I thought I was a minute slow.  I didn't see how, but I sped up a little to make up.  By the time I realized it was a mistake, I was 90 seconds ahead of pace, which probably caused me to go out just a little too fast.  My 5K splits were holding stead around 22:45 - great pace.

My nutrition plan was to use Gu Brew hydration tablets (I was carrying a handheld), Gatorade Vanilla gels and S-caps.  My legs weren't feeling wonderful, but just good.  Around the 10-mile mark, I didn't know if I was hitting a bad spot or if it wasn't going to be my day.  I was still holding a projected 3:25 finish pace, but I didn't feel like I could sustain that.  Even the Wellesley girls didn't provide me with the lift I got last year.  I hit the 1/2 way point at 1:43.  Last year, the hills of Newton (miles 16 - 21) were where I excelled; only 1 person passed me on Heartbreak Hill last year.  This year, my legs did not respond.  In fact, I had to walk for 15 seconds up Heartbreak.  By mile 21, I realized I was not going to break 3:30, and pulled back slightly.  Now my goal was just to run a sub-3:35, which would be a Boston qualifying time (2012 standard).  I was still pushing as hard as I could giving close to maximum effort, but without maximum results; the legs were hurting!  But turning on to Boylston will always be a rush with the spectators cheering you on.  I managed to finish in a resectable 3:33.  Although I ran 9 minutes faster than last year and requalified for Boston, I was slightly disappointed because, given the ideal weather conditions and the unprecedented fact of not making one bathroom stop during the entire marathon, and for the effort I put out, I felt like I should have been about 5 minutes faster.  But, it was just not meant to be today.  Chad run an impressive time of 2:47, Andrew did 3:09, Danielle a 3:14, Ultra Joe (at age 61!) 3:27, Kim at 3:52 and Julia at 3:54.  All but Kim were able to requalify for Boston.  Unfortunately, Kim got tangled up with a volunteer at an aid station near mile 15 and injured her quad.  She was a gritty trooper for hobbling in, but had been on a 3:25 pace.  She's one of the more determined athletes I know.

Any disappointment I had was easily drowned out by a visit to The Sevens Ales in Bunker Hill with Val, Andrew, Julia, Chad and Danielle.  We later adjourned to Burkowski's and were joined by Kim and Troy.  Another great Patriot's Day weeken and looking forward to next year!

River Bound Race Series 8K - 3/12/11

Umstead Marathon - 3/5/11

hardCORE 5K, 10K & 15K

This is the 2nd race in the Carolina Trail Race (CTR) series and the 2nd year this particular race has been run.  My intent was to run a 15K, but it was a little confusing when you signed up whether I'd be running 2 races - a 5K AND a 10K - or just one race.  It turns out it was 2 races.  Also, the time from the 5K and 10K are not combined for ranking purposes, so there really is no 15K.

I was probably the 1st runner to the race site at North Mecklenburg Park, arriving at 7:00 a.m.  My training schedule had me running 8 miles before the 15K, then the 15K, and then a 2 mile cooldown.  I altered that a little and ran the 5K loop twice, then the 5K and 10K races, then 1 more 5K loop to wind things down.  I had never run on these trails before, so that turned out to be a good plan.  The trail was in good shape and fairly easy, as trails go.  Lots of roots on the first third of the course, some moguls, no rocks to speak of, lots of turns, and a dry creek crossing (too bad, I like creek crossings).  I wore my Montrail CD's, rather than my Scott Aztec II's, because I didn't know if the trail would wet.

It was a cool 37 degrees at the start.  I finished my two 5K loops about 35 minutes before the 5K started.  Since I got there so early, I had primo parking and warmed up in my car until the last possible moment.  At the start line, I found my fellow One2Tri Racing teammate, Keith Mrochek, who was fresh off of a sub-3:00 marathon at Myrtle Beach.  One fast cat.  He jogged the 5K with me - a jog for him, about 80% effort for me - and we talked the entire way.  This race is a little funky: other than 1 CTR bonus point for running the 5K, there really is no incentive to run the 1st 5K fast; you're better off saving yourself for the 10K.  We both came in right around 28 minutes (according to most, the course was a little longer than 3.1 miles).  Then we had to wait 30 minutes for the 10K to start.  It was turning into a very choppy training run for me.

At 10:00 am, we toed the line for the 10K.  Keith was off and I never saw him again until the finish line (he was 4th overall and 1st in his AG.  Did I mention he's fast?)  I ran the 1st mile or so with another friend of mine Cameron Green, who was "only" running the 10K.  I say only because she had just done and hour or so of CrossFit.  She's a CrossFit demon.  I went fairly hard during the 10K, but not 100%.  I came in 3rd in my AG, missing 2nd by 24 seconds.  The 3 people in my AG who finished ahead of me in the 5K did not race the 10K.  See - not really a 15K, as advertised.

I then got a great 10 minute stretch/massage before doing one more loop for a cooldown, for a total of about 19.25 miles.  I went to pick up the AG medals for Keith and me, but the RD said they were short and had run out.  She gave me a $20 gift certificate to a local restaurant instead, so I had a great lunch.  I'll take a free lunch over a medal any day!

Running & Relaxing in Bonaire

Snorkeling off of Klein Bonaire

My favorite running route is along the coastal road here

Well, not necessarily in that order.  Val and I just returned from another trip to Bonaire in the southern Caribbean, our favorite vacation spot.  At various times, my dad, a friend of his, my twin brother and his wife, 1 of their kids and a friend of hers, and my older brother and a friend of his were all down for the week.  Bonaire is also my favorite spot to run and to snorkel.  Even though it stays warm there with an average year-round day time temperature of 85, running along a single lane, deserted, elevated road with dramatic dropoffs to the clear blue Caribbean and which winds along the contour of the shore is always one of my rave runs.  Absolutely hard to beat.  The only key is to get out early enough so the sun doesn't bake you too much.  And 2 handhelds won't last you as long as up North!  Although it's a relatively flat island, I did manage to find about a 100 meter hill at 10-12% grade to get in some hill work - which absolutely killed me in that weather.  But did I mention the great views?!  I managed to get in 4 good runs and felt very strong.  Definitely a good place to train - and enjoy.  (I felt the rum and Cuban cigars from the previous night every time I ran.)

Charlotte Running Company 13-mile Trail Race

One of One2Tri's Racing Team's great sponsors, Charlotte Running Company, held the first race of the Carolina Trail Run Series on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011 at the National Whitewater Center.  The race offered 3 different distances: 4-miles, 9-miles, and 13-miles.  I was thankful for the later starting time of 9:00 a.m. because it was still a very chilly 27 degrees - with a light breeze - at the start.  Fortunately, the snow and ice from last weekend's trail run was gone and the trails were in excellent shape.  I had expected some muddy conditions, but everything was frozen.

I rode up with my good friends Steve & Leah Grace, who were also doing the 13-miler.  We huddled in the warmth of my car until the absolute last moment.  Even though my tights cutoff temps are usually around 30, I decided to run with shorts, which turned out be the right decision. At the start line, the wind was blowing and I felt under-dressed.  Fortunately, my One2Tri Racing teammate, Michael Beacham, was standing next to me feeling a little over-dressed.  So he quickly shed a windproof vest and I, as quickly, put it in.  Another good decision.

Holding up 1st place trophy for "Old Guys" Division!

My intent was to start out very slowly and gradually pick up the pace throughout, as that has been a successful strategy in the past.  However, when the 9- and 13-milers started out (we left together; the 4-milers would start 10 minutes later), everyone seemed to be out of the chute fast, so I went along for the ride.  Once we entered the trail, there was the predictable back-up on the single track for the first few miles, but that helped keep me in check.  I did have 1 minor spill about 5 miles into the run; I probably cold have stayed upright, but just did a soft roll instead.  No harm done and I kept right on moving.

At the 1 hour 5 minute mark, I refilled my Ultimate Direction Quickdraw handheld and was attempting to put another Elixir electrolyte tablet in when I dropped it on the trail.  With no thoughts of going back to get it, I wondered whether that would come back to haunt me.  I also ended up pacing a line of people behind me, but didn't know if they were 9-milers or 13-milers and, thus, was unsure if I was on the right pace.  Pacing others when I am not in that official capacity can often throw my race off.  Fortunately, neither a lost electrolyte tablet or leading a pace group had any ill effects.

Keith with 1st Overall Plaque

There were no mileage markers on the course and there were a lot of criss-crossing runners, so it was difficult to gauge my actual pace and confusing to know who was where on the course.  I expected the course to be similar to the River Bound 1/2 marathon one, but it wasn't.  When I came to the last aid station, I thought there was another 2 mile loop to complete, but the finish line was only 1/2 mile away.  The good news: the race was almost over.  The bad news was that if I had known I was that close to finishing, I definitely would not have taken that bathroom break 5 minutes earlier and I probably would have been pushing a little harder.  As it turned out, it didn't really matter.  I crossed the finish line in 1:55:20 to finish first in my age group with a comfortable lead of 7 minutes over the 2nd place AG finisher.  Average HR was 141 and burned 2,155 calories.

The One2Tri Racing Team had a great day as Keith Mrochek defended his 2010 title and came in first overall in the 9-miler and Greg Shore won his AG in the 4-miler.  And a shout out to Steve Grace for a very impressive 1:49:54 and Leah Grace for a 2:02:58, good for a 3rd place finish in her AG and just a little over 1 minute out of 2nd place (plus, she's coming off an injury!)  Congrats to all.

Winter Running

After a nice snowy run

In the cold of winter it's not always easy to get up and out of that warm bed, but if I can, it's seldom I am not rewarded.  Such was the case on Monday when we got about 4" of snow here.  An afternoon run, with light snow still falling, was the highlight of a great day.  Dressed warmly (almost too warmly), protected from the snow with my Norrona Bitihorn jacket (weighs less that 9 oz., compressible to the size of a bagel, and completely wind & water proof), my Natty Geo Buff and Injinji gaiters, I was all set.  I opted not to wear my YakTrax which, at first, I thought might be a mistake.  For the first mile or so, the snow would clump in the sole of my shoes like wet Carolina red clay and I had to keep knocking it out.  But that didn't last.  It was a perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon.

"A little snow was here and there...."
"Snow beneath whose chilly softness...."
- Emily Dickinson

Me and Beacham

Today was another great day of winter running.  After debating multiple running options, I decided on running the trails at the National Whitewater Center.  With the melting of the past few days, I looked forwards to some sloppy conditions - which I love.  I met my fellow One2Tri Racing teammate, Michael Beacham, and two other good friends, Steve & Leah Grace at 8:30.  The trails were technically closed, but that really applies more to mountain bikes than runners.  Closed trails are also nice because we didn't have to be on guard for bikes.  The starting temp was 30 degrees and there was considerably more snow and ice on the trails than I had anticipated.  We started out slowly until we got a feel for the snow/ice and then were able to pick up the pace a little.  It was absolutely gorgeous on the trails; plus, it was obvious that few if any runners had been out since the snow.  We logged a slow, but vigorous 8 miles.  Another great day!