run a marathon

I’m thinking about running LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this fall! What do you think?

Great experience the first time. Now I want to try to run another, but a bit faster!

Oh it’s nice to be back in the central time zone.

I know this zone. The clock in my head knows it, but when I come back from jumping through lots of time zones I become clueless to the time. The brain is fuzzy and just doesn’t know. From experience, I know that running helps make the adjustment faster. For me it seems that running outside helps more than the treadmill, but both help more than doing nothing.

Today was mystery running partner day. We did a local bike trail. We planned for 10k, but did 6.4 miles in 71 minutes. Nice easy pace after yesterday’s harder run by myself. It was fun. Nice weather about 70 in the sun.

I was back to during my iRun podcast again. Also got the Treo cam turned on me from a distance. Hey, I have a whole body! I even match my Jeep.

I’ll be doing the Wolf Lake Trail Run next Sunday. It’s a run around Wolf Lake. I’ve never done a true trail run. If you’re interested let me know. I think it’s 3.8 miles.

I’ve made it to Sweet Sixteen miles today. It’s another PR!

NOTICE: For those of you that have been following by blog sitting on the edge of your seat diligently reading, listening and vicariously living my every step, this is harder than it looks! Ha! Ok, on with the story.

Sunday morning, set my alarm for 6:01 AM. The extra minute of sleep seemed appropriate since my schedule was really my own. Doing a long run alone today. Instead of just looping a couple of times around my neighborhood for a long run, I decided I would drive to the local bike trail to run an out and back for 16 miles total.

As I finished an EAS energy bar, I parked my Jeep strategically by the trail so that I could fill up on more Gatoraid later into my run. It was a nice cooler sunny morning. I hit the trail at 6:57 AM. Made some early comments with my iRun podcast Part a as I was just getting going.

The trail has nice long flat sections. I snapped a picture around 2 miles into my run. You can see the trail running for a long distance behind me. I had not seen a single soul at this time. Empty trail. Maybe they’re all getting ready for church?

I finally passed a couple of ladies out for a stroll then no one again. The trail ran around 4 miles for about 3/4’s of mile. I had to run along the road until it picked up again. A mountain biker passed me on this section and then again…no one. The trail ended. My GPS said I was just shy of 7 miles. I turned around, slurped down some Gatoraid and headed back where I came from.

My legs were doing fine. My pace was about 9:45/mi. This is 15 seconds slow per mile than last weekend. I didn’t really mean to run slower. Just enjoying myself. As the miles continued the Gatoraid was gone. I stopped by a ballpark. Filled up my bottle with water from a bubbler. I goobled down some Accel Gel as I continued on.

I was getting close to my Jeep when I hit 13.1 miles at 2:07:57. Once again I beat my January ‘05 1/2 marathon time while just doing a nice long run. About 3 more miles to go.

I stopped at my Jeep to refill my bottle with Gatoraid and I nabbed a banana to munch. I guzzled the remaining Gatoraid that was in the big bottle. I smiled to myself about the cooler I had packed. Nice planning ahead! Off I went down the trail the other direction.

I watched my GPS as I hit 14.9 miles and then 15.0 miles and then 15.1 miles. Yes, another personal record for distance! For some reason this made me think back to when I was about 10 years old hitting apples with a stick to see how far I could get them to fly without smashing them with the stick. I set a marker in the yard for the “world record” distance. I like records. ...albums too.

I snapped a picture with my Treo coming back across a bridge on the trail as I headed for my final 1-mile sprint. Pace was about 9:45/mi during this mental sprint. I was messing with my phone. I couldn’t get it to work. It kept dialing my voice mail over and over. I was trying to do another iRun podcast. My phone dialed another number when I put it back in my Fuel Belt. I heard talking coming from my belt. No, it wasn’t 911. Oops, but at least not a big oops!

Finally, 16 MILE! 2 hours 37 minutes and 1 second. I walked the last little ways back to the Jeep.

iRun podcast Part b from my Jeep as I drove home after my first 16-miler!

After burning through about 1800 calories running, I ate some pancakes, scrambled eggs, a biscuit, OJ & coffee for breakfast. The refueling felt good. I only lost 1 lb today. Recovery time was much faster today. Went for a 1.5 mile walk with the dog around noon.

Looking forward to some sushi later this afternoon!

http://www.arthurvance.com

Set two alarms to make sure I got up and out for an early morning run. The sun is coming up later so the early morning runs are going to move indoors within the next month. It’s not safe with the traffic in a couple of areas to run here when it’s dark outside.

Today it was gorgeous at 5:50 AM. Fog rolling across the fields with the sun breaking over the horizon. The air was cool. Felt like it was in the upper 50s when I started.

Since I had two days off since running 14 miles, my legs felt completely rested. With the air cool and a good night’s sleep, I hit the road feelin’ great. I was cruisin’ from the start.

As I turned my run toward the west at about 6 AM, I took a picture. Check out that sun. The picture says a thousand words, but real life was fantastic. I hit every major point at PR time on my home 6.9 mile loop. Wow, I’m making progress.

I worked in an Accel gel at 4 miles. Drank only a bit of water since it was cool.

I was unable to get my iRun podcast to broadcast on the run. The number I dial on my Treo was busy. I’m wondering if the audiolog service went out of business. If that’s the case, I’ll find another way. First run without a podcast in a month. :(

I don’t remember exactly, but I went past the 10k point around 51-something and finished the 6.9 miles at exactly 56:00!

That’s 95 seconds off my fastest previous time (July 27th) but it was cooler today. I could have run this faster if I had been racing it. I’m having FUN!

http://www.arthurvance.com

In the long run, I plan on making it to 26.2 miles on January 8, 2006. I’m going to be one of the people that trains up and gets myself in shape for this marathon. I want it to be a great experience not one that is grueling and aweful.

I’ve NEVER been a “runner”. Even less of a long distance runner. I remember almost dying trying to do that 600 yard run for the Presidential Physical Fitness awards when I was kid. Some how I always made the time, but I felt like puking. I wanted that award!

In high school, I wasn’t good enough to make the basketball team. I got cut. I liked football, but would have gotten killed. I wasn’t interested in cross country or track. I remember going to one track practice and they made everyone run the halls up and down stairs. I never went back. I finally lettered in tennis just because the whole team sucked. I was next to awful, but made varsity by playing the most bizarre game of doubles. I never practiced. I’ve never played another game of tennis since high school. Hmmm…I bet it’s kind of fun. I had fun playing back then even if I was rotten. At least I knewn the rules.

I’m learning the rules of running now. I started for “good health” when I found myself over weight and out of shape in a photo, on the scale and at the doctor’s office. I’ve stayed at it for health, but I’ve also found it rewarding mentally. The sense of accomplishment is gratifying. Either I do it or I don’t do it. If I’m too lazy then my laziness is right there square in front of me STARING at me. There’s no one else to point at. There aren’t any short cuts.

Today I got in a 1.1 mile “fast” walk with the dogs. We were on the bike trail. After that, I rested for a bit by reading a bunch of newspapers at home. I then strapped on the fuel belt and headed out around noon for a run. Ate some Accel gel at 4 miles and another at 9.5 miles.

I took a picture at 4 miles while I was feeling good. “Hi”Pokey!

Another picture at 11 miles. I was almost out of water. I decided to do an iRun podcast since I needed to distract myself. As I rounded mile 12, I realized that not only was my pace faster than my Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 marathon (2:08:30) last January, I had a shot at under 2 hours! So with the sun beating down and out of water, I turned it up a gear. I’m sure I cut off at least another 5 seconds. Ha! I snapped a picture of my watch at 13.1 miles 2:00:18! I’m making progress because I wasn’t racing this. I was just out doing a nice long run.

Now that a 1/2 marathon distance was passed, I was ready to be done. The last .9 miles were long. I took off my shirt. I took off my sun glasses. I took off my cap. Pushed onward. Finally I snagged the Accel drink off my NSX wing at 13.7 miles as I arrived home, but STILL not to 14 miles so back down the driveway.

2:09:26 for the 14 miles. That’s 23.6 miles in the past 24 hours!

http://www.arthurvance.com

Another early morning 7 mile run. I was out running before 6 AM. Nice 70 degree weather. Though I didn’t “want” to get out of bed, I told myself (and this blog) that I would be out running. I knew I had no time in my schedule anytime after 7 AM so early was the only options.

After 2-days of rest since the 10-miler race, the blister on my toes is almost completely healed and I needed to get back at it. Instead of wearing my Asics I decided to wear my Nikes since they wear a bit differently. They look neat though I don’t like them as much, but rotating the shoes seems logical. I did stick a finger bandage on my toe. That worked well.

I ran a pace that felt good. Not too fast, but with it cooler I can go faster without it being any more effort. Took my water, Accel Gel and Treo phone. Ate some Gel at 2 miles. Took some pictures and did my famous iRun podcast past the five mile mark.

5 runs in 10 days for 34.7 miles in August so far. I’m right on pace. For a rank amatuer I’m doin’ good! I finished the 6.9 miles in 59:57 having to push that last 1/2 mile to keep it under 1 hour. Felt really good. No pain anywhere.

Schedule is full tomorrow so I’m going to try for a run on Friday.

http://www.arthurvance.com

About 300 people showed up for the Cudahy 10 miler or 5-miler along the western shores of Lake Michigan. Temps were low 70s with the sun shining brightly. Not much of a breeze off the lake. Since I’ve been running in some hot weather, this really seemed great. I did hear a few people commenting about it being hot this morning.

The race was very well organized. I got there 20 minutes prior to race time. They were still prepared for me to signup, get my number and a nifty clothes bag. I met a few friends from work that are better faster runners than me. They asked me if I had a race (time) goal for the run. I decided 90 minutes for 10 miles would make me very satisfied. Since I’ve never run specifically a 10-mile race. Anything that gets me across the finish line is a PR (personal record).

The race started right on time. I set out for a 9 minute mile pace for 10 miles. The course was a 5 mile loop along the lake. For the 10-miler they routed us around the finishing area for another lap. Plenty of water stations. I only skipped a few of them because it got hotter as the sun rose higher. I jokingly always asked for a “free” one. I might run faster if I stopped being so friendly and focused, but life is short.

Now the bad news, I forgot my Garmin 201 watch in my Jeep. I was concerned about my feet because I’ve got a blister on my right index toe. Right on the tip, ouch! I put a bandage on it and powered up. Left the watch in my bag. Ok, it didn’t matter. The course was marked with big signs for each mile. The guys from work ran with me for the first 6 miles. They kept telling me the time. We were right on my pace. At 6 miles I ate some Accel Gel for breakfast. At a water station between 6-7 miles, fortunately and amazingly, I lost my “pacers” behind me! :) So I did an iRun Podcast DURING that section of the race!

As the 10 miles grew closer, the last 880 yards were marked with a sign. I picked up the pace slightly (or at least in my mind). The final 440 yards were marked with a sign. I picked up the pace for real…I think. I crossed the finish at 1:28:30exactly. I felt like I could have kept the pace for another mile or two. Easy to say since I didn’t have to run another mile or two.

I’m thrilled to have run a pace faster than 9 minute miles for ten complete miles. Holy cow! All those train runs are paying off.

Next to the finish line, the run club had a feast of fruit, breads, cookies, water, gatorade, brownies. I saw a keg of beer near by too. I stuck to gatorade (about 6 cups).

I’m not sure what race I’ll run next. I plan to take a few days off and then get back to running. Disney Marathon here I come!

http://arthurvance.blogspot.com/

An early morning 7 mile run today since I knew that business would keep me booked until late tonight. I got up and out early for the run.

I looked out the window and it was pretty dark outside. I saw some early morning fog and for a moment told myself to get back into bed. I didn’t. Outward and onward! I snapped a sunrise pix!

At just prior to 5 miles I did a iRun podcast. Can’t stop podcast!

I finished the early morning loop in 63:45 which is a nice pace. I then went into work and talked to a couple hundred people.

http://arthurvance.blogspot.com/

Wow, I hit 125 miles for July!

I needed 14 miles today to make it happen. A big task since my longest run this month was 7.5 miles. I know that it’s recommended to only add 10% onto your long runs each time. I decided to just listen to my body (legs). I could bail at 7 miles since I loop back past my house at that point. I would also take some 1 minute walk breaks, but I WANTED 14 miles.

Out I went just after 8 AM this morning with temps in the upper 70’s. My legs were a bit tired for the first mile. Had to play games with my brain about the 14 miles. I got into a nice slow pace and just ran. Weather was great, but still hot for running.

I snapped a picture with my Treo 650 in “my spot” with the run in my face just prior to the 4 mile point. Things were going good!

Here is my “part A” iRun Podcast early into the my run.

I consumed all my Accelerade drink by the time I passed my house at 7 miles. I stopped into my garage for 10 seconds to exchange my empty bottle for a full 16 oz bottle of water. It took me 10 seconds because I guzzled about 5 oz of water from another bottle I had set there waiting for me. I also dropped off an empty Accel Gel packet and picked up another. I had to be careful with all this stuff because I had it all lined up on the back wing of my NSX (car). I bet not many people have ever used an NSX rear wing as a a water station!

Back out running, I wiggled my toes to see how they were doing at the 8 miles. A couple of tired ones, but nothing was going wrong. No tight muscles either. I just kept the pace. Since I was running a loop I passed all the same stuff twice. Still didn’t find it boring.

I snapped another picture with my Treo as I passed the same area at around 11 miles. More cloud cover by this time.

I could feel the fatigue starting, but I dismissed it. Here is my “part B” iRun Podcast at 11 miles into my run.

I passed the 1/2 marathon point at around 2 hours 12 minutes then took another 1 minute walk break before bringing it all home…ok, I didn’t burning it up at the end, but I did push onward.

Completed the 14 miles in 2 hours 21 minutes and 44 seconds.

I’ve consumed about 100 oz of liquid since I started the run. Other than sweat, not much has come back out.

August is NEXT!