Pictures from Saturday's Seabrook Lucky Trails Half Marathon

LINK


LINK 2

Dana Point Pictures

Here's a link to pictures from the Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K last week >>>Click Here<<<.

40th Annual Peachtree Road Race

Unofficial: 42:12

Happy with the result. Having a bit of "buyer's remorse" as I feel like I could have done better. I lost concentration a few times along the way.

You know you're in the Bible Belt when there are people "witnessing" on the sidewalks along the race course. An Episcopal bishop was blessing runners with holy water too.

The course was challenging with some decent up's and down's.

Pamela's Race 10K Orchard, Texas

10K - 42:59
certified course
8:03 AM 73° 85% 13 mph


My Six-Word Race Report

No rhythm; tough, rural; Masters' winner

Short

The course was short . The course was different than it was in the past and wasn't certified. I had the distance at 3.02 miles on my Garmin. My 19:00 translates to a 19:30 5K which I believe would have been possible based on how I felt finishing.

I ran the Go-Zone strategy a lot better than a couple weeks ago. I still have some refining to do with the strategy but was happy to be passing several other runners over the second half of the run. And I felt strong doing it.

Ed Eyestone's 3-2-1 speed training plan is the way to faster running over shorter distances. I'm 100% convinced even though I only worked with it for a week or so. The unfortunate thing is that I won't be able to get back with it now for about 7 months. My training is shifting back to endurance building starting tomorrow. The half marathon is in 7 weeks.

Houston Half Pictures

Pictures from the Houston half marathon are here

Based on the pictures, it's surprising I ever made it to the finish line since it seems my eyes are always closed ....

Dana Point Race Pictures ... Ugggggghhhh!

There has been some discussion recently among my Saturday running group about how horrible or ridiculous some of the race pictures are. I really didn't fully appreciate the discussion - as I thought I looked okay in most of my race pictures. That is until now! Here are links to the Dana Point races. I post these only for your amusement! I look horrible!


Dana Point Turkey Trot 10K (disregard the pics from the kids' race their was a kid with the same bib number is I had in the 10K)

You can only begin to appreciate how hard it was raining from these pics!


Dana Point Turkey Trot 5K

The finishing pictures here are ridiculous! Remember this was the race "I wasn't going to kick to the finish" in. You can see that I passed the guys who were in front of me in the picture from my earlier post

The rain stopped shortly after the 10K finished.

Lesson learned: Don't run two races on the same day!

Dana Point Turkey Trot

10K
41:56 *** new PR ***
age group: 8 of 189
men: 104 of 1494
overall: 123 of 3179

5K
22:40
age group: no rank due to running in 5K rather than Masters 5K
men: 176 of 1116
overall: 214 of 2334

Met at Alex's house. Drove to Dana Point. Started together in a light rain. I expended a bunch of energy in the first mile weaving through traffic. By Mile 2 it was coming down really hard. I pressed on hoping to be able to hold the pace. Fortune smiled on me and I held up pretty steady to the end. I had a strong kick as I passed several over the last quarter mile.

Another PR in the books and another evidence that a 3:20 marathon is a possibility.

PRE RACE
FRS & Carb-boom

POST RACE
water & Clif bar

St. George Marathon

Official time: 3:27:00

Imagine that?

More later ....

Nike Human Race 10K

OBJECTIVE
Rest

ACHIEVED
WU - 0.51 mi.
10K - 47:59

7:13 AM 79° 79% 5 mph

This "race" really wasn't part of the plan. Nike put on a worldwide 10K race today. There were something like 25 race locations around the world. If you weren't able to make it to a race location, you could use your Nike+ gear to record your race information and upload it. That way anyone, anywhere could run. A third, hybrid option presented itself. Finish Line, a running store, hosted the "race" here in Houston. It ended up being two plus loops at Memorial Park and wasn't time. I took my Nike+ gear so I could upload my time. My legs were pretty heavy given yesterday's long run. Therefore, I was planning to run this one around an 8:50/mile pace just to stretch out and experience the event.

Coincidentally I saw Jonathan right before the race started. He was supposed to be in Louisiana for the LSU football game but didn't go due to the hurricane. I ran with him and a couple of his running acquaintances. It was good to have others to take the tour with. Once we got going, I was surprised at how good my legs felt. We ran a nice even pace and I was very happy with how it turned out. Here are my mile splits:

8:00
7:55
8:00
7:50
7:49
7:16
1:06 (0.18 mi.) = 6:14/mi.

So this effectively turned into a long, slow tempo run ... ???

Disappointingly, the race shirts in my size were gone when I got there. Each runner got a shirt before the race with a unique "race number" printed on the shirts. Everyone wore their shirt for the race. It was pretty cool ... at least a good photo op for Finish Line and Nike. I ended up with a different Human Race shirt of the same bright red color.

More than ever, I believe Nike has an excellent idea with this race but the execution leaves much to be desired.

PRE RUN
weight = 159#
water, GrapeNuts cereal & skim milk

POST RUN
Clif bar & Gatorade

Unmitigated Disaster

OBJECTIVE
Training schedule – 20 mi. @ 8:15/mi.
Revised for race – 30K; get to know Ogden marathon course Mile 5 – 13; push pace based on feel

ACHIEVED
30K
Official gun time – 2:58:15
Garmin self-timed – 2:58:07
(forgot to reset auto-lap from last hill workout; this REALLY screwed up my pacing since I had no clue until the end of the race)

8:13/7:47/7:33/7:44/7:54/7:51/7:57/8:16/8:13/8:15/7:55/8:03/8:22/8:31/8:45/12:14/16:28/16:14

The words of William Shakespeare came to my mind. “Discretion is the better part of valor.” At the time, I didn’t realize the phrase was from King Henry the Fourth, Part One. But I had plenty of time for many random thoughts to flash across my mind.

Today was the Striders Winter Racing Circuit 30K. I had no plan to run this event until yesterday. My training schedule called for a 20-miler. None of my occasional long-run partners were going anywhere near that distance. I figured I’d either go 10 miles with Stephanie’s group or the renegade Spring Running Club then add the rest of the mileage on my own. This idea didn’t seem all that appealing. My dad called with tickets available for the Houston Rockets – Utah Jazz playoff game. The idea quickly gelled: I’d leave work for Cameron’s last baseball game of the school season. From the game, I’d hustle home and pack while Cam cleaned up. Then we’d fly to Utah.

After the flight and drive to my parents’ house, it was around 1 AM. I was tired and fell asleep quickly. The race was at 7:30 AM and I had not registered so I would need to be there early to sign up. The drive up the canyon was about 40 minutes. Luckily, I got behind someone with a “26.2” sticker on their car. I figured there’s only one place he was going on a Saturday morning.

The mountain air was cold (another blogger had it at 28°). This is much colder than I’ve been training in. In fact, I think the last time I ran in this cold of temperature was also in Utah at Thanksgiving. Fortunately, I had brought my tights, long sleeves, gloves, and pullover.

I stretched and warmed up … a little. Then it was time to run. Following last years’ Ogden Half Marathon tactic, I tucked myself in at the back of the pack. I hoped this would slow me down and eliminate my usual “irrational exuberance” at the beginning of long races. It didn’t but may have helped a little.

I got a little eager in passing people over the first two miles. But I felt good. I didn’t notice any impact from the altitude and could tell early on that I has going to end up being overdressed.

After about a mile, the course jumped on to the Ogden marathon course which we ran in reverse. The overall course was a modified out-and-back (out 6 miles followed by a 6 mile loop then back the over the first 6). Part of the motivation of running this race was to see part of the top of the marathon course.

The course was good and the setting was beautiful. There were still small patches of snow in the shaded areas along the route. The mountains all around were snowed covered. At one point there were dozens of horses in a huge pasture running alongside the course. The runners had stirred them up, I suppose.

I had no expectation of time. That wasn’t for a lack of “running some numbers”. I had a full sheet of hand written times and paces that I had been considering. Ultimately, I threw it all out the window and just ran. I decided the time would be whatever my body felt like.

A little over 6 miles in, I was overtaken by a couple of guys who started talking. They actually weren’t in the race and had already gone around the “lake” on their Saturday morning long run. They stayed with me for a bit less than 2 miles as we tracked up a long incline. Finally, they turned back and I was on my own again. I say “on my own” but there were other runners all around. Someone said they expected 200 – 400 for the day’s event.

Around 9.5 miles, the turn back was made. I felt a bit slower but wasn’t sure if it was just the incline or the fact a couple people passed me. I was a bit surprised by the pass at this point. I didn’t feel like I was falling off pace that much. I was feeling okay. Cardio and breathing were fine and my legs generally felt good except for my left knee that has having the faintest degree of discomfort. I had stripped off my pullover and gloves. (“Thank you” to the guys in the Dodge pickup who took them back to the start/finish area for me!) My nutrition and hydration seemed good. I was happy to be turning back.

Some quick math revealed that I was on pace for 2:24. My absolute best case scenario was 2:20 so I really just wanted to hold the pace and press on. I realized that I was falling off a bit but somewhere along the way had mentally divided the run into 3 segments: 7 miles, 7 miles, and 4+ miles. My hope was to pick it up over the last segment.

I didn’t really feel like my form was breaking down or that I was slowing dramatically but around the 14 mile mark a couple runners passed me. They had been talking behind me for some time. They said they had been referring to me as “the 8-minute guy” because I was so consistent with my splits. I pointed out that I clearly wasn’t holding at 8-minute miles now. I also acknowledged that my IT band was giving me a problem. I had not really noticed it getting worse but between 9.5 and 14 miles, it had become a problem and it was slowing me. I made a turn and came to the 15 mile mark and water stop. I had not stopped to this point but did here. I grabbed a GU, a Gatorade, and water. I stood at the garbage box and consumed all three. I turned to go and my knee REALLY let me know there was a problem.

Over the next half mile, I had a huge debate with myself. I have NEVER stopped during a race. I finally decided this was the right thing to do. The marathon is three weeks away. Maybe I could grind out the next 3 miles but for what purpose. Just to prove to myself that I could? And at what cost? Was I willing to risk getting to the starting line of the marathon?

So with slightly more than 3 miles to go, I started the walk.

My knee was fine walking but my pride wasn’t! People passed me. Most of them didn’t say anything. A few offered encouragement. One guy thoughtfully asked if I needed help. It was during this walk that the Shakespeare quote crossed my mind.

“Discretion is the better part of valor.”

The next big decision I faced was whether to actually allow my time to be recorded … “for the record”. Some people I know will go around the timing mats at the finish if they haven’t had a good run. That way their time is not recorded, posted to the Internet, etc. Hey, even the elite runners will record a “DNF” (did not finish) when it’s just not their day. My pride and ego suggested to me that I probably should do the same. Just walk to the car and drive back to my parents' place.

I was leaning toward this approach when I remembered watching the last Hawaii Ironman on television. One of the top male contenders had a problem during the race (I don’t recall what it was.) that didn’t allow him to run but he could still walk. When faced with this situation, the top competitors almost always just get in a support van and rest for another day. Instead of taking this approach, the guy walked and finished the Ironman back in the middle of the pack. A position I doubt he’s ever been in. An interviewer later asked him why he walked to the finish. His reply was something to the effect that it’s disrespectful to the other competitors if you drop out when you can finish under your own power.

Now I’m not suggesting that I’m a top competitor. Rather I’m a middle of the pack guy. Walking put me at the back of the pack. I decided this wasn’t a problem. I wanted this race to be “on the record”. It will serve as a reminder that there’s a lot that can go wrong over the course of a race. It will also remind me not to take the opportunity to run for granted.

Glass half-full perspective –
• Fastest 25K ever – 2:06:29
• Half marathon – 1:44:54 (faster than current PR [1:46:09])

PRE RUN

Oatmeal with milk; water

DURING
3 GU’s; 3 Gatorades; 2 or 3 waters

POST RUN

Gatorade, whole wheat bread & couple doughnut holes

Ill-advised Racing

OBJECTIVE
3.1 mi. : finish

ACHIEVED
3.13 mi. @ 7:13/mi. (22:35)

8:00 AM 61° 86% 4 mph

I probably shouldn't have run this race today. However, my employer is corporate sponsor and our running group received 35 paid entries. Late Friday afternoon, I checked the registration listings and found only 4 or 5 coworkers had registered so I signed up. Thinking that if Saturday's long run didn't go well that I'd just not race today.

This run is a HUGE local fundraising event for cancer research. On the course - all at the same time - are timed runners, untimed runners, family run/walkers, and walkers. Walking from my car to the packet pickup table was difficult for me. I was still feeling yesterday's run ... BIG TIME. I walked back to the car and stretched. I heard the call for runners and tried slowly running to the start. Wasn't happening .... Luckily they didn't start right away. I found a place in the pack, the gun sounded and off we went. I was behind slow people but that wasn't a problem today! My left ITB was throbbing and I had no get-up-and-go. Early in the race, I considered dropping out. I figured I might be hurting myself but honestly couldn't see I "good" place to drop out ... anonymously. So I slowed down even more and pressed on. I decided to "enjoy" the run as much as possible. When I saw the race leaders doubling back toward Reliant Stadium, it somehow lifted me. I cheered a few of them one then started cheering some of the other runners around me especially the young ones. I noticed that I was starting to pass people. My knee was still giving me a problem but not as bad as before.

I started focusing on the turnaround. I decided that I would work on my technique. Most runners started crowding to the extreme inside. This gave me the opportunity on the outside. So I swung wide while passing people then cut the turn and accelerated off the orange cone. I passed several others and got a lift. My knee was feeling better. I decided that my goal was to not let anyone pass me the rest of the way.

With .5 mile to go, I feeling felt good (relatively speaking). I picked up my pace. There was a long hill that I powered up smoothly; passing many others as I did. I turned hard for the finish and felt fine pushing to the end.

After the run, my knee was really screaming as I walked around trying the food samples available from the sponsors.

Normally this race result would have been a huge disappointment. But in context, I'm happy with the result:

* just ran 19 miles yesterday
* managed negative splits 7:41/7:30/6:39/ .14 @ 0:45 (5:21) [I think this is the first time I've gone negative splits in a 5K.]
* last year's time for this race 24:42

PRE RUN
Clif bar & water

POST RUN
water, pumpkin bread, spring roll, smoothie, granola bar, nutella crepe

Tour de Bayou, Part I

I didn't know what to expect going into the first leg of today's Tour de Bayou. Throughout the day, I really didn't feel like running it tonight. But finally decided to at least go check it out.

The Tour de Bayou is a 5-leg series of cross country races with distances ranging from 5K to 8K. The races are held Tuesdays at 6 pm at various locations around Houston.

Tonight's leg ended up being 2.77 miles at Spotts Park. The course was an "out-and-back out-and-back", went up and down 5 hills, and was all on grass. The recent rains created a heavy bog in one area and I noticed people losing their shoes in it on my first pass.

Not knowing exactly what to expect and "not feeling it", I started slow. I decided to just run this one on "feel". I didn't have my Garmin and I wasn't up to "racing" so it was just going to be a cruise around the course.

I ended up with 22:43 (self-timed) and 20th place. Jonathan Bennett, who I met up with before the race, ran well and finished in 10th.

I suppose the plan is to catch the next 4 legs of this event. Cumulative standings are kept so maybe I can move up before it's all over.

Run The Woodlands 5K #197

OBJECTIVE
5K : challenge January's 20:37 PR

ACHIEVED
5K : 20:12 (unofficial)

8:00 AM 52° 97% 0 mph

I wasn't planning on racing today but my 15-year old son mentioned last night that he wanted to run The Woodlands 5K this morning. He's been running the two-mile event this track season (when it doesn't conflict with baseball) so I fully expected him to beat me today. But I wasn't going to go down without a fight! I didn't sleep well last night and didn't feel too good this morning before the race.

Amazingly, I felt great for the first half of the race. I forgot to bring my Garmin so I didn't know my pace. I was just running with my Timex Ironman. I think Cameron must have misjudged the distance because I passed him between 1 and 1.5 miles into the race. It felt like I was pushing the pace just about right. An amazingly efficient female runner passed me around 2 miles. Her stride was short but her turnover was very fast. She rolled past me. I tried to hang with her for a while but she methodically stretched the gap as I started breaking down. I think she was the same person who passed around the same point when I ran this race back in January.

I checked my watch and figured that I was going to have a chance of breaking 20:00 if I pushed it. So I did. But, in the end it wasn't enough. I didn't hear my time called out at the finish but had 20:12 on my watch. They usually post the results so I'll watch for the official time later.

My finish was good enough for 6th place overall. Cameron was about 20 - 25 seconds behind me in 9th place.

I was supposed to run 7 miles today so I'll either get 4 more miles later today or first thing in the morning.

PRE RUN
water & GrapeNuts w/skim milk

POST RUN
water & SlimFast

A Lot to be Thankful For

LOOK AT THAT STRIDE TO THE FINISH!


The temperature at race time was indeed 24 degrees making it the coldest race I've run. I wore tights, gloves, hat, and three layers on top. Before it was over, I'd be too hot!

The good news is I clocked in at 33:17 - well, ahead of my 34:28 goal. The bad news is that the course was short and there was no "official" timing. There was a great deal of confusion leading up to the start of the run. Apparently, the race organizers did not have the appropriate permits in place with the South Ogden police to run the scheduled course. Therefore, some last minute course changes were made and no one - runners or race officials - seemed to know the course or even where the run was going to start. A moment for perspective ... this was a charitable fun run. Admission to the event was a nonperishable food item that was donated to three local organizations. The run did receive a good bit of news coverage from local television stations and print media. According to the local newspaper, over 1,000 people participated in either the 5-mile run or 2-mile walk. I was very impressed with the turnout given the cold temperature.

At the start, I was in a huge mosh pit of walkers and runners. No one seemed to know if the run was starting to the north, south, or east (at least one direction was ruled out!). I saw Tim Grubb, a friend and strong Utah runner. We talked briefly until his group decided they were in the wrong place and began moving to the front. I hesitated and missed my opportunity to move with them but suddenly the mass of humanity was moving. I heard no gun, whistle, shout, ... anything but it was clear that the run had started ... and I was in a very poor position.

I began working my way through the crowd. For a section of a couple hundred yards, I was on the grass at the side of the hospital's driveway. Finally out on the road, I checked my GPS. My pace was okay but I wasn't feeling too good. I don't know if it was the cold or the energy spent working my way through the crowd but I knew I was in for a challenge. By the end of the first mile, I clocked in at 6:59 and finally had good running room. I had hoped to cover the first mile in something closer to 6:30. I quickly revised my upcoming splits to try and hold 7 minute miles for as long as possible. That came to a quick disappointment as the hills started. A lot of up and down over mile 2 and 3. I'll be interested to see what the elevation changes were when I download back at home. The uphill sections of course slowed me down and the downhill got my IT bands screaming so I wasn't able to capitalize like I wanted. Somewhere along the way, I set aside all goals and just tried to race. My style of racing isn't complicated, find someone in front of me to pick off and don't let anyone behind me pass. I was successful for the most part.

A young male runner passed me with about a mile to go. I stayed with him and when I tried to pass him back he stayed with me. I pushed it a little harder then harder still. He stayed with me. I backed off a bit but thought to myself that I had probably pushed him enough that I'd be passing him again before the end. I did attributing it to my experience and his lack of it.

Coming in front of the hospital, a group came up behind me. This was going to be a contested finish but I didn't know who the players would be but planned on being one of them. My legs weren't feeling great but my cardio was good. I felt ready for a push. I picked up the pace and picked off two runners. Turning into the back parking lot, there were foot steps along side. A tall, younger female was along side and pushing hard. I stayed with her. Her strides were long and smooth; powerful. Mine were choppy and flailing but I wasn't prepared to let her go. Side by side, it went. Then, I relaxed. This had a great consequence. I was faster; my stride lengthened and I was on my toes. It felt good. I shouldn't be surprised that relaxing helps in this manner but it never crosses my mind in the heat of the challenge. Frankly, I just stumbled upon it. She stayed with me. I had a fleeting moment of doubt. I didn't think I'd be able to shake her. I'd used all my gears but was determined to stay with it until the end. Finally with about fifty yards to go, she dropped back slightly. I kept pushing to the timekeeper who was calling times. She faded slightly and I crossed about a second ahead of her.

No matter how a race goes. Finishing strong makes it seems like a good race. Sure, I didn't make my goal time today. It wasn't in the cards. The conditions and the course weren't right. I should have been smart enough to pull off the attempt ahead of time. But pushing for the goal, always helps me stay focused. And, finishing strong makes the run feel successful.


4.56 miles - 33:17 (7:21/mile)


Okay, now for the fun stuff.

Congratulations and thanks to the following!

Colorado Cousins - Amy and Julie (using this as speed work for upcoming Las Vegas half marathon)

Wife - Paige (said she felt good and could have gone faster; that's after two 7-milers earlier in the week)

Sister - Wendy (took a break from Thanksgiving kitchen duty to run; her homemade rolls were the absolute best this afternoon and she looked strong in the run ... a true dual threat!)

Brother-in-law - Brandon (started out on the walk with his wife and kids before "transferring" over to run course.

Skiing Utah cousins - Ryan, Stephanie, and their kids (walked the course; a long-time family tradition for them)

Sister - Becky and 4/5 of her kids made the walk (one in a stroller); her only kid not to walk is new to the whole walking thing being around a year old.

Aunt Debbie, Uncle Clayton, & Mom - our loyal and excellent cheering section. Incredibly, they were not deterred by the icy condtions! Clayton also served as the family's race photographer (Thanks, Clayton!)

And, finally Dad - in a surprise effort, he lined up at the very back of the runners at the start. Known for his comedic antics, this wasn't a shock to anyone. The surprise came when he actually went out with the runners and finished the course. Great job, Dad! And thanks to Brandon and Tim for circling back to bring him in.



Dad, Paige, Wendy, and me in the prerace chill!



After a late decision to run, Paige makes the run look fun!



Phoebe, Brandon, and Dad basking in post race glory!

New 5K PR

This morning's Run The Woodlands 5K went well. I clocked a new personal record (PR) of 20:48.

It was a cool morning. But I warmed up soon after the start. I worked my way through the small group of runners to the front of the pack. (One of the entertaining aspects of The Woodlands run for me is the fact that I can stay with the frontrunners for awhile, if I choose to.) I found myself in second place 2/3 mile into the run. My pace was a bit faster than I wanted and I knew that I'd pay for it later. I dropped to third then fourth place during the second mile as my pace slowed from 6:27 over the first mile to 6:56 for the second. I had planned to hold the second mile at 6:45 but just wasn't able to do it. Over the last mile I was passed by a few other runners even though I held my third mile pace at 6:55 (my plan was for 7:00). I ended with a decent kick over the final 0.1 mile. I covered it in 0:29. I finished in 9th place.

My stomach started bothering me about half way into the race. I haven't had that problem before. It just felt like my stomach was empty even though I ate earlier this morning. I'm not exactly sure what to make of that situation.

On the one hand I'm pleased with the run after not training for 6 days (that's the longest break I've taken since March). On the other hand, it seems like I can do better. There's some time to be had over that second mile. I'm closer to my 20:30 5K goal. Of all the goal times, I've laid out for myself I expect this one to be the easiest to reach.

FOOTNOTE: The anticipated dual with Cameron never materialized as Cameron found himself afflicted with the common teenage malady that I call "mattress-itis". You know that's the one where a person finds a mattress attached to their back in the morning and are unable to free themselves from it. My guess is that he knew he wasn't ready for the challenge so he just folded before he found himself embarrassed.

DATELINE: St. George, Utah

3:40:18

St. George Marathon Report - DRAFT VERSION !!!

Jonathan pointed out this afternoon that my blog isn't current. Hopefully this hasn't been too hard on my readership (ha, ha, ha)! It seems I've had to pay a price for skipping out of town to run the marathon. It's been a peak time in the office so ever since I've been back I've been making up for being gone by working.

Anyway, here's a hacked up race report for what it's worth. I wanted to polish it up before posting it but that may not be forthcoming so ... here's what I have for now:



The marathon went well. It was a really good experience. I had mentally prepared for the worst and was pleasantly surprised when none of my worst-case-scenarios came to pass.


The conditions were absolutely perfect. The temperature at the start was 35 and at the finish it was 60. Humidity was 40%. I ran with my friend from LA for about 17 miles. He was having stomach problems and had to fall back. The run started feeling more like work at about 18. I think that was because I wasn’t with my friend anymore. By Mile 23, my legs were very fatigued (mostly quads from running downhill but my calfs were getting tight too). The course gets into town at about that point so spectators are lined along the streets with signs, cowbells, and cheering. There were some bands playing too. That was a big boost. Coming out of an aid station, I was gasping as I was gulping water or Gatorade. Fortunately, I hooked up with a 56-year old guy who was trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. His required time was 3:45. My best-case-scenario goal time was 3:45. He offered A LOT of encouragement over the last 3 miles. I finally told him to go ahead so he could get his time and qualify but he wouldn’t go. I stayed with me. He knew the course so he kept me informed of what was coming up next. It was a miracle this guy came along for me. Interestingly, my legs kept getting heavier and heavier but I felt really strong on the cardio side. It was a strange feeling (runner’s high ???) … like I could keep going indefinitely if only my legs weren’t burning so badly.


Okay, here’s my favorite marathon moment. We make the last turn and there’s a little over ¼ mile left. I could see the finish and was feeling real giddy. My older running buddy sensed it and told me to go ahead. So I took off for the finish line. I was passing what seemed like dozens of people as I picked up speed. Now you’ve got to realize I’m not fast but I do have a mantra that “no one passes me at the end of a race”. As I’m going faster and continuing to pass other runners, I hear footsteps over my right shoulder. Someone is coming up fast. I pick up my pace. The other runner is now beside me. He picks up his pace. I stay with him. It seemed like forever …. We kept picking it up until I was at top speed. There was no way I could go faster. At that point, I looked over at the guy. It seemed like he was a young kid. In reality he was probably in his mid-20’s. He looks at me and smiles. I figured that was it so I said to him, “Ahhh, it looks like you got me.” I turned back toward the finish line and gave it absolutely everything I had. I don’t know how far I went like that but when I looked to my right he was gone. I had dropped him! By this point, the line seemed within reach and I figured I’d just continue the sprint to the end. I ran out of gas about 60 yards short of the line and couldn’t take it in as strong as I wanted but I still finished fast and … no one passed me at the end. That whole last stretch had spectators on both sides of bleachers along the way. They were yelling and it was really exciting. I was happy the have a National Guardsman “catch” me after the finish or else I’m sure I would have collapsed to the ground.


I’m pleased to report that my GPS recorded my final splits as:

Last Mile – 7:38
Last ½ Mile – 3:22 (6:44 mile pace)
Last ¼ Mile – 1:23 (5:32 mile pace)


My finishing time was 3:40:18 (8:25 mile pace)


You can view a couple action photos here:

http://www.marathonfoto.com­/index.cfm?RaceOID=13112007M1­&LastName=BIRT&BibNumber=2777­&Mailing=5924


It’s too soon after the finish to know what my plans are from here. I really enjoyed the marathon but I’m sure that a big reason why I did was because of my preparation. To prepare properly requires a huge commitment of time. I think I’m going to drop down and run some shorter races for a while – maybe a 10K next month and a half marathon in January. From there, I’ll see how I feel about getting ready for another marathon.

Bearkat Bash 5K

Today was a rather full day!

I was scheduled for an easy 9 miles today but opted for a 5K sponsored
by Cam's high school cross country team - the Bearkat Bash.

It was a fun race because there were several people from the
neighborhood running and watching. Cameron was also running with his
team. I planned for a 21:20 but that wasn't in the cards as soon as I
went out too hard fighting my way through pre-race traffic (why did
the drill team think they needed to be at the front for the start?).

The CC team started up front and went out fast. I finally caught Cam
about 1.7 miles in. About half a mile later, I got into a verbal
confrontation with a fellow runner (it's all rather comical now but if
I see the guy again I'll have to thank him for providing me with an
adrenaline rush). I started my kick way too early just to get away
from this joker but I still had quite a bit left in the tank for the
final 1/10 mile. I ended up around 21:53 (forgot to stop my watch at
the finish line and I doubt they'll be posting official results). I
think I took 6th in the 40-44 age group.

From the race, Cam and I cleaned up, went to the airport, and flew to
LA. My good friend Alex picked us up and we went to the Rose Bowl for
the BYU - UCLA football game. We had a great time even though BYU
lost 27-17.

We caught a redeye back to Houston and were finally in our own beds at
6:30 Sunday morning.