Every Race is an Adventure!

I think someone must be playing an April Fool's joke. It felt more like January 1st than April 1st this morning. When it gets this cold Larry refers to it as being "stupid cold", which I think refers to the intelligence level of people who go out and run when it's this cold. Both of his thermometers said it was 18 degrees. Seasoned runner that he is, he came out anyway, although if I hadn't of showed up I think he may have went back in.

We had a nice easy, if frigid, run wandering through the neighborhood streets and talking. We only went 5.2 miles at around a 10:00 pace, but I still think we earned at least a couple of commando points.

Speaking of April Fool's jokes, as we came home we saw our neighbor moving his son's car around the corner of the block. He said it was an April Fool's prank on his son to make him think his car was stolen. I believe that what goes around comes around, so I'm kind of boring in the prank department. I hope my wife and children don't mind.

Larry thought he might make it out this morning, but no luck. I decided to try out my new Saucony Tangents this morning in preparation for using them in the Provo City 5K on Saturday. I couldn't decide where I wanted to run, so I just ran 1/2 mile laps around my neighborhood. I ended up running 6 miles, avg. pace 9:00/mi. I threw in non-easy mile and ran mile 4 in 7:05. These Tangents aren't quite as comfortable as the Tangents they are replacing...my lucky shoes that I've worn in nearly every race I've run in the past 3 years...but I think they'll do.

I ended up running alone at noon as well. I started the Lake View route then remembered that I wanted to explore the 5K race route a little bit so I headed under the freeway at 920 South and over and up to the Provo Tabernacle. I ended up averaging 8:37/mi for 6.5 miles.

The 5K starts at the Provo Tabernacle, heads south to the Provo Towne Centre mall, then returns to the tabernacle. The slight downgrade heading south will be great, but the upgrade the second half of the race will be a little challenging. I'm not sure what to expect from myself. I'd like to break 20 minutes (6:27/mi). I managed that pace at the Spectrum 10K a couple of weeks ago, but it had a lot of downhill and was at a lower elevation. I ran a 1/4 mile fartlek down part of 200 West today to test my speed and ran it in 1:31 (6:03/mi). That was after running 10+ miles today. This isn't a key race for me. I'll take it easy on Friday and then just go for it on Saturday and see what happens. Every race is an adventure!

I almost forgot to blog that I ran 3.5 easy miles this morning, with a few striders tossed in.

I didn't forget to blog yesterday. I didn't get a run in. It was a busy work day. In addition, I had to do something that was about as much fun as getting a root canal...I got a root canal.

At least my legs should be rested for the race tomorrow. 

I met Larry and Jolene at their house then we picked up Wayne and headed to the Provo City Half Marathon and 5K. Larry and Wayne ran the half. Jolene and I ran the 5K. I kept wishing I could run the half, but with a marathon planned for next week I think I chose wisely to just race the 5K. After the 5K I recovered a bit then ran the 1/2 marathon course backwards until I found Larry and Wayne and got in another 7.8 miles.

There was a delay in getting the timing chips out to everyone so the races started about 15 minutes or so late. There was a cold wind so I was reluctant to take my jacket off. I finally did shortly before the half marathon started. I then warmed up for a mile or so trying to get the blood flowing.

I lined up right at the starting line near the left side. Since there was a left hand turn one block into the race I had good inside position. As I started and ran the first block I couldn't see anyone in front of me or in my peripheral vision until the turn. This was a little unnerving. Shortly after the turn a half a dozen younger runners pulled a head of me. One young woman pulled ahead early and went on to win the race and beat me by about two minutes I think. I hung within striking distance of the rest of the pack through the remainder of the race.

The first mile was a downgrade with the wind to our backs. I chose not to look at my watch and just run. I ran the first mile in 6:05. I knew the next two miles would be slower. The second mile looped around the parking lot at the mall then headed back north, with the headwind and the upgrade. It also included climbing the overpass on University Ave over the railroad tracks. I ran the second mile in 6:50. We then continued north, up and into the wind. I thought I was maintaining my pace but ran mile 3 in 7:05. During this mile an old man passed me (old like me). I passed him back, but then he passed me again. I decided to save my next attempt for near the finish, but as we approached 100 East and the final loop around the block he deliberately left the course and stopped running. He didn't seem to be in distress. I can only guess he was a bandit. On the last block north, just before the left hand turn and sprint to the finish, I passed the three young men that had been in front of me for a while. After the turn, one of them (a tall one with long legs) sprinted past me again.

I finished in 20:15. I was hoping for sub-20:00, but the upgrade and the headwind the second half of the course got the best of me. I was still very pleased. I won my age division, and the official results had me 4th overall. The age categories of those ahead of me were F 25-29, M Under 19, and M 20-24, and then there was me M 45-49. There was a M 50-54 not far behind me. They didn't have an official masters category, but it felt good to be the fastest old guy. I don't think I've ever done that before.

As much as I enjoyed the 5K, I think I enjoyed running back to find Larry and Wayne more. I ran a couple of miles before I saw the leader, a Japanese (I think) runner. He was running well. Sasha turned the corner behind him just after he was out of sight. I told Sasha the leader was only about a block ahead of him. He never caught him, but I could tell Sasha was giving it all he had. It seemed like the gap between Sasha and the 3rd place runner was about a mile. I then started seeing more and more runners. It was kind of fun to greet and cheer them on. It was great to see how friendly everyone was. I saw MichelleL from the blog among the front runners. I was looking for Lybi, who I'd seen at Fazzoli's the night before, but I must have missed her.

I came across Wayne first. He was running well. I ran with him for a while then headed back to look for Larry. I found him a little farther back and ran the rest of the way back in with him. I really enjoyed it. I thought he was running well (he was as talkative as ever), but he didn't like how slow he was running (8:57 avg overall) and voiced a commitment to start running more and running faster.

Much to his surprise, Wayne won the silver medal for his age division in the half. Larry's wife Jolene and I each won our age divisions in the 5K and received gold medals. Larry joked about being the only one in the car who didn't win a medal, but after nearly 20 marathons and numerous other races, he well understands that it's not all about the medals.

It was a great morning! As I told Larry and Jolene as they dropped me off, the best part about running is sharing the experience with great running buddies. This race day was yet another awesome adventure!

I ran 5.5 very easy miles this morning to shake my legs out after Saturday's race and run. With the marathon this weekend, I plan to take it very easy this week. I figure the time for plowing and planting is past. The only hay I'm going to have for this race is what's already in the barn.

I only have one regret from Saturday morning's race and subsequent run with Larry for part of the half marathon, that I missed most of the first session of the LDS General Conference, including the sustaining of President Monson as the new prophet and president of the Church. I thoroughly enjoyed the remaining sessions of conference. It's such a blessing to have living prophets and apostles from whom we can receive light and truth and guidance through the adventurous and sometime treacherous journey of mortality. They are such a help to me in my efforts to run the race of life well that I may win the prize of peace and happiness, now and forever.

I ran 4.7 easy miles with Larry and Wayne this morning. It was odd seeing seeing a 6 foot tall snowman a week into April. At least the weather forecast looks pretty good for the UVM this Saturday. I got an email yesterday with instructions about packet pickup and bus schedules. I hope I'm ready for this.

Just some easy miles this morning as I taper for Saturday. No aches or pains to speak of. Some time between now and Saturday morning I should probably set some goals for this marathon. So far my goals are 1) support the race, 2) finish, and 3) don't overdo it to the point of risking injury or a delayed recovery, but I'd also like to do well if it's in me.

I'll definitely run by feel. As I'm not in peak marathon shape yet, I don't want to start out too fast. I'd like to run a negative split and not be completely spent the last few miles. I've heard that generally leads to a faster recovery. My goals do not include a new PR or winning or any such thing.

I'm thinking of starting out at maybe a 7:30 pace on the initial downhill. That should be doable. As I did in St. George last year, I plan to take it very easy on the uphills. If there is something left in the tank at 20+, maybe I'll push a little. Most of the race I just plan to keep moving forward at a comfortable marathon pace effort.

All plans are subject to change at any time.

An easy 3.25 miles this morning just running around the block. I wore my race shoes just to reassure myself that they feel comfortable. They are new and the only race I've worn them for was the 5K last week. They felt good. They are the same model (Saucony Tangent) that I've worn in marathons for the last four years so I think they'll be fine.

Well, I think I may be done running until the marathon on Saturday morning. I've only run 17.5 easy miles over the past four days (5.5, 4.7, 4.1, 3.25). My legs are feeling pretty good. With the 26.2 on Saturday I should be at 43+ for the week. That seems about right for me. I guess now I need to shift my focus to loading a few carbs over the next couple of days.

I just wish I could get a few pressing tasks at work done so I could relax a little more. I've been working extra hours whenever it doesn't conflict with family and other responsibilities. I should be able to get in quite a few extra hours next week, so I guess I can relax a bit the next couple of days before the marathon.

Next week my wife is taking the younger kids (and a friend) on a road trip to visit her sister in Arizona during spring break, and then bring her sister back up to attend her son's graduation from BYU. I think Karen would like me to be there to do the driving, but otherwise I'd kind of be in the way and a bit of a wet blanket on this "all girl" road trip party. Our old 1992 Suburban isn't up for these road trips anymore so we're renting a mini-van for them. That should make it nicer. I also got Karen a GPS navigation system (she's been wanting one for a while) as an early birthday present. That should give her some extra confidence while driving.

What I'd really like is for things to fall together at work so that I can take some time off next week and clean out the basement. Every time I try to do it my family won't let me get rid of old stuff, stuff they haven't seen or used or even thought about for many years. I keep telling Karen that I'm going to send them all on a trip so I can take care of it. If it weren't for pressing issues at work, this could be my chance.

Today's Utah Valley Marathon was a very enjoyable run. I just took it easy and averaged about an 8:00 minute pace the whole way and finished in 3:30 feeling great. I finished 13th overall and 2nd in the Male 45-49 division.

That's how I should have run the race to get the time I did, and the experience I could have had. Now here's what I really did.

I caught the early bus at 4:10am with about a dozen other brave (foolish) runners. Actually, the bus driver had been instructed to not leave until he had at least 30 runners so he delayed until he couldn't wait any longer (he had to make two trips). I didn't have any buddies running this race, so I didn't really know anyone else on the bus, except Andy who I only knew from the blog. Miss Utah (Jill Stevens) was on the bus and it was fun hearing about some of her experiences in the Army National Guard and as Miss Utah. This was her 13th marathon, her 4th since becoming Miss Utah. She was hoping to finish by 9:30am (a 3:30 marathon) so she could be showered and on the road by 11:00 because she had a speaking engagement this morning. In her motivational talks she includes talking about running marathons, including being prepared and carrying what she needs in her RaceReady running shorts with lots of pockets (I found that interesting because I also love my RaceReady running shorts). She said they originally wanted her at 9:00am but she told them she had a marathon to run and couldn't come until later. She was planning a 20 miler for today in preparation for the Lincoln, Nebraska marathon in two weeks, but decided to run UVM instead. I'm only saying all this about Miss Utah because you need to understand that she's one tough chick (meant respectfully) and a true marathoner. I really didn't want her to beat me, and held her off for about 22 miles, but she beat me anyway (she finished in 3:24, 3rd behind Josse and McKenzie). [Tom: my chicked count was 3]

I also talked on the bus with a guy who has run 33 marathons, and one who was running UVM as his first marathon because after he ran a half marathon his wife said he was too chicken to run a full marathon. He was just hoping to finish. And there were others. The bus ride was very enjoyable.

It was cold and windy at the start area, but it was well lit, there were bonfires, and four portaportties (three of which were latched with nobody in them - we finally got them open). We huddled around the fires and talked some more. I met a group of ultra marathoner runners (mostly husbands and wives) who had run a number of 50 and 100 mile runs. It was interesting getting a glimpse into the minds of ultra marathoners. They are not your standard marathoner.

The other bus eventually arrived and they started the race pretty much on time. I was planning to just run in short sleeves but the chilly wind, and Andy putting on long sleeves, convinced me to keep my long sleeve shirt on over my short sleeve. Andy was putting Vaseline on his legs to help protect against the cold and offered me some, so I tried that for the first time. It seemed to work well.

When the starting gun (horn) fired I started my watch and started running into the darkness. One guy carried a small flashlight that helped the rest of us, but it was light enough anyway to see the white lines on the trail pretty well.

When I looked down to confirm that my watch had started I tried to push the on/off button to get the light to come on. I had on knit gloves, but my hands were still pretty cold, and I think I held the button down too long, turning off my watch. I tried a second time to turn on the light, and must have turned it back on. When I finally got the light on my watch was stopped and had only recorded about 60 feet. I decided to reset the time and start over. This was a about 3/4 mile into the race. I just manually pushed the reset button at the first mile marker and I think the splits were pretty accurate after that, but I didn't get an overall time on my watch. My official finish time was 3:30:?? (can't remember the seconds).

Like I said earlier, I wish all my splits were right around the 8:02/mi I averaged for the race, but you'll see they were not:

Mile 1 - 6:40? (based on average pace for the 1/4 mile my watch recorded) - Because of the frustration of trying to figure out my watch, I wasn't really aware of how fast I was running.

Mile 2-4 - 6:52, 6:51, 6:56 - I was now aware that I was running faster than the 7:30/mi I had planned, but my ego convinced me that it was downhill with a tailwind and I was feeling comfortable and that it was okay. (What was I thinking?!!)

Mile 5-7 - 7:09, 7:36, 7:27 - These miles included the climb up Orem Center street and the run to University Mall (I think).

Mile 8 - 6:59 - I think this included the downhill from the University Mall to the tunnel under University Ave.

Mile 9-10 - 7:57, 8:11 - This included the climb up Canyon Road until the turn around.

Mile 11-12 - 7:29, 7:04 - This included the downhill back down.

Mile 13 - 7:43 - I believe this is where McKenzie passed me (just after the tunnel), and when I got the first signals from my body that I had probably gone out too fast (7:20/mi avg at 13.1, which included the two big climbs). McKenzie kept asking people if she was the first girl, and finally one of the volunteers confirmed that she was. She was moving along quickly and with apparent ease.

Mile 14-17 - 8:01, 8:03, 8:04, 7:55 - Long lonely miles on the trail along the river heading towards the lake. I was beginning to struggle, especially on the short uphills out of the tunnels. I ran briefly with Josse as she passed me during the last of these miles not long before we reached the end of the trail, which is probably why this mile was a little faster. When I told her she had her work cut out to catch McKenzie she calmly said that there was a lot of time left and seemed confident that she would catch her. She was apparently right. When I talked to Josse after the race, she said she passed McKenzie shortly before the finish line. She only beat her by 11 seconds for 1st place and the $1,000, so it must have been close. I haven't read their race reports yet, but I look forward to it.

Mile 18 - 8:31 - The wheels are definitely coming off, which wasn't good timing because the dirt road around the airport was tough going. I did my best to avoid dips and rocks, but I wasn't very light on my feet at this point and when I stepped on the rocks I could feel them through my shoes. With 8 miles still to go, I knew this was going to be a humbling and character building race.

Mile 19 - 8:13 - Daren Deadmond (sp?) caught me at this point and we ran together for a while. It turns out we both started at WordPerfect in 1992. He also said he had found my blog while searching for the Utah Valley Marathon, and mentioned that based on my blog I should be faster than him. Not today. He left me after a while and went on to beat me by 7 minutes and win our age division.

Mile 20-21 - 8:46, 8:59 - The rough dirt road around the airport seemed to go on forever. I actually managed to pass one runner somewhere along here, and got passed by another, but running definitely wasn't very much fun anymore.

Mile 22-26 - 9:21, 9:23, 9:13, 9:23, 9:34 - Those of you who have crashed and burned in a marathon know how I felt during these miles. I was trying every trick I know and dredging up every bit of mental fortitude I had just to keep my legs moving. It didn't help that early in these miles Miss Utah passed me with a polite "Good job" and just kept on going effortlessly. With a couple of miles to go Karen called me (I carried my phone) from the finish line saying the girls were cold and asked how long I was going to be so she could take them to the car to get warm. The last mile I was exhaling loudly every third step and the rhythm (and my marching band experience?) somehow got me through it.

Last 0.2 - 1:29 (7:36/mi) - As I approached the finish line alone I heard the cheers from the crowd. I knew all eyes were on me, including Karen and the girls. Also, Sasha was running the other way and I apologized as I passed for embarrassing the blog. I was wearing a blog shirt so that was also a little incentive to not finish like a staggering drunk. Knowing that I could stop soon, I dug up enough energy to finish pretty strongly.

I'm actually okay with a 3:30 time and finishing 2nd in my division, 13th overall. What I'm not pleased with was my foolishness in going out like I was running a half marathon. I did that at St. George last fall with success because I had the mileage in to back it up. That was not the case today. I did not have the training in to support what I attempted, and I paid the price. I enjoyed the first half, in around 1:36, but running the second half was no fun at all, with only 1:54 to show for all my suffering.

I feel like I've run a marathon, but the good news is I don't think I injured anything. My left ankle started aching a little in the later miles, but I rolled it not too long ago. I'll keep an eye on it, but I think it will be fine.

While my race strategy stunk, I have no regrets for having run this marathon. Hyrum did a great job organizing it, and the course is awesome! Everyone I talked to loved the course. Some didn't enjoy the rough dirt road around the airport, including me, but one ultra marathoner trail runner I talked to loved it and passed 7 or 8 people on that stretch. I'd leave it in, people don't like uphills but every good course needs some uphills. I think the dirt road along the lake and around the airport adds to the unique character of the course.

Rest day to recover from the marathon. Actually, I felt good enough that I may have tried running a few miles today but I didn't have time. I spent the morning getting Karen and the girls off on their road trip to visit her sister in Arizona, and then I went into work and didn't get home until after 11:00pm.

I stayed home from the trip because I've got a lot of work that needs to get done ASAP. Lest some think I'm a workaholic, I think this is the first time something like this has happened in nearly 25 years of marriage, and if Karen had said so I would have gone. To be honest, I think Karen and the girls were kind of excited about me not being there. I'm choosing not to be offended.

Since I'm planning to work late again, I didn't feel too bad about sneaking out a little before noon for a short easy run. Other than a little soreness/tightness in my right thigh, and some minor soreness in my left Achilles, I really feel pretty good.

I ran the extended Lake View route that I think Will calls the Power Park route. There was a strong headwind going out. I averaged 8:32/mi for the 6.2 miles. My legs were still tired from the marathon, but they felt pretty good.

It was nice to run with Larry and Wayne again this morning. We ran the six mile Lindon Loop. We averaged around 8:50/mi, which is faster than we have been going during the winter, but still in my easy pace range, only it didn't feel so easy this morning with my legs still recovering from Saturday's marathon.

I couldn't believe the temperature was in the mid-20's again. I thought we were past that. I hope spring comes for good soon and that this weather whiplash pattern doesn't continue all the way into summer.

My legs have been feeling pretty tired this weak so I opted to take advantage of spring break week and play basketball this morning instead of running. My adult son Andrew was there, and some of my old basketball buddies. It was fun, except when I accidentally smacked a 14 year old in the face and poked him in the eye. I was a little nervous when he said he couldn't see, but he meant he couldn't see clearly. I felt terrible, but he fully recovered and played well. We played a lot though, with no subs, so I'm not sure how much it helped my tired legs.

It was almost like old times this morning, with Larry, Wayne, Kevin and I running up Provo Canyon. Larry was the pace setter this morning, which isn't normally the case. Wayne, Kevin, and I were all breathing pretty heavily right from the start. Larry had a tight hamstring a couple of miles into the run. He stopped a few times to stretch and it eventually started feeling better. On the way back Wayne ran with him and Kevin and I drug up the rear. We were dragging and both commented on the spring in Larry's step.

I sure hope my legs have a little more zip next week. They have been tired ever since the marathon last Saturday. I took Thursday and Friday off work and spent many hours cleaning out my much neglected garage. Friday evening after I cleaned everything up I decided to take the dog for a walk around the block. I couldn't believe how tired I felt, especially my legs.

It will nice having Karen and the girls back. They should be home from Arizona any minute now. 

I ran 5 easy miles with Larry and Wayne this morning. We included the neighborhood 5K course as the annual neighborhood 5K is coming up on May 10. I hope I'm healthy by then. I've been wrestling with some pain/tightness behind my left knee, from my upper calf to lower thigh. It started last Wednesday. I think it's related to the punishment I inflicted on myself during the marathon. I've still been able to run, but I've backed off on mileage and pace a little. It was feeling a little better this morning. I think if I keep taking it easy the rest of this week I'll be fine.
 

Ran 6.2 miles on Lake View route with Tom. It was great running and talking with Tom again. There was a nasty headwind going out, but it was sunny and mild and I enjoyed the run and the company. My Garmin showed an average pace of 7:52/mi, starting out at 8:17/mi and finishing up at 7:38/mi.

Still feeling some pain behind the left knee, but it seems to be getting a little better. 

Well, I guess I spoke too soon about the backside of my knee feeling better. After the run with Tom yesterday I iced the sore area for a while and it felt okay, but then sitting at my desk all afternoon my leg really stiffened up. I applied heat a couple of times in the evening which seemed to help some, but it was still pretty sore this morning so I skipped the planned run. I've been wearing my neoprene knee support today to see if that will help. Even with it, I've been limping around. I guess God decided I needed yet another opportunity to learn about patience and moderation. I'll eventually learn patience...someday...if I can wait that long.

I went 3.5 easy miles today. I warmed up on the treadmill, ran a ways with Tom and Nathan, then ran back in with Bill.

My leg felt okay this morning so I went out at 5:45am to see if maybe Larry was running. He wasn't. That was good. I was able to go as slow and as short as my leg wanted to. It didn't hurt too bad, but just enough that I decided to turn back after about a half mile. It's feeling good enough that I didn't want to take any risk of a setback yet.

My tentative plan is to take it easy the rest of this week. If it still hurts a little come Monday I've pretty much resolved myself to switch to the "run through it" or "ignore the pain and hope it goes away" approach. Of course I won't be stupid about it, but maybe my body just needs to be reminded of who's the boss.