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Frustrating Day Today!

Today was one of the more frustrating work days in recent history, and I’m ready to take out some agression on P90X Legs and Back tonight. Kinda wish I could also go out for a hard run, but already did an 8-mile tempo workout with @inthewright this morning. My body’s not in the habit of doing 2 runs in a day, so don’t want to jeopardize my recovery run in the morning.

U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials – “A Brief Chat With…”

I am getting really excited about the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials this Saturday in Houston. Leading up to this event, Runner’s World has published a series of interviews with the Men’s and Women’s favorites along with some of their coaches. All of these have been entitled “A Brief Chat With…” and have been extremely compelling.

I particularly enjoy reading about their preparation for this race, their discussion of the other competitors, and their pre-race expectations. It also gives me a little bit of a push to get out there and work harder for my own goals when I read about how much effort they are putting into preparing for this one event. Highly recommended reading.

Women

Men

Coaches

Saucony Grid Type A5

I think I may have found my new racing flat for track workouts and shorter distance races. About a year and a half ago I started using the Saucony Kinvara for track days because I wanted a lighter weight shoe than my Nike Vomero trainers. Now that the Kinvara has become my primary training shoe, and now that I’m also running 4 to 5 miles every week in Saucony Hattoris, I’ve been seriously thinking about moving to a lighter weight racing flat for track workouts.

I had previously looked at the Saucony Grid Type A4, but just found out today that the Grid Type A5 is coming out in February, and the weight has been reduced from 6.3 to 5.6 oz! That is only 1.2 oz heavier than my Hattoris.

Add to this the fact that Saucony tends to fit me extremely well, and that these babies look really SWEET, and I think I might just have to add the A5 to my arsenal. What do you think?

Hansons-Brooks Pre-Houston Olympic Marathon Trials Workout

Hansons-Brooks Pre-Houston Olympic Marathon Trials Workout

When I saw this video it made me smile because this workout is very similar to the types of bi-weekly workouts our running group does when training for a marathon (though we’re obviously much slower!). These workouts are an essential compliment to the standard “long runs” which are part of most marathon programs. Worth a watch.

Video Description: The Hansons-Brooks men are getting ready to compete at the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston. We caught up with the team at their home in Rochester Hills, Michigan to get it on one of their last workouts in their training segment. Watch that intense watch slap and check them out on January 14th in Houston!

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

Quest for 3:15 – Training for Rock n’ Roll NOLA Marathon

Not intending to log all of my training runs this time, but my formal 9-week schedule for the Rock n’ Roll New Orleans Marathon began this week. If everything cooperates (weather, training, health, etc.) then I plan on trying to break 3:15 again. There are approximately 20 members of our running group going down for the race, but only 3 of us are running full marathon.

The course looks extremely flat which is both good and bad, but I’m most concerned about the potential for warm weather. I know there are a lot of Tumblrs that will be at NOLA. Are you running?

What Happened in Vegas (Runner’s World: Other Voices)

What Happened in Vegas (Runner’s World: Other Voices)

By Charlene Ragsdale

This is a participant’s account of the serious issue at the Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon where many, many runners became violently ill. While there were apparently a number of significant problems with the race, this is by far the most disturbing, and made me angry as I read the article. It seems like Competitor Group is intent on making their races as big as they possibly can regardless of whether or not they have the infrastructure, logistics, or manpower to handle it. Just Awful!

2012 Running Goals

I don’t know that I’ve ever written down a list of running goals at the beginning of a new year before. I’ve had written goals, but these just seem to pop up at any given time. This year I wanted to set some objectives for 2012, so here goes…

  • Complete 2,000 training miles. My total for 2011 was 1,763, so this will be a pretty big increase. Will take over 166 miles per month to reach this goal. I know it is attainable, but only if I stay healthy and disciplined.
  • Complete my “Quest for 3:15” in a full marathon. This has been a very public goal for quite a while, and I hope to break through in 2012. I would also like to take this a step further in 2012 and break 3:10 which is my Boston qualifying time. I know this is pushing it, but I’m dreaming big. Really want to run my first Boston Marathon in 2013. To do this I will not only have to be disciplined to my running schedule, but will also have to be committed to quality runs, cross-training, diet, and sleep.
  • Finish at least 5 full marathons. I ran my first 2 full marathons in the fall of 2009, and then completed 4 full marathons in both 2010 and 2011. As of now I’m only registered for the Rock N’ Roll New Orleans Marathon in March, but I have also submitted my request to be the 3:45 pacer in the St Jude Country Music Marathon in May and have my eye on a handful of other races. Whether it is as a pacer or participant, I want to do at least one marathon at a slower, conservative pace where I can enjoy it.
  • Officially break 1:30 in a half marathon. I had an unofficial 1:29 finish in the Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon in 2011 (due to course misrouting), but want to have it in writing in 2012. My best opportunities will most likely come at the 500 Festival Mini Marathon in May or again at the Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon in October.

Well, there it is for what it’s worth. What are your running goals for 2012?

2011 Running Year in Review

2011 Training Stats (2010)

  • Total Distance:  1,763 Miles (1,550)
  • Total Time:  246 Hours (220)
  • Average Pace:  8:24 per mile (8:34)

2011 Race Stats (links are to race recaps / reviews)

Full Marathons Completed – 4

*Was originally registered for the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge, but had a 103 degree fever the morning of the half (flu). My fever broke, so I still ran in the full the next day (probably not smart).

Half Marathons Completed – 3

**Unofficial PR – Course was .4-miles too long in mile-2 due to misdirection. This time was calculated by using the average pace for the first 10K (official time – 6.6 miles), and then reapplying to correct distance (6.2 miles). Final 6.9 was unaffected.

Other Races

  • Apr 16, 2011 – Purity Moosic City 5K – 19:43 (PR)
  • Apr 16, 2011 – Purity Moosic City 10K – April 16, 2011 – 44:59 (PR)
  • Sep 04, 2011 – Tupelo 14.2-Miler – 1:48:06
  • Nov 04, 2011 – Ragnar Relay -TN – 196.2-Miles – 24 Hours 19 Minutes
  • Nov 24, 2011 – Boulevard Bolt (5-Miler) – 32:35

2011 Overview

2011 has been another great running year with PRs in both the full and half marathon. I came up just short in my quest to break 3:15 in the full, but I’ll keep plugging at it in 2012.

I think my improvements in 2011 came partially from making a few changes to my training routine in the middle of the year. These included:

  • Increasing my days running per week from 5 to 6, and thereby increasing mileage
  • Adding more trail running to my schedule (generally once per week)
  • Incorporating “barefoot” running (in Saucony Hattoris) into my schedule at least one day per week.

The “barefoot” running in particular has improved my running form, increased my lower leg and foot strength, and allowed me to fully transition to a lighter training / racing shoe (Saucony Kinvara) and to eliminate my need for orthotic insoles.

The other reason for my improvement is being a part of a fantastic running group and having great running friends to train with (Nathan and Paxton). The marathon workouts over the past summer put together by Dan Ashmead from our group really helped kick my fall marathon training into high gear.

By far one of the highlights of the year was competing in the 196.2-mile Ragnar Relay Tennessee with 11 other members of our running group as part of “Team Isabel.” This was one of the most awesome yet difficult things I’ve ever done. Unforgettable experience.

Well, that’s enough about 2011…Looking forward to another year of running in 2012. Happy New Year Everybody!

Marathon Maniacs #4778

Yesterday I was officially accepted into Marathon Maniacs as member number 4778. My “bronze” level qualification came from completing 3 marathons in 90 days. I wanted to be able to qualify from the first time I heard about this group, and am excited to now be a part of it.

Saucony Kinvara 3

Yesterday, Competitor.com posted preview pictures of the Saucony Kinvara 3 which is set to launch sometime in 2012. Over the past 2 years, the Saucony Kinvara has become my go-to shoe for races of all distances, speedwork, tempo runs, and some normal training runs. I was very pleased that there was very little change between the Kinvara 1 and Kinvara 2, and that nothing was altered in the sole or midsole.

Well, it looks like that is not going to be the case with the Kinvara 3. From the pictures below It appears the support structure of the upper has been extensively modified:

It is also obvious that the sole design has been altered, especially in the heel and midfoot areas. It is interesting that the rubber is now only on the outside of the heel, with EVA foam everywhere else. Looks like the forefoot is relatively similar to the previous models.

Here’s hoping that these changes are an actual improvement, and do not negatively affect the fit, weight, or ride of the earlier models.

What do you think of the new design?

2011 Rocket City Marathon (Race Review)

My thoughts on the 35th annual Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL

Rocket City Marathon
December 10, 2011
www.runrocketcity.com

My Run:  Overall, the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville was my tenth full marathon completed. I decided to run this race for three reasons: (1) The close proximity to Nashville (2) We have very dear friends that live in Huntsville (3) Recommendations from running friends who spoke very highly of the organization and the small field.

I have been very public about my “Quest for 3:15” this year, but my expectations coming into Rocket City were somewhat muted due to an inconsistent training schedule since completing the Bank of American Chicago Marathon in early October.

There are several reasons for this inconsistency in training:

  • In October and November I competed in 5 races…*Shelby Bottoms Boogie 15k – Oct 2
    *Bank of American Chicago Marathon – Oct 10
    *Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon – Oct 16
    *196-Mile Ragnar Relay – Nov 4-5
    *Boulevard Bolt 5-Miler – Nov 24
  • I missed 5 days of training from being sick, and it took another 5 days to get my energy back once I was able to run again. Due to fatigue from racing, and from getting sick, I was not able to get in a 20-mile run until 2-weeks before race day. I had originally planned on doing one 20-miler and one 22-miler before Rocket City.
  • Just as I was getting over being sick I hurt my back (re-aggravated an old injury). This did not prevent me from running, but did impact the quality of my runs for several days.

After failing to make 3:15 at Chicago because of unexpectedly hot conditions (finished with 3:22), I had put my hopes on Rocket City thinking the smaller field and cooler temps would be conducive to faster times. But…with about a week to go before the race, I was really feeling like 3:15 was not going to be a realistic goal. However, several of my running friends convinced me that I had enough of a base built up after a year of consistent training to at least give it a shot. With this in mind I made the decision just before the race that if weather conditions were favorable I was going to go for it.

On race morning it was cloudy with temps in the low 30s and a 10 to 15mph wind which made it feel rather crisp. The sun came out around mile 10 and the temps at the finish were close to 40. I would have preferred slightly warmer conditions, but this was awesome compared to Chicago. Even with the cold conditions I still went with a sleeveless shirt and shorts (with arm warmers, gloves, and a beanie), and actually felt quite comfortable for most of the race.

Read more »

http://www.hulu.com/embed/OOXgq0YuTBXWf7Scv-l0Cw

“Spirit of the Marathon” – Full Length Movie – Even with ads, it is pretty cool that this awesome documentary is available in its entirety on Hulu for online viewing. If you are a runner and have never seen this, it is an absolute MUST WATCH!! If you are not a runner or marathoner, this might provide a little insight into the mindset of those of us who are. It gets to me every time I watch it.

Official Description – Spirit of the Marathon is the first film to capture the passion, drama and essence of the famed 26.2-mile Chicago Marathon. Intimate, fascinating portraits of six runners from all walks of life unfold as the film follows seasoned athletes and amateurs alike in their preparation for the big race. See why the Los Angeles Times said “Even if you’ve never run for anything but a bus, you’ll… get swept up in this movie’s inspiring journey.”

(Source: http://www.hulu.com/)

Quest for 3:15 – Rocket City Marathon Training

My training log posts for the Rocket City Marathon (December 10) have been few and far between, and my training in general has been less than ideal. There are several reasons for this:

  1. In October and November I have competed in 5 races…

    *Shelby Bottoms Boogie 15k – Oct 2
    *Bank of American Chicago Marathon – Oct 10
    *Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon – Oct 16
    *196-Mile Ragnar Relay – Nov 4-5
    *Boulevard Bolt 5-Miler – Nov 24

    While all of these races have gone pretty well, they have left me tired, and not allowed for a normal training schedule for Rocket City

  2. I missed 5 days of training due to being sick, and it took another 5 days to get my energy back once I was able to run again. Due to fatigue from racing, and from getting sick, I was not able to get in a 20-mile run until last Saturday which is only 2-weeks from race day (That 20-miler felt pretty good though). I had originally planned on doing one 20-miler and one 22-miler before Rocket City. I have also been very limited in my ability to get in good tempo or track workouts.
  3. Just as I was getting over being sick I hurt my back (re-aggravated an old injury). This did not prevent me from running, but did impact the quality of my runs for several days.

So….all of this has added up to me not feeling like 3:15 is going to be a realistic goal for Rocket City. On our 9-mile tempo run today, 7:30 pace felt pretty fast. I’m not really expecting that between now and next Saturday 7:26 is magically going to feel great again.

Even though I think it is a long shot, I’m not going to make my final decision about whether or not to go for it until closer to game time. This race does have a 3:15 pace group, so that does have me thinking about going for it anyway. Is this crazy?

Another 5-mile @BoulevardBolt in the books. 32:35 finish, 6:31 avg pace. Pretty pleased considering I’ve been sick. Happy Thanksgiving! #fb

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