Week #22 (Autumn Leaves Race Report)

Weekly Mileage: 55.54

Wednesday was a light 4+ mile stretch run to keep the legs fresh before race day.

Friday was carbo load day (just about the best part of training for a race) it also happened to fall on our monthly birthday party for work (the theme was Thanksgiving Food). I ate multiple rolls, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie, pie and more pie. This worked out so well as it allowed me to stuff myself with high carb foods earlier in the day instead of late that night and then just eat a nice pasta & shrimp dinner before heading to bed. I also picked up my race number on my way home from work and received #11 (spontaneously) my favorite number since I can remember (this was a good omen for sure) My sister-in-law Heather came over that night to stay with our kids since we had to leave about 5:45 Saturday morning. Unfortunately her daughter Brynne broke her wrist that day in an epic P.E. collision, but they still came over (very appreciated).

Saturday Beth and I got up just before 5:00 am and started getting ready, I had trouble getting all of my breakfast down, not sure if it was nerves or the lunch feast I ate the day before (I didn't feel nervous). We left the house at 5:45 and arrived at the pitch black park at 6:20 am. I felt a little rushed as I tried to get everything together and 7:00 was approaching soon, the good thing about that is it didn't leave me with much time to get nervous. Our friends/pacers Ian & Mindy Durias showed up a few minutes before the start and before I knew it we were off.

I started the race listening to some random music following my headlamp as the sun would not rise for about 45 minutes. I started near the back of the pack (129 runners 65-50k runners and 64-50 mile runners) I was moving through the pack pretty quickly and kept trying to find a person or two I could follow at a good pace. That early on most were going to slow until I finally found myself behind a younger lady and older man running and talking together. They seemed to be running at about a 9:00 minute mile pace which was exactly what I was planning on trying to keep for as long as I could, so I hunkered down behind them and followed their lead for about 4 miles or so. Once the sun came out (with plenty of welcomed clouds) it was much easier to see and the headlamp & gloves were no longer needed. I finished the first 6.25 mile loop (actually about 6.5 mile loop more on that later) feeling really good and ready to accomplish this goal today!                              

I grabbed a few fig newtons and a filed up water bottle from my "crew"and headed out for the second loop. I changed my ipod from music to the audiobook "Dad is Fat" by the comedian Jim Gaffigan this was a great choice as the book was funny and all about parenting, it lasted just over 5 hours and I finished the entire thing while I ran. Things continued to go well until I was finishing up the 3rd loop around mile 20 when my left knee started to feel some pain and pressure. This was not an unfamiliar pain as I have experienced it in my   last few long training runs so I knew I could run with it but what I didn't know was for how long. When I got back to the staging area I rubbed some icy hot on it grabbed a few more fig newtons and headed out again. 

Loop 4 was probably the hardest loop as I was in a decent amount of pain due to the knee and knew I still was not even half way done, I also was a bit annoyed as I realized the route was a bit long measuring almost a 1/4 mile longer than stated (this is not uncommon to make sure everyone gets in the distance or even a little more rather than a little less especially if trying to qualify for some other race) I did the math having to run the route 8 times and figured out I would be running about 51.5 miles! I wasn't to excited about that but the negative thoughts were very fleeting I was able to stay positive and keep moving. I did have to start walking on the up hills as that's where my knee pain was most prevalent. When I finished the 4th loop I got some more icy hot on my knee threw down a few ibuprofen and was encouraged by my "crew" that I just had one more loop by myself and then they would start running with me. However before I left my friend Ian noticed a large round stain on my blue running jacket near my right chest area. He asked if that was an old stain I looked down said no I hadn't noticed it before and checked to make sure I wasn't having any chaffing issues. I hadn't felt any discomfort and when I did a quick check realized my race number a burnt orange color had just bled from the sweat through my jacket.

 After that pit stop and check over I was off again. A mile or so in I decided to check on the stains origin one more time only to realize I was bleeding, yep bleeding from my right nipple through my shirt, through my race number and through my jacket. Wow I thought how could this happen without any pain whatsoever. I thought about back tracking to change my shirt and get some Vaseline but decided to risk it, keep moving forward and hope they had something at the aid station about another mile away. Luckily for me they had some Vaseline and it was enough to get me through the rest of that loop. That loop (loop 5) went well as I was in less pain probably thanks to the ibuprofen and excited to have some friends run with me for the rest of the race. I also felt I was over the halfway mark and starting to make some real headway towards accomplishing this. I finished leg 5 switched out my shirt, my shoes and lost the jacket, got new refilled water bottles and applied some Vaseline. I was ready to start loop 6 where Mindy would be running with me and figured being a Red Sox fan this was my "Curt Schilling" moment.

              

As I took off on loop number 6 hoping to find Mindy as she had left early to try and catch up with me

 (she was cold and trying to warm up and also I'm sure very anxious and bored of sitting around watching people compete in something) I realized that in all the nipple attention I had forgotten to apply any icy hot to my left knee. This was by far the biggest mistake I made in the race as the knee gave me more problems but having Mindy there was a huge help. It pushed me to keep running as much as possible and we discussed how I felt really good. My energy hadn't wavered since the start of the race, I was now about 7 hours in and I felt like I had been running for maybe 4. Cardio wise I felt like I could continue forever, I had no real fatigue and was still running well. Other than my knee issue I was in a great place physically and mentally and talking about the positive place I was in with Mindy really helped to stay there and make the time pass on faster. 

After finishing the 6th loop I got to my much anticipated (and new best friend) icy hot and Mindy switched out for her husband Ian so he could run loop number 7 with me. We talked again about how good I felt and how I couldn't believe that I hadn't hit any type of wall physically or mentally and Ian kept referring to my training really working. See the thing is with a race this long you only train to about 35 miles so you don't know how your body will react for those last 15 miles as you have never experienced it before. Luckily for me not only did things go well but I was feeling better than I had in most of my long training runs. I was feeling full of energy and even  though my knee was giving me issues and by this point causing me to walk any up or down hill I was totally cognizant in a positive place and knew it was now just a matter of time. 

As Ian and I finished loop number 7 my Mom, Sister and Casto had arrived along with Allie and the twins. I knew in the back of my mind they should be there by now but hadn't thought much about it until approaching the staging area. It was so great to see all the kids and Allie holding up a sign, it was great to have the support of my family there. I knew they would be sitting there for another hour or so until I actually finished and felt a little guilty about that but appreciated it all the more knowing they were there to support me. I made quick pit stop changed shoes again and traded Ian in for Beth. I was excited to run this last loop with her as she has been my biggest supporter through the last 5 months. To be honest I signed up for this race without asking/telling her until I had already done it and the amount of time that has been sacrificed has been difficult. She has been a great support through it all and I was happy to share the last hour running alongside her. (honestly an hour together without any screaming kids is a treat even if it was the 9th straight hour of exercise).

We took off and she kept asking me what I needed. I wasn't really sure as I was surprisingly still feeling really good and wanted to just keep moving forward and run as much as my knee would allow so I could get to the end and celebrate with everyone. Ian & Mindy anxious to run some more (I'm not the only crazy one believe me) decided to run the course backwards and catch up with us so they could run the last mile or so to the finish with us. They caught us and all 4 of us began running the last mile or so to the finish line. That last mile I thought about how I expected to be more emotional towards the end of this race but I also expected to have to go through a deep low and pull myself out at some point during the race. I had experienced that in much shorter runs and just thought it as part of the territory. I think the ease of the run and the day (the weather was overcast and absolutely perfect) pretty much lead to that low never happening. The race atmosphere, great people and amazing support from not only family & friends that were there but all of you that have kept me going through this challenge took away any of that negative energy that would pull someone down to a place where they would question there ability to finish. I ran hard that last mile and sprinted with everything I had left up the last hill to the finish line. I was greeted by my family and other racers and couldn't believe the day was over. Honestly I felt so good and encouraged I kinda felt like going for a run :)    

If you look closely on this photo you can see the previously mentioned right nipple stain.

"Pacers" Ian & Mindy pretending to be tuckered out.

My mom looks proud and my sister just looks nervous. lol

 The Best Crew Ever!

Me and Allie right after the race

















 The coveted belt buckle.

      

                                                                                                                                      

All in all I finished pretty close to what I had expected even with the knee issues. 46 of the 65 runners finished the race and I placed 20th overall.

Thanks again to everyone for all the support and keep your eyes open for the next adventure!!!!!!!!!!

Week #21 (Taper Week)

For those of you that aren't familiar with the term "taper" it is the time before a race when your training s finished and you lighten the workload in an effort to be fresh going into your race. Usually a week or two, for a 50 miler most people suggest three to four weeks of tapering but with the way things worked out I am only able to get two weeks in. I'ts probably all for the better as I get pretty stir crazy during "taper" weeks anyways.

Weekly Mileage: 16.45

Monday Rest Day

Tuesday was an early morning run, I wanted to keep it short and just stretch out my legs as I was still a little sore from Saturday's 30 miler. I ended up getting in a very cold 3.30 miles at a 8:26 pace but am not sure it accomplished what I was hoping as it was so cold I didn't get much of a stretch.

Wednesday Rest Day

Thursday I got up early nervous about the temperature again but it actually was much warmer. I woke up not feeling good as I started to have a fever and the dreaded "yellow snot" was back again. I knew I probably shouldn't run especially with the high likely-hood my sinus infection from a few weeks ago may be coming back but I am so tired of being sick and having things getting in the way of my training I had to get out there. I just don't have time left to miss any training sessions.

Friday Rest Day (by the end of the night I actually began feeling much better)


Saturday I woke up and left the house for my run at the same times as I will next week for my race. I wanted my body to get used to the routine and also wanted to note the temperature and daylight so I would know what to expect next Saturday. The temperature at 7:00am was COLD, much colder than during the week at 4:30am and the sun didn't rise until close to 8:00am. This was a good experience as I will make sure I am prepared for that type of cold next week (my hands were like frozen slabs of meat for most of the run). I ended up running just over 8 miles at a 8:46 pace and everything went well other than the cold.

Sunday Rest Day

*Going into "Race Week" I definitely feel like my training could have been better and my nutrition and weight are not where I wanted them to be however I also feel pretty confident about the race. I have great people supporting me from afar and there on race day and mentally I feel prepared. I can't believe after 5 months the week is finally here, I am nervous and excited and to be completely honest really ready for it to be over :)

Week #20 (Home Stretch)

Weekly Mileage: 35.72

Monday Rest Day

Tuesday Rest Day

Wednesday I went out for my first morning run in the new neighborhood, it was pretty dark out and I was glad my feet are trained to react quickly because as I ran on some bumpy/broken sidewalks there were many moments that my feet had to react to something my eyes couldn't see. I ran 5.5 miles at a 8:30 pace, it felt comfortable and easy very little issue with my left knee that had been bugging me.

Thursday (unscheduled) Rest Day

Friday Rest Day

Saturday was the big day, I planned to get in one last long run for training before starting to taper for the race. I felt a lot of pressure to really get in some good mileage as my long runs have left me with a lack of confidence lately. I felt I needed to prove to myself that I was still in race shape and I could mentally push past the discomfort it will take to finish the race. My goal was at least 30 miles and maybe upwards of 35 if all went well. I decided to solicite for some help as I planned to run a 6 mile loop around my new neighborhood 5 to 6 times and figured it was a good opportunity to run with some friends as my long runs don't usually lend themselves to that luxury.

Ryan showed up at 6am and we took off for the first loop, his personal best for distance was 6.26 and he asked how far we were going, I told him it should be a little under 6 miles and he seemed comfortable with that. This was a new route for me and it was very dark out so Ryan and I passed one of our turns. Before we noticed we had added an extra mile each way. I told Ryan well I guess you'll run a new personal best today as long as you make it back. He did great finishing 7.77 miles with me (he had plenty of energy to spare) and I minded him that the two skills I was forced to lose back in my personal trainer days were any sense of direction and the ability to accurately count to ten.

I ran the next loop solo and it went by quickly as it was shorter than the first since I stuck to the original route. After that I stopped by a good friend/co-worker/new neighbors house (Audri) so she could run the 3rd loop with me. She had recently twisted her ankle and this would be her first run on it in almost a week. We started out great but after a decent sized hill she started to really feel some pain so we decided to cut it short and head back to her place, before we got there though she wanted to keep running and so we looped around the neighborhood a few times completing almost 5 miles.

As these two were the only friends I could sucker into giving up their Saturday morning to run with me I was now back on my own after 19 miles with at least 11 to still go. Honestly thou I felt really good, mentally the early miles had gone by so easy (thanks in part to the company) that now I was two thirds done and the only thing that was a struggle was some pain in my left knee and calf cramps. Thankfully Audri had a tube of spare icy hot as mine is still packed in a box somewhere.

I finished up the rest of the run feeling pretty strong and finished it out after 30.22 miles averaging a 9:49 pace. I was hopping to add another few miles but really started to feel it in my left knee heading down hill on the last mile, so I decided its still training and to play it safe. Overall I feel pretty good about the last 5 months of training and now it's time to take it easy, stay loose and prepare for race day.

Sunday Rest and Eat Day

Week # 19 (Is it over yet?)

Weekly Mileage: 33.16

Monday I went for a run in the morning I got in 4.06 miles at an 8:34 pace, it felt alright but I was still experiencing a lot of stiffness and an almost swollen type feeling around my left knee and hamstring. It doesn't impair my running but makes me nervous that it will get worse before the race or become an issue during the race.

Tuesday Rest Day (kind of)

Wednesday Rest Day (kind of)

Thursday Rest Day (kind of)

Friday Rest Day (kind of)

This week has been.... Well the word "busy" doesn't do it justice. Between work, packing and moving, recovering from sicknesses something had to give and unfortunately this week it was running. if eel like it is going to come back to bite me during my race as after the lay off because of the sinus infection and now this I feel as if I have taken 3 steps backwards in my readiness when I should be feeling  my strongest and putting in my largest training miles before tapering for the race.

Saturday I ran around the new neighborhood (Gladstone) and was hoping to run a 5mile loop 4 times during my first loop the pain in my left knee area was pretty bad and it felt pretty difficult altogether. I wasn't sure how much I could really get done and after the first loop I decided to switch my shoes. Within the first few steps of the second loop my knee felt fine, I realized at that moment that all the runs I have been feeling this knee issue have been with my latest pair of shoes ( a different brand than my typical Brooks Pure line). I don't think the shoes caused the issue and it is still there without them, but the new shoes are aggravating it for sure.

The run still felt difficult though and I ended up getting in just over16 miles at a 9:10 pace. I planned on running another decent run on Sunday and hoped I could get out more miles then.

Sunday I went out for another run and it was pretty warm out,I wasn't very sore from Saturday but within 3 miles I felt tired and done. The good news is I pushed myself as far as I could, the bad news is it was only 13 miles. I keep waiting for it to get easy and and to feel strong and confident again but it isn't here yet. hopefully it will come within the next week as it is my last real training week before I need to taper for the race.

Note: I was very proud and inspired by my friend Ian who finished the Portland Marathon this weekend. I haven't heard all the details but it sounds like it was a grind but he got it done and I hope to do the same at the end of this month.