(Almost) Final Thoughts - It's Not A Sprint

I'm a week removed from the marathon, and I am finally training again. Right now, my thoughts are set on the KV Challenge; I ran a PB on the course last year, and am looking forward to bettering my time this year. After that? I might take a crack at a 50k. One thing is for sure, I am not taking a lot of time off this winter. No need to get out of shape again.

I was thinking about doing a good, bad, and ugly column about Marathon By The Sea, but I really don't have anything bad or ugly to say about it. I don't think you could plan a better race course in Saint John (people have tried), and the start finish at the Lily Lake Pavilion is perfect. And let's not forget your bang for buck - for seventy dollars, I received a sweet running shirt, a massage, a huge post-race feed, and walked away with a $100 door prize (a Green Lee gift certificate) to boot. Making money at a race? I guess that makes me a professional runner!

However, the best part of the Marathon By The Sea was the overall vibe. Hundreds of smiling faces lined the course, each one more encouraging than the last. And while there were only seventy people participating in the full marathon, I rarely felt alone. I've run races around the East Coast, and there are very few runs in the region that can boast this kind of community support.

I've encountered the same sort of community support for the InterAction School of performing arts. My story appeared in both the Telegraph Journal and Here Newspaper, and I received over $1700.00 in donations through Action for InterAction alone. We still have a long way to go - getting into the church is just the first part of what looks to be five year campaign - but like the marathon, InterAction is going to take this project one step at a time. Launching classes in the fall (visit http://www.iactspa.com for full details) is only mile two - when InterAction crosses the finish line, the prize will be a world class performing arts facility in the heart of uptown Saint John.

Stay tuned for more updates - once I confirm my next marathon, I will start a new blog! Thanks again for reading!

Marathon Recap

So Marathon By The Sea is officially behind us, and I am happy to note that I finished the run in one piece. Yes, my legs are hamburger, and I am pretty sure that I won't be walking normally for at least three days, but I was able to cross the finish line on my own two feet. The race took a little longer than expected - I finished in 4:07:40 - but all that time on the road gave me plenty of opportunities to take mental notes for the blog. Here are some highlights:

Pre-Race
I arrived at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 7:30AM and tried to get into marathon mode. Mentally, I wasn't prepared for the task ahead of me, and I was physically tired due to lack of sleep (pre-race jitters kept me up all night). Instead of focusing on my worries, however, I spent my time chatting with friends and fellow runners. Everyone was in good spirits, although more than a few people wondered how the heat would affect the race. I tried my best not to think about it as I made my way towards the starting line.

Miles 1-4
I started out conservatively, checking my body for lingering sore spots while dodging runners of all paces. Aside from some tightness in my quads, everything seems fine, so I was able to relax and enjoy my time on the road. I cracked jokes with my fellow runners, and greeted bystanders with a wave and a few words. So far, just a great day of running.

Miles 5-10
Mile 5 began with a splash - literally. My friends from the InterAction School of Performing Arts were manning the Thorne Avenue waterstop, and theatre head Kate Elman-Wilcott decided to greet me with a cup of water to the chest. I didn't need it at the time - it was still relatively cool out - but I could tell from the clear, sunny sky that it would warm up soon enough. I'm not exactly a hot weather runner - my lone summer marathon prior ended in heatstroke - so I silently hoped for some fog, or at least a little cloud cover.

That didn't happen. By the time I hit the Pumpkin Patch (mile seven) the sun was blazing above me, in full summer sizzler mode. With no fog in site, I knew it was only going to get worse.

Miles 11-17
The dreaded Lorneville section. Feared by men, hated by women, this six mile section is the last place you want to hit the wall, because there's nothing of note to keep your mind in the race. And with less than 80 people running the full marathon, your chances of buddying up with a fellow runner are slim at best. I ran the Lorneville portion of the course several times in training, and I can assure you that it is a long, lonely stretch of road.

Luckily, the marathon committee took this into account, because the entire section was filled with signs that you could read as you were plodding down the road. Inspirational quotes, random Saint John facts, and two part jokes (First sign: How do crazy runners go throught the forest? Second Sign: They take the psycho-path!) kept my mind distracted as the heat beat down on me. I was also treated to some great music by Steve Zaat, who entertained the runners in the middle of this desolate area. Thanks Steve!

I hit the turnaround feeling okay, but wondered how long that feeling would last. My trick knee started bugging me around 12 miles in, and my quads were really starting to ache. Instead of focusing on my discomfort, however, I decided to encourage the runners that had yet to make the turnaround. Eventually, I saw the Lorneville store in the distance, and I knew I was almost out of the woods. Less than ten miles to go.

Miles 18-20
This is where I started to fall apart. The heat started to get to me, and I hadn't increased my fluid intake to offset the sweat pouring from my body. My lack of training was also starting to take its toll; my quads finally seized up, and my right knee protested every step. I slowed dramatically, and my good nature was clouded over by a new 'get this finished' mentality.

I hit my low point right around mile 20. My head started swimming from the heat, and I completely lost focus, tripping over a sign on my way to the next water stop. The folks there talked to me, but I was in no mood to respond. Thinking I might have to quit, I stopped for an extended length of time, using the washroom and downing every drink that I could put my hands on. I also ate a banana, and soaked every exposed body part with sponges. Cooled down and hydrated, I continued on my way, hoping I could escape my running funk.

Mile 21-finish
While my speed remained slow (and it wasn't going to pick back up at this point - my legs were toast), my mood improved dramatically. Fog rolled in from the bay, and while it didn't make its way to the course, the cool breeze that accompanied it lifted my spirits. I rediscoved my ability to chat with my fellow marathoners (I started getting passed once I hit the wall), and I conversed cheerfully with the water stop volunteers. I was going to make it after all.

The last two miles were quite enjoyable, considering how fatigued I felt. I caught a little bit of Trip Lewis' performance (the band at the New Brunswick Museum), enjoyed some jelly beans on Wellesley Avenue, and soaked in the satisfaction of completing my last mile. With a final burst of energy I picked up the pace for the last 400 meters, and crossed the finish line with a smile on my face. I was done!

That being said, I am not quite done blogging. Expect one more update on my final fundraising totals, and some final thoughts on the Marathon and the InterAction School of Performing Arts!

Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.

Pre-Marathon Thoughts

I toe the starting line in about nine hours (yes, I know I should be going to bed, but I'm not tired yet), and figured I should get in one last post before the race. I have several thoughts floating through my mind right now; perhaps if I share them with you now, I'll be more likely to remember them when the run gets tough tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

1) My goal is to finish - I am not in immaculate shape, nor am I mentally as sharp as I should be the day before a race. A Boston qualifying time isn't going to happen, nor is a PB, so there is no sense bolting out of the starting gate. I'm going to take my time and hold off the wall for as long as possible.

2) I am not in a race - Yes, there will be a winner of Marathon By The Sea, but it isn't going to be me. I am not going to let my competitive spirit get the best of me during the race, because it'll force me to work harder than I need to during the run. If people pass me (and they will), so be it.

3) I'm here to have fun - I enjoy running, and I enjoy supporting a good cause. No matter what happens tomorrow, I look forward to the adventure, and hope I can cross the finish line with a smile on my face.

There are plenty of other mental notes I am taking right now - wear sunscreen, don't forget your anti-chafing items, bring a change of clothes - but it's getting late and I need to get ready. Expect an update tomorrow, and wish me luck!

Chuck is running the Marathon By The Sea in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.

Nature Park: The Revenge

If you have followed my last two blogs (this one and KV Challenger), you'll know I am a big fan of the Irving Nature Park. It's a short drive from my house, or a quick jog if I am feeling especially ambitious. I would guess that over 15 percent of my runs take place at the Nature Park, including many of my long runs. If I need to get the lead out of my legs and it's still light out, chances are you'll find me there.

My last run in the park, however, left me with a bum knee that took a week to heal, so I was eager to retrun to my place of injury and right some running wrongs. After a small but tasty meal of pasta and steamed veggies (cooked by yours truly), I changed into my running gear, hopped in the car, and ventured to the park. Time for some payback.

The gates were locked and the sunlight was fading as I entered the park. I jogged slowly around the barriers, monitoring my right knee in hopes that it wouldn't cause me any discomfort. This, of course, make me hypersensitive to every creak and moan on the right side of my body. I passed through the first kilometer pain free, but very slow. I picked it up for the second kilometer, but did not hold the pace, eventually settling into a slow groove that I figured would last until I exited the park.

That is, until I heard someone say, "Excuse me, do you have a cell phone?" I looked to my left and there was a young man in running gear, favouring his leg. Apparently, he twisted his ankle during his run (it was the size of a baseball; another unfortunate Nature Park victim), and was unable to walk to the exit. I couldn't help at that moment - I had no cell phone on me, and supporting him for three kilometers wasn't an option - but I figured that I could find someone with a cell phone once I left the park. I told him I'd do my best, and bolted for the exit.

Worries about my knee faded during those last three kilometers, as my increased pace did nothing to aggravate last week's injury. Sure, I wasn't breaking the sound barrier or anything, but I was running relatively hard without any hint of pain. Even the last downhill section, which I thought would give me grief, was no issue for my beat up body. I peeled out of the park in a little under 32 minutes, which, for an easy run, is pretty darn fast.

And, on a happy note for my injured friend, help was on the way upon my exit. The fire department arrive within minutes with keys to the park, and he was whisked away in no time at all. Hopefully it's just a sprain.

Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.

Back In The Saddle?

This is the least prepared I have ever been for a marathon. Since my 20 miler two weeks ago, I have only managed to run 30 kilometers. I was expecting to taper, not collapse, but that what happens when you get hit with a cold and an injury back-to-back. At this rate, I'll be lucky to walk to the starting line without seizing up.

The string of bad luck has forced me to reconsider my marathon goals. I thought that I might be able to pull off a 3:30 marathon, but now I think a 3:45 is more likely. In fact, I'll be happy with anything under four hours. I'm just going to take it one mile at a time, and hope I can still walk upon exiting Lorneville. The last thing I want to do is drop out of the race.

As for my knee, well, it's still in one piece. My first run since my disasterous Nature Park visit was relatively slow (26:40 for 5k), but aside from a couple of phantom pains, my knee wasn't an issue. I'm not sure how it will hold up over 26 miles, but it's probably too late to worry about it. All I can do is run the race and pray I don't fall apart.

Now that I've instilled my readers with a ton of confidence, I would like to note that I am still accepting donations. Lord knows I don't want to limp 26 miles without raising a few bucks, so if you see me on the streets over the next few days, throw me a dime or two.

Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.

Too Much, Too Soon?

After six days of inactivity, I decided I was feeling healthy enough to get back into training mode. My first run - a lazy Sunday 5k in Nackawic - went surprisingly well, considering I spent the first kilometer hacking and coughing the last bit of cold out of my system. Sure, I felt a little stiff from the extended layoff, but all systems were go once my legs started moving and my lungs cleared up. I was back in the running business, baby.

Brimming with confidence, I scheduled my last long run for the next day. I made a date with the Irving Nature Park, and charged my trusty point and shoot in anticipation of some running photos. Inspired by Sacha Goldberger's project Before and After Shots of Joggers, I thought it would be interesting to take a picture of myself after each completed loop of the park. With five laps planned, I figured I would probably look quite exhausted by the time I finished, which would make for an interesting set of photos. Everyone likes looking at a trainwreck once in a while, don't they?

I arrived at the Nature Park early the next evening, looking a little worse for wear but feeling mentally ready for the task at hand. I took a quick self portrait to document the start of the run (top photo) and hit the trail. Running a little faster than expected, I cruised through the park, completing the loop in 33 minutes and change. With twenty perecnt of my run in the bag, I jogged to the car, hydrated, snapped my second picture (that handsome shot on the left), and continued on my merry way.

Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very merry. I was struggling to maintain my pace (which was fine, as I probably ran the first lap a little fast), and was full of nagging doubts about my ability to finish five laps before dark. This feeling was compounded at kilometer ten by a hot spot on my right knee. It was a minor discomfort, but I wondered if it would become a problem later in the run. Mentally, I crossed my fingers, but physically, I wasn't so sure.

I finished the second loop in a little less than 35 minutes (right on target), and hit the car again, adding a quick stretch to my drink/photo routine. The sun was starting to fade in the sky, and a slight breeze chilled my sweaty body. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring any extra clothing, so I couldn't protect myself from the wind. Hoping non-stop activity would keep me warm, I started running again, shivering with cold and cursing my lack of layers.

At this point, my run totally fell apart. My knee discomfort quickly elevated to pain levels, and each hill made it worse. My pace slowed to a crawl, and I knew I wouldn't be able to finish five loops of the park in one piece. To make matter worse, I came to the decision in the middle of the park, which meant I had to finish the loop, pain or no pain. Focusing on form as best I could, I jogged, walked, and limped the last three kilometers, finishing the loop in 37 minutes and change. Considering my discomfort level, it wasn't bad, and I even remembered to take my last photo (see below) before leaving. Sweet.

What went wrong? I am not sure, but I think the lack of activity, coupled with the quick return to the long run, aggravated up my iliotibial band. I think a couple of days of rest, coupled with some ice and stretching might fix the problem, but I am seriously worried that it might affect my ability to race next Sunday. Hopefully I won't have to delay the marathon, but if I do, I'll let you all know, and soon.

Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.