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.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, August 8, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Too Much, Too Soon?
After six days o
f 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.
f 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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Licence To Ill
I'm going to make this blog entry relatively short. After taking a rest day on Monday (well deserved after the 20 miler), I came down with a nasty illness that knocked me off of my sore feet. I've managed to drag my way through the week without missing a day of work, but haven't had the energy to go for a run. I'm starting to recover - my head is less congested and was finally blessed with a decent night of sleep - but I missed two speed sessions and am in no shape for a long run tomorrow. Ugh.
Right now, the plan is to adjust my schedule and delay my taper. If I can get my last long run in on Tuesday or Wednesday, I will still have ten or eleven days to cut back before the marathon. Considering I haven't exactly burned up the roads this week, my plan should be fine. I hope.
Until then, does anyone have any suggestions on how shake a nasty cough?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Right now, the plan is to adjust my schedule and delay my taper. If I can get my last long run in on Tuesday or Wednesday, I will still have ten or eleven days to cut back before the marathon. Considering I haven't exactly burned up the roads this week, my plan should be fine. I hope.
Until then, does anyone have any suggestions on how shake a nasty cough?
Chuck is running the marathon in support of InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Feeling The Burn
So I am sitting in my house, my body itching all over due to the burn I gave myself today. I didn't even notice until I looked into the mirror a few hours after the run, and now my entire body feels like it is on fire.
How did it happen, you ask? Well, I wasn't bright enough to put sunscreen on before I left the house for my long run today. It was overcast and cold when I left, so I figured I safe to skip the sunscreen for the day. Of course, clouds do not protect you from UV rays, and now I am paying the price. Next time you see me outside in the sun, expect me to be exceedingly greasy.
Aside from the burn, my long run wasn't too bad. I initially planned to run five laps of the Nature Park, but the lack of a car forced me to run on the Marathon By The Sea route. It's probably a good thing; the course has a long lonely section in Lorneville that is physically easy but mentally taxing. If I can get used to running ten kilometers with nothing but open road and trees as my scenery, I might have a chance to get through the race unscathed.
The run started out slow, but picked up as I settled into my pace. I knew I was running a little too fast for my own good, but in true Garmin fashion, I couldn't force myself to slow down. Instead, I focused on holding the pace, and hoped it wouldn't hurt too bad when I started to seize up.
I entered the dreaded Lorneville section fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and tried to mentally break down each kilometer. It was harder than I though. The road seems to drag on forever, with nothing of note to disctract me from the task at hand. And there is no traffic to speak of; I saw three cyclists (hi Jim!) and a handful of cars during my fifty minutes in the trenches. Hopefully its a little more populated on marathon day.
I hit the turnaround, and was immediately walloped with a deceivingly strong headwind. Now my work was cut out for me. I continued at the same effort, but immediately lost five seconds on my next kilometer. Not a good sign. The next two kilometers were even slower, but I managed to stop the slide and continue at a decent pace until I left Lorneville.
Unfortunately, I was still eleven kilometers away from my house, and the combination of speed and distance was starting the catch up to me. My kilometer times bottomed out, and my form fell apart. On the plus side, my slow pace was actually my goal pace when I started the run, so as long as I could maintain my current pace until I reached the house, I wouldn't be in bad shape.
It almost didn't happen. I slowed to a near crawl with five kilometers left, and was forced to walk for about a minute shortly thereafter. Suprisingly, it did little to affect my overall pace, so I resolved to take a short walking break each kilometer. I don't usually walk during workouts, but it's a necessary evil if you're considering quiting mid-run.
Legs burning, and covered in sweat, I hit the home stretch and gingerly jogged the last 600 meters to my house, where I promptly drank every ounce of water I could find. Distance travelled: 32 Kilometers. Time: 2:51:17. Not my best run, but when you run twenty five minutes faster than you initially expect, you can't complain. One more long run to go, and I'll be as ready as I can be for Marathon By The Sea.
Now it's time to rub some aloe on my arms and chest. Expect another blog update by mid-week!
How did it happen, you ask? Well, I wasn't bright enough to put sunscreen on before I left the house for my long run today. It was overcast and cold when I left, so I figured I safe to skip the sunscreen for the day. Of course, clouds do not protect you from UV rays, and now I am paying the price. Next time you see me outside in the sun, expect me to be exceedingly greasy.
Aside from the burn, my long run wasn't too bad. I initially planned to run five laps of the Nature Park, but the lack of a car forced me to run on the Marathon By The Sea route. It's probably a good thing; the course has a long lonely section in Lorneville that is physically easy but mentally taxing. If I can get used to running ten kilometers with nothing but open road and trees as my scenery, I might have a chance to get through the race unscathed.
The run started out slow, but picked up as I settled into my pace. I knew I was running a little too fast for my own good, but in true Garmin fashion, I couldn't force myself to slow down. Instead, I focused on holding the pace, and hoped it wouldn't hurt too bad when I started to seize up.
I entered the dreaded Lorneville section fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and tried to mentally break down each kilometer. It was harder than I though. The road seems to drag on forever, with nothing of note to disctract me from the task at hand. And there is no traffic to speak of; I saw three cyclists (hi Jim!) and a handful of cars during my fifty minutes in the trenches. Hopefully its a little more populated on marathon day.
I hit the turnaround, and was immediately walloped with a deceivingly strong headwind. Now my work was cut out for me. I continued at the same effort, but immediately lost five seconds on my next kilometer. Not a good sign. The next two kilometers were even slower, but I managed to stop the slide and continue at a decent pace until I left Lorneville.
Unfortunately, I was still eleven kilometers away from my house, and the combination of speed and distance was starting the catch up to me. My kilometer times bottomed out, and my form fell apart. On the plus side, my slow pace was actually my goal pace when I started the run, so as long as I could maintain my current pace until I reached the house, I wouldn't be in bad shape.
It almost didn't happen. I slowed to a near crawl with five kilometers left, and was forced to walk for about a minute shortly thereafter. Suprisingly, it did little to affect my overall pace, so I resolved to take a short walking break each kilometer. I don't usually walk during workouts, but it's a necessary evil if you're considering quiting mid-run.
Legs burning, and covered in sweat, I hit the home stretch and gingerly jogged the last 600 meters to my house, where I promptly drank every ounce of water I could find. Distance travelled: 32 Kilometers. Time: 2:51:17. Not my best run, but when you run twenty five minutes faster than you initially expect, you can't complain. One more long run to go, and I'll be as ready as I can be for Marathon By The Sea.
Now it's time to rub some aloe on my arms and chest. Expect another blog update by mid-week!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My New Friend Garmin
My wonderful wife Sarah gave me a Garmin Forerunner 310 XT as a wedding present, and I finally took it out of the package and tried it out this week. I have yet to access all of its features (it calculates pace, distance, calories burned, heart rate, and elevation gained/lost, among other things), but I can already tell that it's going to improve my workouts. How? Let me count the ways:
1) My average pace will increase - I'm a numbers guy, and as a numbers guy, I know how fast I should be able to run each kilometer, give or take a few seconds. If my easy pace becomes too easy, the Garmin will tell me immediately, which will force me to increase my efforts. Tonight's easy 5k was run much faster than usual because I was able to see when I was slowing down and adjust accordingly.
2) I will run further - I couldn't tell you how many times I dragged my feet during a 25 minute run and marked it down as a 5k. I guarantee that some of those runs were 4k at best, but I convinced myself ages ago that a five minute kilometer as about as slow as I could run, and have yet to shake that illusion. With the Garmin, a 5K run will actually be a 5k run, as the GPS will calculate the distance as I run.
3) I will run more often - I rarely write in my running diary, but I check my computer every day, and seeing an unused workout icon on my desktop will help spur me into action on lazy days. And, as a numbers junky, the pile of numbers that show up on my computer will lead to mileage goals that I'll inevitably try to hit. You might laugh, but it's true.
I'll stop before I become a spokesperson for the brand, but I have to admit the Garmin is a fun little gadget for people who like to keep track of their workouts. That being said, the only way I'll truly get better is if I am training diligently, so I will log off now and get another workout in before my behind becomes permanently attached to my computer chair.
Chuck is running Marathon By The Sea in support of the InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
1) My average pace will increase - I'm a numbers guy, and as a numbers guy, I know how fast I should be able to run each kilometer, give or take a few seconds. If my easy pace becomes too easy, the Garmin will tell me immediately, which will force me to increase my efforts. Tonight's easy 5k was run much faster than usual because I was able to see when I was slowing down and adjust accordingly.
2) I will run further - I couldn't tell you how many times I dragged my feet during a 25 minute run and marked it down as a 5k. I guarantee that some of those runs were 4k at best, but I convinced myself ages ago that a five minute kilometer as about as slow as I could run, and have yet to shake that illusion. With the Garmin, a 5K run will actually be a 5k run, as the GPS will calculate the distance as I run.
3) I will run more often - I rarely write in my running diary, but I check my computer every day, and seeing an unused workout icon on my desktop will help spur me into action on lazy days. And, as a numbers junky, the pile of numbers that show up on my computer will lead to mileage goals that I'll inevitably try to hit. You might laugh, but it's true.
I'll stop before I become a spokesperson for the brand, but I have to admit the Garmin is a fun little gadget for people who like to keep track of their workouts. That being said, the only way I'll truly get better is if I am training diligently, so I will log off now and get another workout in before my behind becomes permanently attached to my computer chair.
Chuck is running Marathon By The Sea in support of the InterAction School of Performing Arts Capital Campaign. To find out how to donate, please click here.
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