|
|
Training News
March - April 2007 |
March 27, 2007:
Picture this- 8am, 28 degrees, snow, wind and clouds. Running through Forest Park a few weeks ago I found myself geared up in the following: leggings, pants, 3 layers (2 being cold under armour), hat, and gloves. The park was bare, and no one was out. A few miles into it, I noticed a runner coming up ahead. Strangely enough, the sun peaked through the clouds and began to shine. Pleased to know others are braving the cold, the person strided closer. As he passed I stopped in my tracks, and turned to stare at this gentlemen's attire: Socks, Shoes, Shorts, Winter hat. Where the hell is his shirt? The best part about it is he had the biggest smile on his face the entire time. I turned again, laughed to myself and continued the most ridiculous run of my life.
Honestly. Running 43 miles sounds like a good time to me. And I figure if someone is going to try and swim 21 miles they should be at least be able to run double that. Starting the race around 5:30am should be interesting because we get to start with headlamps and glow sticks. So far the best advice someone gave me for the ultra is "Don't Die." So I've put that on the top of my list.
"What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger..."
April Fool's Day:
Staring at the Boulevard Brewery and smelling the intoxicating hops between tossed out of the exhaust system. The morning of the Brew to Brew was windy and chilly. I stood at the start wearing lucky number 13. With socks as gloves and a camelback containing: long sleeve shirt, running pants, extra pair of socks, cell phone, wallet, 4 liters of water, 3 clif bars, 4 GU packs and a partridge in a pear tree. A beautiful 6am start with 30 others and as the moon set and the sun rose, it looked as if it were going to be a great day...
Don't get me wrong I have felt hurt from endurance races. Whether it be hypothermia in the Outer banks, sprained ankles in Phoenix, or wicked sunburn in Tempe. But never have I felt the lower body pain like I did today. After 8 liters of water, 2 clif bars, 2 GUs, 6 handfuls of fig newtons, 4 PB and Js (delicious), several glasses of Gatorade, a dozen hard boiled eggs (gross i know, but delicious at the time), and a bag of popcorn I was at the 34.2 mile marker. Finishing leg 8 of 10, I stumbled over to the grass took my bag off, and collapsed. With no energy or strength. I withdrew from the race, for the first time in my life. Talking to my buddy Brian on the phone he told me that "you never know what success is without failure, you learn more about yourself." And I truly believe that.
Dissapointed? Yes.
Things done differently: Not worn a 35 pound camelback. Eaten Less.
A few quick quotes from other racers to/ about me:
1."Hey guys, check out the old man, oh hold on, that dude is in his 20s"
2."Yo man, do you need a banana or something?"
3."I think this guy needs some help"
For now, ice baths and advil. Looking forward to St. Louis marathon next weekend.
As my good friend Mike Jones once said "Bring the pain now...Go insane now"
April 23, 2007:
I'm sitting here in Salt Lake City and tying to figure out what just happened over the past 7 days.
Starting this whole adventure out at the St. Louis marathon and running with not only my 2 brothers, but a handful of friends was a fantastic start. The entire race was incredible, from the course, to the people, to the good bar-b-que session after. You couldn't have asked for a better day with the whole crew finishing, all with personal records, and even one Boston Qualifier (yea K.B.) Very Impressive.
Then it was off to Salt Lake City. Probably the most beautiful marathon course I've ever ran. Snow capped mountains, clean air, and runners going out for a purpose. The best part of the day was running with my good friend Brian (who also finished with a personal record), it's funny when the pain goes away when you're conversating with a close friend. As we trek from the University of Utah through the course and eventually to the downtown area, we both encounted some hilarious people and great stories. Trotting across the finish line, a huge smile on my face, I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. So take off your Ipod, grab a friend, running partner, or sibling and go for a run. You learn a lot about someone while running, you learn a lot about yourself.
"We only go around once. There's really no time to be afraid. So Stop. Try something you've never tried."
"Teach it...Do it...Risk it"
-The Blazeman
(next stop: 18 hour adventure race with the Doudican Brothers, let's see what we can get ourself into now)
 
 
|
|
