Tuesday, December 04, 2007
When a marathon's not enough
Next year on April 5, I'm taking it up a notch. Let's try 50 kilometers, which is about 31.07 miles. Any thoughts from the readers? :)
Monday, November 19, 2007
Gobbler Grind Marathon Recap
On Saturday evening, Mom & Dad drove me to the Milwaukee airport, where I boarded a Midwest Airlines flight to Kansas City. Despite carefully watching my intake over the past few days, I ate one of the two baked on-board chocolate chip cookies I was given, saving the second for after the race. :)
For my pre-race meal, I went to a Fazoli's between the airport and the hotel. They offer "endless" pasta and breadsticks for under $6. I had two large bowls of penne marinara and five breadsticks, and I was quite satisfied. I checked in to the hotel just before 9 p.m.
The temperatures were in the low 40s on race day morning. I drove my rental car to the race site (half a mile from the hotel) at about 7:15 (45 minutes before start time). Quite a few folks took advantage of the race day packet pickup. I waited in a long but fast-moving line and got my race number, thanking the volunteers who quickly gave me everything I needed.
I walked back to the car so I could stay warm and make my final preparations. I had used the bathroom at the hotel at 7. While I would have preferred another trip right before start time, the lines were a bit too long, so I decided not to worry about it.
I arrived at the start a few minutes before race time. I was carrying two Clif bars, four packets of GU (energy gel), a cell phone, three paper towels, a digital camera, the key to the rental car, and a small 10-ounce plastic bottle of water. In addition to my "standard" race uniform (shoes, socks, RaceReady LD shorts, singlet), I wore my NB windbreaker, a dri-fit winter hat, and a pair of knit gloves from the Twin Cities Marathon. Yeah, I was definitely geared up!
Despite 11 previous marathons, this is the first 26.2-mile race in which I was running without having seen a course map. I quickly learned that everybody (5K, half and full) ran the first three miles together on paved roads. The 5K folks turned toward the finish as the longer-distance runners continued on a bike trail.
It was smooth sailing for the first ten miles. I followed what has become a standard habit for me -- munching on a Clif bar at miles 4-6 and washing each bite down with a little water. I was running at about 9:05/mile. This is slower than my personal record pace (8:54), but I wasn't overly concerned with a PR. We left the trail somewhere in the 6-8 mile range and headed up a gradual but consistent incline on a paved road -- no problem at all. I made a quick pit stop at a vacant portable restroom at mile 9.
I downed a packet of lemon GU at mile 10, still feeling comfortable. Soon after returning to the trail, we reached the point where the half-marathoners turn back toward the finish. Things got a bit lonely and quiet, but I was used to this type of atmosphere. I do most of my training runs solo. At mile 12, I called Jenelle to let her know I was doing okay. She gave me lots of encouragement and support, which kept me going strong. I reached the halfway point at about 1:59:30. Shortly after that, I called Andrew to let him know about my progress. He was out doing some errands with Holly, Ella, and Lily at the time, but he sounded happy to hear from me. :)
Looking for some extra energy in the second half, I did something that I hadn't done during any of my training runs -- I tried eating a second Clif bar. I only had a couple of bites before realizing that this was a far-from-optimal course of action. By the time I reached a turn-around point at mile 15.5, I was battling to keep stomach cramps from forcing me to walk. Drinking water little by little and slowing my pace, I was able to keep it together, averaging 9:45/mile for miles 16-20.
Starting at mile 20, the marathoners had to deal with several loops and turnarounds. There were volunteers posted in all the right places, and they always gave me clear and accurate directions when I needed them. I'm very thankful for their presence. The only error I noticed was that the mile 20 marker was placed at 20.25 miles. I worried for a moment that I'd have an extra quarter mile to run, but then the mile 21 marker arrived at exactly the right spot. My mile splits below are adjusted to correct the error.
I forget exactly when I took gels in the latter portions of the race, but I think I took at least two of them after my stomach cramps had subsided. During the last six miles, I walked the first minute or so of each mile in an effort to keep from feeling totally spent. I was at or above ten minutes a mile at this point, but I wasn't overly concerned about my time.
My last remaining goal was a strong finish. Thankfully, my walking strategy worked. After my last walking break ended (with about 1.1 miles to go), my stength was renewed, and I was able to zoom to the finish. I don't think I was going any faster than 9:00 / mile, but I felt like I was flying.
I passed two other runners shortly before reaching the finish area. I shouted to the assembled crowd, "Let's hear it!", as it seemed too quiet for a marathon finish. My encouragement didn't have much of an effect until I heard the DJ/announcer say my name. "Benjamin Isaacson, welcome home!" was his exclamation, and I smiled and crossed the line with a chip time of 4:08:25.
After calling several family members with news of my finish, I returned to the hotel for a shower. I checked out around 1:30 p.m. My post-race meal was a trip to CiCi's all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in Shawnee. I got my fill of pizza, cheese garlic bread, and cinnamon rolls before driving to the Kansas City airport for my return flight.
I landed just before 6 p.m. in Milwaukee, and I was back home around 7:30. It was a quick trip, but it was lots of fun.
Details:
For my pre-race meal, I went to a Fazoli's between the airport and the hotel. They offer "endless" pasta and breadsticks for under $6. I had two large bowls of penne marinara and five breadsticks, and I was quite satisfied. I checked in to the hotel just before 9 p.m.
The temperatures were in the low 40s on race day morning. I drove my rental car to the race site (half a mile from the hotel) at about 7:15 (45 minutes before start time). Quite a few folks took advantage of the race day packet pickup. I waited in a long but fast-moving line and got my race number, thanking the volunteers who quickly gave me everything I needed.
I walked back to the car so I could stay warm and make my final preparations. I had used the bathroom at the hotel at 7. While I would have preferred another trip right before start time, the lines were a bit too long, so I decided not to worry about it.
I arrived at the start a few minutes before race time. I was carrying two Clif bars, four packets of GU (energy gel), a cell phone, three paper towels, a digital camera, the key to the rental car, and a small 10-ounce plastic bottle of water. In addition to my "standard" race uniform (shoes, socks, RaceReady LD shorts, singlet), I wore my NB windbreaker, a dri-fit winter hat, and a pair of knit gloves from the Twin Cities Marathon. Yeah, I was definitely geared up!
Despite 11 previous marathons, this is the first 26.2-mile race in which I was running without having seen a course map. I quickly learned that everybody (5K, half and full) ran the first three miles together on paved roads. The 5K folks turned toward the finish as the longer-distance runners continued on a bike trail.
It was smooth sailing for the first ten miles. I followed what has become a standard habit for me -- munching on a Clif bar at miles 4-6 and washing each bite down with a little water. I was running at about 9:05/mile. This is slower than my personal record pace (8:54), but I wasn't overly concerned with a PR. We left the trail somewhere in the 6-8 mile range and headed up a gradual but consistent incline on a paved road -- no problem at all. I made a quick pit stop at a vacant portable restroom at mile 9.
I downed a packet of lemon GU at mile 10, still feeling comfortable. Soon after returning to the trail, we reached the point where the half-marathoners turn back toward the finish. Things got a bit lonely and quiet, but I was used to this type of atmosphere. I do most of my training runs solo. At mile 12, I called Jenelle to let her know I was doing okay. She gave me lots of encouragement and support, which kept me going strong. I reached the halfway point at about 1:59:30. Shortly after that, I called Andrew to let him know about my progress. He was out doing some errands with Holly, Ella, and Lily at the time, but he sounded happy to hear from me. :)
Looking for some extra energy in the second half, I did something that I hadn't done during any of my training runs -- I tried eating a second Clif bar. I only had a couple of bites before realizing that this was a far-from-optimal course of action. By the time I reached a turn-around point at mile 15.5, I was battling to keep stomach cramps from forcing me to walk. Drinking water little by little and slowing my pace, I was able to keep it together, averaging 9:45/mile for miles 16-20.
Starting at mile 20, the marathoners had to deal with several loops and turnarounds. There were volunteers posted in all the right places, and they always gave me clear and accurate directions when I needed them. I'm very thankful for their presence. The only error I noticed was that the mile 20 marker was placed at 20.25 miles. I worried for a moment that I'd have an extra quarter mile to run, but then the mile 21 marker arrived at exactly the right spot. My mile splits below are adjusted to correct the error.
I forget exactly when I took gels in the latter portions of the race, but I think I took at least two of them after my stomach cramps had subsided. During the last six miles, I walked the first minute or so of each mile in an effort to keep from feeling totally spent. I was at or above ten minutes a mile at this point, but I wasn't overly concerned about my time.
My last remaining goal was a strong finish. Thankfully, my walking strategy worked. After my last walking break ended (with about 1.1 miles to go), my stength was renewed, and I was able to zoom to the finish. I don't think I was going any faster than 9:00 / mile, but I felt like I was flying.
I passed two other runners shortly before reaching the finish area. I shouted to the assembled crowd, "Let's hear it!", as it seemed too quiet for a marathon finish. My encouragement didn't have much of an effect until I heard the DJ/announcer say my name. "Benjamin Isaacson, welcome home!" was his exclamation, and I smiled and crossed the line with a chip time of 4:08:25.
After calling several family members with news of my finish, I returned to the hotel for a shower. I checked out around 1:30 p.m. My post-race meal was a trip to CiCi's all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in Shawnee. I got my fill of pizza, cheese garlic bread, and cinnamon rolls before driving to the Kansas City airport for my return flight.
I landed just before 6 p.m. in Milwaukee, and I was back home around 7:30. It was a quick trip, but it was lots of fun.
Details:
| Miles 1-5 | 9:14 | 9:14 | 8:50 | 9:01 | 8:42 |
| Miles 6-10 | 8:56 | 9:12 | 9:12 | 9:11 | 9:28 |
| Miles 11-15 | 9:18 | 9:04 | 9:11 | 9:23 | 9:03 |
| Miles 16-20 | 9:55 | 9:48 | 9:13 | 10:18 | 9:29 |
| Miles 21-25 | 9:59 | 9:53 | 10:13 | 10:19 | 10:32 |
| Miles 26-End | 9:55 | 1:52 |
- Average Pace: 9:28/mile
- First half: 1:59:35 Second half: 2:08:50
- Fastest Mile: #5 (8:42) Slowest Mile: #25 (10:32)
- Despite some trouble in the second half, I was able to finish strong without feeling completely exhausted. Onward to Arizona and Austin!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Gobbler Grind Marathon Complete
Ben here, logged in from the Kansas City airport.
It was a pretty good day today. I measured my chip time at 4:08:30. It might be a bit faster than that, but not by much. Here's a few quick bits of info:
1) I have never carried more stuff with me for a marathon than I did today. I was holding the following:
That's all for now. More details, pictures and video coverage as soon as I have some free time.
It was a pretty good day today. I measured my chip time at 4:08:30. It might be a bit faster than that, but not by much. Here's a few quick bits of info:
1) I have never carried more stuff with me for a marathon than I did today. I was holding the following:
- Two Clif bars
- Four packets of GU (energy gel)
- A cell phone (for calling family)
- A small digital camera (for taking video while running -- yeah, it's a bit shaky :)
- Three paper towels (for mid-race nose blowing)
- The key to the rental car (no other place to put it)
That's all for now. More details, pictures and video coverage as soon as I have some free time.
Ben Finishes 12th Marathon
Ben finished his 12th Marathon in 4:08:30. Congratulations to the Running Man!
-Andrew
-Andrew
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Carry on my running son
I didn't run at all this weekend, as I needed a little extra recovery time from Grand Rapids AND I was spending quality time with family. However, I ran three miles yesterday and six miles this morning, and I'm feeling pretty good.
My next race will be -- you guessed it -- ANOTHER marathon. After the big Twin Cities race (7229 finishers) and the sorta-big Grand Rapids race (1517 finishers), it's time for a smaller, scenic event. I'll be heading to Overland Park, Kansas for the Gobbler Grind Marathon on November 18. Yes, it is a little crazy to do a marathon three weeks after a marathon that I did three weeks before a marathon. I'm not planning to break any speed records -- those who know me well can see the alternating slow/fast pattern I have with marathons. Wish me luck!
My next race will be -- you guessed it -- ANOTHER marathon. After the big Twin Cities race (7229 finishers) and the sorta-big Grand Rapids race (1517 finishers), it's time for a smaller, scenic event. I'll be heading to Overland Park, Kansas for the Gobbler Grind Marathon on November 18. Yes, it is a little crazy to do a marathon three weeks after a marathon that I did three weeks before a marathon. I'm not planning to break any speed records -- those who know me well can see the alternating slow/fast pattern I have with marathons. Wish me luck!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
PR in Grand Rapids!
On Saturday, October 27, Jenelle and I checked in to the Residence Inn Marriott in Grandville, which is about 15 minutes away from Grand Rapids. On our way to the YMCA to pick up my packet, Jenelle and I noticed a black Prius parked next to our silver one. You can't tell from the picture, but the sticker on the fuel tank cover says "Marathon Freak". It appears that there is a Prius driver with more enthusiasm for marathons than me. :)
I had no problems getting my race packet and a maroon long-sleeve running shirt. The pasta dinner was also very nice. It was still somewhat early in the evening, so we checked out River Town Crossings mall, which was just across from the hotel. I don't remember exactly when we went to bed, but I got more than enough sleep to prepare for the race.
It was a frosty Sunday morning. In addition to the "standard" race uniform, I added several items to keep warm, including two jackets, two layers of gloves, and a moisture-wicking winter hat. We arrived at the race site just before 7. I watched the early start, and then we went in to the YMCA to warm up for just a bit.Just before entering the starting corral, I handed off one of my jackets and one pair of gloves to Jenelle. I had my race number snapped in my black & white singlet. With the temperature still in the mid 30s, I affixed a "fake" race number to my jacket, knowing that I might keep it on for a large part of the race. In my pockets, I carried four packets of GU and a Clif Bar. I also carried a half-liter bottle of water with me.
The race started right on time, and I was off! My somewhat aggressive goal pace was 8:45 / mile, which would get me to the line in about 3:50. With my muscles still warming up, I took it easy the first mile (9:08) and gradually sped up to race pace. After five miles, I was averaging 8:51/mile.
I ate my Clif Bar little by little as I cruised through Millenium Park. I don't pay much attention to the scenery at most races, but there were some great views, especially along the Grand River. I crossed the bike bridge at mile 8.5 feeling pretty good, though I may have overhyrdrated just a tiny bit. No problem -- I made a quick pit stop just around mile 9 -- no waiting at the portable restrooms. After ten miles, I was averaging 8:48/mile.Let the gel-ing begin! At mile 11, I took my first GU shot with the last bit of water in my bottle. For the remainder of the race, I alternated water / water + GU at the aid stations, which means I took more GU at miles 13, 16, 19, and 22. One Clif Bar and five gels seems to be a good strategy for me. By the way, they were handing out GU at several places, so I still had a few packets left after the race. GU is my favorite gel -- I think it goes down easier than hammer gel or clif shots, but it's all personal preference.
Okay, back to the race. After 16 miles, I was averaging 8:46/mile, right on track! We went by the Wyoming Clean Water Plant, which did not have the most pleasant aroma. It reminded me of the "Recycle Transfer Station" behind Animal Kingdom during the Disney Marathon. Anyway, I kept up the pace for the next few miles, but I could tell that I was getting tired.
I saw Jenelle several times during the race. She always cheered and took photos and/or video when I went by. It can be very tiring to drive around trying to encourage runners on as much as possible, so I'm very thankful for her support. As I waved to her at mile 19, she said, "See you at the finish!" I gave the thumbs up and continued on my way. After 20 miles, my pace had slipped just a bit to an average of 8:48/mile, but I thought I could keep it together for another 10K.At mile 23, I took my hat off, put it in my jacket pocket, and then took off my jacket as well. I didn't have anywhere to drop it, but I was fine carrying it with me. A half mile later, I turned a corner and felt a pretty cold headwind, so I put the jacket back on! I ended up wearing the jacket all the way to the finish, so my "official" race number was only visible for a short time. Oh, well.
My mile splits for miles 21-26 were all nine minutes or more. I was not going to average 8:45 for the race, but I could probably still set a PR. During the final mile, I kept saying to myself, "Don't you dare stop now. Don't you DARE stop now." I slowed down a bit. "DON'T YOU DARE STOP NOW!" I tried to speed up and finish the last half mile. I saw Jenelle with about 500 feet to go, and she gave me the energy I needed to finish. I didn't have much of a finishing kick, but I ran steady and crossed the line with my arms up in victory!
I finished with a chip time of 3:53:20, about a minute faster than my previous personal best of 3:54:26 (set in May in Madison, WI). Overall, it was a great race. The course was very nice (mostly flat), and it never felt too crowded. I also liked the finisher's medal. I'd recommend this one -- while there's not a whole lot of spectators at some points on the course, there's plenty of aid stations and great runner support overall.Post Race Meals / Recovery: Jenelle and I went to Red Robin for lunch after the race, where I had the Chicken Parmigiano Pasta. I also had about 75% of a 16" pan pizza for dinner on Monday the 29th. I was able to run three miles at about 10-minute pace on Tuesday morning, so I'm already thinking about my next race!
Details:
| Miles 1-5 | 9:08 | 8:45 | 9:08 | 8:24 | 8:48 |
| Miles 6-10 | 8:34 | 8:41 | 8:55 | 8:55 | 8:41 |
| Miles 11-15 | 8:50 | 8:46 | 8:28 | 8:52 | 8:51 |
| Miles 16-20 | 8:37 | 8:47 | 8:46 | 9:01 | 8:59 |
| Miles 21-25 | 9:05 | 9:11 | 9:01 | 9:27 | 9:27 |
| Miles 26-End | 9:25 | 1:48 |
- Average Pace: 8:54/mile
- First half: 1:55:12 Second half: 1:58:08
- Fastest Mile: #4 (8:24) Slowest Mile: #23/#24 (9:27)
- Some minor slow-down issues in the last six miles, but it was still a wonderful race!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Grand Rapids Results
I finished with a chip time of 3:53:20 -- a personal record by about a minute. More details will be posted as I have time. :)
Grand Rapids Update
Just saw Ben at miles 12 and 14. He looks great.
At mile 17 now - next to the wastewater treatment plant. This place stinks! Should see Ben any minute,
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