_Standards
PR (3:28:17) December 2010
Apolo Ohno's NYC time (3:25:12) November 2011
Qualify for Boston (3:20:59)
GPS pacer (3:16:30 if GPS agrees with mile markers)
Runner's World Smart Coach plan (3:16:17)
Practiced Yasso 800 (x 10) (3:15:00)
_Script—aka hopeful thinking
Healthy, fresh, nervous, and 138-lb at the start.
7:30 virtual partner (Garmin Forerunner 305)
1 gel every 4 miles for 20 miles.
Bleed 2 min between mile 20 an 22.
Sub 7-min final mile. 3:20 finish.
_Cloth
Tri top
Nike combat shorts
Zoot Compression shorts
Compression calf sleeves
Perl Izumi bike socks
Brooks Green Silence
Disposable:
old jeans
T shirt
cut socks arm warmers
garden gloves with tips removed
fragile no-name sunglasses
_Race report
The perfect weather failed to materialize. I decided to stick with the pace. For weeks I wished I was more aggressive at A2A. I chose not to risk the same regret.
4 am. Wide awake
I took my time tailoring trash bags: 1 outside of T shirt, one outside of sweatshirt. I had no experience running wet in cold air and wasn’t sure how much to put on.
The drizzle wasn’t bad at start. I threw away outer trash bag and sweat shirt.
I gambled at mile 4--threw away inner trash bag and T-shirt that made me sweat.
Rain started a few miles later. Core temperature dropped. Legs felt good and were able to waste energy by jumping over water.
Mile 8
Half and full courses split. I wanted to say thanks to the 1:40 half pacer but didn’t want to waste energy talking. The only words I used that morning were to encourage the 1-leg runner.
I had problem seeing things through sunglasses in the rain. Todd Hunter shouted my name. I tossed him the cheap glasses in hope he’d bring it in to work Monday.
Mile 9: Numb fingers dropped a gel.
Mile 13.1: Just over 99 minutes. Felt happy and wished the teeth chattering would stop.
Mile 17: Legs stiffened. Decided on 8:30 pace 'til mile 22--I could still beat Apolo.
"HTFU!" Biff urged me to keep it together.
Mile 22: had problem with 11:00 pace.
Mile 23
I had problem with 20:00 pace. The deeper I dug, colder I felt. A pre-cut trash bag tossed by another runner helped a great deal.
For the first time I was unable to feed off the crowd’s energy. Some spectators actually avoided eye contact. That was new.
I was passed by 1700 marathoners + countless half marathon walkers.
A medic tried to pull me off the course:
"Are you ok? You don't look so good. Do you want to sit down?"
"I'm cold. Do you have a car?"
"No, but I can call for help?"
"Can you get me to finish faster than walking? I don't want to pay for an ambulance."
He had to think a bit, "no"
Do you have coffee?
No.
Do you have any hot drink?
No.
Do you have a dry T shirt?
No.
OK, thanks.
I kept walking. I probably made him feel a bit useless.
I crossed the line under 4.5 hrs. It felt longer.
_aftermath
The medical tent was filled with shivering runners. The guy next to my bed had thicker under-skin layer than a seal. He whined about upset stomach and didn't even look cold. I wanted to slap him.
I headed home as soon as fingers gained enough dexterity to untie the double knotted laces
Several strangers congratulated me on beating Oprah.
Bodily functions mostly recovered during the 40-minute drive home. I felt well after the hour soak in hot tub.
Days after the race, I didn't conjure up negative feeling. Taking off the trash bag was a calculated risk. Somehow failures are easier to swallow when one errs on the side of aggression.
The hypothermia is an experience I'd cherish. It might come in handy in the mountains one day.
I'm not convinced my fitness was enough for 3:20 finish and am unclear whether I over- or under-trained. Not finding out the answer is probably the most disappointing aspect of this race.
In contrast, the decision of not chasing Bruce Belden at A2A still haunts me. Little surprises life throws at us....
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Boston Qualifying standard 11-13-2011
3 weeks before the Boston qualifier.
My confidence hit bottom after the final long run. I ate the last big meal that night and reminded myself that the body always rose to the occasion.
After A2A, I had no distractions in the form of other physical activities. My daily life was anchored by training sessions. Mom had to endure watching her son attempting to remove mass from the under-inflated body.
_endurance sport is 90% mental; the other 10% is also mental
Web was a great source of contradictory information. Runnersworld.com ran an amusing piece "6 Signs You May Have Post-Marathon Syndrome"
• Comparison shopping and minimizing your marathon accomplishment
• Lacking interest in setting a new goal
• Feelings of sadness, pessimism, and worthlessness
• Feeling lost without your training
• Not able to see the light through the fog
• Rounding your marathon time down–"I ran around 5 hours for a 5:55 finish"
Yeah, I had PMS 20 days before the gun. "A" race preparation started 3 months ago. I just need to push through obstacles.
Bathroom scale registered lowest # post-1998. I did not react with the satisfaction of hitting weight goal—“Did I lose muscle?” At that moment I related to a fashion model.
_accelerated training
Feet and calves didn’t feel good after Euro Roll. I shortened the training sessions. I considered backing out of this “A” event. Conventional wisdom said I need to change my goal. But Boston qualifying time was not negotiable.
My volume and intensity caught up to the program 6 weeks later. Somehow I felt less confident than ever. _Run Less Run Faster_ said I needed to do more. I intensified the sessions—knowing full well the risk of insufficient recovery.
_hill challenged
I didn't practice Dolly Parton and its neighboring hills prior to 2011. I assumed I could even-split the 2 miles because I was lazy, cheap, and delusional. After 4 White Rocks in 5 years, I faced up to my inability to recover after climbs. My last 5 long runs included hill repeats.
_crashes
All but 1 indicator said I was on target for a 3:20 marathon finish.
The first crash happened during the recovery between intervals. The left ankle didn’t clear the curb. I assumed I misjudged the distance while mocking with GPS. That added another facial scar to the collections—of all the eyewear I own, I had to use the $5 Home Depot eye protector that night.
Days later, I missed a block in a stream. This was during the warm up. I couldn’t blame fatigue.
Then I tripped over a shallow pothole at end of easy run during taper weeks.
I was disgusted by my weak ankle and the bandage bill. It was kinda cool to see red blood on the other side of Tegaderm. I stared at the overtraining evidence in the eye and went into denial mode—“I am in shape for a 3:20 marathon as long as weather is perfect. I will be aggressive with my pace. I will not back down. This race ain’t about fastest time; it’s about being good enough.”
I stopped riding Ninja to minimize injury risk.
Weight control was on target. I was proud of yet disliked my sunken cheeks. I visualized the big celebratory dinner.”
My confidence hit bottom after the final long run. I ate the last big meal that night and reminded myself that the body always rose to the occasion.
After A2A, I had no distractions in the form of other physical activities. My daily life was anchored by training sessions. Mom had to endure watching her son attempting to remove mass from the under-inflated body.
_endurance sport is 90% mental; the other 10% is also mental
Web was a great source of contradictory information. Runnersworld.com ran an amusing piece "6 Signs You May Have Post-Marathon Syndrome"
• Comparison shopping and minimizing your marathon accomplishment
• Lacking interest in setting a new goal
• Feelings of sadness, pessimism, and worthlessness
• Feeling lost without your training
• Not able to see the light through the fog
• Rounding your marathon time down–"I ran around 5 hours for a 5:55 finish"
Yeah, I had PMS 20 days before the gun. "A" race preparation started 3 months ago. I just need to push through obstacles.
Bathroom scale registered lowest # post-1998. I did not react with the satisfaction of hitting weight goal—“Did I lose muscle?” At that moment I related to a fashion model.
_accelerated training
Feet and calves didn’t feel good after Euro Roll. I shortened the training sessions. I considered backing out of this “A” event. Conventional wisdom said I need to change my goal. But Boston qualifying time was not negotiable.
My volume and intensity caught up to the program 6 weeks later. Somehow I felt less confident than ever. _Run Less Run Faster_ said I needed to do more. I intensified the sessions—knowing full well the risk of insufficient recovery.
_hill challenged
I didn't practice Dolly Parton and its neighboring hills prior to 2011. I assumed I could even-split the 2 miles because I was lazy, cheap, and delusional. After 4 White Rocks in 5 years, I faced up to my inability to recover after climbs. My last 5 long runs included hill repeats.
_crashes
All but 1 indicator said I was on target for a 3:20 marathon finish.
The first crash happened during the recovery between intervals. The left ankle didn’t clear the curb. I assumed I misjudged the distance while mocking with GPS. That added another facial scar to the collections—of all the eyewear I own, I had to use the $5 Home Depot eye protector that night.
Days later, I missed a block in a stream. This was during the warm up. I couldn’t blame fatigue.
Then I tripped over a shallow pothole at end of easy run during taper weeks.
I was disgusted by my weak ankle and the bandage bill. It was kinda cool to see red blood on the other side of Tegaderm. I stared at the overtraining evidence in the eye and went into denial mode—“I am in shape for a 3:20 marathon as long as weather is perfect. I will be aggressive with my pace. I will not back down. This race ain’t about fastest time; it’s about being good enough.”
I stopped riding Ninja to minimize injury risk.
Weight control was on target. I was proud of yet disliked my sunken cheeks. I visualized the big celebratory dinner.”
Houston Inline Marathon 11-13-2011
4 weeks before my “A” race, I set practical goals for this "D" Race:
1. Injury free.
2. Finish.
3. Save enough for the 16-mile run 2 hours after race.
The drive down south was mostly smooth sailing not requiring the Beltronics. I stopped by a Nike outlet and scored running outfits. It was depressing my legs were now too short for the XS warm up pants.
_Reunion
We stayed at Duane’s; it’s simple, big, and clean. I was envious of the backyard’s function-maintenance ratio.
It was fun visiting Duane’s new life after Dallas. 9-month-old Ace made friend with everyone. I stayed in the room with the track spikes that broke the 24-hour relay record in his running days. It made me think about next 10 years.
_Race
All eyes were on Alex and Rob.
I was relaxed at the start. I went through warm up half heartedly. I was happy Tom was back to racing and hoped to stay with him.
The best way to avoid crash was not skating behind a crashed skater. I started with the pros and got the 2nd spot. No one was fighting for positions. I kept the pace civil and let the lead guy accelerate way. Leading the peloton in a marathon race was a highlight of my life; it felt glorious an absurd.
I let the lead pack go after a few miles; I’d stay with Tom and Duane. The peloton kept slowing down; I stayed in contact. No one wanted to pull, but the young legs were getting antsy. Team Simmons was unconcerned. I thought about a breakaway just for the hell of it—the steep underpass suited my legs.
The pros finally accelerated. Casey had the legs but chose stay with Timo, Tom, Duane, and me. Casey still seemed frustrated from missing A2A after all the Sunday morning Windhaven repeats.
photo by someone good. thanks for the good shot
The lead pack was quickly down to Alex, Rob, and Lawrence. Lawrence was out teammated and got 3rd.
_Brick
2.5 hours after skate, 16-mile run started on hilly pavements of Huntsville State Park.
I went through bad patches and paused at mile 11. Uphill speed bled as expected. Accelerating down the hills was unexpectedly challenging. GPS said I accelerated at mile 15, which didn't agree with my memory.
I worried I trained too hard. I worried I didn’t go hard enough.
Groupon provided big meal at a laughable teppanyaki at Geisha. Thanks to P. F. Chang and Pei Wei, we now understand authenticity is an unnecessary ingredient in ethnic food.
1. Injury free.
2. Finish.
3. Save enough for the 16-mile run 2 hours after race.
The drive down south was mostly smooth sailing not requiring the Beltronics. I stopped by a Nike outlet and scored running outfits. It was depressing my legs were now too short for the XS warm up pants.
_Reunion
We stayed at Duane’s; it’s simple, big, and clean. I was envious of the backyard’s function-maintenance ratio.
It was fun visiting Duane’s new life after Dallas. 9-month-old Ace made friend with everyone. I stayed in the room with the track spikes that broke the 24-hour relay record in his running days. It made me think about next 10 years.
_Race
All eyes were on Alex and Rob.
I was relaxed at the start. I went through warm up half heartedly. I was happy Tom was back to racing and hoped to stay with him.
The best way to avoid crash was not skating behind a crashed skater. I started with the pros and got the 2nd spot. No one was fighting for positions. I kept the pace civil and let the lead guy accelerate way. Leading the peloton in a marathon race was a highlight of my life; it felt glorious an absurd.
I let the lead pack go after a few miles; I’d stay with Tom and Duane. The peloton kept slowing down; I stayed in contact. No one wanted to pull, but the young legs were getting antsy. Team Simmons was unconcerned. I thought about a breakaway just for the hell of it—the steep underpass suited my legs.
The pros finally accelerated. Casey had the legs but chose stay with Timo, Tom, Duane, and me. Casey still seemed frustrated from missing A2A after all the Sunday morning Windhaven repeats.
photo by someone good. thanks for the good shot
The lead pack was quickly down to Alex, Rob, and Lawrence. Lawrence was out teammated and got 3rd.
_Brick
2.5 hours after skate, 16-mile run started on hilly pavements of Huntsville State Park.
I went through bad patches and paused at mile 11. Uphill speed bled as expected. Accelerating down the hills was unexpectedly challenging. GPS said I accelerated at mile 15, which didn't agree with my memory.
I worried I trained too hard. I worried I didn’t go hard enough.
Groupon provided big meal at a laughable teppanyaki at Geisha. Thanks to P. F. Chang and Pei Wei, we now understand authenticity is an unnecessary ingredient in ethnic food.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
A2A 38-mile 10/09/2011
_goal
I seemed to arrive at A2A less prepared each year. 100k's at Hotter n Hell and NYC were the only long skates after Road Rash in April. Ironman Craig Alexander's theory: the older you are, the less volume you need.
Plan A: Stay with Eddy as long as I could. With luck I would build enough lead over the chase pack before reaching Dacula. This strategy failed me twice already, but lead pack speed was unpredictable. Lenny and Marcy was likely to dictate the chase pack speed.
My all-time fantasies included
1. Beat Herb Gale at a race.
2. Order an uncut pizza delivered to check point #5 then eat it like a giant burrito while skating toward Atlanta.
3. Average 18 mph for an A2A distance.
Candy decided to go after Debbie Rice's 17.96 mph record--a realistic target given the weather forecast. Herb signed up to race 38. 2011 was my big chance.
New plan:
1. Bonk no earlier than Herb.
2. Experiment with solid food for 49 miles.
3. Finishing 18 seconds in front of a record breaking Candy.
_logistics
Travel arranges involved changes this year:
Atlanta’s Midtown Hotel computer got confused.
AAA Express Shuttle went out of business.
Casey canceled last minute due to infection.
Race route changed.
_start
The rush out of Athens was always a zoo.
I had an easy start by following a lone Peter Doucet skating with GoPro. I thought of pulling him just to get in the shot but didn't want to mess up his race.
Eddy started late after getting out of costume. I watched him dragging Luke passing us. I was too uncomfortable at that speed to jump pack for Peter’s video. Mile 3~5’s splits were 24 / 21 / 23 mph. I struggled with each acceleration; I wished I was on bigger wheels.
Weather was good but far from perfect: humid, warm, mostly tailwind.
Team Asphalt Beach formed the core of the chase pack with Lenny, Marcy, Jessica, Candy, and Brian. Herb popped out of lead pack and joined us.
photo by Lenny Willcox
I did one long pull before settling in the back. Jessica described a bodily function that made me laugh. Lenny was in control. Marcy seemed to be holding back. Several strong skaters did their shares. The back of the pack turned into accordion when Herb showed off his Herculean strides. I resorted to high cadence and skated like a midget Usain Bolt. Thanks a lot, Herb!
Most of my pull involved being pushed.
video by Lenny
Mile 25. Debbie's record seemed out of reach, but Candy and company weren't letting up. For the first time I appreciated how steady Lenny was.
Mile 35. Everyone kept up. Candy had wattage surplus. I watched her broke away up a long ascend. We had no reason to chase; majority of the pack had 50 miles to go. It took Candy a while to realize the unintentional attack before returning to the group. A few climbs later she said something about not recovering and became less jumpy.
38-mile A2A was a unique race in that competitors and utility vehicles were often indistinguishable. I knew I was racing against Herb and Brian but didn't know how many 38-milers were in the lead pack.
The last climb into Dacula was nontrivial. I wished I was on smaller wheels. Bruce Belden attacked. His acceleration was modest for potentially the 38-mile title. A real man would’ve covered that breakaway. I wanted to save it for the 2 final turns. There were 3 races I could beat pros, and I didn't think Herb would race Tour de Donut.
I gambled the pack would swallow Bruce. I wished my quads weren't cramping. I wished Casey were in the mix.
I heard Candy behind me; Herb and Brian became invisible; Bruce escaped. The last right turn came faster than expected. My short legs barely stayed on pavement. I made it to the empty finish chute 16 seconds behind Bruce.
_38-mile result
Candy won 38 after missing the scary right turn.
Bruce got 2nd. Mike Pantelakis was in the lead group with 7-minute margin.
I checked "beating Mighty Herb" off the list.
Herb and Brian blew up on the last rolling hill.
_#'s
total distance: 38 miles
total time: 2:10:40
average speed: 17.5 mph
mile splits > 20 mph: 10
max speed: 42.5 mph @ mile 11
on-course energy intake: 300 calories (gels and blocks)
wheels used: 100 mm. 4x Matter yellow, 4x MPC Street Fight
photo by Peter Doucet
_49 mile skate to Atlanta
Randy, Herb, and I hopped on Luke and Greg's group to skate to Atlanta. I substituted gels with bananas and trail mix bars.
I was on a nice route with friends, but for 30 miles I obsessed over last 2 miles of the race second-guessing my decisions. I couldn't decide whether I raced smart or simply lacked courage. “Live in the present,” I reminded myself. I focused on how blessed I was.
Silver Hill was the lowlight of the day. We barely broke 40 mph with a black Mercedes in the way.
I hit my usual wall after Silver Hill. I felt more wobbly and sick than usual. I sat down at checkpoint 5 hoping to hitch a ride.
Colleen's sandwich and chocolate did wonders for my recovery.
I got back on the road to skate with Malia (London) and Alex (Austria) group with John in it. I skated with John on this same crappy road surface when agreeing to tie for 52-mile race last year.
_#'s (including 38-mile race)
total distance: 87 miles
total time: 5:48:50
average speed: 15.0 mph
mile splits > 20 mph: 10 + 4
Silver Hill max speed: 40.1 mph
on-course energy intake: 300 calories (gels and blocks) + 800 calories (banana, sandwich, bars, chocolate)
stopping time: approx 15 minutes
_87-mile result
Marcy took women's title. Lenny finished with same time at 12th place.
Jessica came in 9 minutes later at 16th overall ahead of Luke's 5:34.
Eddy was out-skated by Thomas Detwiler.
Francisco got 3rd.
Asphalt Beach's 16-year-old wonder Joel 2-lastNames finished 5th.
Peter Doucet was 6th ahead of Dennis Humphrey.
photo by Peter Doucet
Herb and Marcy
photo by Peter Doucet
The nutrition experiment result was discouraging. Maybe I should've used hotdogs.
_2.5 miles city skate
The new finish location was 2.5 miles from hotel. Skating slowly is a lot faster than 3-mph walk. I felt great going downhill at 15 mph forgetting to verify luggage's wheels were designed for it. Luckily nothing broke on the uneven pavement.
At a non-wealthy neighborhood, 3 tough looking dudes approached me on empty streets,
"What's in the bag?"
I couldn't tell if they were serious but developed a bad feeling. They could easily take me down unless I gave up the luggage.
"3 million dollars, cash." I replied and skated away holding steady pace.
They laughed and didn't pursue.
A few blocks later the streets were closed. I continued on the roadway; the sidewalks were packed with people.
I was surprised the cops didn't pull me off the road. Spectators showered me with positive and colorful encouragements. I was uncomfortable with that level of attention. Served me right wearing spandex ahead of the Pride Parade.
Thanks for buying the cops, Candy.
I seemed to arrive at A2A less prepared each year. 100k's at Hotter n Hell and NYC were the only long skates after Road Rash in April. Ironman Craig Alexander's theory: the older you are, the less volume you need.
Plan A: Stay with Eddy as long as I could. With luck I would build enough lead over the chase pack before reaching Dacula. This strategy failed me twice already, but lead pack speed was unpredictable. Lenny and Marcy was likely to dictate the chase pack speed.
My all-time fantasies included
1. Beat Herb Gale at a race.
2. Order an uncut pizza delivered to check point #5 then eat it like a giant burrito while skating toward Atlanta.
3. Average 18 mph for an A2A distance.
Candy decided to go after Debbie Rice's 17.96 mph record--a realistic target given the weather forecast. Herb signed up to race 38. 2011 was my big chance.
New plan:
1. Bonk no earlier than Herb.
2. Experiment with solid food for 49 miles.
3. Finishing 18 seconds in front of a record breaking Candy.
_logistics
Travel arranges involved changes this year:
Atlanta’s Midtown Hotel computer got confused.
AAA Express Shuttle went out of business.
Casey canceled last minute due to infection.
Race route changed.
_start
The rush out of Athens was always a zoo.
I had an easy start by following a lone Peter Doucet skating with GoPro. I thought of pulling him just to get in the shot but didn't want to mess up his race.
Eddy started late after getting out of costume. I watched him dragging Luke passing us. I was too uncomfortable at that speed to jump pack for Peter’s video. Mile 3~5’s splits were 24 / 21 / 23 mph. I struggled with each acceleration; I wished I was on bigger wheels.
Weather was good but far from perfect: humid, warm, mostly tailwind.
Team Asphalt Beach formed the core of the chase pack with Lenny, Marcy, Jessica, Candy, and Brian. Herb popped out of lead pack and joined us.
photo by Lenny Willcox
I did one long pull before settling in the back. Jessica described a bodily function that made me laugh. Lenny was in control. Marcy seemed to be holding back. Several strong skaters did their shares. The back of the pack turned into accordion when Herb showed off his Herculean strides. I resorted to high cadence and skated like a midget Usain Bolt. Thanks a lot, Herb!
Most of my pull involved being pushed.
video by Lenny
Mile 25. Debbie's record seemed out of reach, but Candy and company weren't letting up. For the first time I appreciated how steady Lenny was.
Mile 35. Everyone kept up. Candy had wattage surplus. I watched her broke away up a long ascend. We had no reason to chase; majority of the pack had 50 miles to go. It took Candy a while to realize the unintentional attack before returning to the group. A few climbs later she said something about not recovering and became less jumpy.
38-mile A2A was a unique race in that competitors and utility vehicles were often indistinguishable. I knew I was racing against Herb and Brian but didn't know how many 38-milers were in the lead pack.
The last climb into Dacula was nontrivial. I wished I was on smaller wheels. Bruce Belden attacked. His acceleration was modest for potentially the 38-mile title. A real man would’ve covered that breakaway. I wanted to save it for the 2 final turns. There were 3 races I could beat pros, and I didn't think Herb would race Tour de Donut.
I gambled the pack would swallow Bruce. I wished my quads weren't cramping. I wished Casey were in the mix.
I heard Candy behind me; Herb and Brian became invisible; Bruce escaped. The last right turn came faster than expected. My short legs barely stayed on pavement. I made it to the empty finish chute 16 seconds behind Bruce.
_38-mile result
Candy won 38 after missing the scary right turn.
Bruce got 2nd. Mike Pantelakis was in the lead group with 7-minute margin.
I checked "beating Mighty Herb" off the list.
Herb and Brian blew up on the last rolling hill.
_#'s
total distance: 38 miles
total time: 2:10:40
average speed: 17.5 mph
mile splits > 20 mph: 10
max speed: 42.5 mph @ mile 11
on-course energy intake: 300 calories (gels and blocks)
wheels used: 100 mm. 4x Matter yellow, 4x MPC Street Fight
photo by Peter Doucet
_49 mile skate to Atlanta
Randy, Herb, and I hopped on Luke and Greg's group to skate to Atlanta. I substituted gels with bananas and trail mix bars.
I was on a nice route with friends, but for 30 miles I obsessed over last 2 miles of the race second-guessing my decisions. I couldn't decide whether I raced smart or simply lacked courage. “Live in the present,” I reminded myself. I focused on how blessed I was.
Silver Hill was the lowlight of the day. We barely broke 40 mph with a black Mercedes in the way.
I hit my usual wall after Silver Hill. I felt more wobbly and sick than usual. I sat down at checkpoint 5 hoping to hitch a ride.
Colleen's sandwich and chocolate did wonders for my recovery.
I got back on the road to skate with Malia (London) and Alex (Austria) group with John in it. I skated with John on this same crappy road surface when agreeing to tie for 52-mile race last year.
_#'s (including 38-mile race)
total distance: 87 miles
total time: 5:48:50
average speed: 15.0 mph
mile splits > 20 mph: 10 + 4
Silver Hill max speed: 40.1 mph
on-course energy intake: 300 calories (gels and blocks) + 800 calories (banana, sandwich, bars, chocolate)
stopping time: approx 15 minutes
_87-mile result
Marcy took women's title. Lenny finished with same time at 12th place.
Jessica came in 9 minutes later at 16th overall ahead of Luke's 5:34.
Eddy was out-skated by Thomas Detwiler.
Francisco got 3rd.
Asphalt Beach's 16-year-old wonder Joel 2-lastNames finished 5th.
Peter Doucet was 6th ahead of Dennis Humphrey.
photo by Peter Doucet
Herb and Marcy
photo by Peter Doucet
The nutrition experiment result was discouraging. Maybe I should've used hotdogs.
_2.5 miles city skate
The new finish location was 2.5 miles from hotel. Skating slowly is a lot faster than 3-mph walk. I felt great going downhill at 15 mph forgetting to verify luggage's wheels were designed for it. Luckily nothing broke on the uneven pavement.
At a non-wealthy neighborhood, 3 tough looking dudes approached me on empty streets,
"What's in the bag?"
I couldn't tell if they were serious but developed a bad feeling. They could easily take me down unless I gave up the luggage.
"3 million dollars, cash." I replied and skated away holding steady pace.
They laughed and didn't pursue.
A few blocks later the streets were closed. I continued on the roadway; the sidewalks were packed with people.
I was surprised the cops didn't pull me off the road. Spectators showered me with positive and colorful encouragements. I was uncomfortable with that level of attention. Served me right wearing spandex ahead of the Pride Parade.
Thanks for buying the cops, Candy.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
NYC 100k Prospect Park, Brooklyn 09/24/2011
I considered racing the 100k every year since 2005. The resources always went to other events: Burning Man, ironman, Montreal 24-hour, A2A, TTTT, White Rock Marathon. "I'll do it next year," I told myself.
Inline events got to the point that I couldn't effort to be picky. And I owned up to the fact I'd never be more ready. I decided on 100k when Nancy invited me in Budapest. It'd be fun to re-visit NYC.
_NYC travel
Using the public transportation was an interesting experience. New Yorkers were helpful when approached with questions, but I didn't anticipate the difficulty of spotting natives at airport and train stations. It didn't help the Q train I counted on wasn't in operation.
Plan B was to use taxies or to skate. The rain made it difficult.
_Race day condition
Mid 70's. 100% humidity. Wet pavement.
Lots of black Storm Surges showed up. I used 100mm gold Street Fights and carbon frames.
_Faster start than needed
If the goal were to optimize average speed, I'd start slow, shop for a pro pack that lap us, shoot for 3.5-hr finish. I chose to ignore finish time <= Texas Flyers had realistic chance at 2 non-pro podium spots.
I stayed in front after the gun, making sure no 100k racer got away. Casey joined me. We matched the speed of 23-year-old Michael Pereira. He was relentless. We let the kid go after short discussion during 2nd lap.
Lap #5. Luke, Renee, and John joined. Casey and I went off the script and pulled the pack. I didn't like the marathoners' erratic accelerations.
John kept lifting the pace; I almost let him go.
photo by Ron Morella
At one point, I asked everyone to slow to wait for Renee; she never caught up. John also got dropped.
A 42k racer in skin suit started to skate slightly faster than the pack off the front. I advised her to be cooperative, “you’re just wasting energy.” She ignored me and was repeatedly swallowed by the pack going down hills. It took me a while to realize she didn't understand a word I said.
The lead vehicles were 2 pretty Ducaties. The peloton looked happy during first half the race. It didn't take them long before lapping us. The pros slowed enough at one point we actually latched on. What are the chances I'd skate in the peloton during in a big race?
_After 42
Things settled down after the marathoners sprinted off. My group was down to 3 with Luke and Casey. It was a relaxing ride. We even slowed to observe a commercial photo shoot. We positive split and made no effort to stop bleeding. I started to think about the end games and looked for attack spots.
Lap 14.
4 pros lapped us for the 2nd time. Casey jumped. I followed. Luke dropped.
_Free ride
The pros were 2 laps ahead and didn't ask us to pull. One guy decided on a baby surge with 2 laps to go. My quads cramped half way up the previously harmless hill. I got popped off the back at lap 16. I focused on keeping recovery pace; I needed to be ready by the time Luke skated by. Luke pass never happened; I gained too much ground behind the pros.
Marcy and Kara Peterson lapped me. Marcy was a machine in skin suit. Her precision strides were the most beautiful thing on the course. I had insufficient incentive to skate that hard; I let her go.
[podium photo]
Casey went on to win the advanced division.
I finished 2nd in 4 hours--3 minutes in front of Luke.
Michael Pereira blew up during lap 5 and abandoned the race after many lonely miles.
_race #'s
64.07 miles in 4:00:30
avg/max: 16/33 mph
gels: 6
elevation gain/loss per Garmin 310XT: 1915/1933 feet
_Post race
Sandy skipped the wet surface race but joined the podium celebration at a West African restaurant. Luke and Casey talked Skate Farm Thailand.
Casey and I rode a free shuttle between rail stations. We chatted with the bus driver. The guy was so cool a girl pursued him between stops. When I grow up, I want to operate large public vehicles.
It took me a long time to recognize the racers at official dinner at Iguana Bar. The Empire Speed Club had the highest density of particle physicists. It was great to catch up with Dustin on musician and other things.
Nancy took us on a foot tour; she was the only non-tourist human at Time Square. Grand Central was indeed grand.
_Sunday morning skate
I briefly considered the scheduled 7-mile run before replacing it with coffee and buttered bagel.
Philly skaters hired a bus to skate Manhattan that morning. It was great to see Euro Roll friends.
At leisure pace, we still went faster than buses and taxies in city traffic.
USS Intrepid looked newer than 12 years ago. Casey and I rolled the final portion of NYC skate while eating gyro and Thai before the pre flight shower.
Inline events got to the point that I couldn't effort to be picky. And I owned up to the fact I'd never be more ready. I decided on 100k when Nancy invited me in Budapest. It'd be fun to re-visit NYC.
_NYC travel
Using the public transportation was an interesting experience. New Yorkers were helpful when approached with questions, but I didn't anticipate the difficulty of spotting natives at airport and train stations. It didn't help the Q train I counted on wasn't in operation.
Plan B was to use taxies or to skate. The rain made it difficult.
_Race day condition
Mid 70's. 100% humidity. Wet pavement.
Lots of black Storm Surges showed up. I used 100mm gold Street Fights and carbon frames.
_Faster start than needed
If the goal were to optimize average speed, I'd start slow, shop for a pro pack that lap us, shoot for 3.5-hr finish. I chose to ignore finish time <= Texas Flyers had realistic chance at 2 non-pro podium spots.
I stayed in front after the gun, making sure no 100k racer got away. Casey joined me. We matched the speed of 23-year-old Michael Pereira. He was relentless. We let the kid go after short discussion during 2nd lap.
Lap #5. Luke, Renee, and John joined. Casey and I went off the script and pulled the pack. I didn't like the marathoners' erratic accelerations.
John kept lifting the pace; I almost let him go.
photo by Ron Morella
At one point, I asked everyone to slow to wait for Renee; she never caught up. John also got dropped.
A 42k racer in skin suit started to skate slightly faster than the pack off the front. I advised her to be cooperative, “you’re just wasting energy.” She ignored me and was repeatedly swallowed by the pack going down hills. It took me a while to realize she didn't understand a word I said.
The lead vehicles were 2 pretty Ducaties. The peloton looked happy during first half the race. It didn't take them long before lapping us. The pros slowed enough at one point we actually latched on. What are the chances I'd skate in the peloton during in a big race?
_After 42
Things settled down after the marathoners sprinted off. My group was down to 3 with Luke and Casey. It was a relaxing ride. We even slowed to observe a commercial photo shoot. We positive split and made no effort to stop bleeding. I started to think about the end games and looked for attack spots.
Lap 14.
4 pros lapped us for the 2nd time. Casey jumped. I followed. Luke dropped.
_Free ride
The pros were 2 laps ahead and didn't ask us to pull. One guy decided on a baby surge with 2 laps to go. My quads cramped half way up the previously harmless hill. I got popped off the back at lap 16. I focused on keeping recovery pace; I needed to be ready by the time Luke skated by. Luke pass never happened; I gained too much ground behind the pros.
Marcy and Kara Peterson lapped me. Marcy was a machine in skin suit. Her precision strides were the most beautiful thing on the course. I had insufficient incentive to skate that hard; I let her go.
[podium photo]
Casey went on to win the advanced division.
I finished 2nd in 4 hours--3 minutes in front of Luke.
Michael Pereira blew up during lap 5 and abandoned the race after many lonely miles.
_race #'s
64.07 miles in 4:00:30
avg/max: 16/33 mph
gels: 6
elevation gain/loss per Garmin 310XT: 1915/1933 feet
_Post race
Sandy skipped the wet surface race but joined the podium celebration at a West African restaurant. Luke and Casey talked Skate Farm Thailand.
Casey and I rode a free shuttle between rail stations. We chatted with the bus driver. The guy was so cool a girl pursued him between stops. When I grow up, I want to operate large public vehicles.
It took me a long time to recognize the racers at official dinner at Iguana Bar. The Empire Speed Club had the highest density of particle physicists. It was great to catch up with Dustin on musician and other things.
Nancy took us on a foot tour; she was the only non-tourist human at Time Square. Grand Central was indeed grand.
_Sunday morning skate
I briefly considered the scheduled 7-mile run before replacing it with coffee and buttered bagel.
Philly skaters hired a bus to skate Manhattan that morning. It was great to see Euro Roll friends.
At leisure pace, we still went faster than buses and taxies in city traffic.
USS Intrepid looked newer than 12 years ago. Casey and I rolled the final portion of NYC skate while eating gyro and Thai before the pre flight shower.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
PreRace Jitter 9-17-2011, another NorthShore I didn’t participate
Schedule called for 20-mile run @ 8:34 pace today. I struggled through it.
Injury and weather impeded preparation for the December marathon. I shortened multiple sessions in the Runner’s World training program. I’m using a program involving fewer miles than the respected _Run Less, Run Faster_. It’s not a comforting thought.
Things are looking grim for my BQ. If I had sense, I’d let the body heal before trying, but BQ standard will be tightened by 11.45 seconds per mile if I wait another year.
_4 races in next 4 months.
> NYC 100k. “C”
Oringal plan was to help Casey with NROC points. Given my weak form, I'd skip laps to prove support, similar to what Biff did for me at Montreal.
Casey is no longer optimizing his NROC standing => I get to think about skating for myself. Now I got my boots back from David Simmons, I'm optimistic about NYC 100k given “C” race mentality.
I logged approx 0 mile of pace line between Road Rash and Hotter n Hell. Technique and cardio supposedly fade slowly. NYC will be a good indicator of that theory.
I can draft pros per Francisco’s blessing. It’d be a fun event with Candy cookie.
"Did I mention you have to climb that #@$*((#!! hill 17 times or something ridiculous like that?"
–Biff Bailey
"The dreaded Prospect Park hill? A mere pimple on the pickle of progress."
–Eddy Matzger
> A2A. “B”
Will try to have enough fitness to go hard for 38 miles.
I lasted 40 minutes with Eddy in my previous attempt. My skating hasn’t improved, but the lead pack speed is variable.
I invested all my skate time on short hill sprints after Road Rash. After A2A, my skate ambition will be to maintain enough form to enjoy wheel events, unless this running thing doesn’t pan out.
> Houston Inline. “D”
Spend time with teammates at Duane's house. Do whatever friends want. Maybe eat donuts if race canceled.
> White Rock Marathon. “A”
I started to look for faster courses.
Las Vegas happens on the same day but is no longer the fast point-to-point race.
_weight obsession
5’ 10” Ryan Hall’s racing weight is 130 lb.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbKp2HeUpkY)
I’m overweight as a marathon runner like vast majority of the participants; I dislike Hall’s skinny look but want his efficiency. More voluminous yet less massy body—we desire attributes a la carte while painfully awaring of their incompatibility.
Desire is the main source of disappointments and weakness.
I admire Karnazes’ acceptance of his bulky muscles.
Small consolation: even Apolo Ohno has a longer way to go before reaching optimal marathon weight at 165 lb:
http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/apolo-ohno;_ylt=AjGbZC.xIB483c2W0YLMVfM5nYcB?vid=26257328
_running form
I need to improve my pace by 18 seconds per mile from 2010 White Rock. It felt daunting. I didn’t want to lose enough weight to bridge the difference. Technique appeared to be a viable option. I became obsessed after watching Abebe Bikila and Ryan Hall’s footages.
I was frustrated by the signal-to-noise ratio of Chi Running and instruction of Joe Friel but was seduced by _Born to Run_. It induced my desire to achieve better form via shoe change. The end goal is the ability to run with no shoe—reminiscent of the sword-less heart of a swordsman in kong-fu novels.
Increasing distance with new shoes too quickly was probably how I hurt my feet. Ignoring pain ain’t always the best policy.
Shoes in rotation:
Asics Nimbus x 3
Zoot Ultra Tempo
Asics 2140
Brooks Axiom
Brooks Green Silence
Perl Izumi Streak x 2
Asics Hyper Speed 4
Puma Bolt Yugorun
Ecco Bioms
Vibram Bikila
The Texas-size house encourages shoe craze. I can’t decide if it’s a good thing.
"Barefoot Running ... is like being bit by a vampire--slowly but surely, you turn into one of THEM."
Injury and weather impeded preparation for the December marathon. I shortened multiple sessions in the Runner’s World training program. I’m using a program involving fewer miles than the respected _Run Less, Run Faster_. It’s not a comforting thought.
Things are looking grim for my BQ. If I had sense, I’d let the body heal before trying, but BQ standard will be tightened by 11.45 seconds per mile if I wait another year.
_4 races in next 4 months.
> NYC 100k. “C”
Oringal plan was to help Casey with NROC points. Given my weak form, I'd skip laps to prove support, similar to what Biff did for me at Montreal.
Casey is no longer optimizing his NROC standing => I get to think about skating for myself. Now I got my boots back from David Simmons, I'm optimistic about NYC 100k given “C” race mentality.
I logged approx 0 mile of pace line between Road Rash and Hotter n Hell. Technique and cardio supposedly fade slowly. NYC will be a good indicator of that theory.
I can draft pros per Francisco’s blessing. It’d be a fun event with Candy cookie.
"Did I mention you have to climb that #@$*((#!! hill 17 times or something ridiculous like that?"
–Biff Bailey
"The dreaded Prospect Park hill? A mere pimple on the pickle of progress."
–Eddy Matzger
> A2A. “B”
Will try to have enough fitness to go hard for 38 miles.
I lasted 40 minutes with Eddy in my previous attempt. My skating hasn’t improved, but the lead pack speed is variable.
I invested all my skate time on short hill sprints after Road Rash. After A2A, my skate ambition will be to maintain enough form to enjoy wheel events, unless this running thing doesn’t pan out.
> Houston Inline. “D”
Spend time with teammates at Duane's house. Do whatever friends want. Maybe eat donuts if race canceled.
> White Rock Marathon. “A”
I started to look for faster courses.
Las Vegas happens on the same day but is no longer the fast point-to-point race.
_weight obsession
5’ 10” Ryan Hall’s racing weight is 130 lb.
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbKp2HeUpkY)
I’m overweight as a marathon runner like vast majority of the participants; I dislike Hall’s skinny look but want his efficiency. More voluminous yet less massy body—we desire attributes a la carte while painfully awaring of their incompatibility.
Desire is the main source of disappointments and weakness.
I admire Karnazes’ acceptance of his bulky muscles.
Small consolation: even Apolo Ohno has a longer way to go before reaching optimal marathon weight at 165 lb:
http://sports.yahoo.com/elite-athlete-workouts/apolo-ohno;_ylt=AjGbZC.xIB483c2W0YLMVfM5nYcB?vid=26257328
_running form
I need to improve my pace by 18 seconds per mile from 2010 White Rock. It felt daunting. I didn’t want to lose enough weight to bridge the difference. Technique appeared to be a viable option. I became obsessed after watching Abebe Bikila and Ryan Hall’s footages.
I was frustrated by the signal-to-noise ratio of Chi Running and instruction of Joe Friel but was seduced by _Born to Run_. It induced my desire to achieve better form via shoe change. The end goal is the ability to run with no shoe—reminiscent of the sword-less heart of a swordsman in kong-fu novels.
Increasing distance with new shoes too quickly was probably how I hurt my feet. Ignoring pain ain’t always the best policy.
Shoes in rotation:
Asics Nimbus x 3
Zoot Ultra Tempo
Asics 2140
Brooks Axiom
Brooks Green Silence
Perl Izumi Streak x 2
Asics Hyper Speed 4
Puma Bolt Yugorun
Ecco Bioms
Vibram Bikila
The Texas-size house encourages shoe craze. I can’t decide if it’s a good thing.
"Barefoot Running ... is like being bit by a vampire--slowly but surely, you turn into one of THEM."
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Hotter n Hell 100k skate 8/28/2011
Something always got in the way of a solid 102-mile bike ride--bonking, crashes, injury, skating. This year I put in so few bike miles I didn't bother reaching for the perfect ride. 50-mile skate was the logical choice given the circumstances. Casey offered to keep me company.
Logistically, HH is an easy event:
pack Thursday night
Friday:
leave work after lunch
spend $ at expo
visit with Ann and wheel friends
Saturday:
be early to avoid parking problem
start rolling in the dark
80 miles of hope
18 miles of disappointment and introspection
4 miles of rolling drunk
shower
back in Dallas by dinner
In 2006 I communicated poorly with Richard; it led to Richard's abandoning at mile 23. This time I wrote a skate script so Casey and I would be on the same page.
----
50 mi @ 12 mph moving speed = 4 hr 10 min rolling
50 min of rest stops/overhead/extra distance => sub 5 hr finish time
rest stop #/mile mark
1. 10 skip
2. 15; quick refuel; small stop not shared by other event distances
drink enough in next 11 miles to pee
3. 26 nutrition bag; bathroom
hammer a bit if condition calls for
expect to drink 60 oz in next 13 miles
crappy Hwy 44 service road incline leading to rest stop 4
4. 39; water and food could be distant from the road; drink pickle juice
maybe dump a bottle
higher heart rate skate before final stop
5. 43 air force base; busy stop with 3 distances;
skate quickly and safely to finish
----
The skate started comfortably-- fresh feet on rough pavement. We were stopped by the train shortly before the 50-mile / 100k split. Casey and I reminded each other to look for the sign to turn right to avoid the worst 10-mile chip n seal of this event.
I had problem keeping the middle bottles in jersey pockets. That bottle finally got its way and flew into a ditch at a turn. I let it go--40 oz should be enough for the 50-mile route.
We missed the 50-mile turn. By the time we realized it, it was too late to turn around. I needed new way to hold water.
_10 rough miles
This was the third time I skated over this rough section. I wised up and didn't push the pace. The urethane stayed intact enough we didn't have to rotate wheels. I stopped a few times examining bottles dropped by cyclists and finally found a safe-looking one that'd help me through the extended skate.
_glass smooth road
Rec cyclists moved at 14 to 17 mph. Casey and I mostly operated outside this range.
The road surface turned nice for a few miles. We hopped behind a tandem bike and averaged over 20 mph. I missed being part of Texas Flyer pace line.
We were back on familiar 50-mile script and knew what to expect from this point on.
_Highway 44 service road
The surface was marginally easier than the rough 10 miles, but our body parts were fatigue by this time. 50-mile and 100k cyclists were littered under the trees along the road. Casey and I struggled to maintain 10 mph.
I pointed out the big tree and its inviting shade at top of the hill, "that is not the rest stop; don't get your hopes up." Casey tried to remember the concept of humor. I avoided thinking about what the vibration was doing to my plantar fascia.
_Sheppard Air Force Base
Casey and I weren't in enough trouble to use the AC at the airbase. We slowed to admire the airplanes, stopped to check axles, and topped off liquid before leaving the popular rest stop.
I didn't expect the welcome from young soldiers along the road inside the base. I'll take off wrist slider before high fiving people next time.
The finish was anticlimactic. Our feet hurt more than legs.
# from Casey’s GPS:
Time: 4:47:47
Moving: 4:27:22
Avg speed: 12.9 mph
Avg moving: 13.4 mph
Max speed: 26.3
Slowest/fastest mile: 6.8/22.0 mph
Avg/max heart rate: 145/207 bpm (Casey is part hummingbird)
_post event
Casey and I walked the expo and scored a few deals. I sought out RBM owner Jim Hoyt in case he had a RAAM relay spot open or had Lance news.
Visited with Roger who rode 102 miles with a sore neck. It's always fun to see the world through his eyes. He made me want to through hike Appalachian Trail.
Stopped by H Mart after dinner for fruit and vegi shopping. Weight reduction would start the following Monday to hit my annual goal on 12/4/2011.
Logistically, HH is an easy event:
pack Thursday night
Friday:
leave work after lunch
spend $ at expo
visit with Ann and wheel friends
Saturday:
be early to avoid parking problem
start rolling in the dark
80 miles of hope
18 miles of disappointment and introspection
4 miles of rolling drunk
shower
back in Dallas by dinner
In 2006 I communicated poorly with Richard; it led to Richard's abandoning at mile 23. This time I wrote a skate script so Casey and I would be on the same page.
----
50 mi @ 12 mph moving speed = 4 hr 10 min rolling
50 min of rest stops/overhead/extra distance => sub 5 hr finish time
rest stop #/mile mark
1. 10 skip
2. 15; quick refuel; small stop not shared by other event distances
drink enough in next 11 miles to pee
3. 26 nutrition bag; bathroom
hammer a bit if condition calls for
expect to drink 60 oz in next 13 miles
crappy Hwy 44 service road incline leading to rest stop 4
4. 39; water and food could be distant from the road; drink pickle juice
maybe dump a bottle
higher heart rate skate before final stop
5. 43 air force base; busy stop with 3 distances;
skate quickly and safely to finish
----
The skate started comfortably-- fresh feet on rough pavement. We were stopped by the train shortly before the 50-mile / 100k split. Casey and I reminded each other to look for the sign to turn right to avoid the worst 10-mile chip n seal of this event.
I had problem keeping the middle bottles in jersey pockets. That bottle finally got its way and flew into a ditch at a turn. I let it go--40 oz should be enough for the 50-mile route.
We missed the 50-mile turn. By the time we realized it, it was too late to turn around. I needed new way to hold water.
_10 rough miles
This was the third time I skated over this rough section. I wised up and didn't push the pace. The urethane stayed intact enough we didn't have to rotate wheels. I stopped a few times examining bottles dropped by cyclists and finally found a safe-looking one that'd help me through the extended skate.
_glass smooth road
Rec cyclists moved at 14 to 17 mph. Casey and I mostly operated outside this range.
The road surface turned nice for a few miles. We hopped behind a tandem bike and averaged over 20 mph. I missed being part of Texas Flyer pace line.
We were back on familiar 50-mile script and knew what to expect from this point on.
_Highway 44 service road
The surface was marginally easier than the rough 10 miles, but our body parts were fatigue by this time. 50-mile and 100k cyclists were littered under the trees along the road. Casey and I struggled to maintain 10 mph.
I pointed out the big tree and its inviting shade at top of the hill, "that is not the rest stop; don't get your hopes up." Casey tried to remember the concept of humor. I avoided thinking about what the vibration was doing to my plantar fascia.
_Sheppard Air Force Base
Casey and I weren't in enough trouble to use the AC at the airbase. We slowed to admire the airplanes, stopped to check axles, and topped off liquid before leaving the popular rest stop.
I didn't expect the welcome from young soldiers along the road inside the base. I'll take off wrist slider before high fiving people next time.
The finish was anticlimactic. Our feet hurt more than legs.
# from Casey’s GPS:
Time: 4:47:47
Moving: 4:27:22
Avg speed: 12.9 mph
Avg moving: 13.4 mph
Max speed: 26.3
Slowest/fastest mile: 6.8/22.0 mph
Avg/max heart rate: 145/207 bpm (Casey is part hummingbird)
_post event
Casey and I walked the expo and scored a few deals. I sought out RBM owner Jim Hoyt in case he had a RAAM relay spot open or had Lance news.
Visited with Roger who rode 102 miles with a sore neck. It's always fun to see the world through his eyes. He made me want to through hike Appalachian Trail.
Stopped by H Mart after dinner for fruit and vegi shopping. Weight reduction would start the following Monday to hit my annual goal on 12/4/2011.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
DRC Independence 10k, 7/21/2011
I decided to focus 2011 on December 4th White Rock. Given Euro Roll 2011, 7/2 10k was a good “B” race before marathon training starts. In past years, May ~ July were non-running months.
_training
I went with Smart Coach. The training sessions and goal looked even less realistic than full- and half-marathons. This free service predicted my past races on the nose.
The only incomplete training session was 4 mi @ 7:30. Air temperature was 102 F. My pace broke after 3.5 miles. I was still sweating 30 minutes after the run.
I had no problem with 4x800 @ 95 F.
_race
Dallas Running Club ran an efficient affordable event. Parking was no problem for 850 runners at White Rock. Number and chip pick up took about 3 minutes with only 2 volunteers.
I felt sluggish and unrecovered @ 8am in the mid 80’s. GPS was set to 6:53 pace, a seemingly unrealistic pace to hold for 30+ min. “Trust your training,” I told myself.
Race started on time. I followed 9-year-old Cameron Ross at sub 7:00 pace; I passed the gifted boy shortly before the 5k U-turn. Cameron completed 5k in 22:04.
I was 60 meters behind at midpoint—exactly where I wanted to be. I felt hot but confident and wanted to apologize to Runner’s World for doubting.
My race was still under control when Biff showed up at mile 3.5. Then everything fell apart at mile 4. My body wouldn't deliver enough power in the heat. The involuntary grunts started. I was Sharapova with shorter and less hairy legs.
Biff urged me to hold the form. I knew I looked vulnerable when Biff started to tell me how great I looked. My pace bled. Sam and Sid were oblivious to my suffering; they were interested in the colors the racers wore.
Final 400 meters. I tried to sprint. I barely managed 7:00 pace for the all-out effort.
_fake emergency
A volunteer wanted me to return the chip at finish. I worried bending over could induce back spasm. I didn’t have enough strength to balance on 1 leg to un-Velcro the ankle strap. I didn't want to go into my spine issue and just told the volunteer I needed something to lean against.
She interpreted this as "I'm about to pass out."
“Are you hot; do you need water?”
I said yes and thought it was a dumb question to a sweaty runner after 10k.
Instead of water, she brought 2 paramedics. They rubbed ice on me and everything.
Hadn't received this much attention in a while.
_aftermath
Legs weren’t sore Sunday morning. I was still disappointed at the 10k. I decided to run errands on TT bike. Front derailleur developed issue 4 miles from the Baileys. Instead of a 5-minute gift drop off, I caused Biff to spend his Sunday morning fixing my derailleur cable.
Saw chiropractor Tuesday morning and confirmed overtraining. Besides the usual spine-related issues, I experienced the typical plantar fasciitis symptoms. So much for all the cobblestone running plans for Euro Roll.
I need to re-evaluate my goals.
#’s
847 runners (5k & 10k)
chip time: 45:23
avg 7:19 pace
_training
I went with Smart Coach. The training sessions and goal looked even less realistic than full- and half-marathons. This free service predicted my past races on the nose.
The only incomplete training session was 4 mi @ 7:30. Air temperature was 102 F. My pace broke after 3.5 miles. I was still sweating 30 minutes after the run.
I had no problem with 4x800 @ 95 F.
_race
Dallas Running Club ran an efficient affordable event. Parking was no problem for 850 runners at White Rock. Number and chip pick up took about 3 minutes with only 2 volunteers.
I felt sluggish and unrecovered @ 8am in the mid 80’s. GPS was set to 6:53 pace, a seemingly unrealistic pace to hold for 30+ min. “Trust your training,” I told myself.
Race started on time. I followed 9-year-old Cameron Ross at sub 7:00 pace; I passed the gifted boy shortly before the 5k U-turn. Cameron completed 5k in 22:04.
I was 60 meters behind at midpoint—exactly where I wanted to be. I felt hot but confident and wanted to apologize to Runner’s World for doubting.
My race was still under control when Biff showed up at mile 3.5. Then everything fell apart at mile 4. My body wouldn't deliver enough power in the heat. The involuntary grunts started. I was Sharapova with shorter and less hairy legs.
Biff urged me to hold the form. I knew I looked vulnerable when Biff started to tell me how great I looked. My pace bled. Sam and Sid were oblivious to my suffering; they were interested in the colors the racers wore.
Final 400 meters. I tried to sprint. I barely managed 7:00 pace for the all-out effort.
_fake emergency
A volunteer wanted me to return the chip at finish. I worried bending over could induce back spasm. I didn’t have enough strength to balance on 1 leg to un-Velcro the ankle strap. I didn't want to go into my spine issue and just told the volunteer I needed something to lean against.
She interpreted this as "I'm about to pass out."
“Are you hot; do you need water?”
I said yes and thought it was a dumb question to a sweaty runner after 10k.
Instead of water, she brought 2 paramedics. They rubbed ice on me and everything.
Hadn't received this much attention in a while.
_aftermath
Legs weren’t sore Sunday morning. I was still disappointed at the 10k. I decided to run errands on TT bike. Front derailleur developed issue 4 miles from the Baileys. Instead of a 5-minute gift drop off, I caused Biff to spend his Sunday morning fixing my derailleur cable.
Saw chiropractor Tuesday morning and confirmed overtraining. Besides the usual spine-related issues, I experienced the typical plantar fasciitis symptoms. So much for all the cobblestone running plans for Euro Roll.
I need to re-evaluate my goals.
#’s
847 runners (5k & 10k)
chip time: 45:23
avg 7:19 pace
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Katy 5k. May 12, 2011
My 5k's usually took 30 minutes. They typically involved saving boobs. Parking and starts tended to be sources of frustration.
Last night I planned on 7:00 pace for 3 miles then final 172 meters at 120 mph.
I executed the script and ended up with 21:03.
I felt a bit light headed during the 120 mph section. Wish I wore heart rate monitor.
As Timo promised, the after-race party was fun and fulfilling.
Last night I planned on 7:00 pace for 3 miles then final 172 meters at 120 mph.
I executed the script and ended up with 21:03.
I felt a bit light headed during the 120 mph section. Wish I wore heart rate monitor.
As Timo promised, the after-race party was fun and fulfilling.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Texas Road Rash. April 17, 2011
I started skating late this year and decided to make TRR a “D” race; it's an annual social trip.
TSX delivered 31 mpg to Round Rock. I stopped by a Ducati dealer in Waco. Had mediocre BBQ next door. David Sedaris audio books made the time pass fast.
_World class
Joey Mantia looked bulkier than last time I saw him. I fantasized multiple US long track medals at Sochi 2014 after watching his huge lead at Saturday elimination race.
Debbie Rice decided not to compete despite having many choices of mismatched boots. Bont brought its young guns.
I acquired new Texas Flyer jersey before dinner with teammates.
It was great to see Duane and Scarlett. How priority changed in a few years: Duane, Scarlett, Harris, and Ritter moved away; Demer never regained form after operation; Jason went to cycling; I focused on long events; Phil doesn't skate much after his first born; Mackowski is recovering from boating accident. Casey was the only one getting faster.
_Marathon
1 mass start this year. I couldn't hang with the lead pack beyond couple miles but started with them any way. I love watching a race unfold up close. Joey didn't start easy like his last appearance. The pack let him go; everyone was confident in his inability to keep up with superboy. The headwind was downhill this year; Joey needed no help breaking wind.
I redlined and stood up to wait for safe-looking skaters to pick me up. Randy and Renee invited me in. Randy was a TRR champion and by far the fastest in the pack that included Margo and Gene. I stayed behind Renee and watch her being delivered half marathon finish. It was good to see her recovering well from surgery.
Lap 4: Joey lapped us . He made the pros understand how I felt when I tried to stay with them.
_Plotting
I discussed finishing strategy with Gene; it reminded me of skating with Tom Demer at inaugural TRR.
Chris and Brenda showed up . I assumed they bonked; I didn’t notice the torn jerseys. They joined the pack. I switched to race mode--Margo and Brenda were both pro masters.
Brenda didn't show bouncy legs. I took the lead and slow the pack at the final head wind. I warned Gene of the impending attacks. I didn't ask him to help Brenda--I was confident Chris and I would deliver Brenda to the line.
The slow downhill made everyone antsy. Couple half-hearted breakaways initiated after turning to cross wind. I held a steady pace in front of Chris and Brenda--my job was to keep Margo within range. I assumed Chris was ready to take over.
Gene accelerated and took over the lead. Margo cracked. I let her dry for a bit before passing her. She was unable to latch on. It’s tough to be out-teammated.
3 TXF jerseys skated together like the old days. My 110mm wheels actually felt good for a change.
Brenda won the pro master jacket and shared her cash winning.
It's good to see Duane and Jason return to the sport. Casey improved his speed similar to his running progress. It was always good to see Toronto skaters. Standing on age group podium, Gene grinned like a necrophiliac in the morgue.
My veins pop to be like Morgan
_Perspectives (quotes from inlineplanet.com and other sources)
Joey Mantia: "I basically stood up for 45 seconds to let them catch up. But when I stood up, they took a break themselves.... So I just kept going."
Justin Stelly describes it as "a nice, easy pace" after getting 2nd place.
3rd place Harry Vogel claims he got 2nd because "Joey doesn't count" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSn4vMndj_E&feature=player_embedded)
Timo was happy with his time after spending more time golfing than skating, "big pack is the answer."
Brianna Kramer, winner of last year's NorthShore Inline Marathon, is on a break from the Wheels to Ice Program of the U.S. Olympic Committee. "This is the most exercise I've had in a month,"
Top female Brianna was tinier than expected
_Post TRR brick
I tripled the participation number by talking Timo and Casey into running. Timo suffered a DNF as Casey and I ran the course in reverse direction.
_Shopping:
I visited Austin's run, bike, and tri stores after lunch. I was disappointed by lace-less shoes. Zoot's marketing described the new blister inducing model as "designed for short-distance races." I scored 2 pairs of running shorts. My annual spring long run was coming up.
TSX averaged 34 mpg with tail wind after dinner with Jenny and Ray. I recalled my cancelled plan of racing as a pro master. I desired Candy to achieve her goal.
I started skating late this year and decided to make TRR a “D” race; it's an annual social trip.
TSX delivered 31 mpg to Round Rock. I stopped by a Ducati dealer in Waco. Had mediocre BBQ next door. David Sedaris audio books made the time pass fast.
_World class
Joey Mantia looked bulkier than last time I saw him. I fantasized multiple US long track medals at Sochi 2014 after watching his huge lead at Saturday elimination race.
Debbie Rice decided not to compete despite having many choices of mismatched boots. Bont brought its young guns.
I acquired new Texas Flyer jersey before dinner with teammates.
It was great to see Duane and Scarlett. How priority changed in a few years: Duane, Scarlett, Harris, and Ritter moved away; Demer never regained form after operation; Jason went to cycling; I focused on long events; Phil doesn't skate much after his first born; Mackowski is recovering from boating accident. Casey was the only one getting faster.
_Marathon
1 mass start this year. I couldn't hang with the lead pack beyond couple miles but started with them any way. I love watching a race unfold up close. Joey didn't start easy like his last appearance. The pack let him go; everyone was confident in his inability to keep up with superboy. The headwind was downhill this year; Joey needed no help breaking wind.
I redlined and stood up to wait for safe-looking skaters to pick me up. Randy and Renee invited me in. Randy was a TRR champion and by far the fastest in the pack that included Margo and Gene. I stayed behind Renee and watch her being delivered half marathon finish. It was good to see her recovering well from surgery.
Lap 4: Joey lapped us . He made the pros understand how I felt when I tried to stay with them.
_Plotting
I discussed finishing strategy with Gene; it reminded me of skating with Tom Demer at inaugural TRR.
Chris and Brenda showed up . I assumed they bonked; I didn’t notice the torn jerseys. They joined the pack. I switched to race mode--Margo and Brenda were both pro masters.
Brenda didn't show bouncy legs. I took the lead and slow the pack at the final head wind. I warned Gene of the impending attacks. I didn't ask him to help Brenda--I was confident Chris and I would deliver Brenda to the line.
The slow downhill made everyone antsy. Couple half-hearted breakaways initiated after turning to cross wind. I held a steady pace in front of Chris and Brenda--my job was to keep Margo within range. I assumed Chris was ready to take over.
Gene accelerated and took over the lead. Margo cracked. I let her dry for a bit before passing her. She was unable to latch on. It’s tough to be out-teammated.
3 TXF jerseys skated together like the old days. My 110mm wheels actually felt good for a change.
Brenda won the pro master jacket and shared her cash winning.
It's good to see Duane and Jason return to the sport. Casey improved his speed similar to his running progress. It was always good to see Toronto skaters. Standing on age group podium, Gene grinned like a necrophiliac in the morgue.
My veins pop to be like Morgan
_Perspectives (quotes from inlineplanet.com and other sources)
Joey Mantia: "I basically stood up for 45 seconds to let them catch up. But when I stood up, they took a break themselves.... So I just kept going."
Justin Stelly describes it as "a nice, easy pace" after getting 2nd place.
3rd place Harry Vogel claims he got 2nd because "Joey doesn't count" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSn4vMndj_E&feature=player_embedded)
Timo was happy with his time after spending more time golfing than skating, "big pack is the answer."
Brianna Kramer, winner of last year's NorthShore Inline Marathon, is on a break from the Wheels to Ice Program of the U.S. Olympic Committee. "This is the most exercise I've had in a month,"
Top female Brianna was tinier than expected
_Post TRR brick
I tripled the participation number by talking Timo and Casey into running. Timo suffered a DNF as Casey and I ran the course in reverse direction.
_Shopping:
I visited Austin's run, bike, and tri stores after lunch. I was disappointed by lace-less shoes. Zoot's marketing described the new blister inducing model as "designed for short-distance races." I scored 2 pairs of running shorts. My annual spring long run was coming up.
TSX averaged 34 mpg with tail wind after dinner with Jenny and Ray. I recalled my cancelled plan of racing as a pro master. I desired Candy to achieve her goal.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Long run 2011--Double Marathon. April 22
_Motivation: baby steps
Pursuing the illusion of closer to Badwater, I decided on annual PR on running distance. I did not find a good event that fit schedule. I picked Good Friday--weather was reasonable; no major injury; I got a day off work. The preparation included skipping Thursday Yasso 800 and post-Yasso beer.
I laid out 2 GPS and 2 skinning running belts for gels and cash. I unwrapped the big running belt holding 2 10-oz bottles. I anticipated returning to the house between 2 marathons. I laughed when discovering I put on cycling gloves out of habit. I took them off and locked the door. Goal: 52.4 miles in 12 hours.
I ran toward The Colony exploring new routes. Instead of music, I listened to Richard Russo's _Empire Falls_ and Murakami's _The Wind-up Bird Chronicle_. I had a hard time with 11:00 pace. I needed more practice with slow pace.
_Crash
Mile 15. I opened a pack of Jelly Bean in the unfamiliar reseal-able bag. I tripped over a concrete block 10 cm higher than its neighbor. The elbow dripped red liquid in dramatic fashion--it's mostly sweat. I had the bag in hand therefore left palm scrape wasn't deep. It was a hard 5.5-mph fall. I kept going and wished I kept the gloves on. For a few days, brushing teeth and using washroom would be left-handed--skills we acquire through sports.
Lots of little aches. Big toe was throbbing. I didn't feel like running any more but was too cheap to call a taxi and too lazy to plan the makeup run. I kicked couple more sidewalk blocks and cursed at the city's budget cut. I was glad I wasn't wearing minimalist shoes.
I'll probably lose that toe nail.
Kroger was a great rest stop. Walgreen's Gatorade was twice the price, but it's all about location. 4 hours into the run, I became more dehydrated than I felt. The stream reminded me of the Fukushima Plant.
_Bonk
I was dumbfounded when hitting the wall at mile 23. I lasted longer at Cowtown with more climb at faster pace. There's no negotiating with one's physical condition. Could be dehydration; I wish I know for sure. I accepted the slower speed and stopped at a Dickey's BBQ on 121.
AC and ice water did wonders to my mood. I did not blend into the Friday 2pm crowd. Everyone else spoke fluent Spanish and seemed capable of construction and other real-man activities. A friendly gentleman asked, "you're a runner, aren't you?" I smiled and nodded my head. What gave it away, Sherlock: bloody elbow, compression shirt, spandex, calf sleeves, salt stain, or the sun visor? I consumed a big cup of mashed potato and large quantity of water during the long break.
_2nd half
11:30 pace became a struggle by mile 30. I ignore the pace and ran slowly home. The pool looked inviting as I swapped running belts and water bottle.
_Insufficient form
I chose the familiar Plano routes for the remaining 20 miles. Running became difficult by mile 35. I wasn't hurt or hungry; heart rate was low; the body just didn't want to run. I walk-ran against sunset. It was demoralizing. How did the same body finish Ironman? I considered ordering a pizza.
I developed empathy with the protagonists in both novels. I wondered what it'd take to develop that level of writing skills. Trusting quality of sidewalks, my mind drifted. I reviewed my life decisions. Long run is one way to gain fresh perspectives.
I took my time in the dark and finished double marathon. 11 hours moving. 1 hour of resting. I was in no shape to run 100 miles in 24 hours. I was disappointed but glad to have learned my fitness level.
Dinner tasted great. I estimated 5000 calories deficit. I considered downing 1 kg of sugar with couple eggs and calling it good.
I slept badly after the run. Typical after a long event.
Pursuing the illusion of closer to Badwater, I decided on annual PR on running distance. I did not find a good event that fit schedule. I picked Good Friday--weather was reasonable; no major injury; I got a day off work. The preparation included skipping Thursday Yasso 800 and post-Yasso beer.
I laid out 2 GPS and 2 skinning running belts for gels and cash. I unwrapped the big running belt holding 2 10-oz bottles. I anticipated returning to the house between 2 marathons. I laughed when discovering I put on cycling gloves out of habit. I took them off and locked the door. Goal: 52.4 miles in 12 hours.
I ran toward The Colony exploring new routes. Instead of music, I listened to Richard Russo's _Empire Falls_ and Murakami's _The Wind-up Bird Chronicle_. I had a hard time with 11:00 pace. I needed more practice with slow pace.
_Crash
Mile 15. I opened a pack of Jelly Bean in the unfamiliar reseal-able bag. I tripped over a concrete block 10 cm higher than its neighbor. The elbow dripped red liquid in dramatic fashion--it's mostly sweat. I had the bag in hand therefore left palm scrape wasn't deep. It was a hard 5.5-mph fall. I kept going and wished I kept the gloves on. For a few days, brushing teeth and using washroom would be left-handed--skills we acquire through sports.
Lots of little aches. Big toe was throbbing. I didn't feel like running any more but was too cheap to call a taxi and too lazy to plan the makeup run. I kicked couple more sidewalk blocks and cursed at the city's budget cut. I was glad I wasn't wearing minimalist shoes.
I'll probably lose that toe nail.
Kroger was a great rest stop. Walgreen's Gatorade was twice the price, but it's all about location. 4 hours into the run, I became more dehydrated than I felt. The stream reminded me of the Fukushima Plant.
_Bonk
I was dumbfounded when hitting the wall at mile 23. I lasted longer at Cowtown with more climb at faster pace. There's no negotiating with one's physical condition. Could be dehydration; I wish I know for sure. I accepted the slower speed and stopped at a Dickey's BBQ on 121.
AC and ice water did wonders to my mood. I did not blend into the Friday 2pm crowd. Everyone else spoke fluent Spanish and seemed capable of construction and other real-man activities. A friendly gentleman asked, "you're a runner, aren't you?" I smiled and nodded my head. What gave it away, Sherlock: bloody elbow, compression shirt, spandex, calf sleeves, salt stain, or the sun visor? I consumed a big cup of mashed potato and large quantity of water during the long break.
_2nd half
11:30 pace became a struggle by mile 30. I ignore the pace and ran slowly home. The pool looked inviting as I swapped running belts and water bottle.
_Insufficient form
I chose the familiar Plano routes for the remaining 20 miles. Running became difficult by mile 35. I wasn't hurt or hungry; heart rate was low; the body just didn't want to run. I walk-ran against sunset. It was demoralizing. How did the same body finish Ironman? I considered ordering a pizza.
I developed empathy with the protagonists in both novels. I wondered what it'd take to develop that level of writing skills. Trusting quality of sidewalks, my mind drifted. I reviewed my life decisions. Long run is one way to gain fresh perspectives.
I took my time in the dark and finished double marathon. 11 hours moving. 1 hour of resting. I was in no shape to run 100 miles in 24 hours. I was disappointed but glad to have learned my fitness level.
Dinner tasted great. I estimated 5000 calories deficit. I considered downing 1 kg of sugar with couple eggs and calling it good.
I slept badly after the run. Typical after a long event.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Rock n Roll Half Marathon 3/27/2011 Dallas
I was unsatisfied with erratic pacing at Cowtown and felt the need to redeem. I also thought it’d be nice to run with Casey, who wanted a sub-100 min half. At the rate he's improving, this could be the last race we'd run at similar pace.
_The Competitor Group
I was carded when getting my race number. I was unhappy being forced to make the downtown trip just to pick up the race packet but couldn’t blame a for-profit organization for maximizing the traffic when parking alone is $10.
The event was well executed: race number and chip pick up, water stations, gear bag check, start line bus, porta potties, course markers, finish area.... In comparison, Dallas Marathon was poorly run.
For additional $1000 in the form of fundraising, the participants gets "an exclusive start-line lounge, gear transport from start to finish, a Komen cheer station party on the course for your donors and family, and a VIP finish-line party tent." There was an attractive bouncer guarding the VIP area inside the velvet ropes. I visualized cloth towels in the trailer bathroom completed with an attendant whose sole job was uttering “have a good race!”
_Expo
Vendors wised up and stopped selling Gu Roctane for $1.
Garmin rep was unhelpful in answering the question “is there’s a way to normalize the course length based on mile marker.”
I quizzed a few booths about compression socks. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational by demanding data—I really wanted to believe the 5% improvement in the ad.
_Taking chances
I tried new things in this "C" race:
- 3-week preparation for PR pace while fighting spine issue.
- First race with race flats. Green Silence’s odometer says 5 miles per shoe.
- Calf compression sleeves. I wore it for 5 minutes while being convinced by the salesperson. Actually, Biff did most of the convincing in past 3 months.
_Setting PR
Stomach wasn’t happy after the 1st banana at 5am. I threw trash bags, towel, and extra change of clothes into the car. I prayed the liver had enough glycogen for the race. I gained another lb since Cowtown and actually felt lightened by the GI issue.
Weather cooperated --cold, cloudy with pending rain, no wind. I wore 2 layers of disposable shirt and no gloves.
I gave Casey a cap hoping that'd weigh him down
Casey and I ran alongside 95-min pace balloon at 5k mark. Side stitch started. I let Casey go. The plan was sub-100-minute finish and even splits.
The motivation signs on the course reflected our time. Charlie Sheen's tiger blood was winning for this Rock n Roll.
running with Adam's Apple
_Half way
At mile 6, body parts were stressed at expected level. Big decision: how much speed to bleed on the final 2 miles of climbs? I focused on arm swing and listen to my body. “Don't use up the quads.”
I stuck with the 7:33 GPS pace and was 100 feet behind virtual partner by mile 8, the highest point of the course. I aimed for 7:15 pace for the final 5 descending miles. I used runners around me to keep up with this unnatural speed. I was rhythm challenged.
Saw no barefoot runner, but was paced by a pair of Vibrams for a few miles.
I raced a big dude for the final mile. I lost the sprint by half a step. So much for my supposedly sprinter’s legs.
_Post race
The organizer didn't anticipate the cold front and ran out of silver blanket by runner 312 in this 10000 runner event. There was no finishers' shirt. I lend Casey leg warmers to warm arms. It felt good to be helpful to a friend by making him look silly. After dropping him off at the train station, I attempted Sunday morning stroll in Carrollton downtown. Shivering started as I locked the car. Insulation and lightness are difficult to balance. I gave up active recovery.
I worried weight obsession would lead to eating disorder. I thought of Peter Sagal's words: ''It's not about being fat. ... people of all shapes whose sense of self is blessedly untethered from their weight. It's about the terror of what we might become if we allow ourselves to let go, to get weak, to slow down."
After shower and soup noodles, I sat at fireplace sipping bubble tea. Midori was playing Mendelssohn through the recently repair Yamaha DSP A1.
Shishamos, shrimps, bacon and wrapped scallop were baking in the oven as pinot grigio chilled. For this afternoon, the most difficult decision would be chopsticks or silverware for my tapas.
result:
Casey Murrell
Overall: 312 out of 10969 • Division: 36 out of 810 • Gender: 264 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
7:23 22:54 46:19 1:14:21 01:36:40 01:36:56
Johnny Chen
Overall: 342 out of 10969 • Division: 50 out of 674 • Gender: 287 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
7:26 22:53 46:43 1:15:12 01:37:22 01:37:39
We beat Aikman
Troy Aikman
Overall: 1206 out of 10969 • Division: 138 out of 674 • Gender: 879 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
8:16 27:19 54:05 1:24:50 01:48:11 01:52:42
_The Competitor Group
I was carded when getting my race number. I was unhappy being forced to make the downtown trip just to pick up the race packet but couldn’t blame a for-profit organization for maximizing the traffic when parking alone is $10.
The event was well executed: race number and chip pick up, water stations, gear bag check, start line bus, porta potties, course markers, finish area.... In comparison, Dallas Marathon was poorly run.
For additional $1000 in the form of fundraising, the participants gets "an exclusive start-line lounge, gear transport from start to finish, a Komen cheer station party on the course for your donors and family, and a VIP finish-line party tent." There was an attractive bouncer guarding the VIP area inside the velvet ropes. I visualized cloth towels in the trailer bathroom completed with an attendant whose sole job was uttering “have a good race!”
_Expo
Vendors wised up and stopped selling Gu Roctane for $1.
Garmin rep was unhelpful in answering the question “is there’s a way to normalize the course length based on mile marker.”
I quizzed a few booths about compression socks. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational by demanding data—I really wanted to believe the 5% improvement in the ad.
_Taking chances
I tried new things in this "C" race:
- 3-week preparation for PR pace while fighting spine issue.
- First race with race flats. Green Silence’s odometer says 5 miles per shoe.
- Calf compression sleeves. I wore it for 5 minutes while being convinced by the salesperson. Actually, Biff did most of the convincing in past 3 months.
_Setting PR
Stomach wasn’t happy after the 1st banana at 5am. I threw trash bags, towel, and extra change of clothes into the car. I prayed the liver had enough glycogen for the race. I gained another lb since Cowtown and actually felt lightened by the GI issue.
Weather cooperated --cold, cloudy with pending rain, no wind. I wore 2 layers of disposable shirt and no gloves.
Casey and I ran alongside 95-min pace balloon at 5k mark. Side stitch started. I let Casey go. The plan was sub-100-minute finish and even splits.
The motivation signs on the course reflected our time. Charlie Sheen's tiger blood was winning for this Rock n Roll.
_Half way
At mile 6, body parts were stressed at expected level. Big decision: how much speed to bleed on the final 2 miles of climbs? I focused on arm swing and listen to my body. “Don't use up the quads.”
I stuck with the 7:33 GPS pace and was 100 feet behind virtual partner by mile 8, the highest point of the course. I aimed for 7:15 pace for the final 5 descending miles. I used runners around me to keep up with this unnatural speed. I was rhythm challenged.
Saw no barefoot runner, but was paced by a pair of Vibrams for a few miles.
I raced a big dude for the final mile. I lost the sprint by half a step. So much for my supposedly sprinter’s legs.
_Post race
The organizer didn't anticipate the cold front and ran out of silver blanket by runner 312 in this 10000 runner event. There was no finishers' shirt. I lend Casey leg warmers to warm arms. It felt good to be helpful to a friend by making him look silly. After dropping him off at the train station, I attempted Sunday morning stroll in Carrollton downtown. Shivering started as I locked the car. Insulation and lightness are difficult to balance. I gave up active recovery.
I worried weight obsession would lead to eating disorder. I thought of Peter Sagal's words: ''It's not about being fat. ... people of all shapes whose sense of self is blessedly untethered from their weight. It's about the terror of what we might become if we allow ourselves to let go, to get weak, to slow down."
After shower and soup noodles, I sat at fireplace sipping bubble tea. Midori was playing Mendelssohn through the recently repair Yamaha DSP A1.
Shishamos, shrimps, bacon and wrapped scallop were baking in the oven as pinot grigio chilled. For this afternoon, the most difficult decision would be chopsticks or silverware for my tapas.
result:
Casey Murrell
Overall: 312 out of 10969 • Division: 36 out of 810 • Gender: 264 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
7:23 22:54 46:19 1:14:21 01:36:40 01:36:56
Johnny Chen
Overall: 342 out of 10969 • Division: 50 out of 674 • Gender: 287 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
7:26 22:53 46:43 1:15:12 01:37:22 01:37:39
We beat Aikman
Troy Aikman
Overall: 1206 out of 10969 • Division: 138 out of 674 • Gender: 879 out of 4159
Pace 5 Km 10 Km 10 Mi ChipTime ClockTime
8:16 27:19 54:05 1:24:50 01:48:11 01:52:42
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2/27/2011 Cowtown 2011 50k run
_Oscillating goals
It’s tempting to think 8:00 pace marathon implies easy 9:00 pace 50k. I decided to give a shot, ignoring that my marathon PR was set under ideal condition on an flatter course. After gaining 1 lb/week for 7 weeks following White Rock, I started training. I was quickly injured.
“Injury is runners’ best friend. It prolongs a runner’s career.”
I felt unready at a humid warm Cowtown 4 lb heavier than 3 months ago. Can’t stay light all the time. I needed to pick a pace between 9:00 and Oprah speed. I entered 9:38 into GPS for a sub-5-hr finish time.
I was under deadline pressure for a Cigna AFP-to-PDF project; work week stretched to 3am Sunday. I didn’t studying the course. This is a “C” race.
Goals:
1. Injury free
2. Even-ish splits
3. Under 5 hrs
_Logistics
VPN got pissed off at 3am on race day and refused to reconnect. This led to my early arrival at the race. I got a great parking spot. It's a super relaxing pre race. I sat in the car replying email on Galaxy Tab 'til 10 minutes before the race time. I remembered to mark the parking spot on GPS.
There was a McDonald on the way to the start. No line at the very clean bathroom.
I decided to be late on purpose. The mass start was a mess last year. I treated this like a "C" race. Not too surprisingly, the start was delayed, and I ended up warming up with the fast guys, most of them didn't appear East African.
I packed 7 gels: 1 every 4 miles. Each of the 2 tri shirt pockets held 4 gels comfortably. No SportLeg this race; I didn't anticipate anaerobic threshold to be a factor.
Getting water at rest stop cost significant time before the half marathon split. I watch my lead on Garmin's virtual partner shrank with every water station.
GPS agreed with mile markers almost exactly at mile 6 and 7. The difference grew by 10~30 feet per mile. Maybe I cut the tangent overly aggressively the first few miles.
_Running form
I started to train with running flats to focus on forefoot landing. This creates more demand on calves. Half way into the race, I sense more use of heel cushions. I had a long way to go before Vibrams and sandals.
My calves were more sore than previous races. Felt good about that.
For this race, I chose Brooks Axiom instead of heavier Asics Nimbus that served me well in last 4 years. It was tempting to use racing flats; fortunately I didn't have enough motivation to risk it.
_Off course
By mile 20, I started to wonder whether I missed the marathon-ultra split. I wished I studied the course. False alarm. The course split was close to the finish.
I was off the course briefly. Other runners quickly corrected me. Strong wind blew down the turn marker.
_Erratic pacing
I always felt slow first 3 miles and overly confident at mile 18. I decided to switch to a more natural speed half way into the race. I averaged 9:11 pace and felt in control. Everything felt apart by mile 27. You can postpone but not ignore the wall.
Trinity River trail was windy. I was unable to hold Oprah speed for a stretch of 800 meters--mental weakness. An ultra-newbie asked me to pace him at this time. I ran much better trying to meet a stranger’s expectation.
There are lots of factors a runner can blame: temperature, humidity, missing course marking, weight, sleep deprivation, injury.... None of the excuses seemed legit at mile 28 of a 31-mile race. I only felt how much I sucked.
It took will power to accelerate to 8:00 pace during the final mile. Last 400 meters were 6:39 pace at 181 bpm HR. I failed to dose my effort. I was such an amateur….
_Post Race
My legs were stiff from the fast finish. I literally got blown around inside the finishing chute. I walked to Kimbell Art Museum to stare at paintings. Females in the paintings--including Venus--didn't look to be in shape to run a marathon.
Legs' functionality mostly returns after 1.5 hours touring Fort Worth art district.
The finisher's shirt grew in size this year much like Nike U. S. sizing. Small is the new medium now.
The drive home was pleasant on the 1-year-old section of 161. TSX did well at 120 mph.
Aunt Sherry cooked me a big dinner.
Life is good.
#’s
Course official: 50k
Course GPS: 31.17 mi
Avg/Max HR: 153/182 bpm
Avg/Fastest pace (quarter mile interval): 9:27/6:39
Potty break: 1
Shoes: Brooks Axioms
Gels: 9
Time: 4:54:15
Pace: 9:29
Splits:
10k: 59:34
half: 2:05:27
30k: 2:57:20
marathon: 4:07:53
Official result says I missed the top 10 finish in age group by less than 1 second. Things you don't expect in life....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
between White Rock and Cowtown -- changing goal
_Boston
2012 goal was to Qualifying for RAAM at The Texas Time Trial.
2010 spring I was forced to choose between work (BofA American Disability Act financial statement project) and long training rides. I kept my job.
My bike training volume never recovered from those 6 months. I felt like a loser every time I saw the overly shiny Ksyrium clinchers.
I considered other previously unanticipated issues:
> knee pain during long trainer rides
> TTTT moved to a less desirable location
> desire to get back to long skates
> long runs are interfering with bike training
> uncertainty of my paying job
My employer actually treats me well--as long as I perform. Changing career is unlikely because I never learn to say "I like your hair; your leadership is excellent, too."
I started to question the wisdom to invest next 2 seasons on a 1-day event given the limited resources. The odds looked unfavorable.
New goals:
1. (by May 2011) run 50 miles under 12 hours--roughly the same pace as Karnazes' 350-mile run.
2. (by February 2012) run a marathon under 3:21. This is not the easiest way to qualify for Boston--waiting 2 years would be easier. Based on last 3 years' progression, 3:21is doable under good race condition.
3. (by March 2014) complete a 100-mile run.
_Body I live with
Spent the holiday with family in Taiwan. Had a wonderful long bike ride with brother. ChihYang also set me up with local group for a long skate to New Bamboo (http://www.wretch.cc/blog/firefly2007/11079746).
Lower back operated within parameters but got pissed off after the long flight back to Texas. Spasm started after I started training for Cowtown. Last spasm was August 2009; I suppose this is an improvement over the semiannual spasms....
_Resuming movie geeking
I became an A/V snob in the mid 1990’s with acquisition of a large screen TV, LD player, and audio system. My annual 400-hour invested watching feature films shaped my social circle and daily schedule.
I reduced my movies time with preparation of Ironman and Montreal 24-hour skate. By this time I finished most classics. There are many great movies not in English and Chinese.
2010 Xmas. I acquired Roku and switched to Netflix. The streaming model enables reviewing first minutes of many movies before investing the full length. Netflix provides bookmarking so I could watch shows in segments. I start spend time watching movies again.
Netflix video quality is not the best. The audio sampling rate is horrible. The subscription allows 2 concurrent devices so my aunt gets to use my account for free. Considering the $8 monthly price tag, it’s an exceptional value.
_Running form
I caught a glimpse of good form at mile-15 of my first marathon. The relay runner glided on the ground while rest of us bounced up and down testing our spines.
I obsessed over running form since that day. What makes these skinny black dudes so much better than rest of us?
Related questions: why are there disproportion number of good runners capable of running with crappy or no shoes? Kenyans, Ethiopians, Tarahumara.
I vowed to improve my technique. I acquired many running shoes--I don't have another mean to learn shoes. I gave away 3 pairs of barely used shoes with $300+ MSRP. I wrote it off as medical expense. I'll put Vibrams into the rotation by mid March.
_PED
It's hard to be a cycling fan since that glorious Floyd Landis Tour de France stage.
I still don't understand the reasoning behind stripping Landis' Tour title when Zabel and Riis stayed in the record book. Why does Contador get 1-year ban when everyone else get 2? His defense suggests cyclists should become vegetarians or--minimally--lawyers.
15 years of Tour's non-positive winners--we're down to Carlos Sastre and Lance Armstrong.
Greg Lemond's reasoning: when power data shows the vast majority is doping, what does that say about the guy who win it 7 times? Marion Jones never had a positive test result either. Lance and Marion both have their shares of non-negative results. To that end, Rassmusen was really clean.
Regardless whether Lance gets indicted, there ain't no way this will turn out OK ....
This makes me worry for Joey Mantia, potentially the last great American Olympic long track skater for a long time to come. I feel I need to drive to Denton and give Jordan a hug.
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