weekend. If you've never been to a Sprint Cup race, you would never
believe how loud it is when they start up the engines.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Dickies 500
weekend. If you've never been to a Sprint Cup race, you would never
believe how loud it is when they start up the engines.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Portland Marathon - Race Report
Time to catch up on some blogging.
I learned at the Portland Marathon that I know how to train myself for a marathon. It only took 6 years and 17 marathons to figure that out.
Since Sadie's Rogue group was running Portland it made sense for me to run too. Work was really busy for me this summer and my training group was focused on other things, so I decided to go it alone. My training mainly consisted of easy runs through our neighborhood and the Town Lake Trail. I did very little speedwork. Only a few MGP runs of 4-5 miles on the trail. I did get my long runs in and was able to do 5 runs of 20+ miles, peaking at 25 miles about 4 weeks out from the race.
The main thing I tried to do was simplify my training. I didn't feel the need to go find a track and do 1000/1000's or 5k/10k pace work. I didn't feel like I needed (or wanted) to go do some extremely high mileage program. I just concentrated on getting my miles in and running at an easy pace and as the summer went on, tried to make that easy pace a little faster. During my neighborhood runs I always made sure to include some hills. My weekly mileage peaked at around 50 miles/week.
Going into the marathon, I didn't know what to expect, but I felt good. My stated goal was just to break 3:15 because that would keep me eligible to run Boston for two more years. Deep down I thought I probably could run 3:10 or less, but I still had doubts on whether I had trained hard enough. I came up with a simple race plan that would give me some flexibility. I started behind the 3:10 group, but ahead of the 3:15 group. The plan was to begin the race running between 7:10-7:25/mile. Hopefully 7:10 would feel pretty good and I would hold it through Mile 17 when we reach the top of the St. John's Bridge, the highest point on the course. At the bridge I would assess how I was feeling and either pick it up or hold where I was.
Race morning came with perfect weather and me feeling strong and rested. I started out as planned and it felt easy. I was able to immediately get on 3:10 pace and ran without any problems. 10K split was at 7:10/mile. Halfway split was 1:34:27. The funny thing was I was on 3:09 pace and the 3:10 pace group was way ahead of me, obviously going out too fast.
I made the long climb up to the bridge at Mile 17 and still felt good. My pace has slowed to 7:17/mile overall, but we had been good up some hills. I think I also got lulled to sleep on a couple of the boring flat miles around a bunch of warehouses. I decided to hold my pace where I was and wait for the big downhill section at Mile 21 to start kicking it in. I had a couple moments in the next 4 miles where I started to feel bad and have some doubts, but I was able to fight off the bad feelings and run through it. I thought back to the Team Rogue pre-race meeting that I crashed the day before. Steve told everyone to make a list of reasons why they were ready to have a good race. I came up with one: I'm pretty sure I ran more in 100 degree weather than anyone there. Most of my training runs were in the afternoons when I got home from work. While they weren't fun, I knew it was helping me learn to deal with the suffering that you face during a marathon. That's what I focused on when I started feeling bad at the end of the race.
At Mile 21, I picked up the pace but was only able to do 7:08. Faster than I had been running but not enough to pick up much ground on the 3:10 group. I figured I was about 1 minute behind them so I needed a strong finish. With about 2 1/2 miles to go, we crossed the Broadway Bridge and I picked up the pace again ready to run as fast as I could to the end. I ran off the bridge and made the sweeping righthand turn down to Naito Parkway that takes us to the finish. This is where my only course complaint is. As I made the turn I looked ahead to see some train tracks with the gate down. To my left I could see a train coming about to block off the course. Without much thinking I ran as fast as I could, slipped around the side of the gates, dodged a guy trying to block my way and ran across the tracks. I really wasn't that close to the train, but I think I would have been stopped if I was 10 seconds slower.
After that I could feel my heart pounding and just felt grateful that I has been far enough along not to have to wait for the train. I though about how mad I would have been to have trained for 6 months, have been running a good race and then get stopped by a train. That would have been awful. I kept running but I think I just lost focus from there on in. While Mile 24 had been 7:10, the next two were 7:27 and 7:38 even though I didn't feel like I was struggling. With a mile to go I knew I wasn't beating 3:10, so the last .2 was pretty slow. Finish time: 3:11:52.
Overall I'm pleased with the race. Another Boston qualifying time and a race where I really felt pretty good the whole way. It seemed easy compared to Nashville where I walked a bunch. Of course, it doesn't matter how fast I run, I normally always feel like I could go faster. Looking back I probably should have tried to pick up the pace earlier. I just had the fear of bonking hard in the back of my mind so it lead me to be a little bit conservative. After struggling towards the end of my last couple marathons, I really wanted to feel strong at the end of this one and to be able to enjoy it. I think I accomplished that.
I learned at the Portland Marathon that I know how to train myself for a marathon. It only took 6 years and 17 marathons to figure that out.
Since Sadie's Rogue group was running Portland it made sense for me to run too. Work was really busy for me this summer and my training group was focused on other things, so I decided to go it alone. My training mainly consisted of easy runs through our neighborhood and the Town Lake Trail. I did very little speedwork. Only a few MGP runs of 4-5 miles on the trail. I did get my long runs in and was able to do 5 runs of 20+ miles, peaking at 25 miles about 4 weeks out from the race.
The main thing I tried to do was simplify my training. I didn't feel the need to go find a track and do 1000/1000's or 5k/10k pace work. I didn't feel like I needed (or wanted) to go do some extremely high mileage program. I just concentrated on getting my miles in and running at an easy pace and as the summer went on, tried to make that easy pace a little faster. During my neighborhood runs I always made sure to include some hills. My weekly mileage peaked at around 50 miles/week.
Going into the marathon, I didn't know what to expect, but I felt good. My stated goal was just to break 3:15 because that would keep me eligible to run Boston for two more years. Deep down I thought I probably could run 3:10 or less, but I still had doubts on whether I had trained hard enough. I came up with a simple race plan that would give me some flexibility. I started behind the 3:10 group, but ahead of the 3:15 group. The plan was to begin the race running between 7:10-7:25/mile. Hopefully 7:10 would feel pretty good and I would hold it through Mile 17 when we reach the top of the St. John's Bridge, the highest point on the course. At the bridge I would assess how I was feeling and either pick it up or hold where I was.
Race morning came with perfect weather and me feeling strong and rested. I started out as planned and it felt easy. I was able to immediately get on 3:10 pace and ran without any problems. 10K split was at 7:10/mile. Halfway split was 1:34:27. The funny thing was I was on 3:09 pace and the 3:10 pace group was way ahead of me, obviously going out too fast.
I made the long climb up to the bridge at Mile 17 and still felt good. My pace has slowed to 7:17/mile overall, but we had been good up some hills. I think I also got lulled to sleep on a couple of the boring flat miles around a bunch of warehouses. I decided to hold my pace where I was and wait for the big downhill section at Mile 21 to start kicking it in. I had a couple moments in the next 4 miles where I started to feel bad and have some doubts, but I was able to fight off the bad feelings and run through it. I thought back to the Team Rogue pre-race meeting that I crashed the day before. Steve told everyone to make a list of reasons why they were ready to have a good race. I came up with one: I'm pretty sure I ran more in 100 degree weather than anyone there. Most of my training runs were in the afternoons when I got home from work. While they weren't fun, I knew it was helping me learn to deal with the suffering that you face during a marathon. That's what I focused on when I started feeling bad at the end of the race.
At Mile 21, I picked up the pace but was only able to do 7:08. Faster than I had been running but not enough to pick up much ground on the 3:10 group. I figured I was about 1 minute behind them so I needed a strong finish. With about 2 1/2 miles to go, we crossed the Broadway Bridge and I picked up the pace again ready to run as fast as I could to the end. I ran off the bridge and made the sweeping righthand turn down to Naito Parkway that takes us to the finish. This is where my only course complaint is. As I made the turn I looked ahead to see some train tracks with the gate down. To my left I could see a train coming about to block off the course. Without much thinking I ran as fast as I could, slipped around the side of the gates, dodged a guy trying to block my way and ran across the tracks. I really wasn't that close to the train, but I think I would have been stopped if I was 10 seconds slower.
After that I could feel my heart pounding and just felt grateful that I has been far enough along not to have to wait for the train. I though about how mad I would have been to have trained for 6 months, have been running a good race and then get stopped by a train. That would have been awful. I kept running but I think I just lost focus from there on in. While Mile 24 had been 7:10, the next two were 7:27 and 7:38 even though I didn't feel like I was struggling. With a mile to go I knew I wasn't beating 3:10, so the last .2 was pretty slow. Finish time: 3:11:52.
Overall I'm pleased with the race. Another Boston qualifying time and a race where I really felt pretty good the whole way. It seemed easy compared to Nashville where I walked a bunch. Of course, it doesn't matter how fast I run, I normally always feel like I could go faster. Looking back I probably should have tried to pick up the pace earlier. I just had the fear of bonking hard in the back of my mind so it lead me to be a little bit conservative. After struggling towards the end of my last couple marathons, I really wanted to feel strong at the end of this one and to be able to enjoy it. I think I accomplished that.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Lucky Bamboo
In February 2003 as I was getting ready to run my first marathon, I received a package in the mail from my sister. In it was a good luck present for the race, a "Lucky Bamboo" plant. It was a great gift and a perfect plant for me. It didn't require a lot of care or attention. Just add water when it starts to run out. Since then I've always thought of it as a marathon good luck charm.
My lucky bamboo has lasted all this time and has been with me through 4 houses now. It originally had 3 stalks, but over the years a couple of them died and I removed them. The last stalk hung on until this week when it turned yellow, just as I am getting ready to leave for Portland for my 17th marathon. I sure hope that doesn't mean anything!
I don't know if turning yellow means it is dead, or not. After doing some research, I see that lucky bamboo is not supposed to be in direct sunlight, which it is, of course, sitting in the window. I don't remember that being in the care instructions. I'll have to pull it out of the window, give it some fresh, clean water and hope it revives itself.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Mystery Sticks
Yesterday, I came home from work early and was rummaging around the hallway closet and discovered something I hadn't seen in quite some time. Way in the back, stuck behind the vacuum cleaner and a bunch of coats was this tall blue bag with a bunch of metal rods sticking out. I was curious so I crawled into the closet and pulled this mysterious bag out into the hallway.
After the cloud of dust settled, a closer inspection revealed about 14 of these sticks of varying lengths. The shorter ones had shiny, metal extensions attached to the end and seemed to be set at different angles. The taller sticks had these large hats on the ends that were covering larger, rounder metal extensions. The shortest stick in the bag had a squarer "head" attached to it and didn't look anything like the other 13. They all had these strange words like "Mizuno" and "Taylor Made" stamped on them, along with different numbers. What could these strange instruments be? What are they used for? Why do the numbers start at 3 and stop at 9? Why does one say "P"?
Searching for clues, I started looking through the bag. One pocket on the side had several small, white balls tucked into it. Another had a bag of tiny wooden stakes in it. Without thinking I took one of the balls and balanced it on the end of one of the stakes. As I did, old memories began rushing back into my mind. I could see people hitting the balls off the stakes with the metal sticks that were in the bag. They seemed to be advancing the balls towards these small holes set in the middle of a field. Some were walking. Some were riding in little mini-cars. A few people seemed to enjoy hitting off the freshly cut grass that extended as far as the eye could see. Many others looked like they preferred playing amongst the trees and sand.
It all came back to me know. These were tools used to play a game. Instinctively I threw the bag into the back of my truck and set off towards 620 where I recalled seeing people using these objects. Mr. Tee's Driving Range, that's the place. I forked over $10 inside the office and set off for the lawn with a big basket of balls. They were just like the ones in the bag except they were yellow and had stripes on them. I found a nice level spot, did a few stretches and started hitting the balls out into the field with the clubs. Nice and easy. The first few were a little crooked. On a couple I made more contact with the ground than the ball causing big patches of grass to go flying.
Pretty soon though, the balls started going in the direction of my target. I determined hitting the ball with the middle of the club's face produced a much better result than the edges. I worked my way through all the clubs in the bag from shortest to longest. The longest one was the most fun to hit, but it also was the hardest one to hit straight.
As I hit the last few balls it occurred to me what this was. This is golf (or at least some form of it). My old friend that I hadn't seen in a while. This may be something I'll have to do again.
After the cloud of dust settled, a closer inspection revealed about 14 of these sticks of varying lengths. The shorter ones had shiny, metal extensions attached to the end and seemed to be set at different angles. The taller sticks had these large hats on the ends that were covering larger, rounder metal extensions. The shortest stick in the bag had a squarer "head" attached to it and didn't look anything like the other 13. They all had these strange words like "Mizuno" and "Taylor Made" stamped on them, along with different numbers. What could these strange instruments be? What are they used for? Why do the numbers start at 3 and stop at 9? Why does one say "P"?
Searching for clues, I started looking through the bag. One pocket on the side had several small, white balls tucked into it. Another had a bag of tiny wooden stakes in it. Without thinking I took one of the balls and balanced it on the end of one of the stakes. As I did, old memories began rushing back into my mind. I could see people hitting the balls off the stakes with the metal sticks that were in the bag. They seemed to be advancing the balls towards these small holes set in the middle of a field. Some were walking. Some were riding in little mini-cars. A few people seemed to enjoy hitting off the freshly cut grass that extended as far as the eye could see. Many others looked like they preferred playing amongst the trees and sand.
It all came back to me know. These were tools used to play a game. Instinctively I threw the bag into the back of my truck and set off towards 620 where I recalled seeing people using these objects. Mr. Tee's Driving Range, that's the place. I forked over $10 inside the office and set off for the lawn with a big basket of balls. They were just like the ones in the bag except they were yellow and had stripes on them. I found a nice level spot, did a few stretches and started hitting the balls out into the field with the clubs. Nice and easy. The first few were a little crooked. On a couple I made more contact with the ground than the ball causing big patches of grass to go flying.
Pretty soon though, the balls started going in the direction of my target. I determined hitting the ball with the middle of the club's face produced a much better result than the edges. I worked my way through all the clubs in the bag from shortest to longest. The longest one was the most fun to hit, but it also was the hardest one to hit straight.
As I hit the last few balls it occurred to me what this was. This is golf (or at least some form of it). My old friend that I hadn't seen in a while. This may be something I'll have to do again.
Monday, August 31, 2009
25 (almost) big ones
I got to tag along with Sadie and her Team Rogue group on Saturday for my long run, so I guess I'm obligated to blog about it. :)
Since I've been so busy with work the last few months and my running group was focusing on track meets and other races, I decided I would just train by myself this summer. It's really been a nice change of pace. I run when I want to and take the day off when I feel like it. I spent the first part of the summer just running easy, but lately I've been adding hills when I can. That's pretty easy to do in our neighborhood. The worst part has been the heat because I run after work. I think at one point I had a string of 7 or 8 runs in a row above 100 degrees.
Long runs have been harder because I've worked a lot of Saturdays and it's hard to get out of bed early when you're not meeting up with anybody. I had managed to get in a 16 miler and a 19+ miler, but I knew I needed to get in a few runs above 20 miles in order to keep Portland from being painful. That's why I jumped at the chance to run with Rogue on Saturday when Sadie suggested it. It was their 2nd of 3 Soul Buster or Race Prep runs. (Basically, 20 miles with 1 "fast" mile and 9 miles of MGP, followed by 6 miles on the track progressing from MGP to 10k pace.) I figured that this run would give me a good idea of my fitness level, but I also figured with my lack of training (compared to their training), the 6 miles on the track was an injury waiting to happen. Instead I elected to just run another 3 miles on the trail when I got to the track.
So what happened? I had a good run. I don't know what my fast mile was because the auto-splits on my Garmin weren't in sync with the track, but I felt like I gave it a good effort. The first 5 miles of the MGP, I seemed to be staying right around 7:00-7:05, except for the mile I had to stop and ask Jon and Keith for directions. The 2nd section I picked it up a little and averaged about 6:55/mile. That was my first MGP work of the summer, so I was pleased to be able hold those paces for 9 miles.
After that we ran up Red Bud Trail and into Westlake for some hills and finished it off on Stratford. While everyone else broke off to the Austin High track, I finished off the 3 mile loop for a total of 23 miles. Garmin said I had a 7:47/mile average. I thought that sounded like a good days work.
It was starting to get hot when I got to the track to watch Sadie finish up her run. She must have been 3-4 laps in when I got there, so I had around 20 laps to relax and stretch and get re-hydrated before we would leave to go back to the car at Barton Springs. I watched her run for a couple miles and then all of a sudden she runs by and I hear her say "Do you have any energy left?" I knew what that meant. She wants me to run with her. I could have said "No, I'm tired" or pretended to not hear her, but all I could manage to say was "Maybe....Why?" as she ran past. I knew what I had to do so I cut across the field and met her on the other side of the track just to make sure she wanted me to run with her.
From there I ran another 7 laps of the track taking a few laps off to let Sadie run by herself. So my long run turned out to be 24 3/4 miles. That's the longest I've ever run at one time without being in a marathon. The crazy thing is that I'm not really that sore. I guess the extended break before I hit the track probably helped that.
Since I've been so busy with work the last few months and my running group was focusing on track meets and other races, I decided I would just train by myself this summer. It's really been a nice change of pace. I run when I want to and take the day off when I feel like it. I spent the first part of the summer just running easy, but lately I've been adding hills when I can. That's pretty easy to do in our neighborhood. The worst part has been the heat because I run after work. I think at one point I had a string of 7 or 8 runs in a row above 100 degrees.
Long runs have been harder because I've worked a lot of Saturdays and it's hard to get out of bed early when you're not meeting up with anybody. I had managed to get in a 16 miler and a 19+ miler, but I knew I needed to get in a few runs above 20 miles in order to keep Portland from being painful. That's why I jumped at the chance to run with Rogue on Saturday when Sadie suggested it. It was their 2nd of 3 Soul Buster or Race Prep runs. (Basically, 20 miles with 1 "fast" mile and 9 miles of MGP, followed by 6 miles on the track progressing from MGP to 10k pace.) I figured that this run would give me a good idea of my fitness level, but I also figured with my lack of training (compared to their training), the 6 miles on the track was an injury waiting to happen. Instead I elected to just run another 3 miles on the trail when I got to the track.
So what happened? I had a good run. I don't know what my fast mile was because the auto-splits on my Garmin weren't in sync with the track, but I felt like I gave it a good effort. The first 5 miles of the MGP, I seemed to be staying right around 7:00-7:05, except for the mile I had to stop and ask Jon and Keith for directions. The 2nd section I picked it up a little and averaged about 6:55/mile. That was my first MGP work of the summer, so I was pleased to be able hold those paces for 9 miles.
After that we ran up Red Bud Trail and into Westlake for some hills and finished it off on Stratford. While everyone else broke off to the Austin High track, I finished off the 3 mile loop for a total of 23 miles. Garmin said I had a 7:47/mile average. I thought that sounded like a good days work.
It was starting to get hot when I got to the track to watch Sadie finish up her run. She must have been 3-4 laps in when I got there, so I had around 20 laps to relax and stretch and get re-hydrated before we would leave to go back to the car at Barton Springs. I watched her run for a couple miles and then all of a sudden she runs by and I hear her say "Do you have any energy left?" I knew what that meant. She wants me to run with her. I could have said "No, I'm tired" or pretended to not hear her, but all I could manage to say was "Maybe....Why?" as she ran past. I knew what I had to do so I cut across the field and met her on the other side of the track just to make sure she wanted me to run with her.
From there I ran another 7 laps of the track taking a few laps off to let Sadie run by herself. So my long run turned out to be 24 3/4 miles. That's the longest I've ever run at one time without being in a marathon. The crazy thing is that I'm not really that sore. I guess the extended break before I hit the track probably helped that.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Jury Duty: Day 4
It's 10:00 and we haven't started yet. We're waiting on them to
complete a list of the charges before we go into the courtroom. So I
sit here and wait.
complete a list of the charges before we go into the courtroom. So I
sit here and wait.
The most entertaining thing has been a guy yelling at his lawyer out
in the hall. I can also watch a basketball game being played on the
roof of the jail across the street.
Thank you, whoever invented the iPhone.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Did you know...
Did you know that the 353rd District courtroom has .....
Approx 1,500 sq ft
374 ceiling tiles
16 parabolic 2'x4 lights
12 sprinkler heads
13 speakers
Poorly done woodwork (you can see all the nail holes)
Uncomfortable jury chairs
2'x2 Armstrong "Dune" ceiling tile in fineline grid
4 a/c grilles
It's own restroom
A temporary judge
Cheap blue carpet
And yes I am paying attention. There a just a lot of pauses in the
action.
Jury Duty
I'm in Day 3 of jury duty. They say it is supposed to be done
tomorrow. This one has been semi-interesting so far, but I can't say
much about it until it's over.
tomorrow. This one has been semi-interesting so far, but I can't say
much about it until it's over.
They give is 1 1/2 hours for lunch. Yesterday I walked over to
Wahoo's. Today might be The Screaming Goat.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Maui Day 1
Just a nice easy day in paradise. We got up for an easy 45 min run on
the path by the beach followed by breakfast. Spent the morning on the
lawn getting some sun and watching the waves crash on the beach. I
took a walk on the beach along the edge of the water while Sadie read
her book.
the path by the beach followed by breakfast. Spent the morning on the
lawn getting some sun and watching the waves crash on the beach. I
took a walk on the beach along the edge of the water while Sadie read
her book.
Did a little shopping and had lunch at the Barefoot Bar. Now we're
back on the lawn and I may go get in the ocean or pool. Tonight we're
going to Lahaina for a luau.
Vacation is rough.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Shoe Issue
marathon in a week ago felt so tight. I thought my feet might be
swollen, I had on the wrong socks, or somehow I had picked up Sadie's
shoes and squeezed my feet into them.
I figured it out on the drive home. I guess it's a good idea to take
the original insoles out before you put in the replacements.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Greetings from Music City
Sadie and I arrived in Nashville last night, along with a bunch of her
Rogue teammates, for the Country Music Marathon. The flight was nice
and had no problems.
Rogue teammates, for the Country Music Marathon. The flight was nice
and had no problems.
At the Nashville airport, Sadie spotted Kevin Nealon (actor/commedian)
walking ahead of us. Our first celebrity sighting of the trip.
We're all staying near Vanderbilt at the Embassy Suites. After
breakfast a big group of us went out for a short run. It's pretty
warm already and there seems to be a bunch of short rolling hills.
Off to the Expo for packet pickup and to drive the course.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Going to The Masters
and The Masters. I'm glad we had a glass of wine with dinner because
I wouldn't be sleeping well tonight.
Goals for our day at The Masters
1. I want to see Tiger hit a few shots up close.
2. I want to walk the entire course.
3. I want to hear a "Masters roar"
4. I want to "Boooo" Weekley.
5. I want to hang out at Amen Corner for a while.
6. Sadie wants Adam Scott to see her.
On the way to The Masters
Well we're on the way to The Masters. Currently we are sitting in the
Atlanta airport waiting to make our connection to Columbia, SC. We'll
be staying there and making the drive over to Augusta in the morning.
Atlanta airport waiting to make our connection to Columbia, SC. We'll
be staying there and making the drive over to Augusta in the morning.
It's probably going to rain this afternoon, but tomorrow looks like it
will be perfect. I can't wait.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Hello Win Column
Rangers 9
Cleveland 1
Cleveland 1
This is the first time since 2003 that I can say the Rangers are
undefeated.
Best TV Sports Week
For me, this is the best TV sports week of the year. Final Four.
Baseball opening day. The Masters. That's 9 days in a row of my
favorite events.
Baseball opening day. The Masters. That's 9 days in a row of my
favorite events.
One thing that will be different this year is that on Saturday Sadie
and I will be at The Masters instead of watching at home. :) More on
that later.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Syracuse: Prepare for a Jack attack!
My school made the NCAA tournament for the first time in its history and is about to play Syracuse in the first round. It's been fun to see SFA talked about on ESPN and to see stories written about them since its not exactly a school that's well know nationally. Maybe today can be the big upset of the tourney.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
TIR 2009: Wrap Up
I received a wrap-up email from the race directors of the Texas Independence Relay. Apparently we are the winners of the Open Mixed division. Somehow that is different than the "Overall Mixed Champion" which was won by another team.
I had fun during the race and I think most everyone else did too. Despite being rookies and having a few mishaps along the way, we managed to come in under our predicted finish time. Our time would have gotten us 2nd overall in 2008, but the teams were a little stronger this year. The most incredible thing was the 6-man team that finished 2nd overall and smoked us by more than an hour.
I had fun during the race and I think most everyone else did too. Despite being rookies and having a few mishaps along the way, we managed to come in under our predicted finish time. Our time would have gotten us 2nd overall in 2008, but the teams were a little stronger this year. The most incredible thing was the 6-man team that finished 2nd overall and smoked us by more than an hour.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Finish Results
The finish results can be found here.
We finished 6th overall in 23:17:48. That put us 2nd in the Open Mixed category.
6:53/mile for 202 miles sounds pretty good to me.
We finished 6th overall in 23:17:48. That put us 2nd in the Open Mixed category.
6:53/mile for 202 miles sounds pretty good to me.
Monday, March 9, 2009
After the Race
After Jean-Marie crossed the finish line, we all walked together down to the San Jacinto Monument to receive our finisher medals and to take picture. It's kind of a parade of teams as everyone finishes and walked the last 1/4 mile or so. They announced all the teams as they approached the monument.
Afterwards Mac set up his tent and we sat out on the lawn eating pizza. There weren't any results posted or awards ceremony that we saw. Since the finishing times are all so far apart, I'm guessing it might take a day or two to see how we did. We're guessing 2nd in the Open Mixed category.
Our overall time was about 23 hours and 20 minutes. That was in line with our goal at the start. Last year that would have put us 2nd overall, but it looks like there were a few more strong teams this year.
Special thanks goes out to Mac's mom who was there along the way for us and got the hotel room for us in Houston that allowed us to clean up and get a little rest.
Afterwards Mac set up his tent and we sat out on the lawn eating pizza. There weren't any results posted or awards ceremony that we saw. Since the finishing times are all so far apart, I'm guessing it might take a day or two to see how we did. We're guessing 2nd in the Open Mixed category.
Our overall time was about 23 hours and 20 minutes. That was in line with our goal at the start. Last year that would have put us 2nd overall, but it looks like there were a few more strong teams this year.
Special thanks goes out to Mac's mom who was there along the way for us and got the hotel room for us in Houston that allowed us to clean up and get a little rest.
The Finish
Linda ran Leg 38 and it was one of the toughest legs that I got to witness. It was long (6.5 miles), had more turns than any other leg and was really hot. So hot she had us fill up her water bottle after a few miles. She managed to stay on course even though several of the guys ahead of her missed or made wrong turns. We were able to get one guy to turn around, but the other two we saw looked determined to run to Louisiana. We were in Pasadena, not the most scenic part of Houston.
Nora was next and had a short 3.3 mile leg. She was moving fast and well over halfway by the time we were able to catch her in the van. I think her split was right at 20 minutes.
Jean-Marie ran the last leg (in my shirt :) ) and looked like he killed it. It was 5.3 miles through beautiful oil and gas refineries and warehouses. If we hadn't left for the finish early we wouldn't have beaten him there because of the traffic at the monument. Here he is approaching the finish.
Leg 37
I ran Leg 37 starting in Mason Park. I think this one was a little payback for getting the fast downwind leg yesterday. This leg ran out of the park into the neighborhoods. It made 4-5 turns in the first couple miles and then goes straight on Galveston Rd for 2.4 miles. Straight into the wind. I could feel myself fading but I kept seeing slower runners in the distance and just tried to reel them in. The wind was just killing me and I knew I was slowing down. I didn't want to look at my Garmin to know how fast I was going. I just wanted to catch the people I could see.
I could see the finish from quite a ways off. The adrenaline helped me pick it up some and catch the Boy Scout team. I handed off to Linda (one of the few times I saw her during the race) and was ready to get in the van. The watch said 4.4 miles at 6:48/mile.
This was a hard leg for me because of where it fell in the race. Earlier in the race it wouldn't have been that bad. I know some of the others had much more difficult legs. It wasn't too long and didn't have many hills in it, but the miles and paces I had already run and the lack of sleep combined to make it feel pretty tough.
I also ran this one in Jean-Marie's shirt because we got them mixed up at the last rest point. We had all rinsed out our shirts and hung them to dry. I grabbed the wrong one when I left. I like my shirts a little bigger, so I knew something was up when I put it on and it was pretty tight. I had a little chafing going on during my run.
I could see the finish from quite a ways off. The adrenaline helped me pick it up some and catch the Boy Scout team. I handed off to Linda (one of the few times I saw her during the race) and was ready to get in the van. The watch said 4.4 miles at 6:48/mile.
This was a hard leg for me because of where it fell in the race. Earlier in the race it wouldn't have been that bad. I know some of the others had much more difficult legs. It wasn't too long and didn't have many hills in it, but the miles and paces I had already run and the lack of sleep combined to make it feel pretty tough.
I also ran this one in Jean-Marie's shirt because we got them mixed up at the last rest point. We had all rinsed out our shirts and hung them to dry. I grabbed the wrong one when I left. I like my shirts a little bigger, so I knew something was up when I put it on and it was pretty tight. I had a little chafing going on during my run.
Catching up on the last few legs
The sun came out and the heat went up as we made our way into Houston. Mac picked up Aaron and me to take us out to our last few legs. We met Manny at the end of Leg 34 in Memorial Park where he handed off to Mac. Manny told us it was getting really hot and it was getting pretty tough. Mac's route took him through the park and into downtown Houston via a long trail system. It looked like a pretty nice run even though it looked a little hilly.
At the Leg 35 exchange we caught up with the Governor's team. He was there taking pictures and hanging with the Runtex guys and APD running team. We could also see some of the tall buildings that still had broken windows from the hurricane last year.
Mac handed off to Aaron and took off towards the Toyota Center. We jumped back in the van and took off for the next exchange point where I would run my last leg.
At the Leg 35 exchange we caught up with the Governor's team. He was there taking pictures and hanging with the Runtex guys and APD running team. We could also see some of the tall buildings that still had broken windows from the hurricane last year.
Mac handed off to Aaron and took off towards the Toyota Center. We jumped back in the van and took off for the next exchange point where I would run my last leg.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
We're Here
hours. Jean-Marie is running the last leg.
Downtown H-town
We're in downtown Houston. Everyone is getting their final legs in.
Aaron is running now. I'm next followed by Linda, Nora, & Jean-Marie.
Aaron is running now. I'm next followed by Linda, Nora, & Jean-Marie.
It's pretty hot now and the sun is out. I'll probably run with water.
We're basically restricted to sidewalks now.
Leg 28: sun's coming up
We've made it through leg 28 finishing at Luke's Locker in Cinco Ranch
on the outskirts of Houston. Jean-Marie just killed a short 3.5 mile
leg.
on the outskirts of Houston. Jean-Marie just killed a short 3.5 mile
leg.
I ran my longest leg of the race at 6.5 miles. It followed hwy 1030
for 5 miles before turning into a subdivision. I finally got to get
my fishing pole out and was able to reel some people in. I think I
passed 7 teams.
Now we're off to another rest stop before we close it out on Houston.
Waking up & Crisis averted
We narrowly averted a disaster at the Jr high. The group that was
running made up a lot of time and called Mac to say they would be 30
minutes early. Mac couldn't find Aaron & me in the gym. The ringer
was off on my phone so we couldn't hear his calls. Luckily Manny was
running first, so Mac ran him out to his start and then came back for
us. Meanwhile I woke up, saw the messages and missed calls and
started frantically throwing stuff in bags. Keri, Nora & Travis came
running in and helped us get out.
running made up a lot of time and called Mac to say they would be 30
minutes early. Mac couldn't find Aaron & me in the gym. The ringer
was off on my phone so we couldn't hear his calls. Luckily Manny was
running first, so Mac ran him out to his start and then came back for
us. Meanwhile I woke up, saw the messages and missed calls and
started frantically throwing stuff in bags. Keri, Nora & Travis came
running in and helped us get out.
We're starting to pass a lot of teams now, so it should feel a lot
less lonely out there.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time to rest
Back on the rest bus. Manny, Aaron, Mac & I are headed to a school in
Wallis that is opening the gym to let people rest. Our van really
stinks right now, so getting out for a couple hours will be nice.
Wallis that is opening the gym to let people rest. Our van really
stinks right now, so getting out for a couple hours will be nice.
Through Aaron's leg out of Columbus we're 4 min ahead of our projected
pace. We're starting to pick off some of the slower teams ahead of
us. During the last leg we passed one girl that apparently got
clipped by a car. Paramedics were with her.
Into Columbus
I just finished my 2nd leg from Borden to Columbus. My split was
38:35 for 5.88 miles. It rained on me which felt good.
38:35 for 5.88 miles. It rained on me which felt good.
It's a little weird running in the dark down an empty highway. You
hear sounds and imagine all kinds of crazy things.
Back on the road
We've swapped buses back to the active van. It's Aaron, Manny, Travis
& me.
& me.
It's very dark on the road between Weimar & Borden. We somehow have
fallen about 20-30 minutes behind the other groups we started with.
Weimar
We're here in Weimar at the exchange point and we're waiting for the
other van. Governor Perry just finished his leg and was taking some
pictures. My picture was too blurry.
other van. Governor Perry just finished his leg and was taking some
pictures. My picture was too blurry.
We're just hanging in the van and listening to the music. It's varied
from George Strait to Ratt to "Car Wash".
Dinner
Mama's Pizza Kitchen. Sorry for the blurry picture
Splits thru 6
Leg 3: Jean-Marie 54:05 (2:05:08)
Leg 4: Mac 31:09 (2:36:17)
Leg 5: Kerry 18:09 (2:54:26)
Leg 6: Chad 25:58 (3:20:24)
On the rest bus
Nora, Jean-Marie, Travis, & I are now on the rest bus. Mac had a
tough hilly run. He handed off to Kerry who had a fast 2.5 mile run
to the Shiner Brewery. I took it from there and had a good 4.14 mile
leg that was all downwind. 25:58 for my part. I'll have to update
everyone's splits when we get back I'm the active van.
tough hilly run. He handed off to Kerry who had a fast 2.5 mile run
to the Shiner Brewery. I took it from there and had a good 4.14 mile
leg that was all downwind. 25:58 for my part. I'll have to update
everyone's splits when we get back I'm the active van.
I'm thankful I got the downwind leg. It's howling out here.
Splits thru 2
Prologue: Nora 7:04
Leg 1: Nora 32:23 (Total 39:27)
Leg 2: Travis 31:36 (1:11:03)
Jean-Marie is on the course
TIE 2009: 1st Leg (Oops)
The first leg is over, but we had a little mistake. Nora and the guy
ahead of her took a wrong turn and got off course. The wind blew a
sign over that was marking the way. The course official made us wait
at the exchange for a little bit as a penalty
ahead of her took a wrong turn and got off course. The wind blew a
sign over that was marking the way. The course official made us wait
at the exchange for a little bit as a penalty
Travis is out now and closing on the guy ahead. He has 5 mile run
straight into the wind on hwy 95
The Start
And the fun begins. We started with a cannon blast at 2:02pm in
Gonzales.
Gonzales.
Nora took off with Travis pacing her. The rest of us tagged along
behind.
Now we've split up into the two vans. The active bus is following
along the course and the rest bus is headed to Shiner. (that could be
trouble).
Restrooms
They've converted some trailers into porta-potties.
(Note: I can only vouch for the Men's trailer, but this seems like a pretty good idea. They had real sinks with running water. Ours had this big long urinal trough that could accomodate a lot of guys at once. I thought a picture of it would be in bad taste.)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Texas Independence Relay: Preview
This year Team Mac is running the Texas Independence Relay . The race is a relay starting in Gonzales and ending at the San Jacinto Monument on the east side of Houston. The total distance is a little over 200 miles.
We have 12 people on our team, so we each have 3-4 legs to run. Each person will run a total of 16-19 miles. I only have 3 legs, but they are all between 5.5 - 6.5 miles each. My first leg, starting at the Shiner Brewery, will be sometime Saturday afternoon. Leg 2 for me should start around 10:45PM Saturday night. My 3rd leg should be around sunrise Sunday morning.
This should be a new and fun running experience. The website lists our team as one of six that could be competing for first place. The teams start in 2 minute intervals in reverse order of predicted finish. We'll be the third to last team off starting at 2:02 Saturday afternoon.
Through the magic of the iPhone, I will try to post updates here as we go.
We have 12 people on our team, so we each have 3-4 legs to run. Each person will run a total of 16-19 miles. I only have 3 legs, but they are all between 5.5 - 6.5 miles each. My first leg, starting at the Shiner Brewery, will be sometime Saturday afternoon. Leg 2 for me should start around 10:45PM Saturday night. My 3rd leg should be around sunrise Sunday morning.
This should be a new and fun running experience. The website lists our team as one of six that could be competing for first place. The teams start in 2 minute intervals in reverse order of predicted finish. We'll be the third to last team off starting at 2:02 Saturday afternoon.
Through the magic of the iPhone, I will try to post updates here as we go.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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