Tales of Boobah ...

You might have seen Sheila's post about her sending a Boobah down to North Carolina. Since she had a link to the Boobah web site on her blog, and I had seen a BooBah listed on her world famous Ironman packing list, I had asked her to blog about it, as my kids really dig the show. We don't let them watch too much teevee, but when they are fussy or being changed, it sure makes life easier. I think you either have to be a small child or on some sort of hallucenogenic to understand the whole BooBah intrigue, and, unfortunately, I'm neither.

Anyway, Shelia was kind enough to send along this BooBah, all decked out in his Ironman jersey. She also sent the kids a DVD, which, if you click on my wife's blog, you can watch my little girl giggling and clapping to. It's a little dark, but you get the idea. Sheila also sent me a banner from the Ironman World Championships that she did a few years back. She said I deserved it for some reason. I'm not sure about that, but I sure do look forward to hanging that on my Ironman wall!

Thanks a bunch, Sheila. You are a fine Crackhead, indeed!

On another note, I did my first triathlon of the season, the MAP Sprint Triathlon in Huntersville, NC. It pretty much sucked. I guess that's what you get when you take a month off of running after training for a marathon all winter. Pair that with swimming four times and riding four times since October, and you get a sucky race. I'm not much of a sprint guy anyway, but I could have done better.

I plan to get my act together at the White Lake Sprint in May. Unfortunately, I have a bunch of little races all season, a few sprints and Olympics, before the long stuff at the end. I'm using the little ones as speed work and training right through, so I guess I shouldn't be shocked if I don't as well as I probably could. Keeping your eyes on the A races is tough on the old ego sometimes! Perhaps my BooBah will help keep me in check ...

2008 Myrtle Beach Marathon Race Report

This post could also be titled, "Missed it by that Much!" On Saturday, I ran what was my third standalone marathon. I went into this race with a goal of breaking the 3:30 mark, but it turns out it wasn't to be. The weather was absolutely perfect, albeit a bit windy on the backside, but not too bad.

I started out with my friends Blake and Tony, who were also shooting for 3:30 or thereabouts, and we right on pace after the first few miles of weaving in and out of traffic. Everything went perfectly for the first half, I went through in about 1:46, so I was a bit above 8 minute pace, but not by much. I knew I was going to have to stop and pee at some point, so I started picking it up a bit. I lost Tony in the process; Blake had dropped back several miles before because he had to go No. 2.

Anyway, I wanted a bit of cushion, so I started turning in 7:45 miles at about this point. Things were still going great, pretty uneventful. I was taking in water and Powerade at each aid station, and I had a gel every four miles or so. After a tough stretch after mile 18 with a tiny bit of uphill and some wind, my left hamstring started cramping, so I stopped to stretch it out before it got worse.

This continued to haunt me the rest of the way, unfortunately. I'm not sure if I carry my leg differently when I'm fatigued or what, but this has happened in almost every race I've done of late, and always at the end, and always on the run. I'm going to be spending a lot of time strengthening that muscle for the next few months to see if that helps. It's not a fueling issue, or a sodium issue, or an electrolyte issue, because I have tried literally everything.

Anywyay, I finally stopped to pee at mile 20, stretched some more and prepared for the long push over the final six. I was on pace for about a 3:28 at the 20 mile mark. My plan was to pick it up even more at that point, which I was able to do, but my efforts were negated and then some by having to stop and stretch each mile or so. By the last half mile of the race, I was in full blown disaster prevention mode and was pretty much skipping along, dragging my left left behind me. I knew it would be close, but I crossed the line with a chip (and watch) time of 3:30:30, gun time of of 3:31 something. I was so bummed!!!

Oh well, I paced the race perfectly and did everything correctly with the exception of cramping, so I can't find anything to be upset over. I even negative split the race despite the hamstring issue. The only downside is the fact that I can't say I ran a 3:20-something. Maybe next time.

After a long run focus of about three months, I'm looking forward to getting back on the bike and back in the pool. This strictly running stuff is for the birds. I have so many aches and pains right now, including tendonitis in my knee, that I'm looking forward to cross-training again.

Next stop, the first triathlon of the season, the MAP sprint in Huntersville, NC, on March 29. I'm ready for action!

2007 Charlotte 1/2 Marathon Race Report

This past weekend, I made the two-hour drive to my mom's house, spent the night, arose at 4 a.m., and drove to nearby Charlotte to run the 1/2 marathon there. I had never run a stand alone 1/2 marathon before, so I thought this race might be a good tune-up for the Myrtle Beach Marathon.

Last year, in what I consider my first real marathon,(I ran Chicago in 2005 in 4:33, with a goal of just finishing, back in the early days of my endurance sports addiction), I ran a 3:49 at Charlotte, which is pretty hilly for a marathon course, I hear. I was simply hoping to break four hours, so I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

This year, unlike last, the weather was perfect, probably around 48 degrees at the start. Last year, it was 28 degrees, so I think that scared me into wearing an extra long-sleeved shirt for the 1/2, which turned out to be mistake No. 1.

I started up near the front, a first for me, and started out on what I thought was a good pace. My Garmin was screwing up because of all of the big buildings in downtown Charlotte, so I had no idea really what I was running. I get to the first mile marker in 7:00 and about shit. Way too fast! So, I backed off considerably from there and tried to find a rhythm.

After a while, I realized I was going to be way too hot, so I took my hat off and stuck that in my shorts. Unfortunately, being a poorly prepared triathlete, I forgot my race belt, so I had to pin my number to my outer shirt, looking like all of the other runner dorks who don't have the foresight, or need apparently, to remove garments during a race. Anyway, I was stuck as I thought I might be disqualified or something for not having my number showing. In hindsight, I should have just took the damn thing off and tied it around my waist and pulled it back on at the finish. Oh well ...

So, roasting for the rest of the way, I was drenched by about mile 3. I was still feeling pretty good, though. I went though 10K in around 48:00, which was right where I wanted to be. I started picking it up and pretty much went hard the rest of the way. Mistake No. 2 was only drinking twice during the whole thing, which was two small cups of Gatorade. This strategy would have been fine if I weren't so overdressed, but after the race, I looked at my face in a store window and it was covered in salt. It never seemed to really bother me, only the pain of running so hard was bothering me. I'm not sure if the two were connected or not.

At about mile 10, I passed one of my best friends ever. He and I have known each othe for about 30 years. He was running the full on little training, and I thought I would have been well ahead of him at this point. However, there he was, trucking right along despite another 16 miles to go. He would up with a 3:29, which is solid for this course. Good job, Gillo!

Anyway, by about mile 12 I was shot and I slowed up a lot over the last mile, something I hate to do. I was going as hard as I could though. It seems when you are in that race pain where you are doing all you can, you just want it to be over with. You often ask yourself the age-old question, "Why am I doing this again?" Then, immediately after the race, you immediately kick yourself for not going harder. My average heart rate for the day was only 165, WTF? At the time, I thought it would be closer to 180. Racing memory is very short-term. :)

I finished in a big cloud of smoke and was left smoldering on the curb after they cut my chip off. As it turns out, my goal was to break 1:40, so I got that, with a 1:38:48 (7:32 pace). The course is pretty tough, as is evidenced by my 22nd out of 192 finish in my age group, 130 out of 1700 and some overall. I really didn't think that my time was that good. Either there are a bunch of slow runners in Charlotte, or the course is hilly.

I keep harping back on what could have been had I not petered out at mile 12. Probably at least a minute, maybe? Ahhh, short-term racing memory. On one level, it's good, because you want to sign up again for another lesson in misery. On another level, it's not so good, because you sign up again for another lesson in misery. Oh well, seems like a good metaphor for life somehow.

Back at putting in the miles this week. Despite a few aches and pains, things are going pretty good thus far. The good thing is Myrtle Beach is very flat, which bodes well for breaking 3:30 in February. To quote the great Carl Spackler in Caddyshack, "So I got that goin' for me, which is nice." That Lama is a big hitter, you know?

Well, if a bear can, so can I ...

My marathon training has been going well. I've been hitting my mileage, and last week was my highest ever at 46.5 My long runs are falling right where I want them with regard to pace and heart rate, so that's good. This past Sunday, I put in 17 miles in 2:26, which calculates to an 8:35 pace. Very comfortable and not terribly taxing on the whole. My average heart rate was 148, so that's about right where it needs to be for the long ones.

I did have an "incident," however. About 10.5 miles in, I had to dart into the woods to relieve the call of nature, and no, I'm not talking about No. 1. This has happened to me twice so far on the training plan, and it happened at least two more times over the summer. I'm not sure what's going on, but I can assure you, I have become quite skilled in the art of shitting in the woods.

The first time this ever happened to me was the "Great Bush Incident of 1996." This was during my first and very short stint into running. I was cruising down a major road when the pain hit me. The next thing you know, I'm darting into a large, well-foliaged bush right in front of a church, for God's sake, and let fly. Fortunately, back in those days when I didn't know better, I wore just regular athletic shorts with underwear. Needless to say, those drawers are probably still in that bush.

The next time, almost 10 years later, I was running around my favorite loop when I knew that it was coming. It was very early, so when I got to the one public bathroom along the greenway, it was locked. Fortunately, I found solace in the woods just above the bathhouse. No spare clothing this time, so a few large leaves did the trick. I've had other "experiences," but the exact details of those escape me.

Anyway, for this past "episode," I found a large pipe, about waist high, that runs right through the woods, kind of like the Alaksan Pipeline, I'd imagine. Although, this would be the North Raleigh North Carolina Pipeline. Anyway, it worked perfectly, as I leaned my lower back right against it in a squatting position and did the deed. I usually hide some extra fluids in the woods right at this point, and I had also stashed some running gloves in the bag in case it started getting cold. Needless to say, it fit like a glove. My wife thinks I'm gross because I wiped the glove off on the grass, put it back in the bag, and took it home and washed it. Hey, they are Nike gloves!

So, if you ever find yourself in this situation, here are some tips:

1. If you have spare clothing, don't be afraid to use it. If you mess the item up too bad, don't be afraid to leave it behind. With the added natural material, it's sure to biodegrade within at least 20 years.

2. Find something to prop your back against and assume a squat. This is the most natural position and best emulates you sitting on a pot. Things go easier this way, and you don't risk the chance of getting any on your shoe.

3. If you can't find something to lean against, find a tree to hang on to in a frontward position, then squat. Make sure there is no poison ivy dangling from said tree. You need strong arms for this one, because you don't want to slip.

4. If you don't have spare clothing, like socks (triathletes, especially, should consider this option), drawers, gloves or beanie caps, you will have to choose your location carefully. Look for an area with large, plyable leaves. Make sure these are not poison ivy. I've found that oak tree leaves that haven't dried completely out work well.

5. Do not be afraid to shit in the woods! It is far better than running with those awful pains and wondering if you are going to make it to the next restroom or not. I'd much rather get it over with than go through that. Also, completely bagging the run and walking either to your car or back home is not an option that any runner or triathlete worth his or her salt would even consider.

6. Don't try to be cool and just take your shorts down to your knees. That can lead to disaster. You are better off just removing them completely than being forced to finish your run with the very thing you were trying to rid yourself of.

7. Obviously, make sure you the location you have chosen is well concealed. Can you imagine the scene you have created for some unexpecting soul? That could potentially scar someone for life!

Anyway, there you have it. Brett's "Seven Habits for Highly Effective Shitting (In the Woods)," empowering you to take care of business and still get the job done. If anyone knows of some tips I have overlooked, don't hesitate to share. This is important information and it must not be kept secret. Runners unite!

Ironman Florida - I'm In!

Some buddies and I made the 11 hour drive to Panama City this past weekend to sign up for next year's Ironman Florida. We also knew a few people in the race, so we were able to cheer some of them on. It was surprisingly easy to park, watch the race, and mill around at bars all day. Very cool place. I look forward to next year's race!

The picture is of myself and Bjorn Andersson, probably the best cyclist in triathlon today. He was just sitting there by himself, watching the swim start. Not a person around was paying any attention to him. Me, being a huge tri-geek, recognized him immediately, along with his ridiculously aero bike, so I asked if I could get a picture with him. You can see in the picture how low his bars are, looks like a foot of drop at least to me. He was very nice, asked what I was there for, etc. I saw him later in the day and he recognized me again and we chatted once more. Watch out for him at the 70.3 Championships in Clearwater this weekend. My money's on him.

This was the first Ironman that I have watched live, and I was surprised at how big some of the men were. I thought most of the pros were around 160 and wiry. At this race, however, many of them were very muscled and looked like they weighed 180 or 190. Being a big boy, this fact warms my heart.

Marathon training is coming right along. In fact, my buddies and I were able to run a loop of the IM FLA course Saturday after the swim start. There isn't much to it. Flat as can be. Hopefully, we'll have some good weather next year. After our rough swim at IM CDA, the water in Panama City Saturday was to die for. I'm hoping for no huge waves next year.

I'll be at 42 miles of running this week, which will equal my all-time high and I'm only in the fourth week of this 18-week plan. It should be interesting to see if I hold up.

Happy Halloween!

The Quest for 3:30 ...

Here is a recent shot of the twins for those keeping score at home. :) They are doing great and growing by the minute. Bree has her first two teeth, while Zane is getting ready to crawl. Needless to say, we are doing our best to keep up with them. :)

Tuesday night marked the beginning of the quest for 3:30. In other words, I'm hoping to break 3:30 at the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February. I think it's possible, based on some times I've been running in triathlons of late. One of these days, qualifying for Boston would be nice. I doubt very seriously running a 3:15, which is what I need for my 35-39 age group, is possible at this point. Maybe next year. :)

In preparation for my marathon training, I thought it would be cool to do a running race, especially since I haven't done a stand alone running race since my first foray into running some eight or nine years ago. So, there was a 5K run this past Saturday in downtown Raleigh.

Actually, my wife is the one who signed us up, as she is getting jealous of all of the race t-shirts I have and she wanted one for her very own. So, she pushed the babies in the 5K walk, while I busted a gut running the run. We both finished, I'm happy to say. Although over about the last half-mile I thought I was going to hurl I was hurting so bad.

My plan was to do the first mile in around 7 minutes, then pick it up from there and see what happened. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, I hit the first mile in 6:36. Oh well, there was no looking back. I simply tried to hang in there, even though I was hurting much earlier than I had hoped.

All in all, I was pretty happy with the result. I finished in 20:30, good for seventh in my age group. I had fleeting thoughts of breaking into the 19 minute range, but I faded majorly over the last half mile as I mentioned above. Maybe one day. For now, it's on to longer distances. These short things hurt way too much. :)

I will be following a training plan from the book, Advanced Marathoning. There is an 18-week, 55-mile plan that should put a hurting on me. I've never done more than 42 miles in one week. This one starts out at 32 and builds to a peak of 55. This plan also has actual tempo runs, speed work, etc., something I've never been strong enough to attempt in my previous training for the two marathons I've done. I was simply trying to get through the miles, long and slow.

It should be interesting. If the three readers of this blog would like to take a look at the plan, it is linked up here. OK, I'm off to run 9 miles in the dark.