Friday, April 23, 2010
Glutton For Punishment
Today I signed up for another 70.3 in May. I'm going to attempt to actually do some run training leading up to this race. Yesterday I logged 2 miles after swimming then teaching a spin class. Not going to lie, it didn't feel great, but it didn't get any worse either. I guess I just have to suck it up. I have to keep getting better!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New Orleans Ironman 70.3 Race Report
Goals can be dangerous because during a race there are so many things you can't predict. I had set out some pretty lofty goals for this race and I failed miserably, yet I left the race feeling pretty good.
There is a nasty rumor out there that I do not know how to swim. I spent 46 minutes in a rough, choppy, smelly, gasoline tasting Lake Ponchartrain. I had hoped to swim in less than 40 minutes so based on the numbers you would think I failed miserably. What I did not expect was for the lake conditions to be so rough and for me to freak out and almost drown. The good news is that I was able to take what would have been a 55 minute swim and turn it into a 46 minute swim by getting my act together and swimming like I know how for the last 20 minutes. Leaving the water I felt good and ready to ride a bike.
Now the bike is unquestionably my strength and I had thrown out some pretty lofty numbers not knowing if they were attainable or not. 2:25:00 was something I was shooting for, but under 2:30:00 was the realistic goal. I had a near perfect bike. We had a headwind going out but I managed to average 20.8 mph before we turned around. I watched the avg rise all the way back and finished in 2:27:19 for a 22.8 mph average. The best part was I didn't feel that bad and was ready to try and run.
I like running, not as much as biking, but still more than swimming. I haven't run since I hobbled through the Houston Marathon in January with a stress fracture in my leg. So the thought of running 13.1 miles on no training was a bit daunting. I was foolishly optimistic. I thought since I hadn't run in forever it would fe
el good to finally run. I was sort of right. There was excitement the first few miles, and I even felt good at about mile 4 or 5. The goal here was to run under 2 hours and I was not on pace but close enough that it was still a possibility. Then the wheels fell off. My engine was good, but my legs wouldn't respond. about mile 10 I felt it and by mile 11 I was walk city. So again I missed my goal and failed miserably. The positives I took from the run is that I felt good at the beginning and had I be able to actually train, I could have run the whole thing and perhaps fast. The run fitness will come.
Statistically speaking not a great start to the season, but I feel way better about the races to come than I did before I went to New Orleans.
There is a nasty rumor out there that I do not know how to swim. I spent 46 minutes in a rough, choppy, smelly, gasoline tasting Lake Ponchartrain. I had hoped to swim in less than 40 minutes so based on the numbers you would think I failed miserably. What I did not expect was for the lake conditions to be so rough and for me to freak out and almost drown. The good news is that I was able to take what would have been a 55 minute swim and turn it into a 46 minute swim by getting my act together and swimming like I know how for the last 20 minutes. Leaving the water I felt good and ready to ride a bike.
Now the bike is unquestionably my strength and I had thrown out some pretty lofty numbers not knowing if they were attainable or not. 2:25:00 was something I was shooting for, but under 2:30:00 was the realistic goal. I had a near perfect bike. We had a headwind going out but I managed to average 20.8 mph before we turned around. I watched the avg rise all the way back and finished in 2:27:19 for a 22.8 mph average. The best part was I didn't feel that bad and was ready to try and run.
I like running, not as much as biking, but still more than swimming. I haven't run since I hobbled through the Houston Marathon in January with a stress fracture in my leg. So the thought of running 13.1 miles on no training was a bit daunting. I was foolishly optimistic. I thought since I hadn't run in forever it would fe
el good to finally run. I was sort of right. There was excitement the first few miles, and I even felt good at about mile 4 or 5. The goal here was to run under 2 hours and I was not on pace but close enough that it was still a possibility. Then the wheels fell off. My engine was good, but my legs wouldn't respond. about mile 10 I felt it and by mile 11 I was walk city. So again I missed my goal and failed miserably. The positives I took from the run is that I felt good at the beginning and had I be able to actually train, I could have run the whole thing and perhaps fast. The run fitness will come.Statistically speaking not a great start to the season, but I feel way better about the races to come than I did before I went to New Orleans.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Race Week New Orleans 70.3
Most of the time you have an idea of what to expect going into a race, this is not one of those times. I'm still overcoming my first real injury since I started racing and therefore have not really run at all since January, and even in January I wouldn't call it running. The doctor says my stress fracture is healed, but that I should expect some discomfort. He is right, it still hurts and I can still feel the lump of calcium build up where the stress fracture was. He promises me I cannot re-fracture the leg.
I've done a good amount of training leading up for this race. A lot of time on the bike, an increased amount of time in the pool, and no time running. The only thing I feel confident about this weekend is that I should have a really good bike split, everything else is an unknown. My swimming should be better, but I really have no way of knowing. My run is a complete unknown. Is it possible that it will feel so good to finally run again that I enjoy it? Is it more likely that it will hurt so bad that I turn in a super slow run(more of a walk)? I just don't know, but I hope I'm tough enough to gut out a decent performance. Initially my goal for this race was to do it under 5 hours. In a perfect world that may still be attainable, but more realistically I'm just looking for a PR which would be better than 5:16:58. We'll see how it goes and even if its a bad race, I'll be on Bourbon Street when its done!
I've done a good amount of training leading up for this race. A lot of time on the bike, an increased amount of time in the pool, and no time running. The only thing I feel confident about this weekend is that I should have a really good bike split, everything else is an unknown. My swimming should be better, but I really have no way of knowing. My run is a complete unknown. Is it possible that it will feel so good to finally run again that I enjoy it? Is it more likely that it will hurt so bad that I turn in a super slow run(more of a walk)? I just don't know, but I hope I'm tough enough to gut out a decent performance. Initially my goal for this race was to do it under 5 hours. In a perfect world that may still be attainable, but more realistically I'm just looking for a PR which would be better than 5:16:58. We'll see how it goes and even if its a bad race, I'll be on Bourbon Street when its done!
Monday, March 15, 2010
What did you say?
So I went to the doctor this morning to check another check up on my stress fractured leg. After yet another x-ray he comes in and says, "I have good news, its healing." I"m like what?!? Why does it still hurt. Apparently that is common, but that part of my leg is probably stronger than the rest of my leg now.
Here's a picture of the x-ray, if you look close you can see a lump on my bone. That, I'm told, is the bone regenerating and means healing has occurred. Apparently over time that lump will flatten out. I don't plan on running again for at least another week but the doc said there is very little chance of reinjuring the fracture again. The plan is to start running again in late March, try to get in at least a 8 miler before New Orleans. Injuries suck, maybe more mentally than physically but I can find two positive things that have come out of this. One, I appreciate my health and being able to run a lot more. Two, I no longer hate swimming.
Here's a picture of the x-ray, if you look close you can see a lump on my bone. That, I'm told, is the bone regenerating and means healing has occurred. Apparently over time that lump will flatten out. I don't plan on running again for at least another week but the doc said there is very little chance of reinjuring the fracture again. The plan is to start running again in late March, try to get in at least a 8 miler before New Orleans. Injuries suck, maybe more mentally than physically but I can find two positive things that have come out of this. One, I appreciate my health and being able to run a lot more. Two, I no longer hate swimming.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Doing Nothing Is So Hard.
So first off, yes I know I'm an idiot and I had it coming. But not being able to run or ride a bike like I want to is killing me! Last weekend was the Mercedes Marathon, it was also the first time I've ever signed up for a race and then not participated. Running a marathon is tough, but not being able to might be more difficult. I was able to support some great friends and at least seeing them do well was a nice consolation. Last week my doctor and I decided to shut it down completely and put an air cast on my leg. It is helping, but I continue to struggle at not doing stuff that will prevent my leg from healing. So far I've been doing more swimming and some boring slow riding. Who knows maybe this will make me a better racer when I can finally race again. April is the target... I hope I'm patient enough to make it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Houston Marathon Report
So I'm Hard Headed...
I am stubborn, but not crazy. I guess that depends on how you use the word "crazy".
The Houston Marathon was supposed to be my "fast" race. the one I was committing to and actually training for until I came up lame right after Christmas. I thought it was a shin splint, but the more I tried to run/heal it, the more I thought it was worse, maybe a stress fracture. I went to the doctor Thursday and got a bone scan but those results didn't come back till after the race.
Pre-Race
Houston is a fast race, the course is flat, the weather usually good and that was definitely the case this year. I limped around at packet pickup and the expo before going home with my parents to watch the Saints (WHO DAT!), ice down, eat dinner and go to bed.
Race Day
I woke up race day feeling pretty good, my parents dropped me off at the convention center. this a big race. 30,000 runners so I was a little in awe. The plan was to try and hang with the 3:40 pace group. I was excited about the group because I guy named Whit Rambach (ultra running superstar) was supposed to be leading it. I found out he got injured and wasn't running, ironic I guess. I can't say I felt good at the beginning, but I didn't feel terrible and I was optimistic that I could hang. At the two mile mark I was hanging tough but starting to feel it. I surged ahead to see if perhaps I could put the pain behind me but that didn't work. I hung on for about a half mile longer before I pulled to the side. Keep in mind there were 30,000 runners, so I was now the guy who is in everybody's way.
"Just Work it Out"
Now I may be guilty of this in the past, but I grew to really hate the "work it out" runners. I appreciate the encouragement to fight through the cramps and I would have loved to have been able to do this. I felt like I needed to write on the back of my shirt, "It Is Not A Cramp!" I encountered quite a few annoying runners, but more on that later.
Finding a Slower Groove
I knew going in that a 13:44 pace would get me to the finish in 6 hours so now the challenge was to find a pace I could somewhat maintain. My thought was 12 minute miles was doable and that is what I told my Mom and Dad when I saw them at mile seven.
I ended up running between 10-11 minute miles for the majority of the race.
50 in 50
No I did not run into Dean Karnazes during the race. I did run into a guy who had run a marathon in all 50 states. His back was acting up pretty badly so we were on about the same pace. We had a brief little pity party and actually ran together for awhile.
I think it was nice for us both to have someone else there that was going through the same thing. I saw him for the final time at about mile 23 where he motivated me enough to get me to the end.
Hold On, Let Me Take This
Did you know people actually talk on their cell phones during marathons? They do and some of these people probably finished ahead of me, now that is depressing. Among other annoying marathon people are the "you're almost there," guy at mile 17, same guy again at 20. The "you can make it," woman both as a runner and spectator. Oh and do the "looking good" people think they are fooling anybody? Nobody is looking good after 4 hours on the course, except maybe "cell phone lady". In all seriousness, the crowd support was really good at this race. Very few stretches without people so kudos to the people of Houston.
The Worst I've Ever Felt
This is a tough call because I felt like death for the last 3 miles of Stump Jump. But at Stump Jump it was a total body death so it was absorbed all over. In this race the last 10 miles were excruciating. Like there was a dagger in my leg and every step drove it deeper. Some wonderful people offered me some pain medicine at mile 18. While this did help 30 minutes later, getting started again after taking the pills was a challenge.
Doing The Math
I suck at math. I'm was trying to figure out if I could finish under 5 hours, which I was going to consider a huge success. I was struggling, physically, mentally, and with my ability to carry the 1. That is when I saw the 50 states guy for the last time. He pats me on the back as he run up along side me. I told him I was trying to figure out if I could get under 5 hours and he either lied or knew. He told me just run 12's and you got it. So I ran, or hobbled, maybe a shuffle by now. I sure did wear the bottom off my shoes! I saw my parents again at the mile 25 water stop. I probably complained about something, I don't remember. I do remember telling my Dad that I was at least going to finish under 5 hours. He replied, "You better hurry then!" I knew I had plenty of cushion but either way I finished strongish. I got passed by 2 girls wearing yellow frilly skirts, like they were part of a slutty bee costume for Halloween. Final time 4:55:32.
Ice Please...
One major complaint. I could not get any ice to put on my leg after the race. Really?!? The medical tent suggested I go over to the food area. Needless to say I just went without ice.
Monday Diagnosis
I knew I would not feel good on Monday, and wow did I hurt. One leg feels like I just ran a marathon on one leg and the other feels like it is broken. 5:30am spin class did not go well. The doctor called me Monday, yes I have a stress fracture in my tibia, that is not a surprise. I was surprised to hear that I have a stress reaction in both my right ankle and knee. Seeing as that was all before the race I can only hope I didn't cause any more major damage. I'm shelved for 4 weeks with an appointment in 3 weeks to have it looked at again. I'll be a spectator for Mountain Mist, and Mercedes is a real big question mark. Looks like it is time to hit the pool.
I am stubborn, but not crazy. I guess that depends on how you use the word "crazy".
The Houston Marathon was supposed to be my "fast" race. the one I was committing to and actually training for until I came up lame right after Christmas. I thought it was a shin splint, but the more I tried to run/heal it, the more I thought it was worse, maybe a stress fracture. I went to the doctor Thursday and got a bone scan but those results didn't come back till after the race.
Pre-Race
Houston is a fast race, the course is flat, the weather usually good and that was definitely the case this year. I limped around at packet pickup and the expo before going home with my parents to watch the Saints (WHO DAT!), ice down, eat dinner and go to bed.
Race Day
I woke up race day feeling pretty good, my parents dropped me off at the convention center. this a big race. 30,000 runners so I was a little in awe. The plan was to try and hang with the 3:40 pace group. I was excited about the group because I guy named Whit Rambach (ultra running superstar) was supposed to be leading it. I found out he got injured and wasn't running, ironic I guess. I can't say I felt good at the beginning, but I didn't feel terrible and I was optimistic that I could hang. At the two mile mark I was hanging tough but starting to feel it. I surged ahead to see if perhaps I could put the pain behind me but that didn't work. I hung on for about a half mile longer before I pulled to the side. Keep in mind there were 30,000 runners, so I was now the guy who is in everybody's way.
"Just Work it Out"
Now I may be guilty of this in the past, but I grew to really hate the "work it out" runners. I appreciate the encouragement to fight through the cramps and I would have loved to have been able to do this. I felt like I needed to write on the back of my shirt, "It Is Not A Cramp!" I encountered quite a few annoying runners, but more on that later.
Finding a Slower Groove
I knew going in that a 13:44 pace would get me to the finish in 6 hours so now the challenge was to find a pace I could somewhat maintain. My thought was 12 minute miles was doable and that is what I told my Mom and Dad when I saw them at mile seven.
I ended up running between 10-11 minute miles for the majority of the race.50 in 50
No I did not run into Dean Karnazes during the race. I did run into a guy who had run a marathon in all 50 states. His back was acting up pretty badly so we were on about the same pace. We had a brief little pity party and actually ran together for awhile.
I think it was nice for us both to have someone else there that was going through the same thing. I saw him for the final time at about mile 23 where he motivated me enough to get me to the end.Hold On, Let Me Take This
Did you know people actually talk on their cell phones during marathons? They do and some of these people probably finished ahead of me, now that is depressing. Among other annoying marathon people are the "you're almost there," guy at mile 17, same guy again at 20. The "you can make it," woman both as a runner and spectator. Oh and do the "looking good" people think they are fooling anybody? Nobody is looking good after 4 hours on the course, except maybe "cell phone lady". In all seriousness, the crowd support was really good at this race. Very few stretches without people so kudos to the people of Houston.
The Worst I've Ever Felt
This is a tough call because I felt like death for the last 3 miles of Stump Jump. But at Stump Jump it was a total body death so it was absorbed all over. In this race the last 10 miles were excruciating. Like there was a dagger in my leg and every step drove it deeper. Some wonderful people offered me some pain medicine at mile 18. While this did help 30 minutes later, getting started again after taking the pills was a challenge.
Doing The Math
I suck at math. I'm was trying to figure out if I could finish under 5 hours, which I was going to consider a huge success. I was struggling, physically, mentally, and with my ability to carry the 1. That is when I saw the 50 states guy for the last time. He pats me on the back as he run up along side me. I told him I was trying to figure out if I could get under 5 hours and he either lied or knew. He told me just run 12's and you got it. So I ran, or hobbled, maybe a shuffle by now. I sure did wear the bottom off my shoes! I saw my parents again at the mile 25 water stop. I probably complained about something, I don't remember. I do remember telling my Dad that I was at least going to finish under 5 hours. He replied, "You better hurry then!" I knew I had plenty of cushion but either way I finished strongish. I got passed by 2 girls wearing yellow frilly skirts, like they were part of a slutty bee costume for Halloween. Final time 4:55:32.
Ice Please...
One major complaint. I could not get any ice to put on my leg after the race. Really?!? The medical tent suggested I go over to the food area. Needless to say I just went without ice.
Monday Diagnosis
I knew I would not feel good on Monday, and wow did I hurt. One leg feels like I just ran a marathon on one leg and the other feels like it is broken. 5:30am spin class did not go well. The doctor called me Monday, yes I have a stress fracture in my tibia, that is not a surprise. I was surprised to hear that I have a stress reaction in both my right ankle and knee. Seeing as that was all before the race I can only hope I didn't cause any more major damage. I'm shelved for 4 weeks with an appointment in 3 weeks to have it looked at again. I'll be a spectator for Mountain Mist, and Mercedes is a real big question mark. Looks like it is time to hit the pool.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Houston, We Have a Problem...
This has not been the start to the season I was hoping for. The Houston Marathon was supposed to be the race I was gunning for. I was supposed run a fast race, I was going to train really hard in December and start the year of right. Then my right leg started to hurt. Then it hurt some more. Then what I thought was a shin splint didn't exactly feel like any shin splint I've ever had before. I went to the doctor yesterday, he sent me for a bone scan. Now here I am Friday afternoon, just a few hours away from flying to Houston and I still don't have any results. He suspects it is a stress fracture, but I'd kind of like to know for sure. Now I am going to Houston either way, and I'm going to do the marathon either way too. The time limit is 6 hours and it could take me 5:59:59. Worst case scenario I limp around Houston and spend some quality time with my parents, best case scenario I start with the 3:40 pace group and I finish with the 3:40 pace group. At this point I just don't know and that is frustrating. The next 2 months are very uncertain and I've got to try and be smart. That is not exactly a strength of mine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)