Thursday, April 30, 2009

Race Report for Glass City Marathon (Toledo)

Well things did not go as planned for this race. I did manage to stay relaxed up until the night before the race. Woke up at 2 or 3 in the morning and was keyed up for the race. The distressing part was the severe change in temps the last few days before the race. It was HOT. Into the 80's for a few days and it was forecast to do the same on race day with a catch. T-storms were also forecast so there was hope for me. I got out of bed and it was cloudy and 54* with a light breeze, still decent conditions I thought. That all ended about 1/2 mile into the race. The clouds went poof and the full blue skies opened up. Heading out along the south side of the river into a nice breeze and still felt pretty good. I was staying at a nice 6:45 pace and feeling good but cautious. As the temps continued to climb my pace slacked a little and I began to think that I could stay 7:00 pace and maybe pick up some more time in the last few miles and still get under 3 hours. That goal was then replaced with stay within BQ time and go under 3:15. The turn back to Toledo on the north side of the river meant the light breeze was behind me and it felt like the oven had been turned on. At around 19 miles the warning signs of dehydration were starting to come on so I switched to getting done with out going into the med tent as my goal. This meant walking too much and taking it easy. Dumping water over my head all day had helped but at times I got to preoccupied with cooling off and did not drink enough. Lesson -- drink first then cool down -- especially when the aid stations are 2-3 miles apart. Only vomited once at the 25 mile mark and jogged the last mile in. Finished at 3:34:44 25th place overall and 10th in my age group. I was very discouraged after this race and even contemplated bagging Ironman. But I think I've worked through the doubts and accepted that it just wasn't my day on Sunday. One of these days I'll figure out how to race longer distances in the heat, I know I will be able to do it. Thanks for reading.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Taper Time

Well it's finally here. Taper time. This time I'm going to work on staying more relaxed and not get stressed out. Last year I had a great race at the Sunburst Half going in with the only goal of getting a quick training run and seeding time for Chicago. I'd like to think of this race as nothing special in my head and just let it happen. "Easier said than done."

Thursday, April 9, 2009

I miss my bike.

Went out tonight after work on the bike. It was so nice and sunny that the training plan had to change. Called a freind and headed out for a nice spin. Ended up riding about 1 1/2 hours. I really enjoy getting out on my bike. I'm really looking forward to May when running will be a once a week thing while the legs recover. Right now the plan is to ride 4-5 days a week and swim 2-3 times with maybe one run just to keep the feel. Getting out on my bike is such an awesome feeling after riding the trainer all winter. I wonder if people in the warmer climes get that rush at any time? It isn't that running is a chore, it is my first love. Riding is a close second however. I don't know how to really describe the feeling.
I can't decide on a race for May. Our club race is on the 16th but that water is REALLY cold and it would be only 2 weeks past the marathon. I'm just waiting to see what happens for now. The rest of year looks like it will be:
June 7 Rockman Half Iron
June 14 Flag City Tri
July 11 Muncie Endurathon Half Iron
July 25-26 Pancake Stage Race
August 6-9 Madison Training Trip
Sept 13 Ironman Wisconsin
Sept 26 Fort 4 Fitness Half Marathon
Nov 7 Iceman Cometh MtB Race

Hoping to add in a shorter tri somewhere in May and July just not sure where yet. Maybe an Xterra event for the July race and some other MtB races in October to get ready for Iceman. Of course everything could change at the drop of a hat so this is just a loose outline for the season ;D