Marathon By 40

Normally I don’t write about specific runs here on the blog. I’ll generally add notes to each run as recorded on Runner+ and I reserve this space for more general topics. But I couldn’t help but share my sense of accomplishment regarding the mini-milestone I achieved this evening.

Tonight I ran my first 10k.

Wow. That was fun. I used a 3min/1min run/walk mix to run my first 10k workout. Other than making the mistake of not warming up, it went great. I started jogging right out the front door thinking that I was running so far I should just blend the warm-up into the distance. Bad idea. My shins started throbbing 10 minutes in and it took another 15 minutes to run it out. But after that I just got stronger and stronger as the run went on and generally had negative splits the rest of the distance.

I think I can call myself a runner now. Not because of a distance milestone, and certainly not because of any speed accomplishments, but simply because I’m actually crazy enough to enjoy this. I’ve learned that I really love to run.

Here’s another clue that I’m turning into a runner: I’ve gone function over form.

My white & blue Brooks Adrenaline GTS8s weren’t feeling quite as spongy as they used to. I went to replace them this evening. Other than loosing their cushion (over 11 months and 180 miles) they’ve really been just fine. I went to the local running store and asked if they had my size in stock. They looked, and came out with this:

Normally, I wouldn’t be caught dead in something that looked like the Honey Nut Cheerio Bee’s trainers. But, I put them on, and they felt great. The same great fit, but the bounce was back. I didn’t have to think twice after taking a few steps. I was sold.

So, do I care that my feet will glow in the dark when I’m out running before the sun comes up? Nope. Because they’ll feel great again while I’m doing it.

Runner Plus has been an integral part of the support I’ve received during my fledgling running endeavor. The tools they supply to analyze Nike+ data are much better than Nike’s own site, and the community of fellow runners are warm, inviting, and very encouraging.

One fellow runner I met there recently blogged about his run up Currahee Mountain. Currahee is the mountain close to Army Camp Toccoa, where the first paratroopers trained for World War II. If you’re familiar with the book or miniseries Band of Brothers, you’re also familiar with the phrase “Three miles up, three miles down!” In the story (and in real-life) part of the basic training was for men to run the three miles up the mountain and the three miles back in less than 50 minutes wearing full combat gear.

Rahn wrote about his experience running the same trail as the troops in training and what it meant to him personally. What a great opportunity! I enjoy running in my neighborhood, but I’ve wondered what other famous trails would be rewarding to run.

The “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art - Ok, so Rocky isn’t historical. But wouldn’t it be a rush to run through the streets of Philly in a wet snow wearing torn-up sweats, then run up the Rocky Steps and turn around to strike the Balboa victory pose? “Yo, Adrian!”

The “original” marathon route - The very first marathon is likely also fiction. Regardless, I think it would be inspiring to run Pheidippides supposed route across the Marathon plains in Greece.

How about you? What famous (real or ficitonal) routes would you like to run?

Not wanting to loose momentum, I’ve set sights on the next step towards a marathon. The Dallas Running Club is hosting the Walk, Wag, and Run - Run Your Tail Off 5K/10K for its members (of which I am now) on October 25th. That’s only 7 weeks to train, which isn’t quite as long as I would like. But, the next local 10k that I can find after isn’t until January; I’d rather not wait that long.

I’ll use the Podrunner 10k intervals plan which will take me to a full hour of running by the week of the race. I’ll likely walk or jog two days a week besides the plan to help loose weight beforehand.

Running twice as far as I did last race will be a challenge. I remember during the race just before finishing mile 3 thinking “why would anybody put themselves through this?” But I also remember how great it felt to finish, record a new personal best, and celebrate the accomplishment with my friends.

I’m taking Sundays off, but every other day of the week, let’s go run!

Just a public note to my self that I need to start my next training program on Monday (9/8). It’s hard for me to be motivated unless I’m on a specific schedule.

Therefore, I need to determine what distance I’ll try next (leaning towards upping to 10k) and which race/event/date I will plan for. This weekend I need to find time to search race calendars on the web, review 10k training plans, and select a good match for each.

Until then, keep running.

Wow! What an experience! This morning I completed my first official running event: The Labor Day 5k at White Rock Lake. I finished 9th out of 11 in my weight class. So while I wasn’t the slowest guy out there, I gave him a good race! I was also able to run a new PB (personal best) at 34:39 (a full 3 minutes faster than the practice 5k I ran 3 weeks earlier).

I was really thankful to have Mike (900 above), Keith (superstitious up-side down 13), and Arshaad (943) there running with me. Actually, they were running ahead of me. Mike won his age group (way to go, Mike!), Keith got 3rd in our weight group (I don’t think to qualify to run with us clydesdales anymore), and Arshaad ran 5th in his age group. So, job well done to each! All of them were waiting for me at the last 10th of a mile where the course turned from the road to the grass. Before I saw them, I felt like I was out of gas. But it was very encouraging to hear them cheering, and they helped me kick it up a notch or two for a final sprint. It was great to have them cheering and to share their company after the race. Congratulations on your great runs, guys.

Thank you also everyone who encouraged me with comments and emails. Making the goals public was another driving force to make sure I pushed through. Your support means a lot.

So, I’m now hooked. I’ve realized that if I have a goal and a plan, it’s possible to make significant progress. The race was a lot of fun, but this 5k is just the first step. There are many miles to go before my first marathon. I’m taking time this week to scour race calendars on the net and select my next event.

Let’s take a break from running to recover.

Links:

• My photos on Flickr
• Race results at ThrustonRacing.com
• “Official” photos at CelebratedImages.com