It ain't Chinese algebra!

Eugene Marathon

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Location:

Portland,OR,

Member Since:

Nov 02, 2005

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

5K: 15:41-Portland Track Festival 2010

10K: 31:34-Linfield College (Track) 2012

10 Mile: 51:57-Pear Blossom 2009

1/2 Marathon: 1:10:42-Foot Traffic Flat 2010

Marathon: 2:29:35-Newport 2013

50K: 3:48:06-Weiser River 50K 2021

Short-Term Running Goals:

Next Race:

12-hour race, sometime in 2021

100 mile race, sometime...

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 1:10 Half Marathon

Sub 2:30 Marathon

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Total Distance
242.00
Total Distance
2.00

St. Mary's loop with the dog.  She kept the pace honest.

Boston (235)

In an attempt to build some confidence for a quality race this weekend, I did a little historical analysis.  I looked at the 16 weeks of training for my 3 previous marathons and compared the end results.  Of course there are many other things that can affect a finishing time for a marathon (quality sleep and food intake days before, weather, hydration, course terrain, etc), but I figured the 4 months of training could be a starting point for expectations

Marathon
Total Miles
Average Miles/Week
High Week
Low Week
Runs 20+
Time
St. George 07
355
22.18
36
0
2
2:44:16
Lincoln 08
528
38
50
10
2
2:47:08
California Int. 08
704
44
70
7
4
2:35:47
Eugene 09
1028
64.25
90
44
4
?????

Eh.....  Who knows?  The main thing I ask myself--"Is it worth it?"  For St. George I averaged 22 miles a week and ran a sub-2:45, then only ran 9 minutes faster when I doubled my mileage 1 year later.

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Total Distance
2.00

2 miles this morning as I ran from the hotel to the starting line, then back.  I'm ready to go.

White (548)

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Race: Eugene Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:37:00, Place overall: 9, Place in age division: 3
Total Distance
27.00

I'm tired.

Not much to say, really.  I thought I was in better shape and I'd run closer to 2:30-2:32.  But no complaints from me--I ran the best I could today and will try again some other time.

It rained throughout the night and morning but by the time we lined up it wasn't much more than a drizzle.  I was able to stay out of the rain until just 5 minutes before the start which was nice.  Went outside, ran some strides, listened to the national anthem and took off.  I like to start out a little slower and then settle into a groove after a few minutes so I was immediatly passed by a bunch of people.  I drafted behind people for a bit but learned that wouldn't work because people were running straight through puddles and splashing water.  I didn't want wet feet for 26 miles so I moved around to be alone and miss the splashing water.  First mile was a gradual up and down, then the next 3 were flat.

1 - 6:12

2 - 5:56

3 - 5:53

4 - 5:56

This section was nice as it was a long and straight street, something that only happened 2-3 times throughout the course.  I've decided I like this courses made up of long city streets the best.  It's what I run most every day.  The frequent turns of park trails/bike paths just aren't for me I learned later on.  We took a turn from east amazon to west amazon which included a slight uphill then downhill, then jumped on a bike path until mile 8.

5 - 5:58

6 - 6:49

7 - 5:37

8 - 5:47

Miles 7 and 8 I ran with the top 2 females in the half marathon which was nice as leading women get the spectators attention and vocal support.  Even though they weren't cheering for me it was nice to hear some noise.  Mile 8 included the toughest hill on the course (really just 3 or 4 hills in total, but this was the longest and steepest by far), about 200ft gained followed by the same dropped.  I had wanted to stay under 6:00 and managed to do so.  That may have been the only goal I accomplished during the run.  We then passed Hayward Field ran a bit before reaching another bike path near mile 11.

9 - 5:53

10 - 5:46

Ten miles in 58:53, around 1 minute slower than I wanted.  I guess I just didn't pay close enough attention to my pace and what was happening during the first 10 miles.  I figured it wouldn't be much of a problem and I'd just pick up the pace.  Sounds easy enough.

11 - 5:44

12 - 5:41

13 - 5:32

14 - 5:39

15 - 5:42

16 - 5:38

A lot happened from miles 11 to 16.  Some good, some not so much.  Here goes...  Miles 10.5 to 12 were on the bike path to Springfield, then a couple miles on the streets of Springfield that looped us back to the path and returning towards Autzen Stadium.  It was also just before mile 11 when the 26.2 runners broke away from the 13.1 runners.  That's when it turned into a very, very lonely race.  I could see a guy 800 meters ahead of me and I wanted to catch him to have some company for these lonely stretches.  It took me over 1 mile, but I caught him just after mile 14 and it helped tremendously as we ran the nearly 6 miles together. That was the good.  Now for the bad:  there was a stretch of road that was 1k long near mile 13 where the cross slope was very strong.  It seemed that my left leg was contacting the road a full inch lower than my right leg.  I should have jumped on the sidewalk or ran off course or something/anything to avoid the severe road cant but I didn't and soon had a cramp on the outside of my left calf, something I've never experienced before.  The pain grew more intense for the next mile and I wasn't sure if I could make it 13 more miles without doing more damage to my leg.  That's why I needed to catch the guy in front of me--so we could talk and I could take my mind off my leg.

While Aaron and I ran together between 15 and 16, we saw one of the lead marathoners ahead in the distance returning opposite the half marathoners.  Apparently he had taken a wrong turn (at an intersection that I was unsure which direction to turn as well), so for a short while we worked as a group of 3.  The quicker guy picked up the pace and I decided to go with him, leaving Aaron for 1 mile as I tried to make up some ground.  That was a mistake.  The quicker pace made my calf pain flair up even more and I stopped to stretch 3 different times in the next mile.  Stretching didn't help.  Too much pain @ 5:40 pace, but little pain just 5-10 seconds slower so for the next 4 miles I moved along the route with Aaron making ok splits.

17 - 6:12, stretching mile

18 - 5:42

19 - 5:59

20 - 5:47

Twenty miles in 1:56:33.  Still on course for a PR as long as I can run the final 10k in 39 minutes.  That seems well within reach and I'm feeling good mentally and physically, minus the calf.  Oh yeah, and I passed a couple guys in the past 4 miles, was in 7th place and could see both 6th and 5th place.  I thought I could 'let loose' the last 6 miles and have a shot at top 5. Somehow the message from my brain to my body to 'let loose' didn't work and I started to slow down.

21 - 6:09.  Took a 3rd Gu and still just needed 6:00 pace for a few more miles.  I get passed like I'm standing still.  What the?  It's a guy I had passed at the 10k mark.  He looks just as strong now as he did then.  Now in 8th place.

22 - 5:59.  I'll take it, but I'm not feeling great.

23 - 6:21

24 - 6:21.  That's 42 seconds extra between the last 2 miles.  Not good.  And I'm tired.  And hungry.  Really hungry.  I'm sick of Gatorade and water.  I'm craving the pancakes and Subway sandwiches they are going to be serving at the finish line.  Oh yeah, and chocolate milk.  That sounds SO good.

25 - 7:02.  People were telling me I was looking good.  I told them I felt like crap.  I get passed and fall to 9th place.  I walk a few steps.  I look back and can see another guy 200 meters back and I don't want to give up my 9th spot so I start to run again.  That's seriously what compelled me to start running again, otherwise who knows how long I walk.

26 - 6:58.  I'm keeping solid distance between me and the guy behind.  I just want to be done.  I can practically taste the pancakes drenched in butter and syrup.

.2 - 1:36. What a kick!  Where are the pancakes?  WHERE ARE THE PANCAKES??!!

Actually, I was getting a little worried the last 800 meters or so.  I could see clearly the things in front of me, but my vision was going black on the edges and I couldn't see things to my side.  I just felt weak and wanted to sit down (and eat something, anything).  I crossed the line in a bit of a haze, somehow made it to the lady who cut off my chip and then I found food.  I ate 3 pancakes, 1 banana, 16 oz water, a turkey sandwich from Subway, a bag of Cheetos, and 2 more pancakes.  Then I found the chocolate milk and drank 3-14oz bottles as we walked back to the motel.

So.....maybe this entry comes off as bitter, but that's not the case one bit.  While the calf issue was annoying, the fact is I ran out of energy at the end.  Maybe I shouldn't have pushed the pace around mile 15 with the guy who made the wrong turn (he went on the finish 3rd).  Maybe I need to go out quicker and stop trying to run a negative split every time.  Overall,  I'm fine with the way things worked out.  Of course I wanted to go lower and run a PR (who doesn't?), but I'm learning that simply can't happen every time.  I'll learn from this one and apply the lessons next time.

Type A (173)

Comments(15)
Total Distance
2.00

2 very very very slow miles on the treadmill.  Feeling pretty good everywhere but my left calf.

White (550)

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Total Distance
2.00

2 more miles on the treadmill.  Same story as yesterday.  I bought a foam roller today so hopefully that will help my legs recover.  Left calf still bothersome.

White (552)

Comments(3)
Total Distance
2.00

Treadmill. Feeling better.

White (554)

Comments(3)
Total Distance
2.00

Treadmill again.  Still not quite where I want to be.  It's probably going to take through the weekend.

White (556)

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Total Distance
2.00

2 miles on the treadmill.  This is getting boring....

White (558)

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Total Distance
3.00

Went for my long run for the week. 3 miles on the treadmill. I'm ready to get going on Monday.

White (561)

Comments(3)
Total Distance
8.00

First real run since the marathon and I'll give it an 8 out of 10.  Maybe that's a little high but I'll stick with it since it was 8 miles :).  I ran with my dad this morning for the last time until September.  It's been GREAT having him here as a steady running partner for the past couple of months.  We ran the golf course loop, plus I added on St. Mary's.  My legs felt really good (as they should after 7 days rest) so hopefully I can hit 50-60 miles this week without too much trouble.

Boston (236)

Comments(2)
Total Distance
10.00

Today was worse than yesterday.  In fact, I thought my first run back yesterday would feel much more like today.  I just felt 'off' the whole time, especially the first mile and last 3 miles.  The middle section was okay but nothing special.  I'm signed up for a half marathon on May 30th and that may be a bit soon.  We'll see...

Cumulus (78)

Comments(2)
Total Distance
8.00

Felt better this morning.  Not great, but better.  I ran the golf course loop and then 3 more on the treadmill.

Boston (244)

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Total Distance
11.00

I ran the Phoenix East route this morning.  I've neglected this route in the past few months and I'm going to try and run it more often.  I really like it for the rolling hills and little traffic.  But then again, maybe not.  The reason.....I think I'm officially afraid of dogs.  How lame is that?  It all goes back to being chased by a pit bull a month ago.  It sucked.  Today I was chased by two dogs, a German Shepherd and some other breed.  They gave up the chase pretty quickly, but it brought back flashes and I didn't like it one bit.  Good times in Medford.

Cumulus (89)

Comments(1)
Total Distance
16.00

Decent run this morning.  A little quicker than it should have been, but I think after missing yesterday's run, my legs were anxious to turn over.  I didn't look at my watch through the first 4 miles and when I finally saw that I was running sub-7 and it felt fine, I just continued on the rest of the way.  I ran south past Home Depot and through Phoenix east, over the freeway and north on 99 past Harry & David.  I ran around Stewart Meadows and then back on 99 to Jackson.  I wanted to hit a decent hill after 10 miles so the one on Jackson passing Hedrick Middle School was perfect.  Finished up by staying on Hillcrest to Foothill and home.  I was pretty tired by the end, but it felt good to get some longer miles in after a so-so week.

Boston (260)

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Total Distance
15.00

3 loops around the golf course this morning.  Each one was slightly faster than the previous.  I didn't push for this to happen--it just did.  I felt really good.  Maybe I finally have Eugene behind me.

Hopefully I can get a run in tomorrow.  It's off to Portland tonight after work, so not getting there until just before midnight, then it's awake and to the hospital by 6:30.  Ugh.

Boston (275)

Comments(5)
Total Distance
7.00

7 miles around Portland. Around the hotel anyway. There are some major hills in this area which made things fun. I'm glad I squeezed this run in...I thought it would be a zero day for sure.

Sinister (338)

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Total Distance
14.00

Fun run this morning around Vancouver and Camas, Washington. I ran my standard 10 mile loop as usual, then added 4 miles around the hills in Camas, east of the Wells. That makes 3 days in row with hills and today was especially tough. I'll have to make it an easier route tomorrow.

Cumulus (103)

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Total Distance
10.00

10 miles on the bike path/Phoenix loop.  Both of my calves were pretty sore this morning from the past few days hills/speed.  The run was good though and I felt fine once I got started.  As always, it's nice to be home and back on a familiar course after a few days in Portland.

Boston (285)

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Total Distance
8.00

I wasn't feeling it this morning.  Not sure why.  I had planned on 11, wanted to quit at 6 but made it to 8.  I ran the St. Mary's/Albertsons loop.  Hopefully I feel a little better for tomorrow's long run.

Sinister (346)

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Total Distance
18.00

Today was much better than yesterday.  I ran the Phoenix East route to Talent, then Cover Rd to Phoenix and home via Home Depot.  I felt great the whole way and enjoyed being outside in such great weather.  Interesting morning:

  • Nearly stepped on a snake.  It completely threw off my stride as I nearly jumped out of my shoes.
  • I frequently pass a field full of cows just north of Home Depot.  They're always scared and run away from me.  Today a cow chased me (actually seemed to be defending his turf, but running towards me, not away).  His buddies jumped in and chased as well.  Before I reached the end of the pasture there were 20+ cows chasing me.  That's never happened.
  • Albertson's gas was $2.45 @ the start of my run (6am), then $2.49 @ the end of my run (8am).
  • I tried Shot Bloks by Cliff Bar for the first time.  Took 3 within the 18 miles (40 minutes, 75 minutes, 98 minutes).  Taste (orange) was okay but they are awfully big.  My stomach handled them okay though, so it's an option for future runs.  I think I'll try Sport Beans next.

Cumulus (121)

Comments(3)
Total Distance
15.50

Same run as last Monday but this week went better.  Last week wasn't bad but I did seem to run out of fuel the last couple of miles.  Today that wasn't the case.  The golf course loop makes for a great course with the steep hill on Murphy and rolling hills along North Phoenix, but I don't want to do this too much for fear of getting burnt out with the route.  3 loops in 1 run might be a bit much for me.

Not sure how much many more miles I can get out of these shoes.  They feel worn out 200 miles sooner than my Cumulus always do.

Boston (301)

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Total Distance
11.00

I decided it was time to dust off the cobwebs and see if my legs had any speed in them.  I'm still signed up for the half marathon this weekend, but as of right now I'll just be running for fun.  Anyway, I ran a large loop around town.  Barnett to the dog park, up to Red Robin, around Providence, McAndrews and Lone Pine and home via North Phoenix.  The first 6 miles were right at 7:00/mile, then I did a 5:54 (nothing special time-wise but it was uphill the whole way on Lone Pine).  Mile 8 was easy and then a 3 mile tempo to make it home; 5:48, 5:28, 5:11.

Sinister (349)

Comments(3)
Total Distance
13.50

Decent run this morning.  Basically the bike path route to Phoenix.  I'm in need of a visit to the chiro.  My lower abs have been bothering me like last December and my right achilles is feeling off the past two days.  I'm sure it's related.  I need to start doing core work like I had done prior to Eugene.  Since the marathon I've slacked off in that regards.

Cumulus (134)

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Total Distance
10.00

Phoenix bike path loop this morning.  Had to take two pit-stops which was annoying.  Perhaps it was from the pad thai last night

Sinister (359)

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Total Distance
6.00

6 miles this morning in Vancouver, WA.  Quick trip this time....

Cumulus (140) 

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Race: Pompadour Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:16:35, Place overall: 1, Place in age division: 1
Total Distance
17.00

I nearly overslept and missed the race this morning.  After a quick trip to Portland on Thursday and back home Friday I was exhausted this morning.  My alarm went off and I went right back to sleep until my wife woke me up and said I was going to miss the run if I didn't leave soon.  I seriously debated going.  Sleep sounded much more fun....

Jumped in the car and drove to Ashland, ran a couple miles for a warm up and lined up at the starting line.  When the gun went off it was nearly 75 degrees which is a good 25-30 degrees warmer than my normal morning temps.  Erik Skaggs wasn't running and within the first couple minutes I realized it was going to be a lonely race.  The lead bike rider was a nice guy and we talked through most of the race which was nice.

The course was the toughest half marathon I've ever ran.  Tons of hills.  Not rolling hills.  Real hills.  And zero shade as the temperature crept above 80 degrees.  At every aid station I dumped water over my head to cool down which helped.  Anyway, splits don't mean a thing on this course so I won't bother putting them.

When I crossed the line, Hal (Running store owner, race director) said he guessed the top time would be around 1:17.  Again, not a PR by any stretch but it was an honest, brutal course given the numerous hills, hot sun and zero shade.

I'm glad I ran though because of the Brooks t-shirt given pre-race and socks awarded post race.  Oh yeah, and 75 bucks for winning.  The Rogue Valley Runners really know how to host a race.  2 more miles to cool down afterwards, 1 of which was barefoot on the soccer field.

Boston (305)

Type A (186)

Comments(4)
Total Distance
242.00
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