Lincoln Marathon

In what may prove to be my last full marathon, the Lincoln Track Club in Nebraska put on a great finale. From beginning to end, this race was top notch.

Sue, Ringo and I headed out on the 3-hour journey Saturday afternoon, May 2. We checked into the Days Inn near the airport and then headed down to packet pick up. The expo was typical, vendors hawking fancy antioxidant concoctions, chiropractors that will straighten your spine and loads of clearance running gear. Packet pick up was smooth and soon, we were on our way to the race sponsored "Pastathon."

In the neat little Stadium Club, across from the University of Nebraska's football stadium, the Pastathon was available to anyone who walked up and wanted to eat. No need to show that you were entered in the race; they welcomed everybody. The meal was nothing fancy; salad, pasta with meat sauce or marinara sauce, bread and fudgesicles for dessert. I loaded up a heaping plateful and settled down at one of the outdoor tables, since the dog was with us. One of the volunteers commented that this was the first time in many years that we didn't have to worry about rain, wind or cold. Today, the weather was perfect! The meal was quite good considering it's simplicity. After dinner, we walked around campus a bit and found a track meet in progress. We hung around awhile and watched some of the pole vaulters and long jumpers.

Race morning came early, I always seen to wake before the alarm; 4;30 am to be specific. It looks to be another beautiful day, around 50 to start with the sun warming us nicely through the mix of clouds. The race begins in the center of campus and the football stadium, along with the Coliseum, is open for bathrooms or just a place to keep warm. There were no pace groups, so I lined up at the 10-minute mile pace marker. The goal today would be to finish in 4:20 or at least beat my best time of 4:24.

The course itself was decent, a mix of campus, neighborhoods, bike trails, and park areas. It's not the most interesting course, but there are almost no hills. The first half is a loop and the second half is an out-and-back. I would say it's a fast course, but for a mid to back of the pack runner, the first half is crowded with all the half-marathoners, especially along the narrow bike trails where it's hard to keep a pace, weaving between walkers and slower runners. The course is great for spectators, as Sue was able to easily find me numerous times throughout the race. There seemed to be plenty of cheering fans---OK, it's not Chicago---but they were everywhere and enthusiastic. The aid stations were THE best I've ever seen in a race. Gatorade and water were clearly distinguishable by the type/color of the cup and half of the cups would have lids and straws, so it was easy to keep running through the station if you wished. They also had numerous stops with orange slices, Vaseline and a couple of GU stops in the second half.

My day started well, I felt good through the first half, but lost a few minutes to my pace and a few more for a bathroom stop. At the halfway point, I was 4 minutes behind, so I began to pick up my pace a bit to try and get back a few of the minutes. This worked fine for miles 13-16; I got back to only 2 minutes behind goal, but the strategy would prove faulty. In miles 17-22 I had to pay back exponentially for the extra burst used earlier and thus came to the realization that I would not meet my goal today. I began to employ some walking in the mix, but pain in my right knee became overbearing. It hurt so much to try and start running again after the walks, that I abandoned the walk and just kept running at a snail's pace. Once the finish line was in view, like any proud marathoner that's feeling defeated, I forced my legs to sprint the last quarter mile and finish on a strong note.

Final time: 4:49:47

Friends and fellow bloggers Kim and Doug also run the race

After the race, the Coliseum was open for massages and showers. What a great touch! This was the first time I've ever had a massage after a run and believe me, this felt wonderful. There were loads of masseurs and masseuses (wow, I had to look up how to spell those words!) with empty tables waiting. A shower before the long ride home I'm sure was appreciated by Sue.

While I was disappointed today in my results, this race was one of the best overall experiences I've had.





Early on, still looking fresh
Later around mile 22, not so much!

The New Career

Well, it's been quite some time since I last posted and many changes have taken place since then. Back in early October, I was given notice that my position at work was being consolidated and eventually our group would no longer exist. That day has finally come, and I am now spending my first week ever on unemployment.

I've been through many different emotions since the announcement, but now I have made peace with this change and am ready to move on. At 55, there's not a whole lot of career left in me, but with the economic situation, I'm likely to have to work for another 10 years. Relatively speaking, 10 years is a short time, so I plan to pursue a career that I will enjoy, not one that may be financially the best option.

Since I was a kid, I've always loved to travel. My parents always took us somewhere every summer, mostly up and down the east coast. When I turned 18 and took my first vacation as an adult, my buddy and I drove from Michigan to California and back in a week. Being on the road and seeing the country was thrilling to me. So, what do I want to be now that I've grown up and need a job; a driver of course. What's the best job in the driving industry; ya, that's right, a truck driver.

I've made the decision that I'm going to pursue a career as a truck driver, fully prepared to drive OTR in a big rig. Some people think I'm crazy, but I'm excited. Yes, a part of me has always thought about driving a truck, so why not now! I've enrolled in a 6-week truck driving school, which starts in May. After graduation, I'll be qualified work in an industry that is always in need of drivers, so finding a job shouldn't be too difficult.

In the meantime, I've kept up with my running and am currently training for the Lincoln Marathon on May 3. The training seems so much more difficult this year; I don't know why, but I seem to struggle on every long run. Sometimes I think it's mostly mental as it's been hard to keep focused the last few months.

Going forward, training while being on the road in a truck will prove to be quite a challenge. Realistically, I doubt that I will be able to train for long races anymore, but I do plan to try and put in a few miles every week. It will be exciting to be able to run in a different state or different city every day.

Wish me luck.......

Where do we go from here

The running year is winding down and right now, I have no plans for my next race. Next years possibilities include:

Another Triathlon (maybe a half Ironman)

Psycho Wyco (a tough, mid-winter trail run)

Brew to Brew (maybe solo this year?)

Mad City Marathon (Madison, WI)

Green Bay Marathon

I'm looking for a spring marathon in the upper midwest so I can pick up my daughter in Chicago and then go run the race with her.

Right now, I've stopped any running as I await medical clearance on my foot. I went to see an orthopedic specialist to see if there could possibly be a stress fracture. X-rays did not reveal anything, so this Wednesday, I go in for a bone scan. So, I may take a break from running for a month or so or I may start back up next weekend, we'll see. The uncertainty has me back in the pool to keep in shape and thoughts of a 2nd triathlon are beginning to sprout.

Last night I received a call from the President of our local running club. He was actually asking me if I would be interested in taking over as President for the upcoming year. What, are they crazy, me? I've only been a member for 1 year and honestly, I'm more of a follower, not a leader. Well, frankly, I was honored that he even thought of me that way. I would like to be more involved with the club, but not quite at that level.

College Football

Around here, I'm sure there are many people that are quite disappointed with their favorite team.

Kansas - inconsistent and can't stop anybody

Missouri - not quite the offensive juggernaut they expected

Oklahoma - couldn't win the big game

But none so bad a year as the team I still follow, the Michigan Wolverines.

A few weeks back we had our annual Michigan vs Penn St party. One of my closest friends is from Pennsylvania and is a big Penn St fan. So, each year we get together for the game and the loser has to burn an item bearing the logo of their school. Since I've known Dave, I have yet to burn any Michigan gear. Yeah, eight straight years of watching Penn St t-shirts, flags, towels go up in flames. The tide finally changed this year.

Blue Springs 50/50

The Blue Springs 50/50 is one of the smallest marathons in the country. The race also includes a 50K and a 50 miler. This actually a trail race, but the trail itself is exceptionally smooth, fine crushed gravel; an excellent surface upon which to run. It was a little strange, when asked by other runners what race I'm in, having to reply, "Oh, just the marathon." While the aid was adequate, this is a race where you need to be self sufficient. B.Y.O.W.

My today race consisted of 4 stages.

The Serenity Stage - Miles 1-6

The quiet and calm of an early Sunday morning before daylight, leads the mind to ponder thoughts about the virtues of running. I'm reminded of what a wonderful life I lead; from the family support I receive to the amazing physical and mental benefits that running a marathon provides. Smooth jazz songs flow through my headphones in time with the gently rushing waters of the Little Blue River along the trail. The sun slowly rises above the horizon and promises to take the chill off my body. At the moment, there's no place I'd rather be.

The Delusional Stage - Miles 7-13

I'm warmed up and now into the race. Things are going well, my pace is good and thoughts of a personal best dance in my head. The magic number to me is 4:20 or averaging a 10 minute mile pace. There's no mile markers on the course and I wear a Bulova Accutron, not a Garmin, so I'll have to rely on feel for my pace. I'm most certainly running below 10:00. And I feel great! I begin thinking about how close to a BQ I would be if I keep this up. The adrenaline is pumping as my mind is racing as fast as my legs. Yeah, this could be the day I put it all together.

The Faded Glory Stage - Miles 14-20

Somewhere around mile 14, reality begins to set in. My shadow looks up at me and laughs, "I told you to take it easy, you didn't even train that hard and you expect to set a PR?" I'm still hanging tough and begin to try and think of a Mantra so I don't have to listen to my shadow. "I've got inner strength, that will keep me going." I try to keep reciting, but along comes a new pain I've never felt before. Soon, this pain in my left foot hobbles me enough to where I need to walk. Walking provides little relief and the pain intensifies. It feels as if my shoe lace is too tight, so I loosen up the bow, but to no avail. After walking a half mile or so, I give running another attempt. The pain hasn't completely gone, but at least feels bearable for now. The aid station around mile 16 is approaching and this is located at the start area, so I am considering calling it a day. I reach the aid station and miraculously, the foot feels OK now. I grab a couple of Aleve and continue on. The Aleve works wonderfully, at least for a couple miles. Here I am, nearing the 20 mile mark and the pain has returned with a vengeance.

The Hallucinatory Stage - Miles 21-26

My mind now has to deal with the constant pain in my foot as well as the tightening hamstrings and a mental state that can't focus on anything positive. I'm past the point of no return so I have to finish. My pace has slowed dramatically as I watch Survivor Man pass by. Wow, a celebrity, what's he doin' out here? After a quick blink of the eyes, he's gone. Damn, I had some questions. I bit later I notice a 5 piece band playing in the adjacent meadow. Journey to the Center of the Mind? Is this a 1960's experiment? Wow, I need water. I need to lay down. Or is it lie down, I don't know, I'm confused. Eventually, the gates opened and I entered the 26.2 zone.

I have no idea how I made it through the last 5 miles!

Finish Time 4:44:01

A New Direction?

Have you ever had a day as bad as this guys? It's a lesson we all learn eventually, don't try new foods the night before a big race.

Myself, I'm going on a new Runners Diet, where carbs, protein and fat all come together in a tasty sandwich that just has to be good for you!

Autumn has delivered a new boost of confidence in my running lately. Looking back over my logs for the last couple months, I found many entries with words like struggled, tired, slow. Now, with temps in the early morning in the 40's and 50's, my energy level has been renewed and the legs feel fresh.

But, as with all good in life comes the equalizer. I am now struggling to keep my job, tired of all the company BS and slowly become more depressed.

It was announced a few weeks ago that my position at work is going away. The company, always careful to market the same old strategy with a different name, was kind enough to not call this "downsizing." Instead, I am caught up in Role Consolidation. Any sarcasm in the previous sentence was purely unintentional. Yes, someone else will do my work.

OK, so it's not like I'm surprised, we've been dealing with this for years. I've survived many previous downsizing and/or outsourcing efforts and seen many of my long time friends get let go. I should have seen this coming. I work in a dying business, check printing. Hell, I don't even write checks anymore. But, it's a job nonetheless and has given me a comfortably lifestyle for 35 years.

The good news; they haven't yet announced who is affected. I could be one of the fortunate few who they keep on. Realistically, I stand about a 25% chance of keeping my job. You know what, I'm not sure I want to. I'm sick of living on pins and needles about this time every year. Unfortunately, the stock market, the job market, the general economy all make this a bit scary.

Regardless, I haven't felt like writing much lately; for that, I apologize. I have been trying to at least keep up with reading my favorite blogs, but thinking of humorous, witty comments has been difficult, so I will only show as another tick on your site meter. Thankfully, running has gone well lately and keeps me focused on the big picture. As always, I feel better after a good run and it helps offset the 'I don't give a shit' attitude I've been carrying around.

But life goes on, just maybe in a new direction. I will start a new career if needed; something I enjoy doing, not just another boring job. Maybe a brain surgeon or selling German roasted almonds at the mall.

As Jack Handey once said, "If you're robbing a bank and you're pants fall down, I think it's okay to laugh and to let the hostages laugh too, because, come on, life is funny. "

Patriot's Run

The Patriot's Run here in my hometown of Olathe, Kansas, is an event that is truly unique.

The race itself is held on 9-11 to commemorate the events of 9-11 and pay tribute to those who lost there lives and those service men and women who help protect our country today.

Today I write almost with a tear in my eye, I'm so choked up over the entire experience. I'm proud of my hometown for putting on this event, proud of my own personal accomplishment, and most of all, proud to be an American.

The event itself begins at Noon on 9-11 and ends promptly at 9:11 pm. The course is a 3/4 mile track around a small park in the city. The idea is to run as many laps as you please. Come and run 5 laps; fine. Want to do a marathon? Fine, complete the 36+ laps. Want to start at 3pm rather than noon? Fine. Want to run for 9 hours 11 minutes? Fine. It is literally, a create your own event. Each lap is timed and recorded. My goal today was to try and get in the marathon distance.

• The morning began with the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and then all the runners made their way from the picnic shelter, through a human tunnel of servicemen and out to the starting line. We are all led by Jose Nebrida who will be carrying the 'Flag of Honor', an American flag which is embroidered with all the names of the 9-11 victims in its stripes. Jose is a proud American who immigrated here from the Philippines when he was 19 and a veteran of 160 some marathons. If you don't feel inspired by all this, you'd better check your heart. Seriously folks, I'm choking up just writing about it.

This time of year in Kansas we could have easily had temperatures near 90, but today we were spared. Race time temps were around 70 and stayed there all day. We had an off and on light rain throughout the day which was really a blessing. The wet conditions did not dampen the spirit of the runners or the volunteers.

Jay (Olathe Running Club President) proudly waves the Flag of Honor

I started out running with my friend Joe, a fellow Olathe Running Club member. His goals were similar to mine, as he is hoping to finish his first ever official marathon today. We started out a bit ambitious; running the first 5 or 6 miles under a 10 minute pace, but I knew I would need to slow down. I really haven't even done much training lately, with only 1 long run (the half marathon in Chicago) since my last marathon in July. Also, somewhere in the back of my mind lay these thoughts about doing an Ultra today. So, I reign myself back some and get more into a 10:30 pace for the next 10 or so miles.

One of my fears about this course would be the boredom of running the same loop over and over and over. Somehow, I never really felt that bored; it was always encouraging to pass by the aid/timing station where your bib was scanned to record each lap. The volunteers were so friendly and supportive and it was exciting to see the lap count continue to increase. So far, I'm feeling decent and somewhere around 15-20 miles or so I think I made the decision to do more than the marathon. With that in mind, I begin to start mixing in some walking with my running.

During lap 36, which is the final lap to complete the marathon, I had the honor of taking the Flag of Honor from Jose and running with it as I completed goal #1. This gave me just a remarkable sense of joy. Now my thoughts are on completing my first ever Ultra. I figure about 8 more laps will give me the approx distance of a 50K, so that becomes the next goal. I'm now running about 3 laps to each one I walk, but I'm certainly not worried about time. I just want to finish. Off and on I meet back up with Joe and he has completed his marathon and has also decided to continue on.

After another hour or so of running, I've lost track of my lap count, but am quite sure I've done what I need for a 50K. I've been really inspired all day and still don't feel like quitting. I've got to be honest here, folks. I've led a pretty charmed life in comparison to what the 9-11 victims and their families went through. I've never had to serve my country in the armed forces. The least I can do is honor these people by enduring only a fraction of their pain by completing this entire run. So then was the decision made to keep going for the entire 9 hours and 11 minutes.

The last couple hours were very difficult. I was now doing the run/walk mixture at about 50%. It was dark and few people were left out on the track. But, somehow, I was able to make it all the way to 9:11.

Final count:

• 55 Laps


• 40.04 miles


• 10th place overall for total number of laps

The smile on my face covered up any of the pain that was felt in my legs, my feet, my back, well, just about every part of my body. But with the help and motivation from people I've never known, I am now one Proud American.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Photos courtesy of Dick Ross at SeeKCRun.com

Laughable

Everybody needs a good laugh now and then. We, at times, will go to great lengths to get a good laugh. People flock to read humorous blogs like Nitmos or The D just for a smile. We all make fun of the boss at work, I'll even degrade myself just for a laugh.

Go ahead, laugh! Someone has done a study that shows that 10-15 minutes of laughing burns about 50 calories. Anyone who has had a strained diaphragm knows how much the abs and core muscles are involved in laughing…so that’s exercise!

So, the other day, I stepped out of my normal routine and threw my wife a curveball. A spontaneous moment found me clicking "Purchase" on the flat screen at work. The result; tickets to go see Jim Gaffigan at the Midland Theatre in KC.

Please don't tell my boss I did this at work, she won't see the humor!

Looking ahead

Time for a rest? Time to work on my golf game rather than do long runs on the weekend?

I doubt.

While my golf game does need some serious work, I just can't seem to make myself take any time off from running. I'll still get in some golf, but running will probably continue to take precedence.

For the first time in awhile, I do not have any current race commitments. I do, however, have a couple target races in mind. In particular, I’m close to diving in and taking on my first 50K. The runs I’m considering are the Blue Springs 50/50, a certified trail run or the Dude, Where’s The Trail?, a non-competitive trail run where maps are given for you to figure the out course on your own. Hmmm….adventurous, I like that! Also, Dude, Where’s The Trail? is a month later (late Nov) and I’m thinking I may need the extra time to prepare. If anyone has any insight on either of these, please let me know your thoughts.

There is also the North Shore Trail run at Clinton Lake on Sept 6th that I plan to do. This is a Trail Nerds event, but is more like an organized trail run than a race. Where could you have more fun for only 8 bucks? It is a race day sign up only, so there is no commitment. I’ve never run out at Clinton Lake, so I’m looking forward to this.

Sue and I signed up today to volunteer for the KC Marathon. We will be course monitors, so you can rest assured, you will not get run over by a car when going through our intersection! Once I get specific info, I’ll let you know where we’ll be.

We’re also considering another trip to Chicago. I’m thinking I’d love to go the weekend of the Chicago Marathon. Maybe we’ll even volunteer there too, or just cheer on the runners as the course come through the Wrigleville area in miles 7-8. This trip would be without the faithful family dog, Ringo, allowing us to do more in the city. Sorry Alison, ‘The Boy’ does not want to come visit you.

The rest of this month will have me concentrating on Fantasy Football. Yes, I love fantasy sports and football is the best. This time of year I’m bombarded with email updates, magazine articles and spreadsheets, all in the quest to win bragging rights for another year (and the possibility of some nice sized wads of cash.) Beating out 3-time Super Bowl Champion, ‘The D’, is always tough. Did I get that right, D?

Oh, and Alison: Here's a fact

I'm the Wiz