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#39--The Louisiana Marathon

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
January 20, 2013
4:30:32

This was just the second year for this marathon.  I always thought I would run my LA marathon in New Orleans, but this fit better into my schedule this year.  It was a well executed, no frills marathon.

Getting there was pretty easy, with an on time connecting flight from Houston.  I checked in at the host hotel/casino, the Belle of Baton Rouge.  This was kind of an odd fit for a host hotel.  There was a very nice, small packet pick up and expo.  The pasta dinner Saturday night featured two inspirational speakers, one woman battling recurring brain cancer while she competes marathons and triathlons, and a man who is a bilateral arm amputee who, despite his disability, has done nearly 100 tri's with a special bike and unorthodox swimming technique.

The race started at 7 AM in front of the state capitol.  Conditions were cool, calm, and clear.  It was a relatively small field of runners, which was nice.  The course ran through the cypress tree lined parks and neighborhoods of Baton Rouge, and included a segment through the campus of LSU.  I felt good and ran a very steady race, crossing the half mark in just under 2:15 and finishing in just over 4:30.  Aid stations were well stocked and plentiful.  There were very few spectators and basically no entertainment on the course.  I don't need either one, but they are kind of nice to have.  I have found that Sunday marathons in a southern city generally aren't well attended by local spectators.

The finish line was again in front of the state capitol.  There was a great finishers area, with fruit, water, beer, and local flavors including red beans and rice and jambalaya.  The latter two are just about the perfect recovery food, with a great combination of carbs and protein. 

I had a flight to catch so I wasn't able to stick around for the post race party, which was getting a lot of buzz.  After a quick shower, I headed back to the airport.  Proud of finishing my 39th race, I was nevertheless humbled by the lady sitting next to me who just finished #361.  Now she is crazy!

Louisiana Marathon Pictures

The race start and finish was in front of the Louisiana Capitol building and those at the finish enjoyed a kettle of Louisiana Jambalaya.

#39 in the books

I ran my 39th marathon today, completing the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, LA or as my 3 year old calls it "Bat-Man-Roos."  I'll have a full report on the race later.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

This is French-Cajun for "Let the good times roll."

This weekend I leave for the Louisiana Marathon to be run in Baton Rouge, LA.  This will be the first of four marathons to be run between now and St. Patrick's Day.

Track Dedication

Those who followed the Lincoln Marathon last year undoubtedly were inspired by Team Thatcher.  They met their goal of raising money to fund a track at Thatcher's school.

Read more about it here:

http://journalstar.com/news/local/education/rousseau-s-walking-track-dedicated-thanks-to-thatcher/article_6ef1b90d-6ba4-5526-8c48-f0ee751973a8.html

Today's Tip

In a previous post, I stated that the optimum stride rate is 180.  If you are under this, to increase your stride rate, pump your arms faster and your legs will naturally follow.  Take quick, light steps.  This will lead to a quicker stride rate and rduce the impact stress that causes injury.

Source: Runner's World Daily Calendar

Weekend Update

I did 10 miles yesterday and 20 miles today.  Thanks to the Lincoln Parks & Rec for keeping the trails plowed and usable during these winter months.  With temperatures in the mid teens during the early morning hours, it was almost like running in an ice bath, so I actually don't feel too sore.  Now I begin a two week taper for the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge, LA.

Find Your Pace

Everybody has their own pace, but there is general consensus on the optimum stride rate.  Do you know what it is?

The answer is 180 strides-per-minute.

Test your stride rate by counting your steps for 30 seconds on your next run, and then doubling it.  The answer is your stride-per-minute.  The closer you are to 180, the more efficient your pace will be.

2013 Lincoln Track Club Races Announced

The calendar of events for the Lincoln Track Club has been released for this year.  Mark your calendar for these great races.

http://www.lincolnrun.org/races/schedule