A short break

I've pretty much recovered from the NYC Marathon.  I was very sore Monday.  Each day got better until Thursday when I was basically pain free.  I had intended to take a whole week off, but the blue skies, fall colors, and crisp fall days were too much to resist.  I've eased back into training with an easy 3 mile run Friday, 6 Saturday, and 9 Sunday.  I ran at a slow, steady pace.  My legs feel a little tired, but strong enough to resume training for the next Marathon in mid January.   NYC was my fifth and final marathon in 2011.  I've signed up for 3 in the winter and spring of 2012.  I am hoping to run 6 or 7 in 2012.

Why do marathon records keep falling?

New York City marked the last of the Marathon Majors this year.  Course records were smashed in London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and NYC.  I've talked before about the astonishing pace with which records seem to be falling.

Sports Illustrated has a great article looking at the reasons behind this trend.  One of the factors driving this seems to be the allure of the marathon as the premier event in running, with lucrative sponsorships and prize money, all of which are attracting the most gifted runners at an early age.

Read the article here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/david_epstein/11/06/new.york.city.marathon/index.html

#30--NYC Marathon

New York, NY
November 6, 2011
4:16:39

The NYC Marathon was the fourth of the so-called "marathon majors" that I have done.  A record 47,000 runners started the tour through the five boroughs.  It was an incredible experience.  I trained hard for the race and hoped to break four hours.  For much of the race I was on track to do so.  My half marathon split was just under 1:58.  I lost my pace on the 59th Street Bridge, but quickly regained my momentum when we entered Manhattan and ran down 1st Avenue.  I still had a chance in the Bronx, but I bonked at mile 20.  That, along with my recurrent IT band issues, slowed my pace the last 6 miles.  I finished in 4:16, but the energy from the crowd dampened my disappointment.

Conditions for the race were perfect.  The sky was clear, winds calm, with temperatures in the 50s.  Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai shaved nearly 3 minutes off the previous course record, clocking an NYC record time of 2:05:06.

I'll never run on the field at Memorial Stadium or stand on stage at a rock concert, but I doubt either experience can match the energy and intensity of 2.5 million spectators cheering you on while you run through arguably the greatest city in the world.

NYC......OMG!!

I just completed the ING New York City Marathon today. 30th marathon total, 28th state.   I had hoped to come in under 4 hours, but it wasn't meant to be.  I'll have a full report this week on this spectacular race.

World Record Set

At the Berlin Marathon last weekend, the world record was broken again.  Kenyan Patrick Makau set the new mark, clocking a record time of 2:03:38.

Berlin is considered one of the fastest courses in the world.

I think it is only a matter of time until somebody breaks 2 hours.  What do you think?  Is a sub 2 hr marathon possible?  Vote on this blog.

#10--Des Moines Marathon

September 18, 2005. 4:31:27

It had been over a year since my last marathon, so I was anxious to complete another one.  This was the second race that Roxane and I trained for and ran together.

Des Moines was an easy drive from Omaha.  The host hotel was right at the start and finish lines.  My greatest memory from the race weekend was the pre race pasta dinner.  Dick Beardsley was the featured speaker.  He has an amazing personal and professional story.  He autographed a copy of his book, "Staying the Course: a Runner's Toughest Race" for me.  It is a great read which I highly recommend.  Among other things, he told the story of his "Duel in the Sun" with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston Marathon.  It was one of if not the the greatest races in long history of Boston.

The late summer/early fall date meant for some unseasonably warm temperatures in Des Moines.  The heat got to Roxane a bit at the end of the race and she, very out of character, barked at a volunteer and nearly did the same to a young spectator who was running on the course.

We finished in just over 4 1/2 hours.  Roxane did so with very little training, a testament to her athleticism and determination.  There's a small picture of us after the race at the bottom of the page.

Des Moines has become a popular regional race.  They have moved the date back a few weeks now, so the warm weather can probably be avoided for the most part.  The race was well organized and executed, and represented a good value.  With this being my 10th marathon, I was able to officially join the 50 States & DC club at Des Moines.  I've included a link to the club website on this blog.

Running Gear, Vol. III

The days are getting shorter, so that means more running before the sun comes up or after it goes down.   I do a lot of my runs on poorly lit trails.  To avoid accident and injury, it's important to have the proper gear.  You need to make sure others can see you, and that you can see where you are going.

1. Wear light colored clothes.
2. Reflective gear is preferred.  A lightweight reflective vest is a great choice.
3. Carry a lightweight flashlight or invest in a headlamp.  I recently purchased the Black Diamond Sprinter LED headlamp.  I love it.  The position and intensity of the lamp are easily adjustable, it fits well around my head, and has a rechargeable battery.  There is also a tiny red strobe light on the back.  I bought mine at Rei.com