Daily Quote: "No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office." --Covert Bailey
I'll be leaving Las Vegas this afternoon as to celebrate New Year's Eve with friends in Bullhead City, Arizona. I'll be back Monday afternoon, NEXT YEAR!
This morning's run at 8:00 a.m.; 6 miles. Time, :58 Minutes. Easy Run. Sunny 44 degrees AND NO WIND So nice to have no strong winds this morning, it was like a special treat! Wore my Polar Heart Rate Monitor as to observe how I'm faring on my effort on the easy runs, my average heart rate was: 145 bpm, and cardiac drift was: 156, therefore I'm close to 70% of my maximum heart rate. I'm on target! Tomorrow I'm planning on running eleven miles in Laughlin along the Colorado River!! It'll be great to have different scenery.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
TGIF
Daily Quote: "It is from doing the thing well, doing the thing handsomely, doing the thing intelligently that one derives the pleasure which is the essence of sport." --William James
I'm back on the roads again, today's mere 20 mph winds are like summer breezes compared to the 45 mph BLASTS of yesterday's weather!
6 miles. Time, 58 minutes. Recovery Run. Lindell Route. Sunny 43 degrees, Winds N @ 20mph. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor nor Garmin 301 as not to compete against myself as I'm recovering from yesterday's interval workout. Body feels very responsive, which is normal the day after a speed workout.
My Lindell Route runs North & South, which parallels the New Las Vegas Marathon's route of Torrey Pines Road. Why not just run Torrey Pines Road? Lindell Road is only two lanes that has a slower speed limit and less traffic than Torrey Pines with four lanes of traffic. If I manage to run late enough, I'll miss the Rush Hour traffic and sometimes I would run Torrey Pines Road, as the variety of scenery helps motivate me. Only so many out & back routes from my front door, sometime soon I would like to drive to different parts of the Las Vegas valley and find new routes as to make my runs less boring.
My friend, Glenn, a fellow cab driver AND MARATHONER had called me giving his congrats. He'll be attempting to break four hours in the Los Angeles Marathon and wonders how I achieved 3:45! No secrets, just hard work! This year's training I did longer weekly mileage, more 20 milers, more tempo runs at race pace (8:30 minute miles) and weighed eight pounds less than last year's marathon. I also had lots of encouragement and support from my friends at the about.com running/jogging forum that kept me accountable!! Would love to see Glenn at the 2008 Boston Marathon too! Needless to say, not many cab drivers are marathoners due to the long, stressful work hours. As far as I know, Glenn and I are the only marathoners in Las Vegas who drive cabs.
Tonight is going to be a very busy cab night as many visitors are arriving at McCarren Airport for a Las Vegas' New Year's Eve. I should take a small nap before I leave for work. TGIF, I'll be leaving Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon to spend New Year's Eve with friends in Arizona and won't return to Vegas until Monday afternoon.
I'm back on the roads again, today's mere 20 mph winds are like summer breezes compared to the 45 mph BLASTS of yesterday's weather!
6 miles. Time, 58 minutes. Recovery Run. Lindell Route. Sunny 43 degrees, Winds N @ 20mph. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor nor Garmin 301 as not to compete against myself as I'm recovering from yesterday's interval workout. Body feels very responsive, which is normal the day after a speed workout.
My Lindell Route runs North & South, which parallels the New Las Vegas Marathon's route of Torrey Pines Road. Why not just run Torrey Pines Road? Lindell Road is only two lanes that has a slower speed limit and less traffic than Torrey Pines with four lanes of traffic. If I manage to run late enough, I'll miss the Rush Hour traffic and sometimes I would run Torrey Pines Road, as the variety of scenery helps motivate me. Only so many out & back routes from my front door, sometime soon I would like to drive to different parts of the Las Vegas valley and find new routes as to make my runs less boring.
My friend, Glenn, a fellow cab driver AND MARATHONER had called me giving his congrats. He'll be attempting to break four hours in the Los Angeles Marathon and wonders how I achieved 3:45! No secrets, just hard work! This year's training I did longer weekly mileage, more 20 milers, more tempo runs at race pace (8:30 minute miles) and weighed eight pounds less than last year's marathon. I also had lots of encouragement and support from my friends at the about.com running/jogging forum that kept me accountable!! Would love to see Glenn at the 2008 Boston Marathon too! Needless to say, not many cab drivers are marathoners due to the long, stressful work hours. As far as I know, Glenn and I are the only marathoners in Las Vegas who drive cabs.
Tonight is going to be a very busy cab night as many visitors are arriving at McCarren Airport for a Las Vegas' New Year's Eve. I should take a small nap before I leave for work. TGIF, I'll be leaving Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon to spend New Year's Eve with friends in Arizona and won't return to Vegas until Monday afternoon.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
First Hard Run Since Marathon
Daily Quote: "You've got to try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky and not even know it." --Jimmy Dean
Today I planned intervals down Lindell Road for the first time since the marathon. Opened the screen door and it almost blew off the hinges! Went back inside to check the weather on the computer, which said the following: "Windy. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North wind 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 45 mph." Running intervals would be tough enough without the 45 mph GUSTS, besides, it can't be too healthy sucking in the dirt, dust, pollen, pollution, etc. I could just be rationalizing as I really didn't want to face the wind again. Instead of running on the roads, decided to visit my local 24-Hr Fitness Club and jump on the treadmill for intervals.
8 miles. Time, 1:10. Speedwork. Life Fitness treadmill set at 1% Grade. Warmup: 2 miles @ 6.4 mph. Intervals, 3 X 1 Mile @ 7.5 mph (7.5 mph = 8.0 minute mile pace, which will be my half-marathon pace) Rest Intervals: 1/2 mile @ 6.4 mph. Cooldown: 2 miles @ 6.4 mph. Average Heart Rate: 159 bpm, Cardiac Drift during intervals: 175 bpm. Tough run, my mind AND body was complaining, which is to be expected since I haven't ran hard since December 10th.
My game plan is to ADD one mile at 8.0 minute pace (half-marathon pace) every week until I reach eight intervals. Once that is accomplished, I'll start reducing the rest intervals to maybe 90 seconds.
Today I planned intervals down Lindell Road for the first time since the marathon. Opened the screen door and it almost blew off the hinges! Went back inside to check the weather on the computer, which said the following: "Windy. Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s. North wind 25 to 35 mph with gusts to around 45 mph." Running intervals would be tough enough without the 45 mph GUSTS, besides, it can't be too healthy sucking in the dirt, dust, pollen, pollution, etc. I could just be rationalizing as I really didn't want to face the wind again. Instead of running on the roads, decided to visit my local 24-Hr Fitness Club and jump on the treadmill for intervals.
8 miles. Time, 1:10. Speedwork. Life Fitness treadmill set at 1% Grade. Warmup: 2 miles @ 6.4 mph. Intervals, 3 X 1 Mile @ 7.5 mph (7.5 mph = 8.0 minute mile pace, which will be my half-marathon pace) Rest Intervals: 1/2 mile @ 6.4 mph. Cooldown: 2 miles @ 6.4 mph. Average Heart Rate: 159 bpm, Cardiac Drift during intervals: 175 bpm. Tough run, my mind AND body was complaining, which is to be expected since I haven't ran hard since December 10th.
My game plan is to ADD one mile at 8.0 minute pace (half-marathon pace) every week until I reach eight intervals. Once that is accomplished, I'll start reducing the rest intervals to maybe 90 seconds.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
New Year's Resolutions
Daily Quote: "People who cannot find some time for recreation are obliged sooner or later to find time for illness." --John Wanamaker
Tiger asked the question about New Year's Resolutions on my favorite running site, about.com's running/jogging site: http://running.about.com/ The following is my response.
My resolutions tend to be goals rather than something general like "lose weight" or "get more exercise." 2006 was such a great year for me as I surpassed all my goals with gusto! Dare I strive to achieve higher goals for 2007? YUP!!! Also, February 7th is my 55th birthday, which puts me in a brand new age group (sometimes called the "Fossil Group").
5k Goal: My personal record is 22:49 that was set last year at the "Runnin' for the House 5k" My 2007 goal for the 5k is to get UNDER 22:00!
10k Goal: My personal record is 49:52, which was accomplished a long time ago, during the Northern Exposure 10k in 2002. Beating that personal record is definitely doable, unfortunately 10k races are very rare in Vegas and may have to travel to race one.
Half-Marathon Goal: My personal record is 1:49:57, which was also a record set last year during the 13th Annual Great Salt Lake Half-Marathon. I'll be running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in April, which is a tougher, hillier, course than the GSL, but with good training I will beat that PR!
Marathon Goal: Almost needless to say, just set a personal record of 3:45:27 this month at the "New Las Vegas Marathon," which also had me qualify for my first Boston Marathon! Since I surpassed this personal record beyond my wildest dreams it seems most daunting to surpass this personal record in 2007. Nevertheless, this marathon personal record was accomplished with 30+ mph headwinds, and with better weather conditions I should/will beat this personal record at the next New Las Vegas Marathon. I feel very cocky!!
Weight Goal: I will reach 160 pounds (on a six foot frame) and maintain that goal weight. I was 168 pounds during the New Las Vegas Marathon, but have climbed to 173 pounds during this holiday feasting. This week I'll start eating better, smaller portions of healthier foods, 5-6 small meals a day. I won't be doing anything drastic, maybe lose one pound per week until I reach 160 pounds. Hard to imagine I once was 249 pounds, I should never forget how far I've come and to continue being healthier and fitter for the rest of my life. END OF MY QUOTE.
Today's training:
6 miles Time, :59 minutes. Easy Run. Sunny, 54 degrees, VERY windy, 20 mph winds with 25 mph gusts. No Heart Rate Monitor, nor Garmin as I continue to run stress free without competing against myself using my favorite gadgets. I was able to maintain easy effort through the tough winds, but my overall time is slower than normal, which I obviously attribute to the winds.
Tiger asked the question about New Year's Resolutions on my favorite running site, about.com's running/jogging site: http://running.about.com/ The following is my response.
My resolutions tend to be goals rather than something general like "lose weight" or "get more exercise." 2006 was such a great year for me as I surpassed all my goals with gusto! Dare I strive to achieve higher goals for 2007? YUP!!! Also, February 7th is my 55th birthday, which puts me in a brand new age group (sometimes called the "Fossil Group").
5k Goal: My personal record is 22:49 that was set last year at the "Runnin' for the House 5k" My 2007 goal for the 5k is to get UNDER 22:00!
10k Goal: My personal record is 49:52, which was accomplished a long time ago, during the Northern Exposure 10k in 2002. Beating that personal record is definitely doable, unfortunately 10k races are very rare in Vegas and may have to travel to race one.
Half-Marathon Goal: My personal record is 1:49:57, which was also a record set last year during the 13th Annual Great Salt Lake Half-Marathon. I'll be running the Salt Lake City Half Marathon in April, which is a tougher, hillier, course than the GSL, but with good training I will beat that PR!
Marathon Goal: Almost needless to say, just set a personal record of 3:45:27 this month at the "New Las Vegas Marathon," which also had me qualify for my first Boston Marathon! Since I surpassed this personal record beyond my wildest dreams it seems most daunting to surpass this personal record in 2007. Nevertheless, this marathon personal record was accomplished with 30+ mph headwinds, and with better weather conditions I should/will beat this personal record at the next New Las Vegas Marathon. I feel very cocky!!
Weight Goal: I will reach 160 pounds (on a six foot frame) and maintain that goal weight. I was 168 pounds during the New Las Vegas Marathon, but have climbed to 173 pounds during this holiday feasting. This week I'll start eating better, smaller portions of healthier foods, 5-6 small meals a day. I won't be doing anything drastic, maybe lose one pound per week until I reach 160 pounds. Hard to imagine I once was 249 pounds, I should never forget how far I've come and to continue being healthier and fitter for the rest of my life. END OF MY QUOTE.
Today's training:
6 miles Time, :59 minutes. Easy Run. Sunny, 54 degrees, VERY windy, 20 mph winds with 25 mph gusts. No Heart Rate Monitor, nor Garmin as I continue to run stress free without competing against myself using my favorite gadgets. I was able to maintain easy effort through the tough winds, but my overall time is slower than normal, which I obviously attribute to the winds.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Daily Quotes
I have five years worth of Running World's Training Logs that have weekly uplifting and motivating quotes. They've been somewhat helpful at times, and what better way to use all these weekly quotes, BUT MAKE THEM DAILY QUOTES!!! Therefore, every post will start with a famous or not so famous quote.
Daily Quote: "Success is maintaining your enthusiasm between failures." --Winston Churchill
Today my energy is at very low ebb and decided to take that rest day I was suppose to take yesterday. I do strive to stay true to Pfitz's running schedules, but will modify the schedule when necessary. Took me years to learn to listen to my body and not follow training schedules dogmatically.
I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. My wife gave me a Panasonic CD System, and I gave her a BOSE CD System...rather funny...how great minds think alike.
Daily Quote: "Success is maintaining your enthusiasm between failures." --Winston Churchill
Today my energy is at very low ebb and decided to take that rest day I was suppose to take yesterday. I do strive to stay true to Pfitz's running schedules, but will modify the schedule when necessary. Took me years to learn to listen to my body and not follow training schedules dogmatically.
I hope everyone got what they wanted for Christmas. My wife gave me a Panasonic CD System, and I gave her a BOSE CD System...rather funny...how great minds think alike.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas Day
Pfitz's postmarathon schedule calls for a "rest day" today, but I was full of piss and vinegar, couldn't help going out for a crisp morning run; besides, I could lose a few more holiday calories.
6 Miles Time, :53 minutes. Easy Run. Beautiful Day! 52 degees, partly cloudy with only 3mph winds. Out & back on Torrey Pines Road (traversing "New Las Vegas Marathon's" 15-17 mile markers) No Polar Heart Rate Monitor nor Garmin GPS as I wanted to run at a relaxing pace with no emphasis on pace.
Great Christmas Eve dinner at Glenn and Mary's home with a big family gathering and several good friends. This year we had a gift exchange where we knew who was our "pick" a month ago. My wife's niece, Tanya, had picked me and my gift is a year's subscription to "Runner's World Magazine!!!" How did she know:) Actally, I'm now known here as "the runner," while in Michigan I'm still known as "THE chessmaster." How we tend to grow in different directions. As usual, I ate wayyy too much, and discovered a new eating addiction...different flavored chocolate kisses, with candy stick kisses and cherry cordial kisses being my favorite.
I hope everyone had a GREAT Merry Christmas!!!
6 Miles Time, :53 minutes. Easy Run. Beautiful Day! 52 degees, partly cloudy with only 3mph winds. Out & back on Torrey Pines Road (traversing "New Las Vegas Marathon's" 15-17 mile markers) No Polar Heart Rate Monitor nor Garmin GPS as I wanted to run at a relaxing pace with no emphasis on pace.
Great Christmas Eve dinner at Glenn and Mary's home with a big family gathering and several good friends. This year we had a gift exchange where we knew who was our "pick" a month ago. My wife's niece, Tanya, had picked me and my gift is a year's subscription to "Runner's World Magazine!!!" How did she know:) Actally, I'm now known here as "the runner," while in Michigan I'm still known as "THE chessmaster." How we tend to grow in different directions. As usual, I ate wayyy too much, and discovered a new eating addiction...different flavored chocolate kisses, with candy stick kisses and cherry cordial kisses being my favorite.
I hope everyone had a GREAT Merry Christmas!!!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Cold 10 Miler
Today was the longest run since the marathon, a whole 10 miler! The weather was also cold with nine mph winds. I know this might seem silly to those with single digit temperatures, but to us Las Vegans it's FREEZING! Nevertheless, I became overheated as I dressed too warmly with heavy tights, Long sleeve coolmax shirt, Pro-tec outer top, and heavy wool gloves.
10 miles Time: 1:39 Easy Run. Out & back on Lindell Road. No Heart rate monitor nor Garmin as I'm striving to recover from the marathon. Sunny, 38 degrees, Winds 9mph.
Total Mileage this week was only 30 miles, and next week I plan on 36 miles for the week.
We'll be leaving soon to Mary & Glenn's home for a traditional Christmas Dinner with family and friends. We're taking a pecan pie, chocolate cream pie as well as a half-gallon of vanilla ice cream. Let the feasting begin!!!
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas Eve
10 miles Time: 1:39 Easy Run. Out & back on Lindell Road. No Heart rate monitor nor Garmin as I'm striving to recover from the marathon. Sunny, 38 degrees, Winds 9mph.
Total Mileage this week was only 30 miles, and next week I plan on 36 miles for the week.
We'll be leaving soon to Mary & Glenn's home for a traditional Christmas Dinner with family and friends. We're taking a pecan pie, chocolate cream pie as well as a half-gallon of vanilla ice cream. Let the feasting begin!!!
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas Eve
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Last Minute Shopping
Hectic and busy day with last minute Christmas shopping and stopping at Marie Callendars for more fruit pies! My wife's favorite pie is Chocolate Cream Pie, she LOVES anything and everything made of chocolate!!
Decided to run on the treadmill today as it's too cold and windy outside. I feel like such a wimp! My ankles could use the recovery from the concrete and asphalt roads anyway.
5 miles Time: :46 minutes. Easy Run. Life Fitness Treadmill, today I had zero grade/elevation as to pamper my ankles. All @ 6.4 mph. Average Heart Rate: 158 bpm, Cardiac Drift: 163 bpm. Heart rate a little higher than normal for an easy run, no doubt due to my recent five pound weight gain. I'm not going to concern myself too much about the extra weight, knowing that I'm currently in post-marathon recovery and will be adding mileage weekly, which in turn burn of loads of calories. I'm really enjoying this holiday season food fest!!
Tomorrow I'll redeam myself by running ten miles on the road, no matter what the weather conditions. I promise myself.
Decided to run on the treadmill today as it's too cold and windy outside. I feel like such a wimp! My ankles could use the recovery from the concrete and asphalt roads anyway.
5 miles Time: :46 minutes. Easy Run. Life Fitness Treadmill, today I had zero grade/elevation as to pamper my ankles. All @ 6.4 mph. Average Heart Rate: 158 bpm, Cardiac Drift: 163 bpm. Heart rate a little higher than normal for an easy run, no doubt due to my recent five pound weight gain. I'm not going to concern myself too much about the extra weight, knowing that I'm currently in post-marathon recovery and will be adding mileage weekly, which in turn burn of loads of calories. I'm really enjoying this holiday season food fest!!
Tomorrow I'll redeam myself by running ten miles on the road, no matter what the weather conditions. I promise myself.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Salt Lake City Half-Marathon!
This morning I've registered online to run the Salt Lake City Half-Marathon, which has a new date of April 17th. My goal is to beat last year's half-marathon personal record of 1:49:57, that was set at the 13th Annual Great Salt Lake Half-Marathon. It'll be great to see my friend, Allen, once again.
Frustrating morning, spent an hour striving to create a posting here at "Vegas Runner!" Hopefully tomorrow I won't have the same ordeal...shouldn't be this difficult, although I realize this site in so longer in BETA, but is now permanent.
5 Miles. Time: 47 minutes. Easy Run. Out & Back on Torrey Pines Route. No Heart Rate Monitor. Cold, 49 degrees, cloudy, 12 mph winds. Wore the same outfit as Wednesday, someday this month will need to wash that outfit:) My Torrey Pines route covers the New Las Vegas Marathon's 16-17 mile markers that's so close to my home...first time I traversed this route since the marathon, a lot less electrifying today.
Several cabbies were robbed yesterday, the crooks are getting ready for Christmas shopping; I need to be extra careful who I pick up today. Last night Denver airport was closed due to bad weather, which means McCarren Airport should be VERY busy today...my cab will be hovering around the airport most of the night.
Frustrating morning, spent an hour striving to create a posting here at "Vegas Runner!" Hopefully tomorrow I won't have the same ordeal...shouldn't be this difficult, although I realize this site in so longer in BETA, but is now permanent.
5 Miles. Time: 47 minutes. Easy Run. Out & Back on Torrey Pines Route. No Heart Rate Monitor. Cold, 49 degrees, cloudy, 12 mph winds. Wore the same outfit as Wednesday, someday this month will need to wash that outfit:) My Torrey Pines route covers the New Las Vegas Marathon's 16-17 mile markers that's so close to my home...first time I traversed this route since the marathon, a lot less electrifying today.
Several cabbies were robbed yesterday, the crooks are getting ready for Christmas shopping; I need to be extra careful who I pick up today. Last night Denver airport was closed due to bad weather, which means McCarren Airport should be VERY busy today...my cab will be hovering around the airport most of the night.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
New Shoes!
Today is another rest day. It feels like I've had more rest days these last two weeks than I did from the previous six months!
Went Christmas shopping at the Premium Outlet Stores, but ended up buying presents for myself! Yup, I'm in the Christmas Spirit all right. Visited the Nike Town and bought "Nike Air Kantara II," which normally sells for $120.00, but I bought them for $79.00 The shoes are heavy-duty motion control with plenty of cushioning, perfect for those concrete/asphalt road training runs. Just had to buy more Gizmo socks too. Also bought a white CoolMax running cap that has "26.2" emblazoned on the front. Stopped at Border Books and purchased "5k & 10k Training" by Brian Clarke as I'll be racing 5k's once my postmarthon recovery is complete. I did eventually buy my wife a Christmas card. (Wink-Wink..I finished purchasing her gifts last week).
Joy is only known in this moment--now!
So feel the flow of your dance
And how you are not running
For some future reward;
The real reward is now!
--Fred Rohe' "The Zen of Running"
Went Christmas shopping at the Premium Outlet Stores, but ended up buying presents for myself! Yup, I'm in the Christmas Spirit all right. Visited the Nike Town and bought "Nike Air Kantara II," which normally sells for $120.00, but I bought them for $79.00 The shoes are heavy-duty motion control with plenty of cushioning, perfect for those concrete/asphalt road training runs. Just had to buy more Gizmo socks too. Also bought a white CoolMax running cap that has "26.2" emblazoned on the front. Stopped at Border Books and purchased "5k & 10k Training" by Brian Clarke as I'll be racing 5k's once my postmarthon recovery is complete. I did eventually buy my wife a Christmas card. (Wink-Wink..I finished purchasing her gifts last week).
Joy is only known in this moment--now!
So feel the flow of your dance
And how you are not running
For some future reward;
The real reward is now!
--Fred Rohe' "The Zen of Running"
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
When WHERE freezes over???
Las Vegas has SNOW this morning! Las Vegas rarely has snow due to the desert being very dry. I was tempted to run on the treadmill this morning as I hate the cold, but desired to view the beautiful view of the surrounding hills and mountains covered with snow. Many local children have never seen snowed and were amazed. Strived to see the view through their eyes.
Distance: 5 miles Time: :49 minutes. Easy Run. Out & back route on Alta. Partly Cloudy, 39 degrees with 6 mph winds. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor, nor Garmin GPS watch today, attempting to keep this run comfortable and stress free. Haven't worn my long lightweight tights in three years, they were rather loose. Polar Tec long sleeve running shirt kept me nice and toasty throughout this short run. Felt loose and fancy free.
Had to try many times to log into this blog, which was very frustrating! I wonder if many other bloggers had problems with this site recognizing their names and passwords today?
Appears I need a URL to have pictures posted on my blog. Downloaded "Picasa" from 2blogger.com site, which has the tease, "BloggerBot: Share your photos with the BloggerBot to instantly add pictures to your blog." Now all I need to do is read the materials, not easy with my time restraints. Would be nice to be able to post pictures here...even though I only have a cheap throwaway camera, NOTE: add a digital camera to my wish list!
The local Las Vegas television news has many stories today of drivers unable to drive in this light dusting of snow, many accidents out there!! Need to be extra defensive driving my taxi...it's going to be a longgg night.
Distance: 5 miles Time: :49 minutes. Easy Run. Out & back route on Alta. Partly Cloudy, 39 degrees with 6 mph winds. No Polar Heart Rate Monitor, nor Garmin GPS watch today, attempting to keep this run comfortable and stress free. Haven't worn my long lightweight tights in three years, they were rather loose. Polar Tec long sleeve running shirt kept me nice and toasty throughout this short run. Felt loose and fancy free.
Had to try many times to log into this blog, which was very frustrating! I wonder if many other bloggers had problems with this site recognizing their names and passwords today?
Appears I need a URL to have pictures posted on my blog. Downloaded "Picasa" from 2blogger.com site, which has the tease, "BloggerBot: Share your photos with the BloggerBot to instantly add pictures to your blog." Now all I need to do is read the materials, not easy with my time restraints. Would be nice to be able to post pictures here...even though I only have a cheap throwaway camera, NOTE: add a digital camera to my wish list!
The local Las Vegas television news has many stories today of drivers unable to drive in this light dusting of snow, many accidents out there!! Need to be extra defensive driving my taxi...it's going to be a longgg night.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
What's up Doc?
Busy and hectic morning due to a 10:00 a.m. dental appointment, which is another follow-up to check my new jaw. Everything appears fine, the infection is gone, and the new bone had been drafted with no problems. Therefore, the only lasting effect of the infection is my whopping dental bill!
Fortunately, the block next door to the dental office is "Andre Agassi 24hr Sport" where I can squeeze in my workout.
5 miles in 47 minutes. Precor Treadmill set at 1% Grade, all at 6.4 mph (Pace 9:22 miles) Average heartrate: 151 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 158 bpm. Shoes: Nike Air Structure, 454 miles. Need to find replacement shoes soon. Left ankle is a tad sore, but nothing serious. Heart rate a little higher than I wish, no doubt not fully recovered from the marathon.
I'm following the postmarathon recovery schedule that's from "Advanced Marathoning" by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas. Last week's recovery miles were only 16 miles total, which was Wednesday 4 miles, Friday 5 miles, and Sunday 7 miles. This week training will eventually be a total of 30 miles.
Cab business is very slow this week due to no major conventions and few vacationers during the holidays. I'll have plenty of time reading in my cab the huge book, "Bowerman and the Men of Oregon," by Kenny Moore.
I'm striving to learn something new with blogger beta daily. Today I learned the "feeds" feature where I can check and see any new postings in all the blogs I read quickly...should shave some time off my mornings.
Need to micowave a Lean Pocket before I leave on my 12-hour shift. See ya tomorrow.
Fortunately, the block next door to the dental office is "Andre Agassi 24hr Sport" where I can squeeze in my workout.
5 miles in 47 minutes. Precor Treadmill set at 1% Grade, all at 6.4 mph (Pace 9:22 miles) Average heartrate: 151 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 158 bpm. Shoes: Nike Air Structure, 454 miles. Need to find replacement shoes soon. Left ankle is a tad sore, but nothing serious. Heart rate a little higher than I wish, no doubt not fully recovered from the marathon.
I'm following the postmarathon recovery schedule that's from "Advanced Marathoning" by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas. Last week's recovery miles were only 16 miles total, which was Wednesday 4 miles, Friday 5 miles, and Sunday 7 miles. This week training will eventually be a total of 30 miles.
Cab business is very slow this week due to no major conventions and few vacationers during the holidays. I'll have plenty of time reading in my cab the huge book, "Bowerman and the Men of Oregon," by Kenny Moore.
I'm striving to learn something new with blogger beta daily. Today I learned the "feeds" feature where I can check and see any new postings in all the blogs I read quickly...should shave some time off my mornings.
Need to micowave a Lean Pocket before I leave on my 12-hour shift. See ya tomorrow.
Monday, December 18, 2006
2006 Las Vegas Marathon
I've been inspired by reading my about.com friends blogs and decided to start my own running blog. This way I'll be able to keep a daily journal so family and friends can keep up-to-date with my progress too. Another nice feature of a blog is my experiences will be more permanent as about.com's running/jogging forums do delete all posts eventually. How I wish I had saved my running camp journal that was at Cal Poly Institute in San Luis Obesipo several years ago, or my previous Las Vegas Marathon experiences. The following is my report of the 2006 Las Vegas Marathon that was originally posted at the about.com's running/jogging forum:
The weather was 52 degrees at the start with 25-30+ mph winds, which made the temperature feel much colder. The skies were cloudy, but fortunately we didn't get any rain!
A record 16,000 runners (both half and full marathoners are running together until we reach downtown) were at the starting line at 6:00 a.m. for the "New Las Vegas Marathon," but the race didn't actually start until 6:15 a.m. due to a Robin Leach's speach about "Roy" of Sigfried & Roy fame walking the marathon course the previous day and throwing away his walking cane after two miles...Sigfreid said this was real "magic." A five minute side show by the "Blue Man Group," an amazing fireworks show and then we were off! I learned my lesson from last year's marathon and placed myself as far up in the line as possible and took me only two minutes to reach the starting line after the gun. The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" blared over loudspeakers.
Mile 1 8:33 Pace Acc Time 8:33 For some strange reason the organizers had several dozen running Elvis impersonators in the front, just behind the Elite runners...made it surreal passing and weaving around these singing white suited runners. My time is only three seconds off from my planned 8:30 pace, which would make a coveted 3:45 BQ. Passed the Mandalay Bay, Tropicana, New York-New York, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo. Thousands of spectators at the start! My wife was watching me from the pedestrian overpass at Tropicana...this was the first time she watched me start a race and later said she was flabbergasted with the number of runners.
Mile 2 8:17 Pace Acc Time 16:50 Had to make a decision, I'm running with a very strong 31 mph tailwind (learned later from the newspaper about the exact wind speed at McCarren Airport, two miles from the start) that is just pushing me along...should I stay true to my pre-race strategy of staying on 8:30 pace or take Randy's advice of running according to how my legs feel? Decided to take Randy's advice, but pay close attention to not only my legs but my perceived effort (I'm not wearing my usual Polar Heart Rate Monitor during this race.) Also, was very concerned about facing strong headwinds when this looped course returns to Mandalay Bay!! Passed Bellagio, which had its fountain show playing, Paris Hotel, Caesars Casino, Flamingo, Bally's, Venetian and the Mirage that had the volcano eruption playing. Many cheering on the sidelines, quite a few whooping cowboys due to the National Finals Rodeo being in town this week.
Mile 3 8:18 Pace Acc Time 25:07 Slowed a little as to drink Performance Gatorade at the water stop, the cheerleaders there were amazing! Passed the new Wynn Hotel, New Frontier Hotel, Fashion Show Mall, Riviera, Circus-Circus, but less spectators cheering. Passed a shirtless runner wearing a straw skirt and a Hawaiian headress, that for some strange reason reminded me of Angie and Starr's skirt!!
Mile 4 8:18 Pace Acc Time 33:26 Ran through a section of town with old businesses and cheap "one hour rental" motels. Only a few homeless curiously watching us pass. Two runners dress as dice made me chuckle.
Mile 5 8:22 Pace Acc Time 41:48 Running down 4th Street passing the 28 couples who made a pit stop to get married at a small run-through wedding chapel!!! Feeling very strong, luckily didn't get any thrown rice in my hair. Felt a very strong urge to urinate, ignored it, sometimes the urge goes away...I just don't want to stop.
Mile 6 8:24 Pace Acc Time 50:12 DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS baby!! My Garmin 301 had lost satellite contact underneath the "Fremont Street Experience" canopy that stretches about 4 football fields. The half marathoners split off that provided more breathing room. No wind pushing me as we are closely surrounded by Casinos before heading West on this looped course. The urinate urge is getting stronger, still ignoring it.
Mile 7 9:29 Pace Acc Time 59:40 Heading West on Bonneville, strong 30-35 mph winds blasting me sideways and headwinds too...brutal. Finally had to stop and urinate...this mile I was about a minute off my pace due to this porta-potty break. I'll try and recover the time later. Passed a church choir singing Southern Baptists hymns.
Mile 8 7:56 Pace Acc Time 1:07:36 Struggling North on Martin Luther King Blvd, a tough neighborhood at night, but very peaceful this early morning. As we turn the corner North, a runner named Mark Kassue bumped me on the right passing and apologized, I noticed his "Las Vegas Track Club" shirt and asked him if he was a Vegan too. He's not, he's from Mason City, Iowa, who is running the marathon just for fun as he already has a BQ from a previous marathon. He's something of a veteran marathoner with running about 60 marathons. Curiously, he didn't bring any racing shirts, therefore, bought the LVTC shirt at the Race Expo.
Mile 9 7:48 Pace Acc Time 1:15:25 Still on Martin Luther King Blvd, pushing myself to make time from my previous urine break. My new friend, Mark, have been chatting non-stop during this part of the course. Talking about my job here as a cab driver, our supportive wives, etc. He wants to help pace me during the upcoming rough patch by the North Las Vegas Airport.
Mile 10 8:00 Pace Acc Time 1:23:25 Turning West on Carey Blvd, which I view as the toughest part of the course...slight 4 mile upgrade past the North Las Vegas Airport that provides no cover from the fierce 30-35 mph headwinds. I've practiced this section of the race course many times during training, striving to mentally conquer its difficulties. Took a little water at the enthusiastic pit stop...many young girls wearing high school cheerleading uniforms with short skirts waving pom-poms...they must be freezing!!!
Mile 11 8:32 Pace Acc Time 1:31:57 Still heading West on Carey and weaving around many racers who are surrendering to the fierce headwinds. Mark keeps asking me if I'm o.k. as I'm breathing rather heavy. Mark encourages me to stay on his right shoulder, which I happily complied.
Mile 12 8:38 Pace Acc Time 1:40:36 Crossed Rancho Blvd, now the same West bound street changes its name to Smoke Ranch Road. I'm really struggling, but know that we'll be getting out of this headwind soon as we approach the southbound route Torrey Pines...must hang tough. Slowed to a water stop for some Gatorade.
Mile 13 8:41 Pace Acc Time 1:49:18 Finally that tough stretch and heading South on Torrey Pines...no headwinds, and the neighborhood homes help block any sidewinds. Even the sun is peaking through.
Mile 14 8:40 Pace Acc Time 1:57:59 South on Torrey Pines, I've ran this section so often in training it feels comforting. I'm feeling very upbeat, not realizing my time is slipping as I'm chatting away with Mark and a couple of other racers.
Mile 15 8:40 Pace Acc Time 2:06:33 Still traveling south on Torrey Pines, only a couple of blocks from my home, several neighbors with lawn chairs sitting along the course cheering. One guy with a very loud foghorn blasting, which wasn't very helpful as it was painful on the ears. My effort feels relaxed and easy. Slowed at the water stop and decided to drink a little water this time...didn't realize how slippery the stop was and almost fell.
Mile 16 8:45 Pace Acc Time 2:15:18 A little speed bump on Torrey Pines as we reach the bridge that crosses over HWY 95...my right ankle complains with the climb, which causes me some concern. The spectators are rather sparse and I'm starting to get discouraged as I realize my time is slowing.
Mile 17 8:50 Pace Acc Time 2:24:08 Finally crossed the bridge and the rest of the course is downhill, maybe I can now make up some time, now my right arm is sore along with my left ankle. Can my body hold together? I'm getting discouraged, and I'm starting my prearranged mantra..."Never Give Up!" Suddenly, I hear my name being shouted on the sidelines...it's my close friend and extended family member, Glenn Ely yelling, "Bruce, man in black," which I thought was rather strange. Then a minute later I realize he was yelling my description to his wife, Mary Ely who is farther up the route with Grandma Cady so they wouldn't miss me as I past. I did yell their names, but didn't stop. They did help me during this rough patch of the race!
Mile 18 Unfortunately, My Garmin went kaput and couldn't connect with the satellites...therefore, I no longer have a record of my mile splits. I do still keep track of my pace from the timers at every mile marker. I did find it amusing that the pacers wearing balloons were very close...the 8:40 balloon was about one minute behind the 8:45 balloon....I wasn't going to trust these balloons!!! Still racing South on Torrey Pines and making up time!
Mile 19 Still heading South on Torrey Pines, I'm a few minutes behind my BQ pace, which means I really need to push. At his point I ditched my hat and gloves as to mentally uplift me...I'm getting lighter! A row of neighborhood children with hands outreached...I tried to slap as many as I could.
Mile 20 Finally heading back East towards the Strip....the huge Hotels appear close to those who don't live here...it's farther than you think! Slowed for Gatorade, a knuckleheaded racer literally stops in the middle of the road to drink, the girl in front of me curses at him like a sailor! I just had to laugh.
Mile 21 Reached the steep portion of Twain Blvd, poor Mark's quads are cramping and I had to jettison him like a NASA booster rocket. I felt a little guilty ditching him as he was tremendously helpful during the middle miles of the course. My right ankle is still complaining, but I'm still running strong. Read the timer, tried to do the arithmatic of the necessary pace needed for a BQ, but my head just couldn't compute.
Mile 22 The Twain Blvd route is still a downhill fall, I can feel my pace quickening, but is it enough? I try to keep positive, remembering my range of success is wide, all I want is something less than 4:00, but deep down I really want that 3:45 BQ.
Mile 23 Almost to Frank Sinatra Drive where we head South to Mandalay Bay and the finish! I'm frustrated with my GARMIN that still doesn't have any contact with the satellites....how far behind my pace am I? I just can't think of calculating the distance, I just keep picking off more runners ahead of me and hope for the best. Only a little more than three miles and I haven't hit any "Walls," decided not to slow for anymore water or Gatorade, as I need every second I can spare. Of the more than 30 acts on the course, 10 were located between mile 24 and 26 alone, which is a critical stretch for most runners...for me the acts were too much of a distraction as I wanted to fully concentrate on upping my pace!
Mile 24 Turning South on Frank Sinatra Drive where we rejoin the half-marathoners, most of them who are walkers, which is not a problem as the road is wide and they are few at this point. The BIG problem is the blast of 30+ mph headwinds through this back corridor of the hotels...so frustrating to have to fight the headwinds again. "NEVER GIVE UP!"
Mile 25 Only 1.2 miles to go, the water stop's timer says 3:37, I need to run a sub 8 minute mile to reach the "gun time" of my BQ. Not only that, I must fight the headwinds as well...it's going to hurt, but I need to push very hard for the finish.
Mile 26.2 Finally reached the finish line with a gun time of 3:46:54...did my chip time get under 3:45:59 to get that Boston Qualifier??? Limped back to my room at the Excalibur Hotel, and collapsed in bed. I wouldn't learn until late Monday that my chip time is 3:45:27!!!!! I made a Boston Qualifier with a whole 14 seconds to spare! I'm still in shock.
Monday's paper had an interesting quote from Andy Fusco, "it's a bad day to wear a kilt," the pipe major of the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums, an eight-piece Scottish drum and bagpipe band performing near the finish. I'm glad I didn't wear a kilt, but wore compression shorts with running shorts on top.
Kenyan Joseph Kahugu won the men's field in 2:16:19. the women's winner was another Kenyan, natch, Jemima
The weather was 52 degrees at the start with 25-30+ mph winds, which made the temperature feel much colder. The skies were cloudy, but fortunately we didn't get any rain!
A record 16,000 runners (both half and full marathoners are running together until we reach downtown) were at the starting line at 6:00 a.m. for the "New Las Vegas Marathon," but the race didn't actually start until 6:15 a.m. due to a Robin Leach's speach about "Roy" of Sigfried & Roy fame walking the marathon course the previous day and throwing away his walking cane after two miles...Sigfreid said this was real "magic." A five minute side show by the "Blue Man Group," an amazing fireworks show and then we were off! I learned my lesson from last year's marathon and placed myself as far up in the line as possible and took me only two minutes to reach the starting line after the gun. The Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up" blared over loudspeakers.
Mile 1 8:33 Pace Acc Time 8:33 For some strange reason the organizers had several dozen running Elvis impersonators in the front, just behind the Elite runners...made it surreal passing and weaving around these singing white suited runners. My time is only three seconds off from my planned 8:30 pace, which would make a coveted 3:45 BQ. Passed the Mandalay Bay, Tropicana, New York-New York, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo. Thousands of spectators at the start! My wife was watching me from the pedestrian overpass at Tropicana...this was the first time she watched me start a race and later said she was flabbergasted with the number of runners.
Mile 2 8:17 Pace Acc Time 16:50 Had to make a decision, I'm running with a very strong 31 mph tailwind (learned later from the newspaper about the exact wind speed at McCarren Airport, two miles from the start) that is just pushing me along...should I stay true to my pre-race strategy of staying on 8:30 pace or take Randy's advice of running according to how my legs feel? Decided to take Randy's advice, but pay close attention to not only my legs but my perceived effort (I'm not wearing my usual Polar Heart Rate Monitor during this race.) Also, was very concerned about facing strong headwinds when this looped course returns to Mandalay Bay!! Passed Bellagio, which had its fountain show playing, Paris Hotel, Caesars Casino, Flamingo, Bally's, Venetian and the Mirage that had the volcano eruption playing. Many cheering on the sidelines, quite a few whooping cowboys due to the National Finals Rodeo being in town this week.
Mile 3 8:18 Pace Acc Time 25:07 Slowed a little as to drink Performance Gatorade at the water stop, the cheerleaders there were amazing! Passed the new Wynn Hotel, New Frontier Hotel, Fashion Show Mall, Riviera, Circus-Circus, but less spectators cheering. Passed a shirtless runner wearing a straw skirt and a Hawaiian headress, that for some strange reason reminded me of Angie and Starr's skirt!!
Mile 4 8:18 Pace Acc Time 33:26 Ran through a section of town with old businesses and cheap "one hour rental" motels. Only a few homeless curiously watching us pass. Two runners dress as dice made me chuckle.
Mile 5 8:22 Pace Acc Time 41:48 Running down 4th Street passing the 28 couples who made a pit stop to get married at a small run-through wedding chapel!!! Feeling very strong, luckily didn't get any thrown rice in my hair. Felt a very strong urge to urinate, ignored it, sometimes the urge goes away...I just don't want to stop.
Mile 6 8:24 Pace Acc Time 50:12 DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS baby!! My Garmin 301 had lost satellite contact underneath the "Fremont Street Experience" canopy that stretches about 4 football fields. The half marathoners split off that provided more breathing room. No wind pushing me as we are closely surrounded by Casinos before heading West on this looped course. The urinate urge is getting stronger, still ignoring it.
Mile 7 9:29 Pace Acc Time 59:40 Heading West on Bonneville, strong 30-35 mph winds blasting me sideways and headwinds too...brutal. Finally had to stop and urinate...this mile I was about a minute off my pace due to this porta-potty break. I'll try and recover the time later. Passed a church choir singing Southern Baptists hymns.
Mile 8 7:56 Pace Acc Time 1:07:36 Struggling North on Martin Luther King Blvd, a tough neighborhood at night, but very peaceful this early morning. As we turn the corner North, a runner named Mark Kassue bumped me on the right passing and apologized, I noticed his "Las Vegas Track Club" shirt and asked him if he was a Vegan too. He's not, he's from Mason City, Iowa, who is running the marathon just for fun as he already has a BQ from a previous marathon. He's something of a veteran marathoner with running about 60 marathons. Curiously, he didn't bring any racing shirts, therefore, bought the LVTC shirt at the Race Expo.
Mile 9 7:48 Pace Acc Time 1:15:25 Still on Martin Luther King Blvd, pushing myself to make time from my previous urine break. My new friend, Mark, have been chatting non-stop during this part of the course. Talking about my job here as a cab driver, our supportive wives, etc. He wants to help pace me during the upcoming rough patch by the North Las Vegas Airport.
Mile 10 8:00 Pace Acc Time 1:23:25 Turning West on Carey Blvd, which I view as the toughest part of the course...slight 4 mile upgrade past the North Las Vegas Airport that provides no cover from the fierce 30-35 mph headwinds. I've practiced this section of the race course many times during training, striving to mentally conquer its difficulties. Took a little water at the enthusiastic pit stop...many young girls wearing high school cheerleading uniforms with short skirts waving pom-poms...they must be freezing!!!
Mile 11 8:32 Pace Acc Time 1:31:57 Still heading West on Carey and weaving around many racers who are surrendering to the fierce headwinds. Mark keeps asking me if I'm o.k. as I'm breathing rather heavy. Mark encourages me to stay on his right shoulder, which I happily complied.
Mile 12 8:38 Pace Acc Time 1:40:36 Crossed Rancho Blvd, now the same West bound street changes its name to Smoke Ranch Road. I'm really struggling, but know that we'll be getting out of this headwind soon as we approach the southbound route Torrey Pines...must hang tough. Slowed to a water stop for some Gatorade.
Mile 13 8:41 Pace Acc Time 1:49:18 Finally that tough stretch and heading South on Torrey Pines...no headwinds, and the neighborhood homes help block any sidewinds. Even the sun is peaking through.
Mile 14 8:40 Pace Acc Time 1:57:59 South on Torrey Pines, I've ran this section so often in training it feels comforting. I'm feeling very upbeat, not realizing my time is slipping as I'm chatting away with Mark and a couple of other racers.
Mile 15 8:40 Pace Acc Time 2:06:33 Still traveling south on Torrey Pines, only a couple of blocks from my home, several neighbors with lawn chairs sitting along the course cheering. One guy with a very loud foghorn blasting, which wasn't very helpful as it was painful on the ears. My effort feels relaxed and easy. Slowed at the water stop and decided to drink a little water this time...didn't realize how slippery the stop was and almost fell.
Mile 16 8:45 Pace Acc Time 2:15:18 A little speed bump on Torrey Pines as we reach the bridge that crosses over HWY 95...my right ankle complains with the climb, which causes me some concern. The spectators are rather sparse and I'm starting to get discouraged as I realize my time is slowing.
Mile 17 8:50 Pace Acc Time 2:24:08 Finally crossed the bridge and the rest of the course is downhill, maybe I can now make up some time, now my right arm is sore along with my left ankle. Can my body hold together? I'm getting discouraged, and I'm starting my prearranged mantra..."Never Give Up!" Suddenly, I hear my name being shouted on the sidelines...it's my close friend and extended family member, Glenn Ely yelling, "Bruce, man in black," which I thought was rather strange. Then a minute later I realize he was yelling my description to his wife, Mary Ely who is farther up the route with Grandma Cady so they wouldn't miss me as I past. I did yell their names, but didn't stop. They did help me during this rough patch of the race!
Mile 18 Unfortunately, My Garmin went kaput and couldn't connect with the satellites...therefore, I no longer have a record of my mile splits. I do still keep track of my pace from the timers at every mile marker. I did find it amusing that the pacers wearing balloons were very close...the 8:40 balloon was about one minute behind the 8:45 balloon....I wasn't going to trust these balloons!!! Still racing South on Torrey Pines and making up time!
Mile 19 Still heading South on Torrey Pines, I'm a few minutes behind my BQ pace, which means I really need to push. At his point I ditched my hat and gloves as to mentally uplift me...I'm getting lighter! A row of neighborhood children with hands outreached...I tried to slap as many as I could.
Mile 20 Finally heading back East towards the Strip....the huge Hotels appear close to those who don't live here...it's farther than you think! Slowed for Gatorade, a knuckleheaded racer literally stops in the middle of the road to drink, the girl in front of me curses at him like a sailor! I just had to laugh.
Mile 21 Reached the steep portion of Twain Blvd, poor Mark's quads are cramping and I had to jettison him like a NASA booster rocket. I felt a little guilty ditching him as he was tremendously helpful during the middle miles of the course. My right ankle is still complaining, but I'm still running strong. Read the timer, tried to do the arithmatic of the necessary pace needed for a BQ, but my head just couldn't compute.
Mile 22 The Twain Blvd route is still a downhill fall, I can feel my pace quickening, but is it enough? I try to keep positive, remembering my range of success is wide, all I want is something less than 4:00, but deep down I really want that 3:45 BQ.
Mile 23 Almost to Frank Sinatra Drive where we head South to Mandalay Bay and the finish! I'm frustrated with my GARMIN that still doesn't have any contact with the satellites....how far behind my pace am I? I just can't think of calculating the distance, I just keep picking off more runners ahead of me and hope for the best. Only a little more than three miles and I haven't hit any "Walls," decided not to slow for anymore water or Gatorade, as I need every second I can spare. Of the more than 30 acts on the course, 10 were located between mile 24 and 26 alone, which is a critical stretch for most runners...for me the acts were too much of a distraction as I wanted to fully concentrate on upping my pace!
Mile 24 Turning South on Frank Sinatra Drive where we rejoin the half-marathoners, most of them who are walkers, which is not a problem as the road is wide and they are few at this point. The BIG problem is the blast of 30+ mph headwinds through this back corridor of the hotels...so frustrating to have to fight the headwinds again. "NEVER GIVE UP!"
Mile 25 Only 1.2 miles to go, the water stop's timer says 3:37, I need to run a sub 8 minute mile to reach the "gun time" of my BQ. Not only that, I must fight the headwinds as well...it's going to hurt, but I need to push very hard for the finish.
Mile 26.2 Finally reached the finish line with a gun time of 3:46:54...did my chip time get under 3:45:59 to get that Boston Qualifier??? Limped back to my room at the Excalibur Hotel, and collapsed in bed. I wouldn't learn until late Monday that my chip time is 3:45:27!!!!! I made a Boston Qualifier with a whole 14 seconds to spare! I'm still in shock.
Monday's paper had an interesting quote from Andy Fusco, "it's a bad day to wear a kilt," the pipe major of the Desert Skye Pipes and Drums, an eight-piece Scottish drum and bagpipe band performing near the finish. I'm glad I didn't wear a kilt, but wore compression shorts with running shorts on top.
Kenyan Joseph Kahugu won the men's field in 2:16:19. the women's winner was another Kenyan, natch, Jemima
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