Start: 5:24am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:14:00 - 1.5 miles - 9:20
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/58158220
Thoughts: As if to try my will to train, mother nature threw a sub-freezing day my way. Lucky me, I got to label my first "Cold" post. I decided that for me, below freezing is considered "Cold." Despite my better sense I left the house without hat and gloves. Because of the temperature my breathing was tight, but other than that the run went well. When I got home I had received an email from RunKeeper letting me know that in October I had run my furthest distance on record (I've only been using it for a few months). Ironically, the month's total distance was just about the distance of a marathon: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/fitnessReports/pr. I have a feeling that personal record will be changing often.
Total Training Distance: 11.08 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 1:47:42
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Day 006
Start: 11:00am
Weather: Cool and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:35:34 - 3.56 miles - 10:00
RunKeeper: N/A
Thoughts: Staying up until 1am drinking, getting up at 9am and going for a run at 11am without having eaten anything would typically have been a recipe for disaster. Yet, I set off with my older brother (who I'm try to convince to run the Sunday River Marathon with me) and one of my younger brothers (who is leaving for Tasmania in few days). It was a nice morning for a run, and we soon settled into a good rhythm that we kept for the whole run. Though I'm used to running alone, it was nice to run with my brothers. Unfortunately, soon after starting the run I pocketed my iPhone and when we completed the run it said we had gone 14 miles in 25 minutes at a pace of 2:14 per mile. I had to discard the RunKeeper event and estimate the time and distance.
Total Training Distance: 9.58 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 1:33:42
Weather: Cool and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:35:34 - 3.56 miles - 10:00
RunKeeper: N/A
Thoughts: Staying up until 1am drinking, getting up at 9am and going for a run at 11am without having eaten anything would typically have been a recipe for disaster. Yet, I set off with my older brother (who I'm try to convince to run the Sunday River Marathon with me) and one of my younger brothers (who is leaving for Tasmania in few days). It was a nice morning for a run, and we soon settled into a good rhythm that we kept for the whole run. Though I'm used to running alone, it was nice to run with my brothers. Unfortunately, soon after starting the run I pocketed my iPhone and when we completed the run it said we had gone 14 miles in 25 minutes at a pace of 2:14 per mile. I had to discard the RunKeeper event and estimate the time and distance.
Total Training Distance: 9.58 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 1:33:42
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Day 004
Start: 5:21am
Weather: Cool and Rainy
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:13:59 - 1.51 miles - 9:17
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57719672
Thoughts: I started out stiff and my hands quickly became numb with the cool temperature and rain. I figured it would be a difficult run, even though I prefer running in the rain. Lately, (because of my knees) I make sure I have a day off between runs. My left knee bothered me yesterday from running Monday and Tuesday. But, within a quarter of a mile I had loosened up and felt quite good. On the return of my out-and-back run I started to think about a conversation I had with a fellow runner about the minimalist style of running. On a whim I shortened my stride, leaned forward slightly and concentrated on landing less on my heal and more on the middle of my foot. It seemed awkward and I certainly felt like I was working harder, but instantly my knee stopped hurting. Walking back to the house post-run I pondered whether the release of pain was psychological or that I've been hyper-extending my knee while running and shortening my stride prevented that. I don't necessarily want to be taken by the minimalist craze (though the theory behind it makes perfect sense to me) and with my limited knowledge in the subject and the fact that I'm training for a marathon, now is probably not the best time to be adjusting my gait. But, I think I will look into it more.
Tip: Seapoint Farms shelled edamame make a great ice pack. The edamame don't freeze together like most vegetables so they conform to the shape of your sore area. The packaging is tougher than typical frozen vegetable plastic. Also, they're almost guaranteed to not be eaten by your family.
Total Training Distance: 6.02 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:58:08
2AB2ZQHRETTM
Weather: Cool and Rainy
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:13:59 - 1.51 miles - 9:17
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57719672
Thoughts: I started out stiff and my hands quickly became numb with the cool temperature and rain. I figured it would be a difficult run, even though I prefer running in the rain. Lately, (because of my knees) I make sure I have a day off between runs. My left knee bothered me yesterday from running Monday and Tuesday. But, within a quarter of a mile I had loosened up and felt quite good. On the return of my out-and-back run I started to think about a conversation I had with a fellow runner about the minimalist style of running. On a whim I shortened my stride, leaned forward slightly and concentrated on landing less on my heal and more on the middle of my foot. It seemed awkward and I certainly felt like I was working harder, but instantly my knee stopped hurting. Walking back to the house post-run I pondered whether the release of pain was psychological or that I've been hyper-extending my knee while running and shortening my stride prevented that. I don't necessarily want to be taken by the minimalist craze (though the theory behind it makes perfect sense to me) and with my limited knowledge in the subject and the fact that I'm training for a marathon, now is probably not the best time to be adjusting my gait. But, I think I will look into it more.
Tip: Seapoint Farms shelled edamame make a great ice pack. The edamame don't freeze together like most vegetables so they conform to the shape of your sore area. The packaging is tougher than typical frozen vegetable plastic. Also, they're almost guaranteed to not be eaten by your family.
Total Training Distance: 6.02 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:58:08
2AB2ZQHRETTM
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Day 002
Start: 7:02pm
Weather: Clear, Cool and Breezy
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:28:54 - 3 miles - 9:38
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57568847
Thoughts: After an alarm clock debacle (although I am OCD enough to check my alarm time three times, I failed to notice it was set for pm), I was forced to run this evening. I don't recall the last time I ran in the evening and was concerned about being out of my routine. Soon after starting I realized that I felt pretty good and started off at a fairly quick pace, for me. Since I was running at night, on a night that my wife was at tap class, I needed to check in on the kids with each loop (approximately 1 mile). After my first stop I realized how lucky I am to live in a rural area. Each stop killed my rhythm and increased my mile time. All I could think about as my son attempted to tell me about his Nintendo DS were the people jogging in place at intersections in the city, waiting for the crossing light to change. I could not run that way. Once I hit my pace, it's nonstop road thumping until the end.
Total Training Distance: 4.51 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:44:09
Weather: Clear, Cool and Breezy
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:28:54 - 3 miles - 9:38
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57568847
Thoughts: After an alarm clock debacle (although I am OCD enough to check my alarm time three times, I failed to notice it was set for pm), I was forced to run this evening. I don't recall the last time I ran in the evening and was concerned about being out of my routine. Soon after starting I realized that I felt pretty good and started off at a fairly quick pace, for me. Since I was running at night, on a night that my wife was at tap class, I needed to check in on the kids with each loop (approximately 1 mile). After my first stop I realized how lucky I am to live in a rural area. Each stop killed my rhythm and increased my mile time. All I could think about as my son attempted to tell me about his Nintendo DS were the people jogging in place at intersections in the city, waiting for the crossing light to change. I could not run that way. Once I hit my pace, it's nonstop road thumping until the end.
Total Training Distance: 4.51 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:44:09
Monday, October 24, 2011
Day 001
Before getting into the nitty-gritty I want to introduce this blog. As the title surely gives away, this is a marathon blog. Several times I have attempted to participate in a marathon, and several times I have failed before getting to the starting line. In early 2005 I began training for the Maine Marathon which would take place in October of that year. By May I had gotten to 20+ miles per week and started adding intervals in order to get more out of my workouts. I blew my knees and was unable to do the Marathon that year. Each attempt at training for a marathon after that resulted in extreme knee pain by the time I got to around 24 miles a week. In 2009 I was able to successfully train and complete a half-marathon in May and once again set my sight on the Maine Marathon. Once again I stopped my training due to knee pain.
This blog represents my latest attempt to train and complete a marathon. What is different this time (besides cataloging the attempt in blog-form) that will lead to success? Sheer determination perhaps. Most likely the knowledge that my body is slowly deteriorating and with each passing year the chance of success significantly decreases. Also, as I keep telling those who I try to convince to participate with me, it's just one day, just one run. If I can suffer through those 26.2 miles just one time then I can accomplish a life-long personal goal of mine and move on to the next without regret. Maybe that mentality will push my mind further than my body wants to go.
So, today marks day number one. The goal is the Sugarloaf Marathon. I chose this marathon because it is local and because it is one of the fastest marathons in the country, which to me translates as relatively easy on my knees. I've used my trusted source of marathon training info, Hal Higdon, to create my training calendar. Starting with the marathon's date and working backwards I inputted the Novice 1 Training and Spring Training schedules, which brought me to October 24, 2011. I know, people think I'm crazy to run through the winter, especially in Maine. With the right gear (STABILicers, Under Armor, and some biking gloves) it's not bad after a few minutes of warming up.
So, why a blog? Mostly for my own record keeping and inspiration to keep running. I hope that seeing how much time and distance I have put into my goal will make me hit the pavement (or snow drifts) on those early mornings when my knees ache and I just want to go back to bed. If a few people happen across it, that's cool. If you happen to be a marathon runner or training for your first marathon, that's even cooler. I'd love any input on what you're doing or have done to prep for your first marathon.
Start: 5:39am
Weather: Clear and Cool
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:15:15 - 1.51 miles - 10:08
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57347902
Thoughts: It was a nearly pitch black morning with just a sliver of a moon peaking over the trees to the east. The temperature was near freezing as my lungs were tight but I was not wheezing (below freezing and I start to wheeze). Rounding the Harbor de Grace I anticipated the thud of a beaver slapping its tail off the surface of the marsh, as it startles me every time I run by. But, my pass was free of the mammal's warning. Upon reaching the top of the New Hill (Long Island's largest, rising 75 feet over the distance of a quarter mile) I was greeted by the constellation of Orion just above the trees directly in front of me. I tried to view it as some sort of omen for conquering my marathon but could not remember the myth surrounding Orion besides he is battling another constellation in the sky (hopefully the one that represents sore joints). Rounding the marsh on my return trip (still no beavers) my left knee began to throb. Just enough to remind me of its issues but not enough hinder my progress. The rest of the run was event-less, I had reached the one mile mark and fallen into the cadence of my pace, paying no mind to where my mind wandered.
Total Training Distance: 1.51 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:15:15
This blog represents my latest attempt to train and complete a marathon. What is different this time (besides cataloging the attempt in blog-form) that will lead to success? Sheer determination perhaps. Most likely the knowledge that my body is slowly deteriorating and with each passing year the chance of success significantly decreases. Also, as I keep telling those who I try to convince to participate with me, it's just one day, just one run. If I can suffer through those 26.2 miles just one time then I can accomplish a life-long personal goal of mine and move on to the next without regret. Maybe that mentality will push my mind further than my body wants to go.
So, today marks day number one. The goal is the Sugarloaf Marathon. I chose this marathon because it is local and because it is one of the fastest marathons in the country, which to me translates as relatively easy on my knees. I've used my trusted source of marathon training info, Hal Higdon, to create my training calendar. Starting with the marathon's date and working backwards I inputted the Novice 1 Training and Spring Training schedules, which brought me to October 24, 2011. I know, people think I'm crazy to run through the winter, especially in Maine. With the right gear (STABILicers, Under Armor, and some biking gloves) it's not bad after a few minutes of warming up.
So, why a blog? Mostly for my own record keeping and inspiration to keep running. I hope that seeing how much time and distance I have put into my goal will make me hit the pavement (or snow drifts) on those early mornings when my knees ache and I just want to go back to bed. If a few people happen across it, that's cool. If you happen to be a marathon runner or training for your first marathon, that's even cooler. I'd love any input on what you're doing or have done to prep for your first marathon.
Start: 5:39am
Weather: Clear and Cool
Time/Distance/Pace: 0:15:15 - 1.51 miles - 10:08
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/57347902
Thoughts: It was a nearly pitch black morning with just a sliver of a moon peaking over the trees to the east. The temperature was near freezing as my lungs were tight but I was not wheezing (below freezing and I start to wheeze). Rounding the Harbor de Grace I anticipated the thud of a beaver slapping its tail off the surface of the marsh, as it startles me every time I run by. But, my pass was free of the mammal's warning. Upon reaching the top of the New Hill (Long Island's largest, rising 75 feet over the distance of a quarter mile) I was greeted by the constellation of Orion just above the trees directly in front of me. I tried to view it as some sort of omen for conquering my marathon but could not remember the myth surrounding Orion besides he is battling another constellation in the sky (hopefully the one that represents sore joints). Rounding the marsh on my return trip (still no beavers) my left knee began to throb. Just enough to remind me of its issues but not enough hinder my progress. The rest of the run was event-less, I had reached the one mile mark and fallen into the cadence of my pace, paying no mind to where my mind wandered.
Total Training Distance: 1.51 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 0:15:15
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