John's Marathon Journey

*** NOTE: This is a VERY CHALLENGING run! ***

Have respect for it, and the distance, by showing up well prepared.

This was the ominous warning sent out in the coaches' letter before this morning's run in Woodside. It had everything short of the full marathon distance: 18 miles, challenging hills, and RAIN! The coaches do a good job of putting some fear of the course into us beforehand. I find it very helpful so I won't take the run lightly.

As it turns out, I ran well today. It was very tough, but I made it in one piece. I discovered a previously unappreciated muscle in my leg that was spazzing the last two miles. The best part was the trail running, even though this is where the hills were. Very beautiful; perhaps even more beautiful because of the rain. The trails were through Edgewood Park. I didn't know about this park before, but it's a great place to run.

As I ran this long course, I thought of our honorees, including Louie. And, I gave thanks that my body is holding up so well under these demands. And finally, I was thankful for my sponsors, who have made fundraising so successful. It's great to be achieving this goal while doing something for others at the same time.

Post run, I'm in reasonably good shape. My legs are very tired and I'm shuffling around like a 90-year old man. Stairs are difficult, especially going down stairs. It's time to spend quality time with the ice pack!

p.s. Louie's story made the first page of the San Jose Mercury News yesterday.

R.I.P. Louie

Unlike the rest of my posts, this is a somber note. This Tuesday, we learned that one of our honorees passed away from leukemia. His name was Louie. He was an inspiration to a lot of people, as he completed many endurance events as he fought cancer. He finished several "Ironman" events, which are the ultimate in endurance sports. His story, which is currently on a web site he created, is impressive and inspirational.

Louie was honored to carry the Olympic Torch when it passed through San Francisco last week. Shortly thereafter, he was admitted to the hospital and passed away. It seems appropriate that he was able to realize this dream of his before his life ended. My condolences go to his family and many, many friends.

This is a good reminder of the other reason for doing the TNT program, that these cancers still affect people every day. We are blessed with the health to finish endurance events, and need to keep raising funds to help find a cure!

Peace.

Do I look fat?

Well, that's what my scale says. Susan gave me one of those Tanita body fat scales for Christmas. Not only does it give a reading of 2-4 pounds heavier than our old scale, but it says I am slightly overweight! It doesn't bother me (much), but it does seem strange since I'm in my best shape in many years.

Loved It

The 16-mile run yesterday at Lover's Point in Pacific Grove went great. It was a beautiful venue, I ran well, and I finished strong.

There is something magical about being in the "zone", where your body is working hard but in a steady state. On this run, all was quiet except for the rhythm of feet hitting the ground, deep breathing, and the occasional bird's cry. That's a pretty nice experience for over two hours. I always liken it to meditation.

Post-run, my body doesn't feel bad at all. Knees were a little sore, so I used the ice pack just to be safe. Today I'm just a little stiff, but no pain. I have to be careful not be be too confident after this performance. I have to keep reminding myself that "the halfway point in a marathon is at 20 miles". That's not mathematics, but more physiology. Still wondering about an appropriate target pace for the marathon. I seem to have run yesterday at 9:00 pace, which is 20-40 seconds/mile faster than past long runs. Not sure if some calculations were off or if I just "tore up" this flat course. :-)

Will I Love Saturday's Run?

In two days we have our most far-flung group run. It's at "Lover's Point" in Pacific Grove. We'll run 16 miles up and down the coast. The course is supposed to be very beautiful, so I'm looking forward to it. No rain is forecast, and I'll pray for no wind. The logistics are a little complicated, as we really need to carpool for such a long trip. To be there at 7:30 am, our carpool has to leave at 6!!!

Sixteen miles is awfully long, but I'm encouraged by my strong performance in Woodside. I just have to prepare and have the right frame of mind, and I should do well.

Colder than a ...

I think this morning was the coldest weather I've ever run in. It was about 35 degress when I went out to our 6:15 am Buddy Run. Nevertheless, there was the usual crowd: Ed, Steve, Heidi, Marion and Hao. I layered on stocking cap, white garden gloves, and Brocade-issued fleece top and it was oh so comfortable! It's really neat starting to run before sunrise. The secret is to go to bed early the night before. When I'm in bed at 10, waking up at 5:45 is pretty easy.

Euphoria at Rancho

This is an "off" week, between last week's long (14) run and the next two weeks of increasing long (16, 18) runs. We met for an "On Your Own" run at Ranch San Antonio Park. At 7:30 AM, I was surprised that the parking lot was nearly full this time. Lots of people out for a morning walk and socializing.

Anyway, since we only had to run about seven miles, I ran with the faster crowd. "Fast" is relative of course, but it was fast for me, and very exhilirating. We ran through Rogue Valley and Upper Wildcat Canyon. There is a one-mile climb that just kills! I was wearing my HRM and it pegged me at 96-99% of maximum heart rate. I wasn't running fast on that part of the course. Coming down, however, was a blast! My running partner really flew down the hill, and I tried my best to keep up. It's actually the first time in the TNT program that I had a side stitch, which I attribute to the fast running. But it was a really great workout and I felt fantastic afterwards.

I think the endorphins were really pumping, because I was in a euphoric state all morning. I love running!

I Can't Keep My Pants On

I thought that would get your attention. One of the side effects of training for a marathon is that my wardrobe is falling off me! My waist had been expanding the last couple of years, and I was buying larger pants so I could actually breathe in them. Well, things are all reversing now. Most of my pants fit loosely now; some, so loosely that I really have to cinch up the belt to keep them on.

I know, I know, most people would be happy to have this problem. I'm not complaining.

Woodside 14-Miler Report

Yesterday's run in Woodside was great! I ran steadily throughout and finished strong. It was such a relief that 14 miles went better than the previous week's 12-miler. I've regained my confidence about these distances and the prospects for a successful marathon.

The course had a lot of turns and variety. It started out going through a wonderful, wonderful forest park. It's called Huddart Park. We were running up and down forest trails, single file as a group. Uphill was tough but bearable, and downhill through the moist forest trails was a joy! Much of the trail was along a fast running creek, which added to the scenic appeal. These are the kinds of courses that I love.

After coming out of the park, we ran through rural roads around Woodside. Although I've lived in the Bay Area all my life, I'd never spent time there before. Lots of "country estates" in a variety of styles. It was fun to look at them all. You could see a lot more than you ever would driving by in a car.

After the run, all the runner had a potluck in Palo Alto. I brought pizza from the Round Table next door, and this warm entree was very popular to the exhausted runners. Most of the runners under my Mentors were there; we took a group picture and I'll posted it on my TNT page.

I'm very happy that I'm not hurting too much after yesterday's run. I have just a little soreness below my kneecaps, and general leg stiffness. But it is quite bearable and I'm happy!

Looking to Woodside

Tomorrow is another big day: 14 miles in Woodside. This will be the longest I've ever run, even going back to my college years at UCSC. I'm somewhat anxious, given how tough last week's run was. It was reassuring to hear that I once the only one with sore legs and knees from last week! I'm going to start trying ice the next time I am hurting from a run.

Fundraising has gone well. A few more checks trickled in (end of year rush). I need to catch up on Thank You notes! They're coming.