Does it really matter?

Does it really matter if you come in first? Unless you depend on endurance sports as a money making career and thus willing to sacrifice wearing out your body prematurely, or you are an aspiring Olympic athlete, does it really matter?

In recreational runs where WE pay to compete, the only person who really cares who is first is the one who comes in second and maybe third. After that most just want to test themselves and have fun. Some may want to place in their age category and if not, can be happy if they put forth their best effort. 

Kids in school programs do wish to do well and try at least not to be last. The kids who learn that trying your best and enjoy striving to improve, knowing they have done all they are capable of are the happiest.

Recently reading a book I rediscovered in my library reminded me of the true joy of running. Discussing the subject of truly enjoying runs , this quote in the book stood out;

"Quit comparing times and start comparing feelings. Times don't last. Feelings do."

4 AM on a Saturday? Are you crazy?

Just a little.
Ever since I can remember, I have been up before dawn to start enjoying a day off. I guess it all started with my Dad. Dad would take our family on many trips to the Texas coast or a Hill country lake. Dad loved to fish. Waking early. we'd head out to the fishing pier. I have memories of walking down dimly lit wooden piers, the water glistening below and moving from the wake of fishing boats puttering off into the distance. I learned to enjoy the slow break of day. Light coming over the horizon as the sun rose over the hills or breaking through the water in the distance.
When we weren't on a trip with Dad and the family, my big brother would wake me early on the weekends and we'd go to the local lake and drop a line in the water. As a teenager my friends and I also would get going before dawn. Runs to the lake or the creek to explore and enjoy a sunrise followed by running around the high school campus and getting into the gym if it was open. Walking home when we tired and stopping at a convenience store to grab a snack on the way home. Back home before noon and we still had more than half the day available.
So yes, I'm getting up early on Saturday.
Heading out to run in the hills with friends this morning. It should be a clear day today. I can already imagine the sunrise coming over the hills in the distance as we pause atop Sky Island.
 Oh s&$t look at the time! I've got to go!

TV spot and the Prickly Pear trail races

Recently some in our group were interviewed about Ultrarunning by a local Spanish TV station video reporter. We had fun and talked about what an ultra Marathon is and what experiences we encounter. There's great footage of  our groups aid station and start line of the Bandera 100K too! You'll enjoy it even if you don't understand Spanish. You can watch it Here.

Our group was asked to man an aid station at the Prickly Pear 50K and 10 mile trail runs that were held yesterday at local Mc Allister park. Many in our group also ran the races. At one time we had more help than we needed but it was great hanging out with everyone and watching our friends come by. Our aid station was 3 miles before the end of the race for 10 milers and miles 8, 18, and 28 for the 50Ker's. We had a boom box playing Elizabeth's (She's on the Spanish TV interview)  running play list and many runners came in to our aid station dancing. And at the 28 mile mark some left dancing too!

I helped setup the aid station then ran off to run the 10 miler before coming back to help and hang out at our aid station. The weather was typical prickly Pear weather, wet. This year though it was not as wet as in previous years. Light drizzle would make the mostly black dirt trails sticky so I wore my worn flat NB's. Turned out to be a wise decision. The mud did not clump up on my shoes. I started at the front so I could get in a good spot when we hit the single track. And because I hoped to win another one of those cool Prickly Pear mugs by placing in my age group. Pushing hard the whole 10 miles was my plan, but at mile 3 the mid 60 degree temps and humidity was getting to me. I started too hard,...again. I slowed to a more comfortable pace and relaxed. For the most part, I felt great all race long and never had issues. I'd seen and talked to an old friend before the race. Eric had not run a race in over a year due to an achilles injury. It was good to see him back at it. Eric is a great guy and was once voted as "The Rockhopper (our group) most likely to stop and talk to you while leading in a race." He actually did just that. Eric and I were to leap frog each other until he took off at about mile 7 to catch a runner he had his eye on. Approaching the finish I saw some friends who called out to me. That was fun. Crossing the finish line at 1:23:21 was good enough for third in my age group and a mug. I missed the bigger second place mug by 3 seconds. Oh well, I had a great time and hung out with Eric at the finish line for awhile before going back for more fun at the aid station.

Austin to Boston.

The official results are in and my chip time was 3:40:00 at the Austin Marathon on 02/17/2013. I DID Qualify! I hit my Boston Qualifier on the nose!

Running Boston has been at the back of my mind since running my first marathon in 1998. And I just left it there. It was brought to the forefront when I’d here friends talk about it, but I’d tell myself, “I don’t NEED to do that.”

About four years ago I tried to qualify anyway. My good friend John said he’d pace me and we’d get it done. I failed. 3:30:00 was the time to beat back then and I ran a 3:46:something. It hurt too. physically and mentally. Back then I told myself again, “I don’t need to do that.” But it was still there, in  the back of my mind.

Last fall it was brought back to the front by my friend Lalo. He told me about the Hanson’s marathon training method. I got excited. “It will get us to Boston!” he said. Again, those words came back. I half heartedly agreed (didn’t tell him that) to train with Lalo for a Boston qualifier.  What the heck, disciplined training will do me good. Soon we were texting each other after completing our scheduled training runs. This did not stop. Almost daily I texted him details of my accomplishment for the day. And I knew I had to complete most of the training runs so that I can text him with pride. This kept me honest and motivated.

Lalo became my coach. He is a great runner, motivator, and friend. During our training he was stern when he had to be, yet compassionate when he needed to be. Every thing was going good.

Then I broke my toe 10 weeks before the marathon. I lost three weeks of training. I did get on the bike, walked, and lifted weights but I could not run. Maybe this was good because I rested and it took only about 10 days after resuming my running again to be back to where I left off. I took a spill and banged my knee a few weeks later but thank God it was not too serious.

Going into the Austin Marathon I was feeling better than at the start of any other marathon I’d run. Still, I wasn’t sure how I’d do. For the first time in a very long while I had butterflies in my stomach. Lalo was so excited and trying to pump me up. I didn’t want to let him or myself down by not giving it my best. I thought about just cruising it but then again, why not give it a shot? I’m prepared. Maybe I was afraid to fail again.

At the start, Lalo’s wife Amanda and I shared stories of past marathons we’ve run and we shared techniques on running economy. Just as the race was to begin, she said, “Stefan says to run relaxed.”

I was to play those words in my mind several times this day.

The course was one I really enjoyed. We run down hill for the first 3 or so miles crossing over the Colorado River. From mile 3 to 6 there is an incline of about 200 feet. Many people lined the course cheering on the runners. I thought about carrying a water bottle but with water stations almost every 2 miles it was not necessary. I took in water at every station. At mile 9 the course got real hilly. By this time I was taking in Hammer gel from a flask I carried. To my surprise, I was attacking the hills well.  Twice though, I paused to take two or three walking steps after cresting a hill. From mile 9 to mile 14 there were about 5 short but steep inclines. I planned to run with the 3:30 pace group but soon I saw the 3:25 pace group ahead. I’m running too fast, I thought. But it felt so good I kept it up and hoped I could hang on. At about mile 17 the course flattens out and went through a real pretty residential area. Wood framed modest homes with porches surrounded by mature trees. People were sitting on lawn chairs sipping coffee and cheering us on. Our names were on our race bibs so many called out our names. Nice touch. Neighbors gathered together in their front yards and offered fruit and drink. Musicians lined the course too. Some bands, String trios, and guitar soloist.  But somehow the flat road gets to me. I hate it. Must be a mental thing. Give me a hill!

As I reached the 22 mile maker the 3:30 pace group catches me and drops me quickly. I am starting to fatigue. Good thing the course is now downhill. I passed a man working in his street side garden who seemed oblivious  to what was happening around him. Then up ahead a runner slows, heads for the curb and goes down softly on his knees. I go to him and ask if he’s OK. He nods his head as he slowly rises and begins to walk forward. “We’re almost there buddy, we’re almost there.” I say.

With a little over two miles to go I am tired. I was afraid I’d pushed too hard and this was it. The thought of walking  to the end crossed my mind. I walked through a water station taking three cups of Gatorade and water. Then I thought,  I have to keep moving. The 3:40 pace group is still behind me. I got in a comfortable stride and thought about a term we use to tease each other in our group. Especially Larry. “Dig Deep!”

I walked through one more water station before the finish. With about a quarter mile to go the course turns left to reveal two hills in succession! I guess it’s better to see them both at once than to think you’re done then see another. But why put them here? I told myself, “You’ve got to run.” At this point I see the 3:40 pacers right next to me! OH NO! I turned it up a notch. Then I thought, “If I don’t make it I won’t be happy, but I’ll be content with my effort. I ran my best this day”

The last 10^th of a mile is down hill with a turn about 50 yards from the finish. At this last turn I caught sight of the clock. It’s scary, but it was just as I played it in my mind several times in the week leading up to the race. The clock read 3:40:50. I knew I had at least a minute to spare because that’s the time (more or less) after the gun went off that I crossed the starting mat. I ran as fast as I could. When I stopped my watch it read 3:40:04. ”Maybe, Maybe I got it”, I thought.

I later met up with Lalo and Amanda. We congratulated each other, then I told them I am pretty sure I missed my 3:40:00 Boston qualifying time.  Lalo scanned the barcode on my bib and it read 3:41:02. What stood out was the :02. We moaned in unison. “OH NO!” I missed it by two seconds. But I was OK with it. The next day final results were published on the web and it showed me finishing at 3:40:00.
I Got in to Boston by the hairs on my chinny chin chin!

What a great experience.

Missed Boston qualifier by .02 seconds. No Biggie.

I had a Great run at the Austin Marathon today. 3:40:02 finishing time. A PR!
But missed the Boston Qualifier.
I was emotional at the finish line after my first Marathon in 1998. This time it took 6 hours to get teary eyed. One because I still hear my Dad (long passed away) saying, "Keep it up Son. Don't ever stop."
And, talking to and thinking about my big brother today who got me back into being active again in the late 80's, and who supported me all my life. I love you Andy.
Report to come later.

A five minute Squat?

It's tough to do! I did 5 squats very slowly today but maybe not slow enough. It took me 7 minutes.
In the latest podcast from Ben Greenfield, his guest Jay Schroeder discusses Russian training techniques.
How putting your muscles under stress at a very slow rate trains them much better for when they are called upon in an endurance event. Also how short, intense workouts are much better than long strung out workouts. Very interesting stuff. He says the Russians didn't invent this stuff, they perfected it.
Toe update!
It's still swollen (just a little bit) and sore after a run but not so bad. I've been putting in 35 to 45 miles a week for the last month since I got back to running again after the broken little toe on my left foot. Mostly quality runs up until I fell two weeks ago and injured my knee!
What was it Roseanne Rosannadanna said?
On runs lately I find myself favoring my left foot at times but I'm  feeling pretty good going into this weekends Austin Marathon. This Marathon has been in my bucket list for at least 15 years. Finally getting there!
And the best part? I will be sharing the experience with good friends. The Doc!, my good friend Lalo. And his wife!
Will I PR? Not holding my breath, but I will definitely have a good time. I'm going to make sure of that.

Why? Because I love it.

Recently two articles and a discussion with friends have made me think about the reasons for running. In one article and the conversation with friends, the topic was about running too much. And the strain it puts on relationships. The idea of what constitutes too much varies among individuals of course, but how many Marathons are enough? How many Ultras are too many? Why run multiple Ultras? Is one 100 miler enough? If not, why not? Again, the answer to that question is unique to each individual. The main point was that the body can only take so much pounding. Some will be able to pound their bodies more than others but I believe we all have a finite number of times our joints can take a beating. I don't want to get to the point where I cannot walk in comfort. It is very difficult to slow down though. But it's a must. Especially as we grow older. An Ultra or two a year are what's in store for me now. And probably, not over 50 miles anymore. Of course there will be shorter distance races too! A 10K, a half and full Marathon thrown in here and there.
Why? That's the second article. Why do we run. I enjoy pushing my body. It makes me feel alive. As does being outdoors. Running, I've seen, and felt being a part of,  numerous beautiful sunrises, grassy fields, farms, mountains, hills, forests, deserts, cloudless sunny skies, rain forming clouds, animals, birds, sunsets, bright full moons and moonless star filled skies. And I want to see and feel more. I love the camaraderie and competition that running brings too. I've made many good friends over the years I've been running. And running into some friends I haven't seen for some time is always refreshing. This happens often at races as it did at today's half Marathon in Bulverde,TX.
The day started cool and wet with a slight breeze. Picking up my packet a friend came over to say hi. Another friend I made a few months ago called out my name. I saw and was hanging out with some old friends when in walks Michele. It had been years since I've seen her at a race. We go back about 7 years to a small group of trail runners we ran with.
As this was my first time running this course, Joe gave me some good advice prior to the start, "save something for the end, it gets real hilly at about mile 10."
The race started with a downhill on the slick rural road. Soon my friend Daniel pulled away and I tried to keep repeating Joe's words in my head. The mist in the air at times became heavy but never materialized into a drizzle. At mile 4 we began up a long gradual incline. I could still see Daniel about half a mile ahead. If I can only keep him in sight I'll be ok. Then I thought "Why? Run your own race Tony!" The hills were rolling along farm houses and crop fields. We passed a farm with horses, donkeys, chickens, and cows. Nice! See!, that's the reason I like running.
At mile 8 the real hills began. My pace slowed and I thought about walking one. I waited until I crested it though and only paused to take 4 or 5 steps then resumed running (with Joe's words coming back to haunt me). I was to do this only one more time as I crested the hill at mile 11. I swallowed a gel and took two cups of water from the aid station. While I walked leaving the aid station a girl passed me. As soon as she was about 10 yards ahead I took off after her and fed off her energy until about mile twelve when I passed her on a downhill. I don't think she liked it. Her breathing was harder and she tried desperately to catch me. I was running comfortably and kept an even pace. There's the competition aspect. And honestly, I was eyeing any one who looked to be about my age too. I wanted to place in my age group. Approaching mile 13 fatigue was setting in. I slowed and was passed by that same girl. I tried my best to smile on that last uphill to the finish line. Post race I hung out with Daniel and the fellas. Daniel finished exactly two minutes ahead of me and missed 3rd place in his age group by less than a minute. It was a fun time and I placed second in my age group (50-54) with a time of 1:48:50. Yes, I like the competition also.