Marathon: My personal journey

We are getting close!

OK. How about this? #OORAH

This means we are getting about 25 days away from the Marine Corps Marathon. I have one long run of 22 miles left, and I can't wait. It's the ultimate measuring stick. After this week, it's taper time. I will be logging in 50 miles or so this week. This means sleep, fuel and running! WOO HOO or should I say OORAH!

Image source:
https://www.facebook.com/MarineCorpsMarathon

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

listen marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

Trait #6 Be open

James Connely at 8:23 PM No comments:

As a marathon runner, runner or business professional it makes sense to be open. I will take a different approach here. Yes you should listen and be open to feedback. I believe that most people do this very well. What is different is listening to yourself and your own body. I love the fact that the author of this article mentions dialogue about creating your own success.

It's a charming view about being positive. When you listen, devote yourself to the mission and believe, you will create your own success-every time!

Image source:
http://www.globalbusinesscafe.com/tag/listening/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon U2

8 Mile!

James Connely at 6:50 PM No comments:

OK. I haven't finished the 7 traits, but felt like a quick diversion. Today, I ran an 8 mile training run. I was so excited to run it and the experience was purely awesome!

You may be asking yourself, did he really say that? Yes. I sure did. Let me give you some background as to why. First, I have grown to really love the 8 mile distance. It is long enough to really test you physically and it a really neat experience mentally.

Yesterday, I was telling a friend about my excitement for running the 8 miles and she said "you are really crazy". I tried explaining the "why" behind the excitement and failed to do so accurately. Today, I ran to U2's new album called "Songs of Innocence". A couple of my favorite tracks on the album include "The Miracle", "Every Breaking Wave", "Iris" and "California". The album is free on iTunes for iCloud customers. I applaud Apple and U2 for taking such a daring move. The boys from Ireland really sound great!

I really enjoyed the album and it really helped me through the 8 miler. You should download the album, if you haven't already.

You can download it here:
http://www.apple.com/U2/

Here is why I love the album: Songs of Innocence has its roots in the band’s early and lifelong influences, including the Ramones, Bob Dylan, and The Clash, as well as their formative years in Dublin and their transformative pilgrimage to California. It’s a collection of songwriting and music made possible only by shared time and life experiences.

Image source:
http://www.acclaimmag.com/uncategorized/vibe-uncovers-8-things-about-8-mile-we-didnt-know/

Sunday, September 21, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon Training vision

Trait #5 Vision

James Connely at 6:55 PM No comments:

This trait is awesome. It relates to having a strong "vision" for the finish. This is extremely helpful, when the chips are down or you are at a low point. It's critically important that you have something you can visualize to keep you in the race.

As an example, I visualize the finish line for the marine corps marathon. I visualize this on nearly every run. This one is easier because it is written about extensively. I can see the marines and it motivates me beyond words.

Here is an interesting point. I have visualized the finish in my past three full marathon finishes. Each time, the finish was so different. It's just a great surprise every time!

Image Source:
http://www.prodality.com/get-employees-buy-vision/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Friday, September 19, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

Trait #4 Preparation

James Connely at 7:13 PM No comments:

Trait #4 is preparation! This one is a favorite of mine. When you run a marathon, things happen. Successful marathon finishers can anticipate the combinations of things that can happen and they adjust.

Some of the most common issues that can come up are as follows:

Running too fast out of the gate
Falling behind
Missing fuel
Cramps
Mild injuries (i.e. blisters)

During my second marathon, I had severe cramping issues. I fell behind the pace I wanted to achieve. In the end, I was able to finish. It was my worst time, but best finish. Like the article states, I had to adjust my plan and execution.

Image source:
http://studentaffairscollective.org/preparation-before-promotion/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon self belief strength

Trait #3 Strength

James Connely at 6:41 PM 1 comment:

This is a great trait, strength. The article describes the elements as being tough and flexible. In the marathon, there will always be some sort of a curve ball or significant challenge. For me, I have run three different full marathons and I have encountered the following:

Mild muscle cramps (my first marathon)
Severe muscle cramps (my second marathon)
Forgetting to take the right amount of fuel (my second marathon)

Notice the trend, I didn't write about the third marathon. I changed my plan on the third and it worked. Strength is inherent in the marathon. In my first two marathons, I had to revise my plans, remain flexible and I had to BELIEVE.

Being strong will help you in anything you do, but especially the full marathon.

Image source:
http://funny-pictures.picphotos.net/philippians-4-13-bible-http-bibleencyclopedia-com-slides-philippians/bibleencyclopedia.com*kjvsmall*KJV_Philippians_4-13.jpg/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

focus marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

#2 Focus

James Connely at 7:31 PM No comments:

Today, I will briefly discuss the element of focus and distance running. A number of things can happen to you while running or preparing for a big race. During training, the miles rack up. You have a schedule and you just go. This is good, but you may have to start approaching your runs with more "focus". To be specific, what is your goal of the run. How will you execute to meet your goal.

This is important. This year, I have been really trying harder to focus during training. About 1/4 of the way through my program, I notice myself just "running". I reminded myself to focus on a specific goal.

Why do this? Well, during a big race you will have distractions or unexpected things that happen. Your focus will guide you to your goal. At the end of a full marathon, it's a super challenge. The last six miles are the most difficult stretches of land. I say, it's the piece of land that everyone wants...but to earn them is different. You have to earn the line and focus will get you there!

Tomorrow, I will talk about strength.

Image source:
https://sysministriesinc.wordpress.com/tag/1-timothy-414/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Monday, September 15, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon Training

Trait #1- Resilience

James Connely at 6:51 PM No comments:

Competitor magazine has an article discussing their 7 habits of mentally tough runners. This week I will put my spin on the 7 traits. Trait #1 is resilience. This year, I had a difficult race. The race itself was awesome, but it took a ton out of me. I struggled to reconcile the physical part of running again and my confidence was a little shaky. Interestingly enough, I had a 16 mile run the week after the difficult race. I ran the 16 extremely well. However, I had to resolve myself to putting the bad race behind me. It worked!!! Resilience is key. Tomorrow, I will talk about focus:)

Image source:
http://resilient-families.com/

The full article can be found here:
Click here for the full article

Sunday, September 14, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon Training

Reflections from the week!

James Connely at 12:04 PM No comments:

This week was a tough training week, as it was full of longer runs for me. I really enjoyed it. Yesterday, the week was capped off by a 19.5 mile run. During this run, I was emotional. It was because I thought of the Marine Corps Marathon and all of the support I have received from friends, family, donors (Diabetes in Action), and fellow runners.

The result of the 19.5 mile run was this: I feel so amazingly confident about this full marathon. It's going to be my best effort ever. I call it my first "away" game. I still have some time to go and will need to finish the rest of my longer runs. Yesterday was a big step forward.

My cousin Clarence is running the MCM too, and I know he is going to ROCK! He is a great father, husband, cousin, doctor, and served in the U.S. Airforce. It's going to be awesome to see him.

It means the world to me that Teri and Nile will be at the MCM to cheer me on. The amount of sacrifice a family goes through, so a family member can run a full marathon is amazing. Thank you for making the sacrifice! For all of the other runners out there, I thank your families...and remember to thank them yourself. When you cross the finish line, it's just as much about them too. It is a total team effort. You just happen to be the one physically doing it:)

It may be simple things like hiding water bottles, talking about strategy, lending a supportive ear and definitely the time sacrifice.

Image source:
http://running.competitor.com/2011/06/news/marine-corps-marathon-opens-transfer-program_29648

Friday, September 12, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

It's GO TIME!

James Connely at 7:46 PM No comments:

Oh yeah, you guessed it. Tomorrow is a BIG day. We have Iowa vs. Iowa State, true. Before that though, I will be testing myself on an 18 mile long run.

I am so thankful for the Nike Plus app to remind me of this:) Whoa!

Tomorrow is going to be a BIG test, but I am ready. I am ready physically and even more so mentally. I have my Tailwind packed, clothes out, Spotify playlists built. All I have to do, is get some winks....get up and RUN!

Then it is off to Iowa City for the HAWKS! GO HAWKS!
PS....43 days!

Nike Plus- thanks for the polite reminder.

Getting closer to the marathon PR. Woo hoo. I am preparing to be the best Jim Connely Marathoner I can be!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

hawkeyes marathon training rivalry week

Rivalry week- Get Ready!

James Connely at 7:43 PM No comments:

Oh yeah, it's finally here. Rivalry week. Iowa vs. Iowa State. I am so excited that I can barely stand it. During my workout this morning, it rained a bit. I felt great getting back on track with a longer run.

During rivalry week, everything picks up. The business calls get more intense, meetings zip at a fierce pace, the workouts get intense, and even games of hide and seek have much more vigor.

All of this builds toward bringing the "A" game on Saturday.

I will leave you with a quick thought. GO HAWKS!

Image source:
www.hawkcentral.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon patience

It's a virtue!

James Connely at 8:04 PM No comments:

Yes you guessed it. Patience is a virtue. Today, I am learning that lesson. This morning I had to postpone my run because of dangerous weather. I was going to run tonight, but mother nature had a different idea.

I had to weigh the safety concerns. It's been tough, I would rather get the run in!

No worries- I will get back on schedule:) It will make the rest of the week a bit different and possibly more difficult. I will look at this as a positive.

Sounds like the overall plan to train for a marathon involves being patient. It's the number one thing it teaches you. WOO HOO!

Image source:
http://www.scriptmag.com/features/balls-of-steel-patience-crazy-patience

Sunday, September 7, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

First survive and then thrive!

James Connely at 9:35 AM No comments:

This phrase comes to mind for training and yesterday's installment of Iowa football. First, survive and then thrive!

Throughout training, it seems like an effort to survive. At some point, you turn the corner and thrive. Thriving could be finishing or setting a PR. Whatever your goal is, you have to keep your eye on it and get there. You will know when your time will come. When it does, capitalize!

Yesterday, Jake Duzey caught the game winning pass. It was a game of mere survival until that point, Iowa pulled ahead of the game and Jake Duzey caught the game winner. The play came with under 2 minutes to play. It illustrates so many things about patience, concentration and belief. Sounds like running a marathon...so many highs, lows, and patience will deliver you to the finish.

Have fun with training this week!

Image source:
https://www.hawkcentral.com

Thursday, September 4, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile Training

Reflections from my latest race!

James Connely at 7:35 PM No comments:

On Monday, I ran the benefit classic here in Dubuque, IA. Holy smokes it was a difficult run. I ran hard. After the race, I started to get a bit sore. I haven't felt like that in a long time. As the week progressed, I feel great. On Saturday, I run 16 miles before the Iowa game. I am STOKED. Mentally, I am really getting ready. Physically, I am working on my strategy and approach.

I really appreciate the many words of support. Special thanks to Mia Burbach who took some cool photos of me during the race.

The Marine Corps Marathon is 51 days away, but I am not counting. Seriously, I am not counting. :) WOO HOO

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

calico bean market marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon

When I thought of you!

James Connely at 7:58 PM No comments:

During the Big 10K race in Chicago, I ran past this sign and thought of all of you. Yes, it prompted me to take a quick picture:)

You are beautiful to me. You always have been and will always be. Smile and enjoy your day/night or morning.

Monday, September 1, 2014

finish marathon marathon training smile

Dress rehearsal!

James Connely at 6:58 PM No comments:

I was so excited for my "dress rehearsal" today. This references the benefit classic half marathon in Dubuque, IA. I have run the race before, but this course was amazingly difficult. The conditions were hot and humid. I ran a solid race. I learned a few things today, here is a summary:

1. For the marine corps marathon, I will download my spotify list for "offline". Today, I experienced some issues with connectivity.
2. I need to purchase a handheld that is larger (20 ounces). I used the tailwind nutrition today and it worked out great (@gotailwind).
3. Take aleve before running. Today, I waited until I got home and was a little sore.
4. Smiling while running really works, I need to do it all of the time.
5. I ran hard today. My core worked great in the stretch and my quads burned it up. The cross training really helped conquer the hills.
6. Appreciate the run. Today, I saw some truly "gutsy" performances. Each of the runners towards the end of the pack really battled the course. You guys define the term finish!
7. The volunteers are amazing! Thank you all for the support, water and kind words! You all ROCK!