Marathon: My personal journey

My partner and I just need 104 miles in December to hit the combined goal of 2015 miles. Good news. We have 65 of the 104 already, so we can see the finish line!

YES! Just need to finish. #boom!

Image source:
Image source:
www.pednet.org

The weather is perfect. Each morning has been around 30 degrees. I ran with the Yak Trax earlier in the week, but shed them on Wednesday. 

As a runner, I have not always appreciated rest days. I have read about them, but for some reason just like to "grind it out". It is true that you must rest to stay fresh and injury free. This weekend, I have been resting and it feels great. I should do this more often. I know, I know.

I can't wait to hit the road again tomorrow. Tonight I am playing hockey, so my legs won't feel that way tomorrow. YAHOOOO.

Have a great Sunday. Here's to the fossils!


Image source:
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-fossil-record.htm

As the Winter closes in on us here in the Midwest, I am reflecting on the running year and thinking about finishing strong. I have a virtual race still going and need to stay focused on finishing that one strong. It's the "Run the Edge" race, and the distance is 2,015 miles. I am partnered up with a fantastic runner and friend. We are so close to closing it out. We will post some funny pictures when we do. 

I must admit, the last two months of the year traditionally pose a challenge for me. It's darker than usual, cold and the schedule isn't packed with races. To compound the challenge, I just finished marathon season. Your body and mind trick you into this: You have worked hard and it's time to take a break.

This is a challenging period. Historically. Not this year though.

I have taken up one of my favorite sports: hockey. It requires you to be in great shape. Running does this for me. I now find myself running to be better on the ice.

On the running side, six of my awesome friends and I will be running a 75 mile relay in May. This is another great bit of motivation.

My goal is to have at least 100 miles a month for November/December.

You have greatness all around you. 

See it and run it. 

Tomorrow, I will be running again. It is the first time since the marathon and I am excited. It will be a smaller run.

I can't wait!

WOO HOO!

Yesterday, I successfully completed the Quad City Marathon. What a fun race! I LOVED so many aspects of it. The people (fans), the volunteers, friends and my biggest fans (Teri and Nile) were AMAZING! 

Chad and Heather- thank you so much for lettings us stay at your house. It was so much fun to visit with the Natalie and Kaitlyn...and our night with Shawn, Michelle and Alex was magical. I am so proud of you all. You guys have wonderful families. Your mom and dad are proud! Your generosity and friendship means the world to us and it was such a highlight to the weekend.

Today I gave Nile a granola bar from the race. He said "did they give one to Natalie?...I am not eating it. Make sure she is OK". Needless to say, he really enjoyed this weekend and we have to do it again.

I will never forget Teri driving me to the start and helped me get motivated for my journey. I loved seeing Teri and Nile at mile 25. I LOVED seeing Nile run along with me. This powered me through the last 1.2 miles. They sure were longer than expected. YAHOO.

I did the pump and run. I benched 170 lbs. fifteen times and curled 95 lbs. nine times. It was great to give back to charity.

My mile dedications were spot on all day.

I will share more later this week. Thank each and every one of you for supporting me. It means the world! This is me before the race, all smiles and ready.

I trust in my training plan and I have faith that I will finish on Sunday. Just like this road, I cannot see where it goes after a certain point. I ran across this road ten minutes before. Is it the same? 

Have faith. 

Have faith in something. 

Have faith in yourself.

I have faith and believe. 

I believe in God:) She will get me through.

.

I am grateful for my abilities, time and mind. These awesome flowers were photographed during my runs recently. Enjoy!

Later this week I will share with you my changes. It's going to be the best race I have ever run.

Can't wait! 

I love the sound of "long run in the books, rest day coming". I really enjoyed my long run today. I was worried about it, changed my mindset and zoomed along. It was a difficult run, but I managed physically and mentally.

I am feeling more ready for the Quad City Marathon, as every day goes on. YES!

As I ran today, I kept thinking about Tyler Sash and September 11th. I said a few prayers for the families.

Thank you for reading and supporting me!



Image source:
http://www.911memorial.org/explore-memorial
http://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/football/2015/09/10/tyler-sash-death-iowa-hawkeyes-football-helmet/72025844/

The other day my wife called to tell me that Tyler Sash passed away. I was in shock. I hoped it was a hoax. I have never met Tyler Sash, but saw him play football for my beloved Hawkeyes and the New York Giants. I loved how real Tyler Sash was. As a fan, I appreciated his love for the game, intensity and passion.

He played hard and was a true Hawkeye at heart. Personally, he represents a time where I was struggling with my father's cancer. I vividly remember close games in 2009. I was able to watch many games with my Dad. He loved Adrian Claiborn, Derell Johnson-Koulianos, Tony Moeaki, Ricky Stanzi and Marvin McNutt. Above all, he loved Tyler Sash.

He loved every aspect of how he played. My Dad would say he defines a "Norm Parker" player. My Dad was right. I can see Tyler Sash playing the part of a "fireman" to put out the fire started by the opposing team's offense.

So when I got the call from my wife, I was stunned. It conjured up some feelings. I feel for Tyler's family and friends. The loss is unthinkable. The Hawkeye family is grieving too. Tyler Sash was the  definition of a Hawkeye.

Over the next week, I will write about my experiences in watching Tyler Sash. Heads up for a post about how he saved the season against the Indiana Hoosiers. More on that later.

Rest in Peace Tyler Sash.

GBNB
#9
#RIPTylerSash

Image source:
http://qctimes.com/gallery/photos-tyler-sash/collection_4c1812d8-5655-11e5-8d64-b72ad45c88ff.html#0

I am so excited that week 13 is finished. This morning I had a long run and struggled quite a bit. The humidity and a total of 57 miles this week really caught up with me. I am excited for a couple of rest days. This journey has been intense and many up and down moments.

It's going to be a fun marathon, I can feel it. For now, I can't wait to rest!


Image source:
http://www.whatacharacter.com/p-s/s--page10.htm

This week was a fun and tough week of training. As I sit here writing this, I am fighting off leg cramps. They are the kind that start in your hamstrings and shoot to your calf muscles. YIKES!

This may be a sign that I need some additional hydration:)

I traveled this week and it was a challenging schedule to keep. Earlier in the week, I took this picture. I hope you enjoy it. The morning views are amazing. One of the many benefits of running early in the morning.

I love Iowa Football! This is a great video highlighting our coaching staff and team. STOKED! Enjoy the video.

Today, I ran the Hooley Hustle 5K in Dubuque. It was a beautiful race and a gorgeous day. Before my 5K, my son ran the half mile race. He rocked the house. I was so proud of him!

During the run, I learned so much about myself and was close to a personal record. Even though I didn't get it, I was extremely proud of my race.

I powered through some rough spots and really ran well. My marathon training really showed today.

Another race and getting better. Love it!

Thanks to @roadid (https://www.facebook.com/RoadID) and @calicobean  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Calico-Bean-Market) and the other sponsors for being great supporters. Stop down and get some Tailwind at the Calico Bean Market @gotailwind +Tailwind Nutrition .


Image source:
http://www.dubuquejaycees.org/participate/community-projects/hooley-hustle-5k-run-walk/

I could say the heart or heat or BOTH. My training is progressing. Week 10 was a big one with 55 total miles in the books- YIKES! Today I am taking a rest day and really need it. Yesterday was a hot and aggressive run. I still don't feel totally ready for the marathon. I have 6 solid weeks of training left.

I am going to really dig deep in the next 3-4 weeks. Stay tuned. I will be writing about the infamous "long run" tomorrow sometime.

Stay cool.


Image source:
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-sun-running-image10862982

I would like to say Happy Middle Child Day to my most awesome sister Marianna. She is an avid reader of this blog, so the tribute is fitting! She is an awesome mom, daughter, sister and friend. I have read that middle children are great negotiators, are independent at an earlier age and find ways to happy (adapting).

Marianna this is your day, thank you for being my sister and I love you!


Check out these fun facts about middle children.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/family/15-fun-facts-about-middle-children/ss-BBltbZA#image=7

I am so happy to share a few really cool running milestones I have recently achieved. On Nike plus, I just hit the purple level- woo hoo. In July, I clocked 188 miles.

Since I started running, I have run over 5,000 miles. I would love to someday say I have run enough miles to cover the world from end-to-end. Sounds fun- right?

How many miles would that be? :)

Thanks for reading and supporting me. It means the world to me:)


Image source:
http://creativeroots.org/2013/11/korean-warrior-illustration-jon-contino-nike-run/

One of my favorite weeks is half time! This is where you get a chance for a "dress rehearsal". I ran a solid week. Here is my 1st half recap:

I have worked through my physical issues.
I started out with new equipment (shoes, orthotics, under amour)
I have focused better on my pace, which allowed me to improve each week since week 1- YES!
I have worked diligently on my nutrition.

I am proud of the first half, but I can say that I am not 100% comfortable with my progress yet. I have some big runs coming up, 20 and 22 milers. A mix of speed work, intervals, cross training and nutrition will help me bring this thing home.

I can improve each week and will work hard on that!

Thanks for supporting me. You all rock.



Image source:
https://dfsreport.com/3314/nba-halftime-report/

This week my training plan was designed to test my limits. It sure did! I learned so much this week. Perhaps the most valuable lesson came with the interval training. I was afraid of it and performed well. It gave me so much confidence for the rest of the week.

My long run was a great test so far. I survived the run, but need some more work to get in marathon mode. Thank God for 10 more weeks!

My cross training efforts were solid and have really paid off. Here's to a nice rest day!


Image source:
http://nicktumminello.com/2014/03/supramaximal-interval-training-vs-high-intensity-interval-training/

Tomorrow is the first day of something new for me. Interval training. The mileage will be lower (3.3 miles), but my intensity will be HIGH. YIKES!

Look forward to my recap later in the week, GO INTERVALS!

Image source:
http://runningmagazine.ca/high-intensity-training-makes-better-runners/

Most weeks, I run a consistent route in my neighborhood. I don't see anything crazy, so it's fun to run in a new area. I was running in Chicago and ran into some cool people!

I ran into Bob Newhart on Navy Pier! We took a selfie together.

Then I ran into a local pirate, so we had to take a selfie.

I have two running idols and they are +Shalane Flanagan and @scottjurek. One reason why I love both of them, they both run fearless. They love running too. Today, Scott Jurek broke the Appalachian Trail running record by more than 3 hours. It took him 46 days, 8 hours and 7 minutes. WOW! Scott is an amazing athlete and incredible person. I read somewhere that this was going to be his last competitive race before trying to have children. I love so many things about Scott. A ton of lessons to be had with his race accomplishment. #1- handling adversity and pushing through challenges. This run was just short of 2,200 miles and was incredibly difficult. He ran injured through most of the race, as he tweaked his knee at mile 205. He averaged over 50 miles a day.

This week, I pushed myself and ran 45 for the entire week. Just to give you some context. :)

I first learned of Scott Jurek, while reading the awesome book "Born to Run" by https://www.facebook.com/ChrisMcDougallAuthor. I highly recommend this book, more on that in later posts. You can tell by everything you read, that Scott Jurek loves running. He cheers others on, stays late at races to cheer people and has an incredible spirit. Today, I say congratulations. This is an amazing accomplishment and you truly inspire me. You make me a better runner. By the way, Scott's book "Eat and Run" is phenomenal! Learn more here: http://scottjurek.com/eatandrun/

As I push toward my next goal of the Quad City Marathon, I will use your accomplishments to help me be a better runner.

Read the runner's world article about this awesome feat (I pulled some of the statistics from this article):
http://www.runnersworld.com/trail-racing/scott-jurek-breaks-appalachian-trail-thru-hike-record




Image source:
http://thefearlessmind.com/the-fearless-mind-of-a-ultra-running-champion/

Find Shalane Flanagan and Scott Jurek at:
https://www.facebook.com/ScottJurek
www.scottjurek.com
https://twitter.com/scottjurek
His awesome book:
http://scottjurek.com/eatandrun/
http://blog.scottjurek.com

https://twitter.com/shalaneflanagan
www.shalaneflanagan.com
https://www.facebook.com/ShalaneFlanagan
Her new cookbook here:
http://www.runfasteatslow.com

What a week of training! I really put in the mileage this week and it felt great. On my long run, I ran 14 miles. It was a difficult long run, as I decided to space my water break out too far.

This upcoming week, I will focus more on my pace, fueling strategy and hydration. I will slowly start incorporating speed work in the mix too.


Image source:
https://www.pinterest.com/keener64/snoopy/

My goal was to run 120 miles in June, as part of a Nike Plus challenge and my marathon training called for 124. I pushed it and ran 128!

I felt great throughout the journey and look forward to a better July! I snapped this picture during my run today and it was sooooooo beautiful!

The team rocked it out today. We earned our record run (by my memory). I am so proud of this team. I will post more from my perspective tomorrow.

A special thank you to the Calico Bean Market: We love the support!

Go Twisted Blister!

OK-OK! I know I am way too excited, but tomorrow I run with my favorite people. The relay team of Twisted Blister and we will be sporting our cool Calico Bean Market shirts.

STOKED!

OK....on a serious note, I will run for all active military, those who have lost their lives in battle and especially the POW/MIA.

I am going to run as hard as I can. We owe you all so much. Thank you so much!

Go Twisted Blister! Go Calico Bean Market!

C-Lo, Val, Deb, Beth, Beth, Z: I love you guys so much and thanks for letting this slow cat run with you:):)

Teri Connely: Thanks for the awesome shirts. We run hard and are proud of having the Calico Bean Market on our back!

Happy Father's Day to each of you. 

Today, I finished a ten mile run. It was my opening week. I ran in extremely hot temperatures and it was awesome. I started off fast and started to slow in my pace. I was so proud to run so well and finish.

Week 1 is in the books and I can't wait to continue with training!


Image source:
http://daylol.com/nw/2013/11/03/collection/like-a-boss-collection

Unexpectedly, week 1 has been super interesting. I have been up and down all week. I felt great yesterday afternoon and had some realizations about pace.

Next up, my first long run. I am looking forward to it and can't wait to get a solid rhythm going.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. Go Black Hawks!


Image source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Blackhawks

This week I am learning first hand the concept of "baby steps". I am early in my training for the Quad City Marathon, but I am reminded of this amazing journey. It's going to be a long one and will require me to take some baby steps in the beginning.

Patience is a virtue:)


Image source:
http://thetechiementor.com/virtual-assistant-motivation/

I am excited to drive home a new week of training. Up ahead, I will be focusing on some new speed work, cross training and logging miles.

I will work on my eating habits too. I can't wait for a solid marathon in the Fall 2015!

Image source:
http://runnersconnect.net

It's been a weird Spring for me running wise. I have encountered a few nagging issues with my feet, back and motivation/mental focus. I have been solidly working through each one.

To fix my feet, I changed shoes (experimenting has paid off) and strengthening exercises.
To fix my back, I have stretched, cross trained and hit the chiropractor.
To fix my motivation/mental focus, I signed up for a full marathon and have been really thinking about changing my training. It is working!

Here is what I am so excited to tell you about. Today, I had a run that was amazing. I just went out and didn't worry too much about my pace (initially). My first mile was 2 minutes faster than usual. The next four miles, I pushed myself to run more instead of walking through difficult spots.

I finished the run strong and experienced true joy. I feel like I have really turned the corner!

I am excited to share with you the other things I will be changing up for the rest of the year- stay tuned!

How do you get out of a running funk?



Image source:
http://www.pour-favor.com/turning-the-corner/

It is certainly true what they say, patience is a virtue. I am re-learning this all of the time. A month ago, I listened to a marathon coach talk about the key to surviving the marathon is patience.

This week during training, I would have some good days and bad days. On the bad days, I found myself getting frustrated with my pace or ability. I have to constantly remind myself that it's a work in progress and to be patient.

After all, it's only the beginning. This year, I want to run my best time in the marathon. I am working hard on my nutrition and cross training. Last week, I did the Spartacus workout three times. I can feel the difference.

It's just going to take some time:)


Image source:
http://web.stemiliescps.wa.edu.au/?p=5453

It's Official:)

Quad Cities Marathon registration

It seems like all runners obsess over time/pace. In the end, it's just great to get outside and run. Forget the pace, music, etc.

Just enjoy the fact that you are able to go out and run. This week, I will run without music:) Whoa!

Image Source:
http://quotesnsmiles.com/picture-quotes/25-motivational-picture-quotes-for-running/

I haven't been consistent with blogging or running this week. I ran four days out of five, which wasn't too bad. I think my body and mind needed a break over the weekend too. I can tell you that I am super stoked to get back into my groove this week.

My plan is to run 5 days this week and cross train 3. I hope you are enjoying your weekend and thanks for reading!


Image source:
http://www.presentermedia.com/index.php?target=closeup&maincat=clipart&id=13306

I hope you had a great weekend! I used this weekend to rest my legs after a good week of running. Mentally, I am recharging too. In past month or so, I have been debating which full marathon to sign up for. I am so close to pulling the trigger. 

For the past week, I worked hard at getting out the door quicker. On four of my five running days, I was quick out the door.