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Showing posts with label marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon. Show all posts
Sunday, May 5, 2019
The Joy of the Journey!

The Joy of the Journey!

The CRANDIC race was amazing. It was hilly, difficult and I learned a TON! Here's a summary:
I learned how to finish in difficulty circumstances. 
I learned how to race with different gear. It was the first time I have ever "raced" with my Brooks coat. It worked, but I learned about some details for next race. 
I learned how to help others out, including myself. 
I fueled well, but hydrated poorly. This manifested in the form of cramps. UGH. 
I raced for my little buddy JP, Curt Ehlinger, the orange army, the military serving, the military who served, my family and my friends. 
During training, I had some nagging issues. I figured out how to heal during training. Not an easy task. About three weeks before the race, I thought about withdrawing. It took some creativity to stick with it. 
I read "Can't Hurt Me" while in training. It helped me on race day. 
I thought about @jockowillink and how to focus on the mission. I played a few of his videos to remind myself of the sacrifice. 
On race day, I shined brightly. I met some new friends. Nicole and Lisa. They are finishers too! 
Next week, I will share my modifications for the next race. Perhaps, I will announce where and when for marathon #8. 

Thank you all for the amazing support. Especially my wife and son. They put up with the craziness of training and race day. 








Sunday, April 28, 2019
no image

CRANDIC RACE SUMMARY through video

What a KILLER race! Thank you to all of the many volunteers, Monica and her staff at the Run CRANDIC, the law enforcement and fans. You all made this experience so amazing!

During this race, I experienced some up and down moments. I could tell you all about it, but why not do it through video?

10 miles in, was feeling great "let's keep it rolling"
Halfway through and was feeling GREAT! 
The CRANDIC race flexed it's muscle and had me in a sleeper hold, not giving up. This was moments before some foot issues. @#$%!

Then I saw the Kirkwood CC, an island oasis covered with HILLS- more HILLS! 
Then Angie-Maske-Berka came to the rescue with pickle juice, to help my cramping legs. 4 miles left! 
Thank you to Teri Connely, Nile and all my friends for supporting this amazing journey. I was getting teary eyed here, VERY emotional. CRANDIC! 
And then I had to go Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior on the CRANDIC race, summons the lightning bolts and JIM-A-Maniacs. HEE HEE 
Feeling great with .2 miles left. #7 in the books, felt great to finish. My foot hurt like crazy, but I was numb to the many pains. The finish depended on my getting it together! 


Thank you all for the support. 

R.I.P my right pinky toe. You bore the brunt of this race, I owe you one- get better soon!

Saturday, February 20, 2016
Do I run a full marathon this year?

Do I run a full marathon this year?

Oh boy, this is on my mind right now. Someone asked me if I have a big race coming up this year. I answered with "yes" and "no". I have registered with a couple of relay teams. The run for troops and market-to-market. They both will be FUN races.

GULP. 

The no part. I have not signed up for a full marathon yet. I have a goal of running 10 total or more. I am up to 5 right now. I could stop at 5 and be fully content.

But then there is the wolf at the door. I love it. The training, the grind, getting in better shape, challenging myself physically and mentally. My last race was awesome. I didn't PR, I didn't care. I had my best race and effort.

Here are my options right now:

  • Run a downhill race (full marathon) out west.
  • Run a full marathon in a vacation location. 
  • Run the quad city marathon again- it was so much fun.
  • Run the Chicago Marathon, my hometown, my family, the site of my first marathon. I have run it three times. Pay for it outright. 
  • Run the Chicago Marathon for a charity.
  • Run a "fast" half marathon. 
So many things to consider, whoa. If you have an opinion, let me know:) 

Image source:
 http://www.thetakeaway.org/story/how-fight-gray-wolf-was-won-and-lost/

Saturday, January 23, 2016
Thinking about 2016 today....

Thinking about 2016 today....

First, I am sorry that I haven't posted in a little while. I have been asked a few times about my running calendar this year. I have a fun relay this Spring, it's 75 miles with five of my close personal friends. I am excited about that. I will start training on February 15th, at least formally. 

In the last few weeks, I have been running and putting miles in. I am not thrilled with my pace, so I will have to revisit that avenue soon. 

This gets me back to 2016, should I run a full marathon again or run a quicker half marathon....hmmmm. 

Let the research begin. If you have an opinion, let me know. :)

Talk soon. 


Monday, September 28, 2015
Quad City Marathon Recap

Quad City Marathon Recap

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.


Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Long run in the books, rest day coming!

Long run in the books, rest day coming!

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/

Tuesday, August 4, 2015
A few BIG milestones achieved

A few BIG milestones achieved

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/
Monday, August 3, 2015
Halftime for Marathon Training

Halftime for Marathon Training

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/

Sunday, July 12, 2015
My running idol did it!

My running idol did it!

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


Sunday, July 5, 2015
Marathon training is in full swing

Marathon training is in full swing

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/
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Finalizing the race schedule this week!

Finalizing the race schedule this week!

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. 

Once I pull the trigger and sign up for the big race, the rest of the schedule will fill in nicely. I can't wait to tell you about my full marathon signup. Stay tuned! 


Image source: 
http://www.marathonfoto.com/Marathon/Quad-Cities-Marathon-2013/site/viewphotos/RaceOID/07502013M1

Saturday, March 14, 2015
The #200!

The #200!

Oh my goodness! This is my 200th blog post on "marathon my personal journey"! I am so excited, thrilled and honored that you read my blog. I get so much energy and motivation from each of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I can't say it enough. I have been trying to decide on this year's mission/marathon. I have been soul searching a ton lately and still haven't decided yet. This morning on my blog, this group advertised. I clicked the link and found myself watching this video.

The video is funny, touching and motivating. They have my full attention on this one. I love helping other people, especially those who are disabled or are poor. We are so lucky to have everything that we do. If you do me two favors (one for each 100 blog posts)....

1. Give thanks for what you have, tell the people you love and respect "thank you". It will make you feel good and they will know how you feel about them. Two big pluses.

2. Watch this video and have fun with it.
Our Lady of the Angels

This morning I was thinking about running a smaller race closer to home. I was going to sit out a year for charity running. However, I may have to re-consider it for awhile. I have time to think about the big decision. For now, let's all smile.



Image source:
http://accrareport.com/feature/the-lux-of-a-simple-smile/



Saturday, February 21, 2015
Competition at the top is different

Competition at the top is different

Today, I read something that really hit me. To run a marathon or compete at the top, it is so different. The most significant difference, is commitment. The best in the world, make the sacrifices. They are the ones who read, work and grind it out. The best do this when everyone else isn't. They are the ones that go the extra mile.

To complete a marathon takes sacrifice and commitment. The finish line demands so much from you.

Image Source:
http://shortroundandfast.com/celebrate-little-victories/
Monday, January 26, 2015
Anticipate

Anticipate

I am going to enjoy today and anticipate the future journey. I am excited about the year ahead. The journey ahead will have many hills, turns and bumps. Running is a sport where you compete against yourself.

It's one of the many reasons why I love it. You have to beat the best, you.

This picture says it all for me right now. :)

Image source:
http://personalsuccesstoday.com/how-to-anticipate-the-future/
Saturday, January 24, 2015
The journey will begin soon....

The journey will begin soon....

The journey will begin soon....I have been thinking a lot lately. I will run another full marathon in 2015. It's going to be a matter of where. I am so excited. 

My confidence stems from:
  • I have one more year of experience
  • I have one more year filled with cross training
  • I have one more year to eat better
  • I am more determined
  • You will help me
  • My family and friends are my rock
  • I like competing
  • Goals will be realized 
  • I run for JP!
  • A charity needs me...could it be Diabetes in Action, Livestrong, American Cancer Society, or others....
If you have a charity choice or like the ones above, let me know what charity you would select. :)

Image source:
http://www.progressivesoccertraining.com/confidence-tricks/


 
Saturday, December 20, 2014
A quick tip that may help

A quick tip that may help

This week I was talking to a friend who coaches strength training and runners. She asked me how much water I drank on a daily basis. She was good with that. Then she asked me how much I drink on my runs. I told her that I drink consistently during training runs that are longer.

She asked me how much I run on a daily basis. The answer 4 miles. She said I should drink water or a sports drink every 15 minutes, if you are running over 30 minutes at a time.

I can honestly say I haven't considered it. She stated a solid case for doing so. Perhaps this will be a big change for me in 2015. Also, it may help my hydration issues in the big race.

It gets me thinking of which marathon I should run next year. hmmmmmm

Yes! I am going to run a full marathon again in 2015. I just have to break my time goal. :)


Image source:
http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-try-new-things-8/

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Marine Corps Marathon, recap and thank you!

Marine Corps Marathon, recap and thank you!

First, I want to thank my family and friends for always being so supportive during my running endeavors. It's not easy on you sometimes and I really appreciate what you do and how you do it. For the readers of this blog, thanks for reading and I hope to keep you engaged.

Let's get to the recap. I raised just short of $1,700 for the Diabetes in Action team. Thanks to each of you who donated your hard earned money to this cause. It will really help!

Next, thanks to each of you who gave me a song to run to. I will elaborate more on what I did during the race later this week.

The race was fantastic for a number of reasons. I loved being with my family. We laughed and learned together. Washington DC is beautiful and there is so much history. The holocaust museum taught us so much about how to love and forgive. My son was moved by the "Daniel" exhibit.

My race was a bit challenging. I struggled with cramps at mile 14 and it slowed me down a bit more than I would like. However, I learned so much about how to prepare for a race, cross training and just to "stay in" a race for the duration.

If I am privileged to run it again, I will run it differently. One aspect I underestimated was the beginning "hills". WOW. They were a bit challenging. Looking back, I went too hard early. The weather had an impact and I could have hydrated a bit better.

The marines were simply amazing. The crowds were so supportive. I loved running to the Iwo Jima memorial.

All of this was great, but from miles 11-14 I was struck by something amazing. On the sides of the road, military killed in action were pictured. The "Wear Blue: Run to Remember" organization held US Flags along the road. This is a section of the run where crowds are thin. The impact this made on me was HUGE. WOW- WOW. I had tears in my eyes.

Lastly, my favorite moments involved my son running the kids race. He made me so proud showing his leadership and courage. He earned his first medal. It's amazing to see him grow. I love him so much.


Tuesday, October 21, 2014
T Minus 5 days and counting...

T Minus 5 days and counting...

I am so excited and I am READY! It's taken me a few days longer to get around the corner mentally, but I am finally in a great spot. Today, I completed my last big run before race day. It went well and helped me get in the zone. A flood of emotions are hitting me with race day coming so fast. It's a special race because of my Dad and late Uncle Sonny. They will both be there in spirit. My Dad was a marine and my Uncle Sonny was the most talented Huey helicopter pilot in Vietnam. They are both talking to everyone in heaven about our family event.

Uncle Sonny's son (my cousin) Clarence Dunagan is running this race too. I love my cousin dearly and it's going to be fun to see him rock this race to oblivion. His Dad will be so proud. I leave you with two cool things: a picture and a video from one of my favorite bands (RUSH). The video is about "launching" the space shuttle. SO COOL! I love the real audio from NASA. ENJOY!

 Countdown:

Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Chicago Marathon- Get ready

Chicago Marathon- Get ready

Yes! Congratulations for all of my friends who have trained for the Chicago marathon. Remember this, you are trained and ready to go. All you have to do is run the race, celebrate the crowds, endure the high and low parts of the race and earn the finish line.

For you first time marathon runners, each of you will feel amazing at the end of the race. I read an article from a runner who said we can be at our "worst" sometimes at the finish line. Let me clarify what is meant by that. You will likely be greeted by your friends and family. They will be so excited for you and your finish. Remember to thank them, give them a hug, high five, kiss, etc. You ran the race, but they are the reason you were successful in the journey.

Just to pump you guys up, check this picture.



Image source:
http://www.annarbor.com/health/ann-arbor-marathon---come-see-us-run/

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