Marathon: My personal journey: marine corp marathon

Showing posts with label marine corp marathon. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

My running moment of the year

My running moment of the year was my son Nile, starting and finishing his big race at the Marine Corps Marathon. He ran with his running buddy, displayed a ton of courage, he smiled a ton and showed me how to finish. He never left his running buddy behind. He ran back to get him a couple of times. It was awesome!

Without a doubt, it was my running moment of the year!

I can't wait to see him run more! See this picture of him looking at his medal:) WOO HOO!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

America dreams marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile

Marine Corps Marathon, recap and thank you!

James Connely at 7:16 PM 1 comment:

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.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile Training

Mission Ready!

James Connely at 11:03 AM No comments:

Mission ready.
Charge the district.
Beat the bridge.
Earn the finish line: Take the Iwo.

Image Source:
http://www.posix.com/running/MarineCorps2010.html

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

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Cool Advice Part 1

James Connely at 7:33 PM No comments:

Trust in the training, trust in the nutrition, trust in your foundation, trust in the Spirit. God speed, Jim. - Tom Weitz
This is from Tom Weitz, who is someone that I think is amazing. Tom is a great friend. He is an amazing person, a killer endurance athlete and a wonderful professional. Consider this advice taken! WOO HOO and OORAH!

Image Source: Marine Corps Marathon Facebook Page

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon smile

T Minus 5 days and counting...

James Connely at 8:15 PM No comments:

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:

Thursday, October 16, 2014

marine corp marathon

#oorah

James Connely at 7:28 PM No comments:

I am so excited! The countdown to race day!!!!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

marathon marathon training marine corp marathon marine corps marathon spotify

Playlists- YAHOOO!

James Connely at 7:02 PM No comments:

As many of you know, I like to listen to music while running. This marathon season, I have used Spotify extensively. It allows me to make lists on the fly. This is good and bad. Good for the short term, but now I need to start narrowing it down. YIKES!

One other big thing, I ask my friends and family to specify a song or two for me to "dedicate" to them during the race. I use the songs from mile 18 through the end. No matter what the song is, I love it and it powers me through.

Heads up to think about a song or two. If you want to specify the song on Facebook, Twitter or the blogger, that would be cool...or you can direct message me too.

If you are reading this, I would be honored to run to your song. :)

Can you believe we are almost there?

#OORAH

Image source:
https://press.spotify.com/no/2013/01/22/logotype/

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

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We are getting close!

James Connely at 7:53 PM No comments:

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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#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!

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

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Marathon: My personal journey

Recent Post

My running moment of the year

Marine Corps Marathon, recap and thank you!

Mission Ready!

Cool Advice Part 1

T Minus 5 days and counting...

#oorah

Playlists- YAHOOO!

We are getting close!

Trait #6 Be open

8 Mile!

Trait #5 Vision

Trait #4 Preparation

Trait #3 Strength

#2 Focus

Trait #1- Resilience

Reflections from the week!

It's GO TIME!

It's a virtue!

First survive and then thrive!

Reflections from my latest race!

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