They did it!

Congrats to Mark, Dave and Mike for finishing on Sunday! Although it was hot, they made it (and so did we!).

Run, watch or stay put

For anyone racing or watching this weekend, thought I would share some tips from the Chicago Sun-Times...we will be out in full effect to watch Mike run his inaugural marathon and watch Mark and Dave do it again!

Weather: Times of sun and clouds, H: 81°F; L: 60°F

You're doing it wrong!!

Dave and a water main cover got into a fight...

Full swing

After three marathons already completed this year, I am now in full 50 miler training. Fortunately, everyone is helping me out, including Mother Nature who provided near 100 degree heat and about 3000% humidity - Thank you Mr. Washington for putting this place on a swamp.

This morning on the other hand was beautiful and I got in a quick 9 miles before work. I was alone today because Emily had to head to work super early. Major bummer. Thanks to a fantastic “working lunch” I didn’t get out for a lunch time 5, oh well.

Anyway, the plan is to run as much as I can during the week, even more on the weekend, and climax with at back to back 30 miler/20miler during vacation. Its all very scientific.

At least the scenery here is great, even if the heat sucks!

Mad City Marathon, Madison, WI

First, I will admit that i need to get some new clothes. Seriously, two races in a row same shorts, shoes and socks! What is wrong with me?!?!


Madison Marathon was, for me, one of those situations where you go to bed totally psyched for the race, you wake up energized and ready to go, then you get to the start line and realize, "I really don't want to run 26 miles." That's pretty much the way it went for me. I just could not get the notion that i did not want to run out of my head. Oh well, I guess those days are bound to happen.

The race itself was great! The course was very cool. It meandered through all of Madison's neighborhoods. Through the University of Wisconsin Campus, around the lake, right by the Governor's house - it was really cool.

Its also cool how the Capitol grounds are used by everyone all the time, unlike the other capitol I'm used to, which sometimes feels more like a fortress than the people's house.

Anyway, the weather was great all weekend long. Emily and I, flew in to Chicago to meet up with my parents and Meg and Mike for a family weekend in Madison. Dinner with everyone was perfect and the 1/4 barrel of Sprecher Amber was the icing on the cake.

Dave and I ran the entire course together. We both seemed to hit the wall at the same time. Although, I hit the motivational wall before I even started, which didn't help things in the last couple of miles.

In the end, Dave and I ran 3:45. Then we went directly to the Worlds Largest Brat Fest. I contributed as best I could to the 200,000 Brats consumed that weekend.

Mmmmm I want more Brats and Beer!

County Music Marathon

Dave and Dad drove down from Chicago and were supposed to time their arrival with my flight arrival, but those pesky truck stops and all their gadgets and gizmos were too tempting for them. So they were 40mins late - I caught the free shuttle to the hotel. I'll have to figure out some way to forgive them.

Nashville was once again awesome! We managed to find a Carrabas for the pre-race meal, which was exactly the pre-race meal I had at the other Rock and Roll marathon I've done (Phoenix). Anyway, they have a trio chicken sampler that is not on the menu (with a side of pasta). I order it every time and consider it my secret weapon. Its like rocket fuel for marathoners. I think i might consider only doing marathons where there is a Carrabas.

Ok, the race was great. We pulled right up to the start corral and sat in the car until the pouring rain stopped, which was about 8mins before the start. So Dave and I were bone dry, but all the other people that got there early were soaked. Too bad for them. But the joke was one me, because while I was able sit in the car for a while, I also had time to drink more Red Bull than i normally do. Result: a nasty case of an upset stomach at mile 3 and 7 (use your imagination).

Aside from having to chase down Dave after two potty stops, I had a very even race. In fact, my second half was only about 35 secs slower than the first. Dave and I separated around mile 18 where I was feeling really good, so I went for it and negative split the last 6 miles. The crowd support in Nashville is amazing, even for the second half which runs without the half-marathoners. There are bands everywhere you look.

In the last six miles the course runs through a somewhat isolated park. The first time i ran this race, I really struggled through this portion. This year, I had no problems and actually enjoyed the shade.

I often here people say that the course is difficult because of the late race hills. When i first ran Nashville I totally agreed, but now I'm not so sure. Compared to some of the races I've run, Nashville's course is great. The hills aren't enough to seriously slow you down, but if you aren't ready for them they can cause some pain.

In the end, I bettered my previous time by two mins. Finishing in a very nice 3:37. For still being in training mode for the 50 miler, I'll take it. My favorite part of the race and weekend was spending time with my brother and Dad. Dave ran a 3:51, which was great considering the wicked winter he had in Madison.

After the race we dropped off Dad and went to a bar that had about a hundred beers on tap. Just another confirmation that beers tastes better after a good long run.

Ocean Drive: It was cold... again. It was windy... again.

Here are some pics from the Ocean Drive marathon. Basically it was about the same as last year except it was sunny, whereas last year is was cold and windy but not sunny.

Tom ran an awesome race. I seriously thought this was going to be the time he ran under 4:00, but i think the wind got the best of him and the last few miles turned out to be a little tougher than any of us expected. Anyway, I think I'm really getting used to this course. If i could be guaranteed better weather i would totally do this one again. Emily was an awesome supporter. She managed to see us several times along the course. I missed Dave this year, but it looks like I'm adding the Madison Marathon to the list, so I'll be able to run at least one more race this year with him.

Next race is Country Music Marathon, April 26th. Ya know, one of these days i have to get back into shape - I think it would make running these things much more enjoyable.

Completed 2007 Race Schedule... Glad thats over

1/14 - Rock n' Roll Marathon - Phoenix, AZ (Complete 3:51)
3/4 - LA Marathon, Los Angeles, CA (Complete 3:28)
3/25 - Ocean Drive Marathon, Cape May, NJ (Completed 3:41)
4/1 - Cherry Blosson 10 Miler - Washington, D.C. (DNF)
4/29 - Lakefront 10 Miler - Chicago, IL (Completed 1:16)
5/6 - Colorado Marathon - Ft. Collins, CO (Completed 4:00.13)
7/29 - Riley's Rumble Half Marathon - Polesville, MD (Completed 1:52)
8/19 - Pikes Peak Marathon - Manitou Springs, CO (Completed 6:52)
8/26 - Accenture Chicago Triathlon - Chicago, IL (Completed)
9/2 - Virgina Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon - Virginia Beach, VA (Completed 1:35.04)
9/15 - Air Force Marathon - Dayton, OH (Completed 3:22.40)
9/30 - Pittsburgh Great Race 10k - Pittsburgh, PA (Completed 42.12)
10/7 - Chicago Marathon, Chicago, IL (Completed 4:14.49)
10/28 - Marine Corps Marathon - Arlington, VA (Completed 3:56.01)

2008 Race Schedule... So far...

Ocean Drive Marathon - Sunday, March 30, 2008 (Registered)
Country Music Marathon – Saturday, April 26, 2008 (Registered)
Fredrick marathon - Sunday, May 4, 2008 (Registered)
North Face 50 Miler - Saturday, September 6, 2008 (Registered)
Baltimore Marathon – Saturday, October 11, 2008 (Registered)
Chicago Marathon – Sunday, October 12, 2008 (Registered)