Let the taper begin

I embarked on my longest long-run this past Saturday. This was supposed to be the real killer, the run that would be the hardest to complete. I actually finished it relatively well. I only planned on doing 20 miles, but nearing the end of my trail, there were sandbags due to flooding blocking the last mile. I was forced to take a detour, and after it was all said and done, ended up being a 21 mile run. Don't get me wrong, the last couple miles were tough, but I was able to avoid stopping altogether during the run. To me, that was the big accomplishment. I finished the run in 3:13, which gives me hope that I can possibly finish the marathon in 3:45. Time will tell.

Banco Popular Half Marathon - Can I get an umbrella???

What a mess.

I signed up for the Banco Popular Chicago Half Marathon weeks ago for the sole reason that my marathon training called for a 14 mile run, hence it fit in the schedule perfect. I should have known that when it started raining on Friday for packet pickup that was a bad sign. The good part about the packet pickup was it was totally indoors. My wife and I took the kids along and they had a good time. As you know the Chicagoland area received a tremendous amount of rain that Friday and Saturday...

Sunday morning I was up early and still contemplating whether I should go through with it. My biggest fear was running the risk of injury and jeopardizing my marathon in October. As I looked outside the rain seemed to have stopped. I thought "it might clear up after all". I then packed up all my things and headed to the train station. Needless to say, the rain resumed shortly thereafter.

Once I got to the gear check-in and dropped my bag off, I had 15 minutes until the race started. There were so many people there, I struggled to weave my way into the starting pack. Unfortunately, I found myself in the middle of the 2:30-finishing time pace section. This was unbelievably frustrating. I spent the first 8 miles, swerving between people until I could get some room to move.

Once I got some room and checked the timing, I knew I wouldn't be putting in a PR at this race. I was OK with that, since I knew the big race was next month anyway. I finished at 1:50, which was pretty good considering the weather and my starting position. No new blisters per se, but a couple new layers on some existing ones. Nothing major.

What an experience. I will say that the food they give you at the finish line was MUCH appreciated. That was the best tasting apple I have ever had. And they had chocolate chip cookies!!

Now the real challenge: a 20 mile run this Saturday. That will truly be a mental and physical challenge.

18 mile run

This one was a challenge from the start. Alex had an early soccer game that Saturday morning so I got up at 5AM and hit the street at 5:15. I couldn't run the trail I usually use for long runs since it was still pitch black outside. I decided to run in my neighborhood instead. It turned out alright, since I live in a pretty big subdivision and across the street was another subdivision. It really helps to have a long route so the scenery isn't the same. I actually ran it without stopping, which I was pretty proud of. The time was nothing to write home about (2:55), but long runs aren't about speed anyway, right? I actually felt like I could go a little longer, which was a good feeling.

Next post I will write about my Banco Popular Half Marathon experience.

17 miler

Well, after my previous two long runs went less than expected, I didn't know what to expect last Saturday. My training schedule called for 17 and I was bound and determined to get all 17 miles in. And surprisingly enough, it went really well. I think it helped that I had plenty of new music in my MP3 player. I also used for the first time Jelly Belly energy beans. I saw these at the Jelly Belly factory in Pleasant Prairie, WI, and I figured I would try them. I like them much better than the GU packets! Long story short, I ran solo and only stopped three times, none of which were fatigue or muscle related. I finished the run at 2:34, and was excited with my performance. I was really sore for the next two days, but when Tuesday rolled around, I did a 5 miler with no problem.

Next up, 18 miles on 9/6. Only problem is that I have previous commitments for both Saturday morning and Sunday morning. So I may be running 18 miles in the mid-day heat. Not something I am looking forward to, but I will have to make it work.

I also just signed up for the Banco Popular Half Marathon. Since my training called for 14 miles that week anyway, I figured why not.