Another fine mess

Today the milage started to get serious for the marathon training. This morning I met with Rick to get our 17 miler in. Bob and Todd were there at the start of it. Our plan was to loop Mill Creek park a great place to run. I had no goal pace in mind just get in the miles.

It was a good thing cause I really started hurting last 3 or 4 miles. Of course going a distance you haven't done in some time can cause some pain. Yep I guess 17 miles isnt a piece of cake. And speaking of food or fuel I need to figure out what to eat the night before a long run. Stomach was messed up during the later miles. I was trying out the power bar energy gels and may of ruled them out for future use.

Overall, the marathon training is a bit lacking. I have missed several runs so far but nothing too serious. I have gotten in the long runs and most of my speedwork or hill work I had planned. I still got 11 weeks to go so still time. I signed up for the Mill Creek Distance Classic Half marathon next Sunday, March 7th. It's a very hilly half, advertises 19 hills. Big selling point there. But worked in perfectly for training plan which calls for 12 miles. Hopefully it goes well, not expecting a good time but I have never had a good time running there. At least it keeps my streak alive of 1 or more races a month, February 2008 was last month without a race.

New computer and my first race has a girl.

I haven't had much time to post lately. And when I did get on computer it was taking so long to do anything I finally gave up. About all I was doing for a couple weeks was logging my run. So whats up? Hows the marathon training going? Not so great. Life and weather has gotten in the way more then once. But I have got in my long runs has planned so hopefully I still on track for the Cleveland marathon. I have till May 16th, but it can sneak up on you. I plan to do 15 miles this Sunday so hoping that goes good.

Last Sunday, yes on Valentines day I went to run the Run for your Heart 15K trail race with my buddy Bob. It was in North Chagrin park, part of the Cleveland Metro park. I had sent the money in to sign up and was later called and told they sold out already, 3 weeks before the race. A trail race. In Cleveland area. Sold out. Come on theres room on a snowy trail for more the 200 runners in 2 races. Hard to believe that many people want to run in the snowy trails and cold. The problem was I promised my buddy Bob I would run it.

So I did something I dont really agree with normally and was going to the race and running it anyways. Yes I was going to bandit the race, but I had tryed to sign up. Then the day before the race I got a message from Pam on dailymile.com and she asked me if I was still going to the race and would pick up the bag and hat they were giving away? Yes I would and hope you dont mind if I use your race number.

So Bob picked me up at 6:45 am for the drive to Chagrin park. Plenty of time to get registered has Pam. Yes, here it was Valentines day and my buddy Bob was spending the day with Pam. The 8K started first we waited a bit and noticed the runners were looking a little slow. Then we got started with 15K and found out why, the snow was deeper/tougher then I thought it would be. The course was a double loop and no good footing for most of it. There was a coupld short stints on a bike path and you sure could tell the difference. I could really feel it in my calves and ankles.

Near the end of the first mile there was the big hill. Just what you want, a steep snow covered hill. On the second loop around it was steeper then the first. Of course there was a down hill later on that was real tempting to slide down, where was my sled? We finally finished, I didn't place in my first race has a 31 year old female.

I wasn't fast but it was tough, my "girly" calves hurt for days after wards. We then went to 5 Guys Burger and Fries. Sounded like perfect recovery food to me.