Marathon Training By The Numbers

So the Marine Corps Marathon is less than two days away, and in terms of my preparation there is really not much left to do but pack and get myself down to D.C. With my training program completely over, I wanted to share some interesting (well, at least to me) statistics on the last 16 weeks:

• 0: Times I ran with someone else during my training program
• 1: Training runs I did on the weekends
• 3: Different types of race nutrition options I tried before settling on Clif Shot Bloks
• 4: Pairs of running shoes I purchased to train for the marathon (all of which were Sauconys)
• 10: 10+ mile runs I completed
• 16: Days the federal government was shut down, which resulted in the closures of national parks and almost led to the marathon being canceled
• 24: Marathon training related blog posts (including this one)
• 31: Songs on my iPod nano running playlist, which turned out to be woefully inadequate for my longer runs
• 85: Predictions on triathlon lifestyle website Slowtwitch of my final marathon time, including a low of 3:13:01 and a high of 3:59:59
• ~395: Miles I ran during my 16 week training program
• 2,182: Days since my last marathon
• $3,795: Amount I raised for Inheritance of Hope, a nonprofit that serves families with children who have a parent with a life-threatening illness

Well, this is it, the final pre-marathon blog post. The next time you hear from me I will be either celebrating my success or crying in my beer!

It's All Over But The Suffering

This morning was my final workout before the Marine Corps Marathon. I ran three miles around Hoboken in 7:17 per mile pace. I was aiming for something more along the lines of 7:30 per mile pace, but I just could not help myself from running faster--without feeling like I was pushing at all. I think this is a really good sign I have executed my taper perfectly--my body is just raring to go on Sunday!

I also had my final pre-marathon physical therapy session at Columbia University Medical Center. My therapist (who previously worked on Eli Manning--oh, did I just name drop?) stated my hips look much better than they did a few weeks ago, and I am all set to race! It is just crazy to me to think my marathon training is over. I have to say I really could not have prepared any better--I completed all my long runs, listened to my body, and will toe the starting line nearly 100% healthy. Now it is just a question of executing...

Carbs, Carbs, And More Carbs

Today is Day Two of "Marathon Week," and my preparations continue to progress quite well. I banged out my second to last training run on the treadmill, an easy four miles at 7:30 per mile pace. After desperately searching in vain for a pink running top to wear during the marathon in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to honor my late sister, I was able to find a pair of hot pink cycling socks on Amazon.com. Clearly actual running socks would have been preferable, but I am sure these will work perfectly fine (hopefully these do not turn out to be famous last words). In addition, my wife bought me a new white Under Armour running top (did I mention how awesome she is?), on which she is going to write "Do It For Bea" in pink lettering, so I should be all set! Finally, I have been carbo loading like a fiend the last couple of days. I think I may have started a bit early, but I figure it certainly can't hurt!

Welcome To Marathon Week!

So today is the official beginning of what my better half referred to as "Marathon Week" (which I thought was awesome), my final few days of preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon. The next six days will be less about training and more about getting myself logistically and mentally prepared for the big day. That said, I still do have a few more runs to get in, and so this morning I did a five mile out-and-back in Hoboken and Jersey City at 7:17 per mile pace. The run was fairly uneventful, although I did bang out the last mile in 6:49, reasoning that will be my last "hard" mile before Sunday. I plan to run four miles tomorrow and then another three on Thursday before completely resting my body on Friday and Saturday.

I am also focusing on carbo loading (including an English muffin this morning and bread and pasta for lunch) and hydrating, as well as continuing to work on strengthening my hips (including one final phsyical therapy session on Thursday). Hopefully I am not jinxing myself as I write this, but I honestly could not feel any better right now--all of the nagging injuries I dealt with over the last several weeks appear to be gone, and my confidence is extremely high (particularly based on Friday's run). We will see how the rest of Marathon Week goes, but so far, so great!

Acing The Final Test

This morning was the final test of my preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon next Sunday. I decided to do the final long run of my marathon training program outdoors, after completing all of my other long runs on the treadmill. I was definitely beginning to get a bit nervous that my body has gotten too used to the treadmill (but maybe that is just typical pre-race nerves kicking in), so I was very interested to see how this run would go, particularly in terms of pace and perceived effort level. Honestly, it could not have gone better--if this workout was a test, I give myself an A+ (and I am a notoriously hard self grader)!

I started out with my obligatory slow first mile (7:38) before settling into six straight miles ranging from 7:22 to 7:28. I then knocked out the last mile in 6:55 for a total time of 59:03, or 7:23 per mile pace. I was extremely happy with the way this run went for several reasons, including:

• It just didn't feel that hard--I literally barely broke a sweat until I picked up my pace the last mile, and wasn't even remotely fatigued afterward.
• I was really excited about my ability to keep a nice, even pace during miles 2-7.
• I completed the run sans music, hydration, or nutrition.
• For once I didn't have to make a "pit stop" during an outdoors run (let's just leave it at that).

Right now my confidence is sky high for next Sunday--BRING IT ON!

The Textbook Taper

I am approaching the end of my second taper week in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon next Sunday, and I must say I am really happy with how it is progressing. My legs feel as good as they have in months, and so far I am not nearly as nervous/anxious as I was expecting. Tomorrow is my last remotely long run before the marathon (eight miles), and next week I am just planning to do three short runs and rest, rest, and rest. I have started carbo loading and hydrating and completed a pretty intense physical therapy session on Tuesday with another scheduled for tomorrow (it turns out my leg issues are due to weakness in my hips, not because my IT bands are too tight). That is about all I have to report right now--I can't believe the race is just 10 days away!

One Final Double Digit Run

The first week of my Marine Corps Marathon taper went off without a hitch. On Monday I ran four miles, did the StairMaster on Tuesday, ran five miles on Wednesday, and four miles yesterday before my weekly long run this morning. My marathon training program called for nine miles, but I decided to add an extra one and stretch it to ten for one reason--I can now say I completed an even ten double digit mileage runs preparing for this marathon. This morning's run went well--I ran at my targeted marathon race pace (~7:36 per mile) , and my legs felt really good the entire way (although they were a bit sore afterwards). Next week I will probably dial my training back to three runs--at this point being as healthy and rested as possible on October 27th is all that really matters.

The Final Stretch

This morning I completed my first "taper workout," a quick four mile run in Hoboken. The weather was perfect and my legs felt great, so I decided to push it a bit. I definitely felt like I was cruising along at very low 7:00 per mile pace, but resisted the urge to check my watch until I was forced to stop at a light with about a mile to go. I then discovered I had actually hit the wrong button on my watch when I started my workout, and thus, had not been timing it! Crap! I then decided to make the most of it by timing the last mile--7:01, despite the fact a good portion of it was uphill. Definitely a nice confidence booster for my first taper run! The other nice thing is my IT bands (notice it is now IT bands, as my right one has started flaring up a bit) feel as good today as they have in some time. Thank God for foam rollers!

It's Taper Time!

So this morning I completed the last, and longest, long run of my marathon training program--the 20 miler. Going into it I was definitely a bit nervous--my IT band is still not 100%, and well, 20 miles is 20 miles. I ran five miles Tuesday and Wednesday and did the StairMaster yesterday, as well as spending a fair amount of time on my foam roller, and just hoped for the best. Oh, and I decided to dial my pace back to 8:00 per mile, figuring it would be less taxing on my legs.

This morning's run went off without a hitch! My IT band did not bother me at all, and the worst things I had to deal with were a bathroom break at mile 11 and some level of boredom as the miles went by (I listened to music the entire time, but did not watch any television--like every other one of my long runs, I did it on the treadmill). I am surprised at how good my legs feel right now--definitely fatigued, but not terribly sore (and more importantly, no pain in my IT band). That said, I am still planning to do a few physical therapy sessions over the next few weeks to strengthen my legs and stretch my IT band as much as possible before the marathon. Time to bring on the taper!

If At First You Don't Succeed...

After aborting this week's scheduled 18-mile run due to IT band issues this past Tuesday, I was basically planning to shut down my marathon training for the week. However, having spent a fair amount of time using my new foam roller the past few days and getting in a half an hour on the StairMaster yesterday, my IT band was starting to feel much better. Thus, I decided to try to complete the 18-miler on the treadmill at my gym this morning, reasoning I could always cut it short again if my IT band started to act up.

The first several miles of the run were completely discomfort free, which was extremely encouraging. I definitely felt a bit of pain in my IT band for a few miles toward the middle of the run, but it was nothing serious and almost completely subsided within a half hour or so. By the end of the run my IT band actually felt perfectly fine--and more importantly, I knocked out the 18-miler after all! I am super excited right now--one more long run (my 20-miler), and my taper begins! Needless to say I will be doing some serious foam rolling between now and the marathon--especially given how well it worked for me the past few days!

Me Against The IT



Wow, two blog posts in one day--aren't you readers lucky:) Anyway, the reason I am writing again is I have decided rather than wallowing in my sorrows, I am going to attack this IT band issue head on. In addition to my upcoming physical therapy regimen, I picked up a foam roller this morning. I called a great running store in Columbus Circle and they recommended The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller (see the picture above), which I have already begun to use in my office. Obviously it is too early to provide any kind of product review, but I do know runners swear by foam rollers, and at this point I am willing to try just about anything. I can assure you one way or another I will be on that starting line October 27th--I would just prefer to get there without my body being all jacked up...

Houston, We Have A Problem

So this morning I was planning on banging out my second to last long run, 18 miles on the treadmill. Just a few minutes into the run my IT band on my right leg really started to bother me. I expected the pain to subside after a short while as it normally does, but a few miles later I was still in a fair amount of discomfort. It was not excruciating pain, but enough that I thought trying to run 18 miles was probably not the wisest move. So seven miles into the run I called it a day.

I was really surprised at how bad my leg felt today--I felt perfectly fine on my five mile run yesterday, and had taken the previous three days off. I am definitely bummed out, but not completely crushed--this is only the first long run I have missed in my training program, and I still have 33 days to get my leg right before the big day. Oh, and I am calling in the big dogs--the sports physical therapy department at Columbia University Medical Center. Unfortunately I will not be able to see the therapist until October 10th, so I will have to do my own personal triage until then (thank God for the Internet)...

Running In A Sauna

I have been traveling for work the last couple of days, and the fitness room at my hotel was a veritable sauna (75 degrees--which I can say for certain because I could see the thermostat). Nevertheless I was able to follow up Monday's 17 mile run with five mile tempo runs yesterday and this morning at 7:30 per mile pace. Both times I was literally sweating like a whore in church, but I definitely feel like they were great confidence builders with less than a month and a half to go before the big day. I was thinking of sneaking a fifth run in this week, but with my IT band starting to act up a bit I think I will hit the StairMaster tomorrow and run on Friday. That will still get me to 32 miles for the week, which at this point is more than enough (and probably the smarter choice) with the two toughest weeks of my training program ahead of me.

17 On 42

Today is my 42nd birthday, so this morning I slept in, skipped work, had breakfast in bed--oh yeah, that's right, I did not do any of those things. Instead I banged out my weekly long run, 17 miles on the treadmill at 7:42 per mile pace. I have to say, this may have been my best long run yet. I started off by watching a little over an hour of Sportscenter, and then switched to listening to music on my iPod (a bunch of Smashing Pumpkins songs, followed by my longtime running playlist).

10 miles or so into the run I really just started to enjoy myself and almost did not want it to end--a stark contrast to my usual treadmill long runs, in which the last few miles are sheer torture. Maybe it was runner's high, maybe it was seeing my taper coming closer and closer into focus--whatever the reason, I just felt really dialed in this morning. As an added bonus my legs felt GREAT afterwards--it seems like my IT band/knee issues are pretty much behind me (although as a precaution I am stretching like a fiend today). Just two more long runs (18 and 20 miles) and it is taper time!

The Hardest Part

I just put the finishing touches on the first of my five 30+ mile training weeks for the Marine Corps Marathon. Unfortunately I spoke too soon earlier this week when I wrote about how great my legs felt after my 16-mile run--later that day the IT band on my right leg was sore. I definitely felt it at the beginning of my four mile run the next morning, although yesterday's five miler was pain free. Unfortunately the pain returned on this morning's five mile run. I am now certain the toughest part of my marathon preparation is not going to be finding the time or willpower to get all the runs in, losing weight, or balancing work/family/training--it is simply going to be staying healthy. I DO have a "trump card" in my back pocket--I basically have an open invitation from the physical therapist I worked with to resolve my IT band issues early this year. Hopefully I will not have to use it; we'll see how I feel on Monday after a couple of rest days.

What A Difference A Week Makes

This morning I completed my weekly long run, 16 miles on the treadmill. It is striking to me how much better I feel right now than after last Tuesday's long run--my legs feel so much fresher and less beat up than they did a week ago. I attribute this to spacing my long runs out further, as well as dialing my pace back a bit (7:42 per mile, as compared to 7:30 last week). I also did a better job of making sure my new earphones were on correctly, so I was able to keep them on the entire time (I watched SportsCenter for the first hour, than listened to Pandora and MP3s on my iPhone the remaining time. Oh, and I also brought my old set with me as a backup). We will see how my legs feel tomorrow morning, but today was definitely a confidence booster as I begin the five most crucial weeks of my marathon training program.

Halfway Home

This morning I banged out five miles at 7:12 per mile pace to complete my eighth week of training for the Marine Corps Marathon. My training program is 16 weeks long, so in essence I am halfway home (to some extent I am more than halfway, as the last three weeks are my taper). Given the fact I am at the halfway mark, I thought I would share some of my thoughts and insights (assuming you care):

• I had forgotten how hard marathon training is on your body. I am still relatively healthy, but would be lying if I said I was 100%. The crazy thing is my marathon training program calls for significantly less mileage than many others; it is a miracle to me more people don't hurt themselves training for marathons.
• Training for this marathon has reminded me how "pure" running is, especially compared to doing triathlons. I have definitely picked up a few gadgets this year, but at the end of the day there is no "magic elixir" that makes you run faster--unlike swimming and biking, in which the right wetsuit/bicycle/aero wheelset can give you essentially free (well, paid for) speed.
• I am really starting to enjoy doing long runs on the treadmill. There is just something to be said for being in a controlled environment and having someone/something else control the pacing. I am just hoping my body does not get TOO used to it, but I think with all the somewhat hilly tempo runs I have been doing, I should be fine.
• My race is still almost two months away and I am already starting to get nervous. I thought about working a shorter race into my training program just to shake things up a bit, but decided if it did not go the way I hoped it would just stress me out. This is why I do not race more often--I just stress about it entirely too much.
• It amazes me how much running helps with weight loss/control. I am eating virtually whatever I want whenever I want, and am still below 180 pounds (and at times have gotten down to 175ish). I would love to be 175 or less for race day, but just as long as I can stay around 177-178 I'll be happy.

That is it for now--enjoy the long holiday weekend, and as always, thanks for reading!

Just Five To Go

This morning I did my 14-mile weekly long run on the treadmill at 7:30 per mile pace. I completed last week's long run (12 miles) on Friday, so I think I may have "bit off a bit more than I can chew" by doing another one just four days later--my legs are definitely more sore than they have been after my prior long runs. They do not feel too bad, but I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow's rest day. I also had problems withy my new headphones (my freakishly small ears strike again), and thus, had to run the last 10-11 miles sans any form of entertainment, which was brutal. Aside from that the run was fairly uneventful. Given my prior history, I am still in a state of shock at the fact I have literally completed every weekly long run on my marathon training schedule. I also find it really hard to believe I have just five double digit runs left (16, 16, 17, 18, and 20 miles) before the big day!

11 Down, 15 To Go

Yesterday morning I hit the treadmill for my weekly long run. I banged out 11 miles at 7:30 per mile pace, and just like last week definitely felt like I could have done a few more. I played music on my iPod nano the entire time, and for once actually brought a bottle of water with me, although I definitely did not drink enough (but it's a start, right?) Afterwards my legs actually felt pretty decent--my right knee was a bit stiff (for a change), but aside from that I was perfectly fine. I am actually starting to kind of enjoy my treadmill long runs, which is kind of a scary thought. Six straight weeks of hitting the long runs on my training schedule--who would have thunk it?

Double Digits

This has been my best training week since I began preparing for the Marine Corps Marathon. I was able to squeeze in a rare weekend "bonus run" on Sunday, allowing me to start off the training week strong. After five mile runs on Monday and Tuesday and a weightlifting session on Wednesday, I was all set for today's weekly long run--a ten miler, my first double digit mileage run since the New York City Marathon back in 2007. I opted to do it on the treadmill, as I still have not found many great places for long runs around my home.

This morning's run went really well! I basically just locked in a 7:30 per mile pace, put my headphones on, and banged through it. I had some technical difficulties with my iPod nano (for some reason the volume inexplicably became really low about halfway through), but that is really my only complaint. My legs felt good, my breathing was fine, and I felt really strong the entire way (I even picked up the pace the last couple of miles just to break the monotony). It seems crazy to me that I have just eight more double digit mileage long runs remaining on my training schedule--as well as the fact I have not missed a single scheduled long run yet!

Garmin Forerunner 210 Review

This morning I went running with my new Garmin Forerunner 210 GPS watch, and I just wanted to share my initial thoughts. So far I really like it. First off, it picked up a satellite signal in well less than a minute, which was a recurring problem with my 205. In addition, it appears to be extremely accurate. The 210 measured my 2.5 mile loop around Hoboken (per Gmaps Pedometer) to a couple of hundredths of a mile--which I consider to be virtually spot on. It is also very simple and user friendly. The 205 definitely has more features and is more customizable, but for just running I am more than happy with the 210. Plus it actually looks like a normal watch, unlike the 205, which makes you look like you are wearing a brick on your wrist. Man, posts two days in a row--don't get used to it!

Killing It

This morning I decided to switch things up a bit and get my long run for the week out of the way first thing. After a bit of internal deliberating I decided to hit the treadmill as opposed to running outdoors. I brought along my iPod nano, so instead of watching television as I usually do on the treadmill I listened to music. I then locked in a 7:30 per mile pace and banged out eight miles. I must say, I was super pumped after this run--it just flew by, and at the end I felt like knocking out a few more miles at that pace would have been no problem whatsoever!

My legs felt a little banged up afterwards, but nothing major. I was also shocked at how quickly my heart rate settled down afterwards--no fighting sweat for the next hour like I sometimes do after even shorter runs. All in all, it was definitely a success, and really boosted my confidence even more. On a somewhat related note I picked up a new toy today--a Garmin Forerunner 210 GPS watch to replace the POS 205 I have had for the last five and a half years. I will definitely report back later this week after I have had a chance to use it a few times. One thing I can already see is the 210 picks up satellite signals much faster, which was one of my primary (but not only) complaints with the 205.

Textbook

So I just completed a textbook training week and I am pretty pumped up about it. After not being able to workout on Monday I banged out five-, five-, seven-, and five-mile runs Tuesday through Friday. This morning I ran five miles at 7:08 pace, including a pretty substantial reverse split for the last 2.5 miles (although I must admit I did take a short bathroom break). So for the third straight week I pretty much stuck to my training program; in fact, I actually have done a few more miles than my program called for the last two (which is not saying all that much, as it is a very low mileage plan). I must say I am really pleased with how my training is going so far. I know that I still have 13 training weeks ahead of me, but if I can keep this up I am going to make that marathon my b-tch...

It's On!

So last week I started my formal 16-week training program for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27th. After searching around I decided to go with a program from MarathonRookie.com, simply because all the other ones I found included WAY too much mileage (which I think is a fairly common issue in my experience). I am really just following the weekly long runs in the program; my other runs will be primarily based on how much time I have to train and listening to my body. So away we go...

Last week I was only able to get in three runs due to being on vacation. Two were five miles (which according to my program was my week 1 long run), and the other was three (which was scheduled to be five, but I had to cut short because of brutal heat and humidity). So far this week I got in five miles yesterday and six (my week 2 long run) today. Thus, I can at least say I stuck to the long runs in my training program for two weeks--so I have that going for me, which is nice. That is it for now--as always, thanks for reading!

Taking Stock

Well we are now down to the final few days of my "pre-training training program" for the Marine Corps Marathon, which is 120 days away. This week I got in two five mile runs and one four miler, as well as a cardio session on the elliptical machine. Right now I am very pleased with where I am. I could still stand to lose a few pounds and my one knee is stiffer than I would like, but I am running pretty fast without too much effort, so I am optimistic. I am still trying to nail down a specific training program, mainly just for direction on the long runs--I will definitely do so in the next week or so. It just seems so crazy to me to think I am about to start another marathon training program--I am super excited, but also a bit scared...

Odor Management

So I do not have anything terribly new to report from a training perspective, but I do have an exciting development in the "odor management" of my workout clothes. You see, when I run, I sweat--profusely. I have always found it kind of strange, particularly given the fact I do not perspire all that much on a regular day-to-day basis. Being a bit of a running snob, all of my workout clothes are made of synthetic fibers, which are great from a comfort/sweat wicking perspective, but unfortunately not so much in terms of odor management--after even relatively short runs, they tend to smell really awful (especially in the underarm and crotch areas). It eventually gets so bad I end up having to throw them away, even though they are usually still in pretty good shape (i.e., no holes or fading).

Years ago I read a post on the Slowtwitch discussion boards in which someone mentioned they fight odors by simply showering in their clothes after a workout. Rationally it makes sense to me--by showering right afterwards, you do not give sweat a chance to set in (as opposed to when you wait several days to wash them, as I normally do). I just started to do this myself, and so far, so good. I have showered in my workout clothes now twice at my gym, and have not even gotten a second look in the locker room. And both times my clothes smelled pretty good afterwards--I still plan to run them through the washer before wearing them again, but honestly am not sure if that is really necessary.  Anyway, just wanted to share something not directly training/racing related--hopefully this is not TMI...

One Mile At A Time

This has been a fairly good training week, with runs on Monday, Wednesday, and this morning and an elliptical machine workout on Tuesday. Yesterday I completed my second six mile run this year on the treadmill, with most of the distance at 7:30 per mile pace. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and easy it felt, which is a really good sign with my formal marathon training program beginning in less than a month. Overall I am really happy with where I am right now. My only complaint is my right knee has been a bit stiff for the last several weeks, but once it warms up it feels perfectly fine. I know it is still too early to even be thinking about time goals, but I just cannot get breaking 3:20 out of my head given how well training has gone thus far...

Six Down, 20 To Go

So I planned to kick off my training week with my standard five mile treadmill run this morning. I started out at a nice comfortable 7:30 per mile pace, and about 20 minutes into the workout felt like I could maintain that level for hours; it barely felt like I was pushing at all. So on the spot I decided to stretch the run to six miles, which represented my longest one so far this year. I also started gradually picking up the pace. I ran the last minute or so at 6:40 per mile pace, and while I definitely felt like I was working hard at that point, still did not feel terribly winded.

I was not planning to ramp up my mileage much until I begin my 16-week training program in early July, but it just felt like the right thing to do this morning. I was also pleasantly surprised by how easy it felt, which is definitely a really good sign. I have to make sure not to get too far ahead of myself, but I figure throwing a few more 6-7 miles into my "pre-training" is not going to kill me--and will definitely build my confidence for the 15-20 milers I have ahead of me.

Kicking Up The Marathon Training (A Bit)

This week I decided to kick up my early marathon training a bit and start running three times a week consistently. On Monday I ran four miles outside; on Tuesday I hit the Stairmaster; yesterday I ran four miles on the treadmill; and this morning I planned to run five miles outside. Unfortunately after getting a bit later of a start than I would have liked I ended up doing my five mile run on the treadmill. It actually worked out fine, as when I stepped outside to head to the gym the temperature was a bit chillier than I expected. When is Spring going to get here already?

One other thing: I bought new running shoes (see above). I have worn the Saucony Omni line for the past several years, but was convinced to try another Saucony model at a running store in Manhattan. Within just a few months that pair was falling apart, which was shocking given the fact I have had previous Sauconys last for years, combined with the fact I spent a pretty penny on them. I think I just plain got hoodwinked. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it--I am sticking with Saucony Omnis from here on out.

A Terrible--I Mean Pretty Good--Run

This morning I decided to run outside before work, as the temperature was in the low 60s and I just got a new arm band for my iPod Nano. Rather than doing my regular four mile, two loop course I opted to extend the loop a bit further and do five miles (my longest outfoor run this year). I set off at a steady but comfortable pace, and when I finished the first loop was somewhat shocked to see a little over 20 minutes had elapsed--implying I was running at 8:00 per mile pace. I was definitely not pushing terribly hard, but did not think I was running that slowly either! My second loop was a few seconds faster than the first, and I ended up finishing my run in just over 40 minutes.

When I got into the office I used Gmaps Pedometer to measure the length of my run and found the loop was 2.7 miles, NOT the 2.5 miles I mistakenly thought. Thus, my run was really nearly five and a half miles, not five, and my pace was 7:25 per mile, not 8:00. So basically I went from thinking this was a disastrous run to a pretty encouraging one. On a related note, using the same program I calculated another recent four mile run was at 7:05 per mile pace, not 7:15. Note to self: always use Gmaps Pedometer before embarking on new running routes...

Things That Make You Go Hmmm...

Yesterday I had an early morning flight that  made it difficult to squeeze in a run at my gym beforehand. Thus, I decided to run outside instead, doing my usual two loop four mile course. As I started the run my legs felt really good, so I decided to push it a bit. The first loop flew by, and as I started the final mile (which is primarily uphill) I gritted my teeth and dug down. I would not say I was going all out balls to the walls, but this was certainly not a leisurely run either.

When I looked at my watch for the first time at the end of the run, I saw I had completed the four miles in just under 29 minutes, or roughly 7:15 per mile pace. Considering the last time I  ran this same route I clocked in at 31 minutes (although with less perceived effort), I have to say I was quite pleased--especially considering the fact I have only been running again for a couple of months. I don't want to get ahead of myself, but this DEFINITELY makes me wonder what I will be capable of when October 27th rolls around...

The Next Challenge

After a ridiculously long blogging hiatus I am back at it again. Honestly I really did not have anything worth writing about. I took a break after my last race, was having problems with my IT band, got that all taken care of (and found my knees are in great shape--for a 41-year-old), and started running again several weeks ago. Oh, and I signed up for a race--the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27th. Due to the fact I was not able to get in when race registration began yesterday (despite the fact I was on my computer trying to get into the registration site literally the second it opened), I will be racing money for charity (see below):

I will be participating in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 27, 2013 to raise funds and awareness for Inheritance of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving families with children who have a parent with a life-threatening illness. Please help me reach my goal of $1,200 by sponsoring me in this event! With your contribution, we can share in the joy of helping to build legacies for families who are facing a tremendous challenge. While Marine Corps will be my fourth marathon, it will be my first in six years (as well as the first since my age started beginning with a four), so I am looking forward to the challenge!

Inheritance of Hope helps young families who face the terminal illness of a parent build their legacies through Legacy Retreats: four day all-expenses-paid events where families come together to make memories, build a community of support, and gain tools to manage the challenges they face. Inheritance of Hope also funds a $1,000 Legacy Scholarship for college-bound seniors living with a terminally ill parent and offers various other support services that address the deep needs of these families. One dad fighting a terminal illness shares, “We had the best time of our lives at the Disney retreat. The theme parks were not the highlight, the people were. Thank you so much to all the volunteers who made us feel like royalty and to the other families who made us feel like family.”

Inheritance of Hope is a young organization with a big vision. In the United States, there are over one million family members facing the challenges of a parent’s terminal illness. These families’ entire lives become consumed by the illness, leaving them without the resources to plan or pay for meaningful family time. Inheritance of Hope’s vision is “Every Family Deserves a Legacy.” To learn more about Inheritance of Hope or my role as a member, or to make a contribution on my personal webpage, please visit http://inheritanceofhope.org/anthony-chukumba-1776. You may also send a donation directly to Inheritance of Hope at P.O. Box 90, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768; simply put my name on the memo line.

Thanks for your support!

I will write the occassional post until my training begins in earnest a few months from now. Thanks for reading--and your patience!