left.right.repeat group -closed - Full of a bunch of winners...YEAH! (Page 61)

Gary, I'm with you on not running after a beer. Ick!

Diane, I'm jealous too but couldn't bring myself to admit it until Gary said he was.

I would loooooove a bike. But we can't afford it. So I guess I'll just have to suck it up and get over it.  The way our budget looks, I should be grateful that I can still afford running shoes and race entry fees.

Since I'm living vicarously through you Diane, you'll have to tell us all about the first time you take it out for a spin. 

LRR - Congratulations, Do you think you'll ever do it again? 

Awesome Bike Diane, I'll be doing my first tri either on an old 10 speed that may or may not work (need to have it checked out) or on a mountain bike.

 Boy I was dying of suspense. Bryan I even checked your blog to see if you were OK!!!!

     WAY TO GO BRYAN!!!!!!!!!! 

 You did it...as we knew you would Cant wait to "hear" the whole race report. What is up with beer at mile 23????? I would be sick...heck I'd be sick after running 23 miles without beer Sounds like you met your goals ....AWESOME !!!!!!

                       Now onward to 140.6

                  ...so glad you are going first.

Dianne...very nice bike...I love the titanium color. ...it is a FAST  color. Kind of a fast silver...now you just need a name...any thoughts?????

 Leston...you stud...on studded snow tires. I have studded running shoes but NO way would I ride in this crazy weather. You Rock!!!!

 Hey Pete...can you do something about that Cold Canadian weather that you keep sending my way???? I am actually leaving for Florida on 1/29. I am going to S-B-R everyday!!! My parents live on the ocean so I can wake up and go! I need to retire I need a break from the frigid cold!

How about a full race report.....

There will be pics at my blog in the next day or so...

Houston Marathon 2009....what a day...

Temperature was mid 60s before 6am with pretty high humidity - it is Houston you know - and it warmed up into the mid 70s.  Pretty hot for me to be pounding concrete for 5.5 hours...well, 5:28 to be exact...

I woke up about 3:30, laid around until 4:45 or so and then finally got up to get the day started.  A bagel, peanut butter and a gel started the day.  The gel was apple cinnamon - my favorite, it tastes like apple pie - thanks, Hammer.  We left the hotel about 5:45, Taylour ready to run the 1/2 and Mark, Ray and I ready (??) to run the full marathon....a first for all of us.  As an aside here, the three of us talked at dinner on Saturday night, I asked if they were nervous, they both said yes and asked if I was, I said, "no not nervous, I am SCARED".  We walked outside and quickly realized we would not need long sleeves or jackets or stocking caps or gloves, even standing around before the start...it was plenty warm. 

National anthem, prayer, wheelchair start, elite start and then....SHOWTIME!  Off we go - Mark and I started together but got separated within a couple of minutes - they did not really corral the start - it was one elite wave and then the rest.  The first few miles were congested and difficult to get into a regular rhythm but the feeling of getting off to a cruising start was very good.  My heart rate was low and under control...after the pre-race heart pounding acceleration prior to the start...once we got moving it settled down.  The crowd was amazing - there were spectators ALL along the course - they spread out a little after the half runners turned back toward town - that was about mile 8 or 9 - I had been watching the returning 1/2 runners for Taylour but hadn't seen her - so when I got to the edge of the turnaround, I looked back and yelled Go Taylour as loud as I could - another runner asked me if I saw who I was yelling at - I replied no, but I know she was out there somewhere, either I missed her or she was still on her way to the turnaround but I was supporting her.  The I realized I still had 18 or so miles to go...bummer, dude - that's a long way.  There were bands along the way including a Blues Brothers act that was great, a spectator dressed up like Winnie the Pooh - he was old - that was a little disturbing...smile.  There was also a banana (there is always a running banana, right?), Elvis impersonators, a freakin' HUGE Saint Bernard, an Old English Bulldog, a Minister blessing runners with Holy Water, two different bagpipers and a LOT of concrete.

The course was basically MinuteMaid Park start, go a little north, then west to Rice University, then through West University to the Galleria, along the Post Oak/Galleria area (can't believe they closed those roads), down through Tanglewood, and then through Memorial Park back to downtown.

I felt really good at the halfway point considering my hips had been giving me trouble since mile 3 or so, they were tightening up...seems to be an issue where the gluteous maximus attaches with the gluteous minimus....likely that I have too much gluteous maximus.  I was running under a 12 minute pace at that time and felt pretty good about that.  My pre-race goal was just to finish, but we all know that is crap, we try to come up with some estimate.  I was hoping for 5:15 but would be pleased under 5:30.  I am not a fast runner...at all.  I hooked up with the 5:15 pace group about mile 18, I had actually been in front of them but was starting to fade.  The miles from about 15 to about 18 seemed to go on FOREVER...I still felt good and the attitude was strong but I was slowing.  When the pace group caught up, I decided to run with them for a while.  They were doing a 5/1 run/walk strategy and they were great.  Rick was one of the leaders, it was his 70th marathon...I told him at the end of the day, we would have 71 between us.  He made sure I knew not to stress about time, just to finish.  I carried the balloons on a stick (2 x 4-5 inch balloons on a 1/4 inch dowel) for about 5 minutes and thought I was carrying a bridge column...that thing was heavy...LOL! and it wasn't aero either.  I got rid of it as soon as someone else said they would carry it....thanks, Julie (I think that was your name - if not, I apologize for forgetting).

Then the muscle behind my left knee began to assert itself.  It had been nagging at me for a few miles but at about mile 20 it was not to be denied.  It knotted up like a monkey's fist knot.  It hurt if I walked, it hurt if I ran, it hurt if I stopped for a few seconds to rub it.  I thought beer was about the only cure so the faster I got to beer the better, so I ran as much as I could.  The grind through Memorial Park was beautiful, with great spectators who were shouting encouragement all the way but it was a grind.  About mile 23, I cruised into a "Try our water" aid station and looked up to see Mark about 20 yards in front of me....so it looked like I would have a Partner In Pain (at least for a little while).  We continuously did the math to try to make the 5:30 number.  Running when we could, walking when we had to...and then there was BEER - like an oasis in the desert....over to the left....spectators handing out small cups of BEER...the elixir of all things....

Shortly after the beer, we spotted Mark's wife by the side of the road, it was not an alcohol induced hallucination, it really was Patty so she started walking with us and I had to run or my hips were going to lock up - about 10-15 stride up, Mark yells for me to wait, he had been getting cold so he was going to run too.  We ran a while and looked over on the sidewalk to see Patty even with us...she had easily kept up as we ran.  She came back onto the road with us and from there on she ran when we ran until we got almost to the finish line.  We were running a block, walking a block at the end, unless there was a camera of course, in which case we ran for sure.  I saw Debbie and Taylour right before the finish line so that was cool too.  Crossing that line with Mark was really a special moment.  We have done a lot of this endurance training "together" with him in Ft Worth and me in San Antonio so it was neat to cross the line together (Ray "The Rabbit" had finished earlier and was laying on the floor of the convention center relaxing at this time).

I really believe "it takes a village" to accomplish something like this....Thanks go to my wife for her support and understanding of long runs and painful legs, to my daughter who never laughed at "the old man" when he was going to do a triathlon or marathon - and congratulations to her on finishing her first half marathon during her senior year in college.  She is quite an inspiration to me to have the discipline to train for an endurance event while in college..... Taylour, You Rock!  To all the volunteers, there's no race without you - thank you for giving your time.  Many of you gave a whole day and while I couldn't thank all of you, I did try to thank as many as possible.  Spectators - WOW...whole neighborhoods were out in their front yards (maybe because they couldn't get their car out, but I am going with the idea they wanted to see me....smile).  You all were great.  If you yelled, "go Bryan" and I didn't acknowledge it, please forgive me...there were moments when I was in my own little cocoon of shock and awe...a pain cave if you will, and I just may have missed it, but you all took me on your shoulders and helped get me through 26.2 miles....actually 26.36 according to Garmin...but I got the medal....and some more beer.

What a day....I have already been asked, "will you do another?" - I don't know about a stand alone marathon, I know I will do another 26.2 at Ironman Arizona in November but that is for another day....today, it's about recovery.

I feel remarkably good today...a little stiff after sitting in one position for an hour or two, but once walking - feel pretty good.  My hips still hurt some and the back of my left knee is still bothering me.....massage and some ART treatment with Jill tomorrow.....oh, I can't wait.

Thanks again for coming along on this ride....

See you at the finish line.

LRR - great RR!  Congrats on finishing!

I committed and registered for the Rookie Tri.  Woohoo! here I come.  I haven't registered for the LA Tri as I am staying with my thought of waiting until March 1st.  I emailed the RD and he said they never fill up but get close.  March 1st shouldn't be an issue. 

Pics are up on the blog.....check out the slide show

http://tri-leftrightrepeat.blogspot.com/

Way to go B-man!! Great run and wonderful race report. You really set a tremendous example for us all.

Mav - sorry 'bout the cold   Some strange weather up here in Canada. We're in the deep freeze in the east. Meanwhile out west in Calgary they were having temps over 40F. WE got a lot of snow yesterday so I spent some "quality time" out in the driveway with my beloved snowblower.

I know that today is a BIG day for you, my 'merican friends. Best wishes flowing from me to y'all.

Gary - was it you who mentioned pony club? I have a daughter, now 19 in 2nd year at university, who lives for horses, riding, etc. We've spent more time and money on horse related stuff than I care to remember and that's without ever owning a horse!! A boss of mine with a daughter into riding once said to me, "Peter, never own something that eats when you sleep".

FBP - Yep, that was me.  I hear you on the cost.  Luckily we have the horses on our own property and my wife is a vet.  She can do some farrier work and has taught me some.  Still it is an expensive hobby.  Out of town shows are the most expensive!

Race man giveth, Race man taketh away.  Well, yesterday I registered for the Pressman Rookie Tri and today I received an email from the RD stating that the race had been cancelled due to the inability to get someone to time the event. Bummer!!!  Was really looking to that race as an easy, fun intro Tri.

My money is being refunded so I guess I am left with the LA Tri as my first tri.  Will register for that tonight.

Something Bryan wrote in his RR made me wonder:

What is your favorite energy snack whilst running/biking. I, liketheB-man, love the apple cinnamon gels 'cause its like a liquid apple pie. Also like strawberry-kiwi flavour. I like Sharkies (little gummy candy things) too and Gatorade to drink. Can't handle any of the Clif bars but regular chocolate dipped granola bars are great!

Did my second session of the Zero to 1650 swim plan yesterday. Tonight is the first class for the triathlon swim training group.

Have a good one  y'all.

FBP

PS. What a wonderful celebration for your new President yesterday!! Wish I could've watched the whole parade. Alas, we were expected to actually work yesterday  

Gary - Sorry to hear about the cancelled race.  Hope you are able to get registered for the other one.

FBP - I haven't tried any gels or anything  yet.  I'm not quite sure if/when I need them.  I have heard conflicting stories on whether I'll need one for the half or not.  I am considering getting a few to give them a try and see what I think as my runs get longer.  So far my longest run of 8 miles I never used anything but water.

I would love to try the Feb Iron man, but I think I'm going to pass.  I don't ever know what my distance is when I swim because the coach gives us the work out.  He probably could tell me what it was for the people who do the complete one, but mine is modified.  Also I'm gone skiing to CO in early February and a few days to WV later in Feb.  With the half marathon training I'm having a hard time just getting in my running miles for that month, along with swim and strength, not sure I'll be able to fit in any biking. 

MSUDan -  Where are you skiing in Northern  Michigan?  I've been wanting to make it up to Boyne but haven't yet.  We did make it to Bittersweet last year, over near Kalamazoo. 

For gels, etc.  Gatorade or Powerade afterwards always.  If the run is more than an hour I use Cliff shot blocks and X'ade or water.  I have tried a few of the gels and they are okay but too sweet.  Tried an expresso flavored one and almost tossed my cookies.  Found an orange flavored one that isn't too bad.

Now for the Rookie Tri.  It may be on!  Originally the site listed it as Cancelled then Rescheduled to March 28th.  I received an email stating that there is a little confusion but it may still be on.  I hope it is.  Can't blame them, hosting a Tri can't be easy and making it a Rookie Tri probably cuts down on the number of attendees.  Let's send "Race is On" vibes out!

Got clearance to resume training. Yay! (Didn't tell the doc I started up last Friday.

Decided I'm going to do the half, even if I have to walk a lot of it. It's a four hour course limit. Heck, I could walk the whole thing.

I'll build back up slowly and get as far as I get by the week before the race. It's not like I was going to win the thing anyway. I'm doing it just to do it. For fun. So why bail when I could just walk however much I need to.

Go WAEF, Go!  Be smart about it and you will be fine.

LRR - how are you feeling after your Marathon?

Has anyone tried Hammer Endurolytes capsules?  I have a jar of them but have not tried them yet.

Anyone want to trade?  I have 3 Clif Shot energy gels Double Expresso.  100mg of caffiene.  I tried one and it wasn't for me.  If I can't trade them I will be giving them away.  Just let me know.

Crazy crazy day. So glad I got in my run this morning. Hopefully it was the last of the TM runs. I really want to get back outside but it's been too icy and slippery.

I'd love to go run just to be able to think. I wish my body had recovered enough to run 10 miles tonight just to get all the anxiety out. Bad idea I know.

Since I can't run til I drop, guess I'll go do crunches until I can't anymore. Core strength is important right? I read it will help my stride and pace. I can use all the help I can get on that front anyway. Crunches, crunches, crunches. Oh goodie.

Any time you go over an hour you need some calories and electrolytes.  We can get into some deeper discussion but here's a primer.....somewhere between 120-250 calories an hour.  It doesn't seem to need to be more as you cannot assimilate more than 300 per hour.  Less is better than more, until you know you cannot make it on the lower amounts.  Read the Hammer Nutrition fueling guide.  There is a lot of science there.  There are also a lot of conflicting opinions and that is why we train using different amounts, flavors, brancds, etc and the repeat that on race day....what is rule one....NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY. 

My favorites are a combination of Hammer gels, HEED, Endurolytes and water.  Or Infinit Nutrition (custom formula and flavor strength) along with a gel if I want a change of pace.  Infinit puts it ALL in a drink mix that is totally natural so there are no preservatives and you get electrolyte, calories and potentially protein in your own mix.  On the marathon, I carried two gels and some Endurolytes with my Infinit just for variety.  I didn't need more calories I just wanted to have the option of a change.  I LOVE the Infinit.  If you check out their website and want to order some, let me know, I think I can get you a discount.  One thing, I cannot do sweet stuff like Gatorade...my stomach doesn't like it.

Recovery - I had a massage on Tuesday and was feeling very good before the massage and marvelous after.  I actually considered spin class on Monday but decided against it.  Yesterday I felt fully recovered and today even better.  I am going for a short run or ride at least on Saturday....it is about time to get it back on.....

Thanks for all your kind words and support...you are all great....and I have told you before...YOU are the inspiration.

So if I should be fueling over an hour, does that mean I should start taking something on my long runs?  They are right about an hour and 15 - 20 minutes right now.  And if I should what would I start with?  I hate carrying a water bottle, so something that I could slip in a pocket would be better. 

What should I start with?  My long run next week will probably be an 1.5 hours and will just start getting longer after that.

Ditto what Bryan has said about nutrition...what a wise leader

 I have found that anything ( training  or racing) over an hour requires nutrition. I feel so much better and I perform better when I have nutrition.

I like raspberry Hammergel. I have tried endurolytes; they're OK. I dont have a problem with Gatorade but I like the low cal  stuff. I also like accelerade which has protien. Alot of people dont like it...but I have a stomach of steel and cant pretty much eat anything. I dont like the gooey shot block like things I find it difficult to chew and do any thing else (like walk/run). I actually choked on sports beans during a sprint race last summer.

 I officially signed up for my first HIM and trainng started this week...No turning back now

interesting discussion on nutrition. I eat something (yogurt or toast or applesauce or banana) before I go out and only bring something if I'm going to be out there for 90 mins or more. Otherwise it's just water. Maybe I'd do better if I started the intake a little earlier.

For my taste, gels gross me out and sports beans are too sweet. I bring G2 and if I'm out there long enough to get hungry, I bring a balance bar cut into bite sized pieces and nibble on that until I'm done with the run or the ride.  

Go Mav Go!