I'd Like to Thank the Academy

I've refrained from blogging since my Vancouver Marathon race.  I wanted to keep the blog pure, my attempt to get into Boston.

Since I ran Vancouver in May, I've been going through a lot of thinking.

Without a doubt, I know I did as well as I could on that particular day, but I had a nagging thought that I could still do better.

I had gone so far as signing up for another marathon about 5-6 weeks after VIM.  But what I found was, my immediate enthusiasm for this race waned as it drew nearer.  My tempo runs also started petering out with the rare warm days we had, and once again, the ugly word "doubt" reared its head.

In the end, I decided not to run.  Instead, we had a fantastic family vacation in Oregon.

As the dates for Boston signup approached, I thought it was a pretty outside chance I'd make it.  Sue signed up on the first day saying it took her 5 minutes (vs 3+ hours last year) and she received the confirmation within the hour.

Monday morning, I wake up, nice and early, to make sure my computer was ready to go.  7AM comes and I sign in/up and I'm done by 7:05.  Upon reading the fine print, I find:
It is no longer first come first served, but based on time and likely other small factors like placing
Admittance will not be confirmed until the following week.

Getting through the week was difficult... I was thinking that if only I had run the Foot Traffic Flat I wouldn't have had to go through this anxiety.

But the Monday does arrive and I'm out and about.  I check my email at 11:30A and the subject line reads: Boston Marathon Entry Confirmation

My heart starts beating like mad and I quickly scan the email to see: has been accepted

Tears well up as I begin to comprehend the moment... the realization of having my dream coming true is just too hard for many to really understand.  From being the slowest kid in the slowest gym class (i.e. "Awk Block") to qualifying for the legendary Boston Marathon.... I've come a long way.

I am so ecstatic, everyday I reflect at just how lucky I am.  It was a very long road, but now I can enjoy it... the fruits of my labour.  I had blogged about this before, but I knew it was going to be difficult and that's why it is even more satisfying.  Nothing good comes easy.

Between the time I signed up and when I was accepted, I made a small change to my plans.  I originally thought to not race Boston and enjoy the experience, take pictures, high 5 spectators etc.  But in light of being chosen to run while many didn't, I've decided it would be an affront to them and embarrassing for me to not give it my all.  So yeah, I'll be racing it.

I'll be doing a few shorter races in the fall (i.e. Turkey Trot, Fall Classic) and then going back to John Hill in January to prepare for my race.

"But Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.... He lived happily ever after." -- Willy Wonka

Woot!

I'm happy.

No, I didn't get my 3:20 I was hoping for.  I didn't even get 3:25.  But I did PB and had fantastic support for my race.

I woke up at 4AM to start my day.  A cup of beet root juice and a bowl of oatmeal with berries.  The weather outside looked pretty clear by 5A and cool, but comfortable.

I picked up Chantelle and a couple of her friends and then headed to park about 1k from the start.

I made my way to the start area and stood about about 20m in and saw Kate.  She invited me warmly and told me to hang on, it was going to be a fun one.  As the race neared the start, I threw off my H2H hoodie and found the temperature fairly comfortable.

I started out, and immediately kept my sights on Kate.

We didn't talk much, but by 13k, she said we were going in a bit too fast.  I felt pretty good, but I thought I'd heed her warning.  By the time we hit Stanley Park, we were on track for a 3:20.  I was still feeling pretty good.

There's a lot of rolling hills as you make your way around the park... you don't notice them much when you drive, but when you're running, it's hard not to.

At this point, I notice our time is slow for the km markers.. I decided to take advantage of the downhill sections and give it.  Kate's now behind me... mistake or not?  We'll see.

I make my way out of Stanley Park.  I'm feeling a little tired and there's another slow incline up to the bridge.  I'm excited now because my bunny, Sue, is going to meet me at 27k.  By the time I get her, I'm 40 seconds off my target pace.  I'm not happy, but I figure I can still reel it in...

Well, that didn't happen.

I pushed, Sue pulled, but my body was really starting to feel the effects of the pace and distance.  We put another 5k or so at a pretty decent pace and I thought, 3:20 is out, but 3:25 is still there.   But my body had other plans.  The effects of the rolling hills in Point Grey with the stupid #@$@# U-turn up 4th Ave, the sun beating down, and going out a bit fast... my body started to really hurt.  By the time we saw Eric at 36k, I was nearly all spent.

6k.  That's barely a warmup.

Only problem was there's 36k before that.

About 1k from the finish

At this point, my body was screaming to stop, but Sue and Eric wouldn't allow me to.  I trudged up the bridge and picked off a few runners.  At the crest of the bridge I ran as fast as I could down.... which probably wasn't that fast.  The last 100m or so, I just gave it.  Caught one of the guys, but couldn't pick off the woman in black.

3:27:38.

Broke my PB by 10 minutes.

Officially it's a BQ, but I realize being last in line probably won't get me in.

I thought I'd be upset.  But I'm not.

It's what I tell people... all you have to do is your best.  Whatever happens after that, is just that.  Just make sure you have no regrets and leave nothing on the table.

I ran.

I ran as hard as I could, and can proudly say, I gave it everything I could.  There's no woulda/coulda/shoulda's.

I socialized how I was hoping to get a 3:20.  And I was.  (Still am??).  If I fail then I fail, but at least I gave it a shot.  When my days are up, I never want to ask myself, "what if?"

Live life.  No regrets.

All Good Things Come to an End

This is it.

A week to go.

I'm kinda melancholy.

Running has been my identity for the last few years.  I've met so many friends, had so many experiences... I've braved the elements and soaked up the wonderful sights.  It's been my security blankets on bad days it's enlightened me on good days.

Although I still plan to run, but it won't nearly be as far (ie 16k max) and certainly not with John Hill.

It's time to spread my wings with things like swimming, biking, climbing and some hiking/camping (i.e. West Coast Trails).   The last few months have been difficult.  I've led a sheltered life in order to get the best out for my running and not risk injuries.

My goal is to run a sub-3:30 with my stretch goal as a sub-3:20.  I know it won't be easy... things are going to really have to go my way in order for me to reach my stretch.

Seven more sleeps.

I'm very melancholy.

I'm really going to miss you, like you wouldn't believe.

Grete Would Go

On April 19, Grete Waitz, one of the greatest marathoners in history, passed away at age 57 from cancer. Among her many other accomplishments, she won the New York Marathon a record nine times, and during her career she repeatedly broke the women's world record, bringing it down by over nine minutes!


Grete was diagnosed with cancer in 2005.  Looking at pictures of her, even after her diagnosis, it was easy to see her beauty through a glowing smile.  But like all heroes, she was so much more.  She never stopped promoting running and health.  She also worked with Special Olympics and after being diagnosed, she helped to start a Norwegian foundation, Active against Cancer.

I don't view myself as being overly emotional.  But this has stuck a chord with me.

How often do you take the safe route?  How many times do you ask yourself, why, instead of why not?

I challenge you to take a risk, and ask, what would Grete do?  


Grete would go.

Don't Quit

I know it's been awhile since my last confession, but it'll be a little clearer after you read the blog.

--
I felt so crappy after last week's JH session.

2x200m, 2x600m.  Pretty short by JH standards.

The 200's went well, but on the first 600, I felt really tired and stopped at around 300m when I felt myself slipping.

John asked if I was injured, and I said no, just tired.  He then told me something I hope to take with me to my grave...

You don't stop.  You need to complete what you set out to do, because if you allow yourself to stop once, it makes it easier to stop again.

I felt/feel so crappy.

I just finished telling Shawna, it doesn't matter about time/pace, just make sure your effort is there.

It's true.  All of it.

It is weird, I had set such a high standard for myself, when I found myself slipping on my target I'd just give up.

It started on a tempo run in March.  There was a horrible headwind blowing and after about 13k of the 18 that was planned, I started slipping to a 4:40/km. I thought, "if I can't hit 4:35, I may as well stop".  So I did.

For 2 of the next 3 tempos, whenever I found my pace slowing down, I stopped.

I had never stopped before on a tempo... maybe because I didn't have high expectations, but having stopped once, it really did set a precedent making the subsequent ones that much easier.

With only a few weeks to go, I've switched back.  Last week, I decided against wearing my Garmin and managed a 4:43 for 21kms... not great, but I'm actually happy because it is so much better than quitting.

Tomorrow, I'm going out for a 22k tempo.  I don't know what my pace will be, but I do know I'll have run a hard 22k.

Sometimes When You Win, You Lose

If ever there was a time in my journey that things are a little off, it's now.

I just hit two new PB's this week... the 2 miler and the 1 mile intervals.

My calf pains also feels like a thing of the past... the pain/discomfort has pretty much subsided.

Everything just feels like it is lining up for me.  I should be ecstatic.

So why am I not?

I am feeling more like a hockey team that just won their 3rd game in a best of 7 series.  Good job, but no time to celebrate.

It's difficult to be happy when my "target" time doesn't guarantee me a BQ and only allows me to be the second group to register.

I realize, I need to control what I can and live in the moment.  Translation: keep on working to improve and let the chips fall where they may.

"Winning isn't everything, but the will to win is everything.” - V Lombardi

Taking Nothing for Granted

I try to never forget how lucky I am to be chasing a dream.

Last week's long run before the First Half race was a cold wet one.  But I thought, I'm so fortunate that I am doing what I want to do at this very moment.  Sure, I wouldn't have minded if it was warmer and dryer, but the fact of the matter is, I'm out there with a bunch of friends and we're having a good time.

The following week, the conditions were ideal to race the First Half Marathon.  Cool and dry.

I went in thinking I'd run a 15k tempo and then slow down to a 5 min/k pace, but John would have none of that.

So I gave it.

I had a terrific race.

I went out a little too strong, 4:10 for the first km and then slowing to 4:25.  By kilometer 3, I was in my zone and kept my pace of 4:36 for the rest of the race.

In the end, I knocked 10 minutes off my previous half marathon PB, and came in at 1:38:07.

The time translates to a 3:25 marathon.  Pretty solid into a BQing.  I was stoked.

BAA had a different plan.

1. They are having a rolling/staggered admissions. Faster people get to register earlier... until the race is completely sold out.
2. 2013 They are lowering qualifying times by 5 minutes across the board. But with the rolling admission, it makes the times moot.

I'm not giving up, but I am rethinking my strategy.

The balancing act of what is possible and what I'll likely need to be able to register.  I'm thinking a sub 3:20 will be where I need to be.  This gets me into the second group to be able to register, and is comparable to a 1:35:37 half... 2.5 minutes faster than my recent results.
--
On the way home from JH the other day, I was driving along the Park drive when I was rounding a bend and saw headlights headed straight for me.  I jammed on the brakes and avoided a collision.  I suggested to the driver he was going the wrong way on a one way street.

I really am lucky to be given the opportunity to chase a dream.

The Un-Natural

Some people are born to do certain things.

Despite professing his love of golf, Mario Lemieux was made to be a hockey player.  BTW, while he's one of the greatest hockey players of all time, he was only mediocre at golf.

Ken Griffey Jr was said to have the perfect swing.  And nobody could argue that Samuel Wanjiru was not made to run.

Sure they train hard, but even if they didn't, they'd still be really, really, really good at their chosen profession.

I'm not like that at all.

My daughter said me that she was hoping she'd inherit my running ability.  I stopped that one dead on the tracks.

I had to break the truth to her... I said, "I'm not a great runner."

My running doesn't come natural for me... everything I do is a product of hard work and my learnings.  And just about the only thing she could hope to inherit from me is my math skills.

When it comes to running, I am like a sponge for information.  I am willing to try anything with eyes wide open.

My stride length, posture and foot strike have all been created by me in order to run better, faster, stronger.

I used to take longer strides, but found that by shortening them, I can actually run faster.

My posture doesn't feel normal as I push my hips a bit forward so that instead of propelling my legs, I'm merely catching myself from falling and in doing so, saving energy.

And yes, I've been a heel striker since the beginning of time (roughly 44 years) and now I find I'm trying to skim the surface by landing mid-foot instead.  Landing mid-foot has increased my cadence and roll over speed.

I know I'm a pretty good runner, but I'll never be a great runner... and that's ok.

Oh, and aside from math, the other thing I hope my daughter inherits from me is my drive, my drive to never ever give up when you're chasing a dream.

Top of the World

I normally don't say that.  The title is from a song by the Carpenters, and as our family lacked any cool genes, we were all big fans.

I feel like everything is coming together.

My interval runs with JH are steadily improving and I've even dropped my tempo time a bit while increasing the mileage.

With the times I've been getting for the 1mi, 2mi and 14km, I can finally say, I've achieved the calculated time for a BQ.

VIM.  Three months left to the day.

I have two options....

1) Cut back a bit.  Push, but not too hard that I increase my risk for injury.  Safe strategy for a 3:30 finish.

2) Run like you stole it.  Test the limits.  Sub 3:25?

I gotta say, I'm leaning towards 2.

What once was thought to be impossible, is now in my hands.  When I ran my first sub-hour 10k, I thought I'd achieved the impossible.  And I did.  But now I'm clocking  a sub-45 minute.  Boston was just a pipe dream a few years ago... now I am excited that it looks like it's becoming a reality.

But I still know I'll have challenges.  Staying healthy through the hard training, dropping a few pounds, and wanting to push it 'til I feel like throwing up.  Still, the challenge and fun is an exciting time.

I'm euphoric.  I'm on top of the world.

"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." - P Picasso 

Power of Now

I'm a fan of the New Age Religion.

Well, having done about 2 minutes worth of reading up on "New Age", I'm not entirely sure if that label is accurate.  But I do try to adhere to the philosophies within "The Power of Now".

One of my goals is, is to immerse myself in the moment.

So, be it looking at charts on a computer monitor, or playing with my kids... if I'm there, I'm there.

With running, I've been going at it pretty good recently.  I'm setting PB's with each new interval and even JH remarked how much faster I've been.

I'm really at a loss to explain why.

Previously, when I ran hard, I'd try to focus on anything but the actual running.  I would think of other people or things in order to distract myself.  Heck, I even used anger to try motivate me.

Now, I'm not really thinking about anything except for what I'm doing... i.e. being present.  Instead of distractions, I embrace what I'm doing... the running and of course the pain and discomfort that comes with it.

This week as we huddled around John to get our paces for the 1x2mi and 2x1mi, he looked at me and said "6:45 and 6:30".  Are you f'n kidding me?  The fastest I've done a 2mi is just under 14 minutes (i.e. 7 min/mile) and the fastest 1mi I've ever done is a 6:40.

Sometimes it's hard, to just stand there and take what's given to you.   But that's what I did.  But in all honesty, I questioned the sanity of my decision.

At the start, I didn't think... I just ran.

Thirteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds later I was done.  Holy crap!  I knocked 30 seconds off my PB.  The 1 mile repeats also went well, 6:34 and 6:29.

I even "taunted" Amanda as we neared the end of the last interval.  "C'mon let's go" I said to her.  We sprinted to the end.  I felt like throwing up as I crossed the line, but at the same time, boy did I feel great!

"Life is now. There was never a time when your life was not now, nor will there ever be." -- E Tolle

Running with Ben Kenobi

I feel quite honoured.

I've been Facebook friends with my old marathon leader, Angela.

Back in my Running Room days, she guided me, to do what I thought was the impossible... running a marathon.

She made running fun.  It was a very social atmosphere.  Our long runs weren't a race, they were casual.  We got to know all the people we ran with.

I met Chantelle there, and she in turn introduced me to TLT.  I met Wynne, Joe, Don, Grace, Beverly... heck nearly all my (running) friends are connected to my marathon clinic.  I met Sue at JH, but even that's has a RR connection, because it was Chantelle and Grace wanting to to sign up for JH because of the success stories they had heard about from people like Angela.

Angela and I had bumped into each other at coffee the week prior.  She's off to Boston so our training schedules are similar.  I sent her a message via Facebook and next thing you know, she's one of the gang.

I asked her to come up with a route and on Sunday morning she had 3 for us to choose from.  We went with Ambleside.  I am sure I mentioned this before, but I'll say it again.. I love running to the North Shore.  It's cool to say you ran to West Van, it's beautiful when you get there, and the run features two bridges, so it's a nice challenge.

I had a great time chatting with her.  We talked about everything under the sun.  We talked about her soccer days, her Ironmans, and even her days working at a grocery store.  By the time it was over, we ran about 22kms in a little over 2 hours.

"The Force will be with you, always." - B Kenobi

Livin' on the Edge

Last Sunday, I ran with a few running buddies, including TLT.

I love running with her.  Never a dull moment.

A few weeks ago, we were out for a long run.  She was pretty tired, as this was her first long one in quite some time.  Near the end, she said, "do you want to see me pole dance?"  I've been running for over 7 years, and I've never heard that question in the middle of a run before.  She then showed me some moves and I laughed.

On Sunday we were talking about the VIM and if the pace bunnies would be doing 10s and 1s.  I said, if they were, I probably wouldn't want to go with them, cause, I don't want to run that fast for 10 and then cool down for the 1.  I said that you typically need to run about 10 seconds faster, per kilometer, when doing 10s and 1s.

TLT said, "don't think about it so much and just do it.  You think about what you can and can't do, but you gotta run on the edge more."

What she doesn't understand is, I do.

For my intervals and tempos, I leave nothing on the table.  My entire focus is doing the best I can.  I used to run to my Garmin speed, but no more.  While I still check it, I'm not a slave to it.  I find that by looking at it less often, I put more effort in and I'm not constrained by my pace targets.

I don't set limits on what I can't do.

"So suck it up and tough it out and be the best you can." - J Mellencamp

What a Week I'm Having

I went back to John Hill's clinic on Wednesday.

The time off was good.  I had done some treadmill runs to prepare for the 2 x 2 miles, but outdoors was something else.

It was freezing.  Temperature was likely in the single digits, but a strong breeze ensured uncomfort. And to add a bit, I stepped in a puddle before the intervals began.  Anywho, I'm out there and happy.

I see some regular faces, but also a few new ones.  I always feel a little awkward running with new people.  I don't want to be out of place, nor do I like pushing the pace.  We went out strong, but started too slow after 1/4 mile.  By the 1/2 way mark (i.e. 1 mile) we were already about 14 seconds behind.  I don't mind leading, but I don't want people to perceive I'm trying to show them up.  I decided to take the lead.  I always have a twinge of guilt.  I finished 14:14, no PB.

The second interval, I took the lead early on.  Tiffany, who was supposed to pace us for a 14 min said she was recovering from the holidays and apologized for not being able to pace us.  Regardless, I still felt a bit guilty, yet I couldn't crack it, and came in at 14:06.

With JH down, I had one more event for the week.  Running with my cousin (in-law), Darren.  He's fast.  He's sub 3:05 and shooting for a sub 3 on his next marathon.

I was pretty nervous about running with him.  He's so much faster than me.  38 minute for his 10k, 46 for mine.  I told him I'd be running my tempo at 4:40-4:45 / Km.  His slow pace.

The day started off cold and wet, so I gathered my cold gear.  By the time I start my warm-up run, the rain slows down and the sun started to break. I arrive at our meeting spot about 2 mins early and see Darren too.  We have some brief chit chat and the tempo, for me, begins.  Darren helped the time fly by.  I'm watching him run.  He's not sweating, he's hardly breathing, and he has a leisurely cadence.

We spoke afterwards.  Some of the nuggets of wisdom I gleaned were:

• Wearing less is more. If you need one, get a Value Village hoody to keep warm beforehand.
• Enter a few races before the "big" event to get your head more comfortable/familiar around races.
• More mileage.  80-100Km per week.

I'm looking at doing the above.  It's tough being close to a goal, but not quite there.  I mean, if I were stuck at 4:30 marathons, I'd give up.  But this is so close, I can taste it.  These little things might give me the slight edge to go from a 3:31:24 to a 3:30:52.... squeak right in.

The End of the Holidays

It's tough training through the holidays.

Family, friends, and feasting.

Makes for a bit of distraction.

I chatted with my running buddies about Forerunners' speed work.  I liked it and was considering going back.  But the clincher was when I said, this is likely one of my last shots at BQing.  They said, if that's the case, don't compromise.

On Wednesday, I'm back, with both feet in.

John Hill, here I come.

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." - unknown