Well, here we go again. I have been sitting on my duff for the last 9 months since last year's marathon and have done little training to date. I have gained back any weight that I had lost and then added a little extra just because. This time around, Sue is stepping up and taking on the challenge of the 1/2 marathon. I am signed up to do the same. I hope to be able to keep up with her and cross the finish line together.
For those of you keeping track, this is my son's last year at Ohio Valley Voices. Next year, he will transition into the public school district. Although we are excited for Aaron, we will miss this great school. So we are once again running this as a fund raiser for this gem of a school in honor of our son.
This school depends on the generous donations from the community to keep it alive and well for the hearing impaired and deaf children that they support. I wnat to make sure that you know we have always appreciated the support of our friends and family. A big THANKS goes out to all of your for all of the support you have given.
If you are interested in donating to our cause one more time, please go online at:
http://www.ohiovalleyvoices.org/donations-flying-pig.asp
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sponsorship Pics
A lot of people have been asking me about my sponsorship shirt...you would have seen me wearing it as Sue and I were awarded the Grand Swine trophy. I decided to take some pics up close so you have a better appreciation for the shirt and the donors!
On the front, I had quite a few friends and family listed...you notice the ear buds that attach to my virtual I-Pod on my right sleeve.
On the bottom half of the front is an artist rendition of Norris Lake looking at Shanghai Landing at sunset...Rob's favorite time to be on the lake. You also see Doug listed...he is the very first person to ever introduce me to Norris back in '95 and we stayed at the condos right next to Norris as pictured here. Lastly, the spirit of Perez and Shapiro made it into the pictures...John knows why.
As you can see, I only listen to Dual Core music when I run...you should too. Int80 is the man when it comes to both Nerdcore music as well as security research.
I work with a great close knit group of guys and always appreciate their support for this type of stuff. Ben Stigar's talks pushed me to try something like this so I wanted to list him...I wish him and his family the best.
Lastly, I used the rest of the space, to send a message to those coming up on my tail.
On the front, I had quite a few friends and family listed...you notice the ear buds that attach to my virtual I-Pod on my right sleeve.
On the bottom half of the front is an artist rendition of Norris Lake looking at Shanghai Landing at sunset...Rob's favorite time to be on the lake. You also see Doug listed...he is the very first person to ever introduce me to Norris back in '95 and we stayed at the condos right next to Norris as pictured here. Lastly, the spirit of Perez and Shapiro made it into the pictures...John knows why.
As you can see, I only listen to Dual Core music when I run...you should too. Int80 is the man when it comes to both Nerdcore music as well as security research.
The Burton PowderHounds is a unique club for which only a few qualify...Jake is an honorary member and yes that is the shape of a Fish.
I work with a great close knit group of guys and always appreciate their support for this type of stuff. Ben Stigar's talks pushed me to try something like this so I wanted to list him...I wish him and his family the best.
Lastly, I used the rest of the space, to send a message to those coming up on my tail.Monday, May 3, 2010
Race Recap
Let me start by saying I did achieve my goal...I finished the marathon in about 5:05 and got to run with my boys for the last 1/2 mile which was awesome! Sue and I were also named the Grand Swine because we had raised the most money for the school. That has nothing to do with us...but more to do with the generosity of our friends and family...so THANK YOU! So here are some details as I can remember them:
My dad and I walked down to Paul Brown Stadium at 5:50 am in the pitch black darkness as it was pouring rain with plenty of lightning. By the time we made it down there, it was fairly chaotic with approximately 15,000 runners for the half and full trying to find a spot to line up on Mehring Way. Although the race started right on time, we barely made it to the official start line until 10 minutes later. Just an fYI...runners carry an RFID tag so that they can accurately calculate your actual run time.
So the first 5-6 miles were pretty uneventful. You do cross several bridges which is a good warmup for the real hills later in the race. Overall, we kept a decent pace...not a whole lot to see...just 68 degrees and rain. I always remember passing the Butternut distribution center...you smell bread all over the place...and me with my love for carbs. The spectators did pick up as we started back into downtown coming down 7th street. As we approached Sycamore, I could see my family hanging out waiting for us. As we approached, I could hear Sue cheering along with the boys and their cowbells. Here, I dropped my dad off, stripped off a layer of very wet clothing, sucked down another Gu packet and kept on going.
The next two miles takes you up hill into Eden Park and surround area. Once again, this was an aweful section for me. I ultimately walked a good portion of the hill which was very concerning given I was only approaching mile 8. You also get to see the leaders from the half barrelling back down the hill which makes you realize just how slow you are running. Once to the top of the sustained hill, I did get back into the swing of things and felt fairly good for the next 4 or 5 miles...much of it had a slight downhill grade which was NICE at this point.
It was a little tough at the split for the half and full. Many more people were doing the half and there was a lot of cheering at that intersection...turn the corner...and you have 75% less people and no cheering at all...you start to wonder if you made the right choice.
Somewhere in this section, I get passed by the OVV relay team. Dave was the second leg of it..as he approached...we high fived and he kept on going...it was energizing to see someone on the course you knew who was very supportive! I was curious if I would catch back up to the team later on in the course. As I approached the relay transition zone 2, there he was again...he came running out to me and high fived once again. I truly appreciated it!
The middle section was a blur...we are now running around mile marker 13-14...my split was somewhere around 2:30. I recall hearing cheers from Megan in Hyde Park area (another great staff member of OVV)...going by some really nice homes...past the Bankok Bistro where I have eaten in the past. A couple people set up beer stops for the runners which was kind of odd but fun (no - I did not partake). For the most part, I don't know this part of town at all so I am a little lost. I end up chatting with a gentleman named Leonard for the next 3-4 miles as we hit the turnaround to come home. We talked about why we were running, previous experiences, etc. Unfortunately it was not taking my mind off the run much any more. Miles were feeling longer and longer. I am walking much more frequently deciding that no matter what I would try and run downhill and walk uphill. There were a lot of little kids with their hands out to high five you. I tried my best to make it a point to do so.
Over the last 6-8 miles, my "run downhill" plan starts to falter. I hit the last relay transition zone 3, but unfortunately do not see anyone I know...and never see the relay team again. I also beleive that I have a large blister forming on my left foot which is making it difficult...it turned out that a small pebble got into my shoe and was right under the heel...forming ablood blister with every step. At this point, I am only thinking about making it to the finish line for the boys. I do recall a water stop where everyone were dressed up like they were in the 60's...great tie died shirts and rose colored glasses. Their was an elderly gentleman cheering everyone on with "Chariots of Fire" blasting from his home.
Every mile over this last section, I was surprised that my fast walking intervals...that were getting longer and longer...had kept me in range of my end goal. I thought for sure I was going to be dropping further and further back. Around mile marker 23, as I start to jog once again, my left leg starts to give out. I realized I was in trouble and backed off immediately. I had to have energy to run across the finish with the boys. Ultimately I took the last of the 5 Gu shots I carried with me and washed it down at the last water stop. I jogged a bit during the 25th mile just to make sure I could still do it since my boys will be waiting for me at Sawyer Point. As long as I kept it slow, all seemed OK.
As I come up over the last hill entering into downtown...there was my oldest son watching for me. When he saw me, he came running out to me. Then my youngest caught on and he dashed out as well. My wife and dad were under the 471 bridge ringing the bells and calling out to me as we passed by. My wife's excitement gave me an extra boost of energy and I knew I could finish this up. I had enough to jog with the boys for a bit but had to pull up once again to walk out a cramp that was starting. We made it to One Lytle Place where we could see the finish line and we picked up the pace once more to cross the finish line. This last half mile was the best part of the race...the crowd was yelling to me and the boys...cheering us on. I remember a couple of the comments...
Take him home, boys!
Great job, dad!
You can do it, Dad!
Get him to the finish line, boys!
My run/walk was not a pretty sight and yet it was an awesome event. I tried to get close to the photographers on the course so hopefully, we have some good pictures to share with everyone in the very near future!
Thanks to everyone that sponsored me in this and stay tuned for pics!
My dad and I walked down to Paul Brown Stadium at 5:50 am in the pitch black darkness as it was pouring rain with plenty of lightning. By the time we made it down there, it was fairly chaotic with approximately 15,000 runners for the half and full trying to find a spot to line up on Mehring Way. Although the race started right on time, we barely made it to the official start line until 10 minutes later. Just an fYI...runners carry an RFID tag so that they can accurately calculate your actual run time.
So the first 5-6 miles were pretty uneventful. You do cross several bridges which is a good warmup for the real hills later in the race. Overall, we kept a decent pace...not a whole lot to see...just 68 degrees and rain. I always remember passing the Butternut distribution center...you smell bread all over the place...and me with my love for carbs. The spectators did pick up as we started back into downtown coming down 7th street. As we approached Sycamore, I could see my family hanging out waiting for us. As we approached, I could hear Sue cheering along with the boys and their cowbells. Here, I dropped my dad off, stripped off a layer of very wet clothing, sucked down another Gu packet and kept on going.
The next two miles takes you up hill into Eden Park and surround area. Once again, this was an aweful section for me. I ultimately walked a good portion of the hill which was very concerning given I was only approaching mile 8. You also get to see the leaders from the half barrelling back down the hill which makes you realize just how slow you are running. Once to the top of the sustained hill, I did get back into the swing of things and felt fairly good for the next 4 or 5 miles...much of it had a slight downhill grade which was NICE at this point.
It was a little tough at the split for the half and full. Many more people were doing the half and there was a lot of cheering at that intersection...turn the corner...and you have 75% less people and no cheering at all...you start to wonder if you made the right choice.
Somewhere in this section, I get passed by the OVV relay team. Dave was the second leg of it..as he approached...we high fived and he kept on going...it was energizing to see someone on the course you knew who was very supportive! I was curious if I would catch back up to the team later on in the course. As I approached the relay transition zone 2, there he was again...he came running out to me and high fived once again. I truly appreciated it!
The middle section was a blur...we are now running around mile marker 13-14...my split was somewhere around 2:30. I recall hearing cheers from Megan in Hyde Park area (another great staff member of OVV)...going by some really nice homes...past the Bankok Bistro where I have eaten in the past. A couple people set up beer stops for the runners which was kind of odd but fun (no - I did not partake). For the most part, I don't know this part of town at all so I am a little lost. I end up chatting with a gentleman named Leonard for the next 3-4 miles as we hit the turnaround to come home. We talked about why we were running, previous experiences, etc. Unfortunately it was not taking my mind off the run much any more. Miles were feeling longer and longer. I am walking much more frequently deciding that no matter what I would try and run downhill and walk uphill. There were a lot of little kids with their hands out to high five you. I tried my best to make it a point to do so.
Over the last 6-8 miles, my "run downhill" plan starts to falter. I hit the last relay transition zone 3, but unfortunately do not see anyone I know...and never see the relay team again. I also beleive that I have a large blister forming on my left foot which is making it difficult...it turned out that a small pebble got into my shoe and was right under the heel...forming ablood blister with every step. At this point, I am only thinking about making it to the finish line for the boys. I do recall a water stop where everyone were dressed up like they were in the 60's...great tie died shirts and rose colored glasses. Their was an elderly gentleman cheering everyone on with "Chariots of Fire" blasting from his home.
Every mile over this last section, I was surprised that my fast walking intervals...that were getting longer and longer...had kept me in range of my end goal. I thought for sure I was going to be dropping further and further back. Around mile marker 23, as I start to jog once again, my left leg starts to give out. I realized I was in trouble and backed off immediately. I had to have energy to run across the finish with the boys. Ultimately I took the last of the 5 Gu shots I carried with me and washed it down at the last water stop. I jogged a bit during the 25th mile just to make sure I could still do it since my boys will be waiting for me at Sawyer Point. As long as I kept it slow, all seemed OK.
As I come up over the last hill entering into downtown...there was my oldest son watching for me. When he saw me, he came running out to me. Then my youngest caught on and he dashed out as well. My wife and dad were under the 471 bridge ringing the bells and calling out to me as we passed by. My wife's excitement gave me an extra boost of energy and I knew I could finish this up. I had enough to jog with the boys for a bit but had to pull up once again to walk out a cramp that was starting. We made it to One Lytle Place where we could see the finish line and we picked up the pace once more to cross the finish line. This last half mile was the best part of the race...the crowd was yelling to me and the boys...cheering us on. I remember a couple of the comments...
Take him home, boys!
Great job, dad!
You can do it, Dad!
Get him to the finish line, boys!
My run/walk was not a pretty sight and yet it was an awesome event. I tried to get close to the photographers on the course so hopefully, we have some good pictures to share with everyone in the very near future!
Thanks to everyone that sponsored me in this and stay tuned for pics!
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Perfect Day
Ahh yes...the weather is stacking up to be the perfect day...NOT! Currently the forecast is predicting 90% chance of thunderstorms...temps starting at 68 and going up to 76 degrees. That is 15 degrees too warm and obviously sun is preferred. I debated weather with my dad a bit...we both agree that rain is significantly better than wind.
I will be trying to place myself in the right mindset to not let the weather bother me. I tell my boys that all the time with their soccer. You can't let the rain ruin your focus on the game. Take advantage of the fact that it is getting the other team down. With that said, there hopefully will still be plenty of cheering and bands along the way to take my mind off the fact that I am running for 5-6 hours straight in miserable weather.
To be honest, the only thing I really care about is making it all the way so that my boys can run with me for the final mile and cross the finish line. I hope to have pictures to document the big event!
I will be trying to place myself in the right mindset to not let the weather bother me. I tell my boys that all the time with their soccer. You can't let the rain ruin your focus on the game. Take advantage of the fact that it is getting the other team down. With that said, there hopefully will still be plenty of cheering and bands along the way to take my mind off the fact that I am running for 5-6 hours straight in miserable weather.
To be honest, the only thing I really care about is making it all the way so that my boys can run with me for the final mile and cross the finish line. I hope to have pictures to document the big event!
Monday, April 26, 2010
I certainly hope Ben was right!
Well...we are down to the last week before the big day...the Flying Pig Marathon kicks off at 6:30 am on Sunday, May 2nd. As I think about the past couple years when I "ran" the half marathon, I recall conversations I had with Ben Stigar from my team at work. He would always tell me how much of a mental game running must be due to the number of seemingly unfit people who are out there running the race!
As I looked around during those years, he was right...there are plenty of people in the marathon who definitely feast on pizza and burgers and have more than 8% body fat. Yet, they seem to easily chip away at it - mile after mile. I also talked to a couple pepole that did not seem to be in any real shape and actually seemed somewhat lazy who all contended that they ran a marathon.
Although I do know that there is some level of fitness that is needed (and it is significant), I think Ben is right...the run is very much a mental game. As I have mentioned time and time again, I find myself coming up with excuses to stop throughout any long run. The last one took 3 hours...plenty of time to focus on how sore your muscles are...or that something else you could be doing...or how hungry you are for a Whopper with Cheese.
To counteract the effect, I tried to think about my son and the focus and attention he must put into his school day after day. There is no question, he works much harder than I. I also found myself taking inventory as I ran along...trying to quantify my breathing and how my legs are doing. Most of the time, I would analytically come to the realization that I was not in as bad of shape as my emotions were telling me.
Currently, the weather forcast is not looking too promising...thunderstorms and lows only in the mid-50s, highs near 80 degrees. Hopefully, they weatherman is way off base...I much prefer a sunny day starting out at 45 degrees and onyl getting up to 60! But if Ben is right - I simply need the right attitude to take on whatever challenge lies ahead. I do look forward to the race...almost as much as I look forward to finishing it!
As I looked around during those years, he was right...there are plenty of people in the marathon who definitely feast on pizza and burgers and have more than 8% body fat. Yet, they seem to easily chip away at it - mile after mile. I also talked to a couple pepole that did not seem to be in any real shape and actually seemed somewhat lazy who all contended that they ran a marathon.
Although I do know that there is some level of fitness that is needed (and it is significant), I think Ben is right...the run is very much a mental game. As I have mentioned time and time again, I find myself coming up with excuses to stop throughout any long run. The last one took 3 hours...plenty of time to focus on how sore your muscles are...or that something else you could be doing...or how hungry you are for a Whopper with Cheese.
To counteract the effect, I tried to think about my son and the focus and attention he must put into his school day after day. There is no question, he works much harder than I. I also found myself taking inventory as I ran along...trying to quantify my breathing and how my legs are doing. Most of the time, I would analytically come to the realization that I was not in as bad of shape as my emotions were telling me.
Currently, the weather forcast is not looking too promising...thunderstorms and lows only in the mid-50s, highs near 80 degrees. Hopefully, they weatherman is way off base...I much prefer a sunny day starting out at 45 degrees and onyl getting up to 60! But if Ben is right - I simply need the right attitude to take on whatever challenge lies ahead. I do look forward to the race...almost as much as I look forward to finishing it!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Did I Peak???
So I have been trying to get out and run a bit since the long run and have been having troubles even getting to 3 - 4 miles. I am not sure if it is a mental thing or whether my body is still re-couping from the 17 miler. I want to get out a couple more times to simply keep my legs moving a bit. Starting on Monday, I am also switching to a very high carb diet to prepare for the big day.
So far race day looks something like this...
So far race day looks something like this...
- Spend the night in the guest apartment of an associate of mine downtown.
- Wake up to a sunny 40 degree morning and hope that it does not get hotter than 62 that day
- Eat banana and a Gu with Gaterade to wash it all down.
- Walk down to start line with dad who runs the first 5.5 miles with me.
- Gun goes off at 6:30 am...due to the other 15000 runners around us, it takes us at least 5 minutes just to get up to the start line.
- At mile one - wave to my friends and family who got up early to see us pass at 6:45.
- At mile 5.5 - wave again and drop off dad. Take another Gu with Gaterade and pick up my running belt with phone and 3 more Gu's
- Call at mile 13.1 to let them know I am still plugging away and force down yet another Gu - hopefully this happens close to 2 hours 15 mins
- Legs start falling off at 16 miles but I continue to plod on since now I am 10 miles away from "home".
- Suck down a Gu yet again and call at mile 20 to coordinate at finish line
- Meet boys at mile 25.5 and run with them across the finish line by 5 hours 30 mins
- Sleep for next 15 hours
Monday, April 12, 2010
my LONG day is complete
I set out yesterday at 7:30 in the morning on the bike path for my last long run until the Pig. Just over 3 hours later, I returned hom after covering about 17.5 miles. It was a perfect day....chilly but sunny....slight wind...flat course. I also took some Gu with me and something to slurp it down with. And, although it seemed like flavored glue or paste, I do believe it had a positive impact on my ability to finish up such a long distance. Once I stopped, my legs pretty much gave up on me. I laid around all day and had a very hard time with stairs.
There are only 20 days left until the marathon so I am going to take it easier on these last three weeks. I am spending some of that time "designing" a sponsor shirt with everyone that donated $$ to the cause on it. I will post some pics once I get it complete!
There are only 20 days left until the marathon so I am going to take it easier on these last three weeks. I am spending some of that time "designing" a sponsor shirt with everyone that donated $$ to the cause on it. I will post some pics once I get it complete!
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