Now that I'm caught up on race reports, I thought I'd give a quick update. My summer racing schedule is pretty quiet now. I have a couple 5ks the next month which are mostly going to be for fun or used as speed workouts. I'm looking forward to the new Terrapin 5k the most. RAM Racing always has the best goody bags. It's been a cool summer as far as weather is concerned which has been good for running. We had a short heat wave a few weeks ago with temps in the 90s, but otherwise its been 60s and 70s mostly.
I'm registered to run the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday, October 4. I'm also planning on running the Outer Banks Marathon in North Carolina on Sunday, November 8. I'm going to make another attempt at a sub 4 hour marathon in the Twin Cities and then run OBX for fun with my wife while we visit her family down there. I'm really looking forward to the TC Marathon as a chance to see some family and I think the course is going to be beautiful. I'm a little worried about the big hill at mile 21, but hopefully with a few hill workouts I'll be okay. I'm keeping my long runs in the 12-14 mile range for the next few weeks until I need to start ramping up for fall. If the weather stays like this it should be a great summer for training.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Race Report: Madison Chicago 200 mile Relay
In mid June I joined a group of friends to run the Madison to Chicago 200 mile relay. I've never done anything like it before so I was looking forward to a new type of racing experience. Basically you have two vans, 12 people (you can do it with less if you want) and a neon slap bracelet that gets passed from runner to runner as everyone runs 3 legs of varying distances from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago, Illinois.
Our van left Chicago for Madison on Thursday night. After a short stop to get fried cheese curds at Culver's we checked in at our hotel near the race start and met up with the rest of our team to go over logistics before some much needed rest. We woke up the next morning to watch the other van start the race at 7 a.m. We were in van 2 so we had about 5 hours to relax before we had to take our first turn. We went back to the hotel for some continental breakfast and more rest before heading to the first van transition area in the middle of Wisconsin.
Since I had just done a marathon I had some of the longest race distances of our group. My first leg however was only 3.5 miles along the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. My goal pace was 9 minute miles, but I treated it more like a slow 5k and ran about 8 minute miles. It was at around noon so it was hot outside. I was able to pass one other team on my leg, which I think was the only time that happened during my runs. I was glad to be finished and to have another 10 hours of rest before my next run of 7.5 miles. While we waited for our fellow runners to complete their legs we were able to relax and throw around a frisbee and have some fun. Eventually we met up with the other team to pass the "baton" for their second legs. Afterwards we went to get some food and found a fantastic burger place called Five Guys. We need one of these places in Chicago. It was amazing. We then went to the next van transition area at a high school in South Milwaukee to rest for a few hours. A few of us couldn't really sleep so we threw around the frisbee some more as it turned to night and the other van met up with us to start our night leg.
My second leg was 7.5 miles through South Milwaukee in the middle of the night. This ended up being my favorite run of the relay. With only a headlamp to light my way it was easy to zone out and go on auto-pilot. About 5 of my miles were a straight shot on one road that was kind of dark and shady, had several bridges to cross, but not always a sidewalk to run on. It was cool outside and even rained a little which felt great. I kept about an 8 minute mile pace for this entire run and finished strong at a high school parking lot. This was definitely the most memorable part of the race for me. Or at least enjoyable.
The next van transition area was at a Lutheran church in south eastern Wisconsin. We were all ready for sleep at this point, unfortunately that wasnt in the cards. Eventually we found a small room where 5 of the 6 people in our van slept on the floor. (we lost one member of our party for the night, turns out he was in the sanctuary.) I think it was a storage room. It was uncomfortable at best, but we somehow slept for a few hours. We were very tired and groggy in the morning and it had begun to rain heavily. Here is where the race got painful.
We drove to the next van transition area near the Wisconsin-Illinois border trying to mentally and physically prepare ourselves for the hardest leg. I had to go 8.5 miles on my last run. My longest leg and actually the longest leg of the entire race (for 12 people teams anyways). I was definitely fatigued and sore from the night before and quickly became cold from the falling rain. Around half-way through my run my team was there to cheer me on momentarily. As I made my way through Waukegan into Lake Forest the rain finally began to let up, but I was hurting so badly it didnt matter. I think I was more happy to complete that leg than any of my four marathons. I ran over 20 miles in all and would much prefer to run all of that in one leg, but that wouldnt make the relay as fun (or as challenging) I think. The weather turned for the better as we made our way into Evanston and Chicago and we all ran into the finish area as a team at Montrose Harbor.
We finished in about 32 hours and 29 minutes to finish in 103rd place out of 116 teams that finished. Our average pace was 9:36. It was exhausting and painful and occasionally stressful but in the end I would totally do it again.
Our van left Chicago for Madison on Thursday night. After a short stop to get fried cheese curds at Culver's we checked in at our hotel near the race start and met up with the rest of our team to go over logistics before some much needed rest. We woke up the next morning to watch the other van start the race at 7 a.m. We were in van 2 so we had about 5 hours to relax before we had to take our first turn. We went back to the hotel for some continental breakfast and more rest before heading to the first van transition area in the middle of Wisconsin.
Since I had just done a marathon I had some of the longest race distances of our group. My first leg however was only 3.5 miles along the Glacial Drumlin bike trail. My goal pace was 9 minute miles, but I treated it more like a slow 5k and ran about 8 minute miles. It was at around noon so it was hot outside. I was able to pass one other team on my leg, which I think was the only time that happened during my runs. I was glad to be finished and to have another 10 hours of rest before my next run of 7.5 miles. While we waited for our fellow runners to complete their legs we were able to relax and throw around a frisbee and have some fun. Eventually we met up with the other team to pass the "baton" for their second legs. Afterwards we went to get some food and found a fantastic burger place called Five Guys. We need one of these places in Chicago. It was amazing. We then went to the next van transition area at a high school in South Milwaukee to rest for a few hours. A few of us couldn't really sleep so we threw around the frisbee some more as it turned to night and the other van met up with us to start our night leg.
My second leg was 7.5 miles through South Milwaukee in the middle of the night. This ended up being my favorite run of the relay. With only a headlamp to light my way it was easy to zone out and go on auto-pilot. About 5 of my miles were a straight shot on one road that was kind of dark and shady, had several bridges to cross, but not always a sidewalk to run on. It was cool outside and even rained a little which felt great. I kept about an 8 minute mile pace for this entire run and finished strong at a high school parking lot. This was definitely the most memorable part of the race for me. Or at least enjoyable.
The next van transition area was at a Lutheran church in south eastern Wisconsin. We were all ready for sleep at this point, unfortunately that wasnt in the cards. Eventually we found a small room where 5 of the 6 people in our van slept on the floor. (we lost one member of our party for the night, turns out he was in the sanctuary.) I think it was a storage room. It was uncomfortable at best, but we somehow slept for a few hours. We were very tired and groggy in the morning and it had begun to rain heavily. Here is where the race got painful.
We drove to the next van transition area near the Wisconsin-Illinois border trying to mentally and physically prepare ourselves for the hardest leg. I had to go 8.5 miles on my last run. My longest leg and actually the longest leg of the entire race (for 12 people teams anyways). I was definitely fatigued and sore from the night before and quickly became cold from the falling rain. Around half-way through my run my team was there to cheer me on momentarily. As I made my way through Waukegan into Lake Forest the rain finally began to let up, but I was hurting so badly it didnt matter. I think I was more happy to complete that leg than any of my four marathons. I ran over 20 miles in all and would much prefer to run all of that in one leg, but that wouldnt make the relay as fun (or as challenging) I think. The weather turned for the better as we made our way into Evanston and Chicago and we all ran into the finish area as a team at Montrose Harbor.
We finished in about 32 hours and 29 minutes to finish in 103rd place out of 116 teams that finished. Our average pace was 9:36. It was exhausting and painful and occasionally stressful but in the end I would totally do it again.
Race Report: Soldier Field 10 miler
With the Wisconsin Marathon recently under my belt and nice weather finally sticking around, I set a goal to PR at the Soldier Field 10 miler. My previous PR for a 10 miler was barely under 1:30 at last year's Soldier Field. I was positive that I could shave some time off of that with the right conditions. Race day temps were perfect albeit a little windy. I lined up with the 8:45 pace group at the start knowing that if I could stay with them I would easily PR by a couple minutes. 8:45 ended up being an easy pace and I locked into an 8:30 pace quickly.
The Soldier Field 10 miler is easily one of my favorite races because of the course. Winding south along Lake Shore Drive and then back north along the bike path its very scenic and you can't beat finishing the race on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field. After holding an 8:30 pace for most of the race, I knew around mile 7 or 8 that I was going to clobber my PR. I finished strongly in 1:25:15 taking over 4 minutes off my PR.
Mile Splits:
Mile 1: 8:49
Mile 2: 8:38
Mile 3: 8:43
Mile 4: 9:04
Mile 5: 8:06
Mile 6: 8:33
Mile 7: 8:36
Mile 8: 8:31
Mile 9: 8:33
Mile 10: 7:40
If you're looking for a spring 10 miler in the Chicagoland area, I can't recommend it enough, it's the best.
The Soldier Field 10 miler is easily one of my favorite races because of the course. Winding south along Lake Shore Drive and then back north along the bike path its very scenic and you can't beat finishing the race on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field. After holding an 8:30 pace for most of the race, I knew around mile 7 or 8 that I was going to clobber my PR. I finished strongly in 1:25:15 taking over 4 minutes off my PR.
Mile Splits:
Mile 1: 8:49
Mile 2: 8:38
Mile 3: 8:43
Mile 4: 9:04
Mile 5: 8:06
Mile 6: 8:33
Mile 7: 8:36
Mile 8: 8:31
Mile 9: 8:33
Mile 10: 7:40
If you're looking for a spring 10 miler in the Chicagoland area, I can't recommend it enough, it's the best.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Race Report: Wisconsin Marathon
As I mentioned in my previous post, my training for the Wisconsin Marathon did not go as planned. I missed several long runs and was inconsistent overall, but I committed to running the race with a friend and once I gave up on running for time I figured I would be fine. Here are some random thoughts about the innaugural race in Kenosha.
I loved that the packet pick up was in Chicago so I didnt need to drive up to Kenosha early and stay there.
Nice Saucony tech race shirt
The 7 a.m. race start was a brutally early since we had to drive from Chicago
Nice cool spring weather. Perfect for a marathon
Heed energy drink is nasty.
The course was more confusing than it needed to be, but a nice run along Lake Michigan and through Kenosha. I dont think I'd do a double out and back marathon course again.
Not a good race if you need crowd support. Lots of long stretches without seeing anyone, but very friendly people when you do see them.
Great finishers medal
My mile splits:
Mile 1: 9:26
Mile 2: 9:13
Mile 3: 9:28
Mile 4: 9:46
Mile 5: 9:42
Mile 6: 9:37
Mile 7: 9:51
Mile 8: 9:35
Mile 9: 9:49
Mile 10: 9:51
Mile 11: 9:42
Mile 12: 9:43
Mile 13: 11:51
Mile 14: 9:40
Mile 15: 9:59
Mile 16: 10:11
Mile 17: 13:47
Mile 18: 10:04
Mile 19: 13:14
Mile 20: 10:09
Mile 21: 15:35
Mile 22: 10:10
Mile 23: 13:43
Mile 24: 10:24
Mile 25: 12:00
Mile 26: 9:34
Mile .2: 1:55
I finished in around 4:35, which I was very happy with considering my training. I don't think I would do the full marathon again, but the half-marathon would be a great spring race.
I loved that the packet pick up was in Chicago so I didnt need to drive up to Kenosha early and stay there.
Nice Saucony tech race shirt
The 7 a.m. race start was a brutally early since we had to drive from Chicago
Nice cool spring weather. Perfect for a marathon
Heed energy drink is nasty.
The course was more confusing than it needed to be, but a nice run along Lake Michigan and through Kenosha. I dont think I'd do a double out and back marathon course again.
Not a good race if you need crowd support. Lots of long stretches without seeing anyone, but very friendly people when you do see them.
Great finishers medal
My mile splits:
Mile 1: 9:26
Mile 2: 9:13
Mile 3: 9:28
Mile 4: 9:46
Mile 5: 9:42
Mile 6: 9:37
Mile 7: 9:51
Mile 8: 9:35
Mile 9: 9:49
Mile 10: 9:51
Mile 11: 9:42
Mile 12: 9:43
Mile 13: 11:51
Mile 14: 9:40
Mile 15: 9:59
Mile 16: 10:11
Mile 17: 13:47
Mile 18: 10:04
Mile 19: 13:14
Mile 20: 10:09
Mile 21: 15:35
Mile 22: 10:10
Mile 23: 13:43
Mile 24: 10:24
Mile 25: 12:00
Mile 26: 9:34
Mile .2: 1:55
I finished in around 4:35, which I was very happy with considering my training. I don't think I would do the full marathon again, but the half-marathon would be a great spring race.
Race Report: CARA Lakefront 10 miler
I havent written in forever, but thought I would catch up on my spring races with some quick reports. I started my racing season on April 26 with the Lakefront 10 miler, now run by CARA. My spring training was less than ideal because of the crappy extended winter weather, so I wasn't really shooting for a PR, but I still wanted to see what I could do. The race fell on my taper for the Wisconsin Marathon as well so I didnt want to overdo it. The weather was nice for a distance run, overcast and cool.
My mile splits:
Mile 1: 9:56
Mile 2: 9:48
Mile 3: 9:24
Mile 4: 9:28
Mile 5: 9:17
Mile 6: 9:34
Mile 7: 9:30
Mile 8: 9:42
Mile 9: 9:29
Mile 10: 8:27
Average Lap: 9:28
I finished in about 1:35 and was mostly happy with my run. My pacing was solid from miles 3 - 9 and I had enough gas left for a fast final mile. If anything it was a nice confidence builder for the marathon. CARA did a good job with the race. They cut the finisher's medal at the end and the shirt wasn't a true tech shirt, but those are about my only complaints and they are minor. This race will definitely stay on my spring calendar.
My mile splits:
Mile 1: 9:56
Mile 2: 9:48
Mile 3: 9:24
Mile 4: 9:28
Mile 5: 9:17
Mile 6: 9:34
Mile 7: 9:30
Mile 8: 9:42
Mile 9: 9:29
Mile 10: 8:27
Average Lap: 9:28
I finished in about 1:35 and was mostly happy with my run. My pacing was solid from miles 3 - 9 and I had enough gas left for a fast final mile. If anything it was a nice confidence builder for the marathon. CARA did a good job with the race. They cut the finisher's medal at the end and the shirt wasn't a true tech shirt, but those are about my only complaints and they are minor. This race will definitely stay on my spring calendar.
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