Post Marathon Run #2

Its nice to get back to lifting heavier again. Did arms yesterday, and chest today. Although I lost weight and in general look to be in better shape....I certainly lost some progress on my max lifts. I am probably lifting a solid 20% less than I was prior to really digging into my marathon training.

I ran about 4 miles last night, but didn't time it due to having lost my watch at some point prior to the marathon. I was amazed at how far I had regressed. I didn't feel sore from the marathon, rather felt like I did about a month into training. I struggled to get in the mileage and felt really sore in my calves, shins, and quads. It was nice to get back into it, and my training is going to shift more towards speed work and 5k training. I would like to improve upon my 21:57 and get to sub 20's by early summer. My first 5k will be in two weeks.

1st Post Marathon Run and Official Marathon Pics

Well, Sean flew down to Orlando three days after the race, and on Friday evening, we went for our first post marathon jog. We put in a 4-miler and were both pretty sore.

Scott's Official Marathon photos

Sean's Official Marathon photos

Mission Complete

Well, alas I have completed my first marathon. Put on your listening sweater, grab a snifter of your favorite liqueur (or just pop a Pabst Blue Ribbon) and prepare yourself to read about this experience that roughly 10 people in the world actually find interesting.

Saturday
I awoke at 4:45 to make my way to Philadelphia in the able hands/wings of Southwest Airlines. We soon met up with Sean and Sara and headed for the Race Registration tent and expo, where we spent an hour or so getting checked in and wandering through the booths. We then spent a couple of hours of R&R in the hotel room before we met one of my best friend's Kyle (and his brother Brett) for our carb filled dinner. We turned in at about 10:00 and I slept surprisingly well given the anticipation I held for the next day.

Sunday Morning Pre-Race
Somewhere around 3 or 4 am I began to drift in and out of sleep, fearful that we would somehow not get up in time (subject of a hilarious Seinfeld episode by the way). Oddly enough, I woke up at 5:17 and realized neither our alarm or wake-up call had come. Sean and I headed down to breakfast where we loaded up on bagels, english muffins, and lots of water. The mood at breakfast was a combination of nerves and excitement. After we both thoroughly tested out the capabilities of the hotel bathroom (a few times), we grabbed our kicks and headed for the Start/Finish line of our first marathon. Upon our arrival we decided to tinkle one more time before our journey. We were greeted by 100 Port-o-Potties with lines 15-20 deep. 6,000 over-hydrated and nervous runners. Needless to say that’s a lot of pee and poop folks. The girls accompanied us to the start-line where we met our Cliff Bar 4 hr pace group and fearless leader “Star”. The first words I heard her utter where that this was her 11th or 12th marathon this year, and that she had run 60 marathons before she turned 30. I think that was a combination of intimidating and comforting. Star ran the entire race with 3 balloons on a 2-foot long wooden dowel. The balloons were our beacon, and our mission would be to keep them in site.

The Philadelphia Marathon
We said our final “goodbyes” to the family and shed our top layers about 5 minutes before the gun went off. As I recall the race pretty much started without us ever having too much time to even think. We pretty much just looked at each other with that “Well, I guess this is it” look.

The early miles
The race got off to a rather precarious start for the elder Roy. About 30 yards into the race, I lost my left glove. My initial reaction was to turn and grab it, but the 4000 people behind me almost made me the first casualty of the race. I was thus forced to run the race Michael Jackson style. I had to pee before the gun even went off, and that was the primary thought in my head for the first 9 miles of the race. We made it to the first water stop, although we were negged at the second one, when the volunteers couldn’t keep up with the demand part of the ole supply and demand equation. The beginning of the race wove us through downtown and along the waterfront. Our t-shirts (which read “Run Scott Run” and “Run Sean Run”) worked out really well. It was oddly comforting to hear total strangers screaming your name. We had some fun at this point, coming up with contests of who would slap fives with spectators, etc. We saw our friends cheering us on at mile 8, and we were able to gratefully acknowledge their support. To my great relief, mile 9 brought us into the Philadelphia Zoo area where I was finally able to attend to my “pee” issue. Sean kept towards the back of our pace group and I had to put in a pretty hard half-mile (up a hill) to catch back up to Sean and the balloons.

Miles 11-20
From a physical perspective everything really started to settle in after the 10th mile, but I found this to be the toughest section from a mental standpoint. We saw the girls on an overpass at about the halfway point, and based on the course layout, we knew we would not see them again until the finish. The stretch from 15-20 was the first part an absolutely brutal out-and-back along the Schuylkill River.

At about mile 17 Sean began to show signs of what would be big trouble. We stopped twice, for a few seconds each time, for Sean to stretch out his calves, which were beginning to cramp and eventually spasm. At this point, I felt like some sort of soldier on a battleground. Sean was urging me to go on without him, but my gut and heart wanted to walk it out. I did realize that I would have wanted Sean to run it out if the roles were reversed, so I began to consider this possibility. After we started up the second time Sean was a bit behind me, but I knew he was there because I could still hear “Run Sean Run.” Due to the crowds and really sore neck muscles, I was having trouble trying to turn around and spot him. I knew we were nearing the turnaround, and hoped I would be able to check in with him then (after you made the turn you could see the other runners on their way to it).

The fan support really dwindled until about mile 19, when we entered the town of Manayunk. In this town, I took the time to dance for a guy with an entire drum-kit set up, and found myself happy to have about 4 ounces of beer at a rogue “water” stop. Other than worrying about Sean, I was feeling pretty good. The turnaround was a god-send and I think at that point I knew that I had this thing in my pocket. I stuck on the right side on the way backup, watching closely for Sean. Despite my efforts, and the facts that Sean ran by close enough to touch me and was yelled my name, I unfortunately still didn’t see him. I think that was the one point in the race when I was just in a “zone” and forging towards the finish. I still don't believe that he actually touched me and yelled out my name.

Miles 21 – 25
I was extremely fortunate that I never hit “The Wall”. In fact, I ran some of my best miles in this stretch. At mile 20, I saw the clock (3:05.24), and realized that while I wasn’t going to make 4 hours, so I focused on beating 4:04.

Miles 25 – 26
Nearing the homestretch, the crowd support was almost overwhelming. I went into my kick with about 1.5 to go, and think I ran about 7.5 minute miles or better at this point. These miles were pretty emotional…I had some gas left in the tank and I was working hard to make sure I emptied every drop, yet now that I was 100% sure that I was going to finish, my mind shifted to Sean. I crossed the finish line running hard, not fully realizing my accomplishment or celebrating my finish.

Post-Race
A couple of minutes after I crossed the finish-line I saw the cheering squad. I stumbled over to the fence and shared a moment with them. They kindly informed me that I literally had foam coming out of my mouth and sent me for water. I was proud of myself, but I truly felt empty. My primary concern was finding Sean…finishing the marathon would mean nothing if Sean didn’t cross that line as well. I was partially delirious and couldn’t make sense of what had happened. I knew that Sean was in better shape than me, and without really realizing how bad his cramps and spasms were, I wasn’t sure if he had passed me somewhere, been forced out of the race by the pain or what. Word then came from Sara that Sean had finished and THAT was truthfully the best moment of my day. We then hit Dave and Buster's for some beer, and we both headed off to the airport (still rocking those medals) for the cramp-filled flights home!

One Final Round of Thanks
First and foremost, I thank Sean. I am incredibly proud of you. I don’t know how you fought through what you did during that race, and were still able to finish. That’s guts man. I never would have done this without you. Whether you know it or not, you ran with me every day and together we accomplished something that I will always be incredibly proud of.

Ronnie, Ian, and Joey - thanks for all of the help. My runs with you guys were infinitely more productive than my solo missions. You fellas had my back and were a huge inspiration.

My Family and Friends in General, thank for your patience, unwavering support and for taking in interest in this passion. I know I missed allot of dinners, commitments, and laughs during this training period. Thank you for never doubting me, even when I doubted myself.

Good news and bad news folks. The good news is I will be around and available for a few nights while I recover. The bad news is that as crazy as it seems....I want to do it again.

Last Call

I put in a couple of fast miles last night to help the cardio system recover from resting my old bones for a couple of days (I got banged up my last soccer match of the season on Sunday). I am going to put in 4 tonight as my last "real" run and just take a couple of mile jog tomorrow night. This may well be my last post before I hop on the flight for Philadelphia.

This run means allot to me, probably more than I have let on to even myself…I want to meet my little brother’s challenge. I want to meet my own personal challenge. In ways I cannot explain. If you go back to my first post, this all started with a discussion I had with Sean about aging, gaining weight, etc. In ways that I cannot really explain, I have come to strongly relate this marathon to my Crohn’s Disease. I see it as a way to tell my body that it is healthy, and a way for me to stay in control. My diet has improved, my weight is down about 10 pounds, and my stomach has been pretty healthy. I hope that Crohn’s never impedes my ability to run, but if it does, I will know that I have prepared my body and my mind through running.

I'm done to get all sappy and shit (see, don’t I seem all hardcore now because I said shit!). I have worked hard towards my goal, and am quite honestly not quite physically ready to run a marathon. Then again, other than elite marathoners, few are. Here is to the mental preparation and willpower overcoming any physical shortcomings. Allot of people have helped, challenged, and supported me in this sometime seemingly ludicrous venture. To them, my sincerest thanks. I hope I make you all proud.

Pace, Hills, and Speed

Took advantage of a nice day and a long lunch with by getting in a nice workout today. First I ran 2 miles outdoors at my 9 minute pace. I followed that up with: 1/4 mile at 5.5 speed and 9.5 incline, 1/4 mile at 9.5 speed 0 incline, then 1/2 mile at 7.1. I moved to the bike for 2 miles, then did some abs. I will likely lounge or get in a swim workout at the beach tomorrow, then playoff soccer on Sunday.

Pretty Sore for 4-5

Ran 40 minutes at paces varying from 9:30 with intervals of about 7:00 pace. I felt really slow and sore the whole run. Ugh.

Got my 20 miler in! (3:03)

Well, I need to measure it but Ronnie and I ran 3 hrs and 3 minutes. Assuming we kept a 9 minute/mile pace, which I believe we did, we put in 20 miles. We started at Ward Park, ran down to Lake Eola, made a couple of circles, looped through downtown Orlando and headed back to Ward in Winter Park.

Very tiring, but I felt pretty good after, as well as Saturday, and played pretty much unaffected in Sunday's soccer match. I am going to a sports medicine specialist about my ankle today, so keep your fingers crossed there. I also have a strained hamstring...it has nagged me for years but I aggravated it while tripping on cobblestone Friday. Other than that I feel good.

Easy 4 miler this evening. -Scott

6 miles in 50:30

Adverse conditions today. It was dark, windy, and rainy. Not having any real rain gear or even a windbreaker, I pulled a coup by running in a body glove rash/guard wetsuit type shirt. Basically the same crap Under Armour remarketed to make a few more multi-millionaires. Ah, but I digress. So I ran a familiar 6 mile course ...3 miles up Red Bug and Back.

I wore a ballcap and running gloves helping me retain just enough heat without getting too hot. My goal was a steady 9 minute pace, and while my pace was fairly steady it was closer to 8 minutes. I hit the turnaround at 25:25 but due to traffic, my fall, and fatigue had to rip hard the final 1/4 mile to make my time.

I had a sweet fall on the run...It was really dark and I didn't see a rise between two pieces of sidewalk concrete. I hit it and launched into a full-scale digger. I didn't wanna tear myself up again, so I somehow launched my self into the grass, rolled off my shoulder and popped up without really breaking stride. I think the judge in the Red Honda (presumably from Japan?) gave it a 9.2. I think it would have been a 10, but I lost points for my costume.I was still pretty sore from Saturday and Sunday, and am hoping to be feeling good for the final long run later this week.

DAD - Thank you the running shoe voucher and the support. I have my eye on some Nike Marathon shoes.

Second Ever Race - 22:21 5k

This morning I participated in the "Dick Batchelor Run for the Children" 5k. This would be the second race of my life, and first since I was skinny little punk in 1998. They say you are racing against yourself, and I am proud to say the 30 year old Scott Roy whipped that lil punk by 14 seconds.

The morning started off chilly, but with the sun rising, race time conditions were 60 degrees, sunny, with a crisp wind between 10-15 mph. Looking like a pimp in bib 771, my official time was 22:21 (start-horn to finish-line) and my actual time (start-line to finish-line) was 21:57. My average pace was a solid 7:03. I placed 96th out of about 1,000 runners and 7th in my age group. I felt pretty good and had too much to give at the end. Hopefully next time I can pace myself a bit better and improve upon my time. I started towards the back of the pack and passed people continually. As I get more experience I should be able to improve by running with my pace group.

Today didn't do allot for my Marathon training but it was good to participate in a race. I am really proud (something I don't often admit). Thanks to Sean for keeping me motivated, as well as to Ian and Ronnie for all of those training runs. The three of you are the best running partners a guy could ask for.

Tomorrow we have a critical soccer game, and Tuesday or Wednesday will be my last chance to make 20 miles before the marathon. Stay tuned peeps.

Today's Results - http://www.trackshack.com/events/race_results/view_results.php?Link=113&Type=3&LName=&FName=&City=&State=fl&Country=

1998's Results (205th) - http://www.jbsports.com/eo_res_'98.htm

Oh, and this is the only picture of me running...this is about 50 yards from the finish. I beat 2686 by 3 seconds and the older guy by 4

Two Hours and Twenty-two Minutes of Pain

After a few short - med runs (3-8 miles) that I didn't blog, I put in 2 hours and 22 minutes last night. Ronnie got stuck at work and Ian was sick so I had to run alone yesterday. With them running, we would have been shooting for closer to 3 hours which is what it would take me to get in 20 miles. Without them, I planned to run for 2 hours and then play in an 8 v 8 co-ed game. After 2 hours I realized there wasn't a chance in hell I was standing, nevermind playing soccer following the run.

I know it sounds lame to you Northern folk, but I I was FREEZING (it was in the mid-50's). I ran in shorts and a Nike dri-fit under armour type thing and froze. My hands were numb after 30 minutes and the feeling of two dead weights at the end of the arm was bothering my wrists. The numb-hand thing is Crohn's/Anemia related thing where I can't get the circulation I need to my hands and feet. I know understand the whole thermal blanket things after marathons. I was so cold that I had to have Amy wrap me in blankets when I got home. It took me over an hour to warm up to a reasonable temperature.

I have never really experienced the "wall" that many runners describe. Yesterday's pre-run nutrition was garbage. I was slammed at work and my food was unintentionally a granola bar, about 1/4 pound of plain turkey meat, and a gu during the run). As a result, I hit the wall like I never have before. I mean I reeealy gutted it out to go as long as I did.

Still, I only have one more solid chance to get in 3 hours before I need to taper. I am only covering about 2/3 of the mileage which is making me really nervous. If I met the same issues yesterday during the race, I think chances are slim, even with determination, that I could have finished. On the plus side, my legs feel pretty good today.

I am not giving up, and one way or another I AM going to compete in and finish this marathon. I plan on booking my trip and registering tonight for Philly.

2:08 - About 14.25 miles

Nice run with Ronnie last night. Assuming we were running a 9 minute mile pace (I think we were a tad quicker), we put in 14.25 miles last night. I would like to think we hit 15. We ran 5 miles up a bike trail to Baldwin Park, popped out on Bennet. Took Bennet to Corrine to Nebraska to Mills to Fairbanks to Aloma, to Lakemont and then back to the soccer field we started at. Some of our friends were playing a co-ed game so we finished with two laps around the field and then chatted it up with one of my favorite Aussies (big ups to Heatheroowski).

As usual I was pretty miserable the first 30 minutes. My feet were pretty sore the whole run. I felt a bit better from 30-50. Knee started bothering me pretty badly around 50. Popped a gu-gel at the hour mark. I started feeling better at about 1:20. We stopped the clock and took a break at 1:28 to watch about 5 minutes of the Rollins vs. Tampa college soccer game. I finished strong and feel that I had another 20 minutes in me before I started feeling really rough. I am sore, yet nowhere near the level of soreness I experienced after the last long run.

3.2 - 25:30

Felt pretty good running the day after my game. Hit the gym in the am so my chest was about the sorest thing. That'll feel really good at about the 10 mile mark tomorrow. Hoping to 2 hours and 10 mins.

28:33 about 4 miles

I had planned a 15 mile run today but due to about 65 reasons had to postpone that till Friday. We had a good run but I am behind.

5k in 22:06

5k Firestation and back 22 minutes. Didn't feel like running long so I pushed a little bit on this lil 3 miler.

13.25 Miles in 2 hours

Well, I set a new best today in terms of time and mileage. 13.25 miles in 2 hours and 6 seconds. Ronnie and I ran from our home soccer field in Casselberry up into Oviedo and back. I wasn't very well rested as I was coming off a soccer match Sunday and a 43 minute run with Joey yesterday. I started off tight and loosened up pretty good at about the 40 minute mark. I had a GU-gel at the 52 minute mark...don't think it did much. My feet and neck hurt the most, with my quads coming in a distant third. I was really sore last night, but don't feel much worse this morning than usual. All in all I am proud that I completed a "half-marathon", but with a month and change to go, I am not very comfortable with where I am. It is going to take serious effort to even come close to doubling what I did on this run.

CURRENT WEIGHT - 177 (Finally sheddin some pounds!!)

1 hour 10 minutes...8 mile range

Ran a solo 1 hour and 10 minutes with my buddy I. Pod. I will measure out the course but I am guessing at least 8 miles. I felt pretty good..always better after the first 40 minutes or so is over. I finished with a hard kick and had a few more miles in me but not the time to run them.

1:14 in POURING RAIN (and new shoes)

So Ronnie and I ran a few miles on the Winter Park High School track and then a few on the streets and a paved trail while we were in the midst of a storm that dropped 5.6 inches of rain in an hour (and no, that is NOT an exaggeration. I felt great. Had a Gu-gel thingy at the 35 minute mark which was cool. I could have run another 30 minutes with ease, but we were literally surrounded by lightening and it was pitch black. The weather got even worse as we stretched at the end, so I think we were wise to call it a night. I look forward to a solo 4-6 miler tomorrow and I would like to top 12 miles Thursday.

The new shoes - Asic Gel Landreth II's. I got pair of running shoes on Friday that had corrective features on the heal to improve form, but after about 29 years of running, there is no fixing me. I had to return them due to knee pain. I bought them at an awesome specialty store in Melbourne - Running Zone. The return policy is pretty much "Keep wearing and returning them until you find ones you like." The new Asics will not be returned..they are great (and pictured below.)

A bit less than 4 miles in 33

ran a wet rainy four miles with Ronnie last night. I felt really awful...had one gear...slow. It was wet and humid and my joints were killing me. Joey and Ian pussed out (sorry fellas)!

-Scott

8 miles - 1:03

While Ian could not run with us tonight, Ronnie substituted in for the night to join Joey and me. We planned on a nice 4 miler, but Ronnie took us from Ward Park to Rollins College, around Lake Virgnia to Baldwin Park and back to Ward Park. 8 miles at a good pace. We had a great time. Joey is the real story tonight. His previous long run was 36 minutes. What a champ man, he went 63 minutes and still had gas in the ole tank! Nice work broseph!

4 in 34:25

4 miles at a decent pace despite the heat and humidity (both at about 95). Hit the gym later to play some hoops, lifted chest, then ran another half mile to the hairplace to meet up with Amy.

1 hour and 33 minutes (11 mile range)

Man, I would need to write a chapter in a book to completely cover the details of yesterday’s run, but here is the abridged version. We planned a nice long trail run today and selected the Snow Hill Trailhead of the Little-Big Econ State Forrest. This wildlife management area is part of a wildlife corridor of approximately 8,000 acres. River floodplain forests and oak hammocks are home to gray fox, river otter, wild turkey, bobcat, resident and migratory waterfowl, wood storks, wading birds, shorebirds, and numerous upland species including white-tailed deer and turkey. Other common sightings include sandhill cranes, alligators, bald eagles, osprey, and hawks.

So the trail run was fun, a first for me. The trail was thick with roots and brush, as well as the occasional downed tree to hop over. The footbridges (seen at the bottom) were quite interesting. About 25 minutes into the run we decided to take a 2.1 mile trail to Rt. 426 figuring we could run the streets back. At about the 45 minute mark, with the trail at its thickest, and the sun rapidly sinking in the sky we became mildly concerned thinking, we may be running back in the dark. Luckily we were spit out into a large clearing which led to 426. I was feeling pretty good until I realized where we were. We were about 8 miles from our car! We began heading back on a two-lane highway with no shoulder in the dark. Fun, Fun. We all felt pretty good and ran a solid 7:30 – 8:00 minutes pace. At the 1:33 mark, Christian and I peeled off to a gas station. While we enjoyed several cups of Gatorade, Ian ran another 2.5 miles, making it to the car in 2 hours and 1 minute. Each of us took a nice digger on the run, with mine being a 4-second long doozy on a darkened sidewalk (yielding a nice scrape or two). All in all it was a great run, and I earned a day off today. By the way, I have been slammed and not blogged my last three runs which were 40, 36, and 18 minutes in length.

4 mile run - 31:07 - 2 inches of rain

About 3 minutes into my run, the light drizzle turned into torrential downpour. It was refreshing at first, but at the turnaround (15:21), I had to dodge a car and step into a 3 inch deep puddle. After about 2 minutes of my left foot weighing 2 pounds more than my right foot, I had no choice but to intentionally even out the situation by hitting a puddle with ole rightie. I slowed a bit in the middle, but finished hard for a pretty decent time in any conditions.

1:08 minutes

Topped my personal best by 2 minutes. I started my run at about 10:15, and by 10:45 or so it was 90 degrees with very little wind. I am behind marathon pace, as I need to be running 10 miles or so. I am only around 7.5 or 8. I need to get running with partners again, which should happen this week. That is a huge help to me and what I will need to push towards the goal.

2 mile jog - 18 mins

Just a quick 2 miles in between weekend activities.

28.31 - about 4 miles

I ran at noon when I got to Tampa. Again, it was hot. Croosing Dale Mabry was quite an adventure...I felt like I was playing frogger. Felt good, but the heat was getting to me. I walked about 3 times for 15 seconds each time.

1:06

Felt pretty good, but it was definitely warm as I put in an hour and 6 minutes this evening. I ran a random route through a bunch of shopping centers, apartment complexes, etc. Topped my personal best on time, and that felt good.

23:50 3 miles

Due to a dinner commitment with Amy's family (Happy Birthday Grampie and Ninette), I had to run at lunch time today. I ran roughly 3-miles in 23:50. Would have liked to have run longer, but I squeezed in a quick chest workout and a shower. I ran by Cecil Fielder's old house. It is now abanadoned and owned by a bank....since he lost it due to his gambling problem.
Anyone interested in that story can read it here.

Sore from the Game - Ran 1 mile

My groin was sore..on the verge of being a full-on "pull". I didn't think I would be able to run, as walking didn't work out to well all day. I was able to put in a mile jog then realized resting it would be the best thing to do. At least I injured my self while scoring the game winning goal on a 25 yard rocket. Upper 90 and kept us from falling to the bottom of the league table.

Jog Saturday and Soccer Match Sunday

I did a brief jog on Saturday (18 minutes) and Sunday was our first soccer match of the year. We lost 2-1. I am tied for the team lead in goals, due to my first ever "own-goal". For soccer newbies, that means I scored on my own team.

1:06.14

Well, a new PR in terms of time. Pretty slow pace. 106 degree heat index. I felt OK, just a bit slow due to the heat. Not sure how far I ran, but at about 9.5 - 9.75 minutes a mile pace, thats pushing 7 miles. The heat sucks, I need to be running 10 miles. I guess I will just pick a later time at night to run next time. All in all I am proud to have run that long, but feel that I am behind pace. I felt Ok..the best part of the run was the digger I took at the 40 minute mark when a sidewalk stone was elevated. I saved it and my knees never hit, but my hands took a couple of hard hits to stay up.

2.25 in 18 mins

Just a little run to stay loose for today's long one. I felt a little bit sore, but not too bad. Tonight should be my longest run tonight. It was hot yesterday, so I plan to run once the kids go to bed tonight.

About 4.25 Miles in 36:56

Dave Hill joined Ian, Joey, and I for a nice little 37 minute jog. We ran a rather scenic route through some of the nicer parts of Winter Park checking out some million dollar homes as we discussed the upcoming soccer season (kicking off Sunday at 11am). I felt really good on the run today and could have gone well over an hour. We are doing 2-3 miles on our own tonight in preperation for a long run Wednesday. I am hoping for the 9-10 mile range.

4.4 in 36:50

Running at about 8 3/4 minute miles, we put in some work Saturday morning. We did not do the 5 k due to the $30 late registration fee. We were pretty sore from the prior day's track workout, so probably not a bad idea. The run was pretty rough due to the heat and tired legs. I took Sunday off to do some fishing, and my legs feel rested and ready for a ruthless week of training.

Day Off

Friday was the planned day off, but I took Thursday off due to massive storms involving a form of visible electric discharge between rain clouds and the earth. There were also visible discharges in a porcelin due to continuing stomach issues. I don't think it has anything due to Crohn's, rather it might be the mult-vitamins. Aaaaanyways, Friday will be pretty much a ladder workout..starting out with a couple miles warm up, then a 1200, 800, 400, 200, and 100. The 5k race is Saturday night, so I need to somehow stay out of the sun during the day.

6 miles - 53 Minutes

With a heat index of 105, Ian not able to run until after 8, and watching the girls, I had to push my run back to about 8:30 last night. I sacraficed watching the middle 53 minutes of the USA vs. Trinidad & Tobago soccer match, but it was worth it. For the first time my legs didn't feel like logs. I felt really light, and Ian and I were able to maintain a conversation through the first half hour of the run. We took it easy...running slightly below 9.5 minute mile pace (we lost about 25 seconds on a pit-stop). We made it to the halfway point at 29:30, and really picked it up on the way back, running 23:30 on the way home. We were pretty much at race-finish pace for the last .6 miles (starting at our home soccer field at Red Bug Lake Park). My post-race recoveries are coming much quicker as well. It was taking me 10-15 minutes to be able to even stand up straight after a good run, and I would say thats at about 3-4 minutes now.

Weight at the gym as 182 yesterday. With my luck it will be back up today. We'll see. We are planning a track workout tonight, with Friday off to prepare for the 5k.

25:30 jog with some Teammates- about 3.3 miles

Funny how the progression goes. Ian and I ran about 6 minutes as a warm-up while we waited for Dean and Joey (two other guys from our FC Rogue soccer team). A month ago, I would have been drooling to add that warm up to the run time and brag on 31 minutes. Looking back at my progress so far. My first run was 1.8 miles, and I walked about 5 times for 1/2 mile. My first timed run was 2 miles in 19 minutes. My first run of 3 miles or more was 3.7 miles in over 37 minutes. Anyhow, we had a good run finishing up at a solid pace, but still throwin some jokes. We might not have run that fast, but we were in a high-rent residential district and Dean had to take a serious leak. That put a little pace and a few chuckles into the course as he continuosly looked for a spot to water a million dollar home.

So farI am pleased with the progress, but not complacent, and far from satisfied. A month ago, I had serious doubts on my abilities to meet my goal of completing the Philadelphia Marathon. In all honesty, I still have serious concerns, as I will be cutting at close at my current rate, and any little setback could easily derail the train. Interestingly, I have cut WAY back on any beers during the week, am eating quite a bit healthier, lifting a little bit lighter, and my weight is STILL 184 pounds. I am hoping the pounds drop off over time, but I am seeing a positive transformation in my body. I am looking slimmer, so the weight is either going to my ass or my leg muscles.

5k Warm-up Run at Full Pace - 21:19!!!

Man, I gotta say I think I actually impressed myself today. Ian, Joey, and I went for a quick run after work today. We agreed to push it hard, as Ian and I are running the Winter Park Moonlight Ramble 5k on Saturday. We pushed off hard and after a half mile, the pace was my primary concern and my injuries were loooong forgotten. I hung with Ian at about 3/4 of a mile, and spent most of the run giving EVERYTHING to stay within 15 yards of him. I had him at a distance where if he got any father I was dusted and would have definately given up a bit. I continuely stuggled to reel him in. We made it to the half-way turn around in about 10:21 (I think..Ian had the watch today). I hit a wall of sorts at about 2.5 miles and with a serious gut-check pushed at the end. Ian finished in 21:10, but I have no doubt if he weren't turning around and pushing me to catch up he could have fone 20:30 or so. Joey, in his first run in years was only a couple minutes behind (which is faster than my normal pace). The next few days will be leisurly 4 mile runs, with Friday off in preperation for my race. I honestly think that I was close to my limit today, and am currently setting 21:30 as my raceday goal. It will be my first race in about 6 years or so, and second race ever. I think my time back in my early 20's was 24 minutes. That alone makes me happy, but defintely not complacent. I hope these races and training sessions propel me to my long-term goal of comleting my first marathon.

Cross-Training (Soccer Scrimmage)

Saturday was spent travelling from 4:45 am - 11:15 pm. No running there. Sunday morning at 10 we had our final soccer tune-up match. We got whooped by a team a division below us. Not very impressive. Soccer is a team sport, and I am bummed we lost, but I was really happy with my fitness and performance. In injury news, I got hacked on my left ankle while clearing a ball about 5 minutes into the match...it is very swollen and bruised, but only sore to the touch..it is fine to walk on. I also opened up both knees again (no biggie), and pulled the same neck muscle as last year. The neck is sore, and is my only training concern, but assuming I look ahead while running, it shoulden't set me back either. I am looking at my 5k course down Red Bug and back tonight. Will report in this evening (Monday) on the time.

-Scott

1 hour and 40 seconds

My stomach was killing me all the way home from work, and I almost didn't run. I sucked it up, and ran a crazy path through parks and neighborhoods, and got back to the house at about the 49 minute mark. I then made a couple of passes through the neighborhood until I eclipsed the 1 hour mark. A big step, but man was I sore at the end. My pace at the end was pretty slow and I had to walk about 20 yards 4 times during the run. I stopped the clock during those parts to ensure that I actually did run for an hour. All in all, must have been 9 minute pace (which frankly I think is pathetic)..so figure about 6.6 miles. My next long run goal will be to eclipse 7.5 miles. Look for that next Monday.

4 Miles in 37:46

Today I ran from our house to Nanny and Papa's, which is precisely 4 miles door-to-door. Well thats what I timed, I actually ran another .3 miles to the gym to do some abs with Amy. Running just under 9.5 minute miles, I felt slow, and in fact was slow. I was a bit dissapointed with the run, but I honestly coulden't have done much more timewise. I am going to have to change my diet and get something going in the supplements departement because i literally can't get my legs back to full strength. I am taking today off in hopes of an hour plus run Thursday night. Short run Friday night, and then on SATURDAY I GO TO BOSTON TO PICK UP JULIANA. I am so excited, and I miss her so much its unreal. Seeing her Saturday morning will be one of the happiest days of my life. Its been a month of pure torture without her, but that torture gives me the fire to keep going some days. The physical pain of running is nothing compared to the mental pain of being without Jules for any period of time. But I am determined to make the best of the situation, not let anything bring me down, and channel that pain into making me stronger mentally and physically. My breakthrough comes Thursday, and you read it here first.

32:47

Sore knee tendon on the back of my knee from soccer and a nasty infection in the front from a softball slide. Labored a bit hard through a 32:47 run...much of it was off-road so I don't know the exact mileage. I gotta think I was only running about 9:15 - 9:30 minute miles. Anway, that loosened me up and I was beat at the end.

I am looking at a big long run tomorrow on my own as Ian has a co-ed soccer game (the team I had to quit to train for this marathon) . I am going to push for 50 minutes plus, potentially longer. Stay tuned. I feel that this will be a big week of training. I have made good progress, but am on a bit of a plateu. Time to push through it. I need to be running 4 miles on a short-run, and currently about 3.5 is my comfort level.

Cross-Training (Soccer Day)

Today was a cross-training day, featuring a scrimmage against Orlando Blackhawks, the only team to defeat us last season. They had our number again in a 3-1 scrimmage. I got great excercise in extreme heat. Probably played about 80 minutes, felt AWESOME cardio wise. I definately feel fit. We dominated the second half of play. I got the assist on our goal from a cross-field assist over the defense to an unrushing Corey...he made a nice trap, took a couple dribbles and toasted the keeper. Off to the pool ma neezys!

3.2 miles in 27.30

Wow..not very impressive. While I was sore from the six miles that I ran the day prior, I thought that I was really cooking it. I have no idea how I only turned out miles just below 9 minutes. I need to remeasure, but I think something is wrong with the calculations somewhere. I was running to hard, concentrating on nice long strides, and digging deep. Hmm, maybe I just was that tired and the pushing was against my tired body than a healthy one. Anyhow, will measure it again. Today is a day off, then a soccer scrimmage tomorrow morning bright and squirrely. Ian and i will likely put in a decent run after the game. Peace. Off to the beach ma nizzles.

Another Personal Best : 53:30 : About 6.25 Miles

Ian and I met at the softball field which is at a trailhead on the Seminole Wekiva Trail. The trail is 14 miles long, paved over an old railroad bed. We ran the trail for about 3 miles, hit 436, ran about 3 miles back on main roads, then did another 1/2 mile on the trail, ending with a short, but steep (for Florida) hill. We started off running about 9:45 pace or so, but picked it up the last 3 miles and BLISTERED our pace from the last long run. I think for a couple of half mile stretches we were closer to 8 minute miles than 9. Got back to the fields and my softball team was there, but the double header I was supposed to play in after the game was cancelled due to lightning. So anyways, my calves were brutally sore the first 2-3 miles as usual, but I felt much better towards the end, and way better than after we did it the first time. 2 weeks and I have lost about a pound, but even I think I look a bit thinner. I think the next couple weeks should see a couple of pounds dissapear. Again, thanks to Ian for pushing me, Sean for pushing me, and Amy for supporting me.

18:41 // 2.2 miles

I was going to take today off after yesterdays biggie, but since Ames is making Bacon Wrapped Chicken (BWC) I had to run a bit to justify chowing down. Weight was back to 183 today and I hit the gym hard (probably too heavy) on shoulders...but I love shoulder day, so it had to be done.

Anyhow, 18:41 through some neighborhoods nice and easy. Ran at a 9 min mile pace. My calves feel like rocks and I barely lifted my feet, but tomorrow is definately a day off.

5.8 Miles in 52 Minutes

Running at just under 9 minute mile pace, I put in the longest run of my life both in terms of miles (5.8), and time (52 minutes). It all began when I sent Ian the maquest directions from his house to mine with the text "hmm." I told Amy that I would be home by 7:15 ish, and in fact I was a few minutes early. She was however a bit confused when both Ian and I showed up for dinner. Once she figured out what we had done, her confusion turned to amazement, and then pride. Making her proud made me incredibly proud.

Thanks Ian for pushing me man and expecting more of me than I expect from myself (I just want to finish this marathon alive, while Ian is pushing me towards a sub 4 hr time). Sean, your call and blogs on your own runs are a huge source of motivation. You are pushing me from twelve hundred miles away. I am running as hard as I can, and while I don't think that "catching" you is feasible, you better watch your ass cause I am coming for ya.

Cross-Training Day

Well, running is helping my soccer a bit. I was using today's scrimmage as a bit of a barometer, and planned to make a final commitment to play (or not) following the scrimmage. Without going into details, I have felt like sh!t most during most of our offseason workouts. I wasn't going to play if I was out of shape, or my age was showing. Anyhow, within 10 minutes I knew that I could run with anyone on the field, and made my decision to play this season. We beat Fiddler's Green 6-5 in a farily relaxed match. The win was nice because we are playing a new formation (3 defenders, 5 midfielders, and 2 strikers), and also because the events of the final weekend of last season saw Fiddler's get promoted while we are stuck to run Division 1. Anyhow, looking forward to a good run tomorrow. While I did this, Sean was playing Oregon Trail:

3.2 in 25:01

Ian and I ran a 5k course around Lake Katherine this morning (Satureday) at about 8 am. We started with a 1/2 mile warmup of about 10 minutes then really pushed the pace up until we hit about 7.5 minutes for the last mile and a half or so. Our next run should be a bit longer, so this was a run to work on pace a bit.

Even more Gooder : 37:01 of Straight Running

Another great day. Woke up feeling good after the longest run of my life. Tonight after work Ian and I proceeded to run about 5 miles in 37:01 with a 108 degree heat index. (I am writing this after 9:00 pm and the temp is 85 while the heat index is 95). We started off nice and easy..somewhere in the 10-minute range. After a mile or two we worked to a pace just over 9 minutes. Finally, we finished with a hard sprint to the neighborhood pool. I was dog-tired after the run and barely got my shoes off before I collapsed in the pool.

I feel good now thanks to some of Amy's now famous chicken pot pie. I am now looking at the possibility of running a 5k Saturday morning. Sleep is the issue, as I would need to leave the house at 5:30 am, or the same time I leave for work every morning. I am pulling just over 5 hours a night, which just isn't enough. My Friday and Saturday night I catch up with a good 8-hour night. In about a month I will be up to running for about two hours. Merely doubling that for sleep isn't gonna cut it!

Stats: Today's weight at the gym: 183

Great Progression

Today I ran just under 4 miles. We didn't clock the mileage because we ran quite a bit on trails. The biggest breakthrough.... NO WALKING. We ran for 31:08 straight (the longest I have ever run by far).

I have Ian to thank for this. Ian has run two-marathons and several adventure races and is a natural runner. We met at the house, and he helped me out. Running with a partner made it infinitely easier. We started with about a 9:25 minute mile pace for about 2 miles, kicked it to about 9, and finished at about 8:25 or less. We had a nice hard run for the last 1/3 mile. I felt really good during the run, with just some standard calf pain. I was definitely feeling it for a good 10 minutes after the run...lightheaded with my ears popping a bit.

Ian and I are going to make the training runs a regular practice. Depending on what shape I am in, I am going to head over towards Ian's place for a run tomorrow night.

Random Notes: I bought some protein power after I picked Erin up and had a shake and a little bit of shepherd's pie (turkey not beef) for dinner. I lifted shoulders and back at the gym today. Higher reps and lower weight than normal.

Hoops and a Short Run

Haven't played hoops in about year until tonight. I would have rather run, but my co-workers and I have talked about this for about a year now. We had 12 of us out there and we had a good-time. I ran about a half mile when we were done, but it was 100 degrees and I had a one hour drive home ahead of me. Tonight I am running with Ian, a buddy from my soccer team. He has run in two marathons and several adventure races. We talked running for quite a while last night...I think I will run better with someone than I do solo. If I do, I will more agressively pursue this path, as well as joining the Orlando running club.

Current temperature - 93
Run-time temperature - 87 and thunderstorms (running anyways)
Current Weight - 184 (185 yesterday on same scale at same time)

3 miles in 26:01

Nice lil improvement...dropped from 10 minute miles or so to under 9. I was able to pick the pace up a little bit and majorly cut back on the walking. All in all I only walked about 75 feet today and that was primarily for some calf stretching. Tomorrow I am playing basketball in Melbourne with co-workers and will try to put in 2-miles or so before I hop in the car to head back to Orlando. In other news, my view of the rocket from the top of my building tomorrow will be phenomenal.

This weekend I played in a softball tournament (batted a perfect 4/4 with 2 walks in two games), and had soccer training from 10-12 Sunday morning. Following soccer I ran 1 mile around the track while everyone else either looked on and laughed or hotfooted it to their AC.

4.4 mi in 44 min

Well, 6 just wasn't going to happen for many reasons. The biggest factor was time for work. Between measuring the course, stretching, changing, running, showering, and grabbing a drink and an energy bar, I was out of the office for about an hour and 40 minutes.

So about the run: 4.4 miles in 44 minutes. 10 minute miles. I ran on a very lightly traveled two-lane road with NO trees or shade. The heat was pretty unreal (see image to the left). My calves were still pretty sore, so I would say I was feeling about 80-85% to start the run. Again, I had to walk several times...Each time was maybe 50 feet and was due to burning legs or heat..not being winded. I was so hot that I got the chills a couple of times. Anyhow, I would estimate that while I was actually running I was pulling 8.5 minute miles early and tailed off to 9.5 minutes towards the end. Softball game tonight, and softball tourney tomorrow. I guess I am running 3 miles tomorrow. Well, its less than 4.4.

Weight - 179 (AFTER RUN)

Rest Day (Sorta)

Today was a rest day from running. Filled in for a softball team that 6 guys quit on case they were sick of losing. 6 of my Friday night teammates filled in and we won. Hmm. Anyhow, I went 2-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Ehh, not bad. Tomorrow I have a full day but I need to squeeze in what will be by 2 miles the longest run of my life. I am either going to do it at 5:15 am or at 9pm after softball. Stay tuned homies. Also, for those of you that know the site, I recently updated Find New Homes in Florida. Be a good friend and go there and click ONE google ad link for me. I am pulling in a bit 100 visitors a day and making some nice side 'ching on the advertising revenue. I plan to ramp it up soon. Ok, no more marketing propaganda.

Gnight. Time for dinner and a couple ice cold beverages.

Day 3 and OMFG

You have got to be kidding me Sean. I mean seriously. I don’t mean to sound overdramatic but that was seriously one of the hardest things I have ever done. After 25 years of athletics, I have never actually run more than 3.2 miles. I have no idea how I pulled that off, but it’s a fact. Well, tonight I attempted to plan out a 3 mile course. It felt like 10, but in actuality it was 3.7 miles. The course was near Amy’s parents house in 93 degree heat at about 7 pm.. 3.7 miles in a whopping 37:10. That is about a 10 minute pace. Much slower than I anticipated (by about a minute), but I did it. I wanted to pack it in so many times, but I kept it together and finished. I had to walk for about 50 feet quite a few times, but I didn’t cheat myself. Cardiovascularly speaking (I think I just invented a word) I was fine…but my legs were on fire. Definitely the result of three days in a row running, as well as just not being conditioned for this type of workout. I hurt much more than after a long, hard fought soccer match.

I have a LONG way to go. Father than I thought in fact. Tomorrow is a much-needed day of rest. Friday is supposed to be a six-mile run. I don’t think that I am ready for that, and need to look into modifying the training so that it is more realistic and effective. If I determine that that won’t get me to my goal, I will stick with the program I am on. Anyhow, I am proud to say that I made it another day.

7am the next morning...update - Suprisingly I am not as sore as I thought I would be. A bath and a massage from my loving wife worked wonders. Hopefully I am not too sore Friday for my next run. My upcoming sporting schedule is a bit hectic, and I will have to work my runs in around them. I am filling in for a softball team tonight at 6:30, have a game tomorrow night ( I am also supposed to run 6 miles that night), a softball tournament all day Saturday (will run 3 miles between games..but I will be so sore after 6 I see me adjusting the schedule), and soccer practice for three hours Sunday morning.

Day 2

I wasn't too sore as I enhusiastically started my second day of running. Unfortunately I did not hit my three mile goal, due to course miscalculations. I used my scooter to measure out a 3 mile course. After completing my run and looking at my trusty cell-phone timekeeping system, I realized that I had either run much less or run a 5 mile pace. Take your guess at which was correct. In fact, I only ran two miles in about 19 minutes. A blazing 9.5 minute pace. Ugh. Amy, in keeping with Sean's motivational tecnhiques, learned of my shortfall and send me out for another lap. So I did hit just shy of 3 miles today. Jeez, I am almost up to 26.2! Riiiiight.

I have been running in an OLD pair of Nike Shox cross-training shoes with ripped lace eyelets and rubber falling off. I went to Sports Authority and got a 69 dollar pair of Avia running shoes for 29 bucks. Score! I also got a nice Casio Triathlon watch for 22 bucks.

The First Run

Yeah, so I ran a whopping 1.8 miles on my first run. I did not time myself due to the fact that I do not own a digital watch (or any watch that works for that matter!). I don't have much positive to report other than the fact that at least I got started. I ran a pretty slow pace and my legs were on fire. It was 95 degrees and humid, but I actually prefer to run in the heat. Might as well be sweating off some pounds. I think that one of my biggest challenges over the course of this journey will be changing my body. I am currently weighing in at about 184 and have been lifting pretty heavy. I have begun to alter my workouts to include lighter weights and more reps. I think that once I can trim some fat and tone up some muscle my legs will have an easier time lugging around the rest of my body.

Get With The Program!

Ok, so we have decided to go with the famous Hal Higdon (whoever that is) Marathon Training guide. I have a feeling that I will be cursing ole Hal on a daily basis. Hal's program is 18 weeks long and consists of 4 running days, 1 cross-training day (my soccer games) and 2 rest days each week. The first week includes 3 3-mile runs and a 6 mile run. In order to ramp up, I am delaying Week 1 for a week while I just get into the swing of running.

The Challenge is Laid Down

So…this is how it all started. Sean sees two pictures titled 30andfat.jpg and sweatinoldie.jpg on my latest batch of Roystory.com pictures. He instant messages me something along the lines of “You aren’t old. Challenge yourself. Run a marathon with me.”. Well, clearly not thinking, and as usual not being able to turn down a challenge, I respond with a dopey “Ok.”

So, at 30 years old, I have exactly 4 months to train for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 20th. A bit of my running history: ______.


Ok, it’s not that extreme, I did run in the Chase Corporate Challenge 5k in 1999. Prior to that race I trained 2.2 miles a day for two whole weeks. To date, that is my longest stint of consistent running. Now, 6 years later, and 15 pounds heavier, I take on what is undoubtedly the greatest athletic challenge of my life. To be brutally honest, I have significant doubts in my ability to accomplish this goal, but I am going to give it everything I have and then some. Making the task more arduous, is the knowledge that Sean has been running competitively for about 10 years, and goes on 7 mile runs when he is bored. Worst case scenario is that I get in better shape and have fun trying. Best case scenario is that I tick another "life goal" off of the list.

We hope to convince Stephen to join the shenanigans but being that he just got married and bought a house, we aren’t sure that he can make the commitment THIS year.