Week 21/22: It's ALL Happening!

January 14, 2010

It's hard to believe that race day is just a few days away. This time last year, I was terrified. This time around...I'm anxious and excited. I feel prepared. I feel like I'm approaching a major payday after five months of grueling mental and physical work.

Time and time again I'm reminded that worthwhile endeavors, such as completing a marathon, don't come easy. After all, that's in large part what makes them worthwhile.

These endeavors aren't about who you know or how much money you have...they're about hard work, dedication, determination and sacrifice (aka how much blood, sweat and tears you're willing to put in)!

One example of this is a recent accomplishment by one of my favorite weekday running partners. I'm not talking about Maci the MinPin (although she is a rockstar in her own right). I'm talking about Colleen!

Last season, Colleen accompanied me on the occasional weekday run, which was mostly a result of me guilting her into it (i.e. "If I got kidnapped, would you ever be able to forgive yourself?").

This season, she's accompanied me on most of my weekday runs, without the guilt...or, at least without most of the guilt. She did so because she was working towards achieving a personal goal of passing the physical test to become a US Marshal.

Seeing that Colleen hates running and needed to shave 2 minutes off her 1.5 mile time to pass the test, this was an uphill battle for her. I know 2 minutes doesn't sound like a whole lot, but it actually is in the running world.

Aside from the almost daily 3-4 mile runs, on a fairly regular basis, she ran for time. Time and time again, she fell short of where she needed to be for the test. Now, I knew all along that (1) she could do it and (2) all she needed to do was make time once in order to have the confidence necessary to pass the actual test.

To get to that point, however, I also knew that she needed to push herself, force her body to go beyond its ability...which is both uncomfortable and painful. I know this because this is absolutely key in training for an endurance event. The good news is that with proper training (*ahem* Notorious D.A.D.), your body will adapt to reasonable exertion you force on it (*ahem* Notorious D.A.D.).

With days to spare before the actual test, she passed the final few time trials on her own. On Jan. 4, she took her physical test and passed with flying colors! The hardcore Marine officer who administered the test said he'd never seen a female do so many push-ups...annnd she killed all guys on sit-ups...annnnnnnd completed the run with time to spare.

She is now waiting on a call with an official offer (her current offer was a conditional hire based on passing the physical test) which will inform her when they'll be shipping her off to the training academy (I've learned that US Marshal's don't ask - i.e. "Does Feb. 7 work for you?" they give orders - i.e. "We will see you here Feb. 7" which leads me to believe that I may have missed my calling - haha!).

Before you know it, she'll be kicking down doors, providing security for top officials and hunting for some of America's Most Wanted! Seriously, I couldn't be more proud! And selfishly, I can now add US Marshal running coach to my resume...

Oh, and as if this weren't awesome enough, she's organizing my security detail...errr...mobile cheer squad for the race this Sunday.

So...if you're interested in joining the mobile marathon cheer squad (or want to find at least one place to catch me during the race), let me know and I'll send you her number. Or, if you already have it, shoot her a call/text yourself!

Otherwise...I'll catch you all on the other side of the finish line.

Thanks again for another season of support!

M.

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Week 20: He Speaks! A Guest Blog by Notorious D.A.D.!

January 4, 2010

Michelle (aka Middle D) asked if I would like to guest blog on one of her weekly running updates.

I have enjoyed her semi regular updates over the past two training seasons and am always amazed at how she is able to tell her story with an interesting theme, a touching dedication, and an exciting conclusion. (I especially like the ones featuring Notorious D.A.D.) Looks like all the cash we sent to the various institutions of higher learning over the years on her behalf was a sound investment. Such a proud dad, huh?

Since I do not have this type of talent or running experience, I must resort to a "Top 10" list for my guest blog. Following is that list, taken from elite runners in the marathon world, to see if my attempt to conquer the marathon shows any parallel to their experiences.

Quote #1: "Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance." --Bruce Barton

Last year when Middle D successfully completed the Rock 'N' Roll marathon, I thought halfheartedly to myself, next year I'll run with her.

You see, we are not a family of elite runners or for that matter, even average runners. The truth of the matter is, most in our family would be considered plodders at best. Slow and steady is our mantra with the emphasis on slow, steadily slow.

But since Middle D actually set the bar just a bit higher with her marathon run, I thought I would try to follow her good example. I made a note to self; next year I'm definitely running in this thing with her.

There was only one small problem, I absolutely hate running...

Quote #2: "Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer." --Percy Cerutty

Due to the fact that for most of my adult life I have been what some would kindly call "gravitationally challenged" or "height/weight disproportionate" I really had very little experience with actual running.

Oh there were times in my life where I practiced sprinting, albeit mostly to the refrigerator or the pantry during commercial breaks to grab a handful of products that ended with the letters "itos", "ola", "olate" or "weiser" - the only actual distance running found on my resume was that I once chased after the ice cream truck for several houses in an attempt to score a Bomb Pop, some Laffy Taffy, and a Diet Coke.

That being said, in my assessment of the task at hand I thought to myself, how hard could it really be to complete 26.2 miles? I mean, I watched last years run from various vantage points along the course and many of the competitors seemed to be in about the same state of disrepair as was I.

Knowing that I had about a year to prepare myself for the event, I wasted little time in putting off the necessary training and preparation until there was almost no margin for error. I sincerely felt that this was not an impossible task. The only problem I continued to encounter was that I really didn't like running...

Quote #3: "Sure, you have to know your capabilities. An untested, out of shape person should walk if he or she is feeling exhausted in practice or in a race. But the pain felt racing is the temporal price one has to pay for the ephemeral experience of a race well run." --Manciata

I must tell you that most of this one is over my head but I believe I get the gist of the concept mentioned. I began my earnest training by running with Middle D's running team.

Not wanting to be embarrassed by the younger, thinner, more fleet of foot runners on the team, I treated each practice session as though it were an Olympic time trial. Unfortunately I ran more like an Olympian who specialized in the shot put or the event where everyone wears tights and twirls ribbons, instead of the lithe and nimble distance runners.

While the "regular kids" in the group were running effortlessly during our practice sessions, I waddled, shuffled, and gasped alongside wondering if the oxygen depravity I was experiencing would have any lasting effect on my brain. During our training I found that there really is something to say about the proper technique and mechanics of running. Sadly I must have missed the practice where they had something to say about these vitally important aspects of the sport.

And although I was one of the more senior members in our group (active card carrying member of AARP), the youngsters all made me feel welcome.

About two months into our training regiment life happened and my schedule no longer allowed me to continue to meet with the team for their weekly runs. I continued my training solo style and was actually on track and on pace to be able to complete the required 26.2 mile event. I was beginning to not hate running...

Quote #4: "No doubt a brain and some shoes are essential for marathon success, although if it comes down to a choice, pick the shoes. More people finish marathons with no brains than with no shoes." --Don Kardong

As they say on TV and at the more chic clubs in the "480" - it's all about the shoes baby. When I began to rack up some serious weekly mileage numbers, I was convinced by those in the know that I should really invest in the proper ($expensive$) running gear.

I was referred to a special running store where an expert observed my running style in order to make an educated recommendation on proper footwear for my size, shape, and gate. No doubt, the expert salesman must have thought he was on the mega hit TV show "Punk'd" as I resemble a true runner about as much as Lady GaGa resembles a girl you would want to take home to meet your mother.

In any case, with my special new $shoes$, my special new $running shirts$, my special new $running shorts$, my special new $running socks$, and the precautionary $creams$ and $potions$, I was now ready to be a true marathon runner. I was beginning to look forward to my daily run...

Quote #5: "When training for a marathon, you can eat everything you want and still drop major weight because you will be burning so many calories." --Coach Maria and Coach Hank (Middle D's running coaches)

Somehow my body didn't get this message. I may be the only marathon trainee to have gained 20 pounds during training. Looking back, I may have mistaken the phraseology carbo loading as candy loading or something of the like. It probably would have been a wiser option to run by the Taco Bells and Dunkin' Donuts without patronizing them during workouts. I must continue to run because I continue to overeat...

Quote #6: "Pain is weakness leaving the body." --Tom Sobal

When I was running in my "off the rack (affordable) gear" I experienced no real injuries or pain, but I just didn't look the part of an Awatukeean runner (gotta represent, East Side!). But now, properly geared up and attired after the major investment for the essentials of the sport, I began to experience several annoying injuries.

Most of these injuries I was able to just run through, but about 8 weeks ago I suffered an Achilles injury to my right leg and knee trauma to my left leg. I took about a week off and then hit the road once again full of vigor and confidence.

That weekend I was to have completed a 16-mile run but experienced a serious quad pull at about mile 2. However, in recalling what this quote is all about, I surmised that this was just weakness leaving my body. (Leave me weakness!) I struggled for another 6 miles and then surmised that this quote may have been more about cramps, blisters, and or chapped lips. I was at this point, unable to put any weight on my left leg and finally shut down my run. You know, I kind of miss running...

Quote #7: "No pain, no gain." --Proverb

I've been waiting out the quad pull for the past 6-weeks but at this point I am unable to run without pain and am hopelessly behind the training distance required to be able to successfully complete the 26.2 mile course. Sadly, I have accomplished only half of this proverb, still waiting for the "GAIN" part. I'm Jones'n for a serious run...

Quote #8: "Marathoning is like cutting yourself unexpectedly. You dip into the pain so gradually that the damage is done before you are aware of it. Unfortunately, when the awareness comes, it is excruciating." --John Farrington

Let's call the author of this quote Mr. Positive. He sounds like a motivational speaker gone viral. I mean, if I had serious doubts or reservations about this process before, now I am beginning to wonder why all of these people show up every year if this is in fact the end result. New Years resolution - more running...

Quote #9: "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop." --Lewis Carroll (from Alice in Wonderland)

Admit it, you read this one twice and the second time through you heard the cartoon voice in your head. I wasn't aware that Lewis Carroll was a runner and I'm sure he didn't know that I was one either.

This quote pretty much makes up my entire race strategy. In fact, I'm absolutely confident that I can follow this strategy to a tee. The beginning and the ending part that is. Now if I could just figure out what to do for the middle 24.2 miles. I wonder if Lewis Carroll loves running as much as I do...

Quote #10: "You make it all sound so simple. Run your guts out...collapse at the finish, throw up, that makes a good runner." --Keith Brantly

Enough said. We shall see...

To be continued?

The Notorious D.A.D.

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Week 18/19: No, I Didn't Drop You From My Fave Five...

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Week 16/17: Two for One

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Week 15: Ice, Ice, Baby!

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Week 14: Grato

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Week 13: This Week in Pictures

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Week 12: Easy Peasy?

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Week 11: A few of my fav-o-rite things...

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Week 10: RUNderwear

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Week 9: Running on Water

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Week 8: Life's Teachers

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Week 7: It's in giving that we receive...

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Week 6: Sorry Mom!

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Week 5: A Case of the Brandi's

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Week 4: Cancer Makes Headlines

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Week 3: Are You Ready for Some Football?

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Week 2: Notorious D.A.D.

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Week 1: Deja vu

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I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack!