I did it! A Sub-4 at the California International Marathon

Today, December 5, 2010, I ran my 6th marathon and 4th marathon this year.  My goal from my first marathon has been to get a sub-4.  3:59:59 would be unreal for me.

In my first marathon I injured my knee and it took me about 5:20 to complete as I had trouble running.  I could not run for about 6 months after the knee injury.

I sort of healed (still wear a brace on my knee and it does get painful at times) and then started running again.  I wanted a sub-4 in my second marathon, but fell off pace by mile 16 and finished with a 4:16:08.

Earlier this year, I ran Oakland and San Diego.  In Oakland, I got sick the week before (very sick).  I still ran and was on pace for a sub-4 . . . until mile 20.  It was all downhill from there.  Finished at 4:17:58.  For San Diego I again tried for a sub-4.  It was hot and I again fell off between mile 16 and 18.  Finished with a 4:21:11.

Then, in early November of this year I ran the Morgan Hill Marathon.  This was a “training run”.  I did not try to get a sub-4, but it is always in the back of my mind.  I ran a PR of 4:09:55.

I had only 1 goal for CIM.  A sub-4.  3:59:59.

This year has been great because of my baby girl, Brooklyn.  It has been a great year to watch her grow (she turns 1 on Dec. 19th).  Yet, with work, teaching and a baby at home . . . it is hard to get runs in.  I do the best I can.  I have many late night runs at 11pm start time when I have to get up early.

Training for CIM has been tough.  Mostly because of time.  But, running feels so good.  It makes me feel healthy and also something that I can control (to some extent).  Yet, when you don’t reach a goal, you feel horrible even if you did something special (completed a marathon).

I’ve had some bad events occur at work which were out of my control.  Running a sub-4, I felt was something that I could control.  Something that I could push for and strive for.  And, I knew if I did not get it at CIM, I would try again.  Yet, I really wanted it at CIM.

My plan was simple:  start behind the 4 hour pace group and keep them within reach.  I did not want to run in front of the 4 hour pace group because I wanted to use them to control my pace.  I also did not want to be in front of them and get passed by them (that has occurred in the past and it feels devastating).

I looked to my Garmin often, but my pace was set by trying to stay within 5 feet and 30 feet of the 4 hour pace group.  I did good the first half.  No real problems.  Felt strong.  One of the issues I had with CIM was that the water stations were so crowed.  Maybe, because I was generally running behind the 4 hour pace group (large crowd), but it was very difficult to get water. I had to stop on a number of occasions just to get the water.  The 4 hour pace group would get a little ahead  of me (maybe 100 meters).  That was okay for the first half.  I would just pick up the pace and catch up.

About mile 16 I could feel myself getting tired.  I told myself just stay with them.  Yet, my legs were getting heavy.  Just before the mile 18 marker there was another water stop. My handheld was getting very low so I needed water.  However, the water station was packed and I had to go to the water table and pick up a few cups to fill my water bottle.  The tired legs then got the best of me. I continued to walk for a little while.  I’m not sure how long.  I saw a post a head and said I will run when I get to that post.  I did.

However, the 4 hour pace group was now far ahead.  I was also struggling.  I was going slower.  I felt like crying.  Soon, I could barely see the 4 hour pace group.  They had to be 1/4 mile in front of me by the time mile 19 had come.  I thought I had blown it.  All those late night runs.  All the tempo and speed workouts.  The long runs.  The training marathon.  I thought I was not going to do.  But, I looked at my Garman and I knew I still had a chance.  My Garmin was at a 9:08 pace.  I told myself to push hard.  I told myself that it was not over.  I could do this.  I was exhausted, but I dug deep.  I fought to not fall any further off.

By mile 20 I was feeling a little better.  I had lowered my avg pace to 9:07.  I could also see the 4 hour group was a little closer.  I told myself that I would push hard.  I would try to catch them by mile 22.  I pushed hard.  Though, I needed more water.  I had to slow down at another water station at mile 22 (this was a big issue – I felt – not enough tables.  The stations were too crowed and you were forced to stop).  This time I started running as soon as I could (after getting the water).

I kept gaining on the pace group.  By mile 23 I caught them.  I told the 4 hour pacer that I was not going to fall behind him.  I skipped the water stops at mile 23.5, 24.5 and 25.3.  I told myself that unless I pass out, I’m not stopping and I’m not slowing down.  I had fought off the urge for a restroom break all race.  I could feel some urge to go to the bathroom, but I told myself that I won’t even look at a porta potty.  Fortunately I was able to fight off any urge and did not have to go . . . while running (but I would have).  :)

Miles 22-25 were maybe the hardest miles I have ever ran. I was tired.  I wanted to slow down.  I wanted to walk.  But, I was not going to slow down.  I knew I had this.  I just had to push.  And, I pushed as hard as I could.  I’m not a fast runner (as far a BQ runner), but I do the best I can with the time I have to train.  Keeping pace those last 3 miles was tough.  Yet, I did it.  I even went a little a head of the pace group.  Soon I saw mile 25.  I knew that I could run a mile at this pace.  I focused and kept looking at my watch counting down each .25.  Then, I got to mile 26.  I knew I had this.  I ran solid the last .2  I did not speed up.  I was not trying to get a few extra seconds faster.  I was trying to enjoy it.  I crossed the finish line at 3:59:12.  I nearly cried.

It felt incredible.  To work so hard for something and to fight through that horrible mile 18-19, I felt amazing.

It was my hardest race.  I dug deep.

I’m so thankful for everyone of the blogs that I read, the few people that read my blog, all of my running friends, and my great family.  Training for a marathon takes a lot of time and effort.  I needed the support that I received from so many sources.

What made CIM so great was having running friends there.  To meet with before the race, during the race and after the race.  They are awesome people!

I feel silly to be so happy and nearly tearful to have just a sub-4.  It’s not a BQ.  It is something that many runners get.  Yet, it was a goal I’ve had since I started running. It was something that for me was special.

Morgan Hill Marathon, CIM coming up and Have a great Thanksgiving

I have been very, very bad at blogging.  It is just tough to find time.  But, I started blogging because I wanted to document my runs and hopefully provide a way to keep connected with other runners.  So I guess it is time to update.

About three months ago, I decided to sign up for CIM (the California International Marathon).  I’ve been training for that and hoping that maybe I can have a great day and finally get a sub-4 (fingers crossed).

I’ve trained hard.  At least as hard as I can with my regular job, teaching and a great awesome now 11 month old daughter.  I have had two 50 mile weeks and a number of other weeks in the 40s.

I also ran the Morgan Hill Marathon as a training run on November 7, 2010.   I had 21-23 miles planned that week and decided to just add 3.2-5.2 more miles and run a marathon.  The course was very hilly so I knew it would not be a sub-4.  I took it as a training run (meaning there was no taper – it was as if it was just a long run scheduled during my marathon training) and decided that I was not going to go out and try for a sub-4.  My plan was to run a 9:30 pace and keep it for as long as possible.  The first 15 miles were hills and I was hoping to get through that at the 9:30 pace and just run as long as I could without . . . a walk break.  This would be my 5th marathon.  In my prior 4, I always had to take walk and bathroom breaks.

It turned out to be a good day for running as it was in the 50s.  However, it rained most of the race, which left me a little cold.  But, I would rather take a little rain than the heat.

I started off a little slow – about 9:37 pace and about mile 4 decided to pick it up to get to my 9:30 pace goal for the first 15 miles. 

The marathon had about 1100 feet of climbing (I’m told).  The course was not closed to cars at Morgan Hill, we were running on the shoulder of the road (sometimes with CHP cruising by on their megaphones telling us to move over).   However, there were only about 180 finishers for the marathon so there was plenty of room and a lot of time to run by yourself.

The best part is that some of my running friends were running it (which is why I thought it would be a good idea to sign up) and others showed up to support us.  I ran mostly by myself, but it was great to see people I knew on the course and people cheering me on at the finish.

As for my training run, I got to mile 15 at 9:30 pace.  Then, my goal was to go as far as possible without walking.  I was not trying for a time, just to fight and go as far as possible without taking a walk break (or even a bathroom break – which is very hard for me).  After mile 15 we had about a 1/2 mile down hill and then the rest of the course were minor rolling hills (one hill, on an out and back, about mile 21 and 23 that was not large, but at that point in the marathon it felt large).

About mile 18 I was getting tired and it was raining hard.  But, then rain slowed down and  I ran into one of my running friends cheering me on.  She joined me for about a 1/2 of mile.  She talked to me and encouraged me.  By the time she left, I had it in my head that I would push to get to mile 21 before I take a walk break.  About mile 20 there was an aid station. I carried a hand held water bottle with me.  What I do is open it up and then dump the water from the aid station into it.  I try to get two to three cups as I pass an aid station.  At this station, I opened my water bottle and reached for a cup.  A lady down the line yelled out “refill it over here” as she pointed to a large water container off to the side where I would have to stop and fill my water bottle.  I had to yell back (as I took the water cup), “I’m trying not to stop”.

I made it over the hill at mile 21 and decided to try to push it to mile 23 before walking.  That would have been the max mileage of my planned long run before deciding to do the marathon.  Mile 22 was tough.  I was tried and many other people were walking.  When you see people walking and you want to walk, it is very tempting to stop running.  Yet, I pushed on.  Then off in the distance I saw what appeared to be one of my running friends who had been ahead of me the entire race.  I decided to try to catch that person before I stopped.  I pushed forward and caught up to him about mile 23.  The hills took some energy out of him and he was slowing down.  I said hi as I kept going past mile 23 and decided to try to make it to mile 24.  I had to pass that aid station again and the same lady yelled out me to “fill up my bottle over here.”  I had to again yell “I don’t want to stop”.   It was annoying.

When I made it to mile 25, I told myself, unless I get injured I’m going all the way without stopping.  I made it!  I was so happy.  It was not a sub-4.  That was not my goal.  But, it was running a marathon without taking a walk break, bathroom break or any break.  That was a first!  It was also a PR of 4:09 plus about 50 seconds on the a very hilly course.  Not bad for a training run.

Hopefully, I’ll have a good day at CIM.

Here are some pictures from the MH Marathon:

       

And, the best picture – me with Brooklyn:

Thinking of my dad and an update

Three years ago (on Oct. 28th, 2007) my dad passed away after a battle with cancer.  I decided to post as I think about him tonight because his death brought me to running.  I started running not to get a time.  I started running after his death because it was a lifestyle change.  It was about being active and doing an activity that could keep me healthy.

I did not smoke like he did (which caused his cancer).  But, I was overweight and at risk for high blood pressure and diabetes.  I used to like running in the past (shorter mileage), but it had been years since I ran.  I decided it was time to start running again.  I also focused on changing my diet (less junk food and more fruit and vegetables).

Since I started running, I ran 4 marathons and a number of half marathons.  More importantly, I lost 50-60 pounds from my pre-running weight.  I have done so doing an activity I love.  I can thank my dad for bringing running back into my life.

. . .  As for an update.  I’m still running.  My next big marathon is CIM in December.  I used “big” marathon because I signed up for a “training” marathon on Nov. 7th (the Morgan Hill Marathon).  It is a bit crazy to think I’m running a marathon as a training run.  Not sure what that means yet, as it is my first training marathon.  I guess I think I’m going to take it easy.  Not go for time.  Just try to relax and have fun.

Sorry for not updating this blog.  It has been very busy at work and with the baby at home.  Brooklyn is doing great.  She is 10 months old.  She is crawling now!  Moves all over the house.  It is such a blessing to have her in my life.  She had her first fever last week.  It was horrible . . . for me.  She did okay.  She was a little miserable at times, but overall she generally stayed happy.  Just less active and hot.  Yet, for a first time dad (with my wife away on business for two nights) it was so stressful.  I was scared and unsure of what to do.  I talked to my sister, neighbor, advice nurse, people at work . . . trying to get a understanding of what to do.  But, we got through that first fever.  I have much more appreciation for my mom after that.

I have some great pictures of the baby that I put up soon.

Oh – I also ran the San Jose RnR Half Marathon.  My wife and sister also ran it.

Back from Vacation and two barefoot runs

I spent last week in Maui and had a very good time.  It was great to have a week to spend with my daughter who turned 8 months today.

Here is one picture from the trip:

I ran three times in Maui – one being a 10.38 mile run.  And, I ran 7 miles the day after we got back.  The best thing about the 7 mile run was that I took Brooklyn in the Bob stroller.  We now sit her up in the Bob (i.e. we don’t use the car seat).  It makes the run a lot more exciting for her . . . she can actually see what’s going on around her rather than stare back up at me.

The problem with the Bob stroller is that I think it throws my running form off.  After the 7 mile run, my knee was hurting.  I’ve hurt my knee during my first marathon in 2008 and it always seems to flare up.  I can’t go on a run without wearing a brace to help prevent any injury.  It is very frustrating as I wish I could just run pain free or without the worry have getting injured.  It’s been two years since I recovered from my injury and it still flares up.

So, I’ve decided to give barefoot running a shot.  Reading born to run did help push me over the top and go for it.  But, I also read blogs and articles on barefoot running.  From what I’ve read it can help you with injuries.  Not sure, how long this will last or whether it will cause more problems.  But, I thought it was worth a shot.  I’ve tried ChiRunning (and it has helped me with my form), but I think I need to try something else.  The concept of barefoot running makes sense to me (even though today someone told me I’m crazy).

I ran 2 miles on Tuesday barefoot after a short run with shoes.  I then ran 4 miles tonight barefoot.  After tonight’s run the bottom of my feet are sore.  Likely due to pushing up to 4 miles too soon.  But, my knee actually feels much better after the run.  It has been sore all week.  For the first time this week, it actually feels good.  I find that a bit odd, but I’ll take it.

I’ll see where this goes.  If it seems to work out, I don’t think I’ll stay completely barefoot (I’m a wimp) and would buy FiveFingers to provide some protection for my feet.  At least, I’ll have something more to blog about.

Maui and a Pony Ride

Sat morning I head off to Maui for a great week vacation.  It will be my first vacation with Brooklyn.  I’m excited.  The plane ride will be interesting.

Hopefully I will get some good runs in.  I need to get  a long run (12-15 miles) in likely on Sunday or Monday.  I will try to find a good spot and hopefully wake up early to beat the heat.

Oh . . . here is Brooklyn’s first Pony ride:

Also, here is Brooklyn with her horse Bubba.  Bubba is really my wife’s horse, but she plans to give him to Brooklyn once she gets older.

Good running!