CCC - 15 April

Late post on this race…..

I spent a lot of time training for this one….like 2-3 months.  My plan was that this was to be the pre-cursor to my re-entry into the triathlon world.  Specifically, this was going to be the springboard into preparation for Olympic Trials training.  The plan was to spend the first quarter of the year focusing on my run.  Get my base down and then focus on the swim and bike.  The CCC 10k was an opportunity that I could get at or under 6 min/mile…I was close halfway through (6:11), but didn’t quite finish that strong (6:26).

I’m discouraged and not just by my time.  The training hasn’t been as easy as it was in the past.  Not because of anything in particular.  Just seems to be tougher to get out and to get a pace I want.  Age, perhaps?  Getting old.

By the numbers:

Age Group Finish (30-34) – 24^th overall

Overall Finish – 97^th

Mile 1 Time – 6:13

Pace @ 5k – 6:11

Pace for 2d 5k – 6:39

Pace Delta - :28

Finish Time/Pace – 39:54/6:26

Two Weeks till Boston

On Sunday, 28 February I'll be in New Orleans with the family to qualify for Boston at the New Orleans Rock'n'Roll Marathon.  My distance work lately has been much more consistent compared to November and December.  Although I've largely ignored focusing on my designated paces for each week of training, my legs feel really strong.  I need to lean into my core workouts this week, but no other issues than that.

As I'm two weeks from attempting to qualify, I'm so ready for this to be finished.  Having skipped a few races as potential qualifiers, my training has really been dragged out...and its taking a toll on me.  Not only that, its been a big adjustment for the family.  There haven't been as many leisurely 5-mile runs with Crystal and Samuel.  Especially when Dad needs to do speed workouts or a 20-mile long run, the family often makes a sacrifice on their own.  I'll get home from work, throw on my shoes to knock out 6-miles, and get home just in time to bathe Samuel and put him to bed.  That being said, when I finish two weeks from now (and hopefully qualify), the family will be qualifying just as much as me.  If I qualify when I cross the finish line, it'll be their victory as much as it is mine.


Two Weeks Out:

Training Pace: 6:00min
Long Run: 20 miles
Music: Brady-Pod took one for the team a few weeks back.  I've been going sans music, but have Crystal's iPod as an alternate.  That being said, I'm really working hard on curating my 2016 Dance Commander playlist.  Will probably use this on race day.

Weeks 15 & 16: A New Goal

I’ve decided not to use the Louisiana Marathon (January 17^th) as my qualifying race for Boston.  Unfortunately, I’ve had enough issues with staying healthy and with hitting all my long runs that I don’t think it’s the race for me.  To clarify, I feel like I could qualify at the Louisiana Marathon, I just don’t think I could do it at the pace I’d like.

My new goal is to qualify at the New Orleans Rock N’ Roll Marathon (February 28^th).  My backup to this race will be the Zydeco Marathon in Lafayette a few weeks later.  Honestly, I’m ready to be finished with marathon training.  The marathon is just an odd distance/speed for me.  I’m really comfortable with anything at or below 13.1 miles, or anything longer than a marathon (although, I haven’t done any ultras in quite a while).

Week XV:

Training Pace: 6:10 (have been hitting it pretty consistently)

Long Run: doesn’t matter…haven’t been hitting it.

Music:  Started the book Leadership and Training for the Fight by Paul Howe.  It’s not great, but it passes the time.

Weeks 13 & 14: Weight Management

Over the past few weeks I’ve had some legitimate issues getting in my long runs and this is beginning to weigh heavily on me.  Although I’ve not had any real issues hitting my paces throughout the week, I worry that my lack of long distance mileage will come back to bite me in the ass.  Although I’m uncertain now, I’m contemplating just doing the half-marathon at the Louisiana Marathon.  I would then attempt to qualify at the Rock N’Roll New Orleans Marathon in February, or the Zydeco Marathon in Lafayette in the middle of March.

We had an all-hands, medical stand down this weekend in New Orleans for the Marine Corps.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that I weighed in at 161 lbs, my ideal race weight.  I need to be careful not to drop too much weight, but this is great to have hit this milestone.  I much prefer how I look when I’m about 20lbs heavier, but I love how I feel when I’m cruising at this weight.  I’m trying to eat only fruit and water before noon each day.  I’ll eat pretty much whatever for lunch, but in moderation.  Dinner, I’m trying to eat just a small enough portion of whatever we’re having so that I’m not quite full.

Week XIII:

Training Pace: 6:20

Long Run: 14 miles

Music: Finished the book Living with a Seal by Jesse Itzler.  Itzler is the husband of the woman that’s the CEO of Spanx.  He met Navy Seal David Groggins during an ultra-marathon event and ultimately asked him to move in with his family and train him.  Although the workouts Groggins puts him through are of questionable training value (Itzler’s going to end up getting hurt if he sticks with that training regimen), the intensity with which they workout is admirable.  It’s a good, easy read.

Week 12: Back Spasms

Thursday morning, after my morning 6-miler at 6:30 pace, my back felt funny.  It didn't hurt, just felt sore like maybe I'd slept on it oddly.  I largely ignored it and made a point to stretch my back throughout the day.  While at work, I changed clothes and laced up my shoes at lunch to knock out a quick 2 miles.  As soon as I finished the quick run, my back completely seized up and I could barely move.

I've since been to the doctor, received two steroid shots, and am still taking oral steroids to help with the pain.  For the most part, it doesn't hurt, just feels uncomfortable.  I can still tell that something is weird with my back, though.  Sunday I got in a few "test jogs" to see how it felt, and I'm reasonably certain I can pick back up with little to no issues.  Fortunately, my training plan doesn't have me upping the mileage or pace this week.

Week XII:

Training Pace: 6:30 (was nailing it until my back spasms showed up)

Long Run: 14 miles (didn't get it because of the back issues)

Music: Finished "41", meandering through podcasts now

Week 11: Houston Treadmills

I hate treadmills.

Spent four days in Houston this week for work, which meant I got to spend some quality time on the conveyer belt.  The only thing worse than having to occupy your mind while knocking out 6 miles on a treadmill, is having to do speed workouts on a treadmill.

I missed my runs on Friday because of travel and because I felt tired.  Not just my legs, but overall was just tired.  I struggled again on Sunday with my long run and ended up splitting it up (6 miles in the morning, 6 in the evening).

Week XI:

Training Pace:  6:40
Long Run:  12 miles (split it up, 6/6)
Music:  Still working on George Bush's book about his dad...an interesting look at 41's presidency 

Week 10: Head Cold and Rain

The aftereffects of a head cold and day after day of rain have made this week's training interesting.  I only missed two runs, but never had any issue maintaining my goal pace for this week (6:50).  That being said, 6:50 is a weird pace to consistently hold (overall run time isn't an issue).  I think because this speed is just below my normal "cruising" pace, I have difficulty discerning between cruising it out and pushing it just a little bit.

Week X:

Training Pace: 6:50

Long Run:  12 miles - I did the first 6 alone and nailed 6:50.  Crystal and Samuel joined for the second 6, so I slowed it down.

Music:  I started George Bush's biography of his dad, "41 - A Portrait of My Father"

Like I said, difficult to discern a 6:50 pace from my cruising pace of 7:00...but my overall run pace was 6:47.

Weeks 8 & 9: New England

I spent most of Week 8 in Millbury, Massachusetts (about 45 mins outside Boston) for work.  This presented the opportunity to get some hill workouts I'd otherwise not have access to in Louisiana.  Having traveled to this area before for work, I knew right where to go to find epic hill-age.

Stole this one from Google, but it really looks like this.

I spent most of Week 9 in Waitsfield, Vermont (about 45 mins east of Burlington) for Dave's wedding.  In addition to juggling best man duties, I also had to find time to get in 7:00/mile workouts.  Although I was only able to get in one run at that pace, I really had a great time just knocking out some easy runs with Dave.  The weather was cool and beautiful.

I still need to spend more time in New England during the winter to know for sure how I feel about that part of the country, but outside of that....I could totally live there.  Beautiful landscape, people were really nice and had a lifestyle I appreciated, and the outdoor opportunities are just endless.

Week VII: Blowing Up the Training Schedule

Sat down yesterday and re-assessed the training schedule for the Louisiana Marathon on 17 January.  I start this week with 7:10 pace, same daily workouts as before (fartleks for speed and distance, long runs, core workouts with Crystal).  Two-weeks before the race I should be at 20 miles for my long run and 6:00 for my training pace.

Week VII:

Training Pace:  7:10

Long Run:  7 miles around LSU checking out all the tailgates for the Florida game

Music:  Daft Punk (Harder Better Faster Stronger), Macklemore (Thrift Shop)

Week VI: No More IT Band

I put Crystal into full "coach" mode and she put me through the ringer with core and Pilate workouts.  That coupled with some stretching techniques from Pat Fellows and plenty of time on the foam roller has completely eliminated any pain associated with my IT band, mercifully.

I took it relatively easy this week even though my leg did feel substantially better.  As long as my planned pace was still slower than 7:00, I was more concerned with just building my leg strength back rather than hitting a certain speed.  That being said, I cruised through a 7:00 5-miler this morning and felt great.

The Marine Corps has decided it needs me to work the weekend of December 5th...the same weekend as the Baton Rouge Beach Marathon.  This was going to be my first stab at qualifying for Boston, making the Louisiana Marathon (January 17th) my back-up.  Now the Louisiana Marathon will be my primary and the Rock'n'Roll Marathon in New Orleans (Feb 28th) will be my back-up.  This means I have to re-adjust my training schedule so I peak at the right time.

Week VI:

Training Pace (Planned): 7:10
Long Run (Planned): 14 Miles
Music: I made an honest attempt to finish Bridge of Spies on audiobook...but its just awful.  The story rambles forever and I'm just waiting for it to end, so I'm pulling the plug.  I hope Tom Hanks has done a better job with the movie.

Week V: IT Band

I've stayed off my feet almost this entire week.

I wasn't sure, so I didn't want to mention it...but this image is pretty much what's going on.  Trying a bunch of different things, to include a stretching and Pilates routine introduced by Crystal.  Seems to be working pretty well, but I've never had this "injury" before so I'm unsure how to gauge my recovery.

I did get a 5 mile run Saturday afternoon.  Although I could feel the tightness in my leg, I found that if got outside of my mind (just stopped thinking about it) and relaxed my stride, I largely had no pain.  Going to start easing back into the running this week.

Week V:

Training Pace (Planned): 7:20
Long Run (Planned): 14 miles
Music: Bit the bullet and paid the subscription fee for Apple Music

Week IV: Boston or Busted Knee

I absolutely did not stay up past 8:30 to see the moon get really big and turn red.  I figured there'd be a ton of pictures on the web and that my time would be better spent doing something actually worthwhile...like sleeping.

I leaned in heavily into the rest plan on Monday and didn't run till Tuesday, which is when the trouble began.  Ever since I came back from Afghanistan, my left knee has given me problems.  Nothing major, and there wasn't ever a specific event that hurt my knee, but all the patrolling and gear we wore has made if feel weak ever since.  On my Tuesday afternoon run, I banked hard around a curve and felt it kinda give away.  I rested Wednesday and felt good through most of my run on Thursday, until I all of a sudden didn't.

I haven't run since then and don't plan to try again until tomorrow.  I'm only worried from the standpoint of this becoming a re-occuring issue.  My training pace is still relatively slow, so I'm not concerned about losing ground there.  Rest is the best option.

Week IV:

Training Pace: 7:30 (I was hitting this until the knee gave out)

Long Run: 12 miles didn't happen, put the boy in the stroller and went walking instead.

Music:  Still need to finish the "Bridge of Spies" audiobook, but powered through the NPR podcast Serial.  Really excellent story telling, looking forward to next season's episodes about Bowe Bergdahl.

Week III: Boston Qual Training

Week 3 presented some interesting learning opportunities, specifically how to gut through some workouts, as well as the importance of rest.  Although the pace goal of 7:40 isn’t that hard, I consistently struggled to maintain that speed.  I discovered that it was directly tied to my lack of proper rest and not listening to my body.  There was at least one morning where I knew that staying in bed was more valuable than lacing up (I’m sure that’ll change as I have to meet faster pace goals).  I also realized the importance of taking all of Monday off, the day after my long run, and doing absolutely nothing.

Crystal and I laughed at how when I was in my early 20’s, ramping up my training levels this quick wouldn’t have been that big a deal.  Clearly, training at 31 is different from 21.  Certainly I wish I still had that body, but I’m enjoying this new training challenge.

Week 3:

-          Goal Pace: 7:40

-          Long Run: 12 miles @ 7:40 pace

-          Music: Five more chapters left in the Bridge of Spies audiobook….the movie has got to be better.  This thing is really dragging out the details.

Fartleks workout (distance)

Week II - Boston Qual Training

Second week has for sure been more regimented than Week 1 with only two workouts missed the whole time.  Monday I was still burnt from my long run, so I just slept in.  Wednesday there was a torrential thunderstorm rolling through and it was easier to sit next to my computer and coffee.

Long run this week (10 miles) was done on a treadmill in New Orleans.  Drill weekends always make it tricky figuring out how to work in the day's workout.  I was impressed that I wasn't exactly tired or sore after my long run, even if it was at a 7:50 pace.  In other news, the temperature is beginning to drop and its officially feeling like Fall, should make for some great runs.

Week 2:
- Goal Pace: 7:50
- Long Run: 10 miles
- Music: almost finished with the Bridge of Spies audiobook, also picked up some Demi Lovato

Week 1 - Boston Qual Training

In the first week of training, I veered off my training plan slightly in the name of easing into running again.  I've spent the past three months doing minimal running while focusing on weights.  The idea being that since I knew I was going to be waist deep in some aggressive Boston training, I wanted to have time off from running to focus on weights and rest my legs.

We're in Gulf Breeze this weekend so I was able to knock out my long run along the beach.  Everything felt strong, looking forward to next week's distance and pace.

Week 1:
- Goal Pace: 8:00
- Long Run: 8 miles
- Music (audiobook): Bridge of Spies - Matt Charman

Destination Run: San Diego - 18 April

I love exploring new cities or areas by taking off on a run with my phone and GPS.  That being said, I knew a run along the coast in San Diego was going to be my route.  The weather was, as predictable, beautiful and sunny.  In the afternoons it would peak around 75 and then in the evenings it would drop around 50-60, zero humidity.  The city is very chic and hipster-ish, but everyone was nice and we had no issues what-so-ever.  Would like to go back and spend some time outside of the downtown area to see how the common-folk live.

Crescent City Classic 10k - 4 April 2015

Overall Time: About an hour
Pace: Unknown
Age Group: Unknown
Overall: Unknown

Again, a sweet wife coaxed me into this race.  We didn't register like we did last year...too much of a
hassle for such a large crowd and such a mediocre after party.  We handed Samuel off to Grandma who walked the race, then we took off at a leisurely date-run pace.  I've learned that is the best way to do this race.  There are so many sights and beer-tasting opportunities while running through New Orleans that this one is best taken in stride...no pun intended.

The weather was tough.  Rainy and windy most of the race, very cold.  Fortunately, the baby was bundled and we were fine once we started moving.

Fat Boy 5k - 28 March 2015

Overall Time: 17:59
Pace: 5:49
Age Group: 1/58
Overall: 3/824

I was admittedly coaxed into running this race by my beautiful wife.  I had just returned from spending three weeks in Midland, TX for work and was not prepared for this race.  My every intent was to use my GPS to maintain a 7min pace.

After the first mile, I realized I was clearly moving faster than this 7min pace, but felt great.  I paced with the third place runner until 1.5 miles and decided to make a move.  This could've easily blown up in my face since I hadn't been training to run as fast as I was.

I ended up crossing the finish line in third place with a final time of 17:59.  Overall, not too bad.

Destination Run: Paris

One of my favorite ways to quickly take in the sites of a new place and figure out the lay of the land is to take off for 7-10 miles and just see what I can see.  The plus side to this is that the miles breeze by and I rarely realize how far I’ve actually gone until post-run.

Day 1:  Notre Dame, Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries

I took off headed East along the Seine following the path that Crystal and I had walked the evening prior.  I made a big loop around Notre Dame, switched to the other side of the river, wrapped around the Louvre, cut through the Jardin des Tuileries, and finished up back at the hotel.  Total distance of 7.6 miles, pace didn’t matter.

Day 2:  Jardins des Luxembourg

Crystal joined me as we headed south towards the Luxembourg Gardens.  Although not far from the hotel, we were able to get about 3.5 miles by doing loops within the actual gardens.  Beautiful morning and the trees and plants were marvelous.

Day 3:  Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triump, Lost

This was my big run to catch the Eiffel Tower and the Arch de Triumph.  I got a little lost when I missed the turn for the Arch, but was able to back track and saw everything I wanted.  Total distance of about 9.5 miles.

I was really impressed by the running culture that seemed pervasive throughout the city.  Not only were there running paths everywhere, but there were people running all the time throughout the day.  Crystal and I are already talking about planning another trip around the Paris Marathon.

Crescent City Classic

Distance:  10k

Overall Time:  40:16
Pace:  6:30
Age Group:  28/1305
Overall:  182/18,592

Pre Race Dinner:  Shrimp and Grits at Pat-O's in NOLA
Pre-Race Music:  George Thorogood - One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer

Controlled chaos is the best way to describe this event.  Race results show that about 18,500 registered runners crossed the finish line, but estimates were that there was at least another 12,000 unregistered runners were on the course.  So even being near the front of the pack at the outset didn't prevent me from having to "bob and weave" for position for nearly two miles.

The course itself is beautiful and flat, conducive to very fast times.  I was disappointed that I didn't break 40 mins, but I was pleased to be under my half-marathon pace of 7:00/mile...having a newborn living with you hurts training.  I've done this race a few times before, but this was the first time I actually registered.  After fighting the crowds this year, though, doubtful I will waste money registering again.

The sea of humanity aside, Crescent City Classic is a good, fun event for the family (Samuel's first 10k) and the course is beautiful.