The Montgomery Half Marathon saw over 1000 runners participate in wonderful weather on a great course. The weather really could not have been any better. I ran the same course in 2:06 last week and thought I would struggle to get under 2.
I finished in 1:56, an 8:51 per mile pace.
This race was extremely well executed on all fronts. There were plenty of well-staffed water stops and I saw no issues with traffic. Not to mention the number of spectators cheering runners on in the race. The best part: The Alabama State Drumline. Their music added an extra level of motivation through the Alabama State Campus.
I told my wife Mandy, "I need to find drumline music for the iPod."
The post race festvities included Jim N' Nick's Barbecue, Beer, and more Gatorade. The band played classic songs most people would like and many runners and attendees stayed around to see times posted and the awards.
I had no idea Perry Street was that big of a hill.
So, for my first half marathon, I thoroughly enjoyed this event. A big thank you to all of the race volunteers, the police officers, the firemen on Forest Avenue rooting us on, the spectators, and anyone else who helped spread the word about this race.
I look forward to getting a PR at this race next year.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thoughts on the Day Before the Race
The best part of pre-race preparation: I eat a lot and call it "fueling" for tomorrow's race. Lot's of carbs, powerade, Mexican food, etc.
My sore hip is still... well sore. I have bursitis. No big deal and everything I have read said that I can run through the pain without causing further damage. I do need to invest in generic ibuprofen for the amount I am taking right now.
The weather looks to be excellent for the race. What a difference a week makes!
My goal is to run under 2 hours, but the primary goal is to finish the race with all body parts intact.
I feel like this race is the culmination of a lot of things. Many runners in the city have bemoaned the fact that we do not have any longer races that involve the downtown area. As of right now, over 900 runners are expected to participate, proving that Montgomery can carry an event like this one.
So good luck. Happy Eating...er Fueling, and I will see you tomorrow.
(I'll be the one in the middle).
My sore hip is still... well sore. I have bursitis. No big deal and everything I have read said that I can run through the pain without causing further damage. I do need to invest in generic ibuprofen for the amount I am taking right now.
The weather looks to be excellent for the race. What a difference a week makes!
My goal is to run under 2 hours, but the primary goal is to finish the race with all body parts intact.
I feel like this race is the culmination of a lot of things. Many runners in the city have bemoaned the fact that we do not have any longer races that involve the downtown area. As of right now, over 900 runners are expected to participate, proving that Montgomery can carry an event like this one.
So good luck. Happy Eating...er Fueling, and I will see you tomorrow.
(I'll be the one in the middle).
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Nice Weather
Have you had the opportunity to run in this nice weather? I ran this morning in long sleeves and my hands were cold. This first week of fall in Montgomery is beautiful with clear skies and a little chill in the air. The leaves have already begun to turn.
I was concerned when the Half Marathon was planned that we might be in for a scorcher, but this race looks to have ideal running conditions: High 77 and Low 53. Last week I ran the course and finished extremely dehydrated as the first 7 miles were humid and the last 6 were just hot!
The race organizers listened to wisdom and modified the course again, this time removing the climb up Adams Avenue at mile 12. The new course takes us over the interstate on Perry, turns us on High Street, and then turns us up Bainbridge to the capitol. Bainbridge is a slight incline until it reaches Hull St., but definitely not what we were facing on Adams.
Time to get in those last training runs prior to the race this Saturday. See you there.
I was concerned when the Half Marathon was planned that we might be in for a scorcher, but this race looks to have ideal running conditions: High 77 and Low 53. Last week I ran the course and finished extremely dehydrated as the first 7 miles were humid and the last 6 were just hot!
The race organizers listened to wisdom and modified the course again, this time removing the climb up Adams Avenue at mile 12. The new course takes us over the interstate on Perry, turns us on High Street, and then turns us up Bainbridge to the capitol. Bainbridge is a slight incline until it reaches Hull St., but definitely not what we were facing on Adams.
Time to get in those last training runs prior to the race this Saturday. See you there.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Course Updated, Check Mapmyrun.com
Hey everyone!
The course has changed one final time, taking out the Adams hill and moving the runners on Winona instead of St. Charles in Capitol Heights.
Check out the new course.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/al/montgomery/904125364081513246
The course has changed one final time, taking out the Adams hill and moving the runners on Winona instead of St. Charles in Capitol Heights.
Check out the new course.
http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/al/montgomery/904125364081513246
Course Run on Saturday
I ran the complete course on Saturday for my last long run prior to the race. My friend and I agreed that the place for spectators to watch is about halfway up Adams Avenue when people realize that there is more hill to come.
Hill runs can be tough, as my still sore hip is reminding me. But, I finished the run in 2:06, just 6 minutes behind my goal pace of 2 hours. The hills are going to be brutal, but maybe the weather will not be quite so humid. (I am tempted to have my wife meet me at the top of Dexter Avenue with a shopping cart, as I am afraid my legs may be unusable by that point.
Please spread the word about this half marathon to your friends and family. Let's be honest, we would all love for this race to happen every year for the benefit of local runners and civic duty for the community, but this race will only succeed insomuch as it is able to produce enough money to make the race worthwhile. We have to make this race worthwhile for the event planners, hosts, sponsors, and the charities the race supports.
So tell people you know to come down to the alley and enjoy a fun event. The more people we bring, the more we will see events like this in our city.
Hill runs can be tough, as my still sore hip is reminding me. But, I finished the run in 2:06, just 6 minutes behind my goal pace of 2 hours. The hills are going to be brutal, but maybe the weather will not be quite so humid. (I am tempted to have my wife meet me at the top of Dexter Avenue with a shopping cart, as I am afraid my legs may be unusable by that point.
Please spread the word about this half marathon to your friends and family. Let's be honest, we would all love for this race to happen every year for the benefit of local runners and civic duty for the community, but this race will only succeed insomuch as it is able to produce enough money to make the race worthwhile. We have to make this race worthwhile for the event planners, hosts, sponsors, and the charities the race supports.
So tell people you know to come down to the alley and enjoy a fun event. The more people we bring, the more we will see events like this in our city.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Beware the Hills, Pace Yourself
I ran a 5 mile hill run today with a stiff, but pain free, hip. I enjoyed the run even though the lack of rain has made the temperature rise. People unfamiliar with the Southeast have no idea what heat and humidity we have to deal with... in late September!
We had a large group this morning and the consensus amongst the group is that you push out of the get up Jefferson at your own peril. Many of these people have been running these roads for years and we would all do well to learn from their experience.
This race course allows for ample chances to make up time once the course levels out. The first three miles of this race have significant hills, then it mostly levels out until the last three miles. This layout gives us seven miles to make up time and even bank time for the future runs.
I will run the course tomorrow for the first and last time before the race. I will also post pictures of the hills as you can only realize how terrible Adams Avenue will be if you see it looking down at you.
We had a large group this morning and the consensus amongst the group is that you push out of the get up Jefferson at your own peril. Many of these people have been running these roads for years and we would all do well to learn from their experience.
This race course allows for ample chances to make up time once the course levels out. The first three miles of this race have significant hills, then it mostly levels out until the last three miles. This layout gives us seven miles to make up time and even bank time for the future runs.
I will run the course tomorrow for the first and last time before the race. I will also post pictures of the hills as you can only realize how terrible Adams Avenue will be if you see it looking down at you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"I was Attacked!!"
So, if you are running on Jefferson and forced to use the sidewalk, please take care to dodge the conspicuous long grass. Danger hides there:
Sand Spurs. (I'd load a picture if Blogger would work right... or if I knew how to use it better).
All of the sudden, sharp pains erupt in my foot and force me to stop and investigate what kind of villainy would cause these pains. These embedded darlings attached to my socks and made my fingers bleed as I removed them.
The pain! The horror!
Okay, so it is not that big of a deal. It took 2 minutes and I was able to keep running. I lead a pretty ordinary running life, so I made this experience a little dramatic.
My apologies.
Sand Spurs. (I'd load a picture if Blogger would work right... or if I knew how to use it better).
All of the sudden, sharp pains erupt in my foot and force me to stop and investigate what kind of villainy would cause these pains. These embedded darlings attached to my socks and made my fingers bleed as I removed them.
The pain! The horror!
Okay, so it is not that big of a deal. It took 2 minutes and I was able to keep running. I lead a pretty ordinary running life, so I made this experience a little dramatic.
My apologies.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Shoes, Gels, and Music
I have had a couple of conversations recently about running, though the questions were different than mileage or split times. When it comes to preparing to run and running, let your preferences rule your decisions. I am referring to what you eat, wear, and listen to before, during, and after runs and really there is not set system.
I like to read and hear other perspectives to make sure I am willing to try new things. Technology rapidly improves and we will be better runners if we take advantage of the advances.
That said, here are some of my preferences for the peripheral running items:
Music - I generally listen to my iPod unless I am running with someone else and vary from music to talk radio depending on the day. Anything with a driving beat helps me run, so I have a lot of variety from Tom Petty to T.I.
Food - I have to eat prerun, even if I am running 3 miles. Otherwise I will cramp the entire time. I like the GU energy gels, but there are a number of options. Do not expect them to taste good. The manufacturers blended a cup of coffee, a banana, and a gatorade of nutrients into a 2 oz. gel. It will not taste good. Make sure you take it with a sports drink or water because it will dehydrate you.
Shoes - I wear the Brooks Beast, the most overbuilt motion-control shoe on the market. I also like Nike's and Asics for my overpronating, but they do not last much longer than 300 miles. Also, try wool socks. Smartwool's Adrenaline series gives great cushion and wicks as well as synthetics.
Feel free to comment with your preferences.
I like to read and hear other perspectives to make sure I am willing to try new things. Technology rapidly improves and we will be better runners if we take advantage of the advances.
That said, here are some of my preferences for the peripheral running items:
Music - I generally listen to my iPod unless I am running with someone else and vary from music to talk radio depending on the day. Anything with a driving beat helps me run, so I have a lot of variety from Tom Petty to T.I.
Food - I have to eat prerun, even if I am running 3 miles. Otherwise I will cramp the entire time. I like the GU energy gels, but there are a number of options. Do not expect them to taste good. The manufacturers blended a cup of coffee, a banana, and a gatorade of nutrients into a 2 oz. gel. It will not taste good. Make sure you take it with a sports drink or water because it will dehydrate you.
Shoes - I wear the Brooks Beast, the most overbuilt motion-control shoe on the market. I also like Nike's and Asics for my overpronating, but they do not last much longer than 300 miles. Also, try wool socks. Smartwool's Adrenaline series gives great cushion and wicks as well as synthetics.
Feel free to comment with your preferences.
Friday, September 18, 2009
"You Have Inflexible Hips"
Thus began my visit to the Chiropractor and the diagnosis of my hip pain. He recommended some stretching exercises that should help after the adjustment. Thankfully, today's 5 miler was a little stiff but otherwise pain free.
When exactly did Montgomery turn into the Pacific Northwest? The outside runs are tremendously humid. The rain has only taken a slight edge off of the temperature and replaced it with the feeling that you are running through a wet towel. My shoes are even soaking up my sweat and the moisture from the ground and have gained weight recently. (They are the already heavy Brooks Beast).
I am running the course tomorrow with a slight modification of beginning and ending at the Downtown YMCA. Since the course goes right by the Y on Perry, I can run it with the only difference being that the Adams Hill will now be at the front of the run. I do not think I will lose anything so long as I leave enough in the tank to tackle that hill at the end of the half marathon.
We are only two weeks away from the run, making this week the perfect time to run 13.1 before tapering off to run the race. Keep up the training and make sure you run Jefferson/Upper Wetumpka/Yancey and Perry/Adams to know what to expect when you see those hills during the race.
When exactly did Montgomery turn into the Pacific Northwest? The outside runs are tremendously humid. The rain has only taken a slight edge off of the temperature and replaced it with the feeling that you are running through a wet towel. My shoes are even soaking up my sweat and the moisture from the ground and have gained weight recently. (They are the already heavy Brooks Beast).
I am running the course tomorrow with a slight modification of beginning and ending at the Downtown YMCA. Since the course goes right by the Y on Perry, I can run it with the only difference being that the Adams Hill will now be at the front of the run. I do not think I will lose anything so long as I leave enough in the tank to tackle that hill at the end of the half marathon.
We are only two weeks away from the run, making this week the perfect time to run 13.1 before tapering off to run the race. Keep up the training and make sure you run Jefferson/Upper Wetumpka/Yancey and Perry/Adams to know what to expect when you see those hills during the race.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Minor Injuries or Major Problems
Today's 3 miler brought back a nagging right hip/lower back pain that has been bothering me for the last couple of weeks. All consistent runners at some point will face lingering "running" injuries. I am no different. I have battled shin splints, sprained ankles, tendinitis, and just overall soreness. People who do not run constantly tell me that they cannot run due to their knees or something else and that I am heading for continual problems as I grow older.
Want to know something? It is completely worth it. The alternative for me is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues, and on and on. I have family members who have had numerous health issues due to obesity. I would be facing the same conditions were it not for running.
Running keeps me interested in exercise and eating healthy. Running is not for everyone, but it is cheap, relatively easy, and one of the best ways to exercise. For me, it is a chance to challenge myself to push past obstacles and it gives me ample opportunity for prayer and reflection. I have a group of friends that challenge me to keep up with them and encourage me during long runs.
So, why do I run? I love it. And because I love it, I am a better, healthier, more balanced person. I weigh a full 50 pounds less than I did seven years ago and live a completely different lifestyle. I am watching season 8 of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" as I type this post. I know that without running, I might end up wanting to be on this show.
Yes, I will gladly deal with lingering pains and the long term effects of continual wear and tear to beat heart disease and other obesity related illnesses. I will run again tomorrow and visit the chiropractor on Thursday to see if we can fix my hip.
Want to know something? It is completely worth it. The alternative for me is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues, and on and on. I have family members who have had numerous health issues due to obesity. I would be facing the same conditions were it not for running.
Running keeps me interested in exercise and eating healthy. Running is not for everyone, but it is cheap, relatively easy, and one of the best ways to exercise. For me, it is a chance to challenge myself to push past obstacles and it gives me ample opportunity for prayer and reflection. I have a group of friends that challenge me to keep up with them and encourage me during long runs.
So, why do I run? I love it. And because I love it, I am a better, healthier, more balanced person. I weigh a full 50 pounds less than I did seven years ago and live a completely different lifestyle. I am watching season 8 of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" as I type this post. I know that without running, I might end up wanting to be on this show.
Yes, I will gladly deal with lingering pains and the long term effects of continual wear and tear to beat heart disease and other obesity related illnesses. I will run again tomorrow and visit the chiropractor on Thursday to see if we can fix my hip.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Running in Paradise
I have been tremendously blessed with the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico once a month with my job. I do not get to spend an extended amount of time here, but the island is beautiful. One side of my hotel room has a view of the ocean and the other side as a view of the interior mountains.
The resort is large enough where I can get a 3 mile run in and enjoy the breathtaking views. The weather is even more humid here than in Alabama and I have no idea how they run a marathon in San Juan every year.
There is something very refreshing about an occasional change of scenery in running. New views allow runners to break the monotony of a the same runs every week. In college I weighed 245 pounds (I'm 5'9") and I would have never dreamed that the way I wanted to finish a long day of traveling would be a run before dinner.
The route I run here is mostly flat with one big hill over a canal where I can do repeats if needed. If you are interested in a very nice place to vacation a little away from the tourist hubs, consider Ponce, Puerto Rico. The flights from Atlanta are relatively cheap (right now) and you will enjoy the running.
The resort is large enough where I can get a 3 mile run in and enjoy the breathtaking views. The weather is even more humid here than in Alabama and I have no idea how they run a marathon in San Juan every year.
There is something very refreshing about an occasional change of scenery in running. New views allow runners to break the monotony of a the same runs every week. In college I weighed 245 pounds (I'm 5'9") and I would have never dreamed that the way I wanted to finish a long day of traveling would be a run before dinner.
The route I run here is mostly flat with one big hill over a canal where I can do repeats if needed. If you are interested in a very nice place to vacation a little away from the tourist hubs, consider Ponce, Puerto Rico. The flights from Atlanta are relatively cheap (right now) and you will enjoy the running.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Back to Running
Despite some breathing and coughing issues from this week's earlier illness, I logged 5 miles today on a very humid morning. The run itself was at my goal pace for the half marathon and I felt great the whole time.
The post run euphoria did not last quite as long. The clog that caused the sinus infection is back (gross, I know) and restricting my breathing and I am just struggling to keep moving. For some reason, chasing a 14 miler with no running whatsoever for the next 5 days causes the legs to hurt post run. I am sure there is scientific data to back this up. All the scientific data I need right now is that my legs hurt.
I would love to go back home and go to bed, yet alas I must work.
I also found out today that a running friend was diagnosed with H1N1 Flu and missed one day of running. Yes, today I learned that I am pretty soft.
I'll go hit the coffee pot again and see if I can break out of this funk. 6-8 miler tomorrow depending on how I feel. Thanks for reading.
The post run euphoria did not last quite as long. The clog that caused the sinus infection is back (gross, I know) and restricting my breathing and I am just struggling to keep moving. For some reason, chasing a 14 miler with no running whatsoever for the next 5 days causes the legs to hurt post run. I am sure there is scientific data to back this up. All the scientific data I need right now is that my legs hurt.
I would love to go back home and go to bed, yet alas I must work.
I also found out today that a running friend was diagnosed with H1N1 Flu and missed one day of running. Yes, today I learned that I am pretty soft.
I'll go hit the coffee pot again and see if I can break out of this funk. 6-8 miler tomorrow depending on how I feel. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
View from the Sidelines
Well, after my great 14 miler I have been sidelined with a sinus infection that gave me and my family a flu scare. I hope to run an easy 3 miles tomorrow at lunch time provided everything is clear.
It stinks to have to take time off when I know that every day missed is another day against my training. But I have also learned that sometimes its better to rest when I am sick. In this case, I was not going to run with a fever.
With the 14 behind me, I will try a 6 mile run this weekend to get me back on my feet before going long again next weekend. If am back to 25-30 miles next week, then I should be fine for the half marathon. Then I can work on getting myself back up to goal pace.
You can only get out of running what you put into it. Take care to not let a temporary setback ruin your running goals. Take the necessary time off then get back on your feet as soon as possible.
It stinks to have to take time off when I know that every day missed is another day against my training. But I have also learned that sometimes its better to rest when I am sick. In this case, I was not going to run with a fever.
With the 14 behind me, I will try a 6 mile run this weekend to get me back on my feet before going long again next weekend. If am back to 25-30 miles next week, then I should be fine for the half marathon. Then I can work on getting myself back up to goal pace.
You can only get out of running what you put into it. Take care to not let a temporary setback ruin your running goals. Take the necessary time off then get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
14 Miles, A Sore Hip, and a Fantastic Finish
Saturday was a great run. I ran 14 miles through Downtown, Capitol Heights, and Cloverdale. I finished well behind the main group, but most of the people I run with are much better runners than me. So, there really is very little embarrassment with this group as I am happy to simply complete the run.
We started with a 4 mile loop in Cloverdale before we came back to meet the big group for 10 miles at the downtown YMCA. As I was coming up Jefferson (very hilly) my sore hip began to act up again and I considered turning back and stopping at about 8 miles. However, going downhill gave me a second wind and I was able to run alongside someone who I had met but had not really gotten to know.
We ran together for the remainder of the run, which grows considerably easier after Madison Ave. I am learning that the more I can stick with a long run, the better I feel at the end, and ultimately the better I will run at the Hyundai Half. The post long run feeling of: "I did it," far outweighs the temporary pain of the run. That said, listen to your body. I knew that my sore hip was not getting any worse, so I kept pushing. Your body will let you know if it something drastic.
Long runs can be extremely tedious by yourself. Trust me, I once ran a 20 mile marathon training run on a treadmill. You need to find someone to plug in with that can motivate you to keep running, if only by greeting you at the start and the finish lines.
We started with a 4 mile loop in Cloverdale before we came back to meet the big group for 10 miles at the downtown YMCA. As I was coming up Jefferson (very hilly) my sore hip began to act up again and I considered turning back and stopping at about 8 miles. However, going downhill gave me a second wind and I was able to run alongside someone who I had met but had not really gotten to know.
We ran together for the remainder of the run, which grows considerably easier after Madison Ave. I am learning that the more I can stick with a long run, the better I feel at the end, and ultimately the better I will run at the Hyundai Half. The post long run feeling of: "I did it," far outweighs the temporary pain of the run. That said, listen to your body. I knew that my sore hip was not getting any worse, so I kept pushing. Your body will let you know if it something drastic.
Long runs can be extremely tedious by yourself. Trust me, I once ran a 20 mile marathon training run on a treadmill. You need to find someone to plug in with that can motivate you to keep running, if only by greeting you at the start and the finish lines.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Welcome
Hello Everyone!
I will be posting throughout my training for the Hyundai Half Marathon in Montgomery, AL. It is October 3, 2009. Those of us who run in Montgomery know how much a race of this distance has been needed in our city. Big kudos to the people who have planned this event and gained the necessary support.
I ran 5 miles beginnning at the water tower in the Alley on Wednesday. Let me begin by telling you that if you have not yet started running hills, you better start now. The first 2.5 miles of the route is largely uphill and the climbs will kill you if you are not prepared. I recommend taking large chunks out of the race and running different parts as your training allows.
Tomorrow. Saturday. 14 miles. Ouch! Why 14 miles? I was planning on 13 but a fellow runner is training for another race and I am going to do the run with him and other people we are meeting for the last 10 miles. I look forward to sharing this training experience with you. All the good, bad, and hopefully injury free moments.
I'll leave you with a picture that more or less defines me as a runner. I ran my first marathon in Birmingham in 2008. I run in the middle of the pack. I am not terribly fast or slow and just enjoy running to see how well I can do. (I finished in 4:28). As you can see in this picture, the middle is diverse group of people. The middle is where most of us run.
I will be posting throughout my training for the Hyundai Half Marathon in Montgomery, AL. It is October 3, 2009. Those of us who run in Montgomery know how much a race of this distance has been needed in our city. Big kudos to the people who have planned this event and gained the necessary support.
I ran 5 miles beginnning at the water tower in the Alley on Wednesday. Let me begin by telling you that if you have not yet started running hills, you better start now. The first 2.5 miles of the route is largely uphill and the climbs will kill you if you are not prepared. I recommend taking large chunks out of the race and running different parts as your training allows.
Tomorrow. Saturday. 14 miles. Ouch! Why 14 miles? I was planning on 13 but a fellow runner is training for another race and I am going to do the run with him and other people we are meeting for the last 10 miles. I look forward to sharing this training experience with you. All the good, bad, and hopefully injury free moments.
I'll leave you with a picture that more or less defines me as a runner. I ran my first marathon in Birmingham in 2008. I run in the middle of the pack. I am not terribly fast or slow and just enjoy running to see how well I can do. (I finished in 4:28). As you can see in this picture, the middle is diverse group of people. The middle is where most of us run.
Here's looking at you...Runner.
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