Dam to Dam That Was Fun!

"Run with the Police" 5K

Man, I haven't posted on here in so long. So, quick recap of where I'm at in training. I've been  plugging in the miles and am running between 80 and 100 miles per month. I am feeling really good and my pace continues to improve. I ran the "Run with the Police" 5K a couple weeks back and learned a really good lesson there on race day jitters. I tried to push the pace too hard and ended up stalling out at mile 2. It was hot, humid and I was not prepared. I told myself at the beginning that I was going to treat it like any other run and just do my thing. But when the gun fired and people started passing me...well, I couldn't have that.
So, then last Saturday, I ran my first half marathon via Dam to Dam! It was way earlier in the morning, much cooler and I was more prepared. I remember just relaxing before the run, talking with friends and having a great time before the gun even fired. But once it was time to get lined up, it was kind of like a switch was flipped. I was all in. But, let's go back a bit and let you know where my head was at prior.

Heading to the bus

First of all, I was super scared about missing the bus. I mean seriously, that was my biggest fear. I woke up at 4am and had all my stuff set out the night before. I showered, got dressed, drank a protein shake and grabbed my coffee and headed out the door by 4:30am. I got downtown and circled the block a few times until I found a parking spot. Then, I got on that yellow bus. One of what looked like at least 20-30 buses! I lost count, they just kept pulling up. It was pretty exciting.
I sat down next to a guy and we began talking. He had done Dam to Dam before but this was only his second year doing the half as he had only done the 5K before that. He told me what everyone else did, that this was one of his favorites. We chatted off and on and I listened to others as they talked about their races. I mostly  sat and listened. I took it all in. Then we finally made it to Saylorville. We got off the bus and I put my bag of warm up clothes in the designated area and headed straight to the bathroom as I didn't want to wait until the last minute.
I did my duty  and it was only when I was about to stand that I realized...I had just sat in someone else's business. My mind went crazy. I was so mad and agitated! I almost lost it. But I knew I couldn't let this get to me. I had to focus. So I cleaned up and got out of there...There was a lady right behind me, so of course I made sure the seat was cleared for her. I'm not a jerk!
So...blah blah blah, back to the starting line, flip switched, me super focused. The gun fires. I don't hear it but people start moving, so I start. I had lined up at the 8 min. pace group so I started out slower and planned on doing negative splits. I had it all figured out in my head. I would start at 8:30 for three miles, 8:15 for another 3 miles. 8:00 for three miles and then between 7:50 and 7:45 for the last 4.1 miles. I was hoping to average just below 8:00 but I didn't quite make it.
But here's the thing. I was in the zone. I have never felt that calm during a run before. The water stops
were a huge energy boost and seeing all those people who came out to cheer us on was so motivating. I loved giving the high fives to the kids who were so quick to put their hands out. I read in a blog after the run that it's so good for the kids to have runners high five as they are the future and I was glad I did.
I was getting close to the end of the race and really wasn't feeling fatigued at all. And then I saw the finish line in the distance but knew there were a few turns ahead and looks were deceiving. That's
when I started to wain. I knew that it was mental and I had to just stick it out. Then my bluetooth headphones died. I was losing focus. I started slowing in my pace. I rounded a corner and that's when I saw my two oldest kids on the back of Papa's pick up truck watching for me. I yelled out to them and they frantically waved and cheered and Papa cheered too! That was it, the final push I needed. I picked up pace and realized I was running at about a 6.50 pace for that last 1,000 meters or so. I couldn't believe it but I was nearing the finish line. And then I hit it. I made it to the end! I ran it in 1:46.36. My pace was an 8:08 avg. But more importantly than all that, I did it.
As they handed me the medal, I just kind of walked away dazed. I couldn't believe that I was able to move like that and that I was able to turn on that switch and keep it on. I felt like a million bucks! As I made it back to where my dad and kids were, I was just beaming. I learned and I grew as a runner, and that to me is way more important than the pace, finishing time or medal. It was then that I realized, this isn't a phase, it isn't something that I'm going to stop doing. I am a runner and I have earned my spot among these amazing athletes. But I still realize, I am only half way to my goal. Time to krank it up!!!

Run Fatboy Run

Tasty!

So, yesterday was the second long run in my training. And I have to say, it was much better than last weeks. I made sure I drank plenty of water beforehand. I also made sure that there was water on the route I was on. And I ran with a friend this week along with the rest of the Capital Striders. It was a blast.
I also tried the Powerbar Chews while I was on this run. It was again a subtle change, but I could definitely feel it come on. It really helped me push on that last little bit when I thought I might want to give up. As I spoke with my friend on this run, he told me the long runs in training would help me understand how to properly provide nutrition for my body to give me optimal results on race day. He also explained that the way the body works physiologically, no matter the shape your in, all bodies burn through its fast sugars by 20 miles. After that, the body starts burning through its protiens. This is why runners "hit the wall". It's the point in the race where it has to be all heart. But proper nutrients during the race can assist to ease this transition and it is the work of any good runner to feel out how his/her body reacts to certain nutrients.

Kailan made me model!

I also learned that running becomes kind of an addiction. The men and women I ran with on Saturday
were all, how do I put this...not right in the head. As I listened to them speak, all I heard was, "I do this race this month, this race next month, then I'm going to take a minute break and do this race, this race and this race in the next two weeks." It was insane! But I guess it comes with the territory. I never thought I'd be one to say this, but I really enjoyed running the long run this week and can't wait to do it again.
So now down to the details. I was able to make it 11 miles this week! I meant to only go 10 but we didn't properly assess the 10 mile turn around and ended up going 1/2 a mile too far. The nice things about running with the Capital Striders is that they have water stations throughout the course so it's easy to refuel when needed. They also train for similar races, so I always kow who I'm keeping track with. Since the Dam to Dam is in the middle of my training for the Des Moines Marathon, I plan to do that as well. I'm pretty excited I get to compete in a race half way through my training. It will definitely give me a good feel on what the full Marathon will feel like.

Victory Selfie!

The other nice thing about the run on Saturday, was that I ran through some of the marathon course. I was informed on Saturday that the Des Moines Marathon is a pretty hilly course so it was suggested to ensure I added some speedwork and hillwork into my training. I was given some good tips on what to do for hillwork, and we even hit a good hill on the Water Works bike path that would be great for practicing the hillwork I need.
Oh yeah, I almost completely forgot to mention that I got new gear!!! Thanks to the benefits of membership to the Des Moines Striders and the fact that Fitness Sports was having a sale, I got some excellent gear, including great shoes for a really good price. I took my son with me and he got a good chuckle in seeing me try on my first pair of running tights. (Do we have to call them tights?) But, I have to say, they sure kept me warm. And it felt great to not be weighted down by heavy sweatpants.
Anyway, I was able to finish the run in just under 2 hours and got a new personal record for a 10 minute pace. It was 9:30 most of the run, but the hill at the end slowed me down a bit.

I ate most of the eggs before deciding
to take this picture...I was hungry!

The best part of the run, was the IngerDahls breakfast I was invited to afterwords. And because it was my first run with the group, my breakfast was paid for. Listening to stories of those who have ran many different races and all the trials and training they went through, it was great to just sit and soak it all in. These folks are just plain nuts, but once you get in the groove of things, you really see why they do it. I don't know how often I'll marathon, but I will definitely not stop running. It has helped so much with my stress and even with my Spiritual walk. Something about taking care of my body and pushing it to unknown limits, makes me want to try things that I always wanted to, but never thought I could do. I've said so many times that running is a mental game, but in all honesty, so is life. We are all elephants that have been tied to posts in the dirt all our lives and been told we couldn't do this or that. But when God tells you that you can do all things through Him, you better believe that He is anticipating that you pull that stake up from the ground and get moving! (Sorry, that got a little preachy, but I'm a little pumped with adrenaline now, bear
with me.)
Until next time, Peace OUT!!!

I forgot to mention, I kept pushing the finish button when we were at water breaks instead of the pause button, so I had to do the math later! I really can't wait to actually see the double digit on my watch instead of this crap. :-P

Weathering the Weather, Whether or Not I Want To

I swear, everywhere I run, there is at
least one spot without a sidewalk!

So today's run was really a test of committment. Those who know me can really appreciate this. I really don't like when just parts of me get wet. It is a huge pet peeve of mine. Showers, pools, baths, those kinds of things are fine. But I hate when I get my clothes wet or when I get rained on. It is so annoyong. So when I walked out the door this morning and felt that perpetual mist, let's just say it took a lot of will power to stick it out. I know there are going to be days in training where I'm going to be running in the rain, but I plan to invest in a decent poncho.
Anywho, with the stretching I learned the other day, my legs and

I don't think there is a picture that
could emphasise how much this
viaduct sucks!!!

hips felt pretty good today. I feel I am able to discern between what is the dull ache in my knees due to the stretching and growth of muscles and what is something I should be concerned about. I don't think I'm at the point of concern at this time and I am continuing to work on improving my stride so as to prevent injury. I watched an excellent video on youtube yesterday that described some common mistakes that first time runners make when working on their stride. Check it out, it's only a few minutes long and if you're a first time runner, it could save you from having to miss your first marathon due to injury.



I worked on these techniques this morning and I think that they are going to really help to keep  me from injury.
So, there you have it. I've completed my first 4 days of training, running four miles a day. Tomorrow is my rest day so I will give y'all a break as well. Saturday is my second long run and I will be running with the Capital Striders. I am super stoked to find this group and know that it will help with the long run days!!!

Victory selfie!

Keep in mind when running, your mental state is what will make the run successful or not. Weather cannot control how you feel about a run. I had to push it hard today, especially on the last leg of the run when the wind was whipping that aweful mist in my face as if the sky was just spitting on me continuously. But I completed the trek and feel pretty darn good about today's run. I know it sounds super cheesy, but keeping a positive mindset is really, really important to training. My attempt in this blog is to be as transparent as I can be about the journey, so if this last portion sounds cliche, please know that it's really not, I'm just having a really good day. I'm sure I'll complain about something soon, so be on the look out. :-) Have a great day friends!!!

I Love Morning Runs!!!

Morning Run Selfie. LOL

Ok, so that might be a little sarcasm in the title. The truth is, morning runs are going to take some getting used to. Thus far in my running journey, I have only ran in the afternoons. But since my training is going to have me running much more, my wife and I decided that it would be best if I did them in the morning so I wouldn't take as much time away from my family.
Speaking of my wife, she is amazing!!! I was a little nervous when I told her my desire to run a marathon and how much time I would need to train to acomplish it. We have been super busy lately and she has had some health problems that have been a challenge for her as she can't do as much housework as she's used to. But, even with her health problems still on the mend, she was 100% behind me and immediately sat down with me to come up with an action plan!
So about my run this morning. I'm really catching on to this being a mental game. I woke up this morning telling myself I was running, no excuses. Then I walked out the door and my mind instantly went to, "it's so dark...it's so cold...you're still sore from yesterday..." and I might have given in, but then my heart took over and said, "dude...it's 3 miles today...shut up!" and my brain was all like, "yes sir!" And then off I went.
When you set a distance, the feeling of the miles change with the perspective distance you're planning

to run. When I ran 6 miles, the first 3 miles felt like nothing, it was the second that was the roughest. But since I only ran 3 miles this morning, I felt every bit of those 3 miles. I also have a few pointers for any beginners who are reading this. If you have a device that monitors your distance, the miles are going to feel ridiculously long if you continously look at it. I have a watch that monitors my distance. Well, my OCD will kick right in and I will look at it every 1/10th of a mile if I don't challenge myself. I learned to pinpoint a stationary object that seems far in the distance and then I'll only look at my watch at those pinpoints if I have to look at it at all.
I thought of a lot more to write while I was running but I forgot it already, so I guess I'll leave  you all with this. Thanks so much to those who are following this journey and encouraging me. You're words and thoughts and prayers mean so much to me. My prayer with this journey is that in some way, God would be glorified. After all, He is the creator of our bodies and I believe He's also the reason we reach for the stars! God bless ya'll this fine Friday morning!

1/8th of a Marathon. :-)