"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail"

Hey marc glad to see you here! Nice workout!

Marc!!!! WELCOME!!! I want to be the first one to welcome you; but SPEEDY Kathie beat me to it. COOL, now I can "lurk" about your training.

Awesome to have you here, Marc. Now we can all see your super training runs.

Thanks, Kathie, Smooth, and DoG! Nice to be here. Now there won't be hiding my minimalist training program!

As I have time, I'm going to start inputting my past runs and notes. (My laptop with my spreadsheet with all my runs for the past year and a half died...lesson learned..backup data :-).

Bummer about the laptop. My backup is the training log on RunnersWorld.

Hi Marc! Nice to find you! I didn't realize you had a blog on here. Was it an, "If you can't beat them, join them?"

I often go out for a run just because I tell myself, better do it today because tomorrow life might get in the way. Some times just getting out the door and sneaking in a 5k is all you can ask for.

Hey Fly - yep, I just joined. I was wondering where everyone was, and now I found you all! (my laptop also died, so I need an "offsite" place to log my runs, and I knew you guys were over here, so "Why not?" (I know I should find a "local" blog, but there just isn't one, and I'm kind of fond of you Utahans (sp?)

Well, at least you got in a few miles. Hope your son is feeling better. Happy Birthday to Megan. My 5 year old daughter had her birthday Jan 28th, then mine was on Feb 2nd and my son's birthday is next week.

I just noticed your name on the blog, welcome. Good luck at your upcoming cowtown marathon and leading a pace group. Should be a really fun experience. BTW it's rdrunner from the forum.

Great run today, Marc!!! Did you mention that you are running 22 this Saturday?

Looks like some great miles and pushups! Very cool.

Move to Utah ... there's always a group to run with! C'mon Marc ... you know you want to ... talk to your wife and kids!! :)

Way to get your 20 miles in.

Yep. You're right. Not sure I could handle the cold now that I'm used to Texas. I definitely love my visits to Utah.

Great job Marc. It's always difficult quitting things like caffeine. I used to drink Coke every day, but now I save it for the weekend only. Seems to be working. So are you taking the BP medication or are you trying different things first? BP is one thing that's always been good to me. Whenever I check it, it's between 120-125/70-73. I hope you can get it all under control.

Thank, Dale. I've been monitoring my BP quite frequently. I've stopped taking the betablocker now for about 5 days. I really didn't like how low my HR was getting and I really would like to avoid being on a medication, if at all possible. I'm trying a few changes (cutting out caffeine, drinking more water, getting more sleep) I'll keep an eye on it closely. Last night my BP was 110/60 on the left arm, and about 125/70 on the right arm (averaged over a few measurements). I really need to find a good doctor.

GOOD JOB at monitoring your B/P and taking charge of your health. I'm with ya on the medication thing. There's always side effects. You have to weigh the good and the bad with it. GOOD LUCK and stay healthy.

Marc,

I am anxious to see your blood pressure get to where you want it. Sounds like you know what your doing.

Keep us up to date!! You're amazing!

Teena and Smooth, I'm not really sure where my blood pressure should be. It's always been a little on the high side (diastolic is usually between 130-145), except for that day I went to the ER, when it was stuck above 155 for about 4 hours until the injected a betablocker. I'm not going to worry about it too much.

Here's a little experiment I just did to see the fluctuation in readings, just by changing the position of my arms.

Right arm.Sitting on bed with arm resting on bed. 9:37pm

136/83, HR 44 bpm

134/80, HR 43 bpm

Left arm, 9:39pm

131/82, HR 45

134/81, HR 44

Left arm elevated above heart on pillow

132/66, HR 44

130/65, HR 46

Right arm elevated above heart hand on head

105/55, HR 45

100/49. HR 46

129/76, HR 45

Standing, right arm at side

147/81, HR 48

141/81, HR 47

Standing, left arm at side

140/86, HR 46

Kind of interesting. Not sure what to make of it, but I'll be sure to ask my doctor when I see him next.

Marc,

It's common to find fluctuations in B/P with postural change. When your arms are raised above the heart, there's less pressure as gravitation pools the blood return to the heart. It will be interesting to see what the doctor has to say. Very smart of you to take several readings for comparison.

I finnaly found out were you were posting! I am a little slow though.

My family has always had low blood pressure in fact my dad was told to eat salty foods. My 18 year olds sons was too low to give blood this year. I am not sure if that is bad or good. Mine has always been low but I have not had it checked in a long time.

Nice speed work Marc. You were moving there at the end. Cutting the coffee is bound to help and now when you take one of those GUs with caffiene you will feel the boost a bit more.

Have fun with your 8 miler. 75 is very warm. Looks like you're working hard to prepare for pacing Cowtown. It will be so so so awesome if you finish in exactly 3:40:00!!! You can do it!!!

I'm predicting a 3:39:29!!

I am getting very excited for you! Can't wait to hear all the details when all is said and done.

Oh man, Marc, I think it's really cool that you're going to be a pacer. Are you nervous?

Oh no Teena I smell another contest! I say 3:38:59!

You are working so hard at this Marc I am sure your group will love you for it. I will find you some jokes if you want them. :)

Kathie,

Yes, we want jokes, lots'avem.

Marc,

So, what does your spreadsheet say you'll finish in? I prefer a scientific approach to crazy prediction. But then again, I'm more of a let just play-it-by-ear type of girl.

Smooth, The spreadsheet has me enter a desired finish time, and then it gives me splits for each mile to finish at exactly that time. Just like Cougar's SGM spreadsheet. Maybe I'll throw one together for Boston (I'm sure I will)

Kathie, my memory stinks. I can never remember jokes. Maybe I'll print them out and make an armband with them. Sure, send me some. Maybe I'll just ask for audience participation.

Kathie/Teena -- there is no way I'll finish before 3:39:59 (if I'm ahead of that, I'll stall at the final aid station. I'm trying to hit it on the nose with as many left in the pace group at the finish as possible. The big question is whether I will hit it on the nose, or crash and burn...that's what makes it exciting!

Dale, I'm not really nervous. More excited than anything. It's quite a challenge to predict a finish time and hit it -- I've never done it, so I'm hoping this will be the first.

But I have to say that finishing 3:39:59 sounds cooler than 3:40:00 even. Hey ... maybe you could give the group a fair warning for those who want to sprint to the end to be in the 3:30s instead of 3:40s. What will you do if you plan on exactly 3:40 but the course measures a bit long at the end?

I'm sure you have already thought of that!! I can hardly wait and I am not even running it!!

Yes, Teena, I'm actually going for 3:39:59..but don't tell anyone. It is definitely cooler to round down. Especially, as time passes. The day after the race "I ran a 3:39:59", a few months later "It was a 3:39", a year later "I ran a 3:30-somthing at Cowtown", before you know it, it's turned into a sub-3:00 :-)

That is so true!!! I'm laughing so hard because my 3:34:59 at SGM this year has already made it to the, "yeah, I ran a 3:34" level!!!

TOO FUNNY!!!

Great job, Marc!!! Is there online tracking for this marathon? That would be cool.

Birthday cupcake? Did we miss someone's birthday or is it from your daughter's B-Day recently?

Oh I run just so I can eat the unhealthy food. Perhaps that is why I still have an extra 10 pound on my booty!

Your pace looks pretty good are you going to look at your watch more often during the race? Or you can set you Garmin to beep if you go too slow or too fast.

Hey Kathie (sorry, I'm bouncing all over the place on these blogs..how does one keep up. I better not make any new friends, I barely have time to run. :-)

I will wear my Garmin, but I will not trust the mileage. (for some reason, I've found that 1 mile on the Garmin is not always a mile on the course. Sometimes the Garmin is short. I'll wear the Garmin to track my HR and the splits for my post-race stats, but I'm going to dig out my old Timex Ironman with 30-lap splits and use it to mark my "real" splits as I pass the mileage markers on the course. I'll check my splits against my wristband (which is elevation adjusted) and adjust speed to keep as close to it as possible. This is going to be so much fun! Can't wait..

I know I could just look at the "Elapsed Time" on the Garmin, but I'll wear the Timex as a backup -- I accidentally stopped my Garmin once during a race and lost a couple miles before I realized it was off. Not taking any chances. :-)

Hey Dale..no online tracking for Cowtown. It's not that big. Though the results should be posted shortly afterwards.

All 3 or my kids birthdays span about a 3 week period (end of January, through 21-Feb) No more cupcakes for a while!

Well, I'll be sure to check the times after your race. Do you already know the names of any races in your group or will you find out race morning?

Hey Marc...Whenever I try to be good at eating and I keep track of everything, it seems to make me eat worse than before, so I quit doing that. Funny stuff.

MilkyWay I would kill for a milkyway right now...way to go Marc!

Marc,

Nice 8 miler and right on for the 8:24 pace. Good run on Fri too.

Your eats look good except for the McD nuggets and fries...SALT!!! = high B/P. I'm gonna bug you like I do my hubby. I'm a real bugger.

Sounds like you are eating like a 20 year old. I think my BP would sky rocket with all that sodium too. So what is the taper plan for the upcomming race?

OK..that's the worst I've eaten in a long time. I don't really like fries, but it's so much easier to say "Give me the #10" (which comes with fries) :-)

Smooth, you're right. I need to cut down on the sodium...I usually much on a bag of salted pretzels the day before a marathon...hmmm. Maybe that's not a good thing..though it helps me retain water.

BP 127/74, 40 BPM (right arm, sitting in bed, blogging)

Thanks, all for keeping me on track. :-)

Sounds like you had a fun day, Marc. We celebrated my son's 8th birthday today (it was actually on the 19th) at ChuckECheese with a couple of his friends. We also had donuts for breakfast and my mother-in-law is visiting. What are the chances we'd have such a similar day?

Happy belated birthday to your boy!! Chocolate donuts and sprinkles ... sounds delicious!! Do you ever listen to old Bill Cosby stuff? One of my favorites is when his kids talk him into making chocolate cake for breakfast. He figures it's okay because it has flour, eggs, and milk ... all healthy stuff. The kids repeatingly sing, "Dad is great ... he makes us chocolate cake." Anyway ... your story reminded me of that!!

Cool Dad!

You are very brave to post what you eat. Maybe I should too...

Hey Dale, it's a small world. Happy b-day to your boy!

Teena, That's hilarious! I spent a few weeks in England a couple years ago, and they find it totally ridiculous that we would eat such a thing as a donut for breakfast -- "isn't that a desert?" It is sad in a way. But, I don't think the occasional splurge or treat is a really such a bad thing. Hopefully, I'm not ruining my kids' eating habits for the rest of their lives...then again, look at my habits! Uggg..

Hey Kathie..I'm really starting to realize how bad an eater I really am. I can justify it this week.."I'm carbo-loading". But, I need to be nice to this old body. I'm not getting any younger, and maybe my higher than average BP has something to do with what I put in my mouth..you think?! Anyways, it is what it is. I run so I can eat, I eat so I can run. :-)

Sure, use your MIL as excuse...just kidding. Have a great taper week! You're gonna be the BEST pacer at Cowtown. Can't wait to read your report.

Hey Marc, I hope that sore throat is nothing. Nothing worse than feeling like you're getting sick before a race. The day before St. George Marathon I felt like I had a major cold, but the next day I felt like a million bucks.

Wow Marc, I'm impressed with your ability to eat and still run fast! I'm guessing carb loading this week won't be too hard for you.

Wow I wish I could eat like you, I just smell cookies and gain 5 pounds!

Marc, I'm not a regular coffee drinker and I limit my caffeine intake from other sources. I don't have any caffeine during taper for a race. Come race day I really appreciate that extra boost from caffeinated gels. I'm guessing you're reducing caffeine because of your blood pressure? Are you planning to have caffeine on race day?

Crazy that it's coming up so quickly!! Get lots of rest Marc!! :)

Rest days are good days. Taper time man. Cant wait to read your report bro. You are going to hit it just right I am sure.

Hey, you didn't report your eats. Enjoy your taper. Look forward to reading all about Cowtown and don't forget to post pictures.

So how it the taper going? Any taper MADDNESS to report?

Yes, I'm tapering, if you can call it that. I'm basically running 4-5 miles every other day until Saturday's "long training run". It's hard to call it a taper, when I'm barely reaching 30 miles per week. Once Cowtown is behind me, I'll have a few weeks to really ramp up to maybe match some "Smooth miles!".

I need to catch up on adding my food intake..I think it was starting to make me think about what I ate quite a bit, but not enough to make me change my evil ways! :-)

Kathie, yes a little bit of taper MADDNESS. Mostly the usual self-doubt about my lack of mileage, hoping for great weather, and hoping my watch doesn't stop on me (I'm wearing a backup) I bought a 3.5 pound bag of Jolly Ranchers on the way to work today. I'm set for the next couple years (do they last that long???)

I'm excited!!!!!

Wow,Marc, you're doing awesome with the push up challenge!!! Reading all of your food intake really makes me hungry.

That's a total of 170 push ups. AWESOME!

You're not eating very much. I eat more than you. GOOD JOB on cutting out the caffeine!

Holy Cow! 50 push-up you are the Man for sure. I am so glad this was a challenge and not a competion!

Marc, looks like you are being disciplined with your taper week and eating much more like a marathoner too. Teena was so stressed out she cancelled her blog. She just has too much going on and the blog was one thing too much. We'll all miss her, but hopefully she will be back as life calms down for her.

Marc - can't wait for the race... looks like the eating is better... when I first read your blog I thought you had a handful of yogurt and I had to reread it before I understood what you really ate! :)

Marc, sounds like things are coming together nicely for the big race, except for the wind. I'm ready for a taper...although, it feels like I'm taking one this week.

You're right on with taper mode and carb-load. Did you call back to wish your father happy birthday? I know moms love to hear from their children; but dads do too and just don't show it. It is so thoughtful of you to do that. It means so much! You DO know that your folks miss you! :D

I'm so excited for you to pace Cowtown. You're gonna be PERFECT!!!

Thanks, Rhett for the update on Teena. Life can get to be a little overwhelming, especially when you're so kind-hearted, and eager to make everyone feel loved and happy, as Teena does. I hope she can recharge and be back to her usual speedy self.

Kathie - yep, I really like those yogurt covered raisins. They definitely taste too good to be good for you..but I'll pretend. :-)

It doesn't feel like much of a taper. I really haven't been putting in enough miles, yet. We're about 8 weeks out from Boston. I'll take it easy for a week after this Saturday's marathon, and ramp up the miles. I want to have a good showing this year in Boston--at least I want to finish better than last year.

Smooth, it turns out that my father was at the hospital. My stepmother had to undergo an emergency surgery to repair damage done to her stomach, from a previous pancreas surgery she had recently. It's a long story, but she'll be in a lot of pain for several weeks, and my dad is going to have his handsful taking care of her (I have sibblings that live in the Chicago area who can help out). I was wondering what to get him for his birthday...we're going to send meals (there's a great online meal store my wife found). Anyways, I try to keep in touch with my parents, as much as possible. I'm sure they would love it if I moved back to Illinois, but I just don't see it happening..but I'll never say never.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Smooth...3:39:59 is the goal. That would be awesome if I could hit it, especially if it is so windy, as predicted.

Hey Marc, you're coming into that race prepared and that's what matters the most. I applaud you.

Go get 'em Marc! You'll bring your sheep home in good shape I'm sure.

WOW!!! Every marathoner should have a pacer as prepared and on task as YOU, Marc!!!! You've done the homework, now's the time to relax; eat and hydrate well today. You will do GGGGRRRR8 tomorrow!!! HOORAY for the 3:40 sheep and shepherd (er, mustangs and stud, long horns and ?)! Go get'em Cowboy!

Good luck tomorrow your going to do awesome. Wish I was there to run this one with you. I know you will hit the paces just right.

I can't wait to hear how it went. Sounds like you are ultra prepared. I hope you get a good nights sleep. What's the wind situation looking like? Still 20 mph?

Hi Guys, it is going to be a tough run. 21 MPH winds, 45 degrees...it would be ideal in a point-to-point like St George, but not so much on a circuit course that the last 5 or so miles directly into the wind (more or less). I'll save the excuses for after the race.

Time to get some sleep! I'll send a report after the race!!!

That sounds cool. Any special incentive for being the pacer?

I got an offer to do a pace group for the Carlsbad marathon in January. I think your right! It would be a challenge to be consistent every mile. Good luck, Ill be watching your blog.

Marc!!!!!!!! (how do I insert smiley faces, here?)

That is an AWESOME pic!! So glad you are on this blog. You will LOVE being able to track everything on here. It is great!!

Can't wait to check on you every day!

Welcome to the blog!

Teena/Gumpers

WHAT??? YOU'RE MARRIED???

Oh Marc ... your personal info made me laugh so stinkin' hard!! VERY NICE!!!

(one hundred smiley faces)

Hey Marc so what do you really have to wear as the pace leader? I know we have joked about some options on the other forum but I was wondering if you are going to practice with the balloons or whatever it is?

Marc, I couldn't figure out where my previous comment went and then I noticed you entered your race coming up on Feb 28th.

MARC!!!!!! Welcome to the Blog bro. Glad you came over here.

Marc, remember we want pictures, lotsa'vem. Can't wait to hear all about your pacing adventure. Are you working on jokes and stories to entertain the pacees?

Oh I just realized now I will be able to see your training. LOL Maybe now I can keep up with you daily or at least see how much more you are kicking my trash:) Welcome again bro.

Hi All, I'm not used to this blogging stuff, so I hope it doesn't become a full time job for me to keep up. I apologize in advance if it takes me a few days to respond. :-)

Hi Burt - Yep, they put out a call for pacer's in the Ft Worth Cowtown Marathon this year, and one of the incentives was free entry. So, I was already training for Boston, so why not? We'll see how it goes.

Gumpers - you always crack me up? Can't wait to meet you in Beantown.

Hi Kathie/UR - I really haven't heard anything about attire. I know they will be supplying a tech shirt with our pace printed on it. But that's all I know. I suppose I could dress as flamboyantly as I desire. I'm sure if I wore a cow suit, I'd get lots of pictures! :-)

MarkO and Dale - thanks for inviting me over. I'm going to post my mileage for the past few months when I get a chance. Or at least put in my past race reports. I'm sure this will cause quite a bit of confusion!! Is there anyway to post mileage, and keep it a secret? Looks like everything is out in the open. No secrets here!

Well there is a option to keep it to yourself. And it will keep everything to just you. Hickgirl(Kimmie) does that. So you keep track of it yourself and no one sees it. Along with your races and all that. You get alot more daily feedback here on each run if you keep it open to the public. If you want it turned off though. In the blog option its at the very bottom.

Marc, that's the good thing about this blog, everyone can see what your doing and it's great motivation for everyone else. I know since I joined this site, I've already knocked 3 minutes off my pace and I've increased my mileage immensely. Before coming here I had no idea how much people ran or even what kinds of workouts they did. I just thought everyone ran the same every day. I didn't even know people were doing speed work or hill training, etc., etc. We're really glad your here. No problem if you can't keep in touch with everyone's blogs, but I have tons of time to do it, so I'll usually leave a comment almost every day.

Marc,

You get to pace? That is awesome. You have a very important role. My last race I put complete trust in my pacer. Because of his consistancy I was able to stay calm and not jump too far ahead of the pack until the end.

Good luck!!

MarcE. I just found you here. Glad you have joined the blog. It is a great place to keep track of training and share training ideas and experiences. I am excited to finally meet you in person in Boston. I'll be there by myself at the Radisson. My wife decided not to come this year. Hope I can hang with you and Slick a bit.

Hi Bec..I'm not taking this pacing thing too lightly. In most marathons I just have the inner competitiveness to keep me going. This will be a whole new incentive to dig deep when I feel like walking a little too much at the aid stations. I'm really looking forward to it, but there is a little added pressure...should be fun!

Hey Rhett, you can definitely hang out with Slick and the gang. Slick, Canyon, Smooth, Tim, and Neffo made it quite the experience. We've got another nice crowd this year. I know that you're a rich eye doctor, and all, but if you want to room with Slick and I and save some cash for sourvenirs, you're more than welcome!

Marc, I am an eye doctor, but unfortunately not rich. If I cancelled my room now I would lose my 1 night deposit and I'm only staying 2 nights, so I might as well keep it. If they won't let me have late check out on Monday, I may have to beg a shower off you guys in your room after the run though. I can't wait to hang with all the gang in Boston. It's going to be a blast.

Welcome to the blog! Good luck in the pacing gig, it is fun and a different way to run a race. I paced the women's OTQ last year at the Shamrock Sportsfest and had a great time. Even splits is not necessarily the goal depending on the topography and fade expected, but motivation and planning is key to hitting your target. Good luck and have fun.

Rhett - Sounds like a good plan. You're more than welcome to stash your stuff in our room on race day if they don't let you check out late.

Jtshad - Thanks for the welcome. I ran the Cowtown Marathon last year, so I'm pretty familiar with the topography. I'm going to go through my splits and scale it back to a 3:40 pace. Time to make a spreadsheet! (and hope for excellent weather) Stay warm there in Idaho...brrrrrr.

Hi Marc, its been fun getting to know you a bit better. Good luck Saturday.

Marc, so are you going to start logging your daily miles or are we just going to keep seeing this upcoming race every time we pull up your blog? I'd love to hear how the training is coming. Just one week till CowTown. Have you found out what you have to carry or wear or what?

Hey Rhett, you have to go to the top and click on "Recent Entries" and then when that page loads, click on "Previous Entries."

Rhett, sorry about that..I made a rookie mistake and put an entry in the future, which kind of trumps all other entries. After Feb 28th, you should easily see my daily entries.

Super Duper performance, Marc!!! I'm glad everything went well. Thanks for the fine, detailed report.

How cool is that? I was wondering last night if you were asleep or wide awake unable to sleep. I am so so so happy for you. What an incredible experience for you and the others. A huge congratulations! You amaze me!!!

Next time you are a pace leader I want to run in your group. Seriously. So do it again!!

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!

Just in case I failed to mention this earlier, I will say it: YOU ARE AWESOME!!

Hope the fire burns within you for a long long long time!!

Laters Marc!!

(a million smileys! -- plus one)

Marc!!! You're the MASTER of PACERS!!! What an INCREDIBLE job and performance you accomplished today! I hope the lady who BQ and the first time marathoner guy thanked you BIG TIME.

You were SO SO SO prepared, you even destroyed that 20+ mph headwind. Can't wait to see your picture with the "grim reaper" sign, yellow/green windbreaker, headband and all. :D

CONGRATS!!! THANK YOU for sharing your adventure with us. I love every word of your report. You're SO ready for Boston. What are your goals at Boston?

Very nice run and report. You nailed it.

Marc, You were amazing! You nailed that pace right on!!! Were you bummed that only one person was able to hang with you? Did they use you as a wind blocker? Was it annoying carrying the 3:40 sign the whole way? It must have felt great to be helping others the whole way like that. I am jealous of that fabulous opportunity you had. You da Man!!!!!!! See you in Boston.

Dale!! Thanks, man!

Teeeeeeenaaa! I'm glad you're still lurking out there. Thanks so much. I've been a little bummed with my showings at some races lately, and this was just what I needed to get the fire going again. I'd love to have you in my pace group. I'm not sure when that will be...I'll forward a "toned-down" version of my pace report to the guy in charge of the pacers at Cowtown, and maybe he'll invite me back next year. You're welcome to come run it next year with me..otherwise I might just have to come out to Utah!

Smooth..thanks. I did give the woman a hug when I saw her (she had just finished tossing her cookies...we didn't talk much :-) I shook the other guys hand and then I headed to the food tent! :-)

My Boston goals:

Happy: Just to be there with my good buddies

Very Happy: Beat last year's crash-n-burn..3:30:24

Very Very Happy: Run with Marcie to her first sub 3:30.

Ecstatic: BQ (3:20:59)

Super Ecstatic: PR (3:20:02)

Thanks, Paul. Yes I did nail it (I looked at several of the other pacers' finishing times, and I think I was the closest to nailing it..even though I wasn't competing for speed, I was secretly competing for "closest to goal time"

Thanks, Rhett. Not sure about amazing..but I'm definitely happy with how I did, and I feel a pretty good sense of accomplishment, and I'm really glad that I at least helped 1 or 2 people meet their goals. I insisted that everyone draft behind me, which they did for the most part. I was feeling great the whole way, the wind and the hills (nothing compared to Utah), were really not that noticeable. I enjoyed carrying the sign the whole way. It was very lightweight and let everyone know who we were and what we were planning to achieve. (we were instructed to drop the signs at Mile 2, but I decided to keep it for the whole thing..and it makes a nice addition to my running scrapbook) See you in Boston!

Great job on the pacing gig, hitting the mark right on is awesome. Good luck with your Boston training!

Thanks, jtshad. I appreciate it. I think I might have found my new calling to supplement my training between "run hard" races. I wonder if the Cliff Teams are looking for mid-pack pacers??

Dude you did awesome at that race. Hit is just that I thought you would. Right on the money. Your the type of guy you could set your watch too. Great report and great pacing.:)

Wow Mark you are the man for sure!!!! If you do St. George this year I should pay you to pace me! 3:40 would be a pr for me and a total BQ!!!!!! In all honesty 3:40 would kill me and I wouldn't want to have the fact that you killed me on your hands! :)

Hey Mark-O, thanks, man. It helps to have a Garmin and to know how to use it. :-)

Hey Kathie, nice to hear from you. I'm not so sure 3:40 would kill you..it might kill Kimmie trying to stick with you, but I think you've got it in you (OK, Kimmie you can respond if you want :-)) If I make it into SGM, I'm going for a selfish PR! (sorry)

I was just reminded what a 20+mph head wind feels like. Holy cow! You da man!

Marc, You need to update your running accomplishments. This big one is missing.

Fly, is that better?

muy bien.

Wow, that is very cool. Thanks for referring me to this entry! I am such a social runner. I enjoy talking and running with people far more than I care about my time (most of the time---sometimes I do have a goal, like a BQ). I think pacing would be rally fun, I just do not know if I could motivate people for 4+ hours to keep going. It sounds like you had some brutal wind to deal with, but a good pacing race! Fun stuff. I will practice my conversation skills with Smooth and see how good I can get at motivating!

Hi Kelli, Glad you liked it. There's never a shortage of conversation when you're with Smooth. She's such a sweetheart! (and never short on words)

Hope you start feeling better.

Glad to hear the legs are feeling fine. A nice easy week this week would probably do you good after pounding out 26.2 over the weekend.

May be that wind at Cowtown stir up something. Good to hear your legs are feeling good. Easy recovery runs are in order. How's your nutrition?

I'm feeling a little better today. But, decided to give running another day off. I'd rather rest and let my body finish fighting off whatever is bugging me, and then start back to ramping up for Boston.

Smooth, I'm eating pretty well. I've been eating a lot in the last couple days. I'll start recording my food again.

Bummer about the pink eye. Hope it gets better soon.

Awesome pic.

oh that's a bummer - I hate me some pink eye...

I guess it is a good thing that I live up north I love to run in the 40's and if it is in the 70's I die!

A recovery week for you then it is Boston,

Boston, Boston!

Sounds like you are recovering nicely.

Glad to hear your back at it. Before we know it we will be tapering for Boston.

Marc, glad to hear you're feeling all better. I ate really rappy today, too. For breakfast I had two eggs, one susage pattie, 2 strips of bacon. For lunch I had a bean and cheese burrito and for dinner a Macho Bacon and Egg breakfast burrito from Del Taco.

Glad to hear that all systems are a go for Boston Marc. I would be 30 lbs heavier if I ate like you do. You must still have the metabolism of a college kid. I wish I did.

Dale, please don't model my eating habits!!! I'd feel aweful if you ballooned back up. Rhett, I probably weigh 50 pounds more than you. I was down to 196 this morning. I'll shoot for 190 at Boston, but I'm not going to starve myself to reach that goal. Maybe 185 by St George.

Hmmm, the food sounds great to me!!

So how was it leading a pace group? I have always wondered about that. It intrigues me!

Kelli, I thoroughly enjoyed leading the pace group. I already let the pace group coordinator know that I'm interested in doing it again next year. I'm a little disappointed that my group dwindled from about 20 at the half, to about 2 at the finish. I think I ran the right splits for the course and the weather conditions, but the wind must have been too much. I'll definitely look for other opportunities to pace. (Read my race report from Feb 28th for all the grueling details :-)

Hey Marc, maybe you should do a midnight run like me. I find that is a good time to run with no distractions. It's kind of creepy running in the darkness, but it's all good.

Hey Marc, I see that you probably ran 8 miles on Sunday, but when I pull up your blog, there's nothing there. The same thing is happening to my blog. When I go there to see if anyone had left a comment for me, there's nothing there, not even what I wrote about the run. Apparently you were able to see my 17 miler but I still can't, unless I go there from the link in my email. Something must have gotten messed up when the time changed last night.

Great job, Marc. That's a good trick having your wife drop you off away from home. I should try that.

So were you thinking about the first half of Boston when you were having fun or the second half where you were hitting the wall? Nice run.

Great run Marc...hills are always good.

Nicely done!!! 6 weeks to go. Newton Hills here you come!!!

Dale, we were actually on our way home from church (yes, I went to a "small group" meeting in my running clothes) If we had left sooner I would have had her drop me off further from home..I don't feel safe running on the country roads where I live after dark. Too many critters and scary drivers out there.

Rhett..I guess I was thinking of the first 15 miles of Boston, when I was on cruise control..not the last 8 or so when the cramps kicked in and I went into survival mode? I've come to like a few ups and downs in marathons. I'm really looking forward to taking it nice and easy for the first half at Boston this year.

Yes, Kathie, hills are our friends! :-) (my mantra while climbing them)

Thanks, Smooth.

good job to get in the miles!

Whadaya mean nothing to see?! Looking at your avatar puts a smile on my face. LOVE your "fly swatter" and florescence green jacket. Can't wait to see you in less than 6 weeks.

LOL got to love those rest days.

Enjoy the rest day. I expect big things from you tomorrow though.

Yeah me too. No rest for you for to long. What is next on the list?? Recope then Boston?

Hey Marc,

Slack patrol here checking up on you! :) Ain't gonna move along until you post something.

Wow, you all must have been bored yesterday. :-)

Rhett, I ran a 10 miler today--is that big enough? It doesn't sound very far..but it took almost an hour and a half.

Huans32, Next? Hmmm..so far, it's just Boston. I might run a few shorter races in there. But, I'd like to have fresh legs for Boston. Nothing planned, but that could change...I've been waiting for you to get back to 100% so I could challenge you to another "virtual" 5K race.:-)

Smooth, thanks for keeping me honest..my goal is to not have 2 rest days in a row from now through Boston. We'll see how that goes! :-)

GOOD JOB! Nice mileage and splits with wind, hills, potential big dogs chase and all. 75 degree would be heat wave for us here. Yep, I'm one of the "old" people. I think Texans are very devoted to their children. I can't believe all the dads and grandparents attending kindergartens when I visited my grand-daughter. Her kindergarten was all day. GOOD LUCK on your first 50 mile week. How many of those are you gonna do before Boston?

Great job Mark. I can't wait until my daugther starts kindergarten next year. I'll have a lot more time for running. I'm working on my first ever 40 mile week.

I'm glad to see you out there pounding the pavement. Time is running out. I was just lookin at the next few weeks and we really only have 3 weeks of hard running left, before we start the tapering.

Smooth, yep, I like to be as much a part of my kids' lives as possible. Sure, it gets in the way of my running a little, but I find the balance. I hope to hit 50 miles in the next three weeks before I taper. It's a soft goal, if I don't make it, no biggie.

Dale, good luck with your first 40 mile week! If you throw in a 20 mile long run on the weekend, it's hard not to hit 40. :-)

Thanks, Rhett. It felt good to pound some pavement yesterday. Yep, 3 more weeks of hard training, then taper time!

Keep up the hard work.

Wow that is pretty speedy on a treadmill. After SGM last year I am not a fan of running in the rain.

Nah, the rain won't hurt ya. GOOD JOB on getting it done. Do they cancel soccer when it rains?

Looks like you got in some good miles. If Boston ends up like it was 2 years ago, you may wish you got some rainy training in.

Thanks, all.

Smooth..I'm pretty sure they cancel soccer for rain. The boys are only 5 and 6...no need making them miserable, and think about the fans! (who wants to sit out there in the rain :-)

You're right, Rhett. I should have gotten the rain training in while I had the chance. Maybe I'll get another chance in the next few days..until the drought continues.

Or even like SGM last year. That is what I keep telling everyone else that I train with. Rain, snow and wind. Might have to run a race in it. Best to train for it now.:) Great job getting in some fast ones.

Marc - can you keep that rain for a couple extra days? We are having an outside party for my birthday girl (Quincy - 5) on Saturday and it supposed to 50 and rainy... :(

Oh - and great run! It is nice you have so many running buddies down there.

OK I could never end at 3.85 I would have to run until I hit an even 4.0...maybe I do have ocd?

Marc,

I've been the same way lately, about pushing my pace. all week long I ran at the same pace. What good is that? I'll never get faster that way.

Awesome quick 3.85 miler!!

Sounds like great weather!

Hey Tim, the rain is moving out tomorrow. Time for some nice days of sunshine, so the flowers will bloom, and I can plant my veggie garden! Happy B-Day to Quincy!

Yes, Kathie, you might be a little OCD. :-) I could have easily called it 4.00 miles (and included the walk out to the parking lot and back into work, as an easy 0.15 miles, but I never count my walking distance in my mileage..hmmm, maybe I should???

Your right, DoG. You need to throw in 1 or 2 days a week for some type of speed work if you want to get faster. But, I'm not so sure it helps a real lot in a marathon -- it would help your 5K and 10K times for sure. Long miles and some speed work will improve your V02 max, which will allow you to run faster for longer...there's books on this stuff (don't trust me :-)

TEENA!!! Thanks for popping in..we all miss you!!!

Marathon! Marathon! You can do it!!!!!

Nah, stick to your scheduled long run and chalk it up to a rest day.

Marc, if you're a wuss because of the rain, then I am, too!!! I can't bring myself to run in the rain anymore.

Wow Marc, awesome job. Hey, you almost ran another marathon. It's funny you should mention what Kathie said, because if I had run 24 miles, I probably would have gone another 2 to make it a marathon. Just kidding.

Marc, you're an animal. I can't believe you went 24+ miles just to get in your 50 for the week . Now what is your plan for next week. Are you going to recover a bit or are you just going forward with training as ususal?

Marc -- you are such a stud!

24.16 miles at an 8:20 pace. That's AWESOME!!!

Oh Marc you make me laugh so hard! I am glad I pushed that extra .16 out of you. If you do well at Boston It is because of that .16 and I want credit!

Dale, I thought about jogging back out to the 1 mile marker, and back just to call it 26.2, but decided that there was no finisher's medal waiting for me, so why bother? :-)

Rhett, yep needed to get that 50+ mile week in to boost my confidence going into Boston. It was probably good that I had a rest day on Friday, making it a great run on Saturday. I'll probably rest on Sunday (today), and try to ramp up the miles in the 40-50 range again this week.

Thanks, Teena! I wouldn't call me a stud...I'm still somewhere between wuss and stud. :-) Thanks for lurking out there!

Alright, Kathie, I'll give you partial credit for the extra .16 miles, which I'm sure will immensely improve my chances of meeting my goal in Boston...whatever that turns out to be on race day! :-)

Good point, Marc.

24.16??!!! on a rail trail??? I always run slower on trail for some reason. Did it remind you of the trail at Park City? Man, that's serious mileage. Two more weeks of training hard; then taper, hallelujah!

You a wuss?! Hardly, great run :)

Hey Smooth, the trail I run on didn't remind me of Park City much. They are both long, straight and boring, but Park City has some nice mountains to look at. My trail has some trees surrounding it (nice in the summer to have a little shade) and the gravel is much finer than PC--it's nearly an ideal running surface. No rocks bigger than 1/4 inch. Yep, a couple more weeks and it's taper time!

Thanks, MissFIT -- when are you going to post a picture?..it doesn't have to be of you, maybe a pet, or one of your BF (maybe even one he doesn't want the whole world to see! :O )

It is, indeed, amazing how much we can get done when we don't run.

You are right about Tom... I think he makes everyone want to run Boston!

I know I do!!!

Don't your SpeedStars just make you feel fast. I think I run 30 secs per mile faster in them than when I wear my Cumulus shoes. Something about them just gets me up on my toes and running faster. Nice work today.

Nice job MarcE!

YAY, another beautiful day and beautiful run. I need to talk to Slick. I'm sick of training, I think. I just want to run. Boston can't be here soon enough. We're gonna have so much fun!!!

Yep, Kathie...I'm pretty sure that Slick made me want to go back again this year (that and my need to redeem myself from last year's less than stellar performance :-)

DoG..keep doing what you're doing and you'll get there. My first marathon was 4:01 (9:08/mi) pace. I thought getting down to 7:40/mi would be impossible, but I wanted it bad enough, so I did what I could to get it (including winning the lottery to run SGM :-)

I agree with you about the Asic Speedstars. They're so much lighter than my Nimbus's, but they've got pretty good cushioning, so my feet don't feel as bad after a marathon as they did when I tried running in racing flats.

Thanks, MissFIT.

Yes, Smooth, we're going to have a great time in Boston...is Larry as pumped up as you are? :) (He's such a good sport)

THAT is downright HOT! I may complain about the cold, but just wait until you hear me complain about the heat. I hate heat! And noon heat is the worst. GOOD JOB YOU for being able to stand it! Awesome splits, BTW!

Can I just tell you that toe nail loss is my, I can not think of the right word here.....nemesis?? Something like that. No matter how many different shoes I buy and in different sizes, I lose my toenails. As soon as this one grows back, it falls right back off. I just think I should have it surgically removed FOREVER! I had such pretty feet before I became a runner....

Wow heat and wind. Looks like that wind at your back really picked up as the run went on. With a sub 7. Nice work bro.

Toe nail is over-rated. NICE run considering the HEAT! I melt in that kinda heat.

I should dig out my DVD and watch it for motivation too. I wonder where it is. I've only watched it once. I think I'll save it for when I'm tapering and going crazy. Yep, I'm hoping for good weather like last year's. Have you ordered any Adidas wardrobe yet? I need to order mine. I was hoping Lark would give a write up on the choices. ;-)

I know how it is not wanting to throw out shoes. I have a pair that gives me bruises under my ankles each time I wear them, but I found they work great on the elliptical so I save them for that.

Someday soon I hope to make a trip to Boston in April :)

Great run Marc. I love to break out the Boston DVDs every now and then, but my 4 year old son watches them on a regular basis. The other day I came home from work and he had been watching one of them and the first thing he said to me is "I'm going to run Boston fast when I'm bigger." What a proud daddy moment.

Kelli, bummer about the toenails. I had a complete set for a few months, before I got these shoes. My Asic Speedstars are awesome, but the Nimbus's... Personally, I think I'd rather run when it's hot (80's-90's) than below freezing..the heat slows me down a lot.

Huans, I'm trying to end my runs with 1 or 2 fastish miles. If I've got the energy to do a sub 7:00 at the end of a run, then I might have energy to run sub 8:00s at the end of a marathon.

Smooth - I've ordered the Addias Boston jacket (navy blue). That's all. I'll probably get a few more things once I get to the expo at Boston.

MissFIT - I don't know how old you are. But, worst-case (youngest case) you'll need a 3:40..and from the look of your workouts, you just need to get into SGM this year and do it (or any other marathon of your chosing). Perhaps, your BF might BQ, too..if he does, I might just have to go back again in 2010.

Rhett - Priceless!

So, if the heat slows you down, then why do you prefer to run it? I think heat and cold slow me down, I prefer 55-65 degrees!

For training I like it between about 60 and 75, but for race day, I'll take between 45-55 any day.

Sounds like a nice recovery run for you. So how is Tom?

Tom is OK. Tom is a guy I work with here in Ft Worth. He ran his first-ever, half marathon just at Cowtown a few weeks ago. He's not very fast, but he enjoys running. He's also an ex-smoker, and has lost 60 pounds over the past couple year.

Happy anniversary!!!

Great splits on your run, especially the last mile.

Nice run Marc, I love taking long runs and doing that...easy out and fast back. Looks like you averaged aroun 7:30 back with a nice strong finish on that last mile. I think you're going to be ready for Boston.

Happy Anniversary! I love to camp in the back yard with my kids... I guess I used to they are too old now. When they were little we would sleep on the trampoline almost every night during the summer. you are a way cool dad!

HAPPY 21st ANNIVERSARY TO YOU & BETH!!!

Larry and I will celebrate our 31st in Boston.

Very nice negative splits run and strong finish! Yep, I'd say you are SO READY for Boston. Sweet to do backyard camping with your kids. I'm gonna do that when my grandkids come visit.

Wow 21 yrs that is awesome. Gratz to you and your little lady.

I am late---but HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Hope you had fun!

Great run once again.

Marc, did you get a long run in this weekend? How did it go?

Thanks, y'all! :)

I'm impressed with how much you get done in a day...camping with the kids, made breakfast, got in a fast 18 miler, soccer game. It's a good sign that you ran your last mile finishing strong. You doing another 50+ mpw next? Have a great week.

Oh I am sick just thinking about running 18 miles after eating bacon! Please tell me you passed on the bacon and just had a banana.

Great job Marc...Feels good to get the long run done, doesn't it?

WOW!!! I can do 9.5 mph for about 30 seconds is all! IMPRESSIVE.

NICE keeping your promise! Eating wind and dust will not make you fast or skinny. Last time I ran in wind and dust, I couldn't see where I was going and had to dig dirt out of my ears! Smart choice running in a controlled environment. :)

Nothing wrong with "climate controlled"!

At 9.5 I would fall off the back and have "treadmill rash" on my face to prove it. You are the man!

Glad you got in your run so you wouldn't break your goal. Good job.

Yasso's on the treadmill.....Blaughgh! 9.6 MPH?? you da man!!

Wow, 72 degrees and a full stomach and you still pulled off a fast Tempo. I am impressed. So, you're shooting for a sub 3:20, eh? You nailed it right on for pacing the 3:40 Cowtown. My money is on ya for that 3:20 at Boston. Keep up the good work!

Is 3:20:59 the cutoff to BQ? You can do eet!!!

Smooth, yes today my goal is 3:20, I've always got the option of changing it.. BTW - I had a "full portion" of stir fry for lunch (it was about 2 pounds of food..lots of veggies and chicken, fried rice, a couple egg rolls..washed down with water. I thought of you Smooth. Someday, I'm going to have to invite myself to your place for some of you Chinese cooking! I'm sure it is the best!

Dale, yep, 3:20:59 is the BQ for 40-44 Males. Just one more year, and my BQ drops to 3:30:59 (which, seems a lot more doable on any given day) I turn 44 a week after Boston, so I'll be 44 for Boston 2010..the last of my 3:20 BQ.

Marc,

You can come over to my kitchen for Chinese food anytime. Don't you know that when you eat Chinese food, you get hungry an hour later? It's true. I bet you were starving by the time you got back to the office.

It will be so sweet to BQ at Boston. I'm rooting for you! BELIEVE in yourself!

Marc, just one more year for me and I'll be in the age group you're in right now. I hope to BQ in 2010, but we'll see how it goes.

Nicely done, even with the big lunch.

Mark I don't know how you can run with so much food in your tummy. It was a great run anyway!

I'm glad you posted your lunch meal. I've missed eating vicariously through you. Nice eating followed by a speedy run.

great run Mark - keep up the great training another week or so and you'll be all set for Boston!

Is Darrin running it too?

Smooth, that's so funny about being hungry an hour after I eat Chinese..I actually stopped off at a vending machine on the way back to my desk after lunch and got a Milkyway bar. (I guess I left out the snack..and I washed that down with a 12-oz can of Coke..I needed the caffeine to wake me up after eating so much..it's a vicious cycle! :-)

Rhett, someone's going to go sub 3:00 at Boston, and it's not going to be me..I wonder how many people in the history of the earth have gone sub 3:00 while weighing 190+ -- I'm guessing not too many. I'll cut back a little on the calories as my miles decrease during taper.

Tim, No, Darin isn't going to Boston this year, BUT he IS thinking about trying to get into St George (you should think about joining us in October in Utah..2:45 is in your grasp there)

Kathie, practice, practice, practice! :)

Dale, you keep doing what you're doing and build up the mileage and you'll BQ.

Thanks, RivertonPaul.

Wow those are good friend if they can help you run that fast!

What no lunch report today?

Nothing like having great friends to do lunch with...O wait, you didn't do lunch, or did you? Nice to have friends go race a 10K at lunchtime. No worries about the push ups unless you're having a gun show competition with Huans32.

Nice speedy run.

Wow. Really fantastic run. That is amazing.

Holy Schmolly, 31 miles???!!! You ran an ultra-marathon just like that? Just feel like it? Man, you're amazing!! How much weigh did you drop? That was a warm day and windy too. You can take whatever Boston dish out now. You're so ready!!! See you in 3 weeks!!!

Are you kidding me? I don't even know what to say but, great job!!!

Hey Marc, check you out on the mileage board. You're #1 there. Your did your run after church; so can't even fault you on being a heathen. LOL :-D Enjoy your taper. 3 weeks today at this moment you'll be raising your arms to the thunderous cheering of the crowd as you cross under the finish clock reading 3:19:55!!! :)

Thanks, Y'all. It didn't seem like that big a deal. I didn't run the last 15 miles very hard at all. So, it was more like a hike than a run. :)

Smooth, that's hillarious that I'm leading the mileage board -- one day and 31 miles -- it won't hold for very long, as I'm in taper mode now, and plan to probably run every-other-day this week. There's a 1/2 marathon on Sunday that I'm thinking about running in Dallas. Even with a 31 mile day, I'll probably barely reach 50 miles for this week.

I lost 6 pounds during this little treck yesterday. I wish it wasn't all water weight. I was at 187.5 when I got home (after drinking at least 32 oz of water after I finished). So, I was probably down closer to 8 pounds. I'd like to keep right around 190 pounds for Boston.

You are a crazy man Marc!!!! If you end up PRing Boston you'll have to go back and get a patten on your erradic training schedule. 31 miles, wow!!!!

Talking about MP3 players, did you see in the Boston guide that headphones are no longer banned? I still won't race in them, but I found it interesting that they are only banned for those competing to win.

Yes, I have quite the erratic training schedule. I fit the miles in around the rest of my life. Gotta do, what I gotta do. Glad to know I'm in shape enough to go 50K, if ever the need arise. I feel pretty good today...but decided to take a rest day.

I guess the MP3 player rule doesn't really bother me one way or another. At Boston, there is so much external noise to keep you motivated, I don't think it's really needed. If I did run with headphones, I would probably put one headphone in, and keep the other out, so I'm totally aware of everything going on around me. I won't be bringing my MP3 player..but in a race like Park City, or some other smaller races, it might be nice to have some tunes to pass the miles. I really haven't run with music for a few years, and I don't really miss it--though sometimes I wonder if I would be able to run faster, or stay motivated through the tougher miles, if I had some music.

ooops...I pulled a Teena, and put the wrong name in the "Name" box. That last comment was from me. doh!

Nice job. You're at the top of mileage board!

Marc you are crazy...like Rhett said if you PR at Boston you need to patten this training plan!

That's funny...it's a lot harder to be at the top of the mileage board at the end of the week. :)

Kathie/Rhett, I'll be sure to publish my diet and workout plans! (BTW - I got my latest health screening results last night..I'm officially OVERWEIGHT. My BMI is 26.3. I always thought I just had big bones. :)

IMPRESSIVE!!!!!!!

No way someone could be overweight and run marathons as fast you. Did you tell the doc that you were going to run Boston in a couple weeks and that you were going for 3:20? Just think how fast you would be if you weren't a "fatty"? LOL

Ye gads. What the heck? I guess you've earned your tapper. Enjoy it. I can't wait to track everyone running Boston!!

GREAT SPEEDY RUN!!!!

How is the weather there, aside from the wind?

Great job Marc! I got my new Boston shoes on Friday and am waiting for the right run to try them out. I'll probably use them for my tempo run tomorrow and then at the 1/2 marathon on Fri, then just 1 or 2 times more before Boston. I like racing in them when they are pretty much brand new.

Sounds like a nice day to take Speedstars and Darin for a spin. What color are they? Does it match your Adidas wardrobe?

love me some new shoes

Hey Kelli - it was a little chilly today..I think it was 60 at lunch time, and about 65 after work. That's actually just about perfect for a training run, and a little warm for a race. Gotta love Texas weather..for these couple weeks of the year. The summer months (which I believe start in April) make it a little more difficult to get in the long miles--at least not during the daylight hours! :)

Rhett - I'm with you. I wore my new Speedstars all day today, to get them to conform to my foot. I'll probably run in them one or two more times, then put them in my bag for Boston. Last year I ran in a pair that I bought at the Expo on Sunday -- even though I walked around in them for about a day, they weren't quite race-ready come Monday morning. My feet weren't very happy around mile 17.

Smooth-it was a great day for running. (Tom was looking for someone to run with, and I took a peek at the "Mileage Board" and decided to add a few more miles to put me on top for another day :) My mileage is pretty pathetic compared to some of those guys up there..look at Sasha's totals. He averaged over 100 miles per week last year!!!!!! (and I only ran 18 miles last weeek). I'm pretty sporadic and squeeze in my miles whenever I find the time.

Yep..love those new Bright Yellow Speedstars. Smooth, they're not racing flats, but I'd call them light-weight, semi-cushioned, racers. Compared to my Nimbus's, they're very lightweight. They work for me.

That is perfect running weather for right now. I will be momentarily jealous! We get more snow tomorrow.

got to love new shoes! I did the same thing at TOU this year and had a great blister to show for it. Funny thing is it didn't hurt during the race, or maybe I am just so tuff I didn't notice it. :-)

The crazy thing is, you are crazy enough to think that running 40 miles this clost to Boston would be a good idea. I was reading that thinking you were out of your mind.

Good one! I was wondering when your boss would come out and say, "Dude, it's time to come to work!"

LOL love it bro. You could do a 40 miler though.

40 miles after your Sunday's 50K is nothing. Should have made it 44 miles, "double death"!!! Only a FOOL would do that to drop 9 lbs. hahaha!!! Very funny!

Rhett, In all actuality, I think someday, I will take a vacation day and actually run around my place of business for a very long training run--but not this close to an important race. People already know me as one of "those running nuts" that runs at lunch and/or after work. It's actually a pretty nice 1 mile circuit, with a nice hill in the middle.

Huans - Yep, I probably could do 40 miles. I need to find a nice 50 miler to sign up for, one of these days.

Smooth - I didn't realize "4" was a death number. That's scary, guess how old I'll be on April 30th??? Yep..double death.

edrickt - I read your bio, and my little April Fool's Joke was one of your goals for this year! 35 miles in one day is very doable. If you can run 26, you can run 35. Just take it slower, and make sure you keep hydrated and carbed..but your probably know that. I've only actually run 35+ miles once in a single 6-hour event. Good luck with your goal!

Good thing your b'day is not April 14, 1944...but you're not Chinese...so you're safe! April is a popular month for birthdays. Two of my sons and daughter-in-law have b'days in April. Hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the 30th.

I'm considering running 40 miles on my 40th birthday next Feb., but we'll see. I'll probably change my mind.

If the 50k I was going to run didn't get cencelled, I'd be running it on April 18th. I was really looking forward to that. Maybe next year.

Oh I miss the post and I know I would have totally believed you!

I felt bad about inflating my mileage, and passing a few "real runners" on the Mileage Board, so I quickly took down the 40.13 miles and replaced it with the real 6.0 miles. There are some guys (like Sasha) who do over 100 miles a week, every week! Who has the time? (even if the legs are willing) That's dedication.

So, are you gonna run 44 miles on April 30th? That would be SOME serious running 10 days post Boston!

I missed the 40, a DAY LATE!

Smooth - I ran 10 miles on my birthday last year. I'm thinking 44 might be a bit much. I might try to drink a 44 Oz beverage, though! :)

Way to go with your feelings! Taper dude taper got to love it!

Nice running, looking good for Boston. I had the same issue myself about a HM this weekend, but our weather (SNOW STORM) finalized my plans (no race).

Good luck with the taper.

Thanks, jtshad. Bummer about the snow storm. That's the problem with my procrastination -- if I had signed up months ago, it would be a no brainer, I'd go and run it. But, I put signing up...until now...I could be persuaded to go run it if I knew a few other people who would be there. I'll just run my MP 13.1 on Saturday, then I'll be too tired to even think about racing on Sunday...ok, my mind's made up. No race (save the $$).

Nice run and pace. I vote for saving the $$ and do a time trial tomorrow.

Have fun on your 13.1 miler. I'll post a report after my race.

Marc I think it is wise to save the money...and then spend it in Boston, you could buy a lot of hot dogs at the game with that money.

Way to take advantage of the wind stopping. Nice tempo run.

Nice run there Marc!!

So ... what did you decide? Did you run a half today? Are you running a half tomorrow? Are you heading to Texas? What's up???

Fun to check in and see that you are running some crazy speed!! :)

Hope you are having a GREAT weekend!

Hi Teena! I decided to save my $$ and just go out and attempt a long run on my own. Glad to hear from you!!!

10.5 is long, you beat my mileage for the entire week in one afternoon!!! Sorry about the wind, but at least you had an enjoyable day with your family yesterday. All of our soccer games were canceled---the first game of the season. My poor kids cried, really!

I hereby grant you a nap day!!!

GOOD JOB growing your own veggies. Once you've tasted a home grown tomato, you never want to eat a store bought one. WAY to conquer that wind and got your 10.5 in. It's taper time, enjoy!

Nice garden! Sounds like some serious work. Can I come over for dinner when its all being harvested? All this bad weather everywhere is for the birds. You all just need to come out to Havasu next year for our Half Marathon where the weather is great.

Great job getting out there in the wind, Marc. Yeah, what is up with all this wind? It never ends. Saturday it was blowing out of the north and today it was coming out of the south. There was still a chill to the air, but nothing like yesterday. I got a little wind burn on my face, neck and legs from the race yesterday.

Now we have that wind today too. 40MPH gusts -- that is just miserable.

I plant a garden every year. I think this is the latest I've waited to get the stuff planted. We're supposed to get a freeze tonight :(. Time to get out the tarps and cover up those little plants..hopefully they'll survive, or else I'll have to get some more plants and try again. I love fresh veggies from the Garden. Sure, Rhett, anytime, come on out.

At least my 40MPH gusts were in temperatures of 50+ degrees. It would have been much worse had it been colder...in which case, yesterday would have been a rest day. :)

We have gorgeous day here too! AWESOME run with hills. You're SO ready for them Newton Hills. 13 days!!

Nice sub MP run and on hills. That tells me you're ready to go!

You've learned from last year and will crack a good one this year, Marc!

Hey, thanks for posting your Boston08 report. It sure brings back memories. WHAT A FUN TIME we had!!! You're gonna smash your PR and totally get that sub 3:20. Think positive thoughts but NEGATIVE SPLITS!!! WooHoo! 12 days! 12 days! Boston here Marc comes!!!!!!!!! Mr. Smooth & I can't wait to see you!!!!

Thanks, all..I'm starting to get excited about Boston! It was a fun time last year -- 2009 will be a great time!

Smooth - if we're smart about hydrating, refueling, resting, etc.. in these next 11 days, we'll have quite a few Boston PRs to celebrate.

Yes, indeed. Great workout and weather.

Is it lunch time already? No wonder I am hungry.

What no menu? Did you run before or after you ate? If I ran that fast I would defiantly "see" my lunch again :-)

I'm eating a PB&J sandwhich, grapes, chips, and a 12 oz icy cold Coca-Cola!

That's an advantage of living in the Central Time Zone...I get lunch earlier!! :)

Ah, another coke fan! See, now I know not all real runners hide from Coke! I am going to go to Chick Fil A for lunch right now! Although a PB&J actually sounds great, on the whitest of white bread.

No way the best pbj is on toasted whole wheat bread with crasins instead of jelly...try it you will like it!

I'm leaning toward Kelli's PB&J -- though my lovely wife made my sandwhich on whole wheat, and I'm not one to argue.

Kelli - I DO NOT have an ideal diet by any stretch of the imagination. I should drink Diet Coke, but I'm afraid of the chemicals (maybe a little paranoid...I guess). I'm also 6'1" and weigh 196 pounds. Maybe soon, I'll start taking my diet a little more seriously! :)

HOLY SMOKE! Those are some SPEEDY Yasso's. I read this month's RW the last article on "Intervals", excerpt from Once a Runner. Man, I feel like a snail doing my Yasso's. May be I should have pushed it a little harder. My philosophy is: run the minimal effort and mileage to get the job done. Is that wimpy or what?

K, your lunch doesn't sound substantial enough for a 6'1" 196 lb boy. You need two pounds of Chinese food AFTER the speedwork.

2:52!!!!! That is about a 5:45 pace. Nice. Now quit running so fast so you'll be rested in 12 days.

Hey Smooth - that's my philosophy, too. You've probably doubled my mileage in the past 2 months. I'm just playing catch-up to you! :)

2 pounds of Chinese food sounds really good right now.

Rhett - when I was running that last one, I was thinking "Rhett ran this pace at the end of a half marathon!" It's a little late to be doing a full set (10) of Yassos, or improving speed, or hill conditioning, so I'll be taking it easy from here until April 20th.

I LOVE white bread. I was talking to a neighbor once and said that I could not even buy it because it is like crack to me! My kids overheard me. So, my kids always beg me to buy crack bread. I do occasionally, but we live on wheat as well.

Oh, I am a diet coke drinker. I never met a chemical I was afraid of. I am more afraid my teeth will not be so white after all of this diet coke.

Kathie, the bread with craisins does sound good, I will have to try it out.

Great job man. Your going to do so awesome in Boston. Great interval workout.

2:52!!! Are you out of your mind??? That is so so so SWEET!!! Be careful though ... Boston is right around the corner ... no fluke injuries!!

2:52!!! AWESOME YASSO!!

Kelli - I prefer white bread, too, but it's been in-"grainged" in us for so many years that whole wheat is so much better for us, that I rarely have any white bread at all. :(

Hey TEENA! It was so fun to run on a nice rubberized track and to actually lift my feet more than a couple inches off the ground (my marathon stride is rather efficient, not real speedy, but efficient). It was great to get up on my toes for a change and just run! Some day, I'll have to see if I can run a fast 800 or 1600 all-out..but not 'til after Boston.

Crack bread, we never buy it wither. It is sad.

I fly to Boston a week from today! I know what you mean by so much to do. I'm getting so excited but nervous too. It will be SO SO SO SO fun to see you and the gang.

Wow that is coming up fast! I can't wait to read everyone's race reports... they are more like party reports with a race thrown in.

Wish I was going...

The morning of Saturday the 18th I'll be going Canyonlands with my dad to explore some areas that we haven't been to for 20 years. We are REALLY excited. I better make sure to program my DVR to record the marathon Monday morning.

Marc, I was reading about those crazy winds and fires. I hope it doesn't affect you much.

Smooth - I'm more nervous about the weather than I am about my running. I know WE have done all the training and I really hope the weather gives us a chance to go for PRs.

Kathie - Yep, Boston is a party. I'll take lots of pictures!

Dale - Canyonlands sounds like fun. I'd like to get out there and do a little exploring myself someday. Have fun with your datd.

Rhett - The sky was very hazy from the smoke on Thursday. No fires came very close to me -- the closest was about 10 miles away. I'm on 15 acres, and we did have a fire come through my property in 1996...usually, if you keep the dry brush and grass cut short, you'll be OK. Stuff is turning green now, so the fire danger is diminishing every day. Expecting rain tonight..that will be most welcomed!

Hey Marc...Yep, Canyonlands is a special place for me and my dad. We used to go there two or three times each year for several years, but then they closed off all of our camp sites that we would frequent. Now we're re-discovering the erea. Our main focus on this trip is to visit Aztec Butte. It has some pretty cool indian ruins on top of it.

AWESOME dress rehearsal. What a confidence booster to have 14 miles of those fast pace. YOU ARE SO SO SO SO SO READY for that sub 3:20 at Boston. Can you believe we'll be watching the Red Sox at Fenway a week from now? YaHOO!!! HAPPY EASTER to you and your family!

I celebrate with chocolate!

That is a seriously fast "training" run. How do you people do that?? Really, it never ceases to amaze me when I see splits like that on a regular old run. you are going to do so GREAT in Boston, I wish I was going to be there to cheer everyone on.

HOW do you suck on a jolly rancher and run? I tried it during my first marathon and almost choked. I can barely chew gum and run. But it would be so nice to have something in my mouth to keep it from getting so dry, I need to figure that out

Great run Marc, now get those legs rested and ready to do it for 26.2. Have a great Easter. My wife was just reminding me that I get to stay up and stuff plastic eggs with candy tonight. Tomorrow will be fun with the kids.

Smooth - That's right. My first ever BoSox game in a week. How cool is that?!

Kelli - it was just one of those days. They happen occasionally, and sure, I probably should have followed all the books and run about :30 slower than MP, but my MP long run last week was less than stellar (due to high wind), so I wanted to build my confidence and get a good run behind me. Re: the Jolly Rancher--I have a big mouth, and I just put it in my cheek and suck on it..I wouldn't recommend it in a 5K or 10K--too much really heavy breathing, but at marathon pace, it's not too bad. I usually get about 3 or 4 miles out of one. It's probably not very good for the teeth. Some people chew gum..I don't want to tire out my jaw doing that. I started using Jolly Ranchers when a stranger handed me one at about the 10 mile marker in my first half marathon -- it gave me a big boost of energy, when I needed it most (psychological? Probably mostly)

Thanks, Rhett -- Happy Easter to you and yours, too. Yep, I've got Easter Egg duty tonight, too. I'm not sure who is more excited, me or the kids. :)

Yeah, I have heard that about Jolly Ranchers. I need to master the art.

You did have a great run, and who cares what the books say? If it felt good, than go with it.

You need to post your BIB number like Smooth did so we can track you while you are in Boston and the rest of us sit at home patiently awaiting reports!!!!

Kelli -- My Boston info is to the left.

Was all that there before and I overlooked it? THANKS---I was wondering if we could watch it. Now, if I am home, I will be glued to the computer. Hopefully my kids will just leave me alone for a few hours!

Marc - great run! Have NO doubts in your mind. You ARE ready. Now, just do it. I can't wait to hear the reports.

Tim

Kelli - yep, it was sort of there, you had to scroll down and look real hard for it...but I bold-ized it and put it near the top.

Tim - Thanks! I'll be focused like you were at Boston last year. 3:20 is going down!

Marc, how's the taper coming this week? Are you behaving yourself and not running much? I can't believe I will be leaving for Boston in 3 days!!!!

Rhett - I'm doing pretty well. I skipped 2 days in a row, and ran a pretty good tempo 5 miler today...no more sub 8:00 miles from here until Monday!

Oh, goody! The rest of us will take this chance to be a little faster then! Enjoy your slow week!!!

Kelli - you most certainly can! (I need to read your blog updates to find out what you did about the blisters)

Hey Speedy! Nice lunchtime run AGAIN!!!

Do you "owe" tax? I'd put it off too if I had to pay. LOL! I am glad you're feeling good in taper mode. See you in 4 days!!!!!

Great run! Less than a week to the BIG SHOW! you are so ready... Next year I hope to be there as well!

Marc, I'm a procrastinator, too. If I didn't work for the IRS I probably would have waited until now, too. I got mine done a couple of weeks ago. Every year, starting in January, they remind us on a weekly basis to get our taxes done and paid by the 15th of April. They ALWAYS stress that we could lose our jobs if we don't. Very stressful.

Have a great run Saturday. You all help inspire me to pick things back up after vacation.

I stand corrected, great run Monday.

Smooth - I think they owe me (or at least they will by the time I'm done :). I put it off every year..there always seems to be more urgent things to do, so I wait, and wait,..and before i know it, it's April 14th!!!

Kathie - I hope you're there next year, too. I need to requalify for next year, so I'll need to get another 3:20:59 or better sometime this year. I'm hoping for Monday!

Dale - you work for the IRS? Cool.

RP - Welcome back from DC. Great pictures on your blog. I probably won't run on Saturday (we're going to the Sox game). I know most races are on Saturdays, Boston is always on a Monday :) (Patriots' Day)

Yep, I work for the IRS. I finally let the cat out of the bag. LOL!!!

Let me state that at the Ogden IRS Center, we only handle business returns and I work in the pension plan department. So there, now nobody can have bad feeling about me because I work at the IRS....Unless, of course, you have problems with your pension plans....LOL

Oh Good, now I know who to bug if I ever have problems with my pension plans...is that Social Security or Insecurity?

Insecurity....

I FINISHED MY INCOME TAX RETURN!!!! WOOHOOO! (I can now afford one or two extra souvenirs from Boston)

Sweet!!!

Or extra dessert!

Smooth ...

I hate to break up the party but you need to go to bed and get some rest!! :)

Oh yeah ... nice job getting your taxes done Marc!!

Oops! Busted!!

Marc, nice easy run at such a fast pace. For me, an easy run is about a minute slower than MP not a minute faster!!!! Quit running so fast. We only have 5 days till the big day and you need to be rested.

That's right, Smooth and Rhett, I promised to buy your dessert if you PR at Boston. I think I can cover that now. :)

Rhett, running strong is part of taper madness. As you skip a day or two, you start to wonder if you still know how to run...I'm slowing down. I'll probably only run 4 or 6 more miles on Thursday or Friday at about 8:00/mi. That's my taper! :)

Alright, RivertonPaul, how did you manage to Edit a post? You must have some super secret password. I've tried in the past, but without success. Glad to have you back.

Hey, that's good thinking about the packing. I haven't found any cheap air mattresses either. I guess they don't have fire pits like at SGM start. Hmmm, 19mph wind. Too bad I am not in your corral; or I could draft off of you! LOL! Whatever the day brings; we will have a great time! See you in 3 days!!!

I'm betting that wind direction will shift just enough for you guys...

Marc,

I am so so so so so so excited to track you at Boston!!

Have a blast and rip it up!!!

(one hundred million and seventeen smiley faces)

It's yours baby!!

Sending good karma your way. Maybe someday Huans and I will be able to join the gang in Boston!!!

I was just making my list of things to pack as well. With the prospect of bad weather I have to pack a lot more stuff. Hopefully it will all fit into a carry-on. I don't want to check any bags.

Smooth..there will be plenty of people to draft off of. :-) The weather forecast changes hourly. I'm preparing for whatever.

Tim - I hope you're right!

Teena - Thanks!!!!!! :-)

MiisFIT - April 2010.

Rhett - I hear you. Because I have a connecting flight (and my airline charges per bag), I'm trying to fit everything in a gym bag and a carryon. I'll be sure to have some room for some extras coming home. I really wish I would have ordered that Boston backpack--I'll probably pick one up at the expo. See ya Saturday - Safe travels!

Good luck Marc!!! I hope you read this before you go!

Hey, when are you heading out? I'll be picking up TomSlick in 5 hr. 45 min. Bags are 95% packed. See you tomorrow.

Have a safe trip Marc. Cant wait to read the reports.

Have a most excellent experience. I'm impressed at your thoughtful planning, as well.

Okay, still no race report. I guess you are BUSY!

YOU ROCKED!!!!!!!!!! And then ROCKED some more!!!!!!!!

Great job! You stuck with the plan and it payed off.

Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your experience on the blog. Your awesome experience gets me excited about qualifying. Thanks again!

YEAH for a PR!!! That is awesome that you were able to pull it off and that everything came into perfect play for you. You were very prepared. Thanks for the report. Now I REALLY want to be there. Whether Scott gets his BQ or not (but I have faith he will), I WILL be there. I am not missing another party.

Anyway, great job! I sent all my good vibes to Boston Monday morning for you guys. Glad you are back and safe. Happy running!!!

Marc, you ran a perfect race. You couldn't have paced it any better. Just think how fast you are going to be at SGM with a little gravity on your side. You're going to be moving up a few corrals. Thanks for helping make this years Boston and incredible experience.

Marc, congratulations on the PR!!! You always put so much thought and preparation into your races. It's no wonder you always run the times you predict. I missed tracking all of you online because I was on the road with my dad, but I was really excited to see how everyone did once I got home.

Is your next race the El Scorcho 50k in July?

AWESOME JOB BRO!!! You nailed that one right on the head. Excellent job and great report. That is awesome getting a PR and meeting up with all our friends. Its even better knowing that your going to be there again next year. I cant wait to go to the big party with you all. What great motivation!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!

Marc you are AWESOME! Congrats on PR'ing! Hopefully with a lot of hard work, determination and a little bit of luck Huans and I will be there with ya'll next year :)

Wonderful report. I'm so impressed with your preparations and planning. Way to go.

Marc...I'm going to take a break from running and the blog for a while to get my family in order.

You made a very smart plan and executed it perfectly. Congratulations on the PR.

Way to go! Awesome!

I thought i had already posted here...so many blogs I get so confused then again i am an old lady.

Anyway great race and now you can run all the rest of your races for fun now that you have qualified!

Marc,

I have to say that watching your splits while I was tracking you truly gave me a bit of cross-training. I was getting so stinkin' nervous there at the end.

YOU DID SO AWESOME!!!

Seriously, you really know how to execute a plan. One of these days I am going to talk you into coming up with some perfect plan for a race for me!

Seriously ... that was so so SO AMAZING!!!

I appreciate all the kind words..I've been so busy trying to catch up after this weekend. I'm sorry I haven't had the time to respond to everyone. I REALLY do appreciate all of you.

It's now Thursday night (Friday morning) and I'm feeling pretty good. Quads are still a little sore.

Pictures are posted now at www.marathonfoto.com

Last name: Elliott

bib: 8634

Not great, but not too bad. I think Rhett has the most pictures of any of us!

Here's my pictures from the weekend...

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=fkgtpo7.bm2jrhqr&x=0&y=4vatyx&localeid=en_US&cm_mmc=site_email-_-site_share-_-core-_-view_photos_button

COOL pictures! I almost felt like I was there, almost. But it sure did look like fun.

So, I recognized Smooth and her brother, husband, and, son and maybe Rhett?? Who else was I looking at???

I need to mail my hotel form in today for 2010! I keep forgetting. But 2010 sounds so far away.

Congratulations on BQing at Boston and setting a PR on a tough course! Thanks for the great report.

Kelli - I think you got everyone mostly covered. Do you know Marcie Nielsen or Lloyd Hansen (Tom Slick)?

You need to stay at the Radisson..it's very convenient to everything, and that's where the party is!!

JeffC - I hope you're planning to BQ at SGM (or sooner this year). I'll plan to go for about 3:15 at SGM (if I get in), and would like to run with you and Huans -- at least for a while.

Nope, I do not know those two.

Teena e-mailed me the top 5 choices and those are what I turned in. BUT, I once again forgot to mail it. DANG IT! Tomorrow.

Marc, I would like you to pace me to a BQ. A 3:15:59 at SGM should be easy after a 3:19 at Boston. Plus I know you are a professional pacer now too after Cowtown. Depending on how the training goes this summer I plan to be ready for a BQ on October 3rd.

Sign me up for that pacer too.:) No tuna sandwiches for me from subway on the way down this time.:)

Marc!!!!

I'm late in reading your race report!

A HUGE HUGE CONGRATS to your AWESOME PR!!!

You worked harder and planned more precisely than anyone I know. You nailed your PR to the tee! WAY to plan your race and race your plan!!!

I tried to make a wristband from the link you gave us; but for some reason it didn't work. You are a tech GENIUS!

I LOVE the pics. THANK YOU for taking and sharing them. You are a BRILLIANT photojournalist as well!

THANK YOU for making Boston so fun and great in more ways than one.

Larry printed out the Marathon Tour form from the hotel the very next day and made me send it in with a check right there and then. WHAT a great and memorable time experiencing Boston with you and the gang!!!! Hope you make the lottery and I'll see you in St. George!

JeffC - for sure. You, Huans, and me -- sub 3:16 at SGM this year (assuming I get in). I just need to stay in shape and not injure myself in the next 6 months.

Huans32 - I'll help pace you to BQ at SGM, but you need to pace your Mrs. to her BQ before then somewhere. We need to get both of you in..how cool would that be to celebrate your 1 year anniversary in Beantown!?

Smooth - you and Larry make any marathon more fun! It was great meeting Jeffers and Gary. That is so cool that Larry already wants you to go back again. He's the coolest. We should have a few more buddies with us next year. Teena, Kathie (who WILL BQ..but I hope Kimmie does, too), Mrs. and Mrs. Mark-O, Kelli and Scott, and lots more, I'm sure. It'll be great!

Don't melt. :)

95 already! I need to train in the heat more but that is killer. If you don't melt in the heat you should come run the Wasatch Back you would do great!

Marc could probably run the entire distance by himself.

Hah! Someday I'll get out there for that..maybe the Wasatch Front 100 miler would be a great challenge for me.

Hey Marc...If you ever do the Wasatch Front 100 mile I could pace you late in the race because by then you'll be running my speed. That would be an amazing experience.

Someday I'd like to run 24 hours of Moab.....Alpine to Slickrock looks fun, too.

LOL I really dont see you having trouble running at any distance though Marc. Which do you like best though? 5k, half, fulls or ultras so far?? I only ask so I can focus on one to beat you at.:) I could sure use a drink in bean town next year or even at SG:)

Looks like you're getting those sore muscles healthy again. I wish I had run fast enough to have sore muscles. I can't believe how hot it is there already, although it was 103 here when I got home from Boston. It's a dry heat though.

That is HOT. YIKES. I can not run in that kind of heat, ever!!!

Back from a nice camping trip with the boys and a bunch of friends from our church. Good times!

Kathie - Aren't there a few hills in the Wasatch Back Relay? :-) I'm a flat-lander, from sea-level--not so sure it would work out too well. When is that race anyways? Is it during summer vacation? (are the kids out of school by then...it might make for a fun family vacation)

Dale - sure you could run with me. I'm sure you'd do much better in the mountains than I would. (Though I did enjoy running Park City last year...not exactly the same, but some elevation to it). Maybe I'll go for 24-hours this fall (www.ultracentric.com). I ran the 6-hour race 2 years ago...I'm very curious as to how far I'd get in a full 24. I'll never know til I try!

Huans32 - that's a tough question. I like all distances for different reasons. They're all fun! Marathons are a lot of work -- a lot of preparation. You can do a half marathon on 20 miles per week. 5Ks are over quickly. I like them all. I think the half marathon is probably my current favorite distance..and the one I feel I could improve the most on. I need to go for sub 1:30 sometime, before I'm too old.

Rhett...you ran 3:08 and didn't have any sore muscles!!! Sheesh! 103..uggg.

Hey Marc...I think the Wasatch Back Relay is a week before the Utah Valley Marathon.

I was actually going to attempt the Ogden Valley 50 miler this fall, but it falls on the same weekend that my wife is running the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francsico, so that's out. Maybe next year.

Hey Mr. PR.!!! That's a pretty darn good 5.66 and fast splits to boot! Hope the kids' soccer game co-operates. Are you gonna make a pace band for your 10K to go sub-40? :-D

I've been eating like a horse too. I sure can go for one of them Surf & Turf right now. 357.5 days!!!

LOL fast miles for sure speedy. Didnt you just run a marathon??? Great job on that speedy workout.

It is OK that you run weird miles, I understand you are just that kind of guy. but really you could have gone just .04 of a mile to make it an even 5.7? Is that too much to ask? :) :) :)

I can only dream of being able to run splits that fast - wow!!!!

MARCE....you just BQ'd at Boston, what are you gonna do now? I'm gonna run a 10K! You are the man!

I'm with Kathie, only I'm worse, just wrap the run up on a nice round number please, is that too much to ask? Nice run by the way, MP miles already, did you clear that with Slick first?

You all crack me up.

It's time for every-other-day runs and time to catch up on the honey-do's around the house. Marathon training is quite the commitment..especially in the last 2 months leading up to the big day. It's time to relax, regroup and figure out what's next.

If I run on Saturday, I'll probably only do the 5K -- as my boys have a 10AM soccer game that I might be able to get to if I run, finish, jump in the car and go! It'll stink having to leave before knowing the results. But, the chances of an AG award are pretty slim, especially this early after running a marathon. Not sure if I could go sub 21:00 in a 5K by Saturday..but that would be a nice challenge.

I'll try to round up the miles from now on (but it is kind of fun to erk my OCD friends :))

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to YOU! HaPpY BiRtHdAy tO YoU! HaPpY BiRtHdAy DeAr MaRc...HaPpY BiRtHdAy To YoU!!!! 44 ROCKS! Eat lotsa icecream and cake AFTER you run 44K. :-D

HAVE A GREATEST FANTASTIC DAY!!!!

Happy birthday, Marc!!! I hope you have a great time with your family.

Can I come??? Wait, it is too hot there, never mind!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, I hope it is the best evening ever.

NICE birthday present to yourself...great tradition. I think I'll put a decimal to the number...so for my 54th birthday next year, I will run 5.4 miles. How's that?

Your sweet wife sure knows a way to a man's heart...grill him some juicy steaks.

HAVE a GREAT BIRTHEVENING!!!! AWESOME 44!!!

Happy Birthday Marc! Hope you have a great time tonight.

Happy b-day. Same day as my beautiful and adorable wife!

Thanks, all! It was a good day.

Kelli - yep, it's too hot in Texas!

Smooth - good idea. Though 4.4 miles didn't seem like quite enough. 10.0 was a nice round, fairly challenging distance. I'll try to stick with it!

Andy - Thanks. I did. While me and the boys were camping last weekend, my darling wife took a bunch of my old race event shirts, and made a quilt! Very cool!

RP - Happy B-day to MrsRP!!

How did I miss this post again...You must post after my 8:30 bed time!

I hope you had a great day... thank you for running an even 10, you know the 4.4 would kill me!

MARC!!!!

How did I miss your birthday yesterday!!!! I remember when it was your birthday last year!!! Crazy how fast time flies.

No way am I going to believe you when you say you are 44!! YOU LOOK AWESOME!!!

Hope you, your darling wife, kids and friends celebrated big time!!

Happy Birthday (one day late)!! :) :) :) :)

yeah man, happy birthday!

Kathie - no problem, I've been a little more sporadic in my posting since Boston -- I'm not training as intensely, so it's a little tougher to get on her and blog. I did the 10 instead of 4.4 for you OCD types! :)

Teena - you're too kind! Remember, you've never seen me up close before--I'm sure I look all of 44, and then some! :-)

Timbo! - Thanks, bro!

I am not sure how to take the swine flu deal. All I know is I washed my hands really good at the movie theater last night and I used a paper towel to open the door. I also use a ton of disinfectant at the gym! But I don't think I will lock my self away and not go any where.

Stupid swine flu.

Great run!!!

Kathie - It's probably a good habit to have and teach the kids..even if they never come across swine flu, there's lots of other germs out there!!! I should have bought stock in hand sanitizer! :-)

Kelli - Thanks!

Marc,

How did the baseball and soccer games go??

Every single one of my kids' games got canceled due to rain!!

Don't they know runners like you are too fast for the piggy flu to catch you? LOL

Hope you had fun with your boys' soccer and baseball.

Teena, they canceled the games??? As long as there is not lightening, the games go on! We had all of ours. I wish they had been canceled!

The baseball game was going pretty well. I think Ethan's team was ahead when we had to leave, to get to the soccer game. Ethan's 6 and it's his first year of baseball -- he wants to quit because he can't seem to get a hit in any of the games. Today he made good contact with the ball, and got thrown out at first. But, I think it might have sparked a little confidence in him to stick with it.

Both my boys are on the same soccer team. Today was the last day of their Spring season. I think they tied. It was fun. It rained quite a bit around here today -- but we got in the games, and I got the yard mowed, and planted some flowers and veggies between downpours.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you as well!!!

That is one heck of a pace for a 50k!!!

Watch it when you say: hardly break a sweat at 8-9 pace. I break more than a sweat at that pace. :) Hey, you can always fly to Utah and stay with me if you want to do some of the Utah races before your 50K in July.

Keeping my fingers and toes cross for you too on SGM '09. Have a great week.

Man I am counting on you getting into SGM this year. This year will be my year of BQing down there. And you got to be there to make it all happen. No pressure.:) Good luck man.

I remember you talking about Jo! Glad you two still run together. :)

Yes ... you need to get into SGM and so do I!!! Maybe there is some type of ritual or sacrifice that will better our odds! :)

Hey Marc...If you ever happen to be in Utah at the end of March, You, Mark-O and I should run the Buffalo Run 50 miler. They also have a 50k and 25k option and they're all run on Antelope Island.

Good luck, I hope you're selected for SGM.

You go "old man!" I love how kids think they can beat us just because we are old. Someone has to put them in their place! WOW, you did it good and fast!!!!!

Kelli - a 50K is only a 5 mile cool-down beyond a marathon! :-) There are some fast whipper-snappers out there..I know Zachary will beat me soon. Just trying to prolong that day--and it think it makes him work harder to get schooled by the old fogeys!

Smooth - that is SOOOO kind of you to invite me to stay with you to run a marathon or two in Utah. I might just take you up on it! (I hope Larry's cool with you inviting a guy you met on the internet to stay with you :)

Huans - I've got a good feeling about getting in this year. We're going sub 3:16 in October!

Teena - I didn't realize you weren't one of those locals that runs the Series to get in. So you're sweating out the lottery, too? Don't know of any rituals to get us in, but I'm pretty sure Tom Slick my have some sort of incriminating photos of the race director (he got in 10 straight years...somehow or other :) Jo's been slacking on her running lately. She's an aerobics/spin/abs teacher at our on-site fitness center. She's in amazing shape, but if you don't run for a while, you lose the speed. She'll be back...though she's only going to run 1/2 marathons from now on...so she says!

Dale - Thanks for the offer. 50 miles..that sounds like a fun day (or two) of running for us. Is Antelope Island at a high elevation (I might have to stick to sea-level for a run of that distance..if I ever decide to give it a shot)

Marc...It's at Great Salt Lake level...LOL....It actually is out in the middle of the lake. Pretty cool.

Of course Larry's cool about it. You're not SOME guy I met on the internet. He loves my Boston buddies!!! We have two guest rooms so you can bring the whole family. Utah Valley Marathon is on June 20 in Provo. That's 30 miles to my house. You can still sign up. Bryce Canyon 1/2 is July 18; you may want to make a family vacation out of that one in the Bryce Canyon State Park, awesome Utah vacation destination.

Marc, is that the 50K that rou ran at night? I really should start running farther than 26.2 and then maybe, just maybe the 26.2 would seem shorter and easier.

I too hope you get into SG we will all be holding our breath until we know. Hickgirl and I are in through the series so we are breathing easy.

If people are coming to visit and run, we will of course need to have a party.

Dale - OK, so SLC is what about 4000 ft above sea-level? That's doable.

Smooth - you're making it very tempting. Not sure what you might be asking for. My children are little angels, but still... I'll definitely give it some thought (even if I DO get into St George)

Rhett - Yep, that's the one. It starts at midnight. Pretty crazy, but that's the only time you'd want to run in the middle of summer in Ft Worth, Texas! Give it a try..after your PF has healed. I can't say it will make 26.2 seem easier, though.

Kathy - that's great that you and Hickgirl are in through the Runner's Series..I could have signed up for that, but by the time I factored in travel expenses, etc..I might just as well buy a charity slot. :)

Kelli - Party for sure! At least a pre-race carboloading dinner, and post-race pig-out!

enjoy it while you can! :)

nice double

From the looks of things you have a few friends who hope you get into STG, go figure :)

Oh Marc ... I just read your part II - you're hilarious!!!

So where are your posts for Tuesday and Wednesday?

What's up???

LOL that it will be. I dont know how you can train so well in those temps.

I hear you loud and clear Marc, minus the humidity of course.

Marc, You are one tough dude!!!

85 degrees I think I would melt for sure. Do you ever get used to it...I am sure you must.

When I got home from work last night it was 102. I think when I get to start running again, I will stick with morning runs for a while, till October.

Wow, that's running in sauna. You must come to run in Utah!

I can not run in 85 degrees. I have never experienced humidity, but it sounds painful!

So, kudos to you. I would be veggin' on my couch instead.

85 degrees already??? What's up with Texas???

We'll find out about SG so soon!!! Keep your fingers crossed for us both!!

Hey Marc, I might be interested in that...Let me get back to you.

I love that area my mothers family lives near there and we would go camping almost every summer as kids up there! I know you will have a great time and it will be a beautiful race!!!!

That is awesome. Free offer to run?? Are you going to be doing it as a pacer again?? There has to be a catch. LOL very tempting though none the less.

I also overate this weekend, oh well.

Dale - I'll sign you up as the other entrant. You'll need to find your own room, though. I'll find out where we're staying (bringing the whole family--5 of us)

Kathie - Cool! That just sealed the deal. I've loved Colorado every time I've visited. I've never been to Steamboat.

Huans - Yep, I figured there is always a catch. No timeshare sales pitches, etc.. from what I can tell. They're just trying to drum up local business -- they expect we'll eat at the restaurants and spend money on other stuff while there.

That is awesome though if it is just to get you up there for more people to come. You do seem to like to travel to do races and that is awesome.

Sounds like it will be a fun race and June is always a good time to get out of Texas and up into the mountains.

Sorry, Marc...I just saw this after I sent you that email. Oops. Yeah, maybe you better see if someone else would like that entry. I don't want to risk injury by running two marathons in six days. WHAT was I thinking? Thanks, though. I probably would have done it if I wasn't already committed to running Utah Valley.

How did you get those free entries, by the by?

Did you get in to ST GEORGE???????????

Just looked at the SGM lottery results, looks like you are in Marc....NICE!

Congrats on making the SGM lottery! WooHOO!

Yeah, MARC!!!!!

WOOT WOOT WOOT We are doing SG!!!!! No ditching me at the porta potty this time man. We are going 3:15:59 or less!!!!!!!!

Yep...I got into SGM!!!! It's bitter-sweet, Teena didn't get in. :(

Dale, Yes, 6 days might be a little too soon for back-to-back marathons. Probably a wise choice not to do it..though, I'll be sure to give you a call if/when we roll through your neck of the woods. A guy from where I work won the entries, but couldn't use them..and knew I ran marathons, and offered the trip to me. Nice guy.

Huans32 - Yep, 3:15:59 or better for sure. This is going to push our limits, but we'll train hard and run it smart, and it will be done...that goes for you too Jeff C!

Oh, Teena will (and I think HAS) found a way!!!!

Congrats. I didn't get a bid for St. George. Going to run Top of Utah instead. You'll hit your goal, for sure.

Oh Yeah!!!! Its great to see we got in. And sounds like Teena will get in the hard way but still in. Mentioned the idea of running that Steamboat Marathon to the wife. And she said go for it if I wanted to. So are you planning on running that one for sure??

Very cool, Marc!

Huans32 - I'm going to fax in my entry forms today. If you're serious about running Steamboat, I'll email you the form and you can fax it in..as my travel partner. Let me know. Then we can figure out where to stay, etc..

I say "Steamboat Springs here we come!"

Party in October for sure!!!!! I am so glad you got in!!!!

Three mile on a full stomach doesn't sound fun at all.

Sweet!!! Sure send me the form and we will do this. Sounds like it will be a beautiful run and if its anything like PC a quick recovery too.

Hey Jun, that's a bummer about St George. I was going to do TOU if I didn't get in.

Thanks, Kathie. It sounds like we're going to have quite a crowd of forumites meeting in October.

Sounds like a good plan. You're training so much smarter than me! So excited that you got in SGM.

Sounds like a good plan. Way cool that you got into SGM. It's gonna be a big ol' party

No big goals, huh? That is the best way to go, I think. Far more enjoyable!

And YEAH for you and St George!!! The FEW of us who get to be there will have to have a BIG party.

Marc I can't wait for your race report you always write the best ones!!!!

Hey Kathie, I thought I wrote the best reports!!! Just kidding.

Luckily you are already in great shape from Boston. It will be fun to run Steamboat without a major time goal.

Nice job getting back at it.

Nice job on the 4 in a row Marc!! Can't believe June is that close? Yikes!!!

You'll figure out what to do. You are "THE PLANNER."

Hope you're having a great day!! :) :) :) :)

Nice pace and still able to converse. Well done. You are getting more fit all the time.

I'm such a wuss when it comes to running in the heat. Good for you!

who builds their own pool??? dang impressive...

I feel your pain with the weight gain...one of these days I will be at "race weight" Hopefully it will be around SGM time.

Nice to get a good run in.

Dang Mark, I think you could go a month without running and you still wouldn't lose any fitness. It's weird, I always seem to lose a couple of pounds when I don't run for a few days.

Nice work!!! And I am glad the humidity cooperated for a day.

It must have taken you all day to read those reports!! Some people are so long winded....geesh!

Sounds like it was a beautiful day for a run. Can you believe it's only been 1 month since Boston, tomorrow? It sure seems like forever since I've run. I don't know if I've ever gone this long without running.

Kathie - I'm not sure what "race weight" is. I feel faster when I'm lighter, but I feel like I have more endurance when I'm heavier--I must be using my fat reserves!

Dale - Not me. I run less, but eat the same. You do the math! :)

Kelli - I enjoyed every word of those race reports. Definitely not as painful to read as they were to run. I trust you and Scott are recovering nicely?

Rhett - Yep, it's been a month. I saw a few little leaguers at dinner tonight wearing Boston Red Sox uniforms, and it reminded me of our trip to Fenway. Time flies!

Yes, recovering well--thanks for askin'! I just ran 2 blocks!! And Scott signed up to run another marathon in one month. Apparently he is too recovered, his brain has already forgotten the hours in the medical tent. MEN!

Have a great evening!!!

I didn't know that there was even such a day!!! Any chance they will celebrate it at the University???

Enjoy your mile walk!!

(You are already so stinkin' fit!!!) :)

Awesome, Marc...You're are probably walking as I write this.

LOL 1 slow mile. LOL I love it. Great job man.

So if you run the mile will they take points off? I guess you need to start somewhere...take it easy out there don't hurt yourself.

MArc - our site did that too. I totally forgot that it was today. I can't believe it is the 20th of May I guess.

It was awesome. They had a cooler of water, towels, yogurt and muffins...all that for a 1 mile walk! :-) They did give away some raffle prizes -- I won a coffee mug.

AP: ~16:00