"By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail"

114th Boston Marathon

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Location:

Springtown,TX,USA

Member Since:

Feb 02, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

Firsts:

  • First marathon - White Rock, Dallas, December 2005 (4:01)
  • First BQ - St George, 2007 (3:20)
  • First Boston - 2008 (3:30)
  • 1st Place Clydesdale - Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon - 4/2007
  • 1st Place Ultracentric 6-Hour Champ 2007 - 38.75 miles
  • 1st Time Leading Pace Group, Cowtown '09 (3:39:41)
  • 1st Place Overall, Porcupine Promenade 5K (20:10) - 4/2011
  • 1st Trail Race. Grasslands Half Marathon. 1st Overall Masters (1:53) - 3/2013
  • Leadville LT100 MTB '16 - on a mountain bike, but the toughest challenge, so far!

Marathons Run (27):

  • Dallas White Rock ('05, '07,'09,'14)
  • Chicago ('06, '08)
  • OK City Memorial ('07)
  • St George ('07,'09,'11)
  • Waco Miracle Match ('07)
  • Ft Worth, Cowtown ('08, '09,'10,'11,'12,'13,'15**)
  • Boston ('08 '09*, '10, '13)
  • Park City ('08)
  • San Antonio Rock 'n Roll ('08)
  • Steamboat ('09)
  • Utah Valley ('10)
  • Houston ('12)
  • * - PR

Ultras (3):

  • Ultracentric 6-Hours ('07 - 38.75 mi)
  • El Scorcho 50K, Ft Worth (('08, '09)

PRs:

  • 5K - 19:27 (6/2008)
  • 10K - 41:49 (5/2008)
  • 15K - 1:04:14 (9/2011)
  • Half Marathon - 1:33:12 (1/2011)
  • Marathon - 3:19:47 (Boston 4/2009)
  • 50K - 4:35:53 (7/2008)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Keep injury-free.

2016 Races

Ft Worth Cowtown Half Marathon

Long-Term Running Goals:

Be age-group competitive for many years!

Have fun running!

Make some great friends along the way!

Personal:

Married to the same wonderful woman since March 1988. 3 adorable kids.

Look for me at www.facebook.com (I'll be your friend)

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Asic Nimbus 8 Lifetime Miles: 502.00
VFF Trek Lifetime Miles: 98.10
Kohls Asics Lifetime Miles: 234.74
Asic Trailshoes Lifetime Miles: 82.36
Nike Air Lifetime Miles: 10.00
Saucony Lifetime Miles: 508.16
Brooks Ravena Lifetime Miles: 117.75
Asic (orange) Lifetime Miles: 83.75
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
56.3055.32111.62
Addidas Supernova Miles: 35.32Speedstar 4 Miles: 73.30VFF Trek Miles: 3.00
Weight: 191.36
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.002.005.00

Lunch run w/ Darin. I wasn't feeling quite so spunky today..due in part to my spin class last night, and part due to the 20 MPH steady south wind. Not a bad run overall. Wore the Supernovas (they feel like boat anchors compared to the VFFs or Speedstars).

AP: 7:41

75F, 20-26MPH S, Sunny

 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 5.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(5)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
19.000.0019.00

Met Corey and Lana at the Lake Weatherford Marina at 7:30. Ran one lap around the lake w/ them at about 9:35 / mi (8.5) miles. Ran the next lap alone, at about 8:30/mi -- added another few miles running through the neighborhoods around the lake. It was a great morning for a run (cool and low wind). Finished with 51 miles for the week...probably my longest week all year!

Speedstar 4 Miles: 19.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments(10)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.005.006.00

Lunchtime run w/ Darin. I was a little worried that my left ankle might slow us down (I rolled it a little on Saturday's run...and it's been a little tender since then). But, once we started moving, it loosened up and all was good. Brutal wind again, but a little warm today. Taking 2 days off after Saturday's long run was probably a good idea. Today's run felt really good.

80F, S 20-30MPH, Sunny

AP: 7:28

(7:44,7:14,7:20,7:24,7:57,7:10)
 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 6.00
Weight: 190.00
Comments(8)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.004.325.32

Decided to try something different for today's lunchtime run. Ran w/ Darin to the local HS track. I ran 5 x 800, with 1/2 lap jog in between. (didn't have time for full Yasso set  of 10..) Felt very relaxed. Good workout!

800m:

3:16, 142 bpm

3:13,  151 bpm

3:23, 150 bpm

3:17, 152 bpm

3:01, 156 bpm (was aiming for sub 3:00, but the wind got to me a little too much :)

AP: 7:29

AHR: 149 bpm

60F, 22% humidity, sunny, 12-20 MPH N wind 


Addidas Supernova Miles: 5.32
Weight: 191.00
Comments(7)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.007.0013.00

Today was my last longish run until Boston. My boys stayed at a friends hourse last night..a friend that lives exact 13 miles from my house. I ran to their house, while my wife started a bit later and picked us all up to go to soccer practice. It worked out great. The morning was nearly perfect for running. Conditions I could only hope for at Boston. 50F, slight wind, overcast. The route consisted of a lot of up and down variety. Which is just what I needed.

The plan was to run at MP...only I'm still deciding what MP is (my new MP (BQ) pace is 8:00/mi, while last year I ran 7:38s. So, I just went with what felt good today. It ended up being 7:37 AP, and felt really good.

8:10, 144 bpm

7:52, 144 bpm

7:20, 138 bpm

7:29, 144 bpm

7:24, 142 bpm

7:39, 144 bpm

7:36, 146 bpm

7:31, 145 bpm

7:35, 148 bpm

7:43, 148 bpm

7:23, 146 bpm

1 Honey Stinger (Gold), and about 6 oz water.

Time to start looking at Boston weather and figuring out what to pack. I'm still not sure what to wear this year. I better figure it out...soon. The shoes (Asic Speedstar 4s) will be OK..had a little pain in front of right middle toe.

Getting excited about Boston! This time next week, I'll be in Beantown.

Speedstar 4 Miles: 13.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(5)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.005.00

1 week from now I'll be somewhere between Hopkinton and Boston!

Today was my last workout with any speed until Boston. Ran w/ Darin. Felt really good today. I seem to feel really good with the every-other-day workouts. I just hope I have the endurance to finish a marathon strong (without too much fade).

AP: 7:18

75F, SSE 14-20MPH, partly cloudy, 48% humidity

 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 5.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(8)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.005.006.00

Was planning to be a 6 miles at MP -- just to get a feel for 7:40ish pace. Started out with the wind at our backs...and went a little faster than expected. Felt very good..I wish my feet felt as good in the last 6 miles of a marathon, as they do on these short runs.

7:23, 7:16, 7:19, 7:21, 7:33, 7:50(slowed on last mile to wait for Darin)

75F, sunny, E 5-10

AP: 7:27, AHR: 140 bpm 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 6.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(12)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

Ok..my lunchtime run was supposed to be slow. I didn't wear a watch. It was hot/humid...but Darin and I still ran 7:28/mi pace. I just can't slow down! What is wrong with me???? :)

This was the last training run until Sunday's Boston 5K.(which will be run at a leisurely (pedestrian) pace...I hope (with Marcie, she'll hold be back -- will be running with a camera for that one if it isn't raining too hard)

A little packing left to do, a full-body massage, and a 4AM trip to the airport...then I'll be in Boston!

70F, 66% humidity, SSE 12 MPH 

AP: 7:28

 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 4.00
Weight: 0.00
Comments(4)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.100.003.10

Ran the BAA 5K as a warmup for Monday's marathon. Ran it with Marcie at about 8:05/mi -- a little faster than we planned, but not too bad.

Got a finisher's medal!!!! My first-ever medal for finishing a 5K! The tech shirt is really nice too -- I'd recommend the jog around Boston for anyone going to run the marathon. It's a great way to start the weekend and end the taper madness. (Just don't run it fast)

Speedstar 4 Miles: 3.10
Weight: 0.00
Add Comment
Race: 114th Boston Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:24:03, Place overall: 5463
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
15.2011.0026.20

Monday, April 19, 2010.

My buddy, Ronnie, who was planning to run around the same pace as me(3:20 / 7:38pace), had this great idea. Because we were both in the middle to rear of the first wave – and Ronnie wanted to run faster than his qualifying time (which determines corral placement), he thought that if we got to the front of the second wave, we would have clear sailing. That’s exactly what we did. We managed to line up on the very front row of the 1st corral in the 2nd Wave (we didn't realize that Lark and Gumpchump were probably a few yards to our right). That was awesome!!! To actually toe the line at Boston – the actual line (well it was actually a timing mat a few yards back from the actual line..but was cool nonetheless.) The gun went off and we were up there in the lead!!! But, not for long…

Ronnie and I did such a great job hydrating. Even though we managed to “go” several times in the hour leading up to the start, as soon as the gun went off we started talking about making a quick pitstop. At about the ½ mile mark we veered off the road to the right .. a few yards into the woods for what seemed like an eternity (maybe 30 seconds). We were probably passed by a few hundred people in that short time. We quickly got up to speed and still managed a 7:38 first mile.

I happened to notice our dear friend TeenaMarie running right down the center of the 2 yellow stripes. She was tearing up the road!!! It took about 2 miles to catch up to her. I’m sure she was running about 7:00/mi splits. She had her headphones on and was kind of zoned out. Was this the same Teena that was contemplating not even coming to Boston due to Compartment Syndrome?? I tapped her on the shoulder, and asked her what she was doing? She asked what time I planned to run…I said “maybe 3:20”. I knew she knew she was going too fast, but it wasn’t my job to try to slow her down. I wished her luck and Ronnie and I moved on. I never saw Teena again until we were walking to dinner later that night…

Ronnie was pretty intent on running 3:20 from the start. I knew that my training was lacking, but the conditions were excellent, so I figured I’d give it a shot for a while. My ecstatic goal would have been to PR (sub 3:19:47), but realistically I was going for the happy goal – BQ (in 2011 my NEW BQ is 3:30:59, as I turn 45 on April 30th). Ronnie and kept talking about slowing down to 7:35ish miles (3:20 is a 7:38 pace). Eventually, we got there. By the time we hit the flats around mile 11, I felt as though I was holding Ronnie back. So, I lingered a little at one of the aid stations, and motioned to Ronnie to move on. I was sure he would knock out a 3:15 or better. He looked that strong.

Through the wall of screams at Wellesley College I stuck to the left side of the road…like I did last year. I was about the only one I saw on that side of the road. It’s amazing how excited college girls will get for a bunch of sweaty men and women running by – it’s a tradition, and quite a nice one…but my ears thanked me for staying to the left.

I ran very conservatively in the middle miles – miles 13-21. I knew I needed to save myself for the Newton Hills. If I stayed fueled and hydrated, I knew I could reach my happy goal. The weather was nearly ideal for the first 16 miles or so. With temps in the low 40s and a breeze from behind my left shoulder. If I had only put in the training miles I needed, it really would have been a PR day. At around 16 miles (I think), it got cloudier and the wind seemed to shift more toward the east (head wind). No matter, it actually felt a little refreshing.

Once I topped Heartbreak Hill at mile 21, I still had some gas in the tank, and clocked a three respectable miles in the mid 7s. I knew that my chances of breaking 3:20 were long gone, but I knew the BQ was well within my grasps…unless I had some weird cramping issues. With about 2 miles to go I walked through the aid station, and took two cups of Gatorade. I was already thinking about recovery more than just finishing.

When I passed the Citgo sign with about 1 mile to go, I felt really good. My feet actually better than they have in any marathon that I can remember. No leg cramps. I really couldn’t complain about anything.

Round the corner onto Bolyston St is simply amazing. The finish at Boston is the best finishing line that I've ever crossed. The view of the last quarter mile -- the sea of runners, flanked by screaming fans, and the giant Boston Marathon finishing line -- it's hard to describe without actually being there. The crowd carried me to the finish line at 3:24:03. My 3rd Boston in the books. My 18th marathon. Not the fastest, but definitely stronger than any marathons in the past year. I am happy with how the entire weekend turned out.  :D  :D  :D

Splits:

Mile 1  7:38     1.04

Mile 2  7:05     1.00

Mile 3  7:05     1.01

Mile 4  7:32     1.01

Mile 5  7:27     1.01

Mile 6  7:24     1.00

Mile 7  7:40     1.00

Mile 8  7:49     1.04

Mile 9  7:17     0.97

Mile 10 7:42    1.01

Mile 11 7:34    1.00

Mile 12 7:29    1.00

Mile 13 7:54    1.01

Mile 14 7:47    1.00

Mile 15 7:49    1.00

Mile 16 7:43    1.01

Mile 17 8:07    1.01

Mile 18 8:25    1.01

Mile 19 8:15    1.00

Mile 20 8:13    1.01

Mile 21 8:47    1.03  (Heartbreak Hill)

Mile 22 7:34    1.02

Mile 23 7:36    1.02

Mile 24 7:34    1.01

Mile 25 8:36    1.02 (Last aid station walk/stretch)

Mile 26 8:00    1.00

Mile 26.2  1:44  0.2

 

After the race, I worked my way through the crowd of zombies. Picked up a little goodie bag of food and drinks, got my medal and made my way a few blocks to the shuttle back to the hotel. When I got back to the room Ronnie had already finished showering. He told me his time. I was amazed that he finished in 3:23:42 – only 21 seconds (and 92 positions) ahead of me. If I had known he wasn't going to blister 3:20, I should have stuck with him!! :)

 

Overal place: 5463 Chicked by: 750

Post-Race

Went to dinner with the Utah crowd at Legal Seafood, caught up on everyone’s race stories, and then headed to the post-party. Got a (free) blurry group photo, printed the race stats – said goodbye to all my friends and headed back to the hotel.

On Tuesday, I ended up driving out to Hopkinton and driving the race route back to Boston. Taking pictures and getting lost a few times along the way. It’s amazing how different the route looks when it’s not lined with people, and full of cars. It was also amazing how clear it was – all the cups, orange slices, and other stuff was all cleaned up – the BAA does an amazing job of putting on a community friendly event! I’ll probably be back next year....as long as enough of my friends are coming back!

Lessons learned:

           When flying coach, always check for available exit row or bulkhead seats – the leg room is quite comfortable.

           If you’re on a budget, get a few roommates – Boston hotels are not cheap! Sleeping in a car is not a viable option.

           Always bring an airmattress and a huge trashbag to Athlete’s Village – to be comfortable for the 3 hours or so you’ll be waiting before the race. If it’s raining, you might want to bring a pup tent – or get there on one of the first buses and get inside one of the big tents.

           Only “side-five” the little kids – they won’t try to take your arm off like the inebriated college students!

           Do not eat at the pre-race pasta dinner. For the second year in a row, even though we arrived early, we were forced to eat outside – in the cold/wind (at least we stayed dry).

           Running the Boston Marathon is a good experience. What makes it great is to share it with some awesome friends! It is quite the party!

Speedstar 4 Miles: 26.20
Weight: 191.00
Comments(11)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

Easy recovery run w/ Tom after work.

Wore the VFFs for the first time in a few weeks. Felt fine.

AP: 10:00 

VFF Trek Miles: 3.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(1)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.004.00

Ran w/ Darin at lunch. Legs felt fine only 4 days after Monday's BQ long-run in Boston. 

AP: 7:29

76F, 5 NW, 41% humid, sunny 

Addidas Supernova Miles: 4.00
Weight: 191.00
Comments(4)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.006.006.00

Quick six at lunch w/ Darin. After 2 days off it felt good to get out and stretch the legs again. I'll call this a tempo run. Time to start building up the miles for UVM.

7:34 (143 bpm)

7:19 (140 bpm)

7:05 (145 bpm)

7:00 (150 bpm)

7:00 (156 bpm)

6:56 (159 bpm)

AP: 7:09

73F, 12 NE, 40% Hum

Speedstar 4 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 194.00
Comments(3)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.006.006.00

Another quck six at lunch w/ Darin. This is the first back-to-back run days I've had in a while. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. So, like usual Darin and I decided to run it nice and easy. And like usual, that didn't happen. :-) (the weather was too nice!)

7:17 (140 bpm)

7:20 (139 bpm)

7:20 (139 bpm)

7:07 (144 bpm)

6:49 (153 bpm)

6:35 (159 bpm)

AP: 7:04

65F, Sunny, 10 NNE, low humidity (nice!)

Speedstar 4 Miles: 6.00
Weight: 193.00
Comments(8)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Happy Birthday to me!

It's number 45..yes a new (and hopefully easier) age group. (much easier to get into Boston now..with a 10 minute advantage over the last AG).

I'll be spending the night at a Relay for Life (never done one before..not sure what I'm in for). Anyways the plan is to try to run farther than I've ever run before (at least 39 miles)... Plans are always subject to change.

If you feel like donating to the American Cancer Society -- you can make a pledge in my name HERE. No pressure -- I haven't donated, yet myself.... :)

Weight: 0.00
Comments(6)
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
56.3055.32111.62
Addidas Supernova Miles: 35.32Speedstar 4 Miles: 73.30VFF Trek Miles: 3.00
Weight: 191.36
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