Very unmotivated this week. Didn't run yesterday, and somehow convinced myself to shorten my run from 8 miles to 4 miles this morning.
Ran 4.36 miles at 8:49 pace. Not bad, all in all (as opposed to not even running, I guess). Just a couple days until the race. I guess I'm tapering :-)
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Last Long Training Run
Well, I did my last long training run this morning. I ran 16.15 miles at an 8:59 pace. Pretty good overall. My left heel hurt throughout the run, so that's not that good though.
It's now spring time. It was in the 60's this morning at 6:15 when I started. The sun was out when I finished, so it got pretty warm. Overall I felt okay though (even though my heel hurt).
It's my last long run before the marathon (uh oh). We'll see how I do. My training wasn't great, but it wasn't too bad either. I'm averaging 35 miles a week since January 1 with some 45-ish mile weeks in there. I never hit 50 miles a week for my training, but with all that's going on, I don't feel too bad about it. Running 50 miles a week is quite a commitment.
Anyway, thus begins my taper....
It's now spring time. It was in the 60's this morning at 6:15 when I started. The sun was out when I finished, so it got pretty warm. Overall I felt okay though (even though my heel hurt).
It's my last long run before the marathon (uh oh). We'll see how I do. My training wasn't great, but it wasn't too bad either. I'm averaging 35 miles a week since January 1 with some 45-ish mile weeks in there. I never hit 50 miles a week for my training, but with all that's going on, I don't feel too bad about it. Running 50 miles a week is quite a commitment.
Anyway, thus begins my taper....
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Whew, I ran!
Well, I woke up an hour late this morning (an hour late for running, not an hour late for work). I contemplated saying a WTF and going back to bed until 6 to wake up for work. Then I remembered, "gosh, I really need to run in order to be properly prepared for the forthcoming marathon!" -- or something like that.
Anyway, I did get up and managed to get 7 miles in at a half-way decent pace (8:50) before going to work. That's three days in a row where I ran -- which isn't saying much, but is quite good considering my past week of not running consistently. A week and 2 days before Frederick, but who's counting.
Anyway, I did get up and managed to get 7 miles in at a half-way decent pace (8:50) before going to work. That's three days in a row where I ran -- which isn't saying much, but is quite good considering my past week of not running consistently. A week and 2 days before Frederick, but who's counting.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Sabatoge!
For several of my big runs, something inexplicit-able happens... somewhere near the end of my training, when there is no real chance of recovery, my training takes a nose-dive. It happened during the training for the MCM -- I caught a nasty flu which put me out for nearly 2 full weeks at the peak of my training. It happened last year when I was training for the National Marathon -- something happened (I don't remember what) which caused me to ultimately change the marathon distance to a 1/2 marathon distance for the race. I caught myself though and recovered for the Frederick Marathon though.
This season, for some reason, in the final two weeks of training, my motivation just stopped. I managed to run 3 days last week (whoop-de-doo) while in O'Fallon IL, but didn't do a long run (the last long run) over the weekend. I also didn't run on Monday. My Lovely Wife convinced me to run last night, and that prompted me to get up this morning to run. I don't know why this is happening. Ugh.
Anyway, I ran well last night (with a 3.5 day recovery, I should have), 6.09 miles at an 8:35 pace. Less than 10 hours later (this morning at 5am), I ran 6.04 miles at a 9:44 (yes, that's a NINE FORTY-FOUR). I expected to run slower this morning, but not that slow. On the other hand, I didn't push it too much in fear of injury. I had originally planned to run 8 this morning, but after feeling my left heel, my right hip flexor, and then my back (!), I decided that risking injury 1.5 weeks before a marathon was probably not worth it.
A couple days ago I changed my goal pace for the marathon. I think I need to change it again. Technically, if I run a 9:09 pace, I can do a 4:00 marathon. However, I wonder if I should hedge it a bit and shoot for a 4:10, which would be a 9:32. I think I should split the difference -- a 4:05 marathon, which would be a 9:20 pace. Hmm..
This season, for some reason, in the final two weeks of training, my motivation just stopped. I managed to run 3 days last week (whoop-de-doo) while in O'Fallon IL, but didn't do a long run (the last long run) over the weekend. I also didn't run on Monday. My Lovely Wife convinced me to run last night, and that prompted me to get up this morning to run. I don't know why this is happening. Ugh.
Anyway, I ran well last night (with a 3.5 day recovery, I should have), 6.09 miles at an 8:35 pace. Less than 10 hours later (this morning at 5am), I ran 6.04 miles at a 9:44 (yes, that's a NINE FORTY-FOUR). I expected to run slower this morning, but not that slow. On the other hand, I didn't push it too much in fear of injury. I had originally planned to run 8 this morning, but after feeling my left heel, my right hip flexor, and then my back (!), I decided that risking injury 1.5 weeks before a marathon was probably not worth it.
A couple days ago I changed my goal pace for the marathon. I think I need to change it again. Technically, if I run a 9:09 pace, I can do a 4:00 marathon. However, I wonder if I should hedge it a bit and shoot for a 4:10, which would be a 9:32. I think I should split the difference -- a 4:05 marathon, which would be a 9:20 pace. Hmm..
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake!
Well, I got up this morning to a 5.4 earthquake about 128 miles east of here. According to the news, it was a moderate earthquake. Good morning!
I put in 6 miles (I had planned to do more, but it was all I could do to get out the door) in the 8:30's. I tried to go pretty fast, and I think I found the true center of town. I ran past the new and old city hall as well as the pretty neat small town-ish area (small local shops, houses, etc.).
I'm glad I was able to run in O'Fallon, IL. It's a nice town.
I put in 6 miles (I had planned to do more, but it was all I could do to get out the door) in the 8:30's. I tried to go pretty fast, and I think I found the true center of town. I ran past the new and old city hall as well as the pretty neat small town-ish area (small local shops, houses, etc.).
I'm glad I was able to run in O'Fallon, IL. It's a nice town.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Got a Run In!
I couldn't run yesterday, well, I *could*, but since I had gone to bed at midnight the day before, and I would have had to get up at 4:15 am yesterday to get the run in, I opted to sleep in the late hour of 6:00 am...
Today, I *did* get up at 4:15 am (well, 4:25...) and got 8.33 miles in (at 8:55). I went north today from the hotel and worked my way up to O'Fallon central. Very pretty city/town (not sure which). I didn't see of a downtown (probably on the wrong road), but went down several neighborhood streets. Very nice run.
Today, I *did* get up at 4:15 am (well, 4:25...) and got 8.33 miles in (at 8:55). I went north today from the hotel and worked my way up to O'Fallon central. Very pretty city/town (not sure which). I didn't see of a downtown (probably on the wrong road), but went down several neighborhood streets. Very nice run.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
O'Fallon, IL
I'm in O'Fallon, IL this week. I'm officially in the CST timezone (1 hour behind EST). That'll work in my favor until I get home. Then I'll be running behind!
I ran from the Drury Hotel this morning, headed north and then went into the neighborhoods. I used the USATF Route Map to figure out where I should run today. I like that tool, especially when I'm not at home.
Very short post today. Ran 6.24 at 8:54.
I ran from the Drury Hotel this morning, headed north and then went into the neighborhoods. I used the USATF Route Map to figure out where I should run today. I like that tool, especially when I'm not at home.
Very short post today. Ran 6.24 at 8:54.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Got 20 in, but...
Well, I got my 20 in. That was good. However, my pace seems to be dropping off. I don't have I have much hope for a 4 hr marathon in two weeks. My pace was a 9:13, which would put me in the 4:04 time range, but that doesn't take into account that with today's pace, I was starting to drop off, and the last 6.2 miles wouldn't be at the 9:13 pace. Oh well, we'll see. A 4:10 would be good, a 4:05 would be just like Richmond last fall, and a sub 4:00 would match last year's Frederick marathon pace. As long as it doesn't match my MCM time (4:30's), I'll be fine :-)
It was my hottest run (in Northern VA) of the year. I was dripping sweat by mile 2. The sun was going in and out of the clouds, and it got mostly cloudy towards the end, but it was in the mid 60's the whole time. I guess I gotta get used to it though -- Spring is coming (yay!)
Overall, I'm pretty happy about the run. The first half felt great. I intentionally tried to keep my pace around 9 for the first several miles. In the past, I didn't mind pushing it, but then I bonked at the end. Today, I was hoping that keeping my pace around 9 for the first half, then I'd still have strength to stay at 9 the whole time. I was probably ahead a bit at the turn around point. I ate my 1/2 PB sandwich and started running back. Unlike last week, my first few miles felt good after my sandwich (last week, it was all I could do to run after walking to eat). However, with around 7 to go, I started slowing down. With 5 to go, I had to walk to eat a GU. The last 3-4 miles where very tiring, but after another review of my pace, they didn't suck. I was in the 9:30's for the last three miles (last week, my last mile was 10:00). So, overall, not bad, but not great either.
It was my hottest run (in Northern VA) of the year. I was dripping sweat by mile 2. The sun was going in and out of the clouds, and it got mostly cloudy towards the end, but it was in the mid 60's the whole time. I guess I gotta get used to it though -- Spring is coming (yay!)
Overall, I'm pretty happy about the run. The first half felt great. I intentionally tried to keep my pace around 9 for the first several miles. In the past, I didn't mind pushing it, but then I bonked at the end. Today, I was hoping that keeping my pace around 9 for the first half, then I'd still have strength to stay at 9 the whole time. I was probably ahead a bit at the turn around point. I ate my 1/2 PB sandwich and started running back. Unlike last week, my first few miles felt good after my sandwich (last week, it was all I could do to run after walking to eat). However, with around 7 to go, I started slowing down. With 5 to go, I had to walk to eat a GU. The last 3-4 miles where very tiring, but after another review of my pace, they didn't suck. I was in the 9:30's for the last three miles (last week, my last mile was 10:00). So, overall, not bad, but not great either.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Easy 4
Easy 4 today. I had planned on doing an easy 6, but I woke up 20 late (it's tough trying to stay on a morning schedule!). Anyway, I took the opportunity to do a 4.35 mile loop that I don't do that often. It's good to run different courses.
Not much to say about the run (4.35 miles, 8:44 pace), but it got me thinking... years ago, when I was training for my very first 10k, I ran along part of this course, for a total of 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on... well, whatever (I didn't really have a training plan, other than to hit 4 or so miles before the 10k). Anyway, I remember a conversation with My Lovely Wife a while back where we agreed -- the first three miles of training is the toughest. That is, until you can run three miles without feeling sick, running is awful. It's not fun, it's not encouraging, and we could both agree why so many people gave up. Until you can run 3 miles, it sucks.
However, once you can run 3 miles, you have a very good base on which to build. From there, you can continue to run just 3 miles, or you can increase to 5, or any round number. From there, if you choose, you can set your sights on double-digits. It's nice to be able to say 'yeah, I put in 10 miles this morning'. But the first 3... well, it's quite a challenge.
I can totally understand the run/walk training for the first few months. Based on the non-encouragement of your fitness level, and based on the fact that the first 3 miles suck, by both running and walking up to 45 minutes or so, you are building your base up to be able to run all the time (if you choose). Nothing wrong with that!
Not much to say about the run (4.35 miles, 8:44 pace), but it got me thinking... years ago, when I was training for my very first 10k, I ran along part of this course, for a total of 1.5 to 3 miles, depending on... well, whatever (I didn't really have a training plan, other than to hit 4 or so miles before the 10k). Anyway, I remember a conversation with My Lovely Wife a while back where we agreed -- the first three miles of training is the toughest. That is, until you can run three miles without feeling sick, running is awful. It's not fun, it's not encouraging, and we could both agree why so many people gave up. Until you can run 3 miles, it sucks.
However, once you can run 3 miles, you have a very good base on which to build. From there, you can continue to run just 3 miles, or you can increase to 5, or any round number. From there, if you choose, you can set your sights on double-digits. It's nice to be able to say 'yeah, I put in 10 miles this morning'. But the first 3... well, it's quite a challenge.
I can totally understand the run/walk training for the first few months. Based on the non-encouragement of your fitness level, and based on the fact that the first 3 miles suck, by both running and walking up to 45 minutes or so, you are building your base up to be able to run all the time (if you choose). Nothing wrong with that!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
6, 8, 10
Given the fact that I didn't run Sunday or Monday, I'm still giving it the ol' college try to get my miles up. I ran 6 on Tuesday, 8 on Wednesday, and today I ran 10. I felt good today -- my second half was actually faster than my first half, which is good. Having 24 done (and hopefully 30 by this time tomorrow) will make my long run less than 50% of my total distance this week -- which is my goal. I learned a couple years ago during training for the MCM that having my long run 50% of my total distance made the marathon pretty much a really bad deal. I bonked hard by mile 17 of that marathon. Of course, I've bonked in marathons where I *did* do my training, but less so (thinking back to the Richmond Marathon last fall...). In Richmond, I bonked, but still only missed the 4 hour marathon by 5-1/2 minutes. At MCM, I missed it my 36 minutes.
Soooo.... hopefully I can get 6 in tomorrow and *20* on Saturday (yikes).
Oh, my pace was good, 8:44 pace for 10.04 miles.
Soooo.... hopefully I can get 6 in tomorrow and *20* on Saturday (yikes).
Oh, my pace was good, 8:44 pace for 10.04 miles.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
HR Run
Felt pretty good. The GPS was low on batteries, plus I was squeezing to get 10 in. I had decided on running 9 instead, and when I turned on the GPS and noticed the low battery, I plugged it in, and then decided on an 8 mile HR run.
The run felt pretty good. I didn't have the pain in the left ankle nor in my foot today. I also didn't push the pace (too much). I did push it here and there, but only for 100 yards at a time.
I managed to keep my breathing steady the entire run today. Usually I switch to normal breathing (instead of HR breathing) during the last steep hill in my neighborhood. Today, I kept the HR breathing the whole time. Of course, something had to give... so it was probably my pace!
The run felt pretty good. I didn't have the pain in the left ankle nor in my foot today. I also didn't push the pace (too much). I did push it here and there, but only for 100 yards at a time.
I managed to keep my breathing steady the entire run today. Usually I switch to normal breathing (instead of HR breathing) during the last steep hill in my neighborhood. Today, I kept the HR breathing the whole time. Of course, something had to give... so it was probably my pace!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Quick 6
Did a quick 6 this morning. I need to be at the office at 8:00 am this morning, which shifted my morning schedule up a bit. Only had time to do 6, although I felt good enough to go another 2 with no problem. The first mile as a bit tough -- I felt my left ankle (again) and now, the bones in my mid-foot where bothering me a little bit. Both problems went away by the first mile. I chalking it up to early morning runs with no body warmup, but who knows!
At mile 1 I felt good, so instead of doing a steady 6 I went ahead and pushed it. Mile 2 was 8:22, 3 was 8:12, 4 was 8:18, and 5 was 8:24. I eased up the last mile. My overall average was 8:32. Not bad. I'm glad I was able to do it, as last week my pace was slowing down. I hope that I can get my pace back up for my long run this weekend, but based on my last long run, part of me will just be happy if I don't bonk at mile 15.
At mile 1 I felt good, so instead of doing a steady 6 I went ahead and pushed it. Mile 2 was 8:22, 3 was 8:12, 4 was 8:18, and 5 was 8:24. I eased up the last mile. My overall average was 8:32. Not bad. I'm glad I was able to do it, as last week my pace was slowing down. I hope that I can get my pace back up for my long run this weekend, but based on my last long run, part of me will just be happy if I don't bonk at mile 15.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Whew...
I got 18 in today... waited until the wire though. Couldn't wake up at 5:00 am to run at 6:00 am. Couldn't wake up at 6:00 am to run at 7:00 am. Couldn't wake up... never mind, you get the picture.
Finally started running at 6:00 PM. I usually don't run that late, and my body let me know that. 6pm is also typically dinner time, although I did eat a peanut butter sandwich at 5pm. The first half felt great. I was tempted to run 10 miles out and make it an even 20, but I thought better of it. I turned around 9 miles, ate a 1/2 sandwich (peanut butter) and started running back. My miles were instantly slower. Whereas I was running sub 9's for the entire 1/2 half, I was consistently above 9 for the second half. At mile 13, I hit the wall. The last 4 miles were a bit of a struggle. With 2.5 miles to go, I finally went with the flow and ran at whatever pace my body told me to run. I managed to meet my mile paces in the 9's until mile 18. That was was a 10:00 minute mile pace exactly. I did do a 9:06 average for the 18, so overall it was fine, but I was trending poorly towards the end. We'll see how I do next week to see if I'm in trouble in Frederick.
Finally started running at 6:00 PM. I usually don't run that late, and my body let me know that. 6pm is also typically dinner time, although I did eat a peanut butter sandwich at 5pm. The first half felt great. I was tempted to run 10 miles out and make it an even 20, but I thought better of it. I turned around 9 miles, ate a 1/2 sandwich (peanut butter) and started running back. My miles were instantly slower. Whereas I was running sub 9's for the entire 1/2 half, I was consistently above 9 for the second half. At mile 13, I hit the wall. The last 4 miles were a bit of a struggle. With 2.5 miles to go, I finally went with the flow and ran at whatever pace my body told me to run. I managed to meet my mile paces in the 9's until mile 18. That was was a 10:00 minute mile pace exactly. I did do a 9:06 average for the 18, so overall it was fine, but I was trending poorly towards the end. We'll see how I do next week to see if I'm in trouble in Frederick.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
10
Got my 10 in this morning. Whew! Wasn't sure if I was going to make it. My alarm went off at 4:00 am, and I finally dragged myself out at 4:12. That was hard. The run was okay. I thought my pace was faster than it was, but I'm glad to hit below a 9 (I did an 8:55 pace), but it's not as good as it was a few weeks ago... I'm wondering what my goal pace should be for the marathon. I was hoping for an 8:50, but maybe a 9:00 is more realistic...
Anyway, off to work!
Anyway, off to work!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Nighttime Runs?
Okay, so when I woke up this morning, I realized that I only had time to run 6 miles. I need to leave for work around 7:30, and when you subtract the Getting Ready time, the Running time, and the Eating time, it pushes it back to about a 6 mile run if you get up at 5 am. That means if I want to run 8 (or 10), I need to wake up earlier!! Ouch. That means that tomorrow, I need to wake up at 4:15 or so. Wish me luck.
What happened to early morning runs? It was nighttime when I ran this morning. It's gonna be a couple more weeks before the start of my run will show a little bit of day light. I need to start using my headlamp again, as it was sorta dark out this morning.
The run this morning: 6.02 at a 8:52 pace. It felt faster, which means that I'm getting slower. I guess not running actually does impact your performance.
Correction! I said in Part 2 of the Suntrust National Marathon, that My Lovely Wife ran a 10:20 pace. This is incorrect. It was a 10:14 pace. Sorry!
What happened to early morning runs? It was nighttime when I ran this morning. It's gonna be a couple more weeks before the start of my run will show a little bit of day light. I need to start using my headlamp again, as it was sorta dark out this morning.
The run this morning: 6.02 at a 8:52 pace. It felt faster, which means that I'm getting slower. I guess not running actually does impact your performance.
Correction! I said in Part 2 of the Suntrust National Marathon, that My Lovely Wife ran a 10:20 pace. This is incorrect. It was a 10:14 pace. Sorry!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Short Run
As I sneak-previewed during the last post, I suggested that I was NOT ramping up for the Frederick Marathon. On Sunday, I did NOT run. I ran 6 on Monday as a recovery run (easy-ish, no watch, but I think I kept a pretty good pace). Today, no run....
I need to run 8 tomorrow and 10 on Thursday. I don't know how I'm going to do that. Also, I get to run 18 on Saturday (ha!). We'll see!
I need to run 8 tomorrow and 10 on Thursday. I don't know how I'm going to do that. Also, I get to run 18 on Saturday (ha!). We'll see!
2008 Suntrust National Marathon - Part 2
The Race
Overall, the 1/2 marathon was very good. The first mile was a little fast, as we were keeping up with all the other runners. We slowed down during the second mile, and we kept a good pace throughout. A week and a half ago, we ran 13.1 miles, but we did the 'Galloway' Method -- that is, we run a mile, then walked for 1 minute. Towards the end, we had to walk a little more, as My Lovely Wife's ankle was acting up. We weren't sure how we'd do during the real 1/2 marathon, but we agreed that we would run as long as we could.
There were some slow miles (usually during a long hill or a water stop), and there were some sub 10 minute miles as well. At 10 miles, we were running a very good pace, but My Lovely Wife did not want to know what it was. The last mile was also sub 10, and My Lovely Wife actually out-sprinted me at the finish line. We did the 1/2 marathon in 2:15 or so, or a 10:20 pace.
Like I mentioned during the last post, it was pretty cold at the start. For the first mile, both of our feet were pretty cold, but after we ran for a bit, we warmed up. As the sun went behind buildings or behind clouds, I needed to put my gloves on again, but since I was in shorts and two technical shirts, and it was a little breezy (plus it was in the 30's), I figured it was okay.
All in all, My Lovely Wife was very pleased with the run. It was her fastest time to date (a PR!) so it is giving her a boost as she prepares to begin training for the Marine Corp Marathon.
I need to begin my last month of intense training for the Frederick Marathon. !!! Problem is, I haven't! (oops!). I did notice though, that the marathon start is 6:30 am, so I got a hotel room ($). This beats waiting up at 3:00 am though for a 1.5 hour drive to the race....
Overall, the 1/2 marathon was very good. The first mile was a little fast, as we were keeping up with all the other runners. We slowed down during the second mile, and we kept a good pace throughout. A week and a half ago, we ran 13.1 miles, but we did the 'Galloway' Method -- that is, we run a mile, then walked for 1 minute. Towards the end, we had to walk a little more, as My Lovely Wife's ankle was acting up. We weren't sure how we'd do during the real 1/2 marathon, but we agreed that we would run as long as we could.
There were some slow miles (usually during a long hill or a water stop), and there were some sub 10 minute miles as well. At 10 miles, we were running a very good pace, but My Lovely Wife did not want to know what it was. The last mile was also sub 10, and My Lovely Wife actually out-sprinted me at the finish line. We did the 1/2 marathon in 2:15 or so, or a 10:20 pace.
Like I mentioned during the last post, it was pretty cold at the start. For the first mile, both of our feet were pretty cold, but after we ran for a bit, we warmed up. As the sun went behind buildings or behind clouds, I needed to put my gloves on again, but since I was in shorts and two technical shirts, and it was a little breezy (plus it was in the 30's), I figured it was okay.
All in all, My Lovely Wife was very pleased with the run. It was her fastest time to date (a PR!) so it is giving her a boost as she prepares to begin training for the Marine Corp Marathon.
I need to begin my last month of intense training for the Frederick Marathon. !!! Problem is, I haven't! (oops!). I did notice though, that the marathon start is 6:30 am, so I got a hotel room ($). This beats waiting up at 3:00 am though for a 1.5 hour drive to the race....
2008 Suntrust National Marathon - Part 1
Saturday, March 29, 3:44 am: I wake up 1 minute before the alarm. Get out of bed. Get ready.
4:00 am: My Lovely Wife wakes up. Gets ready.
4:35 am: We leave the house with all of our stuff. We had gotten everything out the night before. I had already pinned my bib to my house, so I'm crinkling around a little bit (when a stiff piece of paper is pinned to your clothes, you tend to crinkle a little bit).
4:40 am: We arrive at 7-11 to buy 4 bottles of water (although we had already purchased Gatorade in the days before, we forgot to buy water). Since our water belts tend to leak a bit, we didn't want to pre-fill them. It was easier to bring water with us and fill our belts once we got there.
4:59 am: We arrive at the metro station. We had already purchased fare tickets the day before, so we quickly go through the gates.
5:03 am: The first train leaves the station. We are on it (whew!)
5:50 am: We arrive at the RFK stadium metro stop. We realize just how cold and windy it is!
6:00 am: We arrive at the Reston Runners tent at the National Marathon. Since Reston Runners helps sponsor the event, they get their own tent (yay!)
Between 6:00 - 6:40 am: We stand around in the cold, slowly getting colder and colder. Our feet are getting quite numb. Of course, we find the facilities during this time.
6:40 am: I take off my sweats. Now I'm really cold, in shorts and two technical shirts (one short sleeve). The thing about technical shirts -- they don't retain any heat (usually that's a good thing).
6:43 am: We meander down to the start line. It's only about 50 yards away. We found corral #7, which is towards the end of the start.
7:00 am: Start of the race.
7:04 am: We cross the starting mats and begin running!
Next up: Part 2 - The Race!
4:00 am: My Lovely Wife wakes up. Gets ready.
4:35 am: We leave the house with all of our stuff. We had gotten everything out the night before. I had already pinned my bib to my house, so I'm crinkling around a little bit (when a stiff piece of paper is pinned to your clothes, you tend to crinkle a little bit).
4:40 am: We arrive at 7-11 to buy 4 bottles of water (although we had already purchased Gatorade in the days before, we forgot to buy water). Since our water belts tend to leak a bit, we didn't want to pre-fill them. It was easier to bring water with us and fill our belts once we got there.
4:59 am: We arrive at the metro station. We had already purchased fare tickets the day before, so we quickly go through the gates.
5:03 am: The first train leaves the station. We are on it (whew!)
5:50 am: We arrive at the RFK stadium metro stop. We realize just how cold and windy it is!
6:00 am: We arrive at the Reston Runners tent at the National Marathon. Since Reston Runners helps sponsor the event, they get their own tent (yay!)
Between 6:00 - 6:40 am: We stand around in the cold, slowly getting colder and colder. Our feet are getting quite numb. Of course, we find the facilities during this time.
6:40 am: I take off my sweats. Now I'm really cold, in shorts and two technical shirts (one short sleeve). The thing about technical shirts -- they don't retain any heat (usually that's a good thing).
6:43 am: We meander down to the start line. It's only about 50 yards away. We found corral #7, which is towards the end of the start.
7:00 am: Start of the race.
7:04 am: We cross the starting mats and begin running!
Next up: Part 2 - The Race!
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