Half Marathon done!

[Robinhood4x4]

I finished!

http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i-pZMbXvq/0/L/i-pZMbXvq-L.jpg

What an unexpected journey it was. I never thought I'd ever run again after high school, I hated running that much. Sure, I did a couple Pat's run 4.2 milers in the past few years, but that was for fun and I wasn't real serious about it. 13.1 miles needs actual training and prep.

Somehow my sister in law convinced me to join her and my nephew for the PF Chang's half marathon. None of us have ever done anything like this before so we were all in the same boat together.

I have to admit, it was fun. Not only the race, but the 4.5 months leading up to the race (which isn't quite long enough to properly train) and in fact, I might even be hooked on running now.

My time sucked because my knees started hurting bad at around mile 9, so I had to walk the rest of it. For a while there I was battling it out with the blind woman being led by the guide and I lost, but I did beat Fat Batman.

So if you're thinking about signing up for a race, DO IT!. Believe me when I say, if I can do it, anybody can do it.

Plus, after the race you get to eat an incredibly unhealthy chimichanga guilt free.
http://antinode.smugmug.com/photos/i-qjsLbvG/0/L/i-qjsLbvG-L.jpg

[Seanz0rz]

Awesome! Congrats on finishing! If I attempted, you would find me dead at mile 6!

Yesterday, I was laid up all day with legs too sore to walk. Standing on a slider, tire, and bumper for 12 hours did me in good! Thoughts of walking, let alone running, were too painful!

I think making it to mile 9 is pretty good, and the fact a joint was your reason for slowing down is not unexpected and much better than just being too tired to continue on.

[Robinhood4x4]

Thanks! Yup, I was in your shoes not even 6 months ago. The funny thing is that once you get in shape enough where you can run for 3-4 miles non-stop, it becomes easier and even fun. You're right, my core body wasn't tired at all. Your cardio gets to a point where it's a piece of cake to run, 13 miles, and probably way more. In addition to my knees giving out, my legs just get tired and start to hurt after 8 miles, but it's one of those pains you feel you can overcome with more training.

I knew my knees were going to be a problem too, because I knew I was over training. About 4 weeks ago I did a 12 mile run and that's when they really started hurting. I think the cure is to get some rest for now, and then start leg strength training.

[4x4mike]

Congratulations. Hopefully this will be the first of many.

My Dad was a runner but has taken a break. Before my sister and I came along my parents were in a local running club and ran a lot. The year I graduated high school he started running again and got hooked which is very common especially for folks in certain age groups. There are the young and pain free, older trying to stay healthy and then the retired endurance type. In about 10 years he ran 20 or so marathons all over the country and would run 20 miles most Saturdays. We would run together and I'd tag along for his 20 miler every other week or so. I'm a cyclist so that's where my heart and time was.

The year is young so plan out what you want to do this year and train. Plan in recovery time and some wiggle room for injuries. I've seen more people hurt themselves trying to do too much too soon which will just get you sidelined. I've also seen a cyclist friend try running and in his first year did a marathon and even an Ironman Triathlon (couple miles swimming, a 100 mile bike ride then a marathon) at elevation.

Find people who are at the same level as you and train together. Also track your runs and follow your fitness achievements as they are good for motivation.

[paddlenbike]

Congrats Steve! I've had a half marathon on my bucket list but an accident in 2009 slowed that progress down. I need to keep that goal in sight.

[BattleWagonActual]

Congrats man! Definitely know what you mean about being hooked, having done a few 13.1 and 26.2's myself. I used to hate running, but the fact that I can eat whatever I want after a long run is plenty of motivation for me to keep it up. How did you like the Rock n Roll series? I've been thinking of running one but heard some bad things about the Vegas one a couple years ago.


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[Robinhood4x4]

Thanks all!

Bad things about the vegas run? Like what? The sister in law wants to do that one because she loves the idea of running down the strip, plus if we compete in that one, we'll qualify for the heavy medal, medal.

I've only run Pat's Run and this RNR run, so I don't have much experience to go on, but I have no complaints. Everything went very smooth and everything was very well organized. I've never seen so many porta potties lined up in one place in my life! There were the typical lines at the ones on the course and once in a while you'd see people (men and women) veer off into a field. Traffic wasn't even that bad getting to and from the event.

[BattleWagonActual]

I have no clue about it as of recently, just know some of the problems they had their 1st year of the Vegas run a few years ago. They didn't plan for as many runners as they'd gotten, and you had to pass some of the check points by certain times or else you were done early. Closing down part of the strip isn't that easy to do.

But that was a few years ago, I'm sure they've worked out all of the kinks by now. I haven't heard any complaints about it since that 1st year, just curious how the AZ was? Looks good from the finish line. The porta pottie lines always crack me up. A lot of people get the pre race nerves and as soon as they get out of a porta potty have to hop right back in line.


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[Robinhood4x4]

I See. They kinda had the same thing going on but it was plenty of time. You had to maintain an 18 min/mile pace or else they'd pick you up and take you to the next checkpoint where you could keep going or call it quits.

[4x4mike]

My Dad has done the San Diego, Phoenix, Vegas and Nashville RNR Marathons. He said they were fun but way too crowded. After the official start he waited something like 20 minutes before he crossed the start line in San Diego. Even then they were all still cattle moving along. I think his slowest times were RNR's which is fine as they weren't qualifiers but can be frustrating for the competitive type.

The mass amounts of people also make them events that have a lot of injuries. He was mostly afraid of getting hurt from tripping, running on the sidewalk or having to make up time in the last miles. Out of class running at a certain age can sideline you from other planned events.

Steve, Sacramento in December is beautiful (somewhat sarcastic but not totally) and home of the CIM: http://www.runcim.org/
The route is a very nice one and all downhill. I've volunteered at the CIM since 2001 and although cold it's dry most of the time. If you're looking for a goal this is a good one as it give you time and you get to travel a short bit.

[BattleWagonActual]

My Dad has done the San Diego, Phoenix, Vegas and Nashville RNR Marathons. He said they were fun but way too crowded. After the official start he waited something like 20 minutes before he crossed the start line in San Diego.

That's one thing that I've noticed with the RNR and some of the more casual runner friendly races. Thanksgiving turkey trots come to mind as well. I ran a 10k thanksgiving, I was up towards the front with most of the faster runners and it was still about 5 minutes before I even started to move my feet.

As for the increased injuries at crowded races, I make sure I hydrate very well and carry a belt with a couple bottles of water/electrolytes so I can run past all of the early water tables as they tend to crowd up before the herd thins out. I have a buddy that runs for RNR as a promoter and he was injured when someone ran into him and dug her foot into his Achilles at a water table. Things can happen anywhere though, and I don't want to sound all negative. If you're worried about crowding, edge your way to the front before start and then stay to one side of the road/trail so the faster runners aren't having to run around you.



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[4x4mike]

^True.
My Dad used to run with a small Camelback to avoid crowded water stations. A water station is a great place to loose time as well as have something happen. They are wet, people just stop, non-runner volunteers are wondering around everywhere and they typically use rakes to move spent cups. This first 2 water stops at this years CIM were in the shade and the air temp was 27*. Needless to say the road way was ice (hasn't rained here at all) from curb to curb and people were going down.

I volunteer with an emergency communications group that coordinates and executes medical/security/logistics for different events. It's amazing what goes down behind the scenes of a marathon, especially after Boston.

[BattleWagonActual]

Camelbacks are great! I don't like running with them though. Reminds me too much of the early morning trail runs I do with my Marines in boots, utilities and sometimes a ruck.

I couldn't imagine the kind of planning that must go on for some of those races behind the scenes. I'm planning on running in a Ragnar relay this year or next and just planning a 12 man team, 200mile relay race where everyone has 3 race legs and there's 2vans to carry the resting runners to their next change over spot is hectic enough.


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[Robinhood4x4]

I used a camelbak because the water they give out here in Phx sucks, plus, I think I like the idea of being self sufficient.

[Good Times]

Congrats Steve on your first big break into "insanity/stupidity!"

So what's next on your bucket list?

How about this?

http://www.spartanrace.com/monterey-obstacle-racing-spartan-beast-2014.html

muhahahaha! Chris and I are TBA on this but it'll be great to get a few more "suckers" to want to do something really stupid!

[Kryptoroxx]

Congratulations and thanks for actually getting me up off my butt for runs again. I really despise running but it is pretty relaxing and its less to think about doing than mountain biking.

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[Robinhood4x4]

Ahhhh, this wasn't really a bucket list thing to do...I was suckered into it! Now I'm hooked, dammit. I'm thinking the Vegas half would be fun, then maybe a full marathon depending on how well training goes. However, at this time, I do plan on doing this long term...maybe for the rest of my life.

I'll never say never, but I'm not so sure about all those mud races...we'll see.

Kryptoroxx, thanks for reminding me...I need to get mountain biking again. I did just get a magic shine light so I can bike after work, so I really have no excuse.

[Good Times]

Steve the mud runs are a whole different kind of hurt. Having done a bunch of halves and fulls I gotta say as much as it hurts like no other it's definitely more fun than just running the half/full. The obstacles make it a bit more exciting but the event is really a race per say rather a "group" like challenge where you're all in it together to muster the pain and conquer the event.

It sounds dirty ( and yes it's very dirty ) but the finish is so rewarding I think it's definitely well worth it compared to just plain running. Training is pretty much the same as you would be doing a 10k/half/full so cardio is still very much a key component.

Give it a whirl! :) never say never right? haha

[Robinhood4x4]

Oh, I never knew you were into running Lance. A mud run is definitely not out of the question.

[Kryptoroxx]

Ahhhh, this wasn't really a bucket list thing to do...I was suckered into it! Now I'm hooked, dammit. I'm thinking the Vegas half would be fun, then maybe a full marathon depending on how well training goes. However, at this time, I do plan on doing this long term...maybe for the rest of my life.

I'll never say never, but I'm not so sure about all those mud races...we'll see.

Kryptoroxx, thanks for reminding me...I need to get mountain biking again. I did just get a magic shine light so I can bike after work, so I really have no excuse.

I usually commute on my bike although I don't like to ride when its below 40...kinda takes the fun out of it for me. When the weather gets better its time to get back to the trails!! Much cheaper than offroading with a truck lol.

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[Good Times]

Steve I'm never into running. I do it because I need to watch my girlie figure. Running helps to ensure that I don't pack on that much weight or else my joints will tell me otherwise while I roll down the hill! lol I used to run back in the hay day when I was significantly slimmer. Been trying to get back to what I used to be but I know that's wishful thinking. I figure if I can still muster to run a 10k or a half once in a blue moon then I must be not that out of shape (though I've been told round is a pretty sexy shape!)

btw if you're looking for a fun event to do, the San Francisco marathon has been by far the best one to run for me. The course was awesome (though the hills are never fun) but being able to run over the bridge and going thru the park was a blast! I hear the New York one is fun too. Personally, I think my days are over doing anything more than a 10k. Just takes way too long and eats up my Sundays. Rather do a shorter run like a 10k and be done in an hour and go home! Selfish eh! ha

When you're ready for a mud run let me know. I know Chris will be more than willing to fling some mud at ya! Maybe we can gather a few other uy knuckleheads to meet up and do it all together!

[Kryptoroxx]

Congrats Steve on your first big break into "insanity/stupidity!"

So what's next on your bucket list?

How about this?

http://www.spartanrace.com/monterey-obstacle-racing-spartan-beast-2014.html

muhahahaha! Chris and I are TBA on this but it'll be great to get a few more "suckers" to want to do something really stupid!

I know a cheaper way to do this. Head down to the corner USMC recruiting and sign up. There are several events that are similar to that but a little more concentration on violent. lol.

Doesn't mean it wouldn't be fun. I think the middle one sounds like a good time.

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