Santa Drives a Bentley

 I set out in the dark Christmas morning to get a run in before all the festivities began. Everyone was still tucked snugly in there beds, the kids snoring away unaware Santa had come and gone in the night. Stockings recently stuffed hung precariously from the mantel, gifts under the tree seemed to have multiplied, I was surprised the kids weren't up, I am pretty sure I would have been at there age.

 It was easier getting out of the house with everyone asleep, I quietly snuck out into the cold. I glanced up at the thermometer as I left the porch it read 13 degrees, my nose hair froze. The smell of wood smoke hung thick in the air, it reminded me of winter and being in Vermont skiing; it was comforting. My foot steps on the pavement and the periodic sound of furnaces venting along my route was the only sound. I hadn't seen a single car or distant head light and didn't expect to. It was a perfectly peaceful Christmas morning run.

 The cold had gotten me moving and had helped me keep a quick pace throughout my run. I had gone farther than I intended and the first rays of light were just peaking over the horizon, I doubt anyone was up yet. I decided to do a loop through the cemetery before heading home. I enjoyed running in the cemetery, I found it peaceful.

 There were no cars in either direction as I ran through the cemetery gate and turned onto Main Street towards home. I wondered if I would make it home with out seeing a single moving vehicle? Just then I heard what sounded like a bicycle coming up behind me, it was following me.
"What the heck, just pass me already!" Annoyed now that I was being stalked I stopped and turned to confront whoever it was following me.

 Surprisingly; It was Santa Claus and he was driving a Bentley. Not just a Bentley however, it was at least 20 feet long, the brightest chrome and the red'ist red you have ever seen. He was smiling with the jolly smile described in books and on Christmas specials. He rolled down the window as he brought the Bentley to a stop right next to me.

 Somehow I was able to get out a witty "Your running a little late aren't you Santa?"
He laughed and responded while keeping his jolly smile; that he had had sleigh trouble due to the weather (no snow) and asked, "Could you point me towards Sugar Loaf?" "I always have trouble navigating from the ground."
 I gave Santa the directions he requested, he thanked me with the most cheerful "Merry Christmas!" I had ever heard. As he pulled away I notice the license plate, it read (North Pole ~ Sleigh 2) then he was gone.

 A stiff wind blew right through me, I was standing on the edge of Maine Street. Had I just seen the Santa Claus?  I shook my head out of its fog and ran home. No one will believe me.
 

5k on Turkey day

 While I was training for the Marine Corps Marathon my 8 year old daughter often asked to run or ride her bike with me while I ran. I could only reply, that after the marathon we would choose a race to run together. Painfully, my denial of her request stung more than once, she often sat in the dark at the top of the stairs as I prepared for pre dawn runs and say....

"Good morning, Daddy can I come with you?"
I would cringe with guilt at the request "No" I would say "I am training, you and I will run together after the marathon."
"ooook" she would say in a quiet dejected voice that daughters use to get right under dad's skin. Immediately making you wonder how good of a Dad you are. Getting going was always a challenge after this quiet conversation with the silhouette at the top of the stairs, I was always gratefully I could not see the expression on her face

 No sooner had I crossed the finish line on marathon day she asked "when are we going to start running?" We chose a Turkey Day 5k ,we had a few weekends to get some training runs in together so she and I developed a little training log and started a count down. 

 I will always remember our first run together. Before bed she set out her clothes and shoes for an early morning departure. When I woke her the next morning she sprung out of bed, dressed and was down stairs in an instant getting her shoes on. As I descended the stairs I heard her say to herself "this is so cool" I beamed!  We started with walking a mile, she quickly had enough of that and was eager to run. We lengthened our distance with a little running mixed with walking. Soon we were running more than walking  and finally race day.

 She was nervous she did not want me to leave her and was relieved when I told her we would do the entire race together running or walking we would finish. Start gun went off and she started talking and never stopped.....
"look at that guys hat"
"that guy has the same shoes as you"
"how long are we going to be doing this"
"look Pilgrims!" we were in Amish country, I laughed

 Our walking stints were short but few. In the final lap she told me she was tired and I mentioned that when I get tired I choose someone in front of me and try to catch them. If I catch them I choose someone else and try to catch them until I've finished. She started reeling people in and crossed the finish line in 37minutes with me right on her tail. It was my best race ever!

MCM October 31st

  Fortunately my sister lives in Alexandria, Virginia and is a veteran MCM runner supporter, both her and her husband have provided pre-race carb dinners for racers 10 years running. This year was no exception with a fantastic dinner and much conversation on race tactics as well as viewing plans, where to be, what to avoid and what train to get on. It was a merry bunch and allowed pre-race jitters to melt away.
 I followed the pre long run routine I had adopted during training. I set all my clothes out the night before and went to bed early. I actually slept which was a pleasant surprise; I was worried about that. My alarm sounded at 0500 I dressed and headed into the kitchen for my vitamins, a bowl of oat meal and a banana. I had been diligent about hydrating and must have gone to the bathroom 1,000 times over the previous 24hrs. At 0615, I left the house it was 40 degrees. Cool with a light breeze, some would think it was cold, great running weather I thought.
 As I approached the Metro Station hundreds of runners bibs attached appeared out of the darkness like zombies in a horror film being drawn toward the start from all points. The loading platform was a buzz of quiet excitement and uncertainty some runners clearly dazed by the early hour others complaining of the chill. Pulling into the station, racers and supporters were everywhere like ants filing towards a potato chip at a picnic. From the depths of the metro tunnel at the Pentagon, we slowly pushed forward not really sure what to expect or where to go when we emerged back into the cool morning air. Droves of racers fell into line all unsure but some how knowing where to go.
Everything was seamless as we moved toward the start corral. I lined up under a large banner that read: anticipated finish time 5:00 to 5:30.  Miles and miles of port~o~Jon's lined this area.  Racers in different stages of urinary distress danced, hopped or simply ran into the trees for one of many pre-race releases. An MC kept us all aware of the now eminent start, race marshals spoke, music blared ,the quite buzz now a consistent hum as we all awaited start time.
 A cannon fired signaling the start of the 35th Marine Corps Marathon and those of us under the 5:00 hr finish time banner just stood there. It took 20 minutes just to cross the start line after the cannon sounded @ 0800. I could not have gone out fast if I wanted to. I had trained for 16 weeks it was time to forget everything else and just run the race.
 I honestly can not remember what I was thinking during the race. I wondered when and where I would see my family and hoped it was not to much of a hassle for them to get around. I wondered how fast I would run the first half of the race and I marvelled at all the folks running in honer of a fallen marine, or lost family members. It was Halloween but how could you run in a costume. At the half way point I realized the winners had already crossed the finished line. At Mile 24 I said to my self "You are almost there!" and at the finished I gave my self a double thumbs up and am proud to have a Marine place a finishers medal over my head. I had made it! It was a relief to see my family, hugs never felt so good!
 I finished my first marathon in 5:16 minutes (officially) what an experience 35,000 people running together in the streets of DC, through Rosalyn, over Key Bridge, through Georgetown, past the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, over the Potomac again, into Crystal City past the Pentagon finishing at the Marine Corps Memorial.
That night after trick or treating with the kids I pondered my next running adventure:
                                                     "What would it be?"

Projected finish time???

 It has been some time between posts hasn't it?  I have found my thoughts far to erratic to write recently. What I have written in previous posts has been mulled over and over while training, either on the bike or my feet. When at the key board last week I felt I was trying to force even will something onto the screen. I just could not string anything together worth your time or mine for that matter.

 I have not stopped training: ran 23 miles, spent 1.5 hrs with trainer, biked 15 miles. A reduction of millage made me a little nervous but I was getting rest, feeling race ready and confident. However, last weekend all three of my girls were sick; achy, stuffy nose, cough, the works. I did everything I could to avoid being in the house but unfortunately Sunday evening I felt the chill creeping in. I could not get sick now! Out came every cold avoiding tactic known to man, wives tale and beyond. I woke on Monday feeling just under the weather and battled for a couple days to keep the nasty thing at bay. My training felt less than productive but I was not out.

 My mind has also been a wash with race travel planning and packing. These plans are layed and we are ready to head south to DC for my first marathon. What really threw me was every one's sudden interest in how well I would do. As race day count down entered single digits more and more people inquired about my finish expectation. I have considered my finish time all along and had settled on finishing. This is not acceptable as I discovered Friday.
One conversation sounded like this:
 Harold - "Less than 10 days Michael, what finish time are you shooting for?"
 Me - "This is my first marathon I would be happy just finishing"
 Harold - "Just finish? you have got to do better than that...4 hrs that is a 9 minute or so pace, you can  do that"
 Me - "Probably not 4"
 Harold - "4:30, 5:00, you can't just say finish 4:40, 4:45, what?"
 Me - "Well how about under 5hrs"
 Harold - "That is a start but you are cutting yourself short you have put a lot of effort into your  training you can do better than under 5 hrs"

 Harold was not the only one, Bruce, Kevin, Rob, Skip, Sara, Nicole and others all had an opinion about my vague finish time goal. I was unaware that so many knew I was running a marathon let alone being inside the double digit count down or interested in my projected finish time. I had not set a time because I did not want the added pressure. I did not want to have to worry that if my pace was less than what was required to reach a goal time I would have to adjust. I did not run a 2 hr 1/2 marathon how could I run a 4 hr marathon so just finishing worked for me.

 Now I was wondering should I choose a time.......? Could I run a 4:30 marathon @10:30 pace? See why I haven't written.

Taper vs. Motivation

 I have entered the tail end of my marathon training known as the taper. All plans call for it, you'll hear about it and see references to it in magazines, all big name runners taper before a big race. The idea of the taper is to reduce your weekly mileage two weeks prior to race day so your body can recover and rest from weeks of focused training. The taper is designed to prepare you for the big day. However, the taper has left me a bit lost, as if something is missing from my week: 12+ miles to be exact. My training has been challenging; long miles, speed work outs, weight training and cross training. A great deal has gone into getting marathon ready but this tapering has thrown me a curve ball.

 It seemed to affect this weekends motivation. Friday night I arrived home from work, it was raining, we had dinner and I was able to get into bed early. I slept soundly but when I woke at 0530 rain still pounding on the roof I just turned over and went back to sleep, I had not done that in months. When I finally pulled myself out of bed it was 0630 and still raining I just did not want to get up, I did not want to get wet, I was tired. I dressed to run but snuck back into the bedroom planning to climb back under the covers only to find my wife had taken over my side of the bed as if to say "get moving!"

 This morning as if I had never gotten up early in my life I slept until 0700 and although I was surprised when I looked at the clock I wanted to stay in bed. What is happening? Now I know I will never be a great runner, probably never win my age group let alone a race but for the last couple months I have gotten out of bed more often than not before my alarm sounded and was running before the sun touched the horizon. I have reached my goal weight and know I will finish on October 31st but, this weekend was a bit discouraging. Next week will be a test, I certainly do not want to tarnish my effort over the last few months just to fill a void of a couple miles. Maybe this tapering is a good thing? Nothing wrong with sleeping in now and then is there?

Countless Combinations

 Unlike my previous early morning run I checked the forecast before bed. It read: clear, some low lying clouds, cooling over night, temperatures in the low 40's, possible frost in some areas. This translated into: it wont be warm when I get up at 0430, there will be fog and most likely frost in my stomping ground. My last pre dawn run was less than comfortable and despite my efforts to keep moving I was more focused on the numbness in my fingers and getting warm than the task at hand. It was a challenging start to a 20 mile run.

 I would be better prepared tomorrow. I searched high and low for every running related item I owned: gloves, hats, head band, arm warmers, tights, compression shorts for under tights, shorts, long and short sleeve shirts, shirts with zippers, lite shirts, lite jackets and pants, thick socks. A large pile began to develop in the middle of the bed, my wife was thrilled until she learned I was not getting rid of any of it just trying to round it all up.

 After finding everything, which I am embarrassed to say took 20 minutes or more, I had to sort. The main pile was divide into sub piles based on combinations of clothes that would work best in specific temperatures.
* Pile 1- hot weather: shorts, lite socks, singlets and sleeveless shirts
* Pile 2 - warm weather: shorts, tee-shirts
* Pile 3 - cooler weather: shorts, arm warmers, vest, zip-tees, head band, light gloves
* Pile 4 - cold weather: tights, pants, jacket, vest, long sleeve shirts, warm socks, mittens, gators, face  warmer and anything else to keep one warm below 30F.
 After distribution was complete and order made of the pile on the bed, I put together a combination of piles 2, 3 & 4 that I thought would work with tomorrows forecast.

 When I opened the door at 0500 it was like walking into a freezer after warming up in the kitchen. The thermometer read 37F and frost glistened in the light of my head lamp. Low lying fog sat heavy in spots and steam rose from the creek, it was quiet and dark. The sky was exceptionally clear Orion shown bright  as I followed it South away from the warmth of the house. I must admit, I do prefer the cold, I just want to be dressed for it.

Owl's do say who, who.....

 I set my running clothes out before bed, water bottles filled, gels packed, heart rate monitor and shoes ready. Twenty miles planned, my last long run before race day (21 days away). I wanted to be out the door at 0430. I was feeling some pre run excitement and anticipated having trouble sleeping. The kids in bed at 1930 I read, lights out at 2030, I was tired.

 Without fail I woke every hour on the hour as if I had to check to see if my clock was still working. I am not sure if there is anything more aggravating than wanting to sleep and being unable to. When 0330 rolled around I felt like I had been laying in bed awake for hours. I had to get up and run but I just could not pry myself out of bed. I felt as though I was glued to the mattress. I drifted back to sleep but something in the back of my mind shook me I had to get up I battled with myself for awhile, finally rolling out of bed an hour later than planned.

 I dressed quickly, ate a bowl of oat meal, enjoyed some hot team and warmed up my hip flexors. Ready, I opened the door and walked into a wall of cold air, it was freezing the thermometer read 35F. A quick change of clothes was required. Redressing was going to be a hassle, I had to root around quietly and quickly for some warmer clothes. I should have stayed in bed.

 Not finding exactly what I needed  I hit the road it was 0530. In less than 1/2 a mile I realized I was undressed for this mornings run. My glove less hands were almost numb. Just holding a water bottle was a challenge. My ears were covered the hat I found, my knees cold. Running in this temperature has never deterred me but when you are not dressed properly it sucks.

 I pressed forward annoyed about the cold, discouraged that I had not been better prepared for the drop in temperature. I tucked my hands into the sleeves of my shirt rubbing my fingers vigorously trying desperately to warm them, my water bottle tucked up under my arm. The majority of my marathon training has been enjoyable 1 mile into a 20 miler I was miserable!

 A sound off in the distance snapped me out of my pity party. What was that? I kept moving alert now would I hear it again. Again....what is that, was it an owl? I continued forward hoping I would hear it again.

There it is a faint who-who....who it is an owl.
I don't remember if I have actually heard an owl....who.
Again.. who-who...who I was getting closer to the source.
Im guessing the bird had flown off when all of a sudden!
WHO-WHO.....WHO-WHO

 I nearly jumped out of my skin the proximity of the sound stopped me in my tracks I looked up. The owl's eyes glowed in the beam of my head lamp, it was perched on a limb right over the middle of street. I smiled and laughed wondering if he had been watching my light bob as I made my way towards him out of the darkness?

 I said good morning and we looked at each other for a bit. I was still quite cold but found some warmth that would hold me over until the sun came up.....I can't wait!