Marine Corps Time

Time to focus. Could it be that the Marine Corps Marathon is less than 16 weeks away? Guess I better get a move on a plan, then.

Last year for Frederick, I used the Higdon Novice 1 training plan. Bumping up to the Higdon Novice 2 plan this year with a modest increase in mileage. Now I just need to get myself situated and start to log the miles. I'm pretty close to on plan. Been running, just not on a formal plan. Until now.

I'm excited to be running again with Team In Training. It was evident a year ago that Team In Training does a great job at training athletes to run marathons, among other things. Not to mention the billion dollars (yes, with a "B") that they've raised to fight leukemia and lymphoma.

I was amazed as I talked to people last year how many had been impacted by leukemia and lymphoma. I met survivors, loved ones of survivors and, sadly, friends and family of those who had been taken by these cancers. This past spring, I read about a 40-year old guy named Andy. Andy and I crossed many paths, just a few years apart. Andy was diagnosed with acute myeloid lymphoma, a very aggressive cancer. Within weeks, he lost his battle. This hit me hard. There has been so much positive news. So many survivors. I know in my heart that Team In Training has made a difference for may of them. What I now realize is how much more work there is to be done. Running again with Team In Training was an easy decision.

I've set a goal to raise $3,000 to fight these blood borne cancers. If you donated before, please do so again. If you haven't, please consider doing so. Even if it's just five or ten dollars. Every penny counts! You can click here to go to my fundraising web site.

Thank you and keep tuned here to check on my training progress!

L'Chaim!

Frederick 2009, Half of 2008

Back to the scene of the crime. Lot's of thoughts of last year's full marathon. I'll try to keep this down from my seven part race report from last year!

In the days leading up to Frederick, I was not feeling into it. Maybe the result of a bit too much running. This would be my third half in nine weeks, plus the relay from just a week ago. Total mileage run during race week: two. On Friday at boot camp, I felt a nasty pain in my left knee. Not good at all. Couldn't even eek out a mile on the track. My plan was to go easy and get to the start line. Whatever happened happened.

Saturday night was the big Team in Training Inspiration Dinner. This is a huge deal for the first time runners and their families. Lots of pasta, bread and excitement to get ready for the big day on Sunday. It was exciting to see Cherrie, my mentee with her family, as well as others that I had gotten to know during our training season, like Risa (whose pictures I've shamelessly stolen to post here), Joe and others.

Great looking group, huh!

The Team raised over $150,000 this season through the efforts of more than 80 participants. Awesome.

Risa was one of the top fund raisers this year. Way to go, running bud!

After the big meal, I headed home to try to get some sleep. The big question, other than the knee issue was the weather. Forecast was for rain -- go figure -- it's been that kinda spring.

I woke Sunday at 4:15 and immediately heard the drops pounding on the window. Great. 3 hours of wet. By the time I left the house, the rain had subsided. For how long, no clue. I stopped at the Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and headed west.

By the time I got to the fairgrounds, it was after 6. As usual the port-a-pot lines were long and slow. It didn't take long to figure out that getting to the start by 6:30 would be tight and I was right. I hit the starting line just a couple of minutes late. Too late to catch the 4:30 pace group (2:15 half marathon pace) that I had planned to run with.

So, we were off. As we ran through downtown Frederick, everything (my knee) felt right. It was dry, but I wasn't feeling great. Nothing I could pinpoint, just felt like it would be a tough day.

A mile or so in, I came upon Risa and Margaret. They looked great. Very excited, I could tell. We chatted for a couple of minutes and then I found myself pulling away. They'd do great. Keep it up, ladies.

A few more miles in, all was well, and I was on a pace of just about 10 minute miles. In my mind, I kept thinking about walking. My body felt heavy. Maybe it was the "a bit too creamy" dinner from the night before weighing on me. I kept going.

Around mile 6, I saw Cherrie. She was doing great. She had started at 6am with a large group of TnT walkers and she was all smiles when I saw her. Here, I slowed to a walk for a few minutes so we could chat. It would be a great day for Cherrie. I left her and started to run. That break was what I needed.

Finally, at mile seven, the long awaited rains came. None of this misting, it was raining. No problem though. Just keep going.

Who's the dork? The Wal-Mart water stop, mile 9.

As always, the TnT support was amazing. You couldn't go anywhere and not see a purple shirt. I even remember Karen from the exact same spot a year before at mile 11. TnT shines on race day!

The course seemed hillier than last year, though the roads were the same. I suspect that I forgot about the first half rolling hills compared to the nastiness ahead for the full marathon runners. Even that last half mile up a gradual hill seemed extreme. Nevertheless, I was able to run the rest of the way from the time I left Cherrie to the finish.

I looked down at my Garmin and saw what I could hardly believe. Despite the knee worries, the not feeling great, the 6 miles of rain and the walk break, there was a personal record. By 8 seconds! 2:17:56. Yeah, I planned it exactly that way, to shave a half second a mile off of my DC run five weeks before.

Time to go check in with the TnT'ers. Everyone was in wet, but great spirits. No problems, just lots of great running. Risa came in all smiles. Cherrie was ecstatic. You couldn't tell that the sun wasn't shining by checking out the TnT tent. Way to go, all!

I got home and took a luscious 2 hour nap. Thanks, Deb!

No rest for the weary, the fall TnT season start Saturday!

L'Chaim!

Back on the Team

I couldn't have been more honored and excited to be asked to serve as a Howard County, Maryland Team in Training mentor for the Summer 2009 season.

Saturday was one of the info meetings at the library where new recruits come to check out the program. I was there with the two other local mentors and coaches for the run/walk, bike, tri and hike programs. As a mentor, I'll be helping others meet their fundraising goals. (Don't worry, I won't be asking for any money. . . yet!) Every seat was filled and the sign ups were coming in fast and furious. Can't wait to get my list of mentees. (Is that a word? Well, I'll be darned, it is a word!)

There are some great events on the calendar including the new Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. I'll be running the Frederick Half, the only local running event.

Let the running begin!

L'Chaim!

Two Kiwi's and Me

Which of the guys in the picture above won the New York Marathon? Yes, THAT New York Marathon? Well it wasn't the guy in the middle.

Today being Saturday, it was the weekly Team In Training run. This week, for a change, the Annapolis, Baltimore and Howard County groups were joining together at a central location near BWI Airport.

Joining the Baltimore group was kiwi (thanks Andrew for the kiwi reference) number one, Bruce Cleland. Bruce is training to run Baltimore in the Fall to celebrate TNT's 20th anniversary and runs weekly with the Baltimore group.

Visiting Bruce this week was a kiwi mate of his, Rod Dixon, who just happened to win the NY marathon in 1983. Rod's the guy on the left. He has put together a pretty neat program called Kid's Marathon that gets schools and marathons to team up to get kids active. Over the course of a number of weeks, kids complete 26 miles of running and walking and receive a medal. Neat guy.

For the first half mile of today's run, Rod and Bruce were no match for my well rested legs, but alas, the overtook me finish just ahead at the end. Seriously, as he passed me I was amazed how slow Rod looked. Long legs just moving him forward. Very impressive. 5 3/4 for me today with lots of heat and humidity to enjoy as well.

L'Chaim!

"The Hardest Marathon I've Ever Run, Bar None!"

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/4/08)

Those were the words of my friend Dave who completed Frederick in 3:29, his 10th marathon.

I finished in about 5:52 (can't get to the results page for some reason.)

It was an amazing and emotional day.

Much to say but the report will have to wait a day or so.

Thanks for all of the well wishes. They came in handy.

L'Chaim!

Frederick Report -- Part I

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/5/08)

Heard from my almost 8 year old, Matty, talking to another boy Friday night at the ball park:

Matty -- I'm not going to be at practice tomorrow, my dad's running a marathon.
Mitchell -- Oh.
Matty -- Do you know how long a marathon is?
Mitchell -- No.
Matty -- It's 26 miles.
Mitchell -- WOW!
Matty -- yeah, we have to go to a pasta party tomorrow so my dad can carb up!

Just when you're sure nothing you say sinks in, you overhear this little gem! Deb and I just smiled at each other.

Saturday was a crazy day -- school carnival and baseball game, plus the pre-race festivities. I left right after the game and headed to Frederick, about 30 miles west of home, to pick up my packet and sign the kids up for the fun run. While I was there, I ran into some friends -- Scott, Stacey and Bob -- picking up their packets for the half on Sunday. They wished me well and I was off, avoiding all of the vendors but picking up a few freebies along the way.

I headed to the Team In Training sponsored pasta party where Deb and the kids met me. I learned as the weekend went on, this is truly where TNT shines. As we entered the hotel ballroom, all of the coaches and mentors lined up and cheered us into the room. We joined Terry and Laura, whom I had done some training runs with, along with Laura's husband, at a table towards the back of the room.

Michael, the Director for TNT-Maryland, got up and began by inviting anyone that wanted to come to the microphone and tell their story -- why they were there or who with leukemia or lymphoma had impacted their lives. Dinner was served.

Michael introduced the TNT coaches and mentors. Some we had met before, some we had not, as all of the training groups from the different groups in MD converged for the first time together. At that point, he talked about the diseases and introduced a 9 year old girl whom had gone through two years of treatment. It was quite inspirational to hear her story. (Turns out, Deb went to school with the girl's father.)

Then, he started talking about the fundraising. The group of 80 TNT runners raised more than $150,000! Michael then asked everyone who raised over $2,000 to stand. There were about 15 of us. Then $3,000. Four or five remained. At $4,000, and then $5,000, I stood alone. With the help of just about everyone I know, I was the top fundraiser for this event. Once again, thank you all -- I am truly humbled by your generosity!

At the next break for desert, I took the opportunity to share my story with the group. I told of my weight loss success and my running for Phyllis.

Soon after, the supporters were pulled into another room where they were given lots of goodies to help cheer on their friends and relatives while the runners remained to get info from the coaches.

There were only a few of us running or walking the full marathon. The Howard County coach, Mohan, talked about the hill at mile 16. I had pretty much been avoiding thinking about that hills on the back side of the course. Deb had suggested a few weeks ago that I go out and drive the course. I really didn't want too much information. No need for even more stress. Since Mohan was my local coach, I asked that he get me up that hill. "No problem -- I'll be there for you, Jeff!" I knew he would be.

We headed home and I just felt stressed. No other way to put it. That hill was now front and center. After a week of wishing the race was "tomorrow", finally it would be.

Stay tuned. . .

L'Chaim!

Frederick Report -- Part II

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/5/08)

The alarm was set for 4 am but, like every other day this week, there was no need as my body woke me at 3:30. Might as well get moving!

Everything had been laid out the night before. All of the body ointments, sun block, etc. all lined up in the bathroom like good little soldiers. Clothing all set in dining room. Morning nourishment ready to be consumed. I thought through very carefully areas where I had previously had issues -- chafing around the waistband of my shorts, rubbing of my arms and thighs. Got those areas all glided up. Took some ibuprofen. Even had time to brew a pot of coffee and drink a cup. Then it was 15 minutes of stretching at home.

Dave was picking me up between 4:50 and 5:00. Dave is NEVER late. The day we met at the gym at 5 am for a long run -- I arrived at 5 till, Dave had was there 10 minutes before waiting for me. At 4:50, my cell phone rang. It was Dave. "SHIT! My two alarms didn't go off -- I'm leaving in 5 minutes -- sorry!" Okay, this wasn't part of the plan.

I think I just walked around the house aimlessly. Too much nervous energy. I waited outside and Dave pulled up at about 5:15. We were off -- Dave driving like a bat out of hell. Once we hit I-70, it seemed like every car we passed had a "26.2" sticker on the back bumper. At least we knew we wouldn't be the last to arrive.

There was an option for me to stay at the hotel in Frederick, but I decided against that. Riding with Dave was perfect. He'd been my personal "coach" really since the beginning of this journey. Not the training part, but the real beginning, in July, 2006. This was perfect. Dave said he knew this day would be here a year before, when we went to Delaware. Certainly not this specific day, but the day I would run a marathon and that we would do it together. When I commented to him in the lounge the night before his DE marathon and my 10 miler that next year we'd run one together, it was just one of those things you say that sounds good. To me it would be a dream, but I couldn't imagine all the effort that would be required to make it the full distance. Here we were, 50 weeks later, going to run a marathon. Together.

Dave pulled off the exit into traffic headed to the fairgrounds. Traffic was moving, but slowly. We pulled into the parking lot at about 6. Just 30 minutes to the start. Dave got a quick picture with his camera phone and I headed of to the TNT tent. "Good luck, man, you'll do great!"

In a way, the delay served as a distraction to the miles ahead. Once I arrived, there was really no time to do anything other than the business at hand. Drop my bag at the TNT tent, find a restroom (nothing like the camaraderie of 6 guys sharing a dumpster) and get to the start. I was looking for Terry and Laura -- since I had run with them at some of our weekly TNT long runs, I thought it would be great if we ran together, at least through their half marathon. I found them along with lots of other TNT'ers and we waited for the start.

Finally, 6:30 arrived and we were off. 26.2 miles to go. . .

L'Chaim!

Frederick Report -- Part III

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/5/08)

. . . 26.2 miles to go.

Starting from the back of the pack, it took just 3 minutes to cross the starting line. We headed out of the fairgrounds and onto the streets of downtown Frederick. The adrenalin pumping, I used the pacer function of my Garmin for the first time. It would beep at me if I went faster than 11:15/mile or slower than 13:15. Through the first few miles, I was beeped at regularly, but had no trouble slowing my pace back to the 12 minute average I was looking to keep. I stayed pretty close to Laura and Terry and once the crowds thinned, we were all moving at the same pace.

Several months ago, I had sent a letter to Angie, a friend from Jaycees who I hadn't seen in a while, but lived in Frederick. Angie wrote me and was a big fan of TNT. She had run the Dublin Marathon a few years ago. Every year she hangs out with friends at mile 3. "Look for me there!" At mile 3, there was my first "visitor". I screamed out "Angie" and ran off to giver her a big sweaty kiss. "I'll see you at the finish, but you better get running." I was back on the course.

I was enjoying this run more than just about anything. We were running through beautiful older Frederick neighborhoods. Very quaint. I was very chatty, yelling out to all kinds of people and chatting with Terry and Laura. "Hey! Can I get cream and two sugars in my coffee?" I yelled out to one group of folks. We passed a big group with a picnic table set up. "Hey! Can I have one of those?" referring to the drink in their hands. "It's a bloody mary!" they told me. "I'll take two then!" It was a blast.

At about mile 5, the first of the TNT mentors showed up. "How are you doing? Do you need anything?" Nope. Just fine.

Through 5, I had about 3 minutes in the bank on my pace goal. Good to go!

At about mile 8, Laura and Terry needed a bathroom break. "Keep going Jeff, you're doing great!" Laura said. I was off on my own. Through 10, my pace was still solid. About 4 minutes in the bank. Mile 10 was my fastest of the front half.

Frederick County is very rural. The town is fairly small. At mile 11 I noted my first cow. Very surprised that it took this long, but alas, there they were. Shortly after that, coach Karen checked in and ran a bit with me. All's well. See you down the road.

Just before the 13 mile mark, I saw Laura's husband Andy with their kid. He was yelling out for me. It was great to see a familiar face with the tough part to come.

At the half, I had run non-stop (other than the water breaks). I took a bathroom stop during mile 13. Without that stop, I would have had a PR for a half. With the sun now out in full glare, the temps warming and my sunglasses sitting snugly in my checked bag, expecting the weatherman would deliver on the "mostly cloudy" forecast, the "easy" part was over.

Past 13, things got lonely. 2/3 of the runners at the start were doing just the half and this included the vast majority of the TNT folks. At 13.5, there was Angie again. What a pleasant surprise! It felt almost like a mirage in the desert. But real! "Your folks are around the corner -- I'll see you at the finish!"

My folks were waiting along the canal. It was great to see them there and I got to run past them twice -- out and back. They had TNT signs in their hands cheering for me. I told them I was feeling fine and I'd see them in about 3 hours.

At 15, Garmie had me right on the money at exactly 3 hours. I knew that I wouldn't be on that pace much longer as I started to take more walk breaks.

Shortly after 15, as I'm about to run under I-70, I hear yelling from a vehicle -- "DADDY DADDY!" Amazingly, purely by coincidence, there were Deb and the boys driving by en route to the fairgrounds. What a great distraction. It was great to see them there.

At 15.5, there was Mohan awaiting my arrival. "How to you feel?" Good -- fun part to come. A mile later there it was -- a long constant hill. We're not talking about miles, but I figured it was close to a mile -- probably an 8-10% grade. We walked. And walked. We ran some, but mostly talked and tried to keep a good pace walking. At the top, we ran downhill, but more fun was ahead.

As we turned off the main road, we headed left into a neighborhood into a monster steep hill. Just a quarter or third of a mile, but certainly 13-15%. We walked. Mohan still at my side.

We were now in a very nice, upscale neighborhood. The neighbors were great -- kids outside handing out pretzels, Gatorade, water, other snacks from their front lawns. Pretty impressive -- we were at the tail end of over three hours of runners coming through their neighborhood and they were still hanging in. We hung in, too.

A man caught up with us, Victor from Virginia, who was also running his first marathon. He was concerned about finishing in the time limit. Mohan said to hang with us, he'd finish in time for sure. It was nice to have a crowd.

Along the way, there were more TNTers. Turns out there were several still behind us. Would they finish? Don't know, but we were still moving forward.

If there was a "wall" for me, I'd say it hit at mile 23. I was ready to be done. Then, as we got out of the neighborhoods and headed back to the fairgrounds, but not before a cruel twist in the course. Just two blocks from the finish line, the course turned east, then loops back and the parallel to the fairgrounds, a mile through a desolate business park. Seemed pretty unfair. Nobody anywhere. I was really laboring. Mohan kept moving.

We passed 25 and I though I could run it in. My legs disagreed. After a tenth of a mile or so, I walked. At 25.5, Michael, the TNT Director jogged towards us and joined us toward the finish. At 26, there was another mirage -- it was Deb, out to search for me. It was amazing and, thankfully, not a mirage. I smiled and then turned right into the fairgrounds. Finally the finish line in sight.

Now, I started to sprint. The clock read 5:55 and I was determined to run across the finish line. And so I did.

After 5 hours, 52 minutes, 32 seconds of running and walking, I had earned the right to put that coveted "26.2" sticker on the back bumper of my car.

The emotion of the moment was expected. I just didn't know how it would play out. I started to get choked up in the last tenth of a mile. After I finished, my dad was at the barrier. I hugged him and all of the built up emotion just poured out. There was Angie, my sister-in-law Sherri, and my niece an nephew. We all hugged. My kids? Oh, they picked that moment to need a potty break. Of course, my mom went along with them. They all missed what they came to see.

Moments later, Deb arrived back and another wave of emotion let go. Kids and mom arriving shortly after.

Wow.

It was a glorious, fantastic and amazing day. I am not the guy that was supposed to complete a marathon. But I did. It's still hasn't quite sunk in, but I'm looking forward to going out to my car tomorrow morning and see that 26.2 on the bumper. I've earned it.

There's more to say, but it can wait another day. Thanks for hanging in through the gory details.

Stay tuned. . .

L'Chaim!

Frederick Report -- The Finale

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/6/08)

Two days later and I'm still on cloud nine. Sappy stuff coming next:

Hard to believe with all of the pain and suffering that I went through, from the ankle pains last summer and fall to the pains in the butt and lower back just three weeks ago that I ran essentially pain free. Great advice from my friend Terry and a few others to see a chiropractor. Dr. Lipman got me back on the road. Along with some new stretches that I did religiously, this was my biggest concern. Thank you, Howard.

Yesterday, the day after, I rode my bike to take the kids to school. How about that!

The Team in Training crew -- what an amazing and dedicated group of folks. Thank you for your leadership.

Bloggers -- my virtual friends -- you rock! (Not all virtual, of course, there's Katie and Dan whom I've run half marathon's with.) You encouraged and you cheered, you advised and you empathized. I hope to run with many of you some day.

My family, friends and co-workers encouraged me and kept me going and drove me crazy some times -- but in a good way. Couldn't let them down. Special thanks to mom and dad, Neil, UR and AD, Zach and Matty.

"Coach" Dave, my friend, I would not have taken this road without your friendship and encouragement in the first place. You are a mensch.

Deb -- my goodness -- you are my rock! You kicked me in the ass when I didn't want to run. You got me to stretch. You took care of the family when I went out for long runs. You cursed me when the alarm went off way too early and you couldn't fall back to sleep. You helped raise money for TNT. You did it all. I love you so!

In the end, with your help, I did what I thought I could not. I persevered and found success. But really, the success is in the training -- 417 miles over 18 weeks. The reward is in finish.

If it were not for support of the people in my life, this would have never happened. This former fat guy would probably still be on the couch eating french fries. For this, I am eternally grateful.

L'Chaim! L'Chaim!

Frederick Report -- Pics

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 5/6/08)

With Coach Mohan after he brought me home.

Emotions let loose when I finally got to hug Deb.

My family truly supported me -- through training and on the big day. From the left: Sherri (sister-in-law), Rachel (niece), Ryan (nephew), Mom, Matty, Deb, me, Zach and Dad. (Not Pictured: Brother Neil (jo brotha) -- en route to Vegas for a business trip. He was there in spirit.) I could not have asked for better supporters.

REWARD! -- A trip to Red Robin for burgers, beers and BOTTOMLESS FRIES!

And, yes, I was a total geek wearing that medal around my neck. It could wait a day before it starts to gather dust.

Proud Parents.

L'Chaim!

It's All About The Swag

At Katie's request, a picture of the swag. Only full marathoners got the microfiber zip jacket. Half runners received a tech t-shirt.

Sadly, there were no "Finisher" t's for sale. Bummer!




















L'Chaim!

It's Personal

Just a day and a half from Frederick and it's time to share.

A long time ago, I talked about signing up with Team In Training. TNT is a great organization and has a great purpose, but for me, there is more.

Around about 1988, I met Phyllis. At the time, she was President of the Maryland Jaycees, an organization that my dad had belonged to and I was a fairly new member. I saw Phyllis as a very strong and powerful woman. In my early 20's, I was in awe and was very impressed with both the office and the leader.

Over the years, we developed a very close friendship. I joined her in some US Jaycees political endeavors and she taught me much. We drank a lot, talked a lot, and played a lot of poker.

It was at a Christmas Party at Phyllis' house in 1994 that I inquired about Deb's "status." She told Deb "of course he likes you, why do you think he invited you to his 30th birthday party!" 16 months later, Deb and I were married.

We talked religion and politics. We were almost never on the same side of either, but we always enjoyed the banter.

December, 1994, an appropriate birthday gift of cards and Jack Daniels!

Over the years, we got together regularly with friends and our quarterly poker group. Times were good.

A few years ago, word came that Phyllis was not well. She had lymphoma and was at Johns Hopkins hospital. I still don't know all that she went through back then, but she was not expected to live. A last minute bone marrow transplant saved her life, but the complications changed the way she will live.

I visited Phyllis last week in a nursing home when I shared with her my plan for Frederick. We talked about life and she reminded me that doctors predicted that she would be a memory. Through the miracles of medicine and the will of God, she lives today. It is a life that she is living, but not what she had in mind. Her family and friends are lucky to have her.

I can't help but wonder if the efforts of previous TNT participants helped to save her life. I hope that my efforts, and the generous support of my friends, family and co-workers will help save many more Phyllis'.

On Sunday, I will run in "TNT Purple" for me, but also for her.

If you have given, thank you very much.

If you have not, please consider doing so. The life you help save may be closer than you think.

Click HERE to visit my TNT web page.

Signing off until Sunday.

L'Chaim!