15. My First 100k: Race Report and Lessons Learned

Run Woodstock 2014: L.S.D. 100k

Race Report

Event: Run Woodstock L.S.D. 100 km, Pickney, Michigan

Date: September 5-8, 2014

Website: http://www.runwoodstock.com/

Description: Run Woodstock is a 3-day running festival, inspired by the original Woodstock. It is a lot of fun, but the RunningFit folks appropriately take their running, and their runners, quite seriously -- and this is evident in the quality of the events they put on. The camping and camaraderie is a blast, and there are running distances and events available for all levels from 5k to 100 miles. If you go, I would encourage you to take advantage of all the options that you can handle (take care of your legs, of course), and aim to do the "weekend challenge" of running all three days. The 100's start on Friday, but if you are in an event that doesn't start until Saturday (50-mile, 50k, marathon, half-marathon, 5-mile), there is a nice Friday evening 5k available. There is another 5k Saturday night and the weekend is capped off with a 5-mile Sunday morning trot. Take it easy, visit with your fellow runners, and think of it as "active recovery" from your long run. (There are also various other events and options throughout the day Saturday, including awesome music all weekend.)

The Course: On the recommendation of some other Indiana Trail Runners, I did my first 50-mile ultra at Run Woodstock in 2013. I had done my first 50k at "Dances with Dirt" earlier in the season, and, since that was also put on by the RunningFit folks, I looked forward to another opportunity to run with them.

In general, it's a nice rolling course, comprised of single-track, horse trails, and a couple rail trail and road segments. Each loop is just over 16 miles, so for this year's 100k, it meant four times around. Aid stations were well-stocked and attended by fantastic volunteers.  Runners in the ultras essentially hit an aid station every 4 miles. The first segment, from the start/finish to the first aid station, is good warm-up terrain. After looping through the grounds, you enter a nice trail area, followed by a graveled rail-trail segment of about a mile, and then back into the woods. The first aid station also doubles as the third for your return toward the finish. Leaving the aid station, you'll spend some time on the road (a bit more than a mile) before entering the trails. You'll spend most of the next 6 miles in the woods (except for a road crossing), including the second aid station and a short road stint, before returning to the same road segment leading back to the first/third aid station. The final segment from the aid station (#3) to the start/finish area is probably the toughest terrain of the course. It includes some pretty good hills along with some really muddy soupy sections that have been softened by horses and runners. The final hill and the turn in to the cheers of the camp area is very rewarding -- especially if it is your final loop.

The weather always seems to present an added dimension. The race began Friday afternoon with the Michigan temperatures near 90 degrees. About 3 hours in, I was still on my first loop when the area weather alert sirens started blaring, and as the winds moved over us, I could hear trees cracking. While I did not see anything come down, other runners did and there were three newly downed trees on the trail for subsequent loops. As the winds died down, the rain moved in, sporadically heavy, and intermittent throughout the night. With the morning, though, all was calm and comfortable. The weekend weather was quite perfect.

My Finish:
I would describe this as a pretty rough run. As you'll see below, I was not as well-prepared as I had hoped. And, in the third loop, I was not in good shape. In fact, I was pretty certain that in my current condition I did not have a fourth loop in me. So, as I trudged into the camp area with three loops and 49 miles behind me, I laid down in my tent at 5:00 am. I woke up a bit after 7:00 feeling amazingly refreshed. So, I put on some dry socks and clean shoes, and headed out for the final lap.

I had gone into this event thinking that I might take 16 to 18 hours to finish. Had my summer training plan stayed intact, it might have been possible, and, I suppose that if you take the nap out of the picture, I wasn't too far off. What amazed me, though, was that when I crossed the finish line, I was told that I was a top finisher in my age group. WooHoo! Hooray for slow 50-somethings!

Race distance: 100k
Actual mileage: 65 miles
Finish Time (official): 20:18:21.8

 

Lessons Learned

 

Train more, pack less.

My training in the two months leading up to Run Woodstock suffered greatly. As part of my RunThisYear goals, I generally try to aim for about 175-200 miles of running each month, including varied long runs every weekend. To be fair, this is probably too low for someone striving to complete a 100k ultramarathon. In July, I had a respectable (for me) 183 miles, but only one long run, way back on July 4. I know that doubling up on weekend long runs are an essential component of ultra training, but it just didn't happen. August, from the training perspective, was a disaster. I logged 97 miles for the entire month, and 45 of that came in one day at the "Hamster Endurance Runs" 12-hour event. Things began to settle into normality in September, but, of course, it was too late to do anything from the training perspective toward a September 5 event, so I logged a few "taper" miles and headed up to Hell. (Run Woodstock takes place in Pinckney, Michigan, which neighbors the community of Hell. One story is that when one of the founders back in the 19th century was asked what to call the town, he responded, "I don't care, you can name it Hell for all I care.") I knew it would be a rough 100k, but I was determined to have fun and to finish on my feet.

The other thing that I have noticed is that I need to get better at incorporating strength training into my routine. When I get beyond marathon distance, my back gets sore across the shoulder blades. It is not particularly painful, but is definitely a distraction that adds to the overall fatigue.

As for packing, I suppose that I have a bit of a "Boy Scout" tendency -- Be Prepared. I have clothing that I like for fit, function, and various weather contingencies that I took along with me. Some of the options, I even carried in my race vest. But I took too many items, bringing most of them back still folded. I also have various foods for hydration and nutrition that I have found work reasonably well for me. The nice thing about a looped course is that I can leave things at the transition area and still have regular access, but I still carried too much and consumed only a portion of what I brought. The primary reason for this is that the aid stations were well-stocked with options and I am getting better at making choices across those options for what works for me. This is a GOOD thing. So now I just need to convince myself that it is okay to travel light, even in a long race. Many races will post the aid station "menu" ahead of time, so I should be able to just fill in the gaps for what I think that I'll need.

"Long Slow Distance Produces Long Slow Runners."

Sebastian Coe, British middle distance athlete and Olympic medalist, once made the above statement, complaining about that frequented training principle. Frankly, I don't see a problem here. Of course, I'm not an elite athlete, and don't need to concern myself with the other guy in a race. The only guy I'm concerned with besting looks back at me in the mirror each day. As a result, my race day objectives are simple: Have Fun and Finish. Of course, there are training regimens that I pay attention to in order to improve the prospects of reaching my goals. And, while time is a factor, it is not the objective. Long, slow, distance is a part of my training regimen. It's also likely an apt descriptor of my race day performance. And I'm okay with that.

A NAP is better than a DNF.

Earlier this year, I DNF-ed (Did Not Finish) at the Winter Night Trail Marathon in Indianapolis. As I had completed the second of four loops, I knew that I could not finish the third in time to start the final lap for a marathon finish. Dropping to the half was hard, but the right call. For the 100k, ironically, I had the luxury of time.

As I headed up to Run Woodstock this year, I had joked that with 30 hours available to complete 62 miles, I felt that I could sleep along the way and still finish, as long as I stayed uninjured. After all, I had done a weekend double marathon earlier in the year, completing the second less than 30 hours from the start of the first, with more than an 18 hour gap between the two 26.2-mile segments. So even though I hoped to NOT take any downtime along the trail, I felt it within the realm of possibility that I could add 10 miles to the total even if I wasn't on my feet the entire time. My finish time might not be particularly spectacular, but what's a bit less spectacularity to and LSD runner?

You can do it!

Look at it this way. I am a 51-year-old asthmatic clydesdale (a runner who weighs more than 200 pounds). Know your limits. TEST your limits. And above all, HAVE FUN DOING IT!


Happy Running!

14. 2014 Big Goal: 100 KM Training Principles

This year's "Unreasonable Midlife Fitness Challenge" is to run 100 km at RunWoodstock. My preparation is going well, but I have come to the conclusion that I am a terrible blogger. I get lots of great ideas, but rarely sit down and write about them. So now, nearly 5 months since my last entry on "Running Happy," I'm going to try to get into the swing of things.  ...and, yes, I continue to "run happy."

Going into this year, I thought that I was going to focus on the science of running -- heart rate, metabolism, speed, VO2 max, things like that. And, while I still find all of this interesting, they were getting in the way of what I really want to do -- RUN.

So, by the end of January, I had finally come off of a frustrating bout of bronchitis and saw clear what I needed to do. If I am going to be ready to stay "upright and moving forward" (my definition of running) for 100 kilometers, I need TIME ON MY FEET. Here are the basic principles I have developed:

1. RunThisYear. This is my training wrap-around for the year. Last year, I overshot by 400 miles and had a great time running to the year 2413. The RunThisYear community is a great inspiration and support, and having this goal creates a gentle accountability. This year, I don't expect to overshoot by much, but we'll see how things play out. I'm trying to mix things up with when and where I run, which can have an effect on available miles.
   If you are interested in Running This Year, you can find the group on both Facebook and Twitter.
2. Variation. I have to admit, I am still not as good as I would like to be about getting into the gym for cross-training and lifting. It's hard to pass up a nice day -- or a not-so-nice day. However, switching up speeds and terrain is keeping it interesting and I feel like it is giving me a descent variety of physical challenges. This is certainly an area to keep working on.
3. The Long Runs. Ideally, my long run on the weekend will be around 20 miles. I have read that your long run should generally not be more than half of your total weekly mileage, so a 20-mile long run fits nicely into the 39 miles-per-week averaged necessary to reach 2,014 miles in the year. Also, I can't be gone all day and still do the other things that I want and need to, so it's a reasonable compromise. To be fair, I am also working in some longer ones and have been able to do 5 marathons and an 50 km ultra as official events so far. (Small potatoes compared to other Marathon Maniacs, I know.) And I'm looking forward to my first 12-hour endurance run in August at the Hamster Endurance Run in Bellingham, WA. My goal is to try to get close to 50 miles. Wish me luck!
4. Doubling Up. When I did the 50-miler last year, one of the key bits of advice I heard from more experienced runners was the value of doing two long runs. My first weekend double with the marathons in February was an encouraging accomplishment. To be able to get up and go when the legs are not rested is a good building block toward a longer ultra. And, for me, my training has not been as much about speed as it has been about recovery. I have been very pleased that I consistently feel good the next day following a long run. Of course, I realize that this opens me for criticism that I could push more than I am, but I would rather enjoy the scenery than risk injury.
5. Two-Fers. A bit like doubling up, above, but more compressed, the occasional two-a-day runs can tell the legs that they may be called upon even after a workout. Just because you sit down, doesn't mean that you are done running. Plus, I know that if I am doing a 10k training run, I will go harder than I would in the first 10k of a 12-15 mile run. So, while the long runs have their obvious benefits, I feel that the two-fers can help both physically and mentally.
6. Fuel. You can't spend time on your feet without feeding and watering what is on top of them. And I continue to use my body as a personal laboratory for experimentation. I know, for example, that on a hot day, I can sweat off as much as 7 pounds running 7 miles. Fortunately, this sweat rate tapers, but in part because there is just not as much available after the first hour. This suggests to me that I am doing a reasonable job of pre-hydration, but also that I need to be very aware of the need for in-run hydration and electrolyte replacement. I have found that on a long run, if I give myself 16 ounces per hour, I stay pretty comfortable. I have also learned to stay away from in-race gatorade and such. The sugars are too for me, so I carry my NUUN with me and my stomach stays happy.I continue to experiment with solids, but so far, my go-to favorite remains Clif Bars.

Enjoying the Indiana Trails.

I have been building on my mileage and made up for lost ground on my RunThisYear goal of 2,014 miles. My weekend long runs have been more uneven than I would like, but that's OK, too. Assuming that I stay on track to surpass 2,014 miles, I suppose my secondary goal would be to meet the average of running a 10k per day for the year. That would put me at 2,268 miles.

Happy Running!

13. Running Happy

Running Happy

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

 but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Last year, I came across an article from Psychology Today about the effect of smiling, and how the physical act of smiling has a direct effect on both your brain and your body. I've linked it here in case you are interested in reading it, but below is the part that got my attention:

How Smiling Affects Your Brain
     Each time you smile you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness.
     For starters, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress. Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate. They facilitate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, excited. The feel good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well. This not only relaxes your body, but it can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
     The endorphins also act as a natural pain reliever - 100% organically and without the potential negative side effects of synthetic concoctions.
     Finally, the serotonin release brought on by your smile serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter. Many of today’s pharmaceutical anti-depressants also influence the levels of serotonin in your brain, but with a smile, you again don’t have to worry about negative side effects – and you don’t need a prescription from your doctor.

Armed with this research, I decided to conduct my own experiment on smiling and running. No doubt, some people along my running routes may perceive me to be some sort of happy-jogging lunatic. But, frankly, I would prefer that to them thinking that I am in desperate need of an ambulance. So I smile when I run. If I start feeling tired, I make sure I'm smiling and it peps me up. Even if I am on a solo training run deep in the woods, I smile, and I think I can even feel the trees smiling back at me.

So far, I consider my research in running (s)miles to be an overwhelming success, meriting continued study and application to all aspects of life. In the running realm, here is what I have learned:

• I do feel better when I run if I am smiling.
• I enjoy the run more.
• My legs feel stronger.
• My form stays cleaner.
• People smile back at me.
• I'm more focused on what I enjoy about running.
• Even if I am "multi-tasking" and thinking about other things that need to be addressed when the run is over, there is a clarity of mind that helps me focus.
• The "runner's high" is not a myth.
• Running is a great stress relief, and I am more likely to finish feeling positive if I am smiling, rather than just tired.
• When you are running a race, it means the photographers are more likely to get a good picture of you. Because you are smiling!

I know that the list can be much longer, and as I continue, perhaps I'll return to edit this list. Until then...

Happy "Running Happy"!

Up next: 2014 Big Goal: 100 KM Training Principles

12. Doubling Up

The Weekend Double

This past weekend, I completed something that I was not sure I was ready for -- my first Double Marathon Weekend. On a 1/8 mile track. Indoors. It was a fantastic experience, and I left Sunday in complete awe of my fellow runners. For my own learning experience, I'll sum it up in 2 T's that were central to my weekend learning experience: Training and Tempo.

Marathon distance: 26.316 miles (204 laps)
Day 1 time:  5:30:41.9
Day 2 time:  5:41:00.4

And, believe it or not, there were actually several runners there doing what was billed as the Marathon 6-pack -- 6 marathons in 6 days!

      Training...

Thus far, I have been very pleased with my training. I'm still far from speedy (as you can see from my times), but I have been able to remain uninjured while extending my miles and running multiple marathons even as a new runner. (I still consider myself a "new" runner because, while running was something that I have done at various points in my life, it did not become a focused or fun activity for me until the last 3 years.) To me, the most important indicator of successful training is probably in recovery. Almost 20 years ago, when I ran my first half marathon, my recovery process was painful. Not only was I contending with rather severe chafing, my leg muscles were shot. I actually had done an experiment late in the race in Indianapolis. I looked at my time for running mile 10, and then for walking mile 11. Mile 11 was FASTER! It seemed that my running stride had degraded so much that all of my effort was going into clearing the asphalt with my feet, but not really propelling me forward. So I walked miles 12 and 13 and then did the obligatory (and painful) run through the finish chute. After that, for the next week, along with walking somewhat bowlegged, getting up and down from a seated position was extremely difficult. In fact, to get in and out of the car, I had to help my legs by lifting them with my hands in order to swing them in and out or the vehicle. I'm fairly certain that such a need is not a hallmark of good race preparation.

Now, my experience after a race or long run is much different. After my 50-mile ultra in September, I felt amazingly strong running a 5-mail trail run the next morning. And, after Saturday's first marathon of the weekend, I actually felt stronger running the second marathon on Sunday (and felt similarly fresh running 6 miles on Monday). In fact, one of the things I learned from other runners during my 50 was the importance of stacking long runs in preparation for an ultramarathon. So, as I have my sights set on a 100km ultra in September, I look at the weekend double as a successful training test.

So, the three training principles that I would emphasize for running ultras and multiple marathons are:

• LSD - Long Slow Distance
• TOYF - Time On Your Feet (pretty close to LSD)
• SLRs - Sequential Long Runs

      Tempo...

I went into the weekend double expecting the second run on Sunday to be the harder day of the weekend. As a result, I don't think that I went into Saturday with enough respect for what it would take for me to run an indoor marathon. As a result, I probably went out a bit fast (for me) at the start. I was enjoying the occasional conversations with other runners, and, I was enjoying watching my lap counts go up on the display panel that was set up near the track.

What I didn't do on Saturday (as I think about it in retrospect) was pay attention to my running form. When do indoors runs in my training, I typically do them as tempo runs, keeping a very even form and pace. I wasn't doing that on Saturday. Consequently, my form slipped in the second half of the marathon. Much like my experience in Indianapolis 20 years ago, I don't think that I was picking my feet up very well. As a result, each footfall had a bit of a forward thrust to it as I hit the track. This caused my toes to push into the front of the shoes, and I'll likely be replacing three toenails. I took it easy Saturday night and was hopeful that I would wake up fresh enough on Sunday to attempt #2.

Sunday, I awoke feeling great! My good recovery, thanks to LSD and TOYF, was shining through. I determined that I needed to approach this day differently. First, I would not pay so much attention to the lap counts on the display board. I think that paying such close attention to it actually fueled a mental exhaustion that was not helpful. So I looked once after 4 hours, and again after the 5th, then paid attention as I entered the home stretch of my 204 laps. Mentally, this was very wise. Second, I prepared my usual training music. For the first three hours, I paid better attention to form than I had on Saturday, and enjoyed the surrounding conversation and the music that was playing throughout the facility. Then, at the 3 hour mark, I put in my headphones and fired up a 170-beats-per-minute PodRunner mix. This helped me stay focused on tempo and kept my form smooth. I was not surprised that my time was a bit slower on day 2. And, after how I felt running on Monday, I'm actually encouraged that I try this again next year even in TRIPLE or QUAD format.

That's me with Race Director Extraordinaire, Doug Yoder, after marathon #2. 

 

Up Next: Running Happy

11. My First DNF - And I'm OK with It

DNF

Did
Not
Finish

The Winter Trail Night Marathon

I have prided myself in being stubborn enough to have finished each of the events I have entered since becoming a "runner." This past weekend, I was humbled, but not humiliated. But more importantly, I still had FUN. Here's the 4-strikes-and-yer-out run down.

• It was WINTER. Running a marathon in the winter is an interesting challenge. As a result of my recent experiences, I have an even greater respect for the race directors and all of their good work. When you sign up for a winter marathon, chances are it is still warm and sunny out. In fact, this year's Planet Adventure Winter Trail Night Marathon had to be postponed because the weather on the original date in January dipped into dangerous territory with extreme cold and wind chills. Winter also brings with it the chance for snow -- and we have had more than our share this season in Indiana.
• It was on a TRAIL. I love trail running, but I have to confess, it is harder to get in as many trail miles during the winter, so I have to recognize that a trail run in the winter is going to beat me up a bit more than it would in more favorable weather.
• It was at NIGHT. Actually, this was one of the reasons I signed up for this one. I love running at night. And with a good headlamp, I had not troubles seeing the trail and avoiding hazards. However, running at night ... on a trail ... in the winter ... does require a certain level of mental diligence. There is little chance that you will find a rhythm and "zone out" like you might on a smooth surface in the daylight (for me at least).
• It was a MARATHON. Despite the inevitable person who will ask how long your marathon was, there is no such thing as a short one. We all know that it's going to be 26.2 miles when we toe the line. And that distance demands respect.

Put all of these factors together, add in my slow pace even in good conditions, and it became obvious to me midway through the second of four loops on the trail that I was unlikely to make the cut-off to begin the fourth loop. I quietly pondered my conundrum over a couple of miles, and admitted to myself that there was no shame in 13.1 miles. Plus, since the race had been rescheduled from three weeks prior, my next marathon was only a week away, and I didn't want to risk injury leading into that one -- especially since there may be a chance to attempt my first-ever double, two marathons in two days. So, as the Terminator said, "I'll be back!"

Repeat After Me: Nothing New On Race Day

We've all heard the adage in the running community:

"Nothing new on race day." 

When something doesn't feel right on a short run, we may utter a few expletives and then just not take the same approach on the next time out. But if the same occurs on a marathon, you have to deal with it for hours (several hours, in my case).

In anticipation of the trail conditions and knowing the area had received a heavy snow the day before the race, I decided to pick up a set of traction aids for the shoes. I looked at the more common YakTrax, but decided that I could feel the coils through the shoes too easily and thought that would become a source of discomfort over the course of the marathon. I went with the DueNorth brand that felt better underfoot (in the store). What I had not anticipated, however, was that the portion of the strap that crossed over at the front of the foot created a blister factor across the top of all five toes on each foot. After ten miles they had to come off and I just dealt with whatever traction I had, which still wasn't too bad in my Altra Lone Peaks. My toes still hurt, but they will be fine for this weekend's marathon(s).

The Other Abs

One of the things about running on trails is that it really demands some good core strength as you work to stay upright over a surface that may not be very upright itself. And, if the surface is such that your feet would like to go in undesirable directions as they make contact with the slick ground, it takes no small amount of muscle control to keep them under you. This is where the abs come in. No, not those abs. I'm talking about the hip abductor muscles that you use to pull your legs together. Even stopping at the half marathon mark, I took somewhere in the neighborhood of 25,000 steps, nearly every one of them on a surface that required some level of response from these abductors to keep myself upright and moving forward. Whether it is snow, mud, debris, or slope, these abs are what will keep you on the trail. And after the mud of the Tecumseh Trail Marathon and the snow of the Winter Night Trail Marathon, these abs are telling me that they need some better attention if I am going to become a better trail runner.

Image from http://suppversity.blogspot.com/2011/08/suppversity-emg-series-gluteaus-maximus.html

On the Horizon

My next two or three marathons are going to be a decidedly different experience. February 22-23, I will be at the Maple Leaf Indoor Marathons in Goshen. Indiana. And, while I don't expect terrain to be a significant factor, 208 laps on an indoor running track will come with its own unique set of challenges. For this one, I am confirmed for Sunday and on standby for Saturday. If a Saturday space opens up, it will be my first shot at a double - two marathons in two days - and 4-star Marathon Maniac status. In March, I'm off to the Circular Logic Marathon in Lafayette, Indiana. Again, terrain should not be a factor with a generally flat 1-mile loop course. These just sounded fun. Besides, they fit my travel budget. After that I look forward to taking it back to the streets and trails for the regular season of running.

Up Next: Doubling Up

10: Monuments and Maniacs. "Goaling" My Way Through the First Year.

The "Goaling" Game

I've been a bit slow to post here, but I have some ideas percolating, so perhaps I will catch things up a bit. Let's start with a bit of a year-in-review.

As I have stated before, as I came into my new-found commitment to fitness, I quickly discovered that vague goals such as "get in shape" or "lose weight" were not going to inspire me. So, as my first year of marathoning took shape, so did my goals. So, in a nutshell, here is my progression of goals as they developed through the year. It's all part of the grand "game" that has become my unreasonable midlife fitness challenge.

1. Complete a marathon before turning 50. (Goal was inspired in 1/1/2012, committed to on 6/9/2012, and completed on 11/3/2012)
2. Train toward completing a 50-mile ultramarathon. (Committed to goal on 1/1/2013)
3. Run This Year (2,013 miles in 2013 as my training wrap-around). (Committed to goal on 1/1/2-13)
4. Complete a 50 km ultramarathon (assess the legs for the possibility of a 50-miler). (Completed 5/11/2013)
5. Upgrade Run This Year goal to "Bloomington-to-Bellingham" -- 2,346 miles for the distance from where I live now to where I went to college. (Goal committed March, 2013, and completed 12/18/2013)
6. Qualify as a "Marathon Maniac." (Goal committed 8/3/2013, completed 9/28/2013 at 1-star level. Upgraded to 2-star status on 10/19/2013, the day on which I completed my "year" of 2,013 miles
7. Upgrade final "Run This Year" goal to 2,413 miles because and even four centuries for an overshot just sounded fun. (Goal committed 12/18/2013, and completed 12/31/2013)

Milestones

All told, my first year of running marathons turned into quite the amazing adventure, spanning from my first marathon on November 3, 2012 to to my ninth marathon (or longer) November 2, 2013. I was fortunate to remain injury-free throughout the year. Deciding on goals that I felt were realistic was key, but even more important was to maintain the primary goal: HAVE FUN! Here is the basic list of milestones:

1. First ever marathon. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, November 3, 2012.
2. First trail marathon was completed on the Tecumseh Trail on December 1, 2012.
3. Having set a goal of completing an marathon before turning 50, I ran my THIRD a week before my birthday at the Southern Indiana Classic in Evansville, Indiana.
4. Completed my first Ultra Marathon at Dances With Dirt in Gnawbone, Indiana. I completed the 50 km distance.
5. Declaring 2013 as "The Year of 50," not only did I turn 50 and complete the 50 km ultra, but I also completed my first 50-miler at Run Woodstock in Pinckney, Michigan.
6. After completing the inaugural Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, Indiana, I found myself qualified to enter the ranks of the Marathon Maniacs, having completed 3 races in less than 90 days for 1-star status. As an added bonus, the Indianapolis Marathon in October bumped me to 2-star status, being my eighth in less that a year.
7. My training wrap-around as I prepared for the 50-miler was to RunThisYear -- amass at least 2,013 miles in 2013. I was fortunate to spend all of 2013 free of any injury or illness. As a result, my miles came with relative ease. And, as I approached the October 19 Indianapolis Marathon, I measured my training to hit my 2,013th mile as I crossed the finish line of the marathon.
8. And, finally, on the 356th day after my first race of at least 26.2 miles, I returned to the scene to complete my NINTH at the 2013 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Thus, my tally on my first year of running was:
• 5 road marathons
• 2 trail marathons
• 1 50 km (trail) ultra marathon
• 1 50 mile (trail) ultra marathon
• 2,329 total miles from November 3, 2012 to November 2m 2013.

...And here's a corny picture to go with the milestones. Not quite as impressive as Mark Spitz or Michael Phelps, but I'm just having fun with it.

First-Year Marathoning Bling!

Take-Aways

It is not my intent to boast but to inspire. As I neared my 50th birthday, I was overweight ("obese" according to the BMI charts) and unhappy with the shape I had become. By committing to small attainable goals, and then building on those over time, I have been able to do things that I had never imagined this body could. Running has become not just something that I DO, it has become a part of who I AM. And I am having a lot of FUN with it.

New Goals for 2014?

This year, I plan to try my first 100 km ultramarathon. So, my training wrap-around, naturally, is to RunThisYear. I am also trying to do a better job of incorporating a more varied running and workout routine, Including a little speed work and more time in the gym. I'll let you know how it goes.



Up Next: My First DNF - And I'm OK with It