Sunday, August 31, 2008

Disneyland Half Marathon

Walking around both Disney parks and the Anaheim Resorts until 9pm yesterday could have worked against me, but the always pleasant diversion combined with significant energy expenditure probably improved the quality of my slumber (no pre-race jitters!). In other words, I have no problem waking up with the alarm at 4am.

I arrive at the pre-race staging area at 5am and, shortly thereafter, meet up with two coworkers also participating in the race (one of them being the crazy ultra trail-runner I train with once a week). We have been assigned different adjacent starting corrals (I'm in B) and, since officials are indeed checking bibs, we cannot sneak into one together. We will definitely not be seeing each other again until after the race.

Nearly all of today's conditions appear to be perfect. My legs feel good, my new pair of Kayano 13s are sufficiently broken in. I have adequetly carbo-loaded over the past two days. I am already feeling my morning dose of caffeine (hotel room coffee made more palatable thanks to the light snack included in the goody bag I picked up with my race packet). I remember to bring enough gels for consumption at 45 and 15 minutes before the gun and one for 45 minutes into the race...and I have brought a disposable water bottle so I can keep myself thoroughly hydrated until the moment the race starts. I do not even feel the need a last minute restroom break. The pre-dawn air does seem humid and perhaps a bit too pleasant this early, but the marine layer should prevent the temperature from rising too high.

After some purely Disney theatrics (the announcer proposes to his girlfriend...Mickey and Minnie's friends arrive via monorail stopping directly in view through the starting gate), it is finally time to run. The race begins at 6am as scheduled. It takes me over a minute to cross the line and start running (I can only imagine how long it will take corral G to get here). I start my watch and music...and, just a few moments later, I realize I have made one major mistake.

In the process of deleting slower songs from my Walkman phone before the race, I have forgotten to place the MP3 player back into shuffled track mode. It must be in album mode because I can't change tracks (I only ripped one song from the selected album). I can't change playback modes without stopping to take the phone out of my armband. A-ha's The Living Daylights is holding my pace back, so I decide to race without music.

Fortunately, there is plenty of entertainment along the course, from classic Disney characters and parade performers found throughout Disney's California Adventure and Disneyland to dozens of drill teams, cheerleaders, marching bands (not to mention a Mariachi band and Polynesian dancers) lining the streets of Anaheim. I give high fives to a number of boy and girl scouts along the way, thanking them for their support. And, since first names are printed on the bib, complete strangers are cheering "You can do it, Eric!"

It's nice going into a race with a definite plan...and then being able to stick to it. From my training, I am confident I can hold an 8 minute per mile pace. I do not let my pace drop much during slight inclines (and actually use these as opportunities to pick other runners off). I do let my pace increase on the slight declines (for the most part, this is a really flat course). I am using my watch to monitor my overall average pace and am encouraged each time it updates another second faster than 8...even splits are great, negative even better! I consume fluids at every station, I stick to my own schedule for consuming a Cliff Shot rather than wait for the freebie at mile 9.

When I pass ten miles having held my fastest eight mile training pace with absolutely no issues, I grow even more confident I can finish this race in 1:45. I am actually smiling as I attack the slight incline after mile 11 (look for runner 2001 in photo to the left)...and it ends up being my second fastest mile of the race.

My mood changes with a mile-and-a-half to go. I see my pace momentarily slow and I must struggle to get my legs to turn over any faster. I am not winded...just feeling my burning muscles and a general sense of fatigue. We cross back through California Adventure and twist our way through the Downtown Disney. Where's the finish line? My watch says I've already run 13.2 miles!

One final turn near the Disneyland Hotel and I push hard through to the finish line. The clock reads 1:46:55 when I cross the line, my watch 1:45:47...and my chip time is officially 1:45:46. I really feel like I had done a 1:45 flat, so that extra 46 seconds bother the heck out of me! My GPS data suggests the course length is just a couple tenths of a mile longer than it should have been. It's not just my watch either. Both of my coworkers recorded a course length longer than 13.34 miles (of course, we all have the same exact GPS watch). My official 5K split sounds a minute too slow. I am pretty certain that my 10K split was faster than the logged 50:40 (just a couple of weeks ago I ran a 10K that felt much slower in 50:38...and my watch disputed the length of that course as well).

After meeting up with my coworkers and consuming post race snacks, it starts to sink in that, regardless of whether or not I hit 1:45 flat, I still beat my personal record by eight minutes. I have finished 75th out of 749 men in my age division, 418th of 4442 men overall, and 515th of all 10,849 participants who completed the course within the four hour time limit. My coworkers, both also within my age division, both set personal records today as well.

Disney calls this event the "Happiest Race On Earth." I should be happy. I am happy that I can walk back to my hotel. I am thrilled that I do not have to drive home (my best bud not only provided transportation but also got me into both parks yesterday). And Monday is a holiday...I should be enjoying a total high.

That said, I know I will not be able to hold this pace for a full 26.2 miles. Am I a bit worried that my first full marathon is just two weeks away? Absolutely!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Asics Kayano 14 vs 13

Last week, my crazy ultra trail-running coworker was forced to buy Kayano 14s because the Disneyland Half Marathon is fast approaching and his 13s have completely lost their spring. Like me, he loves the 13s, so I was curious to hear his review.

He says the new generation fits differently...takes some getting used to...and has hot spots.

Today, my wife and I drop by Sports Authority. I try on a pair. Just like my coworker, I immediately notice a tightness in the toe-box. One of the things I love about my 13s is how free my toes are to wiggle and flex, but the 14s definitely pinch and a half-size up would be too big and sloppy. This new shoe would definitely take some getting used to.

Why, why, WHY does Asics have to change a good thing?

I am glad I have still have an unused pair of Kayano 13s that I will be rotating into my routine starting tomorrow morning. I will be using this fresh pair on both the Disneyland Half Marathon and the Maui Marathon...one less variable to worry about.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Asics GT2120 vs Kayano 13

When I got my first pair of Kayano 13s nearly a year ago, I knew I had finally found the perfect road running shoe for me. I started using a second pair when my first started to flatten, but I kept the initial pair in rotation for shorter runs until the last month (when my short runs grew to five miles).

When she picked up my second pair of Kayanos, she also bought a pair of GT2120's for me, a deal too hard to pass up. I rolled them into the rotation a few months ago, hoping to save my precious Kayanos for longer road runs and races (I have Kahanas for trails).

At first, I appreciated the extra spring in my step from my youngest pair...especially on harder running surfaces (like cement). The 2120s felt comfortable, though I immediately could tell that they fit a little differently than my Kayanos.

Today, however, I have deduced that the GT2120s caused last week's nasty blisters...the arch support is catching my left foot too high and forward, especially when my foot packs down to the back of the shoe as I run up steep hills. At first I thought it might be the insole, but I can feel an extra firm bump using my fingers even with the insole removed. The shoe does not bother me on downhill stretches or flat terrain, but I incorporate hills in all of my workouts (he who runs down, must run up).

Fortunately, my wife also got a great deal on Kayano 13s before they were discontinued. I plan to start wearing this third pair using next week so they'll be ready for the Disneyland Half Marathon and Maui Marathon. Until I'm done with these races, I am placing the GT2120s aside so that today's blister (which is nothing compared to the one pictured above) will heal.

That said, blisters haven't stopped my pace from improving on the flat and downhill stretches of my 5 mile orbit...

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Miraleste/PVHSXC 21.5+ Mile Orbit

After last Saturday's 10K, I took some days off from running hoping that my blisters would finally heal...but perhaps a bit too much rest for my legs. My 9 miler lunch time run on Thursday was considerably off pace as my legs felt rusty and, even worse, I could not keep them going for the whole distance.

With that in mind, I am debating whether or not my legs are ready to pass another distance milestone this morning. With the Disneyland Half Marathon on the 31st, I really cannot afford to wait until next weekend. The weekend after the half, I will be on Maui attempting to acclimate to heat and humidity with just a week to go before the full. In other words, I do not have a choice. I must try to run at least 21 miles today.

To make things a bit more interesting, I try a new route...one that takes me from Palos Verdes Drive North to PV Drive East and PV Drive South. I have not driven PV Drive East in ages, but, having run the Palos Verdes Half Marathon and done a few obrits through Portuguese Bend, I am familiar with the entire stretch I will traverse along PV Drive South. I will go out slow to conserve my energy for the hill I expect to encounter on PV Drive East and then try to pick up the pace as I descend past Trump National.

I think it is a good plan. Then I actually start running down Palos Verdes Drive North. In all the times I have driven along this stretch, I never really noticed that heading east is almost completely downhill. In a way, this feels like the beginning of my runs to the beach cities...just without the flat section that follows. When I reach Palos Verdes Drive East, I am very aware that I have a long uphill climb ahead.

And it is a twisting one...making it hard to know how much further it continues to ascend. I try to keep below a 10 minute per mile pace, but do not want to push this early into my run. Making matters worse, the road descends after mile 5, but then goes back up from miles 6 to 7. I will have to make up some time on the long downhill to Palos Verdes Drive South and keep the pace as I continue to descend around Portuguese Bend.



I reach my half marathon split around 2:10 somewhere along PV Drive South. My leg muscles are now burning and one of my arches aches. Maintaining a decent pace is not going to be easy...and I know there are bigger hills between here and home.

As I approach Golden Cove Plaza. I spot a Starbucks...and, having skipped coffee to get out of the house earlier this morning, I cannot ignore the call of the siren. Shortly after I step inside, one of the patrons notices I am a runner and, being Jamaican, cannot resist spoiling the results of the Olympics 100m finals. I decide to spoil myself with a tall caramel Frappucino. I figure I have already run 15 miles, so I could use the caloric boost anyway. Plus, a bit of rest might give my legs a chance to work thorough some of the pain.

Yeah, right.

Now my muscles have tightened up. I have a major climb before hitting the home stretch and must walk most of it to avoid cramps. The sun starts to poke through and the temperature rises just as I finish the last drop of water in my bottle. Though I am able to pick up the pace over the final few miles, I do not feel very good when I finally reach home. This has been a rough run/jog/walk/crawl/beg for mercy.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

The Hills Are Alive 10K

As I head out the door for my first true 10K race since high school (and first trail race this year), nearly everything is going according to plan. I say "nearly" because my blisters are still swolen and the marine layer has decided to stay away another day.

To warm up (and to get myself to the start of today's race), I run down to Ernie Howlett Park, my final half mile on the actual equestrian trail being used for the course. This gives my feet a chance to reacquaint themselves with the surface I expect will cover the majority of the 6+ mile course. Without even trying, I clock a nearly 8:08 mile...my legs are certainly ready to go.

I collect my race packet and bib number and meet up with my dad (who has brought his video camera) and my wife (who will take photographs of me today). I have been sticking to the shade and pre-hydrating all morning long, but, as always, I am concerned about hot it will be during the race. I do not want to carry my water bottle during the race, but should not have to since there are three water stations on the course. Still, I worry about the more exposed areas of the course...especially since the course map does not really tell me exactly where I will be running.

As race time rolls around, I warm up by stretching and doing short sprints and then find a spot closer to the front of the pack. The paper has reported that 700 runners are expected, but the crowd in the starting area seems significantly smaller than what the similar sized Palos Verdes Half Marathon. Of course, the competitors are also spread among a 5K run and a 5K walk which will start after us...and I suspect there are more participating in the shorter events.

The race starts shortly after 8:30am and, as usual, I am tempted to go out too fast despite starting with an uphill climb. I feel really good (don't even notice the blisters), but, after seeing that my pace is lower than 7 minutes per mile, I ease back a tad. Though a 10K is now among the shorter distances in my training routine, it is still long enough that I cannot expect to maintain a sub 8 pace...especially if the course features significant elevation change.

The first mile is entirely on nice (soft, but not too soft) equestrian trails, cutting under Hawthorne Blvd. I have run by this tunnel on a number of occassions, but never bothered to go through. Road apples are present, but easily avoided. At this point, the course is mostly uphill (only one downhill stretch right after the tunnel), but not so steep that I cannot complete the segment under 8 minutes.

The second mile continues along the trail, through another tunnel under Crenshaw Blvd, and then branches up towards Palos Verdes Drive North. From here, we encounter a mix of dirt and asphalt as we run along the street. Turning downhill at Rolling Hills Road, I open my stride and start to pick up the pace again...just enough to bring my average pace back below 8 minutes per mile.

The third mile takes place almost entirely within the South Coast Botanic Garden upon a looping asphalt path...and, making matters worse, the last half features the first steep uphill climb of the race and with decreasing shade. Thankfully, we twice encounter the water station within the garden before, but I am starting to feel the heat and have noticed my pace drop. That said, my average pace for mile three is almost as fast as my first (likely due to the initial downhill).

Unfortunately, mile four continues uphill. The course returns to the equestrian trails as we exit the garden, but it seems to be an eternity before it turns downhill again. My pace drops significantly. Somehow I confuse the tunnel under Crenshaw for the one under Hawthorne.

I am thrilled to increase my pace at the beginning of mile 5, but only because I think the end is near. Not long after I begin my descent, the surroundings become unfamiliar...and realize my mistake as soon as I reach the street. The course briefly runs alongside Crenshaw Blvd before crossing through gates normally closed to the public and continuing uphill upon a gravel road around the northern boundary of the Palos Verdes Landfill (at least now I know I could not have trained upon the course). The ascent is painful. There is little shade. I am getting passed.

The course levels out as mile 6 begins, but not for long. The turn up towards the Hawthorne tunnel is perhaps the most brutal of the entire race. Exposed. Steep. Long and straight. I am still on target for a 48 minute 6 mile split, but I am fighting to do it. The course volunteer marking the turn towards the tunnel encourages me to push on, but then yells, "Just two more uphill switchbacks and you are home free." Great. I have been looking forward to a final descent!

Sure enough, the course is not entirely downhill through to the finish line. Even worse, my watch displays that I have traveled 6.21 miles, but the finish line is not even in view. My goal of finishing this race under 50 minutes is now out the window.

As I reach the final turn, I see my dad and Valerie and make one final push, officially crossing the finish line in 00:50:38. Not bad, but is it good enough to earn medal?

From looking at past results, I knew I would need a time between 40 and 50 minutes to finish near the top of the 30-39 age group (and only the top 3 from each age division earn medals). This year's third place finisher completed his race in 00:49:26...so I would have been close if my race ended when my watch said it would. Still, I finished 33rd of 205 overall and a respectable 7th in my age group. Maybe next year?

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Blisteringly Fast?

For today's lunchtime run, my coworker and I set out to run 8 miles. Since I have a 10K on Saturday, I do not want to push too hard...a good thing since the sun is hitting hard this afternoon. It is hot!

For some reason, his Garmin is not working, so I am now in charge of monitoring our pace. Our goal (especially mine) is to not go out too fast today, but, as usual, we somehow find ourselves starting with a sub 8 minute per mile pace.

We finish just as strong. In fact, my average over the entire eight miles is 7:58 (including a sub 50 10K). Only problem? I now have blisters on my blisters!

This is definitely my PR for an 8 miler (and for a 10K as well)

Sunday, August 3, 2008

An Inspiring 19 Mile Run

I wake up at 5:30am, but once again don't make it out the door before 6:15. That's what I get for sipping coffee and throwing together a new route at the last possible minute.

I have changed today's run fearing another hot day...at the moment there is no marine layer over my home. That said, with the Hills Are Alive 10K next week, I need to spend quality time on the rolling hills of Palos Verdes, so I start by heading uphill and chance spending my first several miles on the peninsula. Thankfully the early morning air is pleasantly cool. I just hope it stays this way.

The first part of my run goes according to plan. Despite tweaking my ankle on Thursday, I feel no pain at all today. My breathing is very controlled. I do not let myself go slower than ten minute miles on the ascent. I let my pace continue to drop as descend towards the coast.

On the hills of the peninsula, I see a lot of cyclists. Closer to and along the coast, I see more runners and walkers. I usually say or reply "good morning" to people I pass, but rarely does a conversation go beyond that. Today, however, as I catch a runner also heading north on Palos Verdes Drive West he unexpectedly asks, "Am I no longer running alone?" If this question is not an invitation to converse, I do not know what is. I reply, "Guess not any more" as I run alongside and match his pace.

This runner is particularly chatty...even more so than my coworker. We learn that we are both running significant mileage today (20 in his case)...and immediately (and correctly) conclude that we are both training for marathons. I tell him I am training for my first. He, on the other hand, has run 47...which includes consecutive Boston Marathons since 1999! When he tells me that he is heading towards Manhattan Beach along the coast, I decide to alter my course to stay with him. I had planned to cut inland to South High School today...but this is so much more interesting (and potentially more valuable).

Did I mention he just celebrated his 70th birthday?

He looks really good for his age. He is running a solid 9 to 10 minute per mile pace, but has already run 13 miles! His form is smooth, almost casual...and he is obviously not pushing his pace because the conversation continues. He even suggests turning up one of the side streets off of Palos Verdes Drive just to get one more hill into our workout. After passing Malaga Cove Plaza and rounding Palos Verdes Blvd, we continue down towards the beach.

I learn a bit about his running history, about how his wife (who also runs marathons) got him running again, how his competitive juices really started flowing after he finished towards the back of the pack, and how he now often finishes first in his age group. I learn that he prefers point-to-point races over loops and out-and-backs especially because he hates watching runners try to cut the course (and apparently people even try to cheat at Boston Marathon qualifying races...which makes absolutely no sense to him). He no longer does the Palos Verdes Marathon because the route has been part of his normal training routine for years. His stories about the Boston Marathon really gets me excited about it...reinforcing that it should be one of my goals (Maui Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier).

I finally introduce myself. He introduces himself as "Sus". When we reach the Esplanade, Sus tells me he normally heads down to the strand for his home stretch. I tell him I prefer the asphalt, which he totally understands. I thank him for making this four mile stretch unexpectedly fun. Sus says that we will see each other again. I do not doubt it...and I certainly hope so.

Feeling totally inspired, I resume my originally planned 19 mile run (albeit in the reverse direction). I turn right at Torrance Blvd, continue inland as far as Anza, cut south towards Calle Mayor and eventually South High School. I run 800m on the dirt track (something I swore I would never do after high school), take a short break, and then head up the hill towards my mom's house (where I refill my water bottle). After another short break, I resume my uphill run towards home.

I am able to run all but the final incline...but since I am well aware I can complete the entire workout within three hours (significantly faster than my previous and much flatter 19 mile run to Manhattan Beach), I walk as fast and as briefly as possible.

Shortly after I get home, I hop on Athlinks and try to learn the full identity of "Sus". Knowing his age and running history make figuring out his full name quite easy. Looking at his results and the number of races he has entered over the past decade, I am even more impressed!