Rock’n’Roll Mardi Gras Marathon - New Orleans, LA

Wow. Where do I begin?? All I know is that it’s checked off in the books. After months and months of training, Race Day came and I was as prepared as I could be.  I had trouble sleeping each night leading up to the race— however, to my surprise, I was able to sleep most of the night before…

Early in my training, I set my goal to finish within 4:00:00 flat. I had 2 fairly solid half marathon finishes, so after much review, I thought 4:00:00 sounded like a good goal. With it being my first marathon (and not training above the 20 mile threshold), I had no idea what exactly to expect. I heard about those “last 6.2 miles” from friends and family. One of the popular sayings was, “There just ain’t nothin’ like it until you do it.” Many others said, “There’s two races within a marathon. The first 20 and the last 6.2.”

We had a great crew heading over to New Orleans. My fiancé’s mother, step-father and sister were ready to run the half marathon, along with her sister’s roommate who joined in on the fun.  My parents and fiancé came along as well and were an incredible support team. We drove over to New Orleans on Saturday and had the chance to enjoy the city. Great food, great sites and a gorgeous day. After a nice meal and a killer Abita beer, it was time to rest up for the adventure the next morning…

5:00am came fast, but I was ready. After reviewing my notes for my game plan and eating a hearty peanut butter and banana sandwich (with an extra banana on the side)—my pre-race tradition, I did some light stretching and mental preparation for what was about to take place at 7:00am. It was a crisp morning…OK, it was pretty chilly, however it warmed up as the morning went on. The starting line was PACKED. Everyone was either stretching, jogging, chatting, or standing in line at the Pot-O-Gold’s. I found my corral and waited for my turn to start. After the first 6 corrals took off, I finally approached the starting line. It was a moment that I visualized each day of my training and my heart started to beat even faster. My emotions got the best of me as began to tear up with excitement. It was finally here. I was about to run my first marathon…

The countdown began and the gun went off. I knew better than to just burst out of the starting line—even though your adrenaline is telling you to. I wiped away the tears, took a deep breath, smiled, said another prayer and took off (maybe not all in that order.) People were flying all over the place—it was a mix of marathoners and half-marathoners, each of them having their own pace. Blocking out everyone else, I settled into a 8:50-9:00 minute mile pace for the first 6 miles. Prior to the race, I set Jenn’s phone up for a text-message alert that sent her 5-6 of my split times, so she could track me along the way. It was a way to reassure her that I was OK and to let her know what mile I was at in case they wanted to track me down. I wrapped up my 5K (3.1 miles) mark at 27:19. I began to pick up the pace a little bit and crossed the 10K (6.2 miles) mark at 54:56. At this point I was warmed up and was able to find my groove. I had a guy that was running relatively the same pace as I was, so I stuck with him during this time. I later left him as his pace was slowing down more-so than my plan. We circled through Audubon Park—a gorgeous site and awesome place to run—and came down St. Charles Street. New Orleans is New Orleans. A party city to say the least. People were drinking and partying along St. Charles—yes, even at 8 in the morning. Some were even offering the runners a beer-to-go…I passed.

I crossed the half-marathon line (13.1 miles) at 1:54:47. Who do I see? My parents and Jenn were waiting along the side of the road yelling and cheering. It was a sweet moment, as their support has been amazing through this entire process. I gave them the thumbs up, said “I love you” (whether they heard me or not, I don’t know), and kept running. At this point, looking back, I know I kicked it into a quicker gear TOO soon. I was only half way through and needed to hold back a little more than I actually did. Complete Rookie mistake. Coming through the French Quarter was another great change of scenery. People were swarming the streets and cheering for anyone they could. The smell of New Orleans is….well, if you’ve been there, you know what I’m talking about.

I crossed the 16.8 mile mark at 2:26:22—still feeling great. No cramps, no soreness, just me and the road. A few miles prior, I began to intake some energy Gu to refuel my system. Right around this mile mark, is where the half marathoners split and headed to the finish line. I could hear the fans cheering at the finish line as I veered left and headed off to a LONG stretch of solitude. I still had a ways to go.

As I ran up the long stretch of road, marathoners were running the opposite way—back towards the finish line. It was about a 4.5 mile (one way) out-and-back route.  It was a mental game at this point, as I passed tons of other runners who were running the other way. I had to re-focus and began to look for my 20 mile mark. I crossed it at 2:54:57.  ”Not bad”, I told myself. Volunteers were offering a “clear liquid” in tiny, plastic martini glasses. I avoided them, as I didn’t know 100% what the clear liquid was…I am sure it was just water. I chuckled and kept going.

I hit the 20 mile mark and knew that I had a 10K left. I thought I was sore at this moment, but I had no idea what “sore” was. I knew I had a little over an hour to complete this last 10K—which I knew was doable. However, one minor detail that I didn’t mention earlier is this: I set my goal to finish in 4:00:00. A few weeks prior to my race, I set a stretch goal to finish in under 3:50:00. At this point in the race, for me to finish in 3:50, meant that I needed to finish the last 10K in 55 minutes—the same as my first 6.2 miles of the race. I crossed the 23 mile mark and became a little delirious. Pain was shooting through both thighs and my strides were becoming weak. “Go Hard or Go Home”, I told myself. I had a whopping 3 miles left. I didn’t come all this way for nothing. I put my nose down and picked up the pace. I finished mile 24 in 9:10, mile 25 in 8:57, mile 26 in 8:55…

As I turned to what I thought was the finish line, I saw the sign for Mile 26. “Damn.” I thought to myself. “Still .2 miles to go.”

I looked down at my watch and saw that I was just MINUTES from my stretch goal of 3:50. I cut loose into an all out “sprint” (or so I thought at the time). I wrapped around the final turn and entered into the finish line chute.  Just like I pictured the starting line, I also visualized this exact moment of crossing the finish line. People were hollering left and right. I looked rapidly for my family and spotted the gang off to my left. I smiled at them and made some kind of hand gesture—not really sure what it turned out like, but I attempted the “thumbs-up.” The music was blaring and I was just steps away from wrapping up my biggest accomplishment yet.

I threw my hands in the air and crossed the finish line at 3:49:28. I did it.  I became a little wobbly and gathered some water, fruit and accepted my medal.

It took awhile for it to all set in. I found my family, gave them a hug, snapped a few pictures and just took in the moment.  It was a day I will ever forget…

Thank you again to all of my friends and family for your continuous love and support. It was you that helped me accomplish this goal of mine.

Below are a few pictures and captions from the race.

To see all the photos that Jenn took, click here:

Rockn’Roll Mardi Gras Marathon Pictures

(Above): Crossing the 13.1 mile mark and seeing Jenn and my parents for the first time during the race.

(Above): Right after seeing my family within the finish line—I had just a few feet to go.

(Above): My parents and I right after I finished. I was in another world, but was able to stop and smile for a few pictures…

(Above): My #1 fan. Her support and understanding for my passion doesn’t go unnoticed. I love you, Jenn.

Pensacola Beach Run: Half-Marathon - Pensacola, FL

This past weekend I competed in the Pensacola Beach Run. It was a “choose your own distance” type of race. The course consisted of a 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon loop. Everyone started at the same time and you could choose at what distance you wanted to turn around. It was a neat concept and a wonderful morning to run.

I told my bride-to-be to inform her sister and roommate that we would be by to pick them up at 5:50am sharp to head down to the beach (where the race took place). With the cold weather and early start time, I knew it was important to get there early to loosen up.  Once we arrived at 6:15, I noticed there was a poor turnout so far—hardly anyone was there.  I started my stretching around 6:20 and continued to look around…Long story short, we later found out the race began at 8am. “Better to be an hour early than an hour late,” I said…Embarrassed? Yes. Hilarious? Absolutely. 

It was a crisp morning with a gentle breeze and a bright sunshine. Couldn’t ask for better weather. As the announcer yelled “Go!”, I took off and started my journey. I couldn’t wait to see Jennifer and ask her how her 5K went. Her sister (Melissa) and her roommate (Lauren) ran the 10K distance—also a big accomplishment for them! Going into the race I set a goal to beat my previous half marathon PR of 1:47. This time I was aiming for a 1:45 race time. It was tough having the mixture of racers starting at the same time. I didn’t know who was doing the 5K, 10K or half—each pace is different! I knew that I had to maintain a steady 8 minute mile in order to accomplish my goal, so I did my best not to pay attention to the other runners around me. This race was between me, myself and I. I looked down after the first mile and saw that I was at a 7:14 mile. After telling myself to slow down a bit—at least for the first few miles—I couldn’t help but maintain a comfortable 7:30-7:45 mile throughout most of the race. I was feeling great. The course was flat and there was not too much of a headwind on the way out to the turnaround. At the turnaround (roughly 6.5 miles out) I glanced at my watch again and realized I was kickin’ tail. I fell into my steady groove until I reached between mile 10 and mile 11. I then kicked it into another gear as I approached the final miles. Making my last turn, I knew I would beat my 1:45 goal, but also noticed that I was just seconds away from finishing in under 1:40. I crossed the finish line at 1:39:31 - averaging a 7:41 minute/mile pace.  A new PR!

What then? Well I downed a few bottles of water, ate some fruit, and made a dash for the beer. Hell, the beer’s the best part. We hung around long enough to find out Jennifer placed 3rd in her division—I was extremely proud of her! Melissa and Lauren also placed within their respected divisions—it was a great day all around! 

Finished 6th in my age division at 1:39:31

Jenn is always a great supporter!

Pensacola Half-Marathon - Pensacola, FL

The Pensacola Marathon was a chance for me to knock out my first half marathon. I had been training extensively for my February 2011 marathon in New Orleans and to be honest, training can get pretty boring from time to time! Therefore, one of the best ways to stay motivated is to schedule a race within your training plan—so that you have a short-term goal as well. The Pensacola Marathon (& half marathon) fell on one of my “long run” training days. It was the perfect opportunity to run this race and still knock out my training run all at once.

Race morning came and we couldn’t ask for better weather. I showed up to the race in a few layers, but knowing Florida’s weather I knew that it was about to warm up. I could hardly sleep the night before—as is the case before most races—I was anxious and ready to roll.

The longest run I had accomplished prior to the half marathon (13.1 miles) was a 10 mile run. Therefore, being a rookie, I didn’t know what to expect past that 10 mile mark. I began the race at a decent pace—doing my best not to pay attention to others around me.  I came up on mile 3 and Jennifer and my father were there cheering me on. I eventually got into my rhythm and began to pick up a little speed. I later saw my dad and Jennifer around mile 8. I realized how encouraging it was to have people cheer you on during the race—whether complete strangers or family and friends. It was great hearing that positive feedback as we continued to grind through the miles.

I set a goal going into this race to finish under 1:50:00. As I later approached mile 10, I knew that I had it within my reach—as long as I continued to keep my tempo. I made the final turn and could see the finish line. I glanced at my watch and realized that I was going to shatter my goal! I crossed the line at 1:47:15—averaging an 8:11 minute mile.

It felt great to say that I completed my first half marathon—after the race, as I assessed my run, I determined that this was a great competitive distance. I really, really enjoyed the length of the half marathon.

After crossing the line I was immediately bombarded with a medal, 2 bottles of water, a Subway sandwich, some trail mix and a banana. I had no idea what to do with everything except thank the volunteers and find my ‘bride-to-be’ and father.

You gotta’ celebrate after a race with an ice cold Sweetwater 420!

Beach Blast Olympic Duathlon - Mexico Beach, FL

Due to a minor knee injury, I took some time off from running/training.  Around the beginning of June, I was talking with my friend Matt and decided that we would compete in an Olympic distance duathlon.  A duathlon is similar to a triathlon, yet without the swimming component—instead it is a run, bike, run—as opposed to a swim, bike, run.  The distance for this race was a 3.1 mile run on the beach followed by a 25 mile bike ride and wrapping up with a 6.2 mile run through the streets of Mexico Beach. Although a little hesitant at first, I was looking forward to the challenge.

The date was set: September 11, 2010—the day before my 24th birthday. The training had come to an end and it was finally race day. I think I may have gotten a total of 2 hours of sleep the night before, as my adrenaline and anxiety got the best of me. I jumped out of bed around 4am, made myself the usual pre-race meal: peanut butter toast with bananas on top, couple hard boiled eggs, orange juice and an apple, and headed out the door. Dozens of athletes filled the parking lot of the hotel as we prepared to make our way to the race site.

As I approached the race site, my “greenhorn” tendencies kicked in. I had no idea what I was doing. Athletes were scrambling all over the place—people were getting body marked, stretching, setting up their transition area, making final tweaks to their bike, joking around with one another, jogging…the list goes on. I had no idea where I was supposed to be or what the heck I was supposed to be doing. I found what seemed to be a good “transition spot” and set up camp.

As the time went one, I continued to mentally prepare for my first, big multi-sport race was able to shut out all of the outside chaos and gain control on the race at hand. Matt and I made our way to the starting line and before we knew it the gun sounded and we were off.

The first leg of the race (3.1 mile run) took place on the beach—luckily the sand was compacted, making it a little easier to run. I was immediately thankful for each of my training runs on the beach…I started off at a decent pace, keeping in mind that this was just the beginning, and came through T1 at 25:25. My transition was under a minute as I grabbed a swig of water and headed off for the second leg.

The second leg (25 mile bike) was a nice, flat course with one monster bridge around mile 7—which wasn’t too bad going out, but on the way back in it was a bear. The weather began to warm up as I continued to hydrate during the ride. I knew it was going to be extra hot on the last leg of the race. I came through T2 at 1:17:17—beating my goal of 1:25. My transition was again under a minute.  Any multi-sport athlete knows this part of the race very well. Dismounting the bike and beginning your last leg—where your legs feel like a ton of bricks.

Matt and I remained close by during the whole race—we took off for the third leg (6.2 mile run) together and chuckled as we made our first turn. “Dude, do your legs feel like mine?”  ”I don’t know man, I can’t feel mine!” The “Welcome to Florida humidity” set in. We took advantage of each water station as we continued to hydrate in order to keep moving forward. This is where the mental toughness plays its toll. Not only were we competing in an Olympic distance race, but there was also a Sprint distance taking place as well (half the distance of the Olympic). So as we began our final leg, the Sprint competitors were passing us in the other direction as they made their way to the finish line!

It was all worth it as I crossed the line at 2:39:31 (I finished the third leg in 56:51). I ended up finishing 1st in my age division and 3rd overall. It was a great “first” race!

Matt and I before the start.

On the final stretch of the race—just a few yards from the finish line.

That’s a wrap! Time to head home for a celebratory Sweetwater 420.

McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K - Pensacola, FL

My main purpose behind this blog is to document each of my races and learn from them as I move forward.  I also want to reflect on each “first time” accomplishment—whether it be on or off the race course. I am sure you can relate to doing something for the first time. The sense of accomplishment and self satisfaction can be very rewarding.

Not all races have to be viewed in a competitive manner. The McGuire’s St. Patrick’s Day Prediction 5K is one of those races.  It is a fun time for friends and family to celebrate the holiday. Wake up early, deck out in your “green-wear”, run a 5K and celebrate afterwards at the famous post-party celebration.  Those of you who have been to a St. Patrick’s Day race, whether at McGuire’s or somewhere else, know that some people will go above and beyond when it comes down to dressing up for the occasion!  The other interesting part about this race is that it does NOT matter who crosses the line first. Since this race is a prediction run, whoever comes closest to their predicted time (determined before the race starts) is declared the winner!

Here’s a picture of my friends and I after the 2010 St. Patrick’s Day race.

Double Bridge Run 15K- Pensacola, FL

By the end of 2009, I accomplished my first 5K and first 10K race. What was next? Yep. The 15K (9.3 miles). I took some time off over the holidays and realized the 15K that I wanted to race was approaching fast. With not much time to spare, I began training for the Double Bridge Run. Here in Pensacola, there are 2 significant bridges connecting downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. One of these bridges is 3 miles long, connecting downtown Pensacola to Gulf Breeze, with a steady slope in the middle. The other bridge, connecting the small city of Gulf Breeze to the island, is nothing but steep!

My “greenhorn” nature showed. I was NOT prepared for this race. I found out the hard way that the shoes you wear, matters—in fact, it matters big time. I bought a pair of shoes that I “thought” would be OK to wear, and after suffering 2 knee injuries, I realized that you have to invest in a solid pair of running shoes. On top of that, I skimped out on some of my training runs and figured, “What the heck, if I can run 6.2 miles, I can run 9.3.” I wobbled across the finish line in 1:29:27 (The time in the below picture reflects the beginning of the race. I was a few seconds behind the start of the gun.) 

I started off the race nice and smooth. I made it to the 3 Mile Bridge, marking roughly the beginning of the third mile. By the time I got to the peak of the 3 Mile Bridge, I was hurting. Sharp pains were shooting through my left knee as I favored it running down the back side of the peak. I made it over the bridge and into Gulf Breeze. Here we were joined by the 5K racers/walkers as we made our way towards the Bob Sikes Bridge (joining Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach). This bridge is short, yet completely vertical. You don’t realize this when you drive to the beach, but when you run up this darn thing, you find out real fast!

I was hobbling down the back side of the bridge and had about a mile left. I told myself that I was almost finished and all I needed to do was suck it up and get it done. As my adrenaline kicked into overdrive, I visualized the finish line ahead. To my disappointment, it was not where I expected it—but about 100-150 yards further! The crowd was cheering on everyone as they made their way into the home stretch. I recited one of my personal mantras as I came down the chute and crossed the finish line. 

An overwhelming sense of accomplishment poured through me. This now marked the furthest distance I had ever run.

(My aunt was quick to point out that it is OK to enjoy the victory and smile for the camera as you cross the finish line…you can then stop your watch AFTER you finish…Thanks, Coach!)

Turkey Trot 5K- Canton, OH

Many 5K races (& 10K races) help benefit local charities, organizations or other community supporters.  For example, the 10K that I participated in a few months beforehand, benefited the Ronald McDonald House.

My family, Jennifer and I drove to Ohio to visit my family during Thanksgiving of 2009.  While we were there, my Uncle, Aunt, Jennifer and I (pictured below) registered for a local 5K race on Thanksgiving Day, sponsored by the Perry Township Rotary. It was a COLD morning—at least for us warm-blooded Floridians. Not accustomed to such conditions, we braved the elements and ran the streets of Canton before heading home to enjoy our traditional Thanksgiving feast.

The race took place early morning—so while we were running (in the frigid weather), I began to notice a distinct smell in the air. It was the smell of turkeys being cooked from several of the homes. As I gazed up from my stride, I noticed people sitting on their front porch, bundled up, sipping hot coffee, reading the paper and enjoying the crisp morning as their turkey was cooking inside.

My Uncle and I exchanged looks and started to chuckle. He said to me “Two more miles of running and we will be able to go home and enjoy our Thanksgiving meal knowing we ran 3.1 miles and they didn’t.”  God I love this sport.

Aunt Tamara (with baby Riley), Uncle Stuart, Jenn, and I