2016 WDW Marathon Journey (Comments Welcome)

[LSUlakes]

Hello to everyone. My name is Jerry, I am 32, and live in Baton Rouge, LA.

So here is a little background on myself. In high school I ran cross country, and was at best an average runner. After graduation I gave up running and it wasn't until early 2012 I started up again. I was overweight, couldn't run 0.25 miles much less think of 26.2 miles, but was determined to lose a lot of weight. I knew the easiest way to achieve that goal was to hit the pavement and diet. At my heaviest I tipped the scales at a crowd pleasing 255 lbs.

I am on the left, and as you can see cooking/eating are activities that helped achieve the 255 lbs.

Like many other people, I started with a calorie tracking app and c25k. I got to a point where I felt like I needed a little more and joined a running group with a coach. I trained with that group for my first half marathon in January 2013. I was successful in dropping weight and really enjoying running again. Early in the fall my wife and I decided we wanted to start a family, and with that in mind I came up with an idea that before we have a little one, I want to travel somewhere to run a marathon, a bucket list type trip. More on that later...
I learned a lot of things training for my first half. The struggle to go from 0 to 5k is much more difficult than 5k to 13.1. I learned about GU, the things that agree and disagree with my stomach for long runs, blisters, BODY GLIDE, proper fittings shoes, and on and on. My longest run leading up to my first half was 12 miles and a weekly average of 20-25 MPW. Race day came, and with it a goal of running a sub 2 hour half. The race went well except for a side stich with 1 mile to go, but I finished my first half in 1:47:54 or a 8:13 pace!
Since then I have run 3 more half's to date with a current PR of 1:41:43 (7:42 pace). My next half is scheduled for October.

Next up: The Bucket List Marathon

 

[Neoflynn]

Welcome to the club and that's an awesome time for your first half, I imagine it helped having previous running background even though you hadn't run in awhile. I am still working toward that sub 2 hour half hoping I can hit it in august so I can submit as PoT for Marathon weekend

 

[LSUlakes]

Welcome to the club and that's an awesome time for your first half, I imagine it helped having previous running background even though you hadn't run in awhile. I am still working toward that sub 2 hour half hoping I can hit it in august so I can submit as PoT for Marathon weekend

You got it! August half.... Hopefully the race is up north because I wouldn't even attempt a 1/2 for a PR in Louisiana in August.
Keep working hard and you can achieve your goals!

 

[LSUlakes]

Running Week Recap
7/7 - 7 Miles (8:16 pace)
7/8 - 3.5 Miles (8.28 Pace)
7/9 - 6 Miles (8:15 pace)
7/10 - 2 Miles (Cross Training aka push mowing)
7/11 - 13.68 Miles (9:58 Pace)

The weekend long run was tough. I normally run around 5:00 AM or 7:30 PM, so starting at 6:30AM and running for 2+ hours, the heat got to me and I was not able to keep pace. The good news is, I got the miles in, the bad news is I suffered with cramps for the majority of the day from the loss of water/salts.

Total miles for the week = 32.2
Total miles so far for July = 49.51

 

[Neoflynn]

You got it! August half.... Hopefully the race is up north because I wouldn't even attempt a 1/2 for a PR in Louisiana in August.
Keep working hard and you can achieve your goals!

I live in Georgia and its a local race...the one nice thing is its a night race so that may help a little, but I have been getting plenty of training runs in even in the heat so I think my body will be prepared for it, I trained for my first half last year all through the summer as well so its not something that Im not used to

The weekend long run was tough. I normally run around 5:00 AM or 7:30 PM, so starting at 6:30AM and running for 2+ hours, the heat got to me and I was not able to keep pace. The good news is, I got the miles in, the bad news is I suffered with cramps for the majority of the day from the loss of water/salts.

heat and humidity will do that to you in a hurry, but good job on getting the miles in anyway I find it easier during hot training runs to back my pace off a little bit through out the whole run rather than try to push to hard early and then suffer later....just a thought

 

[LSUlakes]

The Bucket List Marathon

So, its mid January and I've just completed my first half. Now it's time to focus my attention towards training for a marathon. On my first 16 mile run I learned a very big lesson! Nutrition for the long run is key. 15 miles in my legs felt like lead, each step was painful and everything cramped. It took nearly 30 minutes to finish the last mile and I thought to myself, how am I going to do this and what do I need to do different to prevent this from happening. The answer was simple, breakfast and GU. Im not saying the first 20 miler was a breeze, but it went better than the 16 mile run.
The 3 months from the half to the full was had many high notes and lows. In March of 2013 I came home from work and for some reason our dog (Dixie) has a shirt on. I ask my wife, why the dog is being dressed up as I am picking her up and notice ironed on the shirt is, I'm Going to be a Big Sister! A great day for the family that has brought is much joy. That same week, my boss tells me he is planning on leaving the company we work for and a few other key players of our group are following him if the company doesn't agree to some changes. Well, with a little one on the way and just starting my career, I told him when he has room for me wherever he goes I would be interested in following him, but I needed to keep things table for the time being. The company and my boss did not reach an agreement, and new people where brought in. I knew my days where limited, but it happened sooner and I was let go. The highs and lows I tell you. It's April and I'm job hunting, and training. The week of the marathon I have a few interviews, and offers. I told them I would make my decision during our trip and would contact them of my decision.

Marathon Weekend
We arrive for marathon weekend, and I now have secured employment (a high moment). The expo was a event like no other. Anything you could ever want, need, or even imagine is at this expo. I pick up my bib check out everything and soak it all in. It's grand, the holy grail of running things. We watch the 5k event the morning prior to the race and I'm blown away by the finishing times of sub 15 minutes. People hardly cheer on the 16-17 minutes finishers, its a sight to see!
To get into this race you have two options, charity or you have to be a wicked fast runnah. So, charity it was and it is a rewarding experience to help a great charity and to be a part of something even bigger than the marathon.

The date is April 15, 2013, marathon Monday and it's 2:30 AM. Awfully early for a race that I wont cross the starting line until midmorning. DW is ~3 months along at this point and everything is falling into place. I head out the hotel and board the bus that will bring a group of us to athletes village. DW has her plan, and through a friend has received a pass to sit in the grandstands to watch the finish. Its a perfect morning for a marathon, all that is left is to run 26.2 miles! The wait and anticipation seemed like forever, then they call out for our wave. The walk from AV to the starting line is ~1 mile. It's lined with people with signs and words of encouragement and we haven't even started yet. I cross the starting line a 10:46 AM and begin a journey that I will never forget. The first few miles are mostly downhill and I do my best to stay at my goal pace to achieve a finish time of sub 4 hours. The crowds and course support are amazing. The race is going well and by the half I am on pace and below 2 hours, but the difficult part is coming up. I caught up with a buddy and we ran miles 6 to 15 together. I had to stop due to some GI issues. Miles 16-21 are normally a difficult part of any race, but these miles cover the Newton Hills and the downhills prior to getting there have already tested your legs, these uphills will destroy them. Mile 20, Heartbreak hill, what a great spot for a hill! I run up it and my legs are on fire, my first walk happens. It's hard to walk for long on this course, because of all the support yelling at you to keep going. I'm out of water on my full belt and stop at the next water station. I move as far out of the way and start pouring water in my bottles. I volunteer grabs a empty one and fills one up for me pats me on the back and tells me good luck. What a great person! At this point sub 2 hours is not going to happen and although disappointed the main goal of finishing is within reach. In the distance I can see the iconic Citgo Sign, and then Fenway Park... I'm almost there! With roughly .5 miles to go and 4:07:xx into the marathon, race officials stop the race. No one is sure whats going on and we just want to finish. Then we find out what happened... two bombs went off near the finish line. Everything changes, my thoughts of the finish line go from glory to is my wife okay? Our hotel is a block from the finish, can she make it there.. can I make it there? I use a strangers phone and call home because cell service is not great. I cant hear who is on the other line, but tell them something has happened at the marathon. I tell them to check on my wife to see if shes ok and to let her know I am ok and I will find a way to the hotel. After a while they allow us to walk to get our check bag, where I kept a go phone. For the first time since early that morning I hear my wifes voice and she is at the hotel and is doing fine. She was hit by a small piece of debris but not injured. I spend the next few hours trying to get to our hotel but everything was blocked off due to it being located a black from the finish. The sun is setting, its getting cold, I had not eaten anything since 8 that morning. A complete stranger approaches me and can see my situation, and without thinking about it, gives my some cash to buy something to eat. (I did not have cash or a wallet on me). I saw many acts of kindness all over town that day, and despite the act of two, the whole is better than the parts. I thanked the man and he walked away without giving me his name. Shortly after as I was heading to get something to eat, a group of police approached and offered to escort those of us staying at the hotel a way in. I made it in, and it was very emotional seeing my wife again, and so blessed that she was fine and the baby was also fine.
Here are some pictures from that trip.

Packet Pick-up

Race Morning!

My wife's vantage point near the finish line. She was practicing taking pictures so she could get a good one of me coming down Boylston St.

This was taken a few minutes after we finally saw each other again.

April 15, 2013 will be a day I remember forever. The bad, the good and everything that falls in between.

 

[Neoflynn]

April 15, 2013 will be a day I remember forever. The bad, the good and everything that falls in between.

so amazing to hear your experience of that day I was not a runner when that happened and I think a small part of what I witnessed via television on that day contributed to me taking up running, I dream of one day running Boston but for now it is merely a dream but its something to hope for in the future

 

[DisPup75]

Quite a story - yes, a day that will never be forgotten.

Congratulations on all of your successes!

 

[Baloo in MI]

Your times are awesome and looks like you lost a lot of weight. How did you achieve the loss? My starting weight was similar to you but I have not had the reaction I thought I would from running. Have been running for several years. My times are coming down but I would love to drop some more weight. I think it would really help in some running goals.

 

[LSUlakes]

Your times are awesome and looks like you lost a lot of weight. How did you achieve the loss? My starting weight was similar to you but I have not had the reaction I thought I would from running. Have been running for several years. My times are coming down but I would love to drop some more weight. I think it would really help in some running goals.

Thanks! The majority of the weight came off during the first year. I am currently around 210 +/- 2 lbs. Most of the weight came off in the first year from running and tracking every single item I ate using MFP. If I could not scan/weight it, I wouldn't eat it. I was limiting my intake to 1,800 calories and was not crediting myself with the calories I burned. It sucked, but it got the job done. Another thing that you can try, which will help out with weight loss and speed is doing speed work. Doing the workouts increases you HR into the higher levels instead of a steady run. If you run the same pace every run your body becomes accustomed to it and you become more efficient at it, which is great, but you won't see as many gains. The workouts will also help you become a faster runner over time as well. You are correct in stating that weight loss will help with the running goals. Each pound you lose is one fewer you have to carry from start to finish. When you add it up, it's a big difference. Lets say you've lost 30lbs at this point. Imagine having a 30 lb bag on you back while you run and imagine how much more difficult that run would be... Good luck and I hope you achieve your goals.

 

[Baloo in MI]

Thanks for the info. I have always said well I ran "x" miles today I can have this bowl of ice cream, etc. I think I simply traded one for the other and have seen minimal weight change. I appreciate the encouragement, I have more recently become more strucutred in eating habits. Clearly I need to commit more. Broke 2 hours in the half in May (1:56) but your 1:41 is really impressive. Thanks.

 

[LSUlakes]

Hasn't been the best week of running this week. At this point I'm only ~13 miles in with a 13 miler on the books for tomorrow. This week has easily been the hottest so far of the summer and next week isn't looking much better. Looks like more predawn runs and TM in the upcoming days.

 

[LSUlakes]

I've nearly fallen of the wagon here. I must go for a run today to get back into the swing of things.

A bit late, but Last Weeks Running Recap:
7/13 - 5 Mi 8:20/mi
7/14 - 5 Mi 8:23/mi
7/17 - 3 Mi 8:47/mi

After 7/14 I was feeling very tired. To train in this heat I need to hydrate better and get better sleep to recover properly. Post run watermelon will be my reward for todays run.

 

[LSUlakes]

118th Boston Marathon

Upon returning home from the 117th Boston Marathon I knew that one way or another I had to make it back for the next marathon. I was willing to do whatever it would take to be a part of the next race, and to finally complete my journey. A few weeks following the bombings, the BAA announced that runners who did not finish, but had crossed the halfway point would be extended a invite to return without having the qualify or fundraising. The race would have one of the largest fields in the races history because of the additional people. I also decided to raise money again for the charity that gave me the opportunity to run the race the previous year, it just felt like good karma.
Training for this marathon did not lack any motivation and went well. I set a new half marathon PR that January and many new PRs in MPW and monthly totals.

Race Day:
The morning started off with temps in the lower 30's and no chance of rain. Again, the race doesn't start till mid morning so actual start time temps where still good somewhere in the mid 40's. The whole place was electric, the walk to the starting line had even more people than the previous year and you could just feel the excitement in everyone around. I let that excitement get the better of me and started out way to fast for the first 5k, which is not difficult to do with the first 10k being mostly downhill. I eventually settled in and just took in as many sights as I could. One of my favorite parts of the first half of the race is running through the scream tunnel. The tunnel is formed by girls from Wellesley's College and is easily a half mile long of these girls non-stop cheering. They are also interesting because many of them hold signs with some phrase along the lines of "kiss me because....". I was surprised the amount of people who actually takes them up on it. Let's compare it to stopping to take pictures with Disney characters... Its a big rush to run that part of the course and for a few minutes your mind is not focused on miles left, pace, pain, just pure joy. Shortly after the scream tunnel I hit the half marathon mark with check following check point times: 5k @ 25:46, 10k @ 52:04, 15k @ 1:18:48, 20k @ 1:45:21, and half @ 1:51:07. After the half the course levels off for a few miles until the lovely Newton Hills. This year I was prepared for them, and although my paced dropped, I did not have to walk. I learned a new lesson around mile 21, which is body glide should be applied to my armpits. They where on fire, and at the next medical station they had volunteers handing out Vaseline on little wooden sticks. Problem Solved! You know when they say don't try anything new on race day... well I ran in a singlet instead of a normal shirt and that's what I got for it. A funny story about the Vaseline, one guy thought it was GU on a stick . By this time the temps where in the mid to upper 70's and the sun was getting to me. I ended up very sunburnt, and now sunscreen is part of the pre race to do list. The last 10k was amazing, huge crowds. Word was out that an American had won the marathon which was a huge deal. I finally reached the spot where I was stopped the previous year and reflected how far things have come over the last year. Shortly after that I stopped when I saw my wife to give her a big hug, it was a emotional moment, which I was not expecting. Then just to add to all of that is the big part of the race, the moment of the race I've read about, see tee shirts with the phrase, and by far the most crowded and loudest part of the entire course "Right on Hereford Left on Boylston". An amazing experience coming down Boylston St. and crossing the finish line. I hugged the girl that handed me my finishers medal, thanked her and just let everything soak in.
The second half race stats are as follows: 25k @ 2:12:17, 30k @ 2:40:27, 35k @ 3:09:49, 40k @ 3:39:28, 26.2 @ 3:52:41.
After the race I took a quick shower and meet a group of friends for a few cold beers and food. That night I had some leg cramps, and as crazy as it seems, if I kept walking or on my feet they would go away, but eventually I had to go to sleep and those leg cramps are no joke. We spent the next few days in Boston, going to a baseball game, the duck tour, the freedom trail, bar hopping, other site seeing type things. Turned out to be a really good trip. I will only return to run Boston from this point forward if I get a BQ, which is my long term goal before I turn 35. Hopefully I return the run Boston again at 35 or 36.

 

[LSUlakes]

Running Week Recap 7/20 - 7/26
7/21 - 5 Mi
7/23 - 6.3 Mi
7/24 - 5.86 Mi

Another, not so great running week. Signed up for the first fall race yesterday. Race is October 18 and is called the Gulf Coast Half Marathon - Mandeville, LA. ~ 12 weeks to go.

 

[LSUlakes]

Another busy week is in the books. Finally got some rain this week followed by a unusual cool front which felt great for Saturdays short run. I ran my long run on Friday on a TM after work due to some weekend plans.

Running Week Recap 7/27 - 8/2
7/27 - 6.3 Mi @ 8:21/Mi
7/28 - 4 Mi @ 7:56/Mi
7/30 - 3.1 Mi @ 7:59/Mi
7/31 - 12 Mi @ 8:20/Mi (TM)
8/1 - 5.26 Mi @ 8:12/Mi (Pushing the Stroller) Morning temp of 70 felt like fall!

Finished the week with 30.68 Mi and for the first time this year over 100 miles for the month with 105.09. Last July I had ~140 miles, so I am a little behind for various reasons. Looking to have a good August.

 

[LSUlakes]

It's HOT! This weekend we had temps at 101 with the heat index ~110+ and the heat continues this week as well. Looks like more treadmill runs.

Running Week Recap 8/3 - 8/9
8/3 - 4 Mi @ 7:55/Mi
8/4 - 8 Mi @ 8:22/Mi (TM)
8/6 - 3 Mi @ 8:03/Mi
8/7 - 14 Mi @ 8:25/Mi (TM)
8/8 - 2.5 Mi Cross Training

31.52 miles for the week and 36.78 mile for the month. 4 more weeks till official marathon training begins!

 

[girliea]

It's HOT! This weekend we had temps at 101 with the heat index ~110+ and the heat continues this week as well. Looks like more treadmill runs.

Running Week Recap 8/3 - 8/9
8/3 - 4 Mi @ 7:55/Mi
8/4 - 8 Mi @ 8:22/Mi (TM)
8/6 - 3 Mi @ 8:03/Mi
8/7 - 14 Mi @ 8:25/Mi (TM)
8/8 - 2.5 Mi Cross Training

31.52 miles for the week and 36.78 mile for the month. 4 more weeks till official marathon training begins!

I am enjoying reading your journal, thanks for sharing! And we are neighbors! We live just outside of BR and are huge tiger fans.
Um....yeah it is hot! I went to do my run yesterday morning (before the sun came up) and when I finished an hour and half later (the sun had come up by this time), the inside of my car which has black interior, was cooler than it was outside....crazy!

Keep up the great work, and of course be careful in this heat. Your journal is an inspiration.

 

[LSUlakes]

I am enjoying reading your journal, thanks for sharing! And we are neighbors! We live just outside of BR and are huge tiger fans.
Um....yeah it is hot! I went to do my run yesterday morning (before the sun came up) and when I finished an hour and half later (the sun had come up by this time), the inside of my car which has black interior, was cooler than it was outside....crazy!

Keep up the great work, and of course be careful in this heat. Your journal is an inspiration.

Thanks for following along and your comments. I am glad you find it inspirational. Football season is just around the corner now! Do you run the lakes on the weekends or any with the Varsity Sports group? What is your next big race? Making the trip to Disney or the Louisiana Marathon weekend? Looks like later on this week we may least have our morning lows near 72 and a chance of rain! Thanks again for commenting, I was starting to think no one was following along. lol

 

[girliea]

Thanks for following along and your comments. I am glad you find it inspirational. Football season is just around the corner now! Do you run the lakes on the weekends or any with the Varsity Sports group? What is your next big race? Making the trip to Disney or the Louisiana Marathon weekend? Looks like later on this week we may least have our morning lows near 72 and a chance of rain! Thanks again for commenting, I was starting to think no one was following along. lol

Yes I find it very inspirational....although I don't think I will ever come close to your PR's. In fact if I posted my PR's they would prove to folks that even turtles can run!

Yes, football season is almost here! DH loves the football, I enjoy it but really like the baseball more. And my dad and I were super excited that the golf team won the title this year!

I have not been brave enough to run the lakes yet. I have only been running since March and still am a little nervous to venture to new places. One of my running friends tells me it's great so I'm sure I will add the lakes into my routine soon.

I have never run with any of the running groups. What is that like? I do r/w/r so I'm kind of stand-offish about trying a group that may run non-stop, but I've always been curious as to how they do things. And I know there is strength and support in numbers.

I will be doing the 10 mile at the Gulf Coast in Mandeville; then the half at the Louisiana Marathon and GSC in February. When I read over the races I have planned I almost laugh hysterically b/c last year at this time you could not have told me I would be doing any running let alone races!

72 and a chance of rain sounds divine! I can't wait! And I'm sure there are a lot of other folks following your journal. I do a lot of creeping and lurking on the boards as I'm sure others do; I just had to comment to a fellow tiger!