~The BOT Battalion~ BOTS On The Run

[Optimator]

CindyLou - I'm sure it's all over FB but how did your race go? (I hate races without searchable results).

Jodi - Your day does sound pretty darn good.


Well, I had my first genuine tumble tonight. I was running past a sort of dicey area. I was thinking "Man, I hope I don't get mugged because Kathy told me before I left that it wasn't very smart running in the dark and I'd never hear the end of it." So I'm looking ahead on this dark path checking for some dudes thinking about doing me bodily harm and the next thing I know it's all a$$, knees, and elbows flying. I failed to see the big branch stretching across the path.

I whacked my big toe and it still hurts like hell but overall, not much the worse for wear.

 

[Cindylou]

Hi Bots, Thanks for all of the kind words on FB. Here is the long version of my race. Feeling very sore tonight. Just couldn't submit myself to an ice bath since I was shivering the whole way home. I finished just in time because by the time we got home the rain had turned to snow. Brrr.

Baystate 2009, Lowell, MA

I woke up at 5:30 with a bit of a sore throat so thought I wouldn’t be at my best today. It wasn’t raining yet, and the temperature was 42 degrees. A bit warmer than I had expected. A friend picked me up and we headed to the race. There were a few sprinkles as we walked to the arena to wait for the start.

The rain had stopped by the start of the race and I lined up a bit behind the 3:50 pacer. My Garmin had trouble locating the satellites but managed to find it just before the race started. The start is pretty crowded with 3500 runners between the half and full marathons. A went thru 1 mile at just over 9 minutes which is about where I wanted to be. At around 2 miles my Garmin started flaking out – I did a 7 minute mile according to it. It recovered after a while so I at least could see my ½ mile splits up until 12 miles or so when it started counting the mileage backwards. At that point I relied on the timer on the Garmin and the mile markers. It was a bit of an adjustment not knowing exactly what pace I was running at every moment. I was hoping to maintain 8:50 to 9 minutes per mile throughout the race. I couldn’t do the math for 8:50 in my head, but was pretty good with my 9 times tables and knew I was running a bit below that.

The rain started around 3 miles. At 6 miles the wind picked up. I got my feet completely soaked around 8 miles. The rain increased throughout the day. I alternated between being hot and cold depending on whether we were running into the wind or it was behind us. I had a wind vest that I put on and took off accordingly.

I never actually felt great at all right from the start, but didn’t really tire until after 20 miles. I went thru 20 miles at 2:59:44 (8:58 pace), so I knew I had an hour to do a 10K. I could feel myself beginning to slow. The woman in the purple shorts whom I was trying to stay in contact with was pulling away. My 4 minute cushion dwindled to 3 minutes then 2 minutes then 1. By mile 22 my IT bands were screaming, my left calf was really tight and my feet felt like bricks. I really wanted to quit and began to doubt that I would be able to keep up the proper pace to finish under 4:00:59 – the Boston qualifying time. At this point I just started counting 1 to 100 then started all over again. It kept my mind occupied so I couldn’t partake in any negative chatter. I kept my eye on the purple shorts and eventually reeled her in. I then found someone else ahead of me and tried to keep up with them.

As I passed 25 miles I knew I had about 15 minutes to finish. I still didn’t feel confident at that point that I’d make it since I was sure my left calf was going to start cramping. I also remembered what happened last year when my body just gave out before the finish. As I approached the stadium that we finish in I could hear my husband yelling because he knew I had a good chance of meeting my time goal. Even as I entered the stadium I kept up my counting. When I finally turned the last corner I heard the announcer say that it was 4 hours. I knew I had a 1:06 buffer with my chip. At this point I knew I had made it. As I ran past the part of the track that I had face planted last year I noticed just how muddy it was and was so thankful that I wasn’t going to have a repeat of that. I crossed the finish line and was just so grateful to be done since I was in a lot of pain. My chip time was 3:59:12, I had 1:47 to spare. It was several minutes until it actually hit me that I had finally accomplished what I had set out 15 years earlier to do: qualify to run the Boston Marathon.

I had all the Bots with me out on the course today. I was imaging running with all of you at WDW and it really helped keep me motivated. Thanks so much to all of you for the sage advice and encouragement prior to my race.

Have a great night.
Cindy

 

[lourodrigis]

CindyLou - Congrats on your race and the BQ. That is so awesome, especially in those conditions. Incredible job! Ice bath? Come on...there is no way I would come home from abusing my body for 4 hours and jump in a tub of ice.

Mike - Ouch...this time of year is rough for running. The bike path near me looks like as war zone with fallen branches and leaves. Glad you were able to get up with only a big toe whack. I think you should stick to running in daylight.

Jodi - Nice job on the 12 miles. Sorry I wasn't around for your FB chat. I was too busy watching the Phils throttle the Dodgers. Yes, it looks good for Phils/Yanks but lets not jinx them. We need to gameplan this week for NYC. I kinda feel like I am winging it for this race and need to get a handle on some plans for before and after this race.

Jen - Glad DD is feeling better.

Colleen - Yes, NYC is now less than 2 weeks away. Scary!

Howard - Nice job on the 7+ miler.

Hey other BOTs!

Will try to get out for 4 miles today to get back on track. Last week was a wash...literally.

Lou

 

[Theta]

CindyLouWho? You Boston Qualifier, that's who!! Awesome job girl!!!!YOu should be so proud of yourself.

Mike, wow, yet another 20 miler, that's great!!

Lou and Jodi, 13 more days! I am not sure how I am going to like the 10:20 start time. Shouldn't I already be at mile 20 by then? All day yesterday, I thought, at 2 o'clock, still on the course, 3 o'clock, still on course. I was tired just thinking about being out there all day, especially freezing my butt off in the green village for 4 hours before I even make my way to my corral.

5 miles for me yesterday with DH. Yoga this morning. I feel I still need to train these last two weeks, as I don't feel fit enough to even start thinking about tapering. Oh, well, what will be, will be.

Have a good one BOts!

 

[Optimator]

CindyLou - WOW! WOW! WOW! That's sooo great! I'm extremely happy for you. It's especially impressive with all the distractions; Garmin, weather, last year's acrobatic finish in the back of your mind. You have much to be proud of.

Happy Mondy to everyone.

 

[StitchAttack]

CindylouAwesome! Sounds like you really dug deep and ran an excellent race under some tough conditions. I'm truly in awe.

MikeWith that many 20 milers under your belt, you are going to smoke it at Richmond. I also had a few close calls with tree branches running in the dark this morning, but luckily I haven't fallen yet. There is one place on the trail where Cindy and I run where a HUGE tree has fallen across the trail. It is actually supported on one side by a large metal barrier, though, so you actually have to run under it. Hopefully they will remove it soon.

Lou, Jodi and ColleenIt's taper time. Concentrate on healing up and start checking the NYC weather

Howard Are you getting excited for Marine Corp this weekend? I'm a little sad that Cindy and I aren't going to be in town for the race (we had a great time last year running the 10K and watching people finish), but I'm also excited for Disney.

As for me, I'm still recovering from Baltimore, but I'm also trying to ramp up my mileage for Richmond. 5 weeks is sort of a strange amount of time between races. There isn't that much time to actually train much more, but it is too long to not train at all, or you will lose too much fitness. Anyway, in the last week or so I have run:

Sunday-Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: 5 miles
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: 6 miles
Sunday: 10 miles
Monday: 6 miles

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

CindyLou- You ROCK!!! Congratulations! That is so amazing. You have made us all very proud. I can't wait to have one of our own to cheer on during the Boston Marathon. Congratulations! What an accomplishment!

 

[lourodrigis]

Hey everyone!

Man, did I ever screw up with this NYC Marathon. First I wrecked Halloween for the kids and now I just realized, as the Phillies creep closer to the World Series, that there is a strong chance I will be stuck in NYC while games 3 and 4 are played in Philadelphia. As soon as Nicole finds out about this I have a feeling I will be the only one making the trip north for the marathon and the kids will be getting Halloween back. Jodi/Colleen - I hope you guys know of a safe place for someone wearing Phillies colors to watch a game in Manhattan.

CindyLou - Once again, congrats on the BQ. That is so awesome, especially with the conditions you had on Sunday.

Matt - You're all trained up for Richmond. If I were you I would plan for one major LR and taper up after that.

Lou

 

[rKyDeX]

CindyLou
Congratulations! Especially starting out with a sore throat. I'm rea;;y proud of you.

I use the counting method to keep my mind occupied too. I usually start at 400 or 500 and count down. It's amazingly effective in keeping your mind occupied. Anything is better than obsessing on the last couple of miles and how they seem to take forever.

Mike
Bad luck with the tumble. You have to run a little looser at night. You never know when you'll step on a branch or a toad or step in dog poop! Step lightly and be prepared to react.

Lou
Don't mess with the kid's Halloween. Let them enjoy it while they're still young.


I ran 18 on Sunday. Carried water and gel blasts and did an out 'n back. Was scheduled to do 17, but I figured that I would do the 18 that was scheduled for next Sunday instead since I'll be at WDW for ToT. This was the first full daylight cool weather run of the season. I started at 9:15 and was out long enough to get sunburned. Setting sail in the "Ark" on Friday and once again staying at Ft Wilderness. We're becoming regulars there - every other weekend. That reminds me, I need to make reservations for the Wine and Dine Half October 2nd.

Best wishes and good luck to all,

Chester

 

[Jodi]

CindyLou - It's been said countless time & I've told you on FB, but Congratulations on BQing!! You must be so ecstatic . I'm really happy that you achieved what you set out to do. BTW, don't believe Mike, he's really a very jealous person & was the one who stuck his foot out last year that made you take that face plant!

Chester - Can't believe you're embarking again & sailing off to the World. I SO wish I was going to the last TOT. Funny about all this counting talk. When I can't sleep @ night I'll count backwards from 400. Usually works pretty well.

Louser - You KNOW you're stressin' over nuthin' 'cause the Phillies ain't even gonna make it to the World Series . Hey man, I'll go with you on Sunday night after the race...we'll find a pub, & drink beer with Philly hats & shirts on. You have to supply the queer gear, though.

Dave - Hi. Where's this weeks blog?

Mindy - When are you guys leaving for ToT? Matt - don't fret about Richmond, just run a few 10 milers in there & run some fast ones during the week. You'll be fine. Nice job on those 12, Cindy.

Colleen - How are you feeling, roomie? Ready to spend 2 nights in the company o' Dodo? I promise I'll be on my best behavior . I hope Jeff doesn't get mad @ me for corrupting you.

Mike - Careful with that night time running. It's always very dark when I got out in the a.m. & I'm constantly afraid of stepping on a manhole or pothole & twisting an ankle. That & skunks! On Sat. I ran into & startled 4 deer - scared the pooties out of me. I just didn't want them to run in the road b/c of me & get whacked by a car.

Who'd I miss?

Well as you all now know (those of you on FB anyway) Sparky the foster dog is back. The woman that adopted him turned out to be wackier than me & gave him back. She was crying & saying she couldn't sleep...a total freak of nature. Anyhow - don't think I'll be giving him up now. OK, I'm done talking about this freakin' animal.

 

[Optimator]

The woman that adopted him turned out to be wackier than me...

Long, thoughtful pause... No comment.

Colleen - Holy carp, flounder, mackarel, grouper, and other other fish you can think of!!! Good luck o' Dodo!

Lou - Sorry bud, but you're getting no sympathy from me with your potential World Series scheduling conflict.


Chester - You should just leave the ark permanently parked at FW.

I get you about treading lightly at night. I would have been fine if I just stepped ON the branch. Unfortunately, I kicked it full on from the side. The toe's tolerable as long as I don't push off or turn. Too bad those things are kind of required for running. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a couple of miles in tomorrow without crying too much.

Take care all.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave - Hi. Where's this weeks blog?

Oh, you're funny Jodi...

 

[Cindylou]

Good Morning Bots,

Thanks again to everyone for all your kind words.

Jodi: I'm glad you got Sparky back. I don't blame you for not letting him go again. Hope the taper is going well. I think you, Lou and Colleen are going to have a lot of fun in NYC.

Mike: Sorry to hear about your toe. Hope it gets better soon. I'm glad you didn't get mugged though. That would have been worse. With 3 20 milers you sound well trained for Richmond.

Chester: I'm glad you finally have some cool daylight weather to run in. Have a safe trip to Ft Wilderness.

Lou: Sounds like you'll have a fun weekend in NYC between watching all the ballgames and running the marathon. Hope you'll be able to fit it all in. And I hope the Phils crush the Yankees if that's what we end up with. (no offense to any Yankee fans out there)

Dave: Hope the shins are well. How's it working out with the trainer.

Matt: 5 weeks in between is tough. I think I would recover for 2 weeks, do a LR and then taper for 3 weeks. Good thing you're young, that should work in your favor.

Colleen: Be sure you rest up the next 1 1/2 weeks. The rest will do more good than trying to cram in any last training.

I have mostly recovered from the race. A few aches and pains, but I am going for a massage tonight so I'm thinking that should take care of it. I did end up with a cold. I knew I would, I could only fight it for so long. I'm just hoping it doesn't last long as I'm planning to start Goofy training on 11/2.

I looked up the Boston Marathon pages on the Runner's World forum. There was a lot of useful information, but nothing like reading there to make me feel like a snail. Last year there were 27 corrals, my race time would have put me in the 19th. Man, there will be some fast people there. Oh, well. I'm not going to let that damper my mood, I'm still feeling pretty stoked about the race.

Have a great day everyone.
Cindy

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Hey Everyone: It's been a little while since I've written a proper response. I had a couple of minutes so I thought I would check in. No running for me since last Tuesday. The trainer here at Geneseo wanted me to take a week off from running (and just cross-train) while I get some treatment for my shins. So I've been on the exercise bike on most days. I tried to do a "long bike" ride of 60 min or more on Saturday, but my butt couldn't take more than 30 min. Oh well, I tried... I had my first treatment yesterday. It was an ultrasound for my legs to break up the scar tissue in the shins. They said it would take a few treatments before I noticed anything. We'll see if it works... I'm hoping to run on Saturday.

CindyLou- Congrats again on the Boston Qualifier. Who cares if you're in the 19th corral? You're in a corral. That will be so exciting.

Mike- Good luck on your upcoming BQ attempt. Hope all goes well in your race too. It'd be great to have a couple of Bots to follow in the race.

Jodi- Good for you for being the rock of stability for Sparky. He's probably happy to be back with you too. What was up with that woman? As far as blogs go... I'll get one up when I get one up... I'm not going to sweat it. I would like to write something up on the ToT13k though. I do like highlighting our group and my friends. Matt? Cindy? Chester? a little help?

Chester- Have a great time at the Fort again next weekend. Are you just doing the weekend again? I'm coming down on Tuesday 10/27.

Lou- I can cheer on the Phillies! Go Phillies! I'm sure Jodi will take real good care of you in NYC. Real good...

Matt- Have you recovered after Baltimore?

Cindy- How you doin? Are you running in Richmond too? What are your plans there?

Colleen- Good luck with your taper. I can't wait to hear how NYC goes.

All my best to all my friends here: Sara, Howard, Cam, Judy, Jen and anyone else I might have missed. Take care everyone.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Oh, one last thing, and I don't want to dwell on this. Those on FB may know this already. My wife received some bad news at work on Monday. She got the "we don't have funding for your position anymore" talk. Some of you may remember this is the exact same talk I received in October 07 right before the Marine Corps Marathon (and just a little while after my mother passed away) - yes that was a really lousy time for me.

At this point, we really don't know what this means for Dana. She's taking a positive attitude, and planning on putting in grants and we'll see what happens. She has funding until July (I think); so we have some time to figure things out. It just kind of stunk.

 

[jbucci]

CindyLou: CONGRATS!!! You deserve to be proud. I can't even dream of being that fast.

Dave: I hope that some funding comes through for your wife, I know the waiting and uncertainty really sucks. We'll be thinking of you.

I look forward to seeing some Bots this weekend at Tot, I'm almost packed and ready

I'm also excited because I just found a new race-- Rutgers University (my alma mater) is hosting an inaugural half this April-- DH an I are definately there for that one-- any Bot takers??

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave: I hope that some funding comes through for your wife, I know the waiting and uncertainty really sucks. We'll be thinking of you.

I look forward to seeing some Bots this weekend at Tot, I'm almost packed and ready

Thanks Jen. Wow, I didn't know you were going to ToT too. Awww man, I wish I was going to be there with you guys. Have a great time. Please don't call me at 2am when you finish the race and party...

 

[jbucci]

Dave: Where's the fun if I can't call at 2am

 

[rKyDeX]

Chester- Have a great time at the Fort again next weekend. Are you just doing the weekend again? I'm coming down on Tuesday 10/27.

Dave
Just for the weekend again. Living nearby allows for more, shorter trips per year. I already have reservations for the Fort for 2010 EEC and 2010 Wine & Dine Half.

 

[CynthiaCindy]

Time for a quick

Things are crazy here at work, trying to get ready to go out of town for a few days.

We leave tomorrow morning. I'm excited but sad b/c one or our friends who is supposed to come with us might not be able to go b/c of work. Sucks. Waiting to hear more, but it is not looking good.

Jen - I didn't realize that you were going too! I'll look for you on Saturday night!

Chester - See you on Saturday!

Colleen and Mike - I haven't forgotten that I said I would find us a place to eat in Richmond. I'll make sure to make that a priority when I get back.

Howard - Good luck at MCM!! I wish it wasn't the same weekend as ToT so that I could come cheer for you.