Scott's lame, boring running journal. CW

scoolover

DIS Veteran
Joined
Mar 24, 2006
I ran 24 miles yesterday. The last two felt better than the last two of any long run I have had to this point. This will be my last long run before the marathon. I think that I have already decided that it will be my last (first also) marathon. I had pipe dreams of running the Goofy in 08 but with all the time it takes to train and the toll on my body there is no way.

(edit: added on July 20, 2007 - I signed up for the 08 Goofy two days after registration opened).

I had gestric bypass surgery on December 9, 2005 and lost 135 lbs in six months. I ironically have put on 5 since I started training for the marathon and still weigh about 240. It is not a concern since my legs are now like rocks. I will call it muscle weight and I don't think I have that much more that I can lose.

In college I was on the captain of my track team. I was a thrower and took much joy in making fun of the distance runners. Lets be honest, they are a different breed. Some of my good friends were runners and it was all in fun. I could never figure out why anyone would distance run. That was always the worst part of any activity that I would participate in. Now I get it! I can't explain it but I get it. The fact that I have cried at the end of my four longest runs can explain it, I guess. Don't get me wrong. I am as manly as they come !!! Trust me. I don't even know where it comes from but it only lasts a few seconds. Really, I am a tough guy. Now that everyone knows that I am a whimp, it's time for bed. Take care
Scott
 
I ran for the first time at night the other day. I was working a series of double shifts so the only time to go was at 5:30am. I was a little worried about the coyoties but got back safe. Ironically, I did see one on my way to work that morning right along my running route. The run was cool. It was nerve wracking in the beginning but as my eyes adjusted to the dark it got better. There was one part that I walked because it was through the woods and I don'e need any ankle twists before marathon time.
For Christmas, I was given a head lamp which I can't wait to use. Right now I have to go hit the treadmill for a 12 miler. Hopefully, I can finish before the 99 minutes are up. (I know, blazing speed).
Scott


EDIT Just for kicks; Here is a pre-operation picture. I was not embarassed then but I kind of am now. Go figure.
Scott
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Imagine being ten miles into your first marathon and looking down at your shoe, only to realize that you have lost your timing chip. The devistation lasted about a mile and it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened.

My goal for this first marathon was just to finish. Of course being human I threw in a little ... but under 5 hours would be great. All of my long runs indicated that it could be done.

I got the 2:45 AM wake up call from Stich and Mickey got ready and was out the POP Century door at about 3:15. I left my mother and son sleeping. My dad would arrive later. There were about 15 people on the bus and I was the only one with a stool to sit on. I figured that there would be more since there would be a lot of sitting around. I also figured that if it was a problem, someone would say something. No one ever said anything. After the 10 minute walk to the staging area, I checked my bag and sat on my stool to wait for the fun to start. ...and waited ...and waited. Finally, we were released from the staging area to head to the corrals. I was in C which was for the schlumps like myself. Thankfully, I had my trusty stool which came in handy for the next hour or so. At about 5:30 I left to use the bathroom (woods). When I came back there was a 75 year old man using the stool to stretch. I grabbed it out from under him and slapped him around with it. Kidding! We talked for a while and he was about to run his 99th marathon. His son (50ish) was about to run his 46th. I was impressed. Anyway, I offered him the stool and he took me up on the offer. He was very thankful. At 6:00AM the fireworks went off and away we went. It took about 4 or 5 minutes to cross the start line and I started my Gallowalking right away. Seven minutes of running and one minute of walking. I stayed to the right and did not have a problem staying out of other runners way all day.

(EDIT: That 75 year old was featured in Runners World in the real runners section. He was in the June 07 issue. I looked at his picture for a day before figuring out that was who he was. His name in Jim Ottinger. I was able to see how he finished after finding out his name. He ran his 100th in Alabama in Feb)

The first ten miles were easy. Just taking in all the Disney stuff was great. Time and miles passed quickly. I felt great and could not believe that my pace was as slow as it was. Still I was on pace for a sub 5 hour race. I also got my first call from my dad. He wanted to see me on the course and had met up with my mother and son at the hotel to come out and watch the race. I had no clue where to go except from other race reports and threads on the subject. They were a little later than was optimal so we decided on Animal Kingdom (mile 17ish) and EPCOT for the finish.

At mile 10 I looked down at my shoe and did not see my chip. I looked again and still, no chip. Finally, I pulled off to the side and looked closely. Sure enough, I had lost my chip. At first, I was really down about it. It only took about a mile to rationalize that it was hot. It was my first marathon and I was at Disney. This was the best thing that could have happened. Had the chip been there, I would not have had nearly as much fun as I did. I stopped at most of the characters for pictures and really took my time (some of that was my legs decision). Running through MK was awesome. The air was so thick that I could not see the castle at the beginning of main street. The MK high lasted a while. At about mile 15 I had a power gel followed by an orange slice, 1/2 banana and some powerade. That was followed by a bathroom stop. Aah, much better. Shortly thereafter I passed the AK sewage plant. I try to take things in stride and ignore the small stuff but the smell was awful. Bad smell. Anyway, I coordinated with the family and found out that they were by the resort guest bus drop off near the AK parking lot. They were easy to find as my dad is tall and my son was on his shoulders. We chatted for a few minutes and I was on my way again. This was about mile 18 and I really felt fine up to this point. At mile 19 there was a long incline that whipped me. My legs did not want to work anymore. My Gallowalking was still 7 to 1 but in the other direction. My legs felt as if they were going to revolt at any minute. If I made any wrong move my legs could cramp to the point of ending my day. The general pain level was about 8 out of 10.

"It doesn't matter how hard you hit. What matters is how hard you get hit; how much you can take and keep moving forward" --Rocky--

I must have told myself that 100 times over the last 7 miles. The race was kicking my *** but I had to keep moving forward. Thanks Rock! I called my ex at mile 22 and said "say something inspirational". Without hesitation she came back with "you have not come this far.....". I did not hear the rest but I guessed. That was good for a mile or so. All these little diversions kept the miles rolling by.

By mile 23 there was only a 5K to go and I knew I would finish If I didn't do anything stupid. The great part about the last three miles is that a lot of it is in MGM and EPCOT. They are relatively easy miles due to shade, crowds, close to the finish etc... I had a good burst of energy in MGM that probably lasted 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. I ran all of the time and it felt good. As I was running on the board walk, I saw WISHer Mel. I went over and to my shock she remembered my name from The Race For The Taste in October. (I never saw her look down at the name on my number). Here is a secret. I really wanted a break and would have hung with her for an hour if she would have let me. She gave me some energy jelly beans and sent me along. (side note - she is awesome. that was a kind and selfless gesture that really helped me finish the race. I will never forget that. Thanks Mel). I walked through most of EPCOT following a group of three people. I heard them say that they were going to walk for a while in anticipation of a big finish. I thought that sounded good and followed them. I probably ran the last 1/2 mile and finished in about 5:43 according to my finish line picture.

Not only did I not officially finish the race. According to the race results, I never started. I must have lost my chip before the start and never noticed. Everything happens for a reason and I think that having lost my chip was a blessing. My family met me at the finish and we spent the rest of the day at EPCOT.

I took 2 cups at every stop during the first half of the race end 4 cups at every stop during the second half. It was just not a good day for a long run. With all the misery involved, I signed up for the Goofy in 2008. I can't wait.



I feel as bad as I look. This was all I could muster.
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Two days later at Crystal Palace.
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Shout out to my surgeon --- Dr. Elmer Valin!!!
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2 hours post race. Not feeling so hot and carrying my wet clothes.
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FINISH - nice to see but not as euphoric as I imagined.
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What a great crowd. Loud.
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Nice sight with 1/2 to go.
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Boardwalk crowd.
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After leaving MGM
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Pretending to look happy.
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Perhaps the force will take me the last 3 miles.
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Sorry vets for the poor posture. I was a little tired.
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I though I was the only one hurting.
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Right after this pic, it all went bad.
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Nice sight at mile 18. Me with the boy.
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Just sealing some stock deals.
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Scott,

What an awesome report! :thumbsup2 Your pics are great! Especially the ones with your son. :goodvibes I'm so proud of you and I don't even know you. :teeth:

Going for the Goofy, eh? You can do it! :goofy: I'm going from doing the half to trying for the Mickey. I want that special medal. :earboy2:

Congratulations on reaching your goal! Good job! :cool1:
 


Scott,

What an awesome report! :thumbsup2 Your pics are great! Especially the ones with your son. :goodvibes I'm so proud of you and I don't even know you. :teeth:

Going for the Goofy, eh? You can do it! :goofy: I'm going from doing the half to trying for the Mickey. I want that special medal. :earboy2:

Congratulations on reaching your goal! Good job! :cool1:

Thanks very much for the kind words. It kind of makes the whole thing seem more valid.

Scott
 
Oh, Scott!!!:cheer2: :cheer2: What an awesome job!! You can do without the official time..it's the MEDAL that counts, right?;) The shirt you have on in front of the castle is FANTASTIC!! Great job!! Anne
 
Scott...great report! Love the photos!

I'm really glad to have been of help to you :grouphug: . I was very worried about all the full participants with the heat and humidity, so just tried to have stuff out there for anyone who needed it.

Last year, I forgot my chip. Howard noticed when we got off the bus at EPCOT. I had time to go back, but sounds like you handled it much better than I did ;)

But huge congratulations to you! I didn't realize you'd had bypass surgery and so recently! Wow!! That's an amazing accomplishment to even have started marathon training so soon after surgery! You're hardcore, man!
 


Thought I might post some more pics.
First off, not running related but I love the picture!
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The boy after our 200M. I was just waiting to pull something running with him the day before the marathon.
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lighten up Junior.
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Just so we are clear, the first number is a 5!
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Comming in over Daytona beach. We landed in Sanford.
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No! I said I wanted the unlimited pepperoni pizza clause in that contract. You are Fired!
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I'm glad the boy is not old enough to be embarassed yet.
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I got the VIP treatment for the expo.
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Waiting to get the chip I would lose anyway. It did work though.
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Another VIP expo pic.
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My girlfriend doing a little dancing at the expo.
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I can't believe that this is the first I am posting this one. It was the best picture that I took all week. Okay, maybe the 87th best.
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Never noticed the two people on the ledge.
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Arriving at the AK meeting place with family.
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I apologize to anyone in this little bit of marathon traffic.
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The back side of tower of terror.
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I was just glat that I was not last.
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They sounded really good. It was a shame that only the runners could hear them.
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No clue what I was pretending to look at. I don't even remember taking the picuture.
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Somewhere between the transportation and ticket center and MK
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Look at that arrogant smirk. What a D*ck!
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Hello ducky! Taken at Pop a few days later.
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Weelll hhheeelllllloooo ttthhhheeeerrrreeee.
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Here is a toe picture three weeks out from the marathon. The red spot is paint.
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I hope you enjoyed my beautiful foot.
Scott

*EDIT* My god. That is way nastier when posted than I actually thought it would be. Not the toe specifically, the whole foot. The detail is incredible. ENJOY!
 
Scott -- Loved the trip report. You are an amazing man. Congratulations on all you have achieved! :hug:
 
Scott - First off, congratulations! You have come such a long way. :worship:

Also, thanks for the extremly entertaining race report! You have a wicked sense of humor and I love it! :rotfl: Your pictures are fabulous!

Thanks very much for sharing. Congratulations to you and I wish you continued success! :wizard:
 
Scott--great trip report! I loved the pictures....I can't wait till next year when I am there. It will be my first marathon, and I am already super excited about it. You are an amazing person for have gastric bypass surgery and then coming back to do a marathon!! That picture of you in front of the castle after is great!! WAY TO GO!!!
 
Thanks everyone. You are too kind. I was talking with a few co-workers that had commented on the same things. Going from 375 to finishing the marathon in 13 months. I don't see it as anything great. It was just a gradual progression from walking to jogging to jogging farther. Maybe someday I can progress to running. Maybe it is a great accomplishment. I just hope some rubs off on my son. The funny thing is that his mom is the runner in the family. She just has not done it in a while and he must think that I am the runner. It is ironic.

Thanks again for the support.
Scott
 
I tried for a treadmill 10K PR yesterday and did something that I have not done before. I gave up with about 3/10 to go. I would have done it but I just didn't have the heart to finish strong. I walked the last 3/10. I don't feel bad as this is uncharacteristic of me. Usually, I can finish strong. Come to think of it, it might have been a treadmill PR. Just not an overall. 58:14
 
I did 18 miles today on the gym treadmill. It was really awful. The clock only goes up to 99 minutes. It reset twice. That and the fact that I paused to use the bathroom and turned off on me, didn't allow me to get a real time (again). Boy, this time thing really works against me. Don't try any math -- it's slow. I did 5.8 mph with 1 minute walk breaks at 3.8 mph every 7 minutes. Like I said, it's slow. I was just as beat as I have been after any long run. That will be my last before Hyannis in less than 3 weeks.
 
I did another 18 today and it was real tough. The temperature at the start was in the teens with an even colder wind chill. Miles 0-3 were hard because if getting used to the temp. I also had to take a bathroom break at mile 3. That was about 8 minutes and it took a bit to get my muscles warmed up again. Miles 3 to about 12 were real good. I kept a good pace and stayed nice and warm. 12 to 18 were real tough. That section had some big elevation changes and it got to the point where I was walking up the hills and down the hills. I probably walked 4 of the last 6 miles. Doing that, I got cold and could not get into a good rhythm again. It was one of those runs where you are very happy to be done. What did I learn.
1. Remember to hydrate in the days leading up.
2. Carb Load in the days leading up.
3. Don't do your first speed workout 4 days before a long run.
4. If it is cold, keep the heart rate up to ward off the cold.
5. Two belts squeezing your midsection alters your bathroom schedule.
 
Just a quick tidbit. There were a few people that I talked to before the race. I should take some pictures of their race numbers so I can see how they did. (or google and stalk them). Either way, same purpose.
Scott
 
My next marathon is in two days and my back hurts and my knees are killing me. That is probably not good. The chiropractor said to stretch more than I already am. We shall see how it goes.
 
There were over 2000 people entered in the Hyannis, MA marathon, half marathon and 10K. I was in the top three of all competitors for the first six miles. There was an early start for the marathoners who figures that they would take longer than five hours. The course closed in six hours. There were about 10 of us who took them up on it. I had two reasons. One was that I had read that the course closed in five hours and I actually needed the extra time. The second was that we had a 3:00 pm check out and with the 9:30 start as opposed to the 10:00 am start, I had a chance for a shower before we got kicked out with the early start.

So there we are, 10 fools waiting to start as people looked at us as if to say, who the hell are they. The starting temp was about 35 and the skies were clear. It was really a perfect day. Saturday had winds in the 30's and it is supposed to start snowing tonight so the race was sandwiched in the middle. The race started right in front of our hotel on a slight incline. The couse was beautiful as it took us through a typical Cape Cod village (Hyannis and Barnstable.) There were many scenes that you could see on a post card.

For the first six miles, I alternated with Jane as the race leader, following the leader on the bike. I had to point out to him a few times that he was making fun of us slow pokes by having to circle to keep from getting too far ahead of us. We had a laugh and he was a great help. There is not much to say about the first six than it was a time to warm up and settle in to a nice run/walk rhythm. At about mile 5 just as the pack was closing in on us, a police car passed us. So there we are, two or three runners, a bike leader and what looked like a police escort. There was a guy on the side of the road who gave the best "you have got to be kidding me" look. It was as if he was thinking, this is it! Anyway, in a mile or so, we would be sucked up in the pack.

At mile 5.5 the course split. The 10K runners went right and the rest of us went left. I did not see any of the 10Kers. There were a lot of spectators at this point and all cheered loudly. Of course, at this point, I was the race leader (or so most of them thought.) Perhaps 1/4 to 1/2 mile after the split, my marathon glory was over. The leader passed me and for lack of a better term, made me his b****. He was actually not going as fast as I thought he would be going. If I could only just stayed with him, I would have qualified for Boston but today was not the day. For about a mile I was passed occationally but by mile 7 enough of the pack had caught up and it was kind of a relief. It felt wierd being alone. Now, there was always someone to follow which was comforting. At mile 8, Jane caught me and we would stay together until mile 17.

Miles 8 to 13 were great. I felt like I was getting into a nice groove (sp) and we talked for the entire time. It did not take long to figure out why she latched on to me. I had the watch with the 7/1 minute timer on it. She was digging the walk breaks. It turns out that her husband was also a collegiate discus thrower and we had a similar back ground. Except his PhD, of course. It was amazing what you can learn about someone when you run with them for two hours. The funny thing is that I could not tell you what she really looked like. Her butt, that is another story!!! We just moved along drinking at the water stops and taking our walk breaks.

The last 1/2 mile on this two loop course is up hill which was not so bad in the first half. When we got to the 13 mile mark, the half marathoners turned right and the course went from being packed to being almost empty. Since we started early and were on the same course, only faster people got to us. Therefore, we did not pass anyone. Literally, we did not pass one person in the first 13 miles. We probably got passed by 1000 people. Again, literally. Here is the thing though. It was a good thing. Their momentum kind of pulled us forward. It pushed our pace a little which for me is a good thing. I could care less about getting passed because I know the score. I hope it does not sound like I care about passing people. I don't. I run for time and run against the clock. Part of the joy is encouraging others but this was not the set up for that. We were the ones being encouraged which was nice also. Anyway, I digress. We got to the halfway mark at 2:28 which psyched my up. I say my ex with my son waiting for me. That 5 second hello was a great boost. Also, watching all the halfers head off while we kept straight was awesome. I felt kind of empowered by that. All of these things were shaping up to make for a great second half.

The "second lap" continued on where we left off. We kept talking and it really helped to keep out mind off the actual running. Overall, my body felt pretty good. I had some tightness in my groin and my quads were getting a little tender but it was nothing too severe. 13-17 was more of the same. Walk/run/talk. At mile 16 there was a worker giving out long pretzles. I took one and it was awesome. That was probably the single best thing I have ever eaten. About 100 yards ahead, I spotted one on the ground and stopped to get it. She said, "did you get that off the ground". I said, "yes" and she gave an approving, "a little dirt never hurt". We had already discussed general etiquite going out the window during a marathon when she was blowing snot rockets earlier in the race. At about mile 17, she could not hang on to our already slowing pace. I did ask her how long her long run was. She said "9 miles". I was impressed that she did so well to that point with relatively little training. So there it is. At mile 17 we parted never to see each other again. It's okay. She was married. If she wasn't, i'd probably still be on the course with her.

Now I felt as if I could pick up the pace a little, which I did. I still felt good but my muscles were getting a little weak. I still thought that I had a shot at a 5 hour finish but the 7/1 but it had already deteriated to more like 6/2. It was not long before I was taking 3 or 4 minute walk breaks. Still, I kept an okay pace through about 21 miles. That was when my groin, hip flexors and quads really stopped cooperating. There was some pretty severe pain. Nothing that I was concerned about long term but it was sure making me walk a lot. A few times I would latch on to some one who was slightly faster and stay with them for a 1/2 mile or so. Even though it was tough, I never really had to question what I was doing. Oh, I questioned, why the hell am I doing this but not like at Disney. Here I kept hydrated (I lost 3 lbs during the race). Today, I hurt more but it was a different hurt, an easier hurt. At Disney , I did not even dare to even stop and stretch fearing something would stop me from finishing. Today, I never got to that point. My legs just hurt badly. The freedom I got when I left her only gave me about 3 miles of running at "my pace". From 21 on, it was pertty much like most people report. Just put one foot in front of the other. 5 hours was out the window at this point. I ran when I could but walked a lot more than I wanted to.

To make a very long and boring story short, I finished in 5:20 which was about 20 minutes quicker than Disney and I tried to get my 5 year old to run across the finish line with me but he would not. (trust me, it would not have been a problem. see pictures below). I got my shower and we were out of the room by 3:15. We went back to the finish to get some water and I grabbed a few begals. They were out of the good stuff. Like I said, I never say Jane again. Don't worry, I'll track her down. I have my methods. I just want to say thanks.

Next up will probably be the Danbury half. I would like to get a time that can move me up in a corral for next years Goofy.

I liked the early start. It really helped run a quick half.
- that quick half probably helped kill the second half.
I was impressed at how well this was organized.
I was disappointed that we did not pass the Kennedy Compound as there was a picture of it on their site.
Time to read up more on the Gallowalking. I might need to go more like 4/1 for the full.

Okay that is it. Pictures to come.
Scott
 

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