Depression and anxiety hit me bad again. Wanted to quit at 13, slogged to a marathon to make something of the day. Walked nearly all of it.
This was marathon #60.
Glad I didn't quit.
Friday, June 19, 2020
Saturday, June 13, 2020
2020 Mystery Marathon # 2
The Background
I had strained my back playing basketball with James. It didn't feel super bad like a slipped disc, more like a muscle strain... I hoped.
I gave it a few days to heal with an ice pack then decided to run. I was going for the 100 miler, but my head was full of work stress.
The Race
My back felt very slight soreness at first, then I forgot about it.
I ran 10 miles at first, then decided to walk to pace myself for the 100 miler.
My head started to be full of work stress. I decided no 100 miler today. I thought about pulling out at 25k...I could register for the race and get credit. But I thought that was complicated and weak.
So I plodded on, going for a marathon to make something of the day. I ran I think a total of 16 miles, walked 10. Slow, but a finish. The pace didn't throw off my overall pace for the year.
Reflections
I need to work on managing my work-life balance and stress. It's okay when I have a virtual race and can adjust goal, but for real races there is one shot.
After the race, I did some work and felt better.
I need to work on peace and serenity.
Still, the marathon finish was good.
Still, the marathon finish was good.
Sunday, June 7, 2020
2020 Unicorn Challenge Virtual 50k
The Background
On Friday, I was all set to attempt the Blazing 7s 100 miler. Then I saw my watch was not charged. I had hooked it up to charge it but I guess the wire was not connected properly.
Seeing that it would take 3 hours to charge it, I decided to run the Unicorn Challenge 50k to complete the Rising Phoenix. But my head was all messed up from the watch issue and I stopped after 11 miles.
My kids were coming over Sunday so I could not take another shot at the 100 miler on Saturday, but I went for the Unicorn.
The Race
Trying to beat as much of the heat as I could, I started off before 5am on the 1.9 mile loop neighborhood course.
I was a bit mentally tired and started rationalizing walking early...it was the last race of the series, it would be rest for the 100 miler, etc. But I ran to 20. I also had fleeting thoughts of just doing a marathon, but I wanted to get the Rising Phoenix series done.
After 20, it was hot and I was tired. I walked to 25 then ran one loop. Walked another, leaving one more to go. Last loop the heat and fatigue left me running in spurts to the finish.
Reflections
I finished the Rising Phoenix series...can't wait to get that belt buckle. Times were fairly consistent for the series, 6 or 7 hours.
The heat was a issue. Forecast says it won't let up any time soon. I think I'm going to try to find a loop with some shade.
I was in 2nd on the leaderboard with 460 milers.
Well, Blazing 7s 100 miler and Possum's Revenge 69 miler are left...
On Friday, I was all set to attempt the Blazing 7s 100 miler. Then I saw my watch was not charged. I had hooked it up to charge it but I guess the wire was not connected properly.
Seeing that it would take 3 hours to charge it, I decided to run the Unicorn Challenge 50k to complete the Rising Phoenix. But my head was all messed up from the watch issue and I stopped after 11 miles.
My kids were coming over Sunday so I could not take another shot at the 100 miler on Saturday, but I went for the Unicorn.
The Race
Trying to beat as much of the heat as I could, I started off before 5am on the 1.9 mile loop neighborhood course.
I was a bit mentally tired and started rationalizing walking early...it was the last race of the series, it would be rest for the 100 miler, etc. But I ran to 20. I also had fleeting thoughts of just doing a marathon, but I wanted to get the Rising Phoenix series done.
After 20, it was hot and I was tired. I walked to 25 then ran one loop. Walked another, leaving one more to go. Last loop the heat and fatigue left me running in spurts to the finish.
Reflections
I finished the Rising Phoenix series...can't wait to get that belt buckle. Times were fairly consistent for the series, 6 or 7 hours.
The heat was a issue. Forecast says it won't let up any time soon. I think I'm going to try to find a loop with some shade.
I was in 2nd on the leaderboard with 460 milers.
Well, Blazing 7s 100 miler and Possum's Revenge 69 miler are left...
Monday, June 1, 2020
2020 Double Dragon Virtual 50k
The Background
I was feeling a bit burned out. 13 marathons/ultras in a couple months - more than I had ever done in a year - plus the school year ended. I was tired.
I tried to run Saturday but my mind wasn't there. Called it after six miles. I tried again for Double Dragon, 3rd of the summer virtual series, on Sunday.
The Race
I plodded to 20 miles. After 20, I was feeling kind of mentally bad. I decided to alternate walking and running loops of the 1.9 mile neighborhood course. I could have run in in the last 5 miles or so to get in under 7 hours but I took it easier and finished in 7:19.
Reflections
I had been obsessing over the virtual race leaderboard, where I was in third place. This took some of he fun out of racing and made it seem more like work. Plus, just wrapping up the school year led to some of the mental fatigue.
I'm going to not worry so much on my place on the leaderboard and focus on the races I'm signed up for: Unicorn, Blazing 7s 100, and Possums 69 miler.
Maybe I need some mini-breaks of like 2 or 3 weeks.
Regardless, it was a race finish and that always feels good.
I was feeling a bit burned out. 13 marathons/ultras in a couple months - more than I had ever done in a year - plus the school year ended. I was tired.
I tried to run Saturday but my mind wasn't there. Called it after six miles. I tried again for Double Dragon, 3rd of the summer virtual series, on Sunday.
The Race
I plodded to 20 miles. After 20, I was feeling kind of mentally bad. I decided to alternate walking and running loops of the 1.9 mile neighborhood course. I could have run in in the last 5 miles or so to get in under 7 hours but I took it easier and finished in 7:19.
Reflections
I had been obsessing over the virtual race leaderboard, where I was in third place. This took some of he fun out of racing and made it seem more like work. Plus, just wrapping up the school year led to some of the mental fatigue.
I'm going to not worry so much on my place on the leaderboard and focus on the races I'm signed up for: Unicorn, Blazing 7s 100, and Possums 69 miler.
Maybe I need some mini-breaks of like 2 or 3 weeks.
Regardless, it was a race finish and that always feels good.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
2020 Mystery Marathon
The Background
After running Fit'Ness Taco 50k, I took a day to heal. Wanting to compete in the virtual leaderboard, as I was now 64 miles off the lead, I decided to run the Mystery Marathon. Marathon is a nice distance - just run 20, walk 3, then finish it off. My kids were coming over later so I didn't have time to do more anyway.
The Race
It had been raining so it wasn't hot. I started at 6:20 am. It sprinkled a tiny bit at one point but otherwise no rain.
There was a very slight soreness in my legs and ankles that quickly went away.
I put in the miles to 20, walked from 20-23, then ran it in.
Reflections
So far I'm holding up and over the strain from Brazos Bend 100k. The next morning I was only slightly sore.
I thought about the Jordan documentary, The Last Dance, and how Jordan consistently put in the effort.
Come Monday, I was 38 miles of the lead on the leaderboard.
I seem to be running consistent times. My 50ks have been under 7 hours mostly and this was about the same time as Wildflower Marathon. It's good to know when blocking out time to run and it makes me feel good I'm consistent.
After running Fit'Ness Taco 50k, I took a day to heal. Wanting to compete in the virtual leaderboard, as I was now 64 miles off the lead, I decided to run the Mystery Marathon. Marathon is a nice distance - just run 20, walk 3, then finish it off. My kids were coming over later so I didn't have time to do more anyway.
The Race
It had been raining so it wasn't hot. I started at 6:20 am. It sprinkled a tiny bit at one point but otherwise no rain.
There was a very slight soreness in my legs and ankles that quickly went away.
I put in the miles to 20, walked from 20-23, then ran it in.
Reflections
So far I'm holding up and over the strain from Brazos Bend 100k. The next morning I was only slightly sore.
I thought about the Jordan documentary, The Last Dance, and how Jordan consistently put in the effort.
Come Monday, I was 38 miles of the lead on the leaderboard.
I seem to be running consistent times. My 50ks have been under 7 hours mostly and this was about the same time as Wildflower Marathon. It's good to know when blocking out time to run and it makes me feel good I'm consistent.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
2020 Fit’Ness Taco Virtual 50k
The Background
At Brazos Bend 100k, I strained my right shin and ankle. I tried to race the following weekend and ended up just walking 3 miles for the Quarantined Quarter. Later the next week, attempts to race were thwarted by the heat then just mental fatigue. In the latter, I got up at 1 AM before work and ended up doing 9 miles before quitting. I felt unmotivated and in a funk.
The Race
Wanting to beat the heat, I got up at 4 am on Saturday. It was still and humid but the 80 degree temp was not overpowering.
I was moving pretty slowly...a few miles in it was 12-minute miles. I slogged along until 20, then took a 3 mile walk break. Then I ran to 27 miles. I walked another mile then ran in the last 3. Along the way, I had calculated I could get in under 7 hours...even tossing in a 2 minute walk break in the last miles.
Reflections
My ankle was a bit sore, in the Achilles area instead of the front. Not too bad though; I don’t think it is injured. It felt good to finish a race and get out of the funk.
At Brazos Bend 100k, I strained my right shin and ankle. I tried to race the following weekend and ended up just walking 3 miles for the Quarantined Quarter. Later the next week, attempts to race were thwarted by the heat then just mental fatigue. In the latter, I got up at 1 AM before work and ended up doing 9 miles before quitting. I felt unmotivated and in a funk.
The Race
Wanting to beat the heat, I got up at 4 am on Saturday. It was still and humid but the 80 degree temp was not overpowering.
I was moving pretty slowly...a few miles in it was 12-minute miles. I slogged along until 20, then took a 3 mile walk break. Then I ran to 27 miles. I walked another mile then ran in the last 3. Along the way, I had calculated I could get in under 7 hours...even tossing in a 2 minute walk break in the last miles.
My ankle was a bit sore, in the Achilles area instead of the front. Not too bad though; I don’t think it is injured. It felt good to finish a race and get out of the funk.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
2020 Brazos Bend Virtual 100k
The Background
I had been rolling along pretty well with the virtual races. On Monday, I felt strong at the end of Mystery 50k.
Saturday was going to be good weather - one of the last cool days of the year probably - so I decided to run long. Sunday would be Mother's Day so I didn't want to attempt the 100 miler. It would be Brazos Bend 100k.
Brazos is the only race in the virtual series I was not sure I could finish by the cutoff - 16 hours. That's 15 minutes a mile and change. After running sub-7-hour 50ks, I knew if I started with that I could hike 17-minute miles and finish. But there would no wiggle room if I hit a low point.
The Race
Weather was great as I started on the 1.9-mile loops around my neighborhood. I made 10 or 11-minute miles of to mile 16. I slowed to 12-minute miles to 20, then took a short walk break.
I had thought about walking longer but was soon running again, all to way to 50k apart from short breaks at 25 and 27. My 50k time was 6:23, 23 minutes faster than any I had run this season. Great! This put me in excellent position for overall time.
I started hiking at 17-minute miles then hit a major low from 35-40. I sat in the chair in backyard eating, headed out, got woozy and sleepy again, laid down on the side of the road, then headed back to the chair. The second time I drank coffee and ate chicken nuggets and a quesadilla Terri made. Heading out again at 40 after a total of 30 minutes sitting, I finally felt okay again.
At this point, I didn't think I could make it in time. Having also signed up for the Possum's Revenge 69 miler - with a generous cutoff of 23 hours - I could switch over, an advantage of virtual races. But I didn't want to lose the shot at Brazos and I definitely did not want to do 7 more miles tonight.
Then calculating the time I saw there was a shot if I hiked sub-17-minute miles. I started moving and found I could knock these out.
Then towards the end of mile 46 I started to run and found I could. I ran 11-minute miles to 50. That made the difference in the outcome. At first I calculated that 17+ miles would do it, later I realized I was off and had more of a cushion. Had I not run those 4 miles, I would have not made it or been really fighting down to the wire.
When I started hiking a 50, I felt pain in my right shin muscle. Maybe a cramp or I pulled something. It was not severe enough to stop so I kept hiking 15 or 16-minute miles.
By 55, I figured out I had a decent cushion - 20-minute miles would do it - but I kept pushing, partly to not be stressed by coming close to the wire, mainly just wanting to be done. I did 17-minute miles through 59. Mile 60 was 18 minutes as I eased up, knowing it was in the bag. Around 60, night fell. A 17-minute mile and an 18-minute miles and it was done.
I finished in 15:44:59 - fifteen minutes to spare!
Reflections
This was a rewarding race. After the low and the time lost, I had to fight and I made it. It took precision and effort. I got Brazos, the buckle race I wasn't sure I'd get.
I had a strong first 50k, which shows I'm getting fitter. My powerhiking was good.
If I had been going for 100 miles at this pace, at the end I'd be left with 20 hours for 38 miles for Blazing 7s 36-hour cutoff.
The next morning, my shin was sore but not in serious pain. Hopefully I can rest it and recover.
I had been watching The Last Dance, a documentary on Michael Jordan's championship years. It motivated me to watch him execute season after season.
This one was sweet!
I had been rolling along pretty well with the virtual races. On Monday, I felt strong at the end of Mystery 50k.
Saturday was going to be good weather - one of the last cool days of the year probably - so I decided to run long. Sunday would be Mother's Day so I didn't want to attempt the 100 miler. It would be Brazos Bend 100k.
Brazos is the only race in the virtual series I was not sure I could finish by the cutoff - 16 hours. That's 15 minutes a mile and change. After running sub-7-hour 50ks, I knew if I started with that I could hike 17-minute miles and finish. But there would no wiggle room if I hit a low point.
The Race
Weather was great as I started on the 1.9-mile loops around my neighborhood. I made 10 or 11-minute miles of to mile 16. I slowed to 12-minute miles to 20, then took a short walk break.
I had thought about walking longer but was soon running again, all to way to 50k apart from short breaks at 25 and 27. My 50k time was 6:23, 23 minutes faster than any I had run this season. Great! This put me in excellent position for overall time.
I started hiking at 17-minute miles then hit a major low from 35-40. I sat in the chair in backyard eating, headed out, got woozy and sleepy again, laid down on the side of the road, then headed back to the chair. The second time I drank coffee and ate chicken nuggets and a quesadilla Terri made. Heading out again at 40 after a total of 30 minutes sitting, I finally felt okay again.
At this point, I didn't think I could make it in time. Having also signed up for the Possum's Revenge 69 miler - with a generous cutoff of 23 hours - I could switch over, an advantage of virtual races. But I didn't want to lose the shot at Brazos and I definitely did not want to do 7 more miles tonight.
Then calculating the time I saw there was a shot if I hiked sub-17-minute miles. I started moving and found I could knock these out.
Then towards the end of mile 46 I started to run and found I could. I ran 11-minute miles to 50. That made the difference in the outcome. At first I calculated that 17+ miles would do it, later I realized I was off and had more of a cushion. Had I not run those 4 miles, I would have not made it or been really fighting down to the wire.
When I started hiking a 50, I felt pain in my right shin muscle. Maybe a cramp or I pulled something. It was not severe enough to stop so I kept hiking 15 or 16-minute miles.
By 55, I figured out I had a decent cushion - 20-minute miles would do it - but I kept pushing, partly to not be stressed by coming close to the wire, mainly just wanting to be done. I did 17-minute miles through 59. Mile 60 was 18 minutes as I eased up, knowing it was in the bag. Around 60, night fell. A 17-minute mile and an 18-minute miles and it was done.
I finished in 15:44:59 - fifteen minutes to spare!
Reflections
This was a rewarding race. After the low and the time lost, I had to fight and I made it. It took precision and effort. I got Brazos, the buckle race I wasn't sure I'd get.
I had a strong first 50k, which shows I'm getting fitter. My powerhiking was good.
If I had been going for 100 miles at this pace, at the end I'd be left with 20 hours for 38 miles for Blazing 7s 36-hour cutoff.
The next morning, my shin was sore but not in serious pain. Hopefully I can rest it and recover.
I had been watching The Last Dance, a documentary on Michael Jordan's championship years. It motivated me to watch him execute season after season.
This one was sweet!
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