Down on the Boardwalk

 This week I experienced the Virginia Beach boardwalk the way that everyone should, with the one I love (my wife Kristin). 

Though I had been to Virginia Beach many times, I had never traversed the entire length of the boardwalk.  I was under the impression that it was a bit longer. Turns out that it is a short yet beautiful three mile stretch of concrete pathway, approximately 28 feet wide that is paralleled by a an asphalt bike trail on one side with sand and ocean on the other.  At various points along the path you find an assortment of statues representing the beach front culture that spans from ocean life, heroic memorials, mythological characters of the sea, and surfer life style.  I hope that anyone that visits that area makes time in their schedule to make the out and back journey in its entirety, the way it was meant to be experienced.

I decided mid-week that I would be running the boardwalk during our visit with our family that lives in Virginia beach this weekend.  When I presented the idea of making it a bit of a couple's outing by taking the bike and experiencing the boardwalk together. I was happy to learn that Kristin really liked the idea of it being an "us" thing and not just a "me" thing.

On Sunday morning 23 Sept 2012 we woke up with the beach front journey on our mind.  We packed a bag with sweatshirts, water, and a towel and made the short 15 minute drive to the beach.  Upon arrival we think that the parking was expensive ($10) but we were blessed with wonderful weather--overcast and 55 degrees, with a bit of wind.  I knew that it was going to be an amazing outing.

 

We unloaded the bike and made our way to the beginning of the boardwalk near "Rudee Inlet".  Before starting, we took a few pictures of the ocean, ourselves, and the surfer statues that longingly stare at the ocean.  She mounted the bike and I began to open a stride. The first thing that became evident as we began our trip was that the wind at the beach was definitely stronger than what it was in town and it was the perfect embodiment of what we all know as a headwind.  It affected Kristin a lot more than it affected me.  It seems that the runner has less of a challenge than a biker does when wind is involved. In fact it was almost the same type of advantage as up hills give to the runner.

I found the pace to be a slow grind for the full length of the boardwalk, which ends at 48th street.  But it did allow me great opportunity to take in the sights.  We even took a break just long enough to get a few pictures.  The statue of King Neptune is definitely the most photographed sculpture along this path, so much so that it was actually hard not to get tourists posing next to it in our pictures.

The funny thing about Kristin's wind disadvantage is how quickly it turned to an advantage when we turned back for our return trip.  It is a good thing that I saw all that I need to see on the trip down, because she worked me by averaging just under 7 minute miles all the way back to the inlet.  I am so glad that I was embracing the moment during the first half and not taunting her in her difficult times.  Though I think that she took some joy in knowing that she worked me over with what was a comfortable peddle for her.

I hope that we get a chance to traverse some miles together in this way more often.  I really enjoyed her company and am glad that we experienced this route together.  She made it an absolutely unforgettably enjoyable 6 mile jaunt.

USAF Marathon

Every year runners from around the globe descend upon the city of Dayton, Ohio to take part in the USAF marathon that is hosted by Wright Patterson AFB.  The annual event will always take place on or as close to  18 September (USAF's birthday) as possible.  It makes for one amazing birthday celebration.  This year the event fell on 15 September and utilized the B-2 spirit (aka the stealth bomber) as its central theme to rally around in honor of the USAF's 65th birthday.

The event featured more spectacle and event atmosphere than any race that I had ever been a part of.  The running convention had all the usual suspects as far as gear distributors, race directors and fund raisers pitching their products or events. However, it also had many things that are not normal such as a whole lineup of elite professional runners that gave speeches, clinics, and held Q&A sessions.

On race day, the trafficking and parking of thousands of vehicles was accomplished with what seemed like extreme precision.  The walk to the starting area was a bit far, but with excitement and anxiety beaming out of each of the participants, the air was electric with pregame energy.  The sky was overcast and the temp was 50 degrees.  You could tell by the amount of clothes we all wore that it was a lot colder than what most of us had become accustomed to during the summer training months.  However, we knew that we had got a lucky break with weather that would be conducive to running a marathon.

The start and finish area were one and the same.  It housed venders and visual spectacles like vintage aircraft lit billboards and various static displays.  It also had plenty of bathroom facilities for runners to use prior to the big run.

The opening ceremonies included an inspirational speech that echoed USAF heritage; thank you messages to sponsors, runners, and volunteers; and the playing of the national anthem that faded out just in time to direct your attention to the approaching B-2 (an amazing wonder in  flight).

At the starting line, I lined up with a pacer that would run 8 min 12 seconds per mile for the duration of the race to achieve a finish time of 3 hours 35 minutes.  I planned on running with this group at a comfortable cruise then pulling away from them late in the race with the goal of breaking 3 hours 30 minutes (my current personal record).

When it was finally time, instead of a gun, a horn, or whistle, the race started with the roar of a one-of-a-kind B-2 spirit motorcycle produced by the famous Orange County Choppers.  As it pulled away the runners began the 26.2 mile journey.

Me next to the B-2 spirit chopper from OCC on Friday

My pacer was very chatty.  If you have ever trained with me, you know that me saying this is like the pot calling the kettle black.  But, THIS was not training.  It was time to get down to business.  I was trying to set a new personal record.  Not only did the constant narration from the pacer annoy me, I did not feel as if I was running with the gait or form that I had trained to run with.  So, I opened up a bit and slowly pulled away.  I felt really solid.  In fact, I had not felt this good since the Charlottesville marathon, way back in April. I began to close on the pace group that was running a 7 min 49 sec pace looking to finish at 3 hours 25 minutes.

Though I knew that catching this group meant that I was performing beyond my self-perceived potential,  I felt good and was not ready to settle.  Slowly but surely I pulled away from them and by mile 17 they were but a memory.  Mile 18 did not bring the anticipated pain that I have come to expect at that point in the run.  This race still felt good.  I tried to ignore the fact that I was way ahead of my projected finish.

Finally, my comfort began to fade, but I had no cramps or real pain.  I was just not getting as much bang for my buck.  I felt as if my effort had stayed the same but my speed had slowed drastically. This feeling of falling off of pace was confirmed as the 3:25 group passed me around mile 23.  At mile 25 I was able to gain a bit of new life as the half marathoners that had started an hour after us were merging onto the course and heading to the finish.  It gave me people to target and pass as I grew closer to the finish.  Then, at last, I could hear the announcer over the speakers, a clear sign that the end was near.  So one last quarter mile push was all that was left.  I don't wear my watch during races, so I was uncertain of the exact time on course.  But I felt as if I had a shot at my personal record.  So I dug deep and gave one heck of a final kick towards a strong finish.

As I walked through what would now be called the finish line area, I consumed anything that I could get my hands on and admired the amazing medal that had been presented to me at the finish line.   After some time I managed to get to the stand that would offer me my official time.  It turns out that I did not get my personal record.  I did manage my second best outing with a respectable time of 3 hours 33 minutes and 22 seconds.

With all of the spectacle, the great organization/execution of the event, paired with a course that flowed the way that I prefer (constant changes in grade and limited straightaways).  I have to say that this marathon is likely my favorite of the 5 marathons that I have finished thus far.

Last season's shoes

Today, I ran for the first time in a pair of shoes that I bought in April.  My pace was fast due to what felt like the perfect foot strike.  My effort was no greater than any other training session, yet the performance exceeded what seems to have become my standard by a notable margin.

I hate to think that an athlete's performance can be so dependent upon his equipment; however this is not really a new thought for me. When I realized that the company that produced the shoes that I enjoyed racing in was moving on to a newer model, I immediately went on a scavenger hunt to find what seemed to be the last pair anywhere.  A salesman at a  local store that specializes in running gear went into the back, and after some time came back with the exact shoe that I had asked for. Though it was not on their shelves, I still managed to get what I wanted.  It is worth noting that this was the fourth athletic shoe store that I had visited looking for said shoes.  Though I was excited to have found this item that I had so unwaveringly sought out, I promised myself that I would not break them out until the USAF marathon.

Well, today was the day.  I took them on a speedy 5 mile test drive.  I will give another solid breaking in session/test drive on Wednesday, but so far they are proving to live up to the amazing first impression that I remembered.  Tools don't make a mechanic and shoes don't make a runner, but the right tool sure can work wonders for a good mechanic.  Following that thought, I think that it is fair to say that the right shoes sure can work wonders for a good runner.

I believe that these shoes are the right tools for me to get the job done.  It is a shame that once these wear out I will likely not be able to find the exact model again. I now know why pro-athletes that show off their closets on Cribs have so many duplicate shoes.  Though it is likely all in an athlete's head, if you have the means to buy in bulk, you might as well stick with the shoes that feel comfortable and inspire confidence.

I think that shoe companies would do well to not stop production on popular shoe models just for the sake of progressing to the next big thing.  I hate being at their mercy, but until I can afford to hoard the shoes that I like, I suppose I am.

Despite the fact that 400 miles or so from now I will have to replace them, I am seriously happy with my footwear for now. 

In the beginning...

This is my inaugural blog post, so I’ll use it to give a short recap of my first year in the world of endurance sports.  My future posts will be more in-depth looks into individual races and training experiences.

I started this year with an aggressive approach, even though I had not given much thought to running since my youth (aka High school track).  You see, like most people I made a couple of seemingly outrageous resolutions on 01 Jan 2012.  However, unlike most resolutions, these did not fade.  I resolved to complete at least one marathon and (as if that weren’t bold enough) run 2000 miles over the course of the year.  (I have accumulated 1,390.83 miles as of 08 Sep 2012)

Well, the marathon box has been checked for sure, and I am still working diligently towards the absurdly large task of getting in 2000 miles in a year.  I hope I didn’t overestimate myself in my second resolution. 

This year I have run 20 races.  I will give you the official times of the big ones (half marathon or larger).

7/14/12 Grant-Pierce indoor marathon (3:53:51) - World record (Fastest indoor marathon completed by a runner wearing a kilt) 

9/1/12 Last track to Boston (DNF) - I learned how stupid it is to attempt a marathon with temps in the mid 90s.

5/20/12 Run for the Dream Half Marathon (1:35:32) - This is my current official PR for 13.1.

5/6/12 Potomac River Run Marathon (3:38:02) - This was flat packed dirt and gravel (just saying).

4/7/12 Charlottesville Marathon (3:30:15) - This hilly course is the home of my current PR for 26.2.

3/24/12 Belmonte Endurance Races 25K (3:31:36) - This mountain trail race is my hardest race to date.

3/18/12 The Shamrock Marathon (3:41:49) - This was my first marathon.  It was an education to be sure.

2/26/12 The Colonial Marathon (1:38:17) - Be warned, this course is hilly nearly as much as Charlottesville.

If you are curious about where else my journey has taken me and how I fared, you can check me out on my Athlinks page  

Watch for my next post, it will be regarding the USAF Marathon that I will run on 9/15/12.

Thanks for reading!!!!!

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe :-)