Philippians 4:13

US Masters Championship at TCM

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Location:

Idaho Falls,ID,USA

Member Since:

Apr 21, 2007

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

2007 St. George Marathon 2:32:06 (marathon PR)

2014 St. George Marathon 2:32:45 (close to old PR...7 years later!)

2014 Boston Marathon, 2:39:00, 298th OA, 8th AG, 1st Idahoan

2013 Lake Lowell Marathon, 2:48:34 (Course Record), 1st Overall (#6)

2012 Boston Marathon, 2:43:26 (HOT!!), 114th OA, 9th Master OA, 1st Idahoan

2010 B&A Trail Marathon (MD), 2:40:18, 1st Overall (#3), Master's Course Record (still!)

2010 Mesa Falls Marathon, 2:48:55, 1st Overall (#4)

2009 Pocatello Marathon, 2:37:22, 1st Overall (#2)

2011 The M.A.D. Marathon, 2:55:14, 1st OA (training run) (#5)

2006 Teton Dam Marathon, 2:50:48 1st Overall (#1)

2015 Hood to Coast Relay (195 miles), 1st Masters Team (6th OA), 19:59:57, 6:03 avg pace for the team

2008 Ragner Relay Del Sol (182 mile relay) 1st place team 17:04:37, 5:38 pace avg for the team

50,000 lifetime miles from spring 2000 to October 2019.  Computer logged 50,000 miles from Jan 2005 to September 12, 2020. 

Logged (on computer) 49,802 miles (2 x circumference of the earth) in ~5,700 days (8/23/20)

Logged (on computer) 24,901 miles (circumference of the earth) in 2,889 days (11/29/12) http://jeff.fastrunningblog.com/blog-My-alarm-went-off-I-got-up-eventually-/11-29-2012.html  

Short-Term Running Goals:

Keep on running, enjoy it for the sake of running, relax and enjoy life...de-stress.  Stay fit as I enter retirement in < 4years.

No racing, retired.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep running until this old body says no, running for fun.

Personal:

 I started running competitively in 2005 and ran my first marathon in 2005. Now retired from competitive racing.

Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;

answer me, for I need your help.
Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
You are my God.
Be merciful to me, O Lord,
for I am calling on you constantly.
Give me happiness, O Lord,
for I give myself to you.
O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
hear my urgent cry.
I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
and you will answer me.  - Psalm 86:1-7

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Miles:This week: 23.00 Month: 164.50 Year: 491.55
Runs With Moxie Lifetime Miles: 12491.60
Vibram Five Finger Bikila Lifetime Miles: 137.80
Saucony Xodus 2011 Lifetime Miles: 982.61
Saucony Fastwitch White 2019 Lifetime Miles: 1960.23
Saucony Guide Yellow 2019 Lifetime Miles: 1187.00
Brooks Launch 6 Red 2020 Lifetime Miles: 2227.00
Zoot Solana Tigers Lifetime Miles: 877.00
Nike React Infinity Black Flyknit 2021 Lifetime Miles: 960.90
Nike React Infinity Blue Flynit 2021 Lifetime Miles: 602.00
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Lifetime Miles: 667.00
Race: US Masters Championship at TCM (26.2 Miles) 02:48:20, Place overall: 122, Place in age division: 24
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.0026.200.000.0027.20

Short detail:  2:48:15ish.  Shins locked up at mile 3, nearly dropped at mile 9, 11, 13, etc.  1 mile at a time.  Felt better around 15 mile mark but still couldn't get up to a race gear.  Good news...no intestinal issues this race!  I passed more people in the second half than passed me (now in the first half...a different story).  I started off with Doug Morton and when the legs went I could not keep up.  I didn't want a DNF and so I just kept reminding myself of the example I want to set for my son to never give up.

Now for the meat of my story.

I got to the buses at 5:45 and rode to Minneapolis with Tracy and Girard.  Once at the chruch, I found Doug with whom I was going run today.  We stayed warm and chatted about life and family.  At around 7:30, we got ready and headed out into the chilly weather (30 degrees) for our warmup.  I wore what I could to stay warm in the race, but blinded everyone with all my Saucony ViziPro gear...I looked a bit like an orange running down the road.

The gun went off right on time and we were on our way.  We decided to start a bit reserved and work our way up to pace.  Mile 1 was 5:57, mile 2 6:01.  After cresting the hill at mile 2, my shins started to ache and by mile 3 they were hard and on fire. 

The issue came on so fast I didn't even get a chance to say anything to Doug before he left me in the dust.  It hurt just to move my legs.  I tried to change my gait to relieve it (a pain that I have never had before) but then the rest of the muscles in my legs started to cramp.  By mile 6 I was in severe pain and mentally out of it as I was being passed left and right.  I was still running a better pace than I thought (6:15ish) but it hurt.  I knew the first drop out point was at mile 9 and at that point that was my goal.

At mile 7 I had a bottle at the table with a PowerBar gel, but when I got there it was gone!  I took out my PowerBar gel in my pocket to get some carbs and dropped it.  I was now sore, franzled and pissed off.  Maybe this is what got me out of my funk.  As I came up on mile 9, I chose to push through the drop out point and keep taking it one mile at a time.  I was hurting, but I now did not want the DNF.  I was inspired by my son and his efforts in XC and I didn't want to show him an example of quitting when the race gets tough.  You are stronger than you think and sometimes have to push.  I hit my dark spot at this race at mile 3, but was now trying to break through it.

I made it past mile 11 drop out (and my bottle and PowerBar gel was at this table and also at 15 and 21!) and now knew I had to make a choice at the half way mark.   I hit the HM at 1:22:00 (4 minutes behind where I wanted to be) but kept pushing and came to find that my legs were improving.  By mile 15 I was actually starting to feel pretty good.  I could not get back up to race pace, but I was running mostly comfortably and was starting to keep up with the runners and in fact started to see a few coming back.

We crossed the bridge on the Mississippi River and into St. Paul and I knew that challenge laid ahead on the hill from 20-24 miles.  I ran comfortably hard and was doing fairly well and now starting to pass other runners, including other 40-44 year old Masters.  The hill this time did not hurt as bad in 2008 and I actually kind of enjoyed this section, though it was hard.  I finally crested the hill at around 24 miles then ran on the rollers to just before mile 26.  I was able to use the downhill finish and run the last 0.5M at a 5:41 pace chasing a group in front of me that I couldn't quit reach. 

The race logistics were awesome.  A nice gal met me at the finish and escorted me to the elite tent and got my gear and food.  They really do a great job at this race. 

Rode the shuttle back to the hotel, showered and went up to the elite lounge for food (pizza, beer) and time to chat with the other athletes.  Then made my way on the shuttles to the airport for the end of a great weekend, but glad to be home to my family.

The flight attendants on the plane to SLC were great.  They didn't have any food boxes (I was still hungry) so instead she kept bringing me free beer...hydration and carbo loading at the same time! 

Splits: 5:57, 6:01, 6:10, 6:01, 6:09, 6:15, 6:18, 6:17, 6:24, 6:11, 6:17, 6:22, 6:22, 6:24, 6:16, 6:18, 6:25, 6:33, 6:39, 6:30, 6:45, 6:59, 6:51, 6:35, 6:35, 6:28, 0.4M - 2:15 (5:41 pace).

Saucony Tangent 3 2011 Miles: 27.20
Comments
From Andrea on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 11:02:50 from 67.177.11.154

Way to make it through with a very solid marathon time! Sounds like a tough race for you to have the shins lock up so early in the race.

From Teena Marie on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 12:39:12 from 174.232.133.67

Hands down ... you are a stud!!!

From Bec on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 12:46:14 from 70.115.203.100

You are so awesome! All of that locking up and you are still very WELL under 3 hours. Might not have been your best but one for the books. Congrats.

From Jon on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 12:56:09 from 107.203.52.135

Still a great time, especially given the tough time you had.

From Steve on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 13:12:05 from 66.87.64.60

Man did I ever miss running that with you this weekend. Without a doubt that race would have killed me. Awesome how you just kept going and still pulled off a good time.

From Adam RW on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 13:36:29 from 67.182.250.241

Jeff

Nice example. I like the drive. Enjoy the recovery and come back stronger next time. Sorry today wasn't the day but as you know there will always be the next challenge.

From Rachel on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 14:12:53 from 174.126.65.77

Yep, you're still an amazing marathoner, even after issues at mile 3, wow! Great job Jeff, now come on HOME!!

From Alana on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 16:14:04 from 69.20.189.206

You are amazing Jeff. I'm sorry you felt so crappy but to stick it out shows such conviction. You are an inspirational role model and Dad to your kiddos! :) Good job!

From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 18:02:23 from 70.194.69.234

Nice race considering what you had to deal with. I think I passed you around mile 10. You were obviously in agony based on the moans. I wasn"t sure it was you. Did you have on blaze orange? I can't believe you ran so well the 2nd 1/2! Great use of experience turning out yet another solid marathon this year.

From Bret on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 18:19:13 from 96.228.167.228

Solid time by any account - sorry to hear you had some difficulties - but you showed your character by working through them. Congratulations. Nice job.

From shellberns on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:03:48 from 174.126.81.102

Wow! Great race Jeff! Your perseverance is inspiring and a wonderful example for your kids. Congratulations!

From Curt on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 19:16:22 from 69.20.189.206

Sorry this race started out for you like that Jeff, but I just have to say making it to the end when you feel things like that are just as great of accomplishments in my book. What a great example you are to not only Justin but to all of us that look up to you and are always inspired by you. Can't wait to get out and just enjoy running for fun for a while:)

From Neil on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 21:15:29 from 71.220.150.219

Running a 2:48 on an un-aided course, feeling the way you did is an incredible achievement. I really admire you and the example you set for others, especially your kids. Take it easy, recover and I'm positive that there are greater things in store. Regards.

From Kory on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 21:37:07 from 184.155.135.194

Jeff your always a winner because of how you put your heart and love for something in every situation in your life. Thinking of how you can show your son how to fight and make it through tough circumstances in life is inspiring to me. Nice job and now you can go home and recover and see your family.

From Marlin on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 06:46:08 from 174.253.161.114

Great job Jeff, push through tough time and still came out with a great time!!!! Nice job my friend

From Superfly on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 08:19:37 from 74.211.21.81

Dang Jeff... sorry man. Way to grind that sucker out. The one mile at a time mode is a sucky way to run a marathon. Feels like it will never end:) But in the end it always feels worth it.

From Paul on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 08:24:01 from 207.224.39.118

Sorry that it was a rough one, but congrats on finishing, as it shows great tenacity.

From scottkeate on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 13:01:35 from 64.0.193.17

Very inspired by your determination to gut this one out. To be in pain at mile 3 and still finish 26.2 is admirable. Hat's off to you for a solid performance under difficult circumstances.

From Jake K on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 15:59:02 from 155.100.226.191

Whew, to hit the dark spot of the race with 23 to go and still solider on takes some fortitude! Tough running, Jeff. Nice job.

From Dave Taylor on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 10:56:38 from 174.23.84.221

Hats off man, I thought I had it bad at SGM with a little calf cramping for the last 5.

From Little Bad Legs on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 13:41:36 from 107.61.254.248

Sorry your race didn't go as well as you wanted but your flight home sounded pretty sweet. Nothing beats some helpful flight attendants! Way to push through the frustrating first half and finish strong.

From jtshad on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 12:46:32 from 204.134.132.225

Thanks everyone for the supportive comments. It was just one of those days, but I am still happy to have competed and finished this race.

What a great community of friends, thanks again.

From Bob on Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 05:12:13 from 67.176.195.62

Oh man, a solid time and finish for such start. Have a great recovery.

From Wesley Hunt on Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 11:47:51 from 198.8.4.11

Jeff - Just reading your report, and I share many of the others' sentiment regarding your resiliency and determination. Justin has a great role model, and I hope he did well in his meet on Thursday.

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