It's October 1, 2008, nearly 4 years since I started training for my first marathon. Now, I'm looking at marathon number 12, New York City - hard to imagine.
It all started over a late night campfire after a few beers. Me, Mike Hauschen and Bill Moore all agreed that we would start training for the Anchorage marathon in June. For me, it was one of those life-long goals that I wanted to accomplish, so I didn't need much convincing. The only problem was that none of us had been running regularly and we were already 3 weeks behind the normal 18 week marathon training schedule. The result: we all eventually fell to injury. I was the last to bow out after back-to-back weekend long runs. If I remember correctly, I ran a 15 miler (the farthest I had ever run), then the next weekend I was out for 18. After 11 miles, I had to call it quits because my knees were so banged up from the constant pounding. I couldn't run for 8-10 weeks. I was also playing raquetball on a regular basis so I'm sure that didn't help. I guess I learned why it's important to have a good running base before starting any long distance program. The recommendations are to run 20 miles per week for at least a month before starting a marathon training schedule. So, that was 2004.
January of 2005 rolled around and I decided to give it another shot. After starting a glucosomine/chondroitin regimen and wearing knee supports, I eased back into running with a more than adequate base. I successfully completed 3 marathons in '05. But I still wasn't satisfied with my finishing times, and that's what kept me coming back for more. I knew what my biggest mistake was (and probably still is): going out too fast.
In 2006, I decided to train according to my heart rate in hopes that it would help slow me down. I used my 4th marathon, Kodiak, solely as a marathon training run, keeping my heart rate below 75% (except on the hills). The result: I finished in a respectable 3:37 on a difficult course, had plenty of gas for the last few miles, and felt great at the end. I continued to train according to my heart rate which, I'm sure, helped contribute to my times that I find much more satisfying. I'm still looking for that sub 3:15 marathon though. I continue to monitor my heart rate but just kind of make up my own training plans as I see fit. Of course, the foundation of any marathon training plan is the weekly long run so that's paramount. Then I add in intervals and hills but I find tempo runs to be the most effective. The best post- marathon experience was after Marine Corps. And, I attribute all those 6 mile tempo runs to what should have been a PR, and a sub 3:15. I'm too far behind to match that preparation for NYC. But next year, I hope to really commit myself to a marathon and go for my next PR.
I have always been a decent runner and have run my fair share of 5Ks and 10Ks over the years. Prior to 2005 though, I never imagined that I would take up running as a full time hobby. Now, it's my outlet. I'm not sure how I would survive without it. I'm very thankful that I've been injury-free and that my family is so supportive. I have taken 4 major breaks (2+ months) due to hernia repair, vasectomy, moving across country and just taking off for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas '07), all of which probably help me stay healthy and keep the drive alive. I also like to mix things up a bit by doing trail races and team events. Maybe someday I'll find myself competing in triathlons.
I should also mention that Kodiak was a great place to pick up running. I always admired my neighbor, also a marathoner. I would see her leave in the morning for her training runs no matter what the weather was doing, raining, snowing or blowing, she would go out into the elements. And, anybody that knows Kodiak will find inspiration in that. Margie helped inspire me and keep me on target, along with another relative marathon newcomber, Lisa. They continue to support me, so thanks to Margie & Lisa for getting me started. No looking back now.
It all started over a late night campfire after a few beers. Me, Mike Hauschen and Bill Moore all agreed that we would start training for the Anchorage marathon in June. For me, it was one of those life-long goals that I wanted to accomplish, so I didn't need much convincing. The only problem was that none of us had been running regularly and we were already 3 weeks behind the normal 18 week marathon training schedule. The result: we all eventually fell to injury. I was the last to bow out after back-to-back weekend long runs. If I remember correctly, I ran a 15 miler (the farthest I had ever run), then the next weekend I was out for 18. After 11 miles, I had to call it quits because my knees were so banged up from the constant pounding. I couldn't run for 8-10 weeks. I was also playing raquetball on a regular basis so I'm sure that didn't help. I guess I learned why it's important to have a good running base before starting any long distance program. The recommendations are to run 20 miles per week for at least a month before starting a marathon training schedule. So, that was 2004.
January of 2005 rolled around and I decided to give it another shot. After starting a glucosomine/chondroitin regimen and wearing knee supports, I eased back into running with a more than adequate base. I successfully completed 3 marathons in '05. But I still wasn't satisfied with my finishing times, and that's what kept me coming back for more. I knew what my biggest mistake was (and probably still is): going out too fast.
In 2006, I decided to train according to my heart rate in hopes that it would help slow me down. I used my 4th marathon, Kodiak, solely as a marathon training run, keeping my heart rate below 75% (except on the hills). The result: I finished in a respectable 3:37 on a difficult course, had plenty of gas for the last few miles, and felt great at the end. I continued to train according to my heart rate which, I'm sure, helped contribute to my times that I find much more satisfying. I'm still looking for that sub 3:15 marathon though. I continue to monitor my heart rate but just kind of make up my own training plans as I see fit. Of course, the foundation of any marathon training plan is the weekly long run so that's paramount. Then I add in intervals and hills but I find tempo runs to be the most effective. The best post- marathon experience was after Marine Corps. And, I attribute all those 6 mile tempo runs to what should have been a PR, and a sub 3:15. I'm too far behind to match that preparation for NYC. But next year, I hope to really commit myself to a marathon and go for my next PR.
I have always been a decent runner and have run my fair share of 5Ks and 10Ks over the years. Prior to 2005 though, I never imagined that I would take up running as a full time hobby. Now, it's my outlet. I'm not sure how I would survive without it. I'm very thankful that I've been injury-free and that my family is so supportive. I have taken 4 major breaks (2+ months) due to hernia repair, vasectomy, moving across country and just taking off for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas '07), all of which probably help me stay healthy and keep the drive alive. I also like to mix things up a bit by doing trail races and team events. Maybe someday I'll find myself competing in triathlons.
I should also mention that Kodiak was a great place to pick up running. I always admired my neighbor, also a marathoner. I would see her leave in the morning for her training runs no matter what the weather was doing, raining, snowing or blowing, she would go out into the elements. And, anybody that knows Kodiak will find inspiration in that. Margie helped inspire me and keep me on target, along with another relative marathon newcomber, Lisa. They continue to support me, so thanks to Margie & Lisa for getting me started. No looking back now.
That's my story, Mike
This picture was taken after my very first 20 miler, Spring of 2005, in Kodiak, AK.
Erin, Timmers and baby Ian in our front yard.
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