Friday, September 24, 2010

What a Day!

Sunday was beautiful and the day was just fantastic.  The folks at the Dam Half/Dam Full were wonderful.  It was a very well run event.  Even better than last year !  Thanks folks!
I really did not know what kind of shape I was in for the Dam Full, but I figured that I should be good as long as I kept moving forward.  The hills were just what I expected, but the company was great and I got through the 1/2 way point (13.1 miles) in 2 hours and 42 minutes.  To put some perspective on this, last year I did the half marathon event and my time was 2:32.  So, I was going a little faster than expected, but not overly much so.  I began to think that my expectation of finishing close to 7 hours might be way over.
Then, as they say, the wheels fell off.
Not really, all was still good until about mile 22.  I think I should have stuck with Gatorade and taken some electrolyte tabs because I got a terrible headache and my belly began to, shall we say, sour.  I never actually got sick, but the same feelings I have at hour 13 of the 30 hour run came flooding back.  I walked VERY slowly up the Stairway to Heaven - it climbs about 700 vertical feet in a little more than half a mile - and was pleased to make it to the top.  Unfortunately, I got passed by about a dozen people during the climb.
Throughout the day I played leapfrog with a few guys and one in particular expected me to bomb the downhill the way I had been doing all day and catch him.  Alas, it was not to be.  I even quit looking at my watch as the wee thought of finishing under 6 hours seemed to slink away.  I decided that I had left most everything out there and would just focus on running reasonably comfortably to the finish.  As it turned out I crossed the line just over 6 hours in 6:01.
 . . .
I left a big pause in my typing - several days to be exact, but I just wanted to say a huge thanks to all the volunteers at the dam full for a fantastic day.  Next up is the MegaTransect in Castanea.
Next year maybe the Grand Slam ??

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Ready? or Not.

It has been over a month since I have posted, but I will give you a really good reason (excuse).  I want to write, journal-like, to my wife and kids and I have not been doing this.  I really intend on doing this and, day after day I avoid it.  I realize that these entries need not be perfect in any way, but it is most important I get my thoughts, wanderings and wonderings recorded for them to read later.  I figured since I wasn't doing it for them, then I shouldn't be doing it for you.  Of course, the other side of that is that I can keep this blog and then everyone can read what is running through my mind.  Oh well, I'm here now and intend to get something out there for whatever reason or purpose.
So, the running has been tough lately.  I am still getting out several times a week, but the distances are not great.  I typically run 5 to 7 miles with one double digit run each week. It is not that I am out of shape, but I'm not sure I'm ready for the Dam Full which is coming up in just 12 days.  Tapering?  Who needs to taper if you don't get tired in the first place?   I am looking forward to the event because the food was great and the race was well organized when I did the half last year.  The volunteers really enjoy themselves and it shows in the great way that they treat the participants.
I've been listening to a lot of New Spring sermons and they are really hitting home.  Saved people serve.  Found people find people.  These sermons can get you convicted, so listen with caution !
Megatransect is less than a month away and I hope the weather is nice.  I am looking forward to a great day with fantastic support from the volunteers.  Get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather.