got the runs

Canyonlands Half Marathon

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Member Since:

Mar 01, 2007

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

 I don't really keep good track, but here's what I found online:

Canyonlands Half '08: 1:34:35

Cherry Blossom 10 miler '08: 1:10:09 (alias jonathon strong)

Jingle All the Way 10k '08: 41:46

 

Short-Term Running Goals:

I really need to develop new goals.  It's been a busy year both professionally (field work) and personally (wedding, move,...)

It's time to get back on track and commit to some racing goals for next year.

Long-Term Running Goals:

The long-term goals are much easier--to stay healthy and happy! 

Personal:

Live in Broad Run, VA with my wife; work at US Geological Survey.  Baby cat running around to catch mice in our old house.

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Baby Poo 1 Lifetime Miles: 318.00
Baby Poo 2 Lifetime Miles: 323.00
Race: Canyonlands Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:34:40, Place overall: 163, Place in age division: 21
Total Distance
13.10

I thought this race was going to be pretty painful in a completely euphoric sort of way. I hadn't been running much in the two weeks prior to the race due to a faint "tickle" I started feeling in my knees after a 13-mile training run, and my legs were feeling like they were settling into the sleepy lifestyle. Several trips to the pool, some time spent in the weight room, and a few hikes along the Potomac were supposed to keep my body savvy to action, but let's be honest--these things just don't quite cut it. So: I fully planned on showing up on race day as a (happy) pig to the slaughter. In other words, I expected to love every second of staring off into beautiful SW landscapes while killing my knees and, potentially, my quads etc. But I surprised myself. From the first step, I felt amazing. Mile 1 went by in a swift 6:42, to which I responded by promptly slowing down. The next couple miles averaged around 7:15, which felt much more reasonable to my legs, but still seemed risky to the thought. I maintained this pace for the next few miles and found it to be completely relaxed and perfect for said landscape staring. At mile 7 (with a quick gatorade/pee break), I realized that everything really was cool, the knees and muscles felt great, and that I could stop worrying and chill out.  I then decided that as long as I was still having fun and smiling, I would continue or even quicken the pace. The rest of the run proved to be thoroughly enjoyable and I allowed myself to drift off and contemplate the cross-beds in the sandstones to my left and the sounds of the river to my right. Sounds completely corny, but it's the absolute truth. I couldn't have had a better time, and I was so happy to to feel healthy again.
Mile times:

1: 6:42
2,3: 14:28
4: 7:17
5: 7:15
6: 7:19
7: 7:19
8: 7:20
9: 7:22
10: 7:22
11 7:07
12: 7:04
13.1: 7:27

It strikes me that I felt so good after the time off.  I know everyone's body works differently, and perhaps mine is especially wired for a hearty taper.  I've never really tapered before because I never had much reason to (i'm not a marathoner; seems more appropriate for the 20+ mile runs).  I'm going to play around with this a bit more and experiment over the spring and summer to see how my body responds. 

Such a great race! I'm so glad I could make it back for this thing.  Of course, an important hi-light is the post-race brurgers, which I'm sure will be described in full detail on David Nelson's blog (with pictures??). Thanks for a great time at the cabin, guys.  Much needed good times. 

Comments
From James on Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 13:58:37

I missed being down there with you guys. You ran great and would have kicked my butt that day. Maybe Northwest Passage will work out for us.

From dutch on Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 14:35:38

There you are!

For some reason I couldn't find your blog...must not have looked hard enough. I was bummed you couldn't make it down. We had some good times and it would've been nice to catch up. I've been talking to Paul about NWP, and am seriously considering it...

Keep on kickin'!

From Jon on Thu, Mar 13, 2008 at 15:15:12

Sounds like you had a great run- rocks, rivers, etc. I'm bummed I didn't get to spend some time with you guys, too. I ran with Dave for about 30 minutes Tuesday, but you were already gone by then.

From Paul Petersen on Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 11:17:19

Nothing like contemplating cross beds. Thanks for spelling "brurger" correctly.

From josse on Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 11:33:06

Hey it was great to meet you and I am so gald I could be there for you to wiz by me.

From dutch on Fri, Mar 14, 2008 at 12:29:26

josse!

yeah, i expected you to kick my butt when i saw you pass me around mile 2! i had a bit of a kick near the end...must be the culprit. Hope your weekend ended nicely.

From David on Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 00:26:32

I made a bruger mention, but they deserve their own blog. I'm compiling a 'Paul Petersen Eating Brugers' photo montage this weekend. Stay tuned.

From josse on Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 10:36:08

Ya I thought I was going to kick your butt as well;) Not really I felt like poop the whole way.

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