2011 Philadelphia Marathon 2:46:19 (Debut Race at 26.2)

Mile 21

The 2011 Philly Marathon was my first and a bit scary. The worst part like anything new is the unknown. I have heard so many horror stories about hitting the wall around twenty miles and everything shutting down, so I had some apprehension. I had put in the long runs and averaged 50-65 miles a week, the intervals, and felt fit (even though I only had eight weeks after 70.3 Triathlon World Championships to dedicate to the marathon). I planned to race my first Marathon to see how far I could push before the tank went empty, not run to experience the distance. I respect the distance and ran conservative early and kept waiting to hit the wall.

I really did not hit the wall but did fall off pace in the last three miles into the finish. Those miles gradually climb up and I lost 15 seconds a mile and my left knee and calf was tight with a constant pain (over used tendons ? ).  The twenty five mile banner came up and I could not wait to cross that finish line. I crossed the line and was glad to have raced my first marathon. I was lucky enough to run 2:46:19 and finish 76th out of 10268 and finish third in age group 40-44. I really have a lot of respect for anyone that trains and races this distance. Intense is the only way to describe 26.2 miles.

  

The 2011 Tri Season is Over

The 2011 TRI season is over as I switch to run mode. My next focus is on another first for me. The Philadelphia Marathon in November. This all leads back to the focus for next year, Ironman Florida 2012. Uncharted territory. In the past I have normally raced every weekend over June, July, and August.
This season I spent more time on big weekend rides and runs. I don't know if it worked but it did not hurt me.

A recap of my 2011 race season:
April

•  Hinkley, Ohio - Sprint Duathlon - 3rd overall (first ametuer- beat by two local pro triatletes)

May

• Taylorsvile, KY  - Half Iron Tri - 4th overall - 4:34

June  

•  Twinsburg Sprint DU 1st Overall
•  Maumee Olympic Tri 4th Overall  2:09:22

•  Muncie 70.3  2nd AG 44-49   4:34:15
•  Huntington Sprint Tri  1st Overall
•  Miltonman Olympic Tri 3rd Overall 2:04:31

Aug

•  Twilight Trial 8k 1st Individual Overall
•  Steelhead 70.3 (swim cancelled)  2nd AG 44-49

Sep 

• 70.3 World Championships  Las Vegas, Nevada

Oct

• Columbus Half Marathon 2nd AG 40-44  1:15:59

Nov

• Philadelphia Marathon 3rd AG 40-44   (Debut 26.2)  2:46:19

Over a year out and thoughts of training for my first IRONMAN...

I just signed up for Ironman Florida and was lucky enough to get registered in the 16 minute online window. Unbelievable, I had two friends that did not get into the race.

December the training begins and stays the focus through the entire year. This blog is a weekly reflection on my mental and physical dealing while training for Ironman Florida.

My background info....

I have a history of running from junior high through college. I spent about ten years riding and racing bikes
(mountain bikes then only road and cross bikes). I returned to running and then entered a some DU's with the thought (like many runners) I would dominate the race with my running ability. I learned the hard way that you need to be a strong cyclist and good runner to do well. I have been focusing on the TT aspect and have made improvements. I entered a few sprint Triathlons and had some decent results for not knowing how to train. I introduced myself to Kevin Park (one of my current training partners),  picked his brain, and eventually began training together. Another one of my training partners is Adam Hunter (the Charging Rhino).