Weary Were the World

I was going to do another long run this morning. But, I got off to a late start, my truck was nearly out of gas, and when I finally got myself out and running, I found that my legs were just numb with weariness. As the great Belloc poem for Advent intones, "Weary, weary were the world."

And, no wonder. For the last three days in a row, I have left the house before 5:30 AM, not eaten well during the day, and then not returned home until after 10 PM. That's not exactly a good prescription for training. But, I've just had a slew of appointments, meetings, and classes to teach. So, there you have it.

Despite all this, I was able to run 6 early morning miles on Tuesday, 4 on Wednesday, 2 on Thursday, and 6 today. Now, my Plan B is to do a long run tomorrow morning--I should get some good relaxation today because I only have three meetings to attend (it is my day off after all). I'll rest on Sunday. Then get in a second long run early, early on Monday morning.

Long Run

My long run hit two snags early this morning: first it started raining and then I looked at my watch and realized I had miscalculated the time necessary to complete the run. So, I ended up cutting the run short. I was able to complete just under 15 miles. But, that now means that I am going to have to somehow carve out more long run time later this week--perhaps on Friday or Saturday morning. Because I teach during the mornings starting tomorrow, I will have to get up extra early for the next several days just to make sure I stay on track with my training regimen. If I can get out the door at 5 AM, that should be sufficient. That's my goal at any rate.

Going Hard

"I always believe in going hard at everything, whether it is Latin or Mathematics, Boxing or Football, but at the same time I want to keep the sense of proportion. It is never worthwhile to absolutely exhaust one's self or to take big chances unless for an adequate object. I want you to keep in training the faculties, which would make you, if the need arose, able to put your last ounce of pluck and strength into a contest. But I do not want you to squander these qualities." Theodore Roosevelt

On Track

For the first time, I've had a good, full week of training that has me completely on my target times and distances. For the first time ever. This was largely accomplished because I was away at the start-of-the-year-camp that Franklin Classical School hosts for its students each year. I had good free time early in the morning (high schoolers sleep as late a you'll let them) and in the late afternoon.

It was hot and hilly, but I am so glad to have gotten in the injury-free miles.

I am on track to have my first-ever over-50-mile week. All I need to do is figure out how to get in my final 15-mile long run. It should not be too difficult--last Saturday, I was able to log a good 17-miler, so this oughta be more than doable.

Miles to Go

"Good things come slowly--especially in distance running." Bill Dellinge

The woods are lovely dark and deep,
but I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep,
and miles to go before I sleep.
Robert Frost

"Some runners like to train a hundred miles per week because it's a round number. But I think fifty is a lot rounder." Don Kardong

"If you want to win something, run a hundred meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." Emil Zatopek

"Anyone can run twenty miles. It's the next six that really count." Barry Magee

"A marathon is a twenty-mile warm-up and then a six-mile war of mind, body, and spirit." Tristan Gylberd

The Ultimate Test

I should have a better idea of my current conditioning by the end of this week. I have stuck pretty closely to my marathon training schedule for several days. My mileage is adding up nicely. And I am, thus far, injury free. The ultimate test will be my long run this weekend. I really need to have a good, solid 16-20 mile effort on top of the five-milers I've been doing every morning. If I can do that, I will feel all little more confident moving ahead with my aggressive race plans--despite my pokey average training pace.

Nasty, Brutish, and Short

I can't imagine how I could possibly squeeze in more training time than I already am. It seems as if I steal every available minute to either run or ride--or perhaps even trudge along on the elliptical. And still, I am only doing about half of the miles that I am supposed to be doing (according to a fairly standard marathon training schedule). How do people do this? And how do they keep the quality and pace up?

Maybe it is my age. Maybe it is my stage. I don't know. But, I am a lot slower and a lot more lethargic than I thought I would be this far along in my training. My workouts seem to be a bit like the Malthusian and Utilitarian vision of everyday life as articulated by Thomas Hobbes: "nasty, brutish, and short."

Early yesterday morning before church, I got in a quick three-miles. I was still very sore from all the biking I did on Saturday. So, I was even slower than ususal. Then, last night I ran a little one-mile warm down. Oy veh! Was it ever stiff and creaky. The decrepitude continued this morning when I slogged through a five-miler at a snail's pace.

I'll try to run another couple of miles this afternoon, but this is getting harder and more complicated rather than easier and simpler. Nasty, brutish, and short, indeed!

Regions 5K

The second annual Regions Bank 5K was run this morning under misty skies and amidst considerable milder temperatures than what we have experienced during the past three weeks or so. It was blessed relief to run this very, very challenging, hilly course under better conditions than I'd expected. Don't get me wrong, it was still hot and muggy. But, it was tolerable. And the 250 or so runners had a great time. What a way to start off the Williamson County Fair.

When I got back home I jumped on my bike for a quick 12-mile ride. I stuck close to home so I was able to avoid the hills.

I love my new Shimano clips and shoes--they are so, so, so much better than my old ones. A "What Not to Wear" maxim is "Shoes make or break an outfit." Well, I don't know much about fashion--and I doubt that I ever will--but, I do know that in both biking and running, that maxim is all too true.

Floyd Responds

On his blog site, Floyd Landis has responded to charges that he took performance enhancing drugs during his amazing Tour de France victory:

In the past week, I have gone from the "Top of the World" to the depths of scandal. I have been thrust into the international spotlight and am being asked to defend myself against something that I did not do, for reasons that I do not understand. Although this has been a hard time for my family and me, we are confident that I will be vindicated. I am innocent of any wrongdoing and want to take an opportunity to clear up some misconceptions that exist regarding the situation.

It is widely known that the test in question, given as a urine sample after my victorious ride on stage 17 of the Tour de France, returned an abnormal T/E ratio from the A sample. I want to be entirely clear about one point of the test that has not been fairly reported in the press or expressed in any statements made by international or national governing bodies; the T value returned has been determined to be in the normal range. The E value returned was LOW, thus causing the skewed ratio. This evidence supports my assertion that I did not use testosterone to improve my performance. I emphatically deny any claims that I used testosterone to improve my performance.

Much has been speculated about the presence of exogenous testosterone in the A sample. Together with some of the leading medical and scientific experts in the world, we are reviewing the documentation about the carbon isotope ratio test. All I can say at this time is that I did not take testosterone, so there must be another reason for the result, as leaked by the UCI.

Beyond the specifics of the testing, however, I am particularly troubled by the actions of the UCI. Information about an "adverse analytical finding" was prematurely released by the UCI in order "to avoid a known leak" within the lab. A direct statement followed from UCI President Pat McQuaid that left little to infer as to whose test was in question.

I was notified of the A sample results while attending post-Tour criteriums in Europe. As a result of these breeches in protocol, confidentiality and disregard for due process, I view this as a clear violation of my rights as a professional racer licensed by the UCI.

I became the center of media attention with little time to understand the nature of the A sample results, possible causes or explanations. As I tried to come to terms with the situation, my statement and attempts to understand the results were interpreted as excuses before I had time to fully grasp the facts of the case. The inappropriate actions of the UCI has caused undue, and potentially irreparable, harm to my reputation and character. I feel I am being prosecuted without regard to my basic rights.

It is now my goal to fight to clear my name and restore what I worked so hard to achieve. I am a fighter. I did not give up during the Tour and I won't give up now, no matter what the results of the B sample are.

Fairly Faster

Yesterday, I had my faster training 5K ever. Then this morning, I had my fastest 4-miler ever. The key has been wise use of my Nike+iPod training system--and of course, getting out before the sweltering heat settles in for the day.

Tomorrow, after several meetings, I am going to just go for a long bike ride--as a cross-training exercise. Then on Saturday, I will test my new-found speed at the Regions 5K race at the Williamson County Fair.

Nike+iPod

I've been using the new Nike+iPod system--or at least a "hack" of the new system. It has been really fascinating, fun, and surprisingly helpful with my training. I admit that at first I really thought it was just a gimmick, another unnecessary gadget. Of course, I am a sucker for unnecessary gadgets, so I went to the Apple Store and bought one as soon as I could. I strapped it on, signed up for the free web-based account, and started running with it. And now almost two weeks later, all I can say is "wow."

For many runners, music is an essential part of their workout. It isn't always for me. I love to run just listening to the sounds of nature. I also don't like the intrustion into my thinking and praying that music can sometimes be. But, even I like to run to Psalms or Hymns or new music every once in a while.

I do understand however, why iPods, have seemingly become both iconic and ubiquitous in the running community. The iPod can hold thousands of digital songs or dozens of e-books or the whole e-Bible or the Scottish Psalter or whatever--and then it can store playlists that you can arrange in strategic order especially for exercising. Various armbands, belts, clips and other accessories make it easy to carry your iPod with you while working out--especially if you have a Shuffle or a Nano (I use the Nano).

With the new Nike+iPod system you can do more than just play the soundtrack to your run--you can actually take along a virtual running coach. Apple and Nike teamed up to create a really nifty gizmo. Now, the iPod can measure your progress as you run, report it to you orally at regular intervals, and then post it to a Web site that tracks your workouts over time.

The $29 kit contains two small pieces: a receiver that plugs into the bottom of an iPod Nano and a small sensor that fits into a pocket in the inner sole of specially designed Nike running shoes. While you're listening to your iPod, the sensor calibrates your pace, distance and other data, and sends it wirelessly to your iPod, where it is stored and even announced every so often as you run. Upon returning from your run, you can plug your iPod into your laptop and load its data onto the free site at NikePlus.com, where you can view your progress. The charts, graphs, personal records, challenges, and other features are really informative and very motivational.

Now here's the thing: I don't wear Nike shoes. I wear Brooks. And I have no intention of changing. So, what I do is slip the sensor into a little key pocket that attaches to my laces. It works perfectly that way. Others have hacked the system by attaching velcro or simply tying the sensor right to the laces. Any and all of the above are suitable ways to take advantage of the system without having to actually wear Nikes.

I've been using the system for more than a week now--and I love it. It is as accurate as a bulky GPS, easier to use, contains many more practical features, much cheaper, and lots, lots, lots more fun. Having Lance Armstrong's voice (or Paul Radcliff's) congratulate you on a good workout or a record time is a hoot!

Oh yes, and because it was designed by Apple, it is elegantly, simply, and brilliantly designed. I'm hooked.

Much Better

My run this morning was much better than yesterday's sweltering disaster, primarily because I started much earlier. In fact, I was out so early that only the wild turkeys and the deer were the only living things astir at the time. I still lost all energy and pep by the end of the four-miler I ran, but it was so much easier to get through than the zombie-lunge I attempted yesterday.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

I went out to attempt my long run early this morning. But, I only got in 12 very feeble miles before I had to give in to the heat and humidity. My legs felt like Jello. My clothes were drenched. I thought I was going to melt away. It was only after I got back into the house that I discovered that the heat index was already at a hundred degrees! Yow!

50 Until the 50

We're now just 50 days away from the Tennessee leg of the Endurance 50. Dean Karnazes is attempting an extraordinary 50 marathons over a 50 day span in all 50 states.

To prepare for this feat Karnazes, author of the bestselling Ultra-Marathon Man has been in intense training. Just this year he has already run the LA Marathon, Boston the?American River 50-Mile Run, the Whidbey Island Marathon, the Miwok 100K, the Big Sur International Marathon, the Mt. Diable 50K, the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, the Western States 100-Mile Endurace Run, the Vermont Trail 100-Mile Run, and the Badwater Ultramarathon. In the next couple of weeks he'll add the San Francisco Marathon, and the Leadville Trail 100-Mile Run. Whew! And that is in addition to his regular 80 miles or so of regular workout runs every week. Oy veh!

My training has not been nearly so intense. But, it has been a full schedule nevertheless. I have run three half marathons, one full marathon, one 10-miler, two 10K races, and five 5K races so far this year. In the next couple of weeks I have three more 5K races and one 10K race in addition to my regular workouts before I attempt the Endurance 50 Marathon in Memphis followed by the three-day, nine-stage, 175-mile Uttermost along the Natchez Trace.

St. Louis Running

I've been in St, Louis for several days. The hill running here has been pretty incredible--and difficult. But, I am glad for it. On Monday at home, I ran five flat miles. Then afterwards I spent an hour on the eliptical doing intervals. Wednesday here in St. Louis, I ran three very hilly miles and then swam some good laps for about thirty-minutes. Yesterday, I ran another four.

Hill running has a way of reminding me that I am not quite as far along as I thought. That's good. Keeps me on my toes.

Next week, I'll reup my commitment to the hills, I'll rachet up my eliptical training, and I'll begin some serious cycling.

Floyd's Woes

Oh how quickly the tides can turn. Though Floyd Landis has never tested positive for any illegal drugs at any time in his long and storied cycling career, initial tests have shown abnormalities in his testosterone levels--and already the court of public opinion, especially in France, has ruled against him.

The sad fact is that the notoriously unreliable testing process for this particular abnormality can be skewed by any number of things. And besides, no one has ever determined any benefit that artificial testosterone use can offer an endurance athlete.

But for now, none of the facts really matter. Floyd is going to have to climb another mountain in an unlikely bid to reclaim his hopes for the Tour title--and this just four days after he thought he had won it.

TdF: Finale

Tour de Landis

Floyd did it! Twenty-five years ago Americans were only starting to ride in the Tour de France. Now, they have won it eight years in a row. In fact, over the last two decades, they have won it eleven times! What a remarkable tour--if this can't inspire me to get out there and work hard, nothing can.

TdF: Stage 19

Barring a bizarre finale--and given how unpredictable the race has been this year, a bizarre finale is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility--Floyd Landis should ride down the Champs-Elysees tomorrow as the victor in the Tour de France. With yet another stunning comeback in the final time trial, Landis reclaimed the famed yellow jersey today along with a 59-second lead. That should be more than enough to ensure he will stand atop the victory podium in Paris. But, the operative word here is "should."

Really, the only thing that is certain is that the cycling-mad host nation is more than a little uncomfortable and chagrined--after all, this is starting to look like the eighth year in a row that an American will have dominated this great event.

Getting in the Miles

I am preparing for two huge events. On September 18, I will run the Endurance 50 edition of the Memphis Marathon. It is going to be a very special event--the second day of a 50-consecutive-day epic effort by Dean Karnazes to run 50 marathons in all 50 states! I'll just be a part of the pace team--but then again, it is a still marathon! 26.2 is 26.2 no matter how you run it.

Then less than a month later, on October 12, 13, 14, I will run and ride in the first annual Fitness Systems Uttermost. It is an event that I am actually directing myself--in an effort to raise support for several charaties that I am particularly commited to: Servant Group International, African Leadership, Mercy Children's Clinic, Blood/Water Mission, Franklin Classical School, and Artios Academy. It will be three days of running and biking across 175 miles of the Natchez Trace.

Both events are going to be really, really tough. So, obviously, I am now in the thick of the training program to get ready. This heat wave we've been experiencing is not exactly helping matters, but I got in 6 miles on Monday, 6 on Tuesday, 3 on Wednesday, and 12 today. I am going to go nice and easy tomorrow but then whallop the asphalt on Saturday.

Floyd!

Freelance writer, Andrew Hood, has written a great article for ESPN about the epic ride of Floyd Landis in today's Tour stage:

Floyd Landis was a dead man walking in the Tour de France.

Written off by pundits and rivals after bonking spectacularly in the yellow jersey in Wednesday's climbing stage and tumbling out of the top 10, Landis bounced back Thursday to deliver one of the most incredible resurrections in cycling history.

Now third at just 30 seconds back, he's in the pole position to win the 2006 Tour after winning Thursday's stage with an emphatic solo attack in the style of cycling's greatest heroes.

"What Floyd Landis did today was something mythic," said Juan Fernandez, Landis' sport director on the Phonak team. "This is something you can write in the history books, like the exploits of Eddy Merckx or Bernard Hinault. He was like a wounded lion. He wanted to take out the spine in his back and show the world who he was."

Fueled by anger, frustration and determination, Landis executed one of the most audacious attacks in cycling lore.

Defying conventional wisdom that says the favorites must wait until the final climb, Landis had nothing to lose and attacked on the lower reaches of the Col des Saisies, about 65 kilometers into the 200.5-kilometer stage.

Riding with wild abandon, he reeled in and then dropped an early breakaway, and then drilled it over four more steep climbs, including the knee-busting steep climb over the Col de Joux-Plane, towering 12 kilometers above the finish line in Morzine.

By the time the overall contenders organized a chase, it was too late. Landis beat second-place rider Carlos Sastre by 5:42 and race leader Oscar Pereiro by 7:08, clawing back out of the grave, moving from 11th at 8:08 back to third at 30 seconds back of Pereiro.

"This morning I saw the papers and they said I was out of the Tour, that made me mad," Landis said. "It wouldn't be any fun if I told you what happens next, but I think it's pretty obvious. I'd like to win the race."

The idea that Landis could win the race seemed unimaginable 24 hours ago and his comeback has few comparisons in the annals of cycling's century-old history.

"Floyd Landis turned himself around from a defeated, broken man to a probable Tour de France winner in the space of a six-hour stage," said Paul Sherwen, a former pro and play-by-play announcer for OLN's live Tour coverage. "What he did today was ride himself back into contention. Theoretically, that was impossible."

There have been equally spectacular bonks and there have been even more incredible comebacks, but having both packed into a 24-hour period is unlike anything seen before.

During Lance Armstrong's seven-year stranglehold on the Tour, the authoritarian Texan never truly had a bad day on the scale of Landis' implosion.

In 2000, Armstrong bonked over the Joux-Plane and suffered a similar fracture in a 2003 time trial loss to Jan Ullrich, forfeiting less than two minutes each time. He would shrug off those hiccups and roll on to overall victories.

In 1998, Ullrich cracked over the Col du Galibier to surrender the race leader's maillot jaune to Marco Pantani, but bounced back to win the next day's stage. But Big Jan only finished second to The Pirate.

The seemingly unstoppable Miguel Indurain bonked up Les Arcs in the 1996 Tour while trying to become the first man to win six Tours, but he wasn't wearing the yellow jersey at the time and never really recovered, finishing a distant 11th overall in his final Tour.

For similar exploits, you have turn back several pages in cycling's rich history.

In 1989, Greg LeMond came back from a life-threatening turkey hunting accident to win the Tour in a gripping, final-day time trial showdown in Paris. LeMond started the 24-kilometer stage 50 seconds behind race leader Laurent Fignon, but used special aero-bars and helmet to win the race by 8 seconds, the narrowest margin of victory in Tour history.

Italian attacker Claudio Chiappucci went on a similar suicidal attack over the Alps in 1992, winning at Sestrieres, but he never could steal away the yellow jersey from Indurain and settled for second overall.

Merckx, cycling's greatest racer, had similar extreme swings during his reign in the late 1960s to mid-1970s.

In 1971, Merckx was the heavy favorite for a third Tour when Spanish rider Luis Ocaña took a nine-minute lead midway through the race. Ocaña showed no signs of cracking, but Merckx went on a daring attack on the Col de Mente only to crash. Ocaña also crashed and was hit by another rider and was forced to abandon with severe injuries. Merckx refused to wear the maillot jaune the next day, but went on to win.

Ironically, it was a Merckx who had a hand in Landis' revival on Thursday. His son, Axel, is one of Landis' key teammates on Phonak. Team manager John Lelangue is also the son of Robert Lelangue, who was the sport director at Merckx's Molteni team in 1971. Both the elder Merckx and Lelangue called Wednesday evening to tell the team nothing is impossible in the Tour de France.

"My father called me after Wednesday's stage and told me, 'The race isn't over,'" Lelangue recounted. "Eddy Merckx was also on the phone, trying to give us some advice. He said the race is not lost and told us to go on the attack."

Landis woke up Thursday intent on erasing the image from the previous day, when he was bonked and beaten, looking defeat in the face. Just what did Landis eat for breakfast to propel him?

"He had muesli, an omelet, pasta, cereal, and a lot of belief," said Allen Lim, Landis' trainer. "He never doubted himself, even after the bad day, because it was just a bad day. Today was a good day."

With Saturday's decisive 57-kilometer time trial on tap to decide the overall winner, Landis once again is poised to become just the third American to win cycling's greatest race.

Everyone had written him off 24 hours ago. Now, Landis is writing the story for the ages.

TdF: Stage 17

Wow! What a stage! American rider Floyd Landis moved back into contention for the Tour de France title Thursday, winning the last tough Alpine stage in a heroic solo finish. Landis seemed to have fallen out of contention yesterday when he lost the leader's yellow jersey after struggling at the brutal uphill finish on the L'Alpe d'Huez. But today, he burst ahead of the main pack in the first of three tough ascents in the 17th stage. "He reacted like a great champion," said France's Cyril Dessel, who entered the stage in fourth place.

The American clenched his right fist in celebration as he crossed the finish and hopped off his bike after completing the punishing 200.5K ride in 5 hours, 23 minutes, 36 seconds. He cut 8 full minutes from his deficit and now only trails the overall leader, Spain's Oscar Pereiro, by 30 seconds.

With the tough Alpine climbs over, the individual time trial on Saturday shapes up as a crucial test to decide the winner of the first Tour since Lance Armstrong won a record seven straight titles. After 17 stages, the overall standings are now:

1. Oscar Pereiro (Spain)
2. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
3. Floyd Landis (USA)
4. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
5. Cadel Evans (Australia)
6. Denis Menchov (Russia)
7. Cyril Dessel (France)
8. Christophe Moreau (France)
9. Haimar Zubeldia (Spain)
10. Michael Rogers (Australia)

As for the other Americans: Levi Leipheimer is in 18th place; Christian Vandevelde is in 23rd place; George Hincapie is in 32nd place; Christopher Horner is in 62nd place; and Dave Zabriskie is in 79th place.

TdF: Stages 15-16

There is no more spectacular finish in the Tour de France than the 21-turn, 14K climb up to the top of L'Alpe d'Huez. This year it came at the end of an already demanding 187K stage that called for the beyond-category Col d'Izoard climb and the category-two Col du Lautaret climb. Needless to say, it was a bear of a day yesterday. Amazingly, though Floyd Landis was not able to win the stage, he was able to gain enough time to claim the yellow jersey.

But, his moment of glory was short-lived. Today, the race crossed the giant of the Alps, the Col du Galibier and the Col de la Croix de Fer before the finish at the ski station of La Toussuire. And it proved to be too much for Landis who lost a nearly insurmountable eight-minutes. He fell completely out of the top ten in the overall general classification.

The news was not much better for any of the other Americans, though Levi Leitheimer may have suffered the least-the Discovery team for instance, is not even among the top-ten teams on the Tour thus far. It looks as if Lance Armstrong's cohorts are having a hard time living up to his remarkable legacy:

1. Oscar Pereiro (Spain)
2. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
3. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
4. Cyril Dessel (France)
5. Cadel Evans (Australia)
6. Denis Menchov (Russia)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia)
8. Christophe Moreau (France)
9. Levi Leipheimer (USA)
10. Haimar Zubeldia (Spain)

TdF: Stage 14

The 180.5K fourteenth stage of the Tour de France was difficult and dangerous. Three different crashes shook up the entire peloton--and actually knocked Rik Verbrugghe of Belgium, David Canada of Spain, Magnus Backstedt of Sweden, and Mirko Celestino Italy out of the race.

Pierrick Fedrigo outsprinted breakaway companion Salvatore Commesso at the finish to hand France its third stage victory in the Tour. Oscar Pereiro held on to the yellow jersey--with Floyd Landis nipping at his heels, just 1:29 behind. At 15th, Levi Leipheimer is 07:08 back. And at 38th, George Hincapie is 24:28 back.

Tomorrow is a rest day. And then the decisive part of the Tour really begins with three days of tough climbing--and an anticipated battle for the yellow jersey--as the peloton rides into the Alps.

The overall standings remain:

1. Oscar Pereiro (Spain)
2. Floyd Landis (USA)
3. Cyril Dessel (France)
4. Denis Menchov (Russia)
5. Cadel Evans (Australia)
6. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
7. Andreas Kloden (Germany
8. Michael Rogers (Australia)
9. Juan Miguel Mercado (Spain)
10. Christophe Moreau (France)

TdF: Stage 13

Another surprise stage. Today, Floyd Landis let a breakaway steal his yellow jersey. But, it was apparently all a part of his larger strategy heading into the Alps. The brutal 230K stage from Beziers to Montelimar, the longest of the race, was won in a two-up sprint by German Jens Voigt. His breakaway partner, Spaniard Oscar Pereiro profited from their half-hour winning margin to take the yellow jersey. The newly shaken up overall standings offer new life to several heretofore struggling teams:

1. Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spain)
2. Floyd Landis (USA)
3. Cyril Dessel (France)
4. Denis Menchov (Russia)
5. Cadel Evans (Australia)
6. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
7. Andréas Klöden (Germany)
8. Michael Rogers (Australia)
9. Miguel Juan Miguel (Spain)
10. Christophe Moreau (France)

TdF: Stage 12

On a day when the French media was crowing about the demise of Lance Armstrong's legacy at the Tour de France, three of Lance's lieutenants made a big splash during the 12th stage of the grueling event. Less than 24 hours after it did indeed seem that Lance's team and his friends were crumbling under the pressure of a rugged five-climb stage across the Pyranees, the Discovery Channel riders redeemed themselves with a great strategy that culminated in stage win by Ukrainian rider Yaroslav Popovych. And Floyd Landis, another of Lance's old teammates, held on to the maillot jaune after he won it decisively during the mountain stage the day before.

The torrid 211.5K stage from Luchon to Carcassonne featured a brilliant breakaway led by Discovery's George Hincapie before the final successful attack by Popovych. It appears that the rumors of the demise Lance's legacy are more than a little premature.

Once again, the General Classification standings have been shaken up in this most surprising and exciting of Tours:

1. Floyd Landis (USA)
2. Cyril Dessel (France)
3. Denis Menchov (Russia)
4. Cadel Evans (Australia
5. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
6. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia)
8. Juan Miguel Mercado (Spain)
9. Christophe Moreau (France)
10. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukraine)

TdF: Stage 9

Today was the last of the flat, fast stages in the Tour de France. Oscar Freire prevailed in the battle of the sprinters in this turbo-charged prelude to the Pyranees, just thrusting his wheel ahead of Robbie McEwen to win in a heart-stopping charge to the finish. It was the Spanish sprinter's second stage win. Erik Zabel snuck past a frustrated Tom Boonen to grab third place on the 169.5K stage from Bordeaux to Dax. Though the results may shake up the battle for the green jersey, the overall GC ranking remain unchanged. Tomorrow though, oh boy, watch out. It's going to be a battle royale as the mountain stages begin at last.

Limping Toward Victory

The Tour de France's status as the world's most physiologically demanding event is largely unquestioned. The riders cover 2,272 miles at an average speed of 25 miles per hour, roughly the equivalent of running a marathon every day for almost three weeks. In the Pyrenees and the Alps, they climb a vertical distance equal to three Mount Everests. In order to do that, they burn off up to 10,000 calories per day, elevating their metabolic rates to a level that, according to a Dutch study, is exceeded by only four species on earth. It is a remarkable feat just to compete in the Tour much less to win it.

Floyd Landis wants to win it. And, after eight stages, he is in a position to do so--most of the sport's pundits have named him as the most likely successor to his former teammate and mentor, Lance Armstrong.

But, like Armstrong, Landis will have to overcome almost impossible odds to do so. You see, Landis has a degenerative disorder that will require hip replacement surgery shortly after this year's Tour. He lives with constant pain. He walks with a noticeable limp. He can't cross his legs. He can barely get on his bike. But, once on that bike, despite the grinding of bone against bone, he is among the world's greatest athletes.

His disability, just revealed today, is likely to become the story of this Tour--and all the more so if he actually succeeds in arriving in Paris two weeks from now wearing the maillot jaune.

Cup and Tour

It probably was little consolation for France that despite their loss in the World Cup, they were able to claim a win in the eighth stage of Tour de France.

The decisive World Cup game between Italy and France was highly entertaining, hard fought throughout, and finally won in stunning fashion by a penalty shoot-out. But, this World Cup final will be probably best be remembered for Zinedine Zidane's career-ending disgrace. During the second overtime period he appeared to have lost his cool, head-butting an Italian defender after a heated verbal exchange. It was a shocking display of impudent unsportsman-like conduct. He was summarily red-carded and sent off the pitch. It was a revealing turn-about for the wily veteran. The French side somehow held on to the end of that overtime period, but then lost the shootout, 5-4.

In the Tour however, a French star shone brightly. On a long breakaway the unheralded Frenchman Sylvain Calzati attacked solo and then held on to finish the 181K stage across the hilly Brittany region. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Sergei Gontchar and America's Floyd Landis safely finished in the main bunch, 2:15 back, to retain the top two spots in the overall standings--in fact, all of the top twenty-five places remain unchanged:

1. Sergei Gontchar (Ukraine)
2. Floyd Landis (USA)
3. Michael Rogers (Australia)
4. Patrik Sinkewitz (Germany)
5. Marcus Fothen (Germany)
6. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
7. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
8. Cadel Evans (Australia)
9. Denis Menchov (Russia)
10. David Zabriskie (USA)
11. Matthias Kessler (Germany)
12. Christophe Moreau (France)
13. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
14. Eddy Mazzoleni (Italy)
15. Sebastian Lang (Germany)
16. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
17. George Hincapie (USA)
18. Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spain)
19. Thomas Lovkvist (Sweden)
20. Didier Rous (France)
21. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
22. Christian Vande Velde (USA)
23. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukraine)
24. Rubiera Jose Luis (Spain)
25. David Millar (Britain)

Ultra Ultra

The venerable marathon has assumed a sacred place in the heart of athletics. 26.2 miles. More than 45,000 strides. Agony and euphoria. Some have described it as experiencing all of life's emotions in one, four-hour span (or five-hour, or whatever).

This fall, Dean Karnazes will attempt to run 50 of them: 50 marathons, in 50 states, in consecutive 50 days. No really!

Known as the North Face Endurance 50 (or E50 for short), this test of human fortitude will begin on September 17 at the Lewis and Clark Marathon in St. Louis, Missouri, and conclude 50 days later in New York's Central Park, at the finish line of the legendary New York City Marathon on November 5. Think of it! 1, 310 miles in 50 days, scattered out across the whole US, from Alaska to Florida, from Hawaii to Maine, and everywhere between. Wow!

Karnazes is known for his extraordinary physical feats--documented in his bestselling book Ultra Marathon Man. He has run a marathon at the North Pole. He has won the shoe-melting Badwater 135-mile race across Death Valley. He has even run a world-record 350 consecutive non-stop miles--without sleep! But, he considers the E50 his greatest test to date. "To my knowledge, no one has ever attempted anything like this before," he says. "It combines the physical element of running 50 straight marathons and the adventurous, logistical element of trying to get from state to state."

And, there is a good point to it all too. Karnazes hopes to raise a million dollars for charity along the way.

The really exciting part of all this is that Karnazes is asking for runners and endurance athletes from all over the country to help him achieve his goal by running with him. I'm still working on logistics, but I think I am going to try to run one, perhaps even two of the legs of this adventure (on September 17th, the Lewis and Clark Marathon in St. Louis and/or on September 18th, over the course that the St. Jude Marathon follows in Memphis). Could be amazing fun--to say nothing of the training boost it would give me for my own staged ultra in October (details to follow soon).

Tabitha House 10K

What a difference a few degrees and a change in the humidity can make. On Tuesday, I ran the local Firecracker 5K and withered woefully. But today, I ran in the Tabitha House 10K and enjoyed it nearly to the very end (when I simply gave out due to poor conditioning). The temperature was cooler by only about eight degrees at the start of the race. But, the humidity was down substantially. It is amazing what a difference such a seemingly small change can make.

TdF: Stage 7

It was a disappointing day for most of the Americans at the Tour de France. Floyd Landis came in second to Ukraine's Serhiy Honchar, who set a blistering pace for the individual time trial through the Brittany countryside. But, George Hincapie was only able to manage a disappointing 24th, trailing Honchar by 2:42. Levi Leipheimer placed 96th, a disastrous effort, more than 6 minutes behind Honchar. And Bobby Julich crashed out of the race altogether, losing control of his bike while negotiating a tight curve in the course. Julich, who finished third in 1998, was taken to a local hospital after hitting the ground hard and slamming into the curb. Through there is a lot of riding still to come over the next two weeks, the leader-board was really shaken up in this surprising stage:

1. Sergei Gontchar (Ukraine)
2. Floyd Landis (USA)
3. Michael Rogers (Australia)
4. Patrik Sinkewitz (Germany)
5. Marcus Fothen (Germany)
6. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
7. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
8. Cadel Evans (Australia)
9. Denis Menchov (Russia)
10. David Zabriskie (USA)
11. Matthias Kessler (Germany)
12. Christophe Moreau (France)
13. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
14. Eddy Mazzoleni (Italy)
15. Sebastian Lang (Germany)
16. Carlos Sastre (Spain)
17. George Hincapie (USA)
18. Oscar Pereiro Sio (Spain)
19. Thomas Lovkvist (Sweden)
20. Didier Rous (France)
21. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
22. Christian Vande Velde (USA)
23. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukraine)
24. Rubiera Jose Luis (Spain)
25. David Millar (Britain)

TdF: Stage 6

The sixth stage of the 93rd Tour de France was through 189 kilometers of the beautiful, rolling hills of Brittany from Lisieux to Vitre. It was the final opportunity for the sprinters to seize a stage win before tomorrow's big time trial. Robbie McEwen, the leader for the green sprinter's jersey by a single point, won his third stage in another wild and frantic finish--though his chief rival, Tom Boonen, maintained his hold on the yellow jersey for at least one more day. The overall standings saw only a few minor adjustments:

1. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
2. Robbie McEwen (Australia)
3. Michael Rogers (Australia)
4. Oscar Freire (Spain)
5. George Hincapie (USA)
6. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
7. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
8. Floyd Landis (USA)
9. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
10. Serhiy Honchar (Ukraine)

TdF: Images

TdF: Stage 5

The battle for the green jersey--the sprinter's prize--continued apace in the Tour de France today. Robbie McEwen and Tom Boonen are now neck-and-neck in the standings after a furious finish at the end of the 225K stage under overcast skies. But, it was Spaniard Oscar Freire who outsprinted the field to win his first Tour de France stage since 2002. The three-time world champion won the chaotic drag race down Guillou Boulevard in Caen, near France's northwestern coast and the beaches of Normandy.

The overall standings remain stable with six Americans still in the top twenty-five:

1. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
2. Michael Rogers (Australia)
3. Oscar Freire (Spain)
4. George Hincapie (USA)
5. Thor Hushovd (Noresy)
6. Robbie McEwen (Australia)
7. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
8. Floyd Landis (USA)
9. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
10. Serhiy Honchar (Ukraine)
11. Matthias Kessler (Germany)
12. Cadel Evans (Australia)
13. Christophe Moreau (France)
14. David Millar (Britain)
15. Patrik Sinkewitz (Germany)
16. David Zabriskie (USA)
17. Andreas Kloden (Germany)
18. Marcus Fothen (Germany)
19. Cyril Dessel (France)
20. Bobby Julich (USA)
21. Eddy Mazzoleni (Italy)
22. Yaroslav Popovych (Ukraine)
23. Christian Vande Velde (USA)
24. Vaugrenard Benoit (France)
25. Levi Leipheimer (USA)

TdF: Stage 4

There was little drama during the fourth stage of the Tour de France as Robbie McEwen extended his lead for the sprinter's green jersey and Tom Boonen kept the yellow jersey one more day. In addition, Americans George Hincapie and Floyd Landis kept pace with the front of the peloton, maintaining their frontrunner status through these flat and fast early stages-and Hincapie's Discovery Channel team has established a dominating presence with riders in the third, fifth, and seventh positions. As for the other Americans: Dave Zabriskie is in 17th place overall; Bobby Julich is in 22nd place; and Levi Leipheimer is in 27th place

It is not likely that we'll see any more drama (aside from the occasional accident perhaps) until the mountain stages next week. Thus, the overall standings are now:

1. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
2. Michael Rogers (Australia)
3. George Hincapie (USA)
4. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
5. Egoi Martinez (Spain)
6. Robbie Mc Ewen (Australia)
7. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
8. Daniele Bennati (Italy)
9. Floyd Landis (USA)
10. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)

Firecracker 5K

It was hotter than the firecracker it was named for. Nevertheless, more than 1300 people turned out early this morning for this annual 4th of July run at the Brentwood YMCA here in Middle Tennessee. Between the high humidity and the long delay at the start, the morning was not looking too promising at first--but once things got going, the fun really began. I was slow and sluggish, but no matter. I just love the atmosphere of a race. I love getting together friends that I might not ever have the opportunity to know otherwise. I love the comraderie. I love the charged atmosphere. I love the encouragement that seems to be the common currency of all runners. What a great way to start the 4th.

TdF: Stage 3

In a stage marred by crashes, including two ugly pile-ups that resulted in broken collarbones for American Fred Rodriguez, Erik Dekker, and yellow jersey hopeful Alejandro Valverde, the Tour de France saw a stunning sprint finish on the infamous Cauberg climb. Matthias Kessler--caught 50 meters from the line in the second stage--launched a last-minute attack on and won the third stage by just about the same margin. Then, his T-Mobile teammate, Michael Rogers, won the furious field sprint five seconds back.

At the end of the day, world champion, Tom Boonen, took over the yellow jersey at the end of the hilly 216.5 stage from Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg to Valkenburg in the Netherlands--just in time for a triumphant return to his homeland, Belgium, in the next stage.

Despite all the fireworks, Americans George Hincapie and Floyd Landis maintained their hold near the top of the overall standings:

1. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
2. Michael Rogers (Australia)
3. George Hincapie (USA),
4. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
5. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
6. Daniele Bennati (Italy)
7. Floyd Landis (USA)
8. Vladimir Karpets (Russia)
9. Serhiy Honchar (Ukraine)
10. Matthias Kessler (Germany)

Inspiration

Spurred on by both Tour de France and World Cup fever, I had a good, full, weekend of workouts. On Friday I was only able to run a three-miler. But on Saturday, I had a great five-mile hill workout and on Sunday, I knocked out seven flat miles. In fact, this morning I was a little sore. So, I just ran an easy two-miler. I want to be fresh and ready for the annual Firecracker 5K in Brentwood first thing tomorrow morning.

TdF: Stage 2

The flat Stage 2 of the Tour de France from the Alsace region of France and Germany into Luxembourg was dominated, not surprisingly, by sprint specialists like Belgium's Tom Boonen, Norway's Thor Husovd, and Australia's Robbie McEwen and Stuart O'Grady. Thus far, no real surprises. Two Americans remain in the top ten--with George Hincapie and Floyd Landis demonstrating that their early status as frontrunners was well warranted:

1. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
2. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
3. Robbie McEwen (Australia)
4. George Hincapie (USA)
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain)
6. Stuart O'Grady (Australia)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia)
8. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
9. Floyd Landis (USA)
10. Manuel Quinziato (Italy)

TdF: Stage 1

George Hincapie became just the fourth American to earn a leader's yellow jersey in the Tour de France ever--following in the footsteps of seven-time champion Lance Armstrong, three-time champion Greg LeMond, and time-trial specialist David Zabriskie. After a strong prologue time trial--just edged out by Norway's Thor Hushovd--Hincapie is among the new favorites following the withdrawal of Ivan Basso and Jan Ullrich on Friday because of doping allegations.

Though Jimmy Casper of France won a sprint finish to capture the first stage, Hincapie was able to gain precious seconds at an intermediate sprint near the end of the first stage held over a 185-kilometer course. Hushovd on the other hand was left lying on the ground with blood pouring out of a cut on his right arm after he appeared to have been hit by a spectator, as he jostled to get into a bunch sprint. Hushovd would have retained his lead had he finished among the top three on the day.

The overall standings are:

1. George Hincapie (USA)
2. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
3. David Zabriskie (USA)
4. Sebastian Lang (Germany)
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain)
6. Stuart O'Grady (Australia)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia)
8. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
9. Floyd Landis (USA)
10. Benoít Vaugrenard (France)

TdF: Prologue

Thor Hushovd won the 7K prologue of the Tour de France. He'll be wearing the yellow jersey as the first stage begins tomorrow. The Norwegian sprint specialist narrowly edged American George Hincapie by a mere 73/100ths of a second as the short time trial wound through the streets of Strasbourg.

Hincapie was followed by last year's time trial winner, American David Zabriskie. Yet another American, Floyd Landis, finished the day in ninth place, just nine seconds off of Hushovd's pace, which is just about the amount he lost when he showed up late to the start line. Apparently, Phonak team officials spotted a flaw on Landis's rear tire at the last second and pulled him out of the start house to change the wheel, hoping to avoid a flat, which would have lost him even more time.

So, after a shaky start--with a host of contenders dropped from the race under a cloud of doping suspicions--the Tour de France is underway with three Americans on the leader board and two Discovery Channel team members in the top ten:

1. Thor Hushovd (Norway: Credit Agricole)
2. George Hincapie (USA: Discovery Channel)
3. David Zabriskie (USA: CSC)
4. Sebastian Lang (Germany: Gerolsteiner)
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain: Caisse d'Epargne)
6. Stuart O'Grady (Australia: CSC)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia: T-Mobile)
8. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy: Discovery Channel)
9. Floyd Landis (USA: Phonak)
10. Vladimir Karpets (Russia: Caisse d'Epargne)

Tour de Chaos

Three of the top five finishers from last year's Tour de France were suspended today from this year's race under a cloud of doping suspicions and accusations. The scandal comes just one day before the the world's richest and most prestigious bicycle race was to begin its three-week, 2,270-mile, 23-day run.

This year's race, the first since seven-time winner Lance Armstrong retired, will be run without front-runners Ivan Basso, Jan Ullrich and Oscar Sevilla. At least 55 other riders, a host of team officials, and one whole team have also been sidelined, in large part because of police raids in Spain that found banned performance-enhancing drugs and other items and were said to have implicated dozens of top riders and coaches. The situation obviously throws the Tour into chaos--casting a pall over the entire sport.

Interestingly, the last Tour to start without Lance Armstrong was the 1998 race, which nearly imploded during a doping scandal eerily similar to the current crisis. Armstrong returned to competition in 1999 after cancer treatment and won seven straight Tours, and then retired after winning the race in 2005, leaving the field wide open.

Ullrich won the 1997 Tour de France and was a five-time runner-up. With Armstrong's retirement, the German rider was considered one of the favorites for this year's race. Now, Americans George Hincapie, Floyd Landis, Dave Zabriskie, and Levi Leipheimer may well leap to the top of the list of contenders.

Hot Jumps

It is hard to believe that June is nearly gone. Hard to believe, that is, until you try to run in the afternoon. I ran a quick 2 miles yesterday afternoon after I got home from work. It was brutal. The heat! It just sapped my strenghth and energy. My legs felt like lead. But then this morning, I ran again--about 5K. The cool morning air was invigorating. And I felt great--despite short sleep. Just goes to show: you really have to plan summer run times carefully in order to get in optimal workouts.

I read an interesting article in Runner's World about jump rope workouts and so I dragged out my old gym-rat rope last night. Man, oh man! I'd forgotten what a great aerobic workout that can be. I think I am going to try to work in regular jump intervals into my training schedule.

Yogi-isms

My dear friend and running buddy, Dave Minnigan, is always a mine of wisdom. That's us in the photo--just after the RC-Moon Pie 10-Miler. See, doesn't he look wise? A couple of weeks ago he reminded me of the old Yogi Berra wisecrack that "Endurance is eighty percent half mental." It has proven to be a great motivation for me as I try to whip my sorry carcass back into shape. It got me across the finish line in Bell Buckle. Last night, it got me through three miles on the hotel treadmill. And this morning it pushed me out the door to hit the streets of Hotlanta for three more. Let me be the first to confess, I did not really want to run at all yesterday or today--and I wasn't real sure I could indeed drag myself across the finish line even with the promise of Moon Pies as a reward. But, ultimately I did get out there and give it my best shot--knowing that my reticence was really only twenty percent half mental.

Boy, oh boy, am I glad I got that cleared up.

Amazingly, while I out this morning in the Olympic Centennial Park, I met up with three runners who asserted that they regularly read my blogs. They were as hot and sweaty as I was at the time--and they blamed me for it! What a great mess to have gotten good folks into!

It reminds me of another great Yogi-ism: "You gotta be careful about motivation; it makes you do the darndest things."

On the Road

I am currently on the road--attending a couple of conventions. As a result my training has to be squeezed around meeitngs and strange schedules. Nevertheless, I find that when I am on the road I am actually able to get in more and better workouts than I sometimes can at home. There are the great workout rooms at the hotels. There is the ability to slip away at strange times to get in a run.

After the RC-Moon Pie race, I thought I would be sore. That's me in the photo, dragging myself across the finish line. In fact though, the raceleft me feeling great--and ready for more. So, I got in a nice three-mile treadmill run on Sunday after church. Then, I was able to do two good three-mile runs on Monday--one in the morning and one in the evening. In addition, I was able to ride a bike about ten miles and do a complete weight room workout. Then yesterday, I took off down Atlanta's famed Peachtree Street for a nice easy three-miler.

RC-Moon Pie

The 12th annual RC-Moon Pie Festival is this weekend in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Besides all the ingenious crafts, the great food, the fun music, and various countrified-shenanigans, every year the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce hosts a hot and hilly 10-mile run.

Alas, I have not been able to prepare a great deal for this rather grueling event. I did get in a good 8-mile training run on Monday. But, I was traveling out of town all day Tuesday and had meetings all day Wednesday. So, I just slipped in a quick 3-miler this morning and decided to leave it at that. That means I will most assuredly have to run a Galloway strategy--probably with a 4-1-4 ratio. Even that will likely test my physical limits.

Despite that, I have to say that I am really looking forward to the experience. There is just about no other run that I enjoy more than this one. And besides, Karen and I get to spend the weekend in the delightful Mingle House B&B, eat at the amazing Bell Buckle Cafe, and enjoy the town's impeccable Southern hospitality.

Cool Country 5-Miler

This morning, the Cool Country Five-Miler was anything but cool! Though the start was at 7:30, it was already quite warm. And by the finish (at least by the time I arrived at the finish) it was nearly 90 degrees. I had intended this race as a warm up for next weekend's tough RC Cola-Moon Pie Ten-Miler. Warm up, I did. In fact, by mile three, I was really overheating and laboring.

I think what I need to do is to revert back to Galloway intervals when I've got hills or heat to contend with (and I will have both next weekend).

The good news is that even though I struggled to get through this one--I did it. And just having done it bolsters my confidence and my resolve for what lies ahead.

Getting Going Again

According to a study recently released in Britain, nearly sixty percent of all those who complete a first marathon never compete in an endurance event again. Nearly forty percent stop running altogether. The number rises to just over seventy percent upon completion of a second marathon.

When I first read these statistics, I was a little taken aback. But, now that I've had a chance to think about them a bit, I think I understand.

After accomplishing a marathon goal, it is hard to get back to the kind of training and sacrifice necessary to do it again. And at the same time, after doing something as monumental as a marathon, almost anything and everything else almost seems unworthy of serious attention. Such thinking is of course terribly debilitating and paralyzingly deceptive.

Runners have long noted the effects of the "post-marathon blues." But, there is an aspect of marathon recovery that makes getting back into any kind of serious training regimen terribly difficult even after the "blues" have long disappeared.

It is just hard to get going again. It is difficult to recast the mind, will, and emotions for another goal, another season, another race. That must be why so many people, even after all the grueling effort that goes into preparing for and then actually doing a marathon, just quit.

This week, I have run every morning and almost every night. And it has been a struggle every time to drag my sorry self out there. I have had a hard time adjusting to a summertime schedule. I have had a hard time adjusting to summertime temperatures. But most of all, I have had a hard time adjusting to a summertime mindset. So, it has been a matter of sheer will and determination to pound the pavement.

I'm doing about six miles a day. Physically, that is not a challenge at all--especially given how slow and easy I am taking it. But, the mental part is a huge challenge.

In less than two weeks I will be participating in one of the most difficult--and yet one of the most enjoyable--races of the year: the Moon Pie-RC Coal 10-Miler. I think that as a warm-up I may try to do the Cool Country 5-Miler this Saturday. What I am hoping is that these two very tangible and imminent goals will help me overcome whatever it is that is making my mental--and thus ultimately, my physical--return to a serious training regimen so terribly difficult.

Back in the Saddle

Jet lag is never easy to get over--but the older I get the harder it is. Yesterday, I got out nice and early while it was still cool and ran a very pleasant three miles. This morning, I got out a little later but still was able to run three and walk three. If I weren't so tired (from the jet lag, I think) I would be feeling pretty good right now. Regardless, it sure is nice to be back home and in the saddle.

Hiatus

I am not taking a hiatus from running, just from blogging. I will be overseas for the next two weeks. While I am in London, I am looking forward to running through parts of the Flora Marathon route. I'm also hoping to get by the marathon store in Covent Garden. I love running in new places--and I love exploring the running communities in new places. So, besides all the other wonderful opportunities that come with travel, I will have these added bonuses.

When I return, I'll only have a couple of weeks to prepare for one of my favorite races of the year, and one of the toughest, the RC Cola-Moon Pie Ten-Miler in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. It will be hot and hilly--but, oh, so much fun.

When I return from England, I will once again recount here my travails on the road.

Recovery

According to all the best authorities, it takes at least three weeks to properly recover from a marathon. I'm not sure I can wait that long to get back to full intensity training. I've run three times this past week--always short, easy runs with lots of walking. My schedule hasn't really allowed for much more than that. But every time, I felt great. And so I've been incredibly antsy.

At some point I want to take the time to reflect a bit more on my experience with this marathon. It was an incredible race. The weather was pretty near perfect until the last few miles when gusts of wind nearly blew the last remnants of resolve right out of me. The record-breaking crowd was amazing. The music along the route was great. The race was incredibly organized. The water stops were well-stocked and efficiently run. It was wonderful all the way around.

But, man oh man, 26.2 miles is a long, long way to run! And you really know it right around mile 21. That was when my body reminded me that it is not a good idea to run a marathon with Bronchitis and a sinus infection. That was also right about the time that my glycogen stores gave out. And of course, it was right when the wind started howling across the Cumberland River. I was well ahead of PR pace until then. Indeed, I was close to Boston-qualifying pace until then.

The good news is that I started thinking about my next really big race, the Moon Pie-RC Cola 10-Miler in Bell Buckle, just a few hours after I finished. I think that pretty much means that I'm hooked.

At the Marathon Finish

Done

I finished. It was really tough. Really tough. But, I did it.

My official chip time was almost exactly what I had gotten according to my watch. I came in at 4:10.51.

26.2

It is just after 5 AM and I am ready to go. I am not going to win anything. I am not going to impress anybody with my time. Nobody told me that I ought to do this. No one even asked me to do this. The fact is, I might not even be able to finish. So, why am I even attempting this? Why have I sacrificed for months and months for this moment?

To run a marathon is one of the most challenging things a person can ever attempt to do. And so just in the attempt, there is great satisfaction and accomplishment.

I am going out there this morning to try. And that is enough.

26.2 in 1

Registration packet. Check. Expo gewgaws sorted through. Check. Race day gear laid out. Check. Course strategy mapped out. Check. Pace chart and prayer list written out. Check. Obsess over every little detail. Check. Now, double-check everything I've checked--and then triple-check. Check. Check. Check.

OK. I think I'm ready. The only thing left to do is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate; carbo-load, carbo-load, carbo-load; rest, rest, rest.

Problem Solving on the Run

Obviously, when we run in a marathon we are stressing, straining, and depleting our bodies--to an extraordinary degree. I have found that in order to keep going beyond say fifteen miles or so, I have to take some pretty strategic steps right from the start of the race.

First, there is the matter of staying hydrated. The problem is that when we sweat, some of the water content we lose through our pores is actually taken from the blood supply. When blood volume decreases, heart rate needs to increase to pump the same amount of oxygen. Therefore, dehydration is always accompanied by a decrease in pace at a given heart rate. Studies of endurance athletes have shown that there is a 3% decrease in pace for each 1% decrease in bodyweight due to dehydration. So for example, a 190-pound runner like me could lose as much as 2-3 pounds of sweat per hour when running on a warm day. Thus during a marathon, I could conceivably lose 8-12 pounds resulting in about a 15% pace reduction. That could be as much as an extra minute or a minute and a half per mile. The only solution to this dilemma is to stay hydrated during the race. And the thing is, we can't rely on our thirst because by the time we are actually thirsty we've already started to dehydrate. It is equally important to not drink too much. The standard rule of thumb is that during a marathon we ought to drink small amounts often--so, for example, I never skip a water station on the course. But, I also try never to exceed 4-5 ounces (just a couple of good swallows) in any 10-20 minute period.

Second, there is the matter of keeping our body systems in balance. The problem here is that when we sweat we lose a great deal of our stores of sodium and potassium--which are the minerals our bodies use to balance their fluid and electrolyte levels. Thus, replacing lost sweat with water alone can be nearly as dangerous as dehydration. Hyponatremia, or sodium depletion, can lead to many of the same symptoms as heat stroke--headache, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, and dizziness. A lack of potassium can lead to paralyzing muscle cramps. Thus, it is important for us to supplement our sodium and potassium stores with sports drinks. I try to get a couple of swallows of Gatoraide or something similar at about every other water stop after mile five or so.

Finally, there is the problem of staying fully fueled for the three to five hours that we're actually out there on the course. Our bodies are constantly burning carbohydrates. As the miles add up, our carbohydrate stores become progressively depleted and our bodies will try to conserve what's left by burning fat. The problem is that fat is not a particularly efficient energy source. So, when we start running low on available carbohydrates, we inevitably slow down and wear out. That's where energy bars and gels come in. I usually try to start introducing small amounts of energy supplements around mile eight--and then every four or five miles after that.

It is a lot to think about. But then, during a marathon, there is plenty of time to think.

Expo Musings

Before every big marathon, the organizers put on a sports and fitness expo--as sort of "runners convention." It is where registered participants go to pick up their final instructions, their race numbers, their timing chips, as well as their goodie bags stuffed with coupons, adverts, freebies, and all the other pre-race flotsam and jetsam. Exhibitors hawk their wares and runners stock up on such peculiarities as "Body Glide," "GU" gels, race logo-wear, and all the latest and greatest gear.

The worst thing that a marathoner can do is spend too much time at the expo. You can really wear yourself out--especially at big expos like the one before the Country Music Marathon (this year registration should top 22,000 runners so there are lots and lots and lots of exhibitors).

I always like to get in early, make one complete circuit through the exhibts making mental notes of any of the stuff I might actually want to buy, and then make my way back through to actually make my purchases (that way I don't do any impulse buying and I restrain myself from getting anything more than necessities).

Call me crazy, but I find the expos very motivational. They are generally abuzz with all the hopes and dreams and excitement of runners ready to burst out of the gates toward their dream PRs.

Between appointments this afternoon, I made my way to and through the expo. And once again, I was inspired. The place was electric. I saw lots of friends. I didn't buy much of anything at all--just a disposal rain jacket in case the 70% chance of thunder showers that are forecast actually crashes our little party!

I had lots of fun and now I am in the frame of mind I need to be in to actually go 26.2.

Oh yeah, and the bronchitis I've been battling all week is actually a bit better. I'm coughing like a smoker--but, I am ready to roll, rain or shine.

26.2 in 2

Dr. Owen Anderson has observed, "It's strange, isn't it? The marathon is clearly the least-forgiving of all popular race distances, and yet runners probably make more mistakes preparing for this event than they do for all other competitions combined."

Yep. I resemble that statement. Preparing for 26.2 miles is a daunting challenge. Often we will do foolish things--desperate to gain some sort of an advantage. Sort of like a "get-rich-quick-scheme" for the body. So, we over-train. We introduce strange substances into our bodies. We radically alter our routine. We change our sleep patterns. We try gimmicky new gear. We panic. We lose focus. We forget our strategies.

Last year, I thought I was doing great in preparing for the Country Music Marathon. I did everything by the book right up to race day. On race morning, I had some queasy stomach issues, but nothing debilitating. The race began and I was doing fabulously. I kept right to my pace all the way through mile 11. But, I felt so great, had so much energy, and was so pumped up that I decided to discard my race strategy and just go for it. I started doing really fast mile splits. Really fast. Like, two minutes a mile faster than my planned pace.

Of course, I hit the wall. Slammed into it. Right at mile 21, my body shut down.

Until then, I was well on my way to a Boston qualifying run. But, after that, I was barely able to crawl across the finish line. My foolish beginner's mistake probably cost me a trip to Boston.

I won't make that mistake again. Of course, I'll probably make some other mistake. But then, that's life in this poor fallen world. For the moment though, I am back to doing everything by the book.

26.2 in 4

Just four days to go. I've gotta, gotta, gotta get well. I'm a little better, but the lingering Bronchitis is still pretty bothersome. The worst of it is the weakness--to say nothing of all the bother with medicine, herbal remedies, teas, et al.

My plan is to sneak in another easy run of about three miles this afternoon. Then, rest, rest, rest. I'm not yet carbo-loading. Indeed, I'm still Airborne-and-Vitamin-C-loading. But, I am starting to think about every meal.

I'm also mentally preparing. Experienced marathoners tell me that to run 26.2 requires a great deal of mental preparedness and strategizing--it is, they say, at this stage of the game 20% physical exertion and 80% mental endurance. So, I have watched the video of the course route several times--marking mental landmarks and establishing particular personal checkpoints along the way. I've made up my pacing chart. I've planned my hydration and nutrition stops. I'm about as ready as I am ever going to be.

Now is when the fun begins--if I could just get well.

26.2 in 5

It is a lousy time to get sick. But, it seems that every time I taper my body thinks that it is a good time to fall apart. So, after a fierce allergy attack yesterday afternoon, I found myself spiraling out of control and right into the nasty matrix of sinus infection and bronchitis. I am dosing up and hoping I can kick the bug quickly and sufficiently to run on Saturday. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Despite the nagging head and chest infections, I went out for a nice gentle three-mile run this morning. My legs felt great. Now if I can just get the rest of me to follow suit.

Spectators at the Marathon

The Country Music Marathon is quite a spectacle to watch. Thousands of friends, family members, and fans of road racing turn out along the course to watch and cheer. It is very exciting and lots and lots of fun. But with the crowds, getting around can be a bit of a challenge. I think that the two best places to watch the race are: at the beginning of the race, along Belmont Avenue, where you can see the runners go out and back (and you can get some great coffee at Bongo Java while you wait) and, toward the end of the race, just above downtown alongside the Farmer's Market (8th Avenue north), where you can also watch the runners go out and back. Afterwards, you can walk over the downtown bridges to the Titans stadium and watch the finish. For parking, the best bet is to park on the west side of the river downtown so that you can avoid the stadium traffic snarls. Again, just walk across one or another of the three bridges.

26.2 in 6

Go slow! That needs to be my motto from today until the end of the week. I need to focus on energy and effort conservation at all times; taking everything at as relaxed a pace as possible. I have a fairly full week ahead, so I am going to have to concentrate on keeping stresses to a minimum. I am going to have to try to avoid rushing about and doing everything at top speed--like what I usually do. Slowing everything down will allow me to focus instead of fire-fighting. Throughout this week, I am going to try and observe the maxim; "if I'm standing, I should be sitting; if my feet are down, they should be up." My aim is simply to save all my energy for Saturday's race. By the time I line up at Centennial Park, I want to be like a coiled spring, ready to give it my all and complete the Country Music Marathon with endurance, persistence, and determination!

26.2 in 7

Today, I took my last long run before the Country Music Marathon. I ran my regular ten-mile route--parts of which are quite hilly. Then I did a warm-down three mile walk. It felt great--though my knee and my back are a little achy now, a few hours later. Hopefully, those aches and pains will all vanish before the big day in just a week.

The plan for the coming week is to stay loose with a few short, easy runs, but also to get in some good rest, some carbo-loading, and some mental preparation for the 26.2 challenge ahead. It's still seven days away but already, I can hardly think of anything else.

26.2 in 8

I watched the OLN broadcast of the Boston Marathon on Monday. What an amazing race. Kenyan runners won both the men's and women's races. So, what else is new? Well, what else is new is the fact that eight of the top fifteen finishers were Americans--including third, fourth, fifth and seventh places. That is the best result in more than twenty years!

My friend Peter Pressman finished with a fine 4:13.32 and my cyber-friend Steve Walker soldiered on to a 5:33.41 finish despite serious stomache aches from almost the start. It was both great fun and tremendous inspiration following them in the race.

All this has come at just the right time for me. In just over a week I will be attempting to once again run the Country Music Marathon. Not that I'm really ready for this huge undertaking--at least, not physically. But, after all the great Boston hype, I am so excited to once again participate in something so remarkable.

I will never win a marathon. I will never even win my age group in a marathon. And no one will ever be impressed with my time. But, just to do this, just to compete, just to finish 26.2 miles, is more than enough for me.

This week I began my "taper." My training hasn't really been sufficient for a true taper. But, here I go. On Monday, I did a good ten-miler. On Tuesday, I did an easy six-miler. It was great. Today, I was going to do a long run, but thunderstorms have pushed it back to tomorrow. I am so looking forward to this challenge--and believe me: it is quite the challenge!

Boston Marathon History

Tuesday, March 15, 1887: The Boston Athletic Association was established, and construction began soon after on the B.A.A. Clubhouse at the corner of Exeter and Blagden Streets.

April 14, 1896: The marathon race at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896 served as the inspiration for the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, which was held the following spring.

Monday, April 19, 1897: The B.A.A. Marathon in Boston was originally called the "American Marathon" and was the final event of the B.A.A. Games--inspired by the events in Athens the previous year. The first running of the B.A.A. Road Race commenced at the site of Metcalf's Mill in Ashland and finished at the Irvington Street Oval near Copley Square. John J. McDermott, of New York, emerged from a 15-member starting field to capture the inaugural Boston Marathon.

Tuesday, April 19, 1898: In its second running, the B.A.A. Marathon welcomed its first foreign champion when 22-year-old Boston College student Ronald J. MacDonald, of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, won the race in 2:42:00. MacDonald's accomplishment foreshadowed the international appeal the race would later attract. Today, 19 countries can claim a Boston Marathon champion. The United States leads the list with 41 triumphs.

Wednesday, April 19, 1911: The legendary Clarence H. DeMar of Melrose, Massachusetts won his first of seven Boston Marathon titles. However, on the advice of medical "experts," DeMar initially "retired" from the sport following his first title. He later won six titles between 1922 and 1930, including three consecutive from 1922 through 1924. DeMar was 41 years old when he won his final title in 1930.

Friday, April 19, 1918: Due to American involvement in World War I, the traditional Patriots' Day race underwent a change of format. A 10-man military relay race was contested on the course, and the team from Camp Devens in Ayer, Massachusetts, bested the field in 2:24:53.

Saturday, April 19, 1924: The course was lengthened to 26 miles, 385 yards to conform to the Olympic standard, and the starting line was moved west from Ashland to Hopkinton.

Thursday, April 19, 1928: John A. "The Elder" Kelley made his Boston Marathon debut. Kelley, who won the race in 1935 and again in 1945, has the record for most Boston Marathons started (61) and finished (58). His final race came in 1992 at the age of 84. Meanwhile, Clarence DeMar captured his second straight title (his sixth overall). To date, only nine champions have returned to successfully defend their title. DeMar is the only one to have posted consecutive triumphs on more than one occasion (1922-24 and 1927-28).

Monday, April 20, 1936: The last of Newton's hills was given the nickname "Heartbreak Hill" by Boston Globe reporter Jerry Nason. When John A. Kelley caught eventual champion Ellison "Tarzan" Brown on the Newton hills, Kelley made a friendly gesture of tapping Brown on the shoulder. Brown responded by regaining the lead on the final hill, and as Nason reported, "breaking Kelley's heart."

Saturday, April 19, 1941: Leslie Pawson of Pawtucket, Rhode Island joined Clarence DeMar as the only champion to win the men's open race three times or more. Pawson first won the race in 1933 and added a second title in 1938. The pair has since been joined by Gerard Cote, Bill Rodgers, Eino Oksanen, Ibrahim Hussein, and Cosmas Ndeti.

Saturday, April 19, 1947: For the only time in the history of the men's open race, a world-record was established at the Boston Marathon when Korean Yun Bok Suh turned in a 2:25:39 performance.

Saturday, April 20, 1957: John J. Kelley became the first and currently lone B.A.A. club member to win the Boston Marathon. In addition, from 1946 to 1967, Kelley was the only American to win the race.

Tuesday, April 19, 1966: Although not an official entrant, Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Joining the starting field shortly after the gun had been fired, Gibb finished the race in 3:21:40 to place 126th overall. Gibb again claimed the "unofficial" title in 1967 and 1968.

Wednesday, April 19, 1967: By signing her entry form "K. V. Switzer," Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to receive a number in the Boston Marathon. By her own estimate, Switzer finished in 4:20:00.

Monday, April 20, 1970: Qualifying standards were introduced. The official B.A.A. entry form stated, "A runner must submit the certification that he has trained sufficiently to finish the course in less than four hours."

Monday, April 17, 1972: Women were allowed to officially run the Boston Marathon, and Nina Kuscsik emerged from an eight-member starting field to win the race in 3:10:26.

Monday, April 21, 1975: A trio of stories emerged from this race, as Bill Rodgers collected his first of four titles, Bob Hall became the first officially recognized participant to complete the course in a wheelchair, and Liane Winter of West Germany established a women's world-best of 2:42:24. Hall was granted permission to enter the race provided that he covered the distance in under three hours. Hall finished in 2:58:00, signaling the start of the wheelchair division in the race.

Monday, April 19, 1982: Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley became the first two runners to break 2:09:00 in the same race after dueling one another for first place over the final nine miles. Salazar emerged victorious from the thrilling final sprint to the finish, with Beardsley just two seconds behind in 2:08:54.

Monday, April 18, 1983: Joan Benoit won her second Boston Marathon in a world-best time of 2:22:43. Benoit, who won the Olympic Marathon the following summer, became the first person to win the Boston and Olympic Marathons. Greg Meyer, a resident of Massachusetts at the time, won the men's race and is the most recent American man to win the Boston Marathon.

Monday, April 21, 1986: Through the generous support of principal sponsor John Hancock Financial Services, prize money was awarded for the first time, and Rob de Castella of Australia earned $60,000 and a Mercedes-Benz for finishing first in a course-record time of 2:07:51. On the women's side, Ingrid Kristiansen of Norway captured her first of two Boston Marathon titles in 2:24:55 (she won her second title in 1989).

Monday, April 18, 1988: Kenya's Ibrahim Hussein finished one second ahead of Tanzania's Juma Ikangaa, and became the first African to win Boston or any other major marathon. Hussein, who also won in 1991 and 1992, established a trend in which African runners won 14 of 16 races.

Monday, April 15, 1996: The historic 100th running of the Boston Marathon attracted 38,708 official entrants (36,748 starters; 35,868 finishers), which stands as the largest field of finishers in history. Uta Pippig overcame a huge time deficit and severe dehydration in the final miles, among other difficulties, to become the first woman of the official era to win the race in three consecutive years.

Monday, April 20, 1998: The performances of Moses Tanui (2:07:34), Joseph Chebet (2:07:37), and Gert Thys (2:07:52) marked the first time in the history of the sport that three runners finished in under 2:08:00.

Monday, April 17, 2000: After seven consecutive victories (1990-1996) followed by three years as runner-up (1997-1999), Jean Driscoll won an unprecedented eighth title in the wheelchair division, moving her past legendary Hall of Famer Clarence DeMar for most all-time victories at Boston.

Monday, April 16, 2001: After an unprecedented ten consecutive victories by Kenyans in the men's race, Lee Bong-Ju of Korea halted the streak with his 2:09:43 win. The last Korean winner at Boston prior to Lee was Kee Yong Ham, who was the men's race champion in 1950.

Marathon Madness

The Boston Marathon is an extraordinary spectacle. Between 500,000 and a million spectators line the 26.2-mile course annually, making the marathon one of the world's most widely viewed one-day sporting events, according to estimates by police and public safety officials from the eight cities and towns along the route. And as if that were not enough, in terms of on-site media coverage, the Boston Marathon ranks behind only the Super Bowl as the largest single day sporting event in the world. More than a thousand media members, representing more than 250 outlets, have requested media credentials for the 110th running of the race this coming Monday. That's a big deal.

The Long and Short of It

I awoke this morning with a sore throat, no voice, and the sure signs of a springtime cold. Not a good thing for a day when I really needed to go long. I went through the motions, but by mile six, I was laboring terribly. My plan was to try to get in between twenty and twenty-two miles. I finally gave up the ghost at eighteen. That leaves me still uncertain about whether I can go the full distance at the Country Music Marathon in two weeks. I really should be ready to taper at this point rather than still trying to get in a good long run. Nevertheless, I am hoping I will be able to do one more long run before I start racheting down the weekly milage.

Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and one of the world's most prestigious road races. This year, the 110th running of the event--which is annually held on the Patriots Day holiday--will be contested this coming Monday, April 17. A maximum field of 20,000 qualifying participants (with qualifying times that are incredibly tough) will run the historic point-to-point route from Hopkinton to Boston. An estimated 500,000-1,000,000 spectators will line the 26.2-mile route, making the Boston Marathon one of the most popular, accesible, and exciting sporting events in America.

This year, the marathon will be broadcast live on OLN (the same Outdoor Life Network that broadcasts the Tour de France every summer) from 10:30 AM-1:30 PM CST. There will also be a broadcast rerun beginning at 4 PM CST. I can hardly wait. I'm actually taking the day off just to make sure I am able to see it all, from start to finish.

One of these days I'd love to run Boston--but I may have to move up several more age groups before I can reach the qualifying standards. Until then, I'll be content with OLN's coverage.

This Week

I've taken it pretty easy this week. On Monday, I ran five good miles on my hill route. Tuesday, I did three miles on the same route. Then today, I ran with my grandson in a jogging stroller--just three miles, but it felt like ten! Tomorrow, I will do my last really long run before the Country Music Marathon in two weeks. I am going to try to do between twenty and twenty-two miles in the morning--it will be a real test of how ready I am. If I struggle, if my knee starts acting up again, or if I just really don't have the conditioning to do it, I will settle for the half marathon on April 29. But obviously, I am still hoping that despite my on-again-off-again training schedule, I'll somehow be able to do the whole thing.

Going 19

How is it possible to run a twisting and curving, up and down, out and back route with the wind constantly in my face? Doesn't make a bit of sense. But, that is pretty much what my long run felt like today. I did my regular hill route and then made my way into Franklin, turned around, and came back to the hills. It was slow going because of the gusting winds. But, long runs are supposed to be slow going. I wanted to try to get in 22 miles or so but finally gave up the ghost at 19 and a half. Interestingly, when I got back home my Country Music Marathon confirmation packet was waiting for me in the mail. I'm still not entirely convinced I should run the full marathon. But, going 19 today sure helps.

Stormy Weather

Fierce thunderstorms, hail, and high winds pounded Middle Tennessee yesterday. While most of us in Franklin suffered only very superficial damage, tornadoes struck just to the north of us inflicting devastating damage. A cool front has now settled in across the region--the prevailing winds are still strong and the rain comes and goes. Not exactly the best weather for a long run. Nevertheless, I have to get one in today. So, I am going to bundle up and trundle out.

Dodging Thunderstorms

My run plans were interrupted today by severe thunderstorms, hail, and rumors of a tornado. Despite these difficulties, I was able to do just about three miles of good hill work. Hopefully by tomorrow, the bad weather will be past us and I can log my long run.

Tom King Photos

Hill and Tempo Work

Yesterday, I went out for a quick recovery run of two miles. It felt awful--I was still stiff from the half marathon debacle this weekend. Today was better. I got in three good miles of hill work. Another mile of flat tempo runs. And then, Karen and I walked three miles. So, I had a good balanced work out. Now what I need is a really good long run late in the week--maybe a twenty or twenty-two miler.

Jackson Marathon

This past Friday night I spoke in Memphis at the wonderful 10th anniversary celebration of Westminster Academy--a fabulous classical Christian school in Germantown. As I drove out of the parking lot of the church that evening, I made a last minute decision to run in Jackson the next morning. If I was going to do that then I knew I would have to drive a little more than an hour, find a hotel somewhere nearby the race, get settled in, and then be up early the next morning ready to run. I was feeling great, so I thought I'd give it a go.

Big mistake. I didn't get into my hotel until after 11 PM. Then, I had a hard time sleeping. I was just too exhausted. Ever have that happen? Too tired to sleep?

Well, the next morning, I awoke to discover that the temperatures had not cooled significantly over night. I knew it was going to be a hot one! And was it ever! Then, I found out that the course was hilly throughout. Oh boy! Everything was conspiring to make this more difficult than 13.1 miles really need to be.

But, even though it was just about the most painful and slowest half marathon ever, I did finish. On that particular day, that was more than enough for me!

It did reinforce the fact that I am still a long, long way from being ready for a full marathon! And I've got a full one to run in just three weeks!