Pere Marquette Run 2009

I've finally set a date for the run to Pere Marquette. It will take place on Saturday, August 1st. Choosing a date was fairly easy. I just looked at my race Schedule and found a weekend that was open. This is worrisome because I haven't left myself much time to train. It should be alright though. Now that I have a date I can start working on logistics, and whether or not I want to invite people to run along with me. Between the training and the planning there will be quite a bit of work to do.
My main concern regarding this run is the heat. Running 40+ miles in August might not be the wisest decision I have ever made but if I don't make the attempt then I won't have another chance until next year. I will however more than likely change this to a early spring run for 2010.

It Has Begun...

I ran the St Louis marathon a little over a week ago, and finished in 3:56:43. My goal was a sub 4, and I achieved it even with a hurt back, and rainy weather. I hope I have enough in me for another phenomenal season. I'm excited to find out. Next up is Run for Boniface 5k. I'm always chasing a Sub 20min in a 5k. The speed won't be there but by the time Sweat with the Vets rolls around in June it should be in the bag. I'm changing up some races so don't look for me at all of the races to the right. I'll update the list when I figure it out.
Wood River Tri is looming on the horizon, and guess what? I can't swim! I won't drown if I fall out of a boat but I'm not sure if I'll be able to swim 450 meters.

Does that sound like doubt? Yes, yes it does sound like doubt. Why are you doubting yourself?

Because I've never swam that far before. Not even close.

Really? I mean seriously! You have never doubted yourself before, ever. Why are you letting a measly 450 meters get to you. Did you doubt yourself at the start of the Berryman 50?

No

Then suck it up and make it happen! There is only one thing to do, and you know what it is. So no more doubt, no more self pity, no more wining. Get it done.

Ok

(this inner dialogue has been brought to you by the committee for a more complete understanding of what goes on inside the head of yours truly)

It's coming back around again

I'm running the St. Louis Marathon again this year and I am looking forward to it. I am confident that I will be able to break the four hour barrier.
In other news I am planning more Pere Marquette adventures this year. I have plotted the route that I will bike a few times, and eventually run. I don't have any dates yet but I should probably figure it out soon.
I also found out that the place in Grafton where we rent kayaks has a group discount. I hope we can get a good sized group together to take advantage of it.

I am an idiot!!!

OK so I was planning on registering for the Berryman 50 miler tomorrow, and guess what. I checked the website this morning only to find out that it is full. I don't know what I'm going to do now. My race schedule sort of hinged around that race so I feel let down but I also see the possibilities in being able to do some things that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do. I might do the 5 star century series. I will also have time to plan and complete the Pere Marquette Adventure that I have been wanting to put together. Anyway stay tuned to see what happens next......

Here's the deal...

So I've decided not to do the 100 mile race in April. My back went out again and I have missed too much training to feel comfortable going into a race that big. I was already behind on my training, and was relying on sheer force of will to get me through. I'm still going to run the 50 though so all is not lost, and barring any injuries I plan to run the Berryman 50 again this year. Not running the 100 is a big let down it is something I really wanted to do. I feel like I am going back on my word. I said I was going to do something and now I am not. Forces beyond my control have caused me to make this decision but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
In other news:
I signed up for a triathlon. The bike and the run will be no problem for me but the swim is going to be a real challenge. I plan to take swimming lessons at the Y to help learn efficient technique. I'm also in the Metro Tri Club's Fit To Be Tri'd program for first time triathletes my mentor whom I have yet to work with is a good swimmer, and from what I am told an all around great guy.
Last night was the Club's annual banquet. the food was not that great but as a vegetarian I've come to expect it from this sort of function. The presentation was great. The video of all races of the past year was fun to watch. I was even in the video eventhough I wasn't a member at the time. The club gives special recognition to what they call "Godzilla's of the Year". These are members who complete certain races and fulfill other requirements throughout the year. I have been thinking about going for it. However 4 of the events must be multisport. I was already planning on doing 2 so now I need to find 2 more. I am hesitant to do another tri with my swim being so questionable. The good news is that adventure racing counts as multisport, as well as biathlons (bike and run, no swim). I have until August to work on the swim so I'm thinking I should be alright by then, maybe I will do another tri...
This year in racing is going to be an interesting one that is for sure. I've had offers to be on several relay teams.

I'm "Back"

My back has been hurting lately so I haven't been able to run much.  I need to get my mileage up, and soon.  The good news is that my insurance covers Chiropractic care.  I've never been to the Chiropractor but I am willing to give it a try.  My insurance also covers ultrasound which Megan used on my achilles tendon so effectively.  Now I need to find a good Chiropractor.

Today I am going to run at least 6 miles.  If I feel good enough I will run farther.

A Glance Back At 2008, And A Peak At 2009

(above) The last training run of 2008. 9mile E'ville loop

2009 is finally here!! I had planned on doing a "2008 Year in Review" post but it came out a bit long so I figured I would just sum up the highs and lows of 2008 quickly and move on.

Highs
Sweat with the Vets 5k: A new PR 21:25

Berryman Trail 50 Miler: 12:23:31 Did I just run 50 miles?

Wild in the Woods trail series: Way faster than last year. 2nd place in my age group. Hey where's my hardware? Oh I see, only 1st place gets the take home award. I guess I'll run faster next year.

Lewis and Clark Marathon?: So that's what its like trying to run a marathon in the path of a hurricane. Runners are crazy.

Lows
Go! St Louis Marathon: Under trained, under prepared, over weight. This race was demoralizing like a good marathon should be, but that doesn't mean I had to like it.

Lewis and Clark Marathon?: After St Louis I was ready to finish Sub-4 hour, and I was on pace to do so, but Ike had other plans for me.

Well those are the Highs and Lows of 2008 at least as far as running goes. It was really great year and I am looking forward to running several races in 2009. Here is a tentative list of the races I have on the calendar for the coming year.

McNaughton Park 100 Miler: Why the hell not?

Berryman Trail 50 Miler: I really enjoyed this race last year. Hopefully I'll improve my time.

Conquer CastleWood: Two person teams, canoeing, biking and running. Sounds like fun.

Wood River Tri: I've got the bike and the run down. What was that other event? Hmm... Looks like I've got some work to do.

Lewis and Clark Marathon: Hopefully this year the weather will cooperate. This could possibly be my last marathon.

Wild in the Woods trail series: I love this series. Trail are where it's at in 2009.

This list is by no means complete or final. I want to leave some room for changes and additions just in case an interesting races pops up. I will not be running the St Louis Marathon this year because it falls the week after McNaughton, however the Albert family will still be represented by my daughter Nicole. This will be her first marathon and currently it will be her first race ever. So much for getting your feet wet. She'll be able to do it, but I don't think she fully appreciates how hard it is going to be.