Saturday Morning was my first run of the season with Kenyan Way and it started off with me at the back of the pack. In fact, I was beyond the back of the pack thanks to the ol’ “gotta go now” feeling barely a hundred yards in.

I did a 180 and was thankful to discover there was no line at the port-a-johns. Hence I quickly completed my biological business and recovered from my aborted start. The Running Gods may have been snickering at their little joke, but I would have the last laugh. There was no panic once back on the road. I settled in with an easy pace, not worrying about the pack because I knew I would catch up to the back sooner or later. It would be sooner.

Other than that early hiccup, the run was non-descript. Well, until I caught Lee prior to the final water stop. Lee is training for his first marathon (hopefully Houston) and was a bit worried about making it back to base without getting lost. Being a former marathon coach (specifically for first timers) I opted to run him in those final few miles. And that is when I heard the beeping. It would not stop.

Although knowing exactly what it was, I posed a question regarding the incessant noise assaulting my ears. His watch was set for a specific pace and he was well over it, thus the beeping was a constant reminder.

Now I cannot blame Lee. While many of us know an individual running their first marathon should focus more on finishing than on time as a goal, I suspect that many of us had a time in mind and either consciously or sub-consciously were at least as focused on time as we were on finishing.

The problem is, and most of us know this from experience, we can never predict what impact marathon training will have on our bodies, and how well we can perform. Unfortunately for Lee, he – like many other first time marathoners, consulted a pace calculator to determine how fast he “should” run his first marathon. Oops.

During my years of coaching I learned that the drop out rate from marathon training groups isn’t about not being able to run a marathon, it’s about not making an arbitrary pace number when the half marathon and 25K runs come around. Pace is determined on an assumption that I can run a 5K in X, therefore I should run the marathon in Y. Or the pace calculator said… Sadly, this can lead to increasing frustration and eventually giving up.

Pace calculators and the like are good for experienced runners who have a marathon or more under their belts. I will concede there are some runners training for their first marathon who are exceptions and can pull a goal from a pace calculator, but they are likely well-trained and either elite or bordering on elite.

Personally, I think it’s mostly ridiculous to ask a person to forego any thoughts of time and focus only on doing what is necessary to finish. A number is always going to be looming and the job of any coach (training group or training plan) should be to get them to accept it.

How do we find the number? Execute and adjust; then find the baseline. I say execute and adjust because the first several long runs are an orientation period. Many new marathoners-to-be will go out too fast, therefore they need to adjust for the next run. Execute and adjust again until they have found a pace where they can finish the run without being finished for the day. Then we can get a baseline and work from there.

Will the baseline change? Indeed. As speed work and hill work is introduced into the training program a runner may become not only stronger, but faster. Conversely, the increasing miles and the longer runs may take a toll on a runner and require them to slow down or modify their training plan.

Ideally, a first time marathoner will focus strictly on getting through 26.2 miles. However, we have to accept the time component will always be lingering in the background. As coaches, mentors, and experienced runners, it’s up to us to help our new brethren find the right number – because it’s likely not coming from a pace calculator. We can leave that for their second marathon!

This week found me in the land of stars and cars. Where it doesn’t matter what you do, but how you look doing it.

I was working right next door to Hollywood and during my meanderings in the area I learned of a travesty. How can it be that blogging stars such as Adam, Miss Zippy and Nitmos are not honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame? Yet, as horrifying as it sounds, Michael Bolton does have a star on the Walk of Fame.

I need to call someone in charge.

Training

Training has begun for the Columbia Gorge Marathon (you know, where all the cool folks are going to be) in October. Check out this hill profile:

Allow me to begin by congratulating Adam on his stellar BQ performance in Eugene, Or yesterday. Hard work and a smart run were definitely the recipe for his success.

The only downside to this momentous accomplishment is that I believe it is an unwritten rule and a hard and fast expectation that all BQ runners have a fashion sense about them.

Um, good luck with that Adam. But more importantly, congratulations again!

Last One

This past Saturday I ran more than six miles, but probably less than seven. I can’t give you a number, which I am sure frustrates many of my running readers. I also can’t give you a time because I don’t know what time I left the house and what time I returned. All I know is I had a pleasant run to start my day.

But the days of running Garminless are over. My training for the 2012-2013 season began this morning, hence last night I plugged in the Garmin for a charge and the lonely 0% became an excitable 100% overnight.

Baseline Gone Bad

A running baseline is only about as good as the day it was run on. There are so many factors that can differ from day to day that replicating the exact conditions is essentially impossible. That said, when taking in the long view, the number (whatever it may be) does serve a purpose.

Thus this morning I strapped on the Garmin and went for a comfortable run. Not easy; not pushing it; comfortable. And ended up with a baseline that may need to be re-baselined, if you will.

4.31 miles at a 10:10 pace. I am not worried about the number – it is what it is. But it may not be as accurate as I had to tie my shoes three different times. Totally my fault. I finally double-knotted them, but the damage was done.

Then again, it’s not that big of a deal. Analysis this early in training is worthless anyway.

So, should I re-baseline or should I start every run by tying my shoes three times?

Upload This

I ran for over two months and ran four races without the Garmin. Garmin Connect obviously missed me since my last upload was February 4th. Yikes! I am actually uploading right now, so it will be interesting to see what I missed.

Taste Me

Saturday afternoon several friends gathered at the physical version of the Last Mile Lounge for a Cigar City Brewing beer tasting. Six beers, including three special brews were on the menu: Bolita (Double Brown), Big Sound (Scotch Ale), 110+OT (Batch #2 – India Russian Imperial Stout), Church on a Hill (Collaboration with Swamp Head Brewing – Barleywine), Kalevipoeg (Baltic Porter) and El Murcilielago (Double Cream Ale aged in Tequila Barrels).

That’s right, we went big. Definitely not something for the weak of heart. This was not any namby pamby stuff, but a flight of beers for the adventurous.

All the beers were excellent in their own right. There was not really a clear favorite, which I think is excellent not just from a beer standpoint, but from a tasting standpoint.

And Finally

Lady J scored me a big (3 litre) bottle of Stone Double Bastard for an Anniversary gift. This in addition to the big bottle of 15th Anniversary Imperial Black IPA she gave me over Christmas.

Yup, this is a party in itself!

It was eleven years ago today I willingly chained myself to Lady J on a sunny Florida morning. Happiness has ensued despite a few bumps in the road. I find it hard to believe she has put up with my sh*t for so long.

Compared to most, I married late. But I think the advantage is that I chose someone I wanted to be married to for the rest of my life. Despite the expectations of society, I got to know, by trial and error (many errors thank you very much) what was right for me and more importantly, what (or who) wasn’t.

We are herded by an image of perfection and expectations of societal norms. Find the perfect mate, marry, and spawn. By conventional standards the perfect mate is often elusive and in our rush to meet the expectations of our parents, our friends, and our extended family we can lose sight of who we are and the reasons for shacking up with someone for a lifetime.

Starting late in the game caused worry among many. But my patience (and my dorkiness) brought me to a place where I met a woman who is not perfect, but is perfect for me. And for eleven years I have loved her.

She keeps me grounded as much as she supports me. She is my light at the end of every road trip. Words are meaningless because most times her presence is more than enough. That’s where I want to leave it; her presence. In her presence I am a better person. I am a happy person. For that I am thankful.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful wife.

There are many ways to start this post, but I want to begin by thanking two groups of people. First, those of you who donated to the cause several months back and second, those who followed Lady J’s race via my Twitter Account.

As for Lady J, she rode further this past weekend than she has ever ridden before, on consecutive days no less. She struggled and she persevered. In the end, she finished. When she texted me from the last Break Point, I had to hold back tears because I knew, as hard as it was, she was going to make it. I am so darn proud of her.

The BP MS150

The BP MS150 ride from Houston to Austin is the largest of its kind in the country. Over 13,000 riders set out on Saturday for the two day bike ride and raised over 17 million dollars to battle Multiple Sclerosis.

Over those two days I had the opportunity to see great athletes and every day people ride for a cause. It was not a race, although some treated it as such. It was, in every sense of the word, a communal gathering of cyclists with a common goal, regardless of how uncommon many may be,

Coordination

To say this event is a logistical nightmare is likely an understatement. Even a point to point marathon is over after several hours and at most encompasses 27 miles of real estate. Now consider getting over 13,000 riders 180 miles from Houston to Austin through many small towns. Consider the quantity of miles done on two lane roads that are not closed to the public. Factor in the Break Points (Rest Stops) every 8 – 16 miles. Further, you have got to move the Austin riders to Houston for the start and return the Houston riders from Austin at the finish. And don’t forget their bikes!

Did I mention the overnight in La Grange. The BP MS150 takes over the County Fairgrounds as well as a sister site a few miles away. Further, all hotels in a fifty mile radius are booked solid and transportation is required for all the riders – because not everyone can fit in La Grange (and because some opt for a hotel versus a sleeping bag).

Buses, vans, semi trucks, and golf carts make up the bulk of the transportation, although over-shadowed by the sheer number of bicycles. From a coordination stand point it has to be artful chaos.

Tent City

On Saturday, the population of La Grange easily quadruples with the influx of riders, volunteers, support personnel and the family and friends of riders. The County Fairgrounds are transformed into a tent city. Most tents are sponsored by a well known corporation to host the riders on their team. The amenities in each tent vary by sponsor. Mattress Firm had real mattresses for their riders. Several different tents featured live entertainment. Southwest Airlines had free massages. Some tents went for simple fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs, while others had gourmet catering. While shower trucks had showers available for the masses, some sponsors had private showers for their riders.

Throughout the day riders are arriving in a single non-stop wave. The cheering never stops and neither does anything else. The atmosphere is loud and it is hard to find a place for a moment of quiet. Buses are constantly coming and going; there is a main stage with live bands; other tents feature two-person bands or are playing movies; there is a constant buzz that leaves your ears ringing. Combine the fumes spouting from buses, vans, and golf carts with the lingering smell of sweat and it is almost a noxious cloud.

But it is all about revelry. And fixing broken bikes. And repairing ailing bodies.

The Riders

I am not a cyclist. I ride, yes. But I do not consider myself one of their kind, if you will. But like runners, each one is amazing in their own way. For me, the saying “it’s just like riding a bike” has fallen by the wayside. Some of these athletes make riding a bike seem so easy. They are fluid and appear to be exerting no effort whatsoever. They are not rolling, they are gliding down the road. A hill is not an obstacle, but merely a bump. For others, more effort is necessary. They don’t look sleek and any incline is a struggle. But they keep moving forward.

We runners sometimes knock on cyclists, but in their own element they are cordial, they are fun, they are just like us.

The Amazing

On day one, a rider with a broken bike heaves it up on his shoulder and jogs it into La Grange.

Not one, not two, but at least three unicyclists.

The rider who rode the entire course in cowboy boots.

The rider, who with two hundred yards to go blows a tire and could have walked his bike in, instead chooses to change his tire so he can ride in. His friends wait for him and they go in together.

The teammates, who stopped a turn before the finish and waited nearly an hour for everyone in their group to show up so they could cross the line together.

Groups of five, ten, even fifteen teammates riding the entire route together. One group that came in was 29 strong.

The many riders with MS who did the ride.

The look of exhaustion and determination on rider’s faces as they conquered the last hill prior to the finish line.

Effort

Because the BP MS150 is not a race, there is no winner. There is someone who arrives first, but that is as much a product of a favorable start time as it is athleticism and training. The BP MS150 is a charity ride and it is about the effort. The effort to raise funds for the cause of MS and the effort to undertake a two day grueling ride through the hills of Texas. There are no medals, there are no awards, and the course is devoid of cheering throngs. Even the finish line featured fewer spectators than a typical half marathon. But the riders didn’t seem to care. I am not saying they did not appreciate the few folks who were out there, they definitely did (I know this because I was cheering all day Sunday in multiple locations). But the riders were driven by something else.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to cheer riders on as they climbed the final hill of the ride. I tweeted, “Some riders powering up the hill with everything they have left. Other riders giving every last ounce to keep moving.” And that sums up what this is all about. The effort.

My congratulations to all the riders of the BP MS150. Thanks for letting me into your world for a weekend.

Dinner and a Beer

My current project has me up in Michigan and this past Tuesday evening I had the fortuitous opportunity to meet up with The Redhead and her man, Spike. This was my first time meeting Spike and he is definitely a good man, which means Red must be pretty darn special in his book, if you know what I mean!

We hooked up at the Michigan Brewing Company Pub in downtown Lansing, where parking is free after 6:00 PM (#winning). The food was good and the conversation was most excellent. A good time was had by all, especially me because Red scored me a special Caution Redhead Running Members Only care package prior to departure (#morewinning)!

I am looking forward to our next meet up in May.

Running on the River

Prior to meeting Red and Spike I took time to run on the Lansing River Trail, which takes folks along the Grand River before splitting and heading to points South, East and West.

It’s a very nice course to run. Mostly asphalt with several wooden bridges and just a smattering of concrete. I only had time to explore the North leg of the trail, but thus far I am impressed. More cities need to have trails like this for runners, walkers and cyclists.

I would love to tell you how far I ran, but I am still running Garminless, which is a fabulous feeling. So let’s just say I ran “that” far.

She is Wise

Responding to my post regarding the Boston/Marathon Record debate, Missy proclaimed, “Perfectly stated. Great post.”

Aw, shucks!

Mango Mania

Less than a week after I upgraded to a Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone, Lady J followed suit. I can only assume she likes it because she told me that I can stay on the road as long as I like.

Hey now…

Cycling for MS

Tomorrow morning Lady J and thousands of other riders will embark on the MS 150 Houston-Austin Bike Ride.

Because of her shoulder injury and subsequent surgery, Lady J did not get as much training in as she would have liked. Further, the weather does not look favorable for cycling. However, I have confidence she will persevere and look forward to supporting her on the course.

Send Off

Before I send you off to your weekend activities I would like to brag about the company I work for. Corporate Responsibility Magazine recently announced Microsoft is among the Top 3 Best Corporate Citizens for 2012.

Word!

Peeps of the Lounge, go forth and have a splendid weekend. Choose your runs and your beers well!

You didn’t know there was a blog tax? Sigh, I guess only 1%ers read my blog. I however, am not in the 1% and take my tax responsibility seriously.

Installment #1

Adam recently posted on his “bad” runner fashion. I personally think running and fashion do not go together, but some looks are more dorky than others.

How dorky?

According to this polar bear, caught on film as Adam ran by, pretty darn dorky.

You are aware that the Polar Bear is the State Animal of Arizona, right?

Installment #2

I don’t know whether I should be concerned at my lack of surprise over the following tweet:

Unfortunately this is not an isolated tweet. I wonder if this person is aware his tax return is due today.

Installment #3

Congratulations to all who survived the Boston Marathon in yesterday’s heat. Having run a marathon in 90 degree temperatures I know perseverance and smarts are of the utmost importance.

Also, a “hidy ho” to all the spectators and volunteers who supported the runners throughout.

And with that, my blog tax is paid in full.

As I stand on the cusp of 50, more and more of me is breaking down. I just returned from the optometrist and found out my eyes have gotten worse after several years of leveling off. This is probably my fault and I am sure it has to do with running. My mom always told me that if I run too much I’ll go blind…or something like that.

Oh, and I like how optometrists are taking the stigma out of “bi-focals” and calling them “progressive” lenses. I don’t know whether it is better to be “bi” or “progressive” – but it should be a personal choice if you ask me.

Nitmos notes, “Oy, you are in the Lansing area?! Don’t go running me down with your rental car. I bruise easily. Also, take to running in the afternoons/evening. It’s the only warmish way to go this time of year.”

Splendid idea. Not the running in the afternoon/evening suggestion, by the way. When does Nitmos Season open in Michigan?

Adam, the Boring Runner, pointed out, “Hefty hefty hefty!’

Hanging head in shame. Yes, I need to drop a few.

Miss Zippy, who has been bitching about the weather all week, felt it was necessary to gloat about her womanliness or something, “What’s wrong with you? Shorts and tee, with no gloves or hat, is perfectly appropriate for 26 degrees and wind”

I am merely going to take the high road and say, ‘good luck in Boston on Monday.’

What I have learned after a week in Michigan is that black is the predominant color for automobiles. Something about finding them in the snow drifts.

I just picked up some Stink Free from 2Toms. I have two pair of shoes to test it on. Review forthcoming.

I don’t mind the hair on my head or chin turning gray silver. It’s those other places that it weirds me out.

Working for Microsoft, I needed to upgrade my phone to a Windows Phone and did so this week, purchasing the Nokia Lumia 900. I will say this, it is the perfect phone for the social animal. Although I am not as social as most (sayeth the guy with a blog, a Twitter Feed, and a Facebook Account), I do like that the people I care about the most are at my fingertips.

Jill let everyone know that, “If Nitmos says ‘whatever,’ then that’s that!”

Jill is obviously someone who worships at the Church of Nitmos – Kool aid optional.

Viper dropped some words about my giving up beer and then reneging, “Giving up beer was just silly to begin with. I’m happy to hear you’re back to drinking responsibly.”

Responsibly? What is this? Is this a Chinese word?

Kids, don’t drink and drive. And by all means stay away from heavy machinery, even if you are sober.

The weekend beckons. Choose your beer wisely and make your run a fun-filled affair. Hey, whipped cream is fun. Just sayin’…

ON THE JUKEBOX: Her Strut – Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band

Redemption! After wimping out yesterday I stepped out into an invigorating 30 degree morning and headed East toward downtown Lansing. No hat, no gloves, no problem. The sky was a deep Michigan Blue, propping up a lazy half moon. A light breeze, just enough to fill out a flag, meandered through the streets that were slowly filling with early risers.

Several miles and a few waves and greetings later I returned with rosy cheeks, pink fingers, and nearly blue ears. Snot crumbles may have been clinging at the edge of my nostrils, but an internal smile was trying to make its way out.

Random note. I didn’t get to run my desired route because of a dearth of streetlights. Hence, I had to stick to the main thoroughfare. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the sidewalks. Not new, but definitely in good shape.

Boston Debate

With the upcoming Boston Marathon on many minds, I point you to an interesting debate on competitor.com regarding the “non-record” of 2:03:02 run by Geoffrey Mutai last year.

The Boston course fails IAAF standards in at least two categories; net elevation drop (477 feet) and the rule requiring the separation between start and finish to be no more than 50 percent of the race distance.

Some will argue that the nature of Boston’s course, regardless of the elevation drop, is a punishing one due to the early hills and steep drops that can shred your legs. Others also note that conditions rarely align perfectly, perhaps once every twenty years, to make Boston a faster/easier course than a flatter course such as Chicago.

I think the debate is interesting not based on whether or not Mutai’s time should be recognized as a record, or whether IAAF rules are fair, but because it goes to show you how much alignment is necessary for a great race. On any given day, on any given course, anything can happen, whether it be positive or negative. Weather conditions, course conditions, and personal conditions all play an important part of every race.

And to me, that is part of the joy derived from running. The sometimes deadening feeling of accomplishment for persevering on a less than optimal day; the ecstasy of a perfect run; the jubilation of crossing the finish line, regardless of time, knowing you pushed as hard as you could.

In my opinion, Geoffrey Mutai has a PR of 2:03:02 (and I will personally recognize it as the fastest marathon run to date). The reason is because he put himself in position to take advantage of perfect conditions. And shouldn’t that be our goal? It does not matter whether one is running for a time goal or not.

Granted, on some days we just survive, but on that perfect day, when the stars align and Mother Nature provides the best possible weather while the Running Gods smile upon you, regardless of the distance and regardless of the course, shouldn’t you be ready?

ON THE JUKEBOX: I Run – Slim Thug

Have you ever been excited about a run and ensuing blog post that never happened? If so, call me a club member. To wit, this morning I was jazzed I was going to be able to write, “the difference between my last two runs was 64 degrees.”

Unfortunately, this morning’s run did not happen because of my propensity to travel as light as possible. Winter running necessities such as gloves and hat were removed back in early March from my luggage as inconsequential. Who knew I would encounter 26 degrees and an ill wind? Welcome to Michigan; please bring more than just a pair of shorts and a short sleeved shirt for a morning run.

The 26 degrees I can handle. The wind? Call me a wimp, who retired directly back to the rack for another 45 minutes. Of course, when I heard the words “freeze warning” on the evening weather report I should have not even bothered in the first place.

Micah True

By now, the unfortunate demise of Caballo Blanco is old news. But he is not forgotten as an exhibit titled “Run! Super-Athletes of the Sierra Madre’” at the University of Pennsylvania has been dedicated to his memory.

Not So Wordless

How is it that almost every “Wordless Wednesday” picture has text associated with it? And by the way, “Mostly Wordless Wednesday” is a cop out, in my opinion.

Fail

The no beer proclamation is dead and buried. I forgot my obligation to the economy and do not want craft breweries to suffer. Actually, I was doing something that goes against everything I preach and that was making a temporary change versus a lifestyle change.

The truth is, I do not drink much beer to begin with. During the week, my beer consumption is mostly non-existent. On weekends, I don’t necessarily limit myself, but typically only have a few beers, although they are probably “big” beers.

To lose weight I need to consistently make good choices and not take the lazy way out. I normally eat lots of veggies and other goodness, but sometimes travelling on the road I get caught up in the easiest eating solution and that is the change I need to make.

Free Shoes!

Adam over at The Boring Runner is giving away shoes. Oddly, it’s not because he is independently wealthy, but because of his inside the running shoe industry connections. Yeah, I was surprised to. Regardless, if you are in the market for some New Balance, head on over and enter!

Get Down Tonight!

OK peeps, it’s Wednesday. Go get your hump on!

ON THE JUKEBOX: Cruisin’ – Michael Nesmith