The Bench at the Top of the World

I've been running seriously now for about two years.

Every once in a while it's all I want to do.

Sometimes I don't want to do it at all.

Occasionally I wonder why I do it.

If I'm up at 5:30 a.m. then I really wonder why I'm doing it.

If I'm climbing up a Mountain at 5:30 a.m. then I'm seriously beginning to doubt my own sanity.

On Saturday, each and every one of those went through my mind. 

With me growing tired of the normal running routes around here, and with my buddy Mike has apparently been bit by some kind of radioactive Australian tiger Beetle, it only made sense that we try to run up a mountain that was matched in size only by our desire to appear cooler than we actually are.

The Mountain at Garapata State Beach.

I don't use the term "mountain" lightly.  I grew up in Lake Tahoe.  We have actual mountains.  I've lived in the  South.  They have actual hills, but they're not mountains.

Clearly, this was going to hurt.  And it isn't even 6:30 a.m. yet.  Dammit.

The impetus for this little adventure was the desire to simulate another mountain.  A mountain that is going to appear at roughly the 30 mile mark of the North Face Endurance 50 miler in December.  This will be a first for both Mike and myself.  Neither one of us consider DNFing an option and want to do everything we can to prepare.  So we needed a mountain to simulate a mountain.  We found it.  Now we just needed to chop it down with the edge of our hand. 

The loop we were interested in was 4.5 miles or so with about 2000 feet of elevation gain in the first two miles.  This is actually more aggressive than the climb we'll face in the race, so it suits our needs perfectly.  Let's do this.

Any good military man can tell you that your plan will never survive first contact with the enemy.  It was as true with this mountain as it was in Afghanistan.  The plan according to Tony Robbins Mike was to do at least three laps in order to get some decent miles in.  We had visions of doing as many as five.  

We ended up doing two.

The first two miles is almost entirely straight up and was easily a 30% grade.  I was tasting rusty nickels inside of twenty minutes and could hear the beat of my heart through my eardrums.  If there was any solace whatsoever during the climb it was the face that the mountain didn't keep its misery hidden from you.  There were not really any false plateaus and no real sense of "being done" until you actually were.

And although running can often be a cruel mistress, and a grumpy old bat that leaves you with all kinds of thoughts of incredulity about yourself, one occasionally gets a look at what it looks like when the ship of expectations pulls into the harbor of sheer amazement:

Somebody get me a beer.

If you're curious, here is the elevation profile of this monster, keeping in mind we did the loop twice.

The end result of this was mountain of alchemy that turned my quads into lead, but a run that helped to answer all of the tough questions. 

You get up early.

You run when you don't wanna.

You wonder just what the hell you're doing.

And then, you sit.

You look downward.

And you see a rainbow resting on a cloud.

Oh yeah . . .

THAT'S why.

By Marcus with 4 comments

Symmetry, Balance and the remains of the day

I read a comment on the DailyMile the other day that really struck me.  In essence, it was from a woman who was lamenting the fact that her husband absolutely hated her running.  The time and money she invested were both cited as reasons for his disdain and the result was that she clearly felt alienated and I'm sure, more than a little upset.  I can't say as I blame her.

I myself am blessed with a loving and supporting spouse.  One that takes an emotional pounding on a regular basis as a result of my job in the military.  Constant moves and deployments make having a "normal" life almost impossible.  We've been married ten years (soon to be 11 in just two weeks!) and have three of the most beautiful and intelligent daughters one could ever hope to have.

We've also learn to love each other's passions and that has been a great, if not initially hidden, reward for the both of us.  The story goes something like this.

She loves music.  -With the intensity of a thousand white hot burning suns.-  She can get lost in it, interacting with the notes, pitch and melody in ways that most of us don't.  She hears things that most of us don't even think about, and she has self-taught mixing skills that have landed her actual paid gigs and quite a bit of compliments from some respected folks in the industry.  She's good.  She knows what she's doing.  And I don't understand music at all.  I'm a musical idiot.

What I do understand is the way she lights up with an inner glow that can only come from something that flips your "soul" switch to the "ON" position.  Watching her mix is an amazing experience.  Her passion translates from the inward understanding of the music, to the tactile act of placing fingers on dials and sliders.  It's quite something to watch and, dare I say, sexy as hell.

And that's all I need to know.  This is her method of getting in tune with her heartbeat, something that all of us can appreciate.  I don't need to debate the value of her time or energy investment because the return on that investment can't be measured.  It makes her happy.  That, in turn, brings a smile to my face.  It's a symbiotic relationship that begins with that understanding and continues with my desire to learn about the connection she has with this art form.  Admittedly, my musical knowledge is kiddie-pool deep (hell, I met David Guetta and help him move his Lamborghini and didn't even know it) but learning something about music helps me understand her better.  And that's a goal worth having.

I can't speak for my wife, but I believe she takes the same approach with my love of running.  She understands and appreciates the time and energy invested.  She's proud of my achievements.  She doesn't even like to run really (although she can walk faster than many slow joggers, frequently leaving me in the dust) . The point is that you don't have to appreciate the act itself, but rather your loved one's enjoyment of it.

That said, it's also important to appreciate the fact that hobbies can run a deficit in one critical area of a relationship: time.  The long runs, the intervals, the "core training", the race prep, the race days, the pre-race meal, and the list goes on nearly ad infinitum if you let it.  The personal philosophy that has served me best has been, "I might be training for a ___________(marathon, ultra, whatever) but my family isn't."

I think perhaps Marshall Ulrich said it best during a recent interview on Ultrarunner Podcast when he was asked, "What's the best gift you can give your wife after one of these long runs such as running across the United States?"

The expectation was something material.  A shiny object.  A vacation.  A new car.

You know what his response was after a brief pause?

"Time."

He was right.  And something we probably all need to remember . . .


What have you done to help your family understand your love of this sport?


How has it affected you?

By Marcus with 6 comments

The Story of This Picture

A couple of weeks ago I went to help out my daughter during her cheerleading-uniform-distribution day.  While we were busy folding and stacking the embroidered jackets I was asked to volunteer for the team during some kind of an event the following week.  I honestly had no idea what it was for, but I knew that my daughter's team would benefit.  Good enough for me.  So I said yes, and then attended the most chaotic volunteer meeting I have ever witnessed.

It turns out it was for the Concorso Italiano, an enormous Italian car show held here in Monterey every year.

Lamborghinis aplenty, or so I was told.  The meeting was chaotic primarily because people were LOBBYING for the jobs they wanted.  Anger and resentment were boiling over with regards to "who got what" type of volunteering job.  I was so annoyed I almost left three times.  Each time I kept saying, "you told your kid you'd help out."  So I stayed, and eventually told the volunteer coordinator that I really didn't care what I did, so long as my daughter's team was paid their donation.  I knew she had a tough job and I didn't want to make it any harder.

She called me back later that day and told me that I was the only person that said a nice word to her the entire day.  She then gave me what I was told was, the premiere volunteer job: golf cart limo driver, VIP section.

So I showed up at, cough cough, 430 am on Friday and began to shuttle around anyone I could find.  I think I burned more gas than nearly anyone else.  By 11 am I was smoked and had just dropped off a fresh crew at the entrance when a man pointed at me and said, "Hey can you wait right here?  I need to ask you a question."  He then parked his Porsche Cayenne, hopped out, and asked me where he could get a golf cart for "Jay".  I wasn't really sure what he was talking about but we asked a coordinator anyway and she said, "What, Jay Leno shows up and we're supposed to drop everything?"  His producer (come to find out) shook his head and said,

"what about you?  Whatcha doing right now?"

"Uh, driving you I guess."

"great let's roll"

And so off I went, driving Jay Leno around a car show at Laguna Seca Golf Course.  What a trip.  He sat right in the front, we chatted the whole time and I helped escort him in some kind of crazy-expensive Lamborghini up to the stage.  I'm not a huge celebrity-phile but the combination of nifty cars, and someone as iconic as Jay Leno just hanging out in my golf cart asking about my kids was a blast.  My favorite quote?

"Hey Marcus, just pull up right behind the Countache there."

You gotta be fucking kidding me.

What a day.  Needless to say, I didn't get a run in.

By Marcus with 5 comments

They ain't running shoes, but damn, who cares?

Seriously one of the coolest things I've ever seen.  Hat tip to my wife :)

By Marcus with 3 comments

A Message from the Army's Sergeant Major on Minimalist Shoes

Prior to entering the Army as a young, know-nothing but motivated Second Lieutenant ten years ago, one of the best pieces of advice I received was to create my own philosophy and do my best to stick to it.  It was proposed to me that this kind of technique would keep me focused when having to make difficult decisions and would also help me stay consistent and avoid being one of those bipolar leaders that confuses and irritates their subordinates.  It was great advice, and I have used it to great effect over the years.

One of the philosophies I developed was that an American soldier, read: volunteer soldier, is a very different type of animal than many others.  Yes, we're motivated but often there are a variety of different reasons for that motivation.  Nearly all are valid ones: service, honor, education, a job, tradition, etc.  Regardless of the reason though, the line that passes through each is the notion that an American soldier really wants to know the "why" of what they're being asked to do.  Let's be real for a moment.  Even a soldier who joined out of a desire to serve, might be married and HIS WIFE is going to need to know the "why" of it.  That's valid.  That's reality.

Many in the Army, I'm here to tell you, do not believe in this philosophy.  Instead they cling to the idea that long ago you signed on the dotted line and forfeited your right to ask, to question, to reconsider and to examine what you might be asked to do.  Personally I believe that these types of leaders are missing a real opportunity to, well . .. ...lead.  In short, you miss an opportunity to explain the rationale behind your decision.  I can't count the number of times I've explained the logic of a major decision (not in every case, but certainly when it mattered, e.g. about to get shot at, etc.) and then asked, "Anyone got a better idea?" only to have it meet with shaking heads, a serious of "nopes" and a few troops who now no longer believed that I made a decision with my head firmly rooted in my ass.  Of course, you have to actually THINK THROUGH decisions and expose your logic; this can be scary for those that don't do their own due diligence.  It keeps you honest, and keeps you from making the "because I'm your Dad, that's why" type of decision/explanation.

Which is why I was so impressed with the most recent statement made by the Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond Chandler, in reference to the Army's recent ban on Vibram Fivefinger shoes.  The statement below comes from an internal Army forum that you must be in the Army in order to access.  (Nothing secret or sneaky here, just kind of an unfortunate reality that I can't publish the link for you.  Below the text is a screenshot, not that I think anyone really cares to dispute this.)

-----
From SGM Chandler:

Running shoes have been undergoing a metamorphosis in the last few years.  Sure, you can still find your traditional running shoes with their cushioned heels and midsoles.  You can still get your favorite brand in motion control, stability, or cushioned types.  However, there is also an emergence of something called the minimalist running shoe (MRS).  These shoes have little to no cushioning, are extremely lightweight and flexible, and they have a flat profile from the heel to the toe. 

There are many styles and flavors of minimalist running shoes (MRS).  Currently the Army has banned the use of the Vibram© FiveFinger’s (shoes that have five separate individual compartments for the toes) while in formation, or while wearing the Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU).  All other minimalist type shoes are currently allowed.  (Refer to ALARACT Message 239/2011.) A survey of your Soldiers will likely reveal that a good number of them are wearing the Vibram© FiveFingers or any of the other MRS types to workout and run.  While there are anecdotal stories of these MRS reducing injury and improving performance, there are still no conclusive research studies that confirm these claims.  What does seem clear is that switching from a traditional running shoe to a MRS requires a proper transition period to avoid potential overuse injuries.  Our Soldiers are going to use these shoes and, as NCO leaders, we need to ensure that our Soldiers are equipped with information that will help them with a proper and safe transition.

There is no one right way to make the transition to MRS, but most transition programs require a period of about 8-12 weeks.  Running with MRS encourages a forefoot or mid-foot strike when running.  This type of foot strike means that rather than landing on your heel, you will land on the toes or mid part of the foot.  This landing may lead to a reduced initial impact force on landing and relies on strong foot and leg muscles.  A good transition program will focus on learning how to land on your forefoot or mid-foot and will include strength exercises specifically for the foot and leg.  Another important aspect of the transition is that you start with very short distances using the MRS – and build gradually over several weeks.  This might be more easily said than done.  Young, healthy Soldiers will probably be eager to get running quickly in their new MRS.  As NCO’s we need to make sure that we monitor how our Soldiers are transitioning.

In the near future, we will provide a transition program.  It will focus on a gradual shift from traditional running shoes to MRS, strengthening the foot and leg muscles, and developing proper running and landing form.  Not all Soldiers will want to use MRS., therefore, developing company or platoon-wide transition programs is not the recommended approach.  Small transition groups are likely better.  Most importantly --- as NCO’s we should provide the proper guidance or direction to our Soldiers that are using the MRS.  Our goal is to make sure that our Soldiers stay healthy and physically fit, whether using traditional running shoes or the MRS.

I encourage you to use this forum to provide your feedback or thoughts on the MRS.  If you don’t know much about them or have never heard of them, stay tuned.

--------


This is an excellent example of a leader doing a great job of taking care of troops.  SGM Chandler recognizes the reality that soldiers may just resort to doing their own thing and "taking care of soldiers" means acknowledging this reality.  He's asking Non-commissioned officers to take a leadership role in  teaching the fundamental principles of minimal running and if they don't know what this is, then they need to find out.  


The one consistent truth among individuals on both sides of the "barefoot/form change" debate is that there is no true panacea.  One must take it slow, and be smart about the goals and expectations involved.  He also didn't back down on the decision to ban VFF's, instead proffering a well reasoned plan to help soldiers make a transition to a more minimal style of running.  


The more I think about it, the more I believe he had an intelligent plan in mind for attacking this issue of transition which could have disaster written all over it if not undertaken in the right way.


Hubba Hubba SGM Chandler, well done.


What do you think of the CSA's comments?

By Marcus with 5 comments

MarathonFoto, and why they kind of piss me off

"Yay!  I can't wait to ship you 25 big ones for this photo!"

If there is one thing I've always had pretty good radar for, it's when I'm getting played.  It's a great survival skill in the Army (if not a job requirement) and it has served me well whether I was at home or deployed.  I also have a knack for understanding when I'm being held over a barrel.  In the case of MarathonFoto, I believe a bit of both is happening simultaneously and it doesn't take a genius to figure that out.

First, let me just say that I understand that MarathonFoto is doing something that not everyone can do.  They are camped out in uncomfortable places, taking photos for quite a few hours and capturing moments that would be difficult, if not impossible, for the average spectator.  I get all that.  The issue I have is that they abuse the shit out of the vig that they take.

They totally deserve to turn a proft, but they don't need to be such a shark about it.  I have an issue with their margin mainly as a result of the fact that they have a captive clientele.  You simply don't have much of a choice with regards to getting some action shots during the race.  Yeah, yeah, you can have friends or family take the photos along the route, but let's be honest, if your wife and kids have come to San Francisco to see you race, they are not going to be able to get the same kind of shots or even have access to the opportunity in many cases.  In addition, MarathonFoto knows that most runners will be desperate to get a finisher's photo or action shot given that this is their first marathon, a category in which a growing number of participants are a member.

To summarize, I have no issue with the business model here.  In fact, I admire it.  But sonofabitch, trying to stick me for 25 bucks per 5 X 7 is ridiculous and borderline extortion.  Having spent my entire career in the Army, I know and understand why there is a premium on certain items; you're paying for all of the work that went into it.  However, I believe the margin is more a result of the "situational" variables involved than the tangible issues of getting the photo (related costs of making it happen).  At any rate, I don't do this for the 8 x 10 color glossy photograph, so I'm happy to let my buddhist side take over and let this go, which is a good thing given how completely effing horrible I look in my photos:

Exhibit A:

What the hell was I looking down for?  I never look down.

Exhibit B:

Not only do I look like refried Ass, but out of focus refried Ass to boot.

And the piece de resistance:

Who the fuck is this guy?  And why am I looking at him like I want him to die?  So funny I couldn't help but refrain from clicking the "NOT ME" button.

What do you think about MarathonFoto?  Are they savior or vulture?

By Marcus with 19 comments

Speaking of Podcasts

I stumbled onto a great one recently.



The Ultra Runner Podcast is a relatively recent addition to the world of podcasting and I have to say, these guys do a fantastic job.  I speak from some level of experience given that I participated in one last year.  They're really tough to do well and even tougher to make FANTASTICALLY interesting like this one on running nutrition.  Sunny Blende is interviewed and in addition to having the perfect name for a nutritionist, she has a website too.

I can't say that I knew an enormous amount about nutrition before I listened, but I'm not an idiot on the subject either.  That being said, I learned more in five minutes of listening to this interview than I have from endless blog searches and web pages.

There is talk of barf, chicken soup, GU and mushy potatoes in shampoo bottles.  Like I said, proper ultra running nutrition.  Duh.

By Marcus with No comments

You have nothing to fear but . . .

So, I have this dog.

The dog's name is Jeff.

He was a VERY cute puppy.

He loves to run.  He is great with children.  He is pretty much everything you hope for when you take a flyer and choose to adopt a dog that desperately needs a home.  He also managed to keep his puppy dog cuteness.

Funny thing though.

He really freaking hates these:

To be fair, he's totally scared of them.  I mean COMPLETELY and UTTERLY scared.  Like Rain Man vs. bathwater scared.

Unfortunately this fear manifests itself as Jeff running balls out after poor innocent skateboarders and nipping at their shoes in an effort to make the bad man go away.  We discovered this after he, well, did what I just said.  It was a total mess with pissed off parents, a scared kid, overreacting mothers, policemen, firetrucks and, if you're wondering, something like a small band-aid to cover the scrape on the kid's knee.

Clearly, I was mortified, fearing that Jeff could really hurt someone and that we might have to find him a home if we couldn't get his fear of skateboards under control.

So I came up with a plan.  I googled and I googled, discovering that really the best plan is desensitize him to the sound and appearance of the board.  So I started small, rolling the board in front of him while feeding him delicious treats.  This went very well.

After a few days of this, I decided to up the ante.  I also decided to act like a recent lobotomy recipient.

I went outside.  Got on a skateboard with Jeff on a leash, and hoped to let him roll with me for a bit to desensitize him even further.  So off we went.  We began to pick up speed.  Jeff tried to outrun the evil skateboard.  The evil skateboard carrying me went faster.  Jeff realizes he can't outrun the sonofabitching beast on wheels and decides to go for my New Balance MT101s (turns out, not such a great skateboarding shoe).  CHOMP!  "No, Jeff, No!"

INSERT SLOW MOTION VIDEO OF SKATEBOARD FLYING THROUGH THE AIR

All 185 pounds of my idiot ass went sailing and I came crashing down upon the asphalt.  When I got up, Jeff had this horrible look on his face.  Some combination of ear-lowered fear combined with the knee weakening thought that the evil wheeled thing might rise from the dead.  And just like that, training for the day was over.

I felt awful, both physically and emotionally knowing that if I couldn't get this straightened out, Jeffy well, I don't really want to think about it just yet.

Today though, you'll be happy to know that we made some progress.  We had a neighborhood kid ride his skateboard in front of the house while I fed Jeff some delicious ham as he cruised by.  This went amazingly well and hopefully, with some time, he'll kick this irrational fear.

I don't know if there is any cure for my stupidity though.

By Marcus with 2 comments

Navy says Yes to Vibrams and other Minimalist Footwear

Navy finally publishes their own guidance on minimalist footwear and wholeheartedly endorses the concept.

Read the NAVPERS message and see for yourself:

REF/A/DOC/NAVPERS 156651/01JAN03//

AMPN/REF A IS NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS//

RMKS/1.  THIS NAVADMIN AUTHORIZES THE WEARING OF MINIMALIST FOOTWEAR WITH THE 
NAVY PHYSICAL TRAINING UNIFORM (PTU) DURING COMMAND/UNIT DIRECTED PHYSICAL 
TRAINING (PT), INDIVIDUAL PT, AND ACTIVITIES TO INCLUDE THE SEMI-ANNUAL 
PHYSICAL READINESS TEST (PRT).

2.  MINIMALIST FOOTWEAR IS DEFINED AS SHOES THAT ALLOW THE FOOT TO FUNCTION 
NATURALLY WITHOUT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OR CUSHIONING.  ANY SHOE THAT 
IS MARKETED AS MINIMALIST OR BAREFOOT-LIKE FOOTWEAR (CURRENT TYPES SUCH AS THE 
- VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS, NIKE FREE SHOES, VIVO BAREFOOT SHOES, INOV-8 SHOE, AND
FEELMAX) ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR WITH THE PTU.

---------

At this point, the news itself has been well covered by Pete over at Runblogger.com and Justin at Birthdayshoes.com.

What I am interested in is the motivation behind this.  Does this smack to you of a poke in the chest towards the Army?  Not that I have a problem with that; hell I work for the Army and I want to poke them occasionally.

What do you think?  Do you think the Navy published this as a purposeful retort?

By Marcus with 4 comments

SF Marathon Race Report Part II, The Anatomy of a Disaster

If you have ventured here in search of the perfect formula for achieving your goal marathon time, I invite you to click here, where my good friend and associate Mike can show you exactly how to set your training to your pace, and your pace to your finish.  Simply put, Mr. Execution as I have now come to call him, made a plan and stuck to it, sparing himself the embarrassment of having to slog his way into the finish line like a banana slug across the Santa Cruz boardwalk.

If however, out of a morbid sense of curiosity, you wish to read about the dangers of poor pacing during a marathon and the deflated soufle feeling that goes along with it, than let me tell ya, you have come to the right place.

As I said in my last post about my pacing philosophy, I was pretty loosey goosey about what I would stick to as far as per mile pacing goes.  I was really shooting for "comfortable and then throttle back a little" for the first half at least, and then pick things up about mile 17 for the ride in.  What I failed to consider was the fact that I would feel abnormally strong given the time off over the previous week.  What also didn't help was the fact that I didn't look at my watch for the first five miles.

Obviously in hindsight, the disaster was clearly unfolding from the get-go.  Even if I wanted to run a 330, of which I am marginally capable of at best right now, this is way too frigging fast.  At the time though I figured things were fine, and I didn't pay much attention to my overall time.  Plus I'm too busy focused on the business of the bridge to be able to do that kind of head math.  So I settled in for the bridge out-and-back.

When I hit the base of the hill after mile 11 though, I knew it was time to pay attention.  I started to feel winded which almost never happens, and it was clear that I needed to throttle down as I negotiated some of these hills through Golden Gate park.

As I struggled to right the ship, I realized that the constant pounding my quads were taking was beginning to have an effect and I felt like sub-9 miles might be something I need to consider getting away from attempting. Little did I know that as soon as I was able to get a little bit of strategy together, this would happen:

Ruh-roh, something is rotten in Denmark and Houston we have a problem.  Daddy don't feel so good no mo'.  I'd be lying if I didn't say that I hit a wall here.  My pride doesn't want to admit it after all the training runs during which it wasn't an issue.  But, alas poor Yorrick, hubris is one mean nasty bitch and she'll make you pay eventually.  Slide please. . . .

So in short, I got jacked up, went out too fast, tried to settle things down and the result was the ship of expectations crashing violently into the rocks of reality, leaving me feeling like the dumbest kid in class.

Despite all this, there were however a few positives.  First, this is a full 35 minute improvement over the Marine Corps Marathon in October during which I paced out at over 10 minutes a mile and finished in 4:29.  Second, I felt flashes of brilliance in my legs and I absolutely know I can improve with a little more focus on execution.  Third, this race didn't scare me as much as I thought it would and probably should have.  That leaves me with a nice sense of confidence going into the 50-miler in December.

That being said, I do have some thoughts on things that might have helped me out.

1. I should have worked out my quads a bit more.  Leg presses, stairs and some cycling might have helped.  In addition I would have made sure to run downhill more than I did.  I'm thinking that may have done more damage than my pacing did.
2. The official San Francisco Marathon elevation profile just doesn't do it justice. Miles 17 on look somewhat flat on paper and I assure you, they aren't.  The hills are fairly relentless and that has to be taken into account.  By the time I hit the real flat part of the course (around mile 23 or so) I didn't have the quads to pick it up.  This is a much better representation of how it feels: 

    3.  While I didn't have a great plan for the actual marathon, I did feel like I had a good philosophy for the train up which was this: don't stress, and make every run have a purpose.  Back when I was really into golf, I always hit practice shots with a purpose and tried to keep from just smacking balls around the driving range.  I did the same during the train-up.   Each run had a purpose and if I missed one, I didn't stress out too much. I try to keep reminding myself that although I am training for a marathon or whatever, my family is not.   That forces me to keep focused when I run and that allowed me to screw up royally and still finish sub-four hours.

And last but certainly not least, a special shout out to RadRunnerGirl.  She mentioned on her blog that she was running and there weren't too many Marathon Maniacs with that many tattoos so I said hello as we ran through Golden Gate park.  Unfortunately she had taken a spill right after the gun went off and busted her Garmin all to hell but still managed a positive attitude and was nothing but smiles.  Kudos to her for getting up and finishing the remaining 26.1 miles in style!

By Marcus with 4 comments

The San Francisco Marathon 2011 Race-Weekend Report

Well, the San Francisco Marathon 2011 is in the books and I have to say, was something to behold.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife and daughters for putting up with Dad during the train-up and execution.  We had a great weekend in San Francisco touring, wandering and eating and it’s always amazing to see them at the finish line, regardless of my performance and result.  

One of the more enjoyable experiences of the weekend, was back here in Monterey on Friday before we left.  I had read about the runner’s secret in preventative foot medicine, the pedicure.  As the father of three daughter’s it was something that always baffled me, “What is the appeal of this pedicure of which you speak?”  So wifey offered to take me in and get my dawgs worked on prior to the race.  We decided to make it a family affair and obviously my two youngest were delighted that we did.

Although one could make the argument that Livvy enjoyed the massage chair more than the actual pedicure and manicure.  More than once I looked over at her while she was getting her toes painted to find her head and back shaking to the beat of the embedded, machine powered beads with an enormous grin on her face.

As for me, my feet are so destroyed from constant running, blistering, healing and callouses that my experience felt and looked more like outpatient surgery at the podiatrist. 

I was a little nervous that something would get nicked or cut, but it turns out the lady that does this a hundred times a day actually knows what she is doing.  Imagine that.  At the end of the day, my legs felt refreshed and my feet felt great.  I could feel the warm ball of energy from a day of non-running building up in my gut and I was anxious to burn it off on my sexy new toes.

We headed up to San Francisco for a day of flea-marketing at Treasure Island and an evening at a nice Italian restaurant Et Tutto Qua.  Things might have been perfect were it not for our cab not showing up and forcing us to walk the nearly two miles to the restaurant.  The evening was redeemed however by a fantastic meal and the amazing experience of taking an eight and ten year old to their first “really nice meal” and having them enjoy themselves.  We had a great time.  Truly.

Back to the hotel we went (via cab this time, thankfully.  I still can’t believe my wife walked all that way in her heels) and it was time to hit the sack.  I was a bundle of nerves and I’m not sure I went to sleep before midnight to be honest.  The plan was to have the ladies drop me off in the AM at the race start and head back to the hotel room for some additional sleep.  This worked great and I honestly can’t thank the girls enough for rising with me in the dark.  Amazing I tell you.

I arrived at the start ready to do some damage and feeling like I could run through a brick wall.  I found my good friend and associate Mike and we gave each other a fist bump prior to our start.  I started in Wave 6 with the intention of running something in the neighborhood of 3:40-3:45.  This I knew would mean passing a lot of people and I felt like it would be a better experience than the Marine Corps Marathon where I was less the fisherman reeling people in than I was the fish.  In short, I wanted to pass some folks.

So aside from that, what you ask, was the plan?  I’m not really sure to be honest.  I had two things running through my head.  The first was that I have never really pushed myself beyond what I think I am capable of achieving.  Time after time, I finished runs of ten to twelve miles at sub 8 minute/mile paces while thinking, “I had more there, I know it”.  I had also prepared. Never had I missed a long run (and in fact added some) despite many family requirements and I had mixed in a fair amount of speed work to boot.  The second thought was that if I set my watch to hit a 350 marathon I could do it.  I know it.  These two rivers of logic met at the confluence in my brain that somehow produced the thought of, “You know Marcus, if you laid the hammer down, you might hit 340 or even better.  Go run like an idiot and see what happens.”  Now, I know how this sounds, but hear me out.

One of my fondest memories back in high school was mountain biking with my step-father.  We basically used to go crazy flying around the woods of Tahoe, both of us acting like we were nine, and somehow managing to not kill ourselves.  When I went to college, my step-father gave me a story from Outside magazine where the author had described his Irish Setter and how it used to “run around like an idiot”.  The moral of the story was that for all of our toil and trouble in life, sometimes we just have a bit more fun when we dump our misgivings and trepidations and well, act a little more idiotic.  It worked for us.  We had fun.

So there was my plan in all its glory.  Run like a goddamned Irish Setter and buckle up.  Little did I know that when you run like your hair is on fire, the wall you may hit ends up feeling like it could be seen from orbit.

To be continued . . .

By Marcus with 2 comments