What a incredible experience. Leading up to the race, nerves never got to me. It was just a long training day for me. I NEVER thought of stopping, I never had a moment where this race was too much. I just kept plugging along at the best pace I could manage. Here is a full Race Report.
Race day was a little odd as I tweaked a muscle in my back the day before the race. While I slept enough, it was not deep sleep. Saturday morning was a 3:45 am wake up call. Two coffees with Inifnit Mud, two bowls of Oatmeal, 1 Banana and 1 Boost drink for calories. Drank water and Gatorade up until the swim. Had a Gatorade Endurance 20 minutes before the swim too. Swim was crowded and was kicked a lot, but still faster than last year. Bike was fast with Zipp 404/808 Wheels. Started Gels 30 minutes in and tried a Salt tab about 40 minutes in. One salt tablet got stuck in my throat and threw my day off from there. I ate 3 Gels on the ride and two Salt tabs in addition to 2.5 Bottles of Infinit Go Far. This was still not enough as the run left me with little energy. Cramps were always close, but I never cramped. I ran/walked the half in 2:14 while my initial goal was 1:55!!! I was sick to my stomach the whole run, so I could not stick to the plan. I had two Gels and a bottle of Inifnit Speed. I also drank at every water stop both water and Gaterade. I probably drank 60-70 ounces on the run. Overall time was great, but I could have done much better.
Noah's Ark passed me as I started on this journey. With well over 2 inches of rain on the course and pockets of heavier sections, lets just say we were all soaked at the end of the day. I set a goal of 3:45, but given the conditions and the 30mph gusts and headwind, I was more than happy to complete at 3:59:44. Only my second full marathon and I completed it in under 4 hours. I was very fast up to mile 17 where I experienced my first sensation of a cramp. I worked the body and walked a little to make sure I never siezed, but the last 9 miles were challenging. I had 6 sports bottles and still cramped. Im starting to think I need salt tabs now.
Last night I had whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce. I went to bed on time and ate Oatmeal for breakfast. I should have been set for this weekends 17 mile run, but I really crashed at mile 14. Last weekend on Cape Cod, I gorged on Pizza the night before and had no breakfast as the hotel did not offer it before I left and felt better. WTF?? So next weekend, as I think about the 18 miler, I will stick with the pasta, but maybe add Salmon or Chicken with a protein drink. I'm currently averging 3300 calories burned a day. I eat a lot and drink many many sports drinks a day to maintain calories. Saturdays and Sundays are already in the 4200 calorie range.
Last night I had whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce. I went to bed on time and ate Oatmeal for breakfast. I should have been set for this weekends 17 mile run, but I really crashed at mile 14. Last weekend on Cape Cod, I gorged on Pizza the night before and had no breakfast as the hotel did not offer it before I left and felt better. WTF?? So next weekend, as I think about the 18 miler, I will stick with the pasta, but maybe add Salmon or Chicken with a protein drink. I'm currently averging 3300 calories burned a day. I eat a lot and drink many many sports drinks a day to maintain calories. Saturdays and Sundays are already in the 4200 calorie range.
After reading so many articles on mentally preparing myself to get sick and not be disappointed, it happened to me on January 31st. While on the treadmill, I could feel something was wrong in my chest. I stopped early and I was out of commission for two days. I saw a Dr and se said it was not the flu, so I went on the 16 mile run today with the Miracle for Miles team. Feeling OK, but not stellar. I still averaged 9.17 min miles, so I was happy. Tomorrow is a brick ride/run for 3 hours and next weekend gets me to 3 hours and 25 minutes. The training is creaping up.
This weekend introduced back to back long sessions and next weekend is even longer. After a 12 Mile run with the Miracle for Miles team for the Boston Marathon, I jumped on the saddle for Trainer Road Warren for 2 hours and 15 minutes followed by a brick run on the treadmill for another 2 miles. I actually felt like a new me on the treadmill today, so the brick was surprisingly easy. Next week, lets see what the additional miles will do to me...
Today was the first time since November 18th, 2017 that I ran 10 miles. These 10+ milers will now continue every saturday for the next 11 weeks. The day was warm and humid as we just had a minor January heat wave and 2 inches of rain. The run was good. Energy was lacking a little, but still managed to run 8:41 pace over 10 miles. I had Oatmeal with a little brown sugar, a orange and banana for breakfast and coffee with Inifit Mud. A endurance Gatorade on the run and Infinit Recovery drink after wards. 10 hours later, I'm not sore, but a little fatigued. On to the to the pool for 2,700 yards tomorrow and a challenging 1.5 hour bike ride in the afteroon.
Im starting to ride more and more and two things to note. First, Trainer Road app keeps crashing during my rides which screws up my sessions, but thats technology for you. Today, I accidentally clicked the "Close All" button on my Android effectively killing my session with a sweat drip on the phone. I will need to change my setup pretty soon. The biggest issue though is my bum... The stock seat is too rigid, so we are off to Fast Splits for a new saddle. I need to take the bike and actually ride in the studio to find a better saddle.
Today was the day for the first FTP test of my life. In the AM, I started my first 20 Minute FTP test which includes a 30 minute warm up session. Not being familiar with the Magnus trainer and some settings, I had to abandon the test as I could not figure out why my resitance was to light and not adjusting. After taking a few hours off to rest and figuring out the settings, I tried again in afternoon. This test is BRUTAL. But for my first score, I took home what looks like a respectable 270 FTP rating. I expect to try again in about 4 weeks. Im not no rush, trust me.
I was starting to dread the Bike rides even before I started training, but TrainerRoad seems to be my saving grace. This Android application coupled with my smart trainer, Heart Rate Monitor and pairing to the Quarq Power meter is starting to add some excitment. I love the feeling of the application adding resistance to the trainer to simulate hills.
So I'm starting with a decent baseline. Resting heart rate is about 44 bpm, and weight is right under 200 lbs. I'm riding the bike 5 days a week already for 45 minute sessions in the aero position, completed a recent 3000 yard swim, and I can run a half marathon under 2 hours consistently.
Nutrition and hydration are the biggest items I read up on alot. I have no fears about getting my body in the physical shape I need to complete a 11 - 12 hour race. Im more concerned about liquids and calories and I already know I will burn 10,000 - 12,000 calories this day. So far, I'm playing with Infinit Mud and Infinit Go Far.