Honolulu Marathon Race Report (12/13/09)

It was a busy week, heading to the expo on Wednesday for packet pickup with Chester and Tracy (WISH teammates). Friday was sightseeing, and then the carb load party held a our Marathon Clinic doc's house.

I returned to the Expo on Saturday to meet up with a pair of ROTE members (Annie, and Barry). Sadly, Sandra wasn't able to meet with us. I had a chance to chat up the Disney Reps at their booth.

Saturday after the expo, we hustled over to Chuckie Cheese's for our younger daughter's early birthday party. Then to Kapiolani park to drop off my bag with my phone, camera, cash, and Crocs for after the race. Stopped off at the grocery store to pick up bagels, peanut butter, and bananas. Finally arriving home in the afternoon, I set up my gear for the morning.

I carb loaded on lasagne for dinner, and went to bed early around 6:30 pm. I woke up at 2 am, and visualized the race course. Dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Woke my wife up, and we headed out the door at 3 am.

Since the roads along the course are closed off as early as 12:30 am for the volunteers to set up aid stations, I was dropped off near a friend's house. We met up, and three of us walked about 1 mile towards the start line. We found the local mall had left the restrooms open, and we stopped since there were no lines, and it's way cleaner than a Port-a-Potty. We soon split up, as they were headed to meet their intermediate group in one location, while the advance group was meeting in Ala Moana Beach park.

I got there early just before 4 am, and watched as bus after bus drove through the park. They pick up participants near the finish line and drop them off 3 miles away at the start line.

When everyone showed up, we had one last bathroom break then walked to the start line. Coming from the opposite direction, we moved right into the front of the mass of nearly 24,000 people. Just the elites were ahead of us.

15 minutes passed, then Star Spangled Banner. The wheelchair racers were given a 5 minute head start. Then the fireworks were lit sending us on our way. Set the Garmin to start as my foot hit the timing mat. With the massive surge and having to watch people zig-zagging their way around walkers and slower runners, there was no time for me to look up and watch the pyrotechnics.

Quickly our group found our 8:45 average pace. It was cool and dry, considering the last several years conditions. We headed towards downtown Honolulu, and then turned to King Street, which is fully decorated in Christmas colors.

Everyone in our group stuck together, and we were settled in. Steps were going easy, and breathing was nice and easy. Our pace fluctuated between 8:30-9:00 minute miles, depending on our walking through water stops.

Waterstops 1 & 2 came, and then we were headed through the heart of Waikiki. The crowds were bigger here, as many family members traveling with racers came down from their hotels to spectate. Water stop 3 came up, and soon we were passing the 10K mark at 56:31, where the race day walkers would end their day.

Mile seven we pit stopped for a brief bathroom break. No more than 15 seconds. Now onto our first traverse of Diamond Head Crater. The two lane road narrows, as the high school volunteers hold up a long roll of plastic tape to separate us from the other lane. As we were up and over the hill, the first wheelchair racer was in his last 1 3/4 miles to the finish. He was flying!!! Everyone screamed and clapped as he went sailing by.

Waterstop #5, and it was still dark out as we went for our second climb around the backside of Diamond Head at mile 9.

Waterstop #6 at mile 10 3/4, and there on the side was my family cheering at their usual spot. Without missing a stride, I grabbed a banana from them, and split it with my running mates.

We made the turn onto the Kalanianaole Highway and it was just starting to get light out. We commented, get through the loop before the sun comes up.
Along mile 11, the elite men were already heading back in at mile 21. Their first half marathon were all sub 5 minute miles. The men's leader, Kenya's Patrick Ivuti (defending champion), had at least a 1/4 mile lead over second place. The woman's leader, Russia's Svetlana Zakharova was well out in front of Japan's Kiyoko Shimahara (defending champion). We all cheered and clapped as they made their way past us.

Miles 12 & 13 were smooth, and our half marathon time was 1:58:43. The crowd ahead of us was thin, so no more dodging people in front of us.

Got through the next two waterstops, and was doing fine. At mile 15 you turn off the highway to the turnaround of Hawaii Kai loop. It's 2 miles around, with lots of spectators. You exit back to the highway, and then see the mass of people who are behind you. It's a never ending wall of humanity, and you think, they've got a long way to go!

I get through mile 18, my 30K time is 2:48:11.

I pass mile 19. Right about mile 20, I see Chester in his WISH shirt coming the other way, he's around mile 14. I veer to the right, yell "GO Chester!!!" and we exchange high fives. I yell "Go get 'em Marathon Maniac!"

By now the sun has started to peak, and the heat is building on my back, as well as the pavement. Just so you know, there is not very much shade on the highway. Just then, I feel a twinge in my right calf. I try breathing through it. I get to the next waterstop, and take a combination of Enduralytes (salt tablets), and a mustard pack. It seems to help briefly. I continue down the road, and out of nowhere, the calf seizes. I check behind me, and find it clear for me to move to the curb to stretch. As I'm doing this, I yell to my training partner to go without me. Simultaneously, my big toe decides to join in on the fun and cramp as well.

After a minute, the cramp eases, and I go on my way again. But good things always happen in pairs, right? A little further down the road, I cramp a second time. Stop, stretch, run. This time I ease my pace, and just focus on moving forward. I make it to mile 21, then 22.

At mile 22 you reach the large spectator area at the gas station landmark. On approach you hear the live rock band jamming, and I know my family is right around the corner. I make the turn, spot them, and signal that I want a granola bar. I again grab without missing a stride, and keep on trucking. Another waterstop, but this time just a sip, as I've absorbed all that I can already.

I get to the turn to Kahala Avenue, and see lots of people walking. I start picking out targets, and one by one pick them off and pass them. Kahala Ave is a 2 mile stretch through 23 & 24. The last 3/4 of a mile is uphill. I loose focus, and have to take a brief walking break. I then power up the hill to triangle park and the last water stop.

On the way back over Diamond Head, I spot a group with a keg of beer at mile 24 1/4. In tradition of the Deads I grabbed a cold one, and yelled "Mahalo" to the guys serving. It was in a RED cup, and went down rather smoothly.

I plod along to the 40K mark at the top of Diamond Head, and my time is 3:54:56. All that is left is a mile downhill, then a flat stretch to the end.

I love that gravity just carries me downhill, and my pace really picked up. But when I get to the bottom of the hill, I have to slow my pace again. One final turn to the last section of the race at Kapiolani park.

I manage my best pace, when a girl next to me says, "Come on, we've got this." She takes the lead, and I try to maintain her strong finish. As we enter the last 300 yards of the chute, friends are yelling out my name. I manage a smile and a shaka, and keep on going.

I approach the finishers mat, step on it, and say to myself..."that was my easiest marathon ever." I finish with a 4:08:47. Just over my goal of a 3:59 finish.

I'm completely happy with the results, considering I shaved 37 minutes off of my personal record at January's WDW marathon (the Dopey Challenge).

I collect my finisher's shell lei, and find my friends waiting for me near the exit area. We all congratulate each other, and then head off to get our medals (key chain) and our finisher's shirt. We then make it over to our clinic's tent for food, drinks, massages ($10), and lots of laughs and stories.

Chester made his way in, refueled, and headed back out to accompany Tracy back in. He found her between mile 20 & 21. All in all, Chester did at least 39 miles, considering the walk from their hotel to the start line. Wow, that's Goofy in a day!!! Congratulations on your Marathon Maniac status, and to Tracy in earning her first marathon! Also a shout out to Sandra for gaining her Marathon Manic status as well !

I got home, ice bathed, showered, lunch. Lounged, had dinner, and I finally fell asleep 18 1/2 hours after the day began.

I'm recovering well with just a little soreness in the calf and the quads. No problems going up or down the stairs. Nothing a little stretching, massage chair, and stationary bike can't relieve.

I'll be back training on Tuesday and Thursday. Next Sunday there will be a short recovery run, followed by a group picnic and bragathon.

Here's to a new year of training in 2010, and getting that sub-4 time next year at Honolulu. Now bring on Dopey in a month!

I know it was a long narrative to sit and read though. I hope you enjoyed the ride.

2010 Honolulu Turkey Trot 10 miler

Honolulu Turkey Trot 10 miler.

I predicted my time at 1:27:30. My finishing time was 1:27:38. 8 seconds over placed me 19th overall in time predictions, out of nearly 1,000 participants. My training partner was 4 seconds under his prediction of 1:27:27, or 1:27:23. He was 12th overall. Prize for both of us, a Zippy's pumpkin pie. One of our clinic members was 1 second over his predicted time, earning him first place, and two inter-island round trip airline tickets.

I forgot to mention, no watches, Garmins, or Ipods are allowed on the course. The finisher's clock points away from you at the finish, so you can not see until you run through the finish line.

11/15/09

16 1/4 miles banked today with my marathon training group. We slowed our pace due to 20-25 mph headwinds going out. Overcast kept us cool.

Legs, back, feet all were feeling good once I was done. Good sign that I didn't overdo it.

Next up the Turkey Trott 10 miler on Thanksgiving morning. The girls will be volunteering at the mile 3 and mile 8 water stop.

Gearing up for Honolulu Marathon

20.5 miles banked this past Sunday. I'll be glad to be racing at 5 am, when the sun is not up. Training in the sun between 8 and 11:30 am takes much more effort than when temps are cooler.

About a month to go, marathon #7.

Aloha Tootsie, thanks for a lifetime of happiness and fun.

Meet us at the Rainbow Bridge... Our 15 year old terrier Tootsie lost her battle with cancer today. Not a dry eye in the house. She was a rascal dog in her prime, always into trouble. Not so much these past two years, but there were a lot of fun memories.

1st Annual Halloween Triathlon, Waikiki, Hawaii

400 meter open ocean swim 9 minute (estimate). 2 minute transition. 7 mile bike ride 28 minutes. 1 minute transition, 2.8 mile run, 18 minutes. Total time 58.50, for a 9th place overall finish.

Great conditions, great shirt, and great time. Now for the funniest part. 16 people competed. I'll take the top 10 finish any day!!! LOL.

Jeff's 2009 Disneyland Half Marathon

I arrived on Thursday, and commenced with meeting up with fellow runners and walkers who were invading Disneyland. Dinner in Downtown Disney with John and Janie, and then grocery shopping for the room snacks.

Friday I had airport pickups for Marcia (Mushu), Michelle (Miabanda), and Karen (our friend who races without ever training). We headed to the expo in the afternoon, and was greeted by friends from all around the country, Jason, Mary Jo, AnnMarie, Gina, Jay, Paul (the rest of you all know who you are, way too many names to mention here). Every time we meet it’s a family reunion, seeming like it was just the other day since we last saw each other. Good times.

Following the expo, several of us went to the Hideaway bar to “carb-load.” At the Friday night WISH meet, we had about 30 people show up to talk story, and take group photos. Saturday I attended a dinner with a few friends, and really enjoyed the camaraderie. The Saturday WISH meet’s turn out was smaller, since people were either dining or going to bed early.

We woke up at 4:25 am, dressed, and headed out the door. Weather was much cooler than in the days leading up to race day. It was a good sign.

We arrived at the family reunion area, and saw some of the gang at the tent, but others had long departed for the corrals. After some photos, and wishing everyone a good race, we headed to corral A. Goofy drove up the red Monorail, and counted down the race. Mickey & Minnie were at the start line cheering on everyone. When the flames started the race, we were off and, well you know, “RUNNING” !

Jay Yanek turned out to be the rabbit of the group, and Jason Stevens and I lost him within seconds. Jason and I ran with the intent of sub two hour, but while having fun and taking pictures. Somewhere in our midst was Paul (Pacdomer), as I saw smoke rising off the pavement ahead of me.

We kept a good pace, but I had to yell several times to the spectators on the roadway, “We can’t hear you” or “Make some noise.” That got the crowd going, and pumped up the runners that surrounded us. Several friends and their family members yelled our names and took pictures, always a boost.

We entered Disneyland, and pit stopped for a few photos. An ample amount of characters and floats were out. Missing was the run down Main Street. A few narrow spots made the pace slow, but it was to be expected. Soon we were backstage on the new route, seeing new parts of the maintenance areas, including the garbage dump and horse stables. Reminicent of the sewage treatment plant in Orlando.

Exiting to the streets of Anaheim found us running amongst the high school and college pep bands, cheerleaders, Hula dancers, Mexican musicians and dancers, and more. The sun decided to sleep in a bit longer than in years past. There was a morning layer of ocean “mist” and a hint of breeze.

My funniest sight was a guy passing me around mile 8. SHOELESS! SHIRTLESS! Just the slap, slap, slap of skin on the asphalt. I yelled out “that’s one way to save money on socks and shoes.” Everyone within earshot had a good laugh. Asides from him, there were several people decked out in Disney character costumes.

Arriving at Angels stadium, the parking lot was a ghost town. I didn’t give it much thought, but as we neared the right field tunnel, you could hear the roar. Exiting the tunnel, you could now feel the roar as the lower stadium was filled with cheering Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. A great pick me up, except all the high fives were missing. Thumbs ups were substituted. Rounding the warning track, we spotted ourselves on the big screen.

Leaving the parking lot was mile 10, so Jason barked out to pick up the pace, and try to keep up. We started passing people, and were soon back in California Adventure, and had the Paradise Pier and Disneyland Hotels within our view. It was a little strange not running the gauntlet through Downtown Disney. This meant less spectators along that last half mile or so of the course.

I had to dig deep, as I was experiencing a major cramp in the toes of my right foot. Well, I focused and just pressed forward. Hearing the roar of the crowd is always fun. Even better when friends are shouting out one’s name as we trek by. Having Jason steps ahead of me barking orders to hurry up was pretty funny. If you ever want to PR, run with someone faster than you.

Before I knew it, we were crossing the finish line and the Fab 5 were cheering. High fives with Jason, and a new PR of 1:57:20. Collected our DL half medal, and then on to the Coast to Coast medal.

After downing a quick Poweraid, we walked back out to Harbor Blvd. to scream team the others still out on the course. We jumped back in when we saw our friends who were feeling the heat, and the pain of 12 miles. So we jogged and walked several people up to the finisher’s chute. I then would double back around the bend to spot the next person or group coming, and would keep their minds occupied with encouragement.

After several repeat trips, no others were coming my way, so back to the family reunion to meet up with the teams. Many hugs, congratulations, and photos. Everyone sans one, collected their bling.

Much more to tell you, but it’s really just about all the fun we had running into one another at the parks, riding rides, dining together, beverage consumption, and wishing everyone safe travels home.

I returned home Tuesday evening, and now reality has set back in. Waiting for January to roll around to do it all over again. See you all then WISHers, ROTEars, and Disney Deads.

Ahui hou,
Jeff Da Runner

Sorry, been slacking over here.

16 miles this month on Sunday's with the marathon clinic. It's been hot out there, requiring slowing down the pace, and hydrating with water and Gatorade. I'm also experimenting with salt tablets or enduralytes.

School is back in session, and our Girl Scouts started up again. Busy to say the least.

Will be heading to the Disneyland half marathon in a few weeks. Should be fun getting together with all my WISH and ROTE racing buddies. Looking forward to it!

Tinman Triathlon success

Well, it was a blast, and I'm looking for another one to do!

0:19 minutes in the rolling seas, 750-800 meters of up and down swimming.
1:37 on the bike for 24 miles.
1:09 for the 10K run.

Total time with transitions was 3:13.

Tinman Triathlon 7/26/09

Hey, it's been a while since I posted. I'm all geared up and ready to go for Sunday's Honolulu Tinman Triathlon. Bib #488.

Swimming has been good, biking too. But the 10K worries me! LOL, just kidding.

My goal is to finish in 3 hours. Should be under, but that's the number in my mind. Four months of training, and I'm probably in the best physical shape in my life.

Another guy I run with at the Honolulu Marathon Clinic is also participating. He just started training a week ago, so it should be interesting to see how he does.

Will post a report when I'm done.

Aloha, and mahalo for reading.

http://tinmanhawaii.com/triathlon/index.php

Since Caseydilla just found this blogspot, I better update it!

Thursday's run:

8 1/4 miles in 1:12, plus the 1,000 meter swim.

At the start of my run, it began with me intervening in a domestic dispute on the corner. Some idiot choking his girlfriend right on the corner. I yelled at him to stop, then he came at me swearing up a storm. In the meantime the girl ran the other direction. No cops around when you need them. Good deed for the day.

Well, the adrenaline had me pumping the first 4 miles.

Happy 4th of July everyone. Oh, and the circuit court judge issued an injunction against the governor's plan to furlough state workers. Rats, I was looking forward to having Friday's off.

Friday's training:

Uneventful brick workout today.

27 miles on the bike, 2:00:54.

2 miles running afterwards, cruising 19:44.

CC's Meadow Gold Kid's Triathlon

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=31637103&highlight=princessjavascript:void(0)+%231+triathlon#post31637103

Cut and paste into your browser.