Training 10k Run

This past Sunday, I ran the "Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo" 10k. It fit into my training schedule perfectly and provided a good chance to get some more race experience. Although the day sucked (rainy and a bit cold), the run went very well. I finished the 6.2 miles in exactly 51 minutes, or 2:12 quicker than pace goal.

As is the case with much of my running experiences, I found another statistic that I found to be interesting. It's called "AgeGrade".

"AGE-GRADED" results are calculated using tables developed by the World Association of Veteran Athletes (the world governing body for masters track and field, long distance running and race walking). These tables were first published in 1989 and are frequently updated. By comparing your time to a standard for your sex and age, you can determine your Performance Level Percent. These percentages can be interpreted as follows:

100% = Approximate World-Record Level
Over 90% = World Class
Over 80% = National Class
Over 70% = Regional Class
Over 60% = Local Class

My age grade was 52.9%, which basically means I can be a competitive runner in my neighborhood.

Oh well....something to shoot for.

August 2008 - Pyramid Scheme

It seems that I've been able to start a pyramid effect to running the marathon. Last year, I was not too shy about telling people that I was running. It provided motivation, plus I'm proud that I did it.

This year, I can count at least 6-7 people that are running and say it's because of me. They are following the training plan I set up, checking in and have now made running part of their lifestyle. Hopefully next year, they get 6-7 people each and my positive effect on people can continue to grow.

Good luck to all that are running.

May 2008

Things are still going well. I've started some pre-training with the hopes that I may be able to do the full marathon. In reality, I kind of know that I won't, but it still gives me a headstart on the half-training.

I've been running about 11-13 miles per week, which was the same distance that I ran in week 10 of last year's training. It's treadmill running, but I'm still happy I can go those distances.

Not much else to report this early on. I'm still looking for charity opportunities, so please take the time to vote in the poll.

April 2008

Well it's good to see the weather warming up. That now means I have no excuses not to run. If I can't make to gym, I can run the neighborhood.

I've been keeping up with my schedule pretty well. The one thing I am struggling with is whether or not I want to run the half-marathon at a fast pace, or the full marathon at a slower pace. At this point I am training like I will run the full, which allows me to switch at any time. I'm running around 13-15 miles per week, which was what I would do in week 10 (of 16) in the half training.

This is the year I'd like to tie a charity to the running. I've contemplated putting together a running team that could possibly raise additional funds. Please respond with a charity that you would want considered, or check the poll question to the right.

The Next Step

This week marks another period of stretching my body to do what I don't think it can do. For the past 3 weeks, I've been running 1.5 miles at 7.5 mph. Starting today, I'll now be running the same distance at 8 mph. The goal is still 10 mph.

Not So Easy!!

When I first had the thought of running another marathon, my wife was still on maternity leave and getting up with the kids at night. Now that she is back to work and I have to give up, at least, 1.5 hours of sleep per night, it is getting tough. I'm finding that I need to argue with myself about whether or not to go to gym. So far "going" is winning.

I'm up to a 7.5 mph pace right now and will do that for the next 2.5 weeks. That equates to 8 min/mile. I am a bit surprised that it is kind of easy and it gives me hope that I'll be able to hit 10 mph.

I still need to better watch what I eat. I ballooned up to 218.6 earlier this week. Since then, I've been taking lunches to work and not stopping for bagels/juice. I've already dropped 4.5 lbs. I guess this should be a sign that it works, but I;m hungry.

Anyway....I'll see you back in a few weeks and thanks for keeping up.

Year 2

Ok, so I've completed one marathon and one year of training. I thought that was going to be enough for me, but I have the itch to do it again.

This years marathon will take place on October 19, 2008. I haven't gotten much of the race details beyond that, but I assume the course will be very similar. I have a few goals in mind that I'd like to accomplish, but I need to make sure they are realistic. They are:

-- Finish under 1 hour, 20 minutes. That's a little slower than 10mph or a 6-minute mile. (I'm sure I will be happy just to break 2 hours, but it doesn't hurt to push yourself a bit....lol)

-- This year I'd like to get my weight under 200lbs. I have read several articles noting the fact that weight loss isn't usually a goal of runners, but I have to believe I can lose something. Last year, I started and ended at the same weight. I think if I eat better, it should happen easier.

-- Recruite others. I already know of 2-3 other people that followed my progress the first time around and want to try it this year (it's the...if the fat guy can do it, why can't I mentality)

-- I'd like to make running a continuing part of my life, past 2008.

So here we start again. I have put together a training program that started on 1/26 and will hopefully allow me to accomplish my goals. As with the first run, I will continue to update my progress on this blog. If there is a lull in my reporting, please contact me, and ask me why I stopped. I will again need all the help I can get.

Starting Weight (1/26) - 214.3 lbs
Current MPH - 6.5
Miles Trained - 5.5