Born to Run

I just finished Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  What an AMAZING book and story.  I'm not going to give a complete summary since it would give the story away...but there are some very interesting points in it.

The whole thing revolves around how we as humans were born to run and quote..."we don't get old because of running, we get old because we stop running."  That is awesome.  For someone doing endurance sports this book is a must read.  The science behind running and why as we get older our endurance improves is eye opening.  It should give hope to all who think they are too old to start.

At 32, I can't wait to see what I can do at 40 and then 50.  The book talks about individuals into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s who ran with the best.

What I especially liked was the talk around running efficiency and how we were untaught (is that a word) how to run starting in the 70s and how we have to relearn the ancient art of running correctly if we want to do this correctly and injury free.

I get lots of flack from friends and family who say that I'm going to blow my knees up and be hurting the older I get.  However, I disagree based on the principle of running better and more efficient.  Since about October of 2012 I changed my entire approach...shorter strides, quicker strides, straight back, land mid to for foot, and go more minimalistic in my shoe (I wear Newtons and love them!).  I feel as though this has made me stronger, faster, less injury prone, and enjoy running more!

So there you have it.  I do have to say though that doing and competing in ultramarathons is now something on my bucket list for the future.

One last thing...the book kept mentioning how the ancient Tahramura indians (the world's best ultra-distance runners) rely on iskiate and penole for much of their fueling.  As for me, I am always looking to try something new the best do.  So, I made some iskiate this week (water, chia seeds, and lime).  I felt great after it.  I'll keep experimenting with this drink as time goes on.

Tonight I made some penole.  Amazing how simple this is, but it is their energy food much in a way that we use gu's and bars.  It consists of corn meal (cheap and good for you), water, chia seeds for super power, and some cinnamon for flavoring and...YUMMY!  My kids love it too.  I made it into little cookies and so far love them.  I will be looking forward to trying this on longer runs, bikes, and workouts.  It's basically an organic homemade energy bar.

Here is a picture of one batch.

The Woodlands Half Marathon Race Report

Saturday March 2nd 2013 was my official first half marathon.  I signed up about 3 weeks prior thinking this would be a good test for the Galveston 70.3.  The week prior started off as a light taper.  Most of the more intense stuff was at the beginning of the week.  Wednesday I did a Maximum Aerobic Function test (3 mile run a held a few beats below top of zone 2).  I did this early at the local track (4:30 am).

The test went well and gave me a good indication as to what my MAF should be.  I held the 3 miles right at about 6:37 or so.  Not bad and I've come a long way.  Coach Michelle said that my half pace should be somewhere 30 seconds or so faster in mid zone 3.  I was pumped and ready.

I took Thursday off and swam a bit on Friday to calm my race jitters.  Also, energy builds when you don't release it from working out everyday.  However, on my first flip turn, as I was flipping, I don't know what I was thinking or where my mind drifted to, but I whacked both of my heels on the edge of the pool!  It hurt like a mother.  I started freaking out especially since this was the day before the race.  So I took it easier and cut my swim down by 1/3.  My heels looked slightly bruised at the end, but had no real pain.

Saturday morning started early for me.  I slept real good until 3 am and then couldn't really get back to sleep.  So, I got out of bed, brushed my teeth, and sneaked out the door at about 5 am.  I didn't know if there would be traffic on the way to the race, but wanted to make sure.  BTW, it was cold this morning.    The temperature gauge on the car said about 40-38 or so.  Thus, I sat in my car for about 30 minutes before getting out at about 6 to stay warm.

Gloves on, jacket on, and ear warmer on, I got out and walked over to the Outrival tent to see the other cold runners.  I chatted, but soon decided to start slow running and looking for the restroom.  It didn't take long to warm up.  Everyone talks about how great it is to run in the cold, but I really don't like it.  I'd rather have it warm with some humidity.

The time was approaching and since this was my first real big race (8,000 or so participants), people told me to try and get to the front of the corral.  I was a bit late, but fought my way to the front of the line.  The tip was to not get in the mid part, since it could be frustrating passing people.

The gun went off and off we went.  I was told to begin slower than normal, but that is hard.  I took off at about a 6:15 pace or so and was surprised that I could hold it.  I tried real hard to focus on MY race and not other people.  I quickly started passing people and got passed by some, but didn't worry.  Soon, several miles began passing.  The group started thinning out and soon 30 minutes went by.  I waited until about this point to start drinking and took a gel just in case.  It was surprising how far apart the water stations were from miles 3-6 or so.

Soon, I started passing some of those that passed me early on or took off in front.  After about the mid point I was running alone.  It's nice, but also lonely and can be difficult pushing the pace.  This is where the mental part of racing kicks in.  It didn't take long, but the last mile approached and I picked up the pace to finish strong through the shoot.  A few high 5's to my Coach and team mates and I crossed the line.

Final time was 1:21:50!  My goal was sub 1:25, so not bad.  Came in 7th in my age group and 37th overall (3,700 or so racers).  The 2nd half of the race was a few seconds shorter, but this will improve with time.  Not bad for the first race.  Can't wait for my next one!

One thing I didn't due post race that I should have is run more super slow and stretched more.  My muscles tightened up post race and are just now getting loose.  I'll know better next time.  I did't stick around much since it was freezing (cold air plus north wind are not fun).  It was time to go home, relax with the family.

Here's a picture of me at about 1 mile out.