Building Miles

This summer I will be using the Advanced Marathoning book’s 18 week 70 mile marathon plan.  The book is written by Pete Pfitzinger and Scott Douglas.  It is the most comprehensive book on serious marathoning that I have found. I’m currently running an average in the high 30 miles per week.  I have run a couple weeks in the past two months over 40 miles.  I hope to increase these miles to 50 miles a week by June 7th when I will begin training for the Chicago Marathon.

By the way, I also hope to lose 15 - 20 pounds by October 12th.  It’s a little less than a pound a week.  Since my last marathon in February I’ve gain 5 pounds and hover around 179.  I think running up to 70 miles a week should melt the fat off pretty fast.

Indy Mini 08 Done!

We watched the weather the night before the Indy Mini and were expecting rain. However, we awoke to perfect conditions.  The temps were in the 50s, partly cloudy with a slight breeze.  Just awesome.

I ran the race in 1 hours, 37 minutes and 50 seconds.  A few minute slower than I wished but still very good.  Just about 7:30 minute miles.  Not bad.

Scott ran great!  He was shooting high for a 1:30 finish.  He finished in 1:28:06 to place him 400th out of 30,000 runners.

Back to the blog

I took a break from blogging for awhile.  Just lazy.  Since I last blogged I ran the Disney World Marathon in 3 hours and 31 minutes.  Then I ran the Last Chance for Boston Marathon in Dublin, OH on Feb 18th in a time of 3 hours and 34 minutes.

This weekend I’m running the Indy Mini Marathon in Indianapolis.  Then I’m training for the 2008 Chicago Marathon.

Last night I stayed up late launching a web site with Jason and Matt(co-workers).  Getting up to run this morning was impossible.  I slept in to 6:20 AM and missed my time to run.  I think it’s okay for I should be tapering for this weekend.  Plus my hamstring is a little sore from Tuesday’s speed work.

I’ll write more later.

26.2 miles, Done!

Hello Friend,

Many of the people on this mailing list have been contacting me asking about the marathon yesterday. It was HOT! However, I finished with a time of 4 hours 38 minutes. This is 2 minutes slower than my slowest marathon. I walked often during the second half of the race. It was too hot and water stations were too far apart for the heat to run all the time.

When I reached mile 23, the police were telling runners that the race was canceled and to stop running. They told us that CTA buses were on their way to pick us up. Many people, including myself, ignored the order and kept running. After enduring 23 miles, we were too close to the finish not finish on our own. In the last 3.2 miles the police kept pleading with runners to stop running. A helicopter flew over head with a loud speaker ordering runners to walk. The clocks at the mile markers were turned off. The city was full of emergency vehicles with sirens blaring. Very surreal.

The spectators were great. There was someone cheering the runners on along the entire course. Even after the police were telling runners to stop, the spectators kept cheering runners on.

Thanks for all the prayers, encouragement you gave me leading up to the marathon. I really appreciate it. It helped me not to give up. Also, I ran for to raise money for WorldVision. Knowing that the children living with AIDS in Africa endure much more pain and discomfort than I could ever imagine help me endure the heat. Many thanks to all who helped me raise $830 for the charity.

Today, my legs are tight. I’m walking a little funny. Surprisingly, my knee held up rather well.

I’m not sure what is next. I still feel real good. I am signed up for the Disney World Marathon in January, but the Fall marathon season is still young.

Thanks again for all your support.

-paul eident

2 Days to go!

Oh boy! It going to be hot. The same temperature as Grandma’s in Duluth. Really, too hot to be running 26.2 miles. However, I’m going to do it. Through pain, heat and discomfort I will finish this race and give it 110%.

I ran a three mile dress rehearsal this morning. It went well. I tried to run without the knee strap and realized that I still need the strap. Therefore, I will be running on Sunday with the Cho-Pat knee strap to keep the tendons from sliding around the wrong way.

On NPR’s 848 program, I heard an interview with the producer of the documentary called “The Spirit of the Marathon”. There is a preview on the web site http://www.marathonmovie.com . Very inspirational.

5 days to go …

I’m excited.  My knee is feeling better and have maintained my weight.

Over a week ago I ran 8 miles with Scott.  We ran really fast(7:14 mpm) and my knee hurt.  Hurt real bad.  So I decided to give my knee a rest until the marathon.  Instead of running I have been riding my bike. As of this morning, I have no pain in my knee.  Yesterday, I  jogged 3 miles at the track with Scott and Brian while they ran their speed work.  I ran the last 400 meters this them at 5:15 mpm pace.  My knee did not hurt, but I could still feel a little tenderness.

My plan is to go for a fast three mile run on Friday.  I’m hoping this will awaken my leg muscles after not running for two weeks.  The break from running will hurt my marathon time, but I think I maintained my fitness level enough to still achieve a PR.

Got the vigor back

I bought some new shoes on Monday.  I went back to the New Balance 767 model.  The Asics Empire seemed to cause more knee pain than my worn out New Balance 767.

I ran 4 miles yesterday on the NB 767s at 7:28 minute miles with very little knee discomfort.  This morning, I ran 10 miles with Scott at 7:13 minute miles with a little pain.  Actually, it was sore most the time and felt excruciating twice during and after a short hill.  Otherwise, I was happy with the level of knee pain and very happy with the pace.

Scott showed me some exercises that he has been doing to strengthen the muscles the hold the patella in place.  I WILL BE DOING THESE EXERCISES! I need to sure this runners knee.  I’m tired of the pain and having to wear a knee strap.

Overall, I have my “running vigor” back, as my wife said.  During the knee pain and heat of the summer, I lost my love for running.  The last two days have got me excited for running again.  I’m looking forward to the Chicago Marathon and then the Disney World Marathon in January.

Pain in the knee

Since last Spring I have had an annoying pain in my knee.  It’s commonly called “Runner’s Knee”.  The injury occurs when the knee cap doesn’t line up correctly and irritates the cartilage holding the knee cap in place.

About six weeks ago the pain became a little worse.  I realized that my shoes may have exceed their service and bought a new pair.  The new pair was of a different brand than I have been running.  Since I have been running on these new shoes, my knee has become worse.  Yesterday, I went to Dick Pond’s and bought a new pair of the shoes of which I usually run.  In addition to icing, I am also going to begin some therapy on my knee, doing some exercises that Scott showed me.

I pray that I can keep the pain away to be healthy for the marathon in 4 weeks.

I’m back!

My family and I went on vacation last week to South Carolina then to the Smoky Mountains.  It was great.  However, running was tough.  I gained some weight and didn’t follow the schedule for a week.  Back at it this week.

10 Mile Tempo Run

Brian and I ran a 10 mile tempo run this morning.  I ran it at 7:47 mpm.