In less than 5 weeks I'll be in Chicago getting ready to take on one of the biggest marathons in the world. All summer I had planned on focusing on speed and crushing my sub four hour goal, but somewhere a long the way time got away from me and my focus shifted from a personal PR to just trying to inspire and and encourage others to join in on my running obsession.
In July I got to go for a run with Brad and Chris from 3 Doors Down, and I used the opportunity to encourage them to train for an endurance vent. Since that run Chris has signed up to run his first half (Nashville) in November. I have also been coaching a long a close friend's brother, Willy, who is planning on running the Las Vegas full in mid November. And, although I can't take much credit for this, I've watched my sister struggle to run 7 miles to crushing 13! My brother has even signed up for his first half (again, Vegas). I love being a part of something so incredible for all of these people, even if it doesn't mean as much to them as it does to me. On my 32nd birthday I posted a message on facebook and twitter to ask my friends to take on a new challenge with me, the #1milechallenge. The terms of the challenge were to run, walk, bike, etc. 1 mile a day for an entire year! There were lots that showed interest and a few that have continued it almost a month in.
Small things like this give me a purpose, beyond that of being a father and husband. It gives me a way to leave a positive imprint on the lives of others. My hope is that years from now my daughter and future son (yes, Katie and I are expecting our 2nd child on Jan 27th, and it's a boy!) will remember this and grow up wanting to do the same. It gives me enjoyment to see that I can actually make a difference, but as always it's never enough for me.
As I sit here, just over a month away from the starting line of the Chicago Marathon, I have a lot of anxiety. Did I blow my chance at a person goal? Is the 4 hour goal important? Should I just go out and have fun? I WANT this! But I continue to fail myself. Here's where I'm hoping for some help, again. I'm always motivated to run. I could go run 13 miles right now if asked, but what I can't stay on track with is my diet or any of the exercises/cross training I need to supplement my running. I can easily tell others to roll and ice, but I fail to be consistent myself. I've gone back and forth about my diet. Do I cut out alcohol? Do I try the Palieo diet? Cut out red meat? I recently bought a nutribullet and started drinking smoothies each morning (50% spinach 50% frozen fruit w/chia and flax seeds), but I'm not sure I'm properly cutting out other calories or meals. I also tried TFocus 25 from Insanity. It was great for the week I tried it, but then it got in the way of my training runs. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fit in both without injury?
If anyone that reads this has attempted a training program with both running and weight/body training I'm open to any and all suggestions. I'm also up for any feedback you have on dieting. I'm fine with my weight, I'd just like to have more lean mass.
Back to Chicago - I have my 21 mile training run this coming Sunday. It'll be a dress rehearsal of sorts for me. I'll be running along some of the Boston Marathon course, but will be 5 miles shy of the finish (an area I don't plan on running through until I finish Boston 2014). The training run is much hillier than Chicago, which is relatively flat, so if I'm happy with my time on Sunday I should be in good shape for the marathon. My only fear is that without hills in Chicago I won't get the breaks that down hills offer. Sounds ridiculous, right? I think I'm also going to try running without an IPod. I have a feeling that some of the songs I listen to have too much control over the pace I run. If anyone has thoughts on this feel free to share! And if you think it's a bad idea what are your thoughts on listening to only a few songs with a good tempo for the entire race?
Looking for feedback, so please don't hesitate to give opinions!
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The official fundraising for my 2014 season is underway. I continue to run as a member of Tedy's Team - raising funds and awareness to fight stroke. I run in honor of my father, my uncle, and so many of my family and friends that have been impacted. This year I'll run the Falmouth Road Race (completed August 11, 2013), Chicago Marathon, Las Vegas Marathon, Boston Marathon and Nashville Half Marathon. Please take a moment to visit my site, and while there feel free to make a donation to a great cause:
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