Marathon is "ON"

[tommy]

Saturday May 29, I will attempt my first marathon run.

I have tears in my eyes as it sinks in that this is actually going to happen. Just the thought of the attempt and participating is shear joy. I am grateful to all in here that have paved the way and encouraged me. You have helped me to go from virtually sedentary to marathon in just 53 weeks. :D

The run is the 27th annual Andy Payne Memorial Marathon in Oklahoma City. Proceeds benefit UNITY, a national leadership organization for Native American youth. Andy Payne was a Native American runner from Oklahoma that won the Great American Foot Race in 1928. This race went from LA to NYC via Chicago. 3422 miles in 84 days :eek: . Whoa! The course followed historic Route 66 from LA to Chicago, including a short stretch that is part of this marathon. It's a great story. http://www.itvs.org/footrace/

Participation has been dwindling since the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon opened a few years ago. Last year 51 participants. No screaming crowds. I've been assured that the aid stations are well positioned, well staffed, and well stocked. That's all I need. :)

[Mary]

Tom,
Just looked at the link, and it appears to be a race with a great deal of historic significance. It will be a wonderful premier marathon for you! Congratulations on reaching this stage!
A high school classmate resides in Oklahoma City. I'll send her an email and see if she's covering it for the tv station there.
Mary

[Les]

Tom,
There's no "attempt" to it...I've never seen anyone else who is as ready as you are! Remember your training and keep your pace. You want this...now go and get it!

[BillCobit]

Way to go, Tom! We're looking forward to that race report. Hope all goes smoothly. :)

[Abbanabba]

OK.... I'm not going to pretend to understand the workings of the mind of anyone who would run voluntarily, but I sure do admire your hard work and tenacity!! :) :) Not only are you able to participate in the marathon, but you've managed to jump all the hurdles to get there.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!


Cheers
Anna : )

[Mark Wagner]

That is awesome Tom. Your going to do just fine. Good advice from Les. Start out easy and pace yourself. With a smaller marathon, you may have some pretty fast marathoners. Don't get caught up with their race, but run the pace you have been training, and maybe even slowing some down the first few mile until you settle in to a comfortable relaxed steady pace. Your goal is to finish. The first marathon, time does not matter. What will be will be, and this marathon will give you a personal record you can 'crush' next time. When the going gets tough, the 'Passion' will pull you through. Try to stay focused, enjoy the surroundings, and the wonderful company I know you will have. One last thing, do not pass up a water station. Also, my wife keeps an extra gel for me to consume at around 17 or 18 miles, where ever she can find me on course. If you have been training with gatorade or poweraid, find out if that is what will be at the water stops. If not have one of your 'fans' hand you one around the half way mark. They most likely will have some, but being a small marathon, I would double check. Vasoline ... between the thighs and chest area. The last week ... Pasta, Pasta, Pasta. Carb out Mr Tom! The night before ... Your going to be so damn nervous and excited. Set two clocks so you don't lay their wondering if your going to not hear the alarm. Lay everything out, and in the morning have your cup of coffee and bite to eat, and smile at yourself. Your about to do something most people will only dream of.

You have been training hard Tom. The training was like going to school. The work is done. Now it is graduation time and your about to walk across the stage. Good luck and God bless you my friend. :)

Mark

Don't quit, dammit!
- Marty Liquori

[tommy]

Thanks all for the encouragement and advice. :) I have my 2 alarms and my body glide. The extra power gel is a great idea. I have been simulating aid stations every two miles during long training runs - and do not skip any of them. I'll walk them to be sure I get 6-8 oz of fluids. Race time is 6:30 which means finishing will be before noon but well into the day. Hydration is a must.

From previous history, the times range from 3:00 to 6:00. There may not be any "elites", but the 5-6 hr finishers are also few. I'll try to find someone to pace with, but may need to set my own pace. Negative splits will be my watchword.

TV crew, eh? :D

Gotta go...10 miles before work today.

On the downside, my 17 yr old son was in a car wreck last night. :( Everybody's okay :) , but pretty beaten up and cut from flying glass. He'll miss a day or 2 of school. Car is toast. :mad: Thank goodness for seat belts and air bags. The local police and paramedics were outstanding. :) PS...it wasn't his fault. :)

[Mark Wagner]

Glad to hear your sons okay Tom. The car can be replaced. Things like that sure give you a reality check on what is important in life. Hope your having a good morning run.

... Mark

[GregB]

Go for it Tom. Just remember the old rule of marathons. At the twenty mile mark you are half way!

Training yourself to the point of being able to run this race is a great tribute to your courage and discipline.

Enjoy the day.
Greg

[Mary]

Tom,
I'm glad your son is ok. There is nothing like having something happen to a child to turn your world topsy-turvy for a bit. My youngest just graduated from high school Sunday, and I'm concerned about what the future holds for him.
You'd think after raising five, four of them boys, I could get a grip on worry, but it's always hard.
Enjoy your race. If you see a tv camera, make sure you smile pretty! ;)
Mary

[Glenda]

Tom I'm so glad that your son is okay. Cars can be replaced. Good luck on your run. You runners just amaze me!

[Raverlaw]

Tom,

Best of luck to you on your first marathon. I hope that the weather is cooperative and kind to you that day, but at least you're getting a nice early start. Sounds like you're getting some good advice from the 'valvathoners' here. You are my inspiration!

As I'm sitting here with a bag of ice on my right knee, wishing I hadn't walked 2 miles with my wife last night after work, I realize the value of dedicated training and incremental advances. It looks like I'm going to be off my feet for a few days, at least, and I wondering how I'm going to get that daily exercise that I'm already used to - I MISS it! I'll be pulling for you as you run the marathon - take it easy between now and then so you're in good shape for the race.

I'm glad your son is OK. My 20 year old was in a major highway accident on 3/27 - the car rolled and he was ejected, but miraculously, neither he nor his girlfriend were seriously injured; just banged up a little and they're fully recovered now. Still, getting that kind of phone call just makes your heart leap into your throat, doesn't it? The things that are precious to us can be gone in an instant....

[tommy]

Thanks for your well wishes, especially about my son. He's a real trooper -surprised us all by going to school today. I went in with him to get his late arrival approved and get him an elevator key. Yes the HS is huge - 3800 kids and still growing - 5th largest in the state. I know, everything is big in Texas. He gets around using one crutch to support his bruised hip.

The police report clearly shows that it was the other driver's fault. She ran a red light and broadsided my son right at the driver's door. There were no skid marks. She must have been stopped at the intersection and just started up too soon. He is very fortunate that it wasn't a whole lot worse. He and his 2 passengers went to ER to get checked out - all minor stuff and will be fine. The other driver didn't need medical attention. Thanks goodness that it was a simple case of a driver goof, no excessive speed or alcohol were involved. All 4 are 16/17 years old. My car is toast. Looks like I'll be going shopping.

I strained my calf this morning. Not good timing. Its a re-occurance from January. It flared up last week, but then went away over the weekend. I totalled 12 miles over the weekend using treadmill, road, and barefoot on the beach, with no problem. Go figure. Now I need to rest it and come back up slowly all in 11 days. I'm bummed, but still optimistic. I confess the likely cause is lack of sufficient cross training. Reinforces my plan to take some time off or change gears during the hot summer.

Regular cardio follow up today went well. The cardio was called away. A nurse practioner saw me. That's a story for a different forum. BP 110/83. HR 64. INR 2.9. EKG fine. Valve fine. Routine echo next week (2 years since last one).

A quiet evening at home is on tap for tonight. Ya'll give your kids an extra hug when you next see them.

[Simon Gee]

I was just going to post a good luck message when I read your last post - what a bummer! Take it easy for a few days - remember all the work you've already put in means that you're ready now, so don't jeopardize your chances of competing on the 29th by trying to do too much too soon! Get it rested or you will still have problems come marathon day, in which case you shouldn't compete.

Get you calf fixed, get in a few more gentle miles and then GO TOM, GO!!

Simon

[tommy]

Simon,

The calf feels a little better this morning. I think that with rest and good warm-up I'll be okay. The heel stride seems to work better. Once the calf tightens up, I really can't run, but I can still walk.

Thanks.

[tommy]

I'm pleased to report that my son is recovering well from his car accident on Monday. He's still pretty banged up, but he missed no school and will go back to work (little league umpire) today. He is still on the "DL" for his baseball team with back and hip bruises. We are truly fortunate that his injuries (and the injuries of the other passengers) appear to be bruises and some cuts and scrapes. Steven has some medicine to reduce inflammation and also a muscle relaxer. Here is a photo of the damage. Steven was the driver of this car. Tell me how fortunate he is!

My calf is better. I walked a lot this morning before I started running. I stayed in the heel stride for 10 miles. After 6 miles the endorphins kicked in. After 8 miles the calf felt real good. I don't know if I can run 26 miles in heel stride next Saturday. Typically I alternate strides (heal and toe). At some point in the race (after I'm good and warm) I'll start alternating.

I feel a whole lot better about this today than a few days ago. I missed about 25 miles of trining in the last week, but am now on track. The stress of the car wreck and shopping for a replacement is a bit of a distraction, but will not be a problem. I'm endeavoring to perservere.

[Raverlaw]

Tom,

Glad to hear that your son is doing OK and that your calf injury is healing up. Take it real easy this week as you count down to the marathon. Godd Luck!

[labguides]

How scary for you to have your kids in car accidents. Hearing that a child was in an accident sure can speed up your pulse.

Both of you, take care of your injuries.

[Mary]

Ok, Tom,
It's time for an update. How are you feeling and are you ready for Saturday? What's the weather like down there? My cousin lives in Austin and she said it was 93 yesterday. I hope it's not too hot for you.
Let us know.
Mary

[tommy]

Mary, thanks for asking. I have a lot of things running around in my little head. Here's a download.

I'm feeling very well, trying to staying loose, counting down the days (3). I'm actually a bit nervous. I'm a little more tired than I expected, but nothing to worry about. The sore calf is now almost perfect. I'm sleeping fine.

It looks like my biggest challenges will be wind and heat. The weather forecast calls for isolated thunderstorms, windy at times, highs in the upper 80s, and lows in the low 70s. I should be done with the temp in the low-mid 80's. All of my long training runs have included water/gatorade at 2-mile intervals, and food at 4 mile intervals. Aid stations will be postioned not more than 2 miles apart. Mostly, I expect the wind and heat to sap stamina. Not much can be done about that.

It will be important to hold back at the beginning so I don't burn out, regardless of what the adrenalin is telling me. I'll start at ~12 minute pace. I ran 2 miles at that pace this morning as a mental rehearsal and to stay loose. I ran 20 miles a month ago at 10:30 pace, so I hope for some improvement as the finish line gets closer and the stamina holds up. We'll see. It will be a great experience.

So there you have it. I get more excited with each passing hour. My wife and I leave for Oklahoma City Friday around noon. It's about a 4 hour drive. Race time is 6:30 a.m. Saturday. Laurie will drive us home Saturday afternoon.

If anyone sees something that I have missed, feel free to chime in.

[Les]

Be running with you in spirit, Tom!

[Glenda]

Good luck Tom!! I'll be cheering you on, like Les said "in spirit."

[Mark Wagner]

There is not much I can add Tom, except for the fact that I am very proud of you, not just as a runner and soon to be marathoner, but as a man of integrity and of God, as witnessed by all of us here, each time we read your posts. Good luck Tom.

Mark

PS Tom, after I ran my first marathon in Portland, my wife and I did not stay that evening, and like you drove back home. It was one of the most joyful, yet painful drives I have ever taken in a car! I suggest you pick yourself up some 'alleve' and have some bags of ice for the trip home. Have fun.

[Raverlaw]

Tom,

One last set of good wishes before you pile in the car and leave for OK. Please take care and don't hurt yourself; the achievement is in the trying, not necessarily in the finishing. There will be others, I am sure.

On the other hand, if everything is feeling good and going well, GO FOR IT! We're all pulling for you. And you're already a winner in my book.

[Mary]

Tom,
I know you're going to make it through easily. You've trained and thought this through too well not to.
Have fun and smile at everyone as you cross the finish line.
Mary

[Simon Gee]

Tom,

Tomorrow's the day - GOOD LUCK MATE!

Simon

[BillCobit]

GOod luck tomorrow, Tom. Saw your note above about heat. Let me share a technique I have used successfully.

I wear one of those nylon/mesh running caps. In really hot temps, I lay a cotton face cloth on top of my head, then put a handful of ice cubes in my cap at the aid stations. I slap the cap back on my head and shuffle to the next station. I have found that keeping my head cool makes all teh difference in the world.

I have no advice for wind, except keep it at your back. If you have a sure-fire way to do that, then also wear a really baggy shirt ;)

I am NOT marathon material (maybe someday, but not in the foreseeable future); I am in awe of your undertaking. Good luck w/ that calf!

BTW - glad to hear your son is OK!

[tommy]

I'll pick up a hat and ice. Great tips. Cooler heads prevail. ;)

I'll post as soon as I can tomorrow. We will be hurrying home for a neighborhood picnic, so it may be into the evening (if I'm still awake).

Ya'll have a great day. Thanks so much for inspiration, encouragement, prayers, and information. Your support has made a huge difference in my life. :)