Brooklyn Half Marathon – Guest Correspondent

So last Saturday was IT the day I had been training for for just over two months. All week I had been thinking about it… How would I do? What should my goal pace be? Was that nagging feeling in my left calf going to flare up and stop me from crossing the finish line? Well, short story is I made it, the long story is:

The week of March 15th, inspired by Terrence’s commitment to his training and his overall improved health and fitness, I signed up for my very first half marathon. Running the Brooklyn Half marathon would be special to me because when I started running it was a race I always thought I would like to try. Several years, and lots of hard-won experience later, I realized I was actually close to fit enough to finally attempt it!

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Getting there. The race that almost never was.

American Zofingen Duathlon SC Race Report

Looking back at this past weekend, and the logistical hell that ensued early on, the race actually turned out to be the easiest part. (And I’d like to think that’s saying something when you talk about the infamous American Zofingen.) Kick and pedal like hell. Everyone and everything disappears when I’m in that special place, and there is never ever anywhere else I’d rather be. What an awesomely challenging race, with a culture and soul unparallel to anything I’ve experienced to date. Equal parts competition, participants, family, friends, and organization, made this a beautiful event.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the whole weekend was as nice as those 6 hours we got to spend at the race. Nope. Hardly. Saturday began for me, after researching all last week on the riding section and pinging my coach, with the decision to go use the road bike opposed to the new beauty. Painful decision, but I knew in my heart of hearts, a race is no place to test week old equipment. Luckily, this worked out well for me, as in my opinion, and as my legs proved, having a tri bike/aggressive aero position for this race was largely, if not fully negated, by the amount of climbing involved (I’ll get to that).

Therefore early Saturday, after setting off for a quick 30 minute prescribed flush of the legs in the park, I set to task to get the old S-Works ready for battle. She was in need of some love, and albeit I’ve been training on her solely to this day, she was getting a mysterious creak that first made itself heard in the hills of Connecticut. I’ve trained and raced on that bike for 5 years, maybe longer, but she’s still a beauty, in excellent mechanical shape. Sure, she’s pretty heavy by today’s standards, but with a geometry that is perfect for power, she’ll always be in the arsenal.

After wheeling her out onto the balcony, I stripped the drivetrain down. First place to look for creaks. Pulled off the cranks, bottom bracket petals, degreased, greased, reassembled and dialed-in the front and rear mech after a little cable stretch. That was a couple hour process, but she was good to go. Next in order was the wheels. Albeit, I wasn’t going to go aero, I was going to get every advantage I could. That meant lacing up the new HED 6/9. And after a quick switch of the Ksyrium SL’s/cassette, Little Red, was looking ready for the charge. Or so I thought…

After another hour or so to ready the gear bag, cleaning up the mug for the big race, we headed out for a walk around the town. We had some errands to run, and I needed a minute to decompress before we were to pick up the Zip Car at 4PM. Well, I think we got a total of 30 minutes of decompression before the call came. I didn’t recognize the number, so naturally, I let it go to voicemail. Then, came the voicemail. Hmmm? Intrigued I listened. Went something like this:

Hi Terrence, this is ———- from Zip Car. We do apologize but we have to cancel your scheduled Zip Car for this evening at 4PM until tomorrow at 3PM. We’re sorry for the inconvenience, and please call us at 1-866-4ZIPCAR if you have any questions.

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Welcome home, beautiful.

It’s been a busy couple days since we welcomed the new addition to the household. Thought I throw up a few pics before the in depth review.

At the shop:

Safe at home:

After a few hours of further dialing in the cockpit for comfort:

Scrambled Rocks.

North Face Endurance Challenge 13.1 Race Report

Insane. Insanely freaking fun. I really can’t remember the last time I had so much fun at a race. I mean, all races are fun, but I was actually giggling at times throughout the race. It was perfection on many levels both personally and organizationally. Gallivanting through the trees, running up tight singletrack rock inclines, and running down rock quarries at crazy declines, full of endless lose baby-size head rocks, roots galore, switchbacks, hopping downed trees, streams, mud, blood, and to top it off 20+ mph winds at temps in the low 40’s. I really can’t even begin to explain how technical this course was, nor will you ever get the full picture without taking it for a stroll to see absolutely none of this is an exaggeration. Here are a few stats scraped from the race website/literature as well:

Runners can expect technical terrain and rocky footing that cuts to the chase, with some trails heading steeply uphill rather than zig-zagging at a gentler grade. Descents end in wooded hollows before the next rapid climb ending with a breathtaking view. Make no mistake: this will be a tough test of off-road endurance.

Elevation: 4/5 Stars
Technical Terrain: 5/5 Stars
Overall Difficulty: 5/5 Stars
Scenery: 5/5 Stars

Total Elevation Gain: 2324 feet
Total Elevation Change: 4684 feet

Or, for the visual:

Yes it was hard, but what a blast, and I really couldn’t of hoped for anything better for my first true trail race. I can tell you one thing though: I’ll be back for more. With a culture synonymous to the mountain bikers that started me down this crazy path some 15+ years ago, it was nostalgic and a wicked charge, wrapped together in a big ‘Welcome Home’. This year is pretty locked down in terms of goals, but there is no doubt I’ll be back for more trail racing and endurance runs.

The weekend started off just a little crappy, and our planned excursion to Bear Mountain for riding/running first thing Saturday morning was scrapped due to some pretty threatening thunderstorms and showers. So we ended up kicking around here, taking a chance to dial in the new steed, an eventually leaving for the wedding upstate around 11:30AM. Didn’t take long to get up there, and in yet another serendipitous surprise the race start was a mere half mile from where we were staying in Bear Mountain. Not only that, but I got a chance to pick the brain of the 50K 50+ winner as we were walking to our car to go scout the course. Not sooner did I say to Michelle that ‘This guy looks like a runner’, i.e., shoes, etc., did I start picking his brain about the course. To sum it up, as just about every single other source has said: ‘It’s f-ing hard.’

We managed to pack it in last night around 10:30PM, and with little delay I was sound asleep. Strangely I wasn’t really at all nervous. Maybe it was because I didn’t know what to expect. I slept pretty well, and before we knew it, Michelle and I were huddled at the start shaking uncontrollably from the blustery weather. I had my compression shorts on, but refused to take off my tights. Too damn cold. After a few short words from the MAN Dean Karnazes, we were off at 8:05AM.

I pretty much booked it as much as I could to get to the front, as we spun it down some pavement before heading up into the hills. We didn’t have long to sort things out before passing became difficult. The first few miles were definitely a little tricky, but I soon found a good pace, and started gobbling up those in front of me one-by-one until I found the small group that I would largely remain with for the rest of the race. What stinks is that before I encountered this group, I was far ahead of them. Turns out the guy and I that were rotating pace, took a wrong turn and headed a good 2 minutes out of the way. Trouble is, you’re so focused on footing that it’s sometimes damn near impossible to sight the flags in the trees. Anyway, he even apologized (back to that culture thing). I think I responded only with a happy giggle. I was having too much fun.

About that point heading back to the trail though, I easily lost 10 places right away, 5+ which I got back for good, and some for the second time. I wasn’t all that worried. I did want a good showing, but this by no means was an A race for me, or really even a B. It’s all part of the big picture for August. Before going in, I had one goal, well two maybe: Don’t break my ankle and have a blast. Done and done.

My fitness was great, and my result I’m more than pleased with. I ended up rolling my ankle a good amount of times. A have a history to doing such, and once I did it once, my confidence was gone. I even took a nasty digger, and tore open my palm. I know for a fact, as with mountain biking, you can be the fittest guy out there, but if you don’t have the technical skills, forget it. Think Lance, think Travis Brown. Well that was me, i.e., fitness-wise I was toe to toe with every one out there. I looked forward to the climbs because I would blow by people, and there wasn’t one I didn’t at least do a rhythmic slow jog up while others walked. But dang, forget about the down!! People would blow by me, with cat-like footing. I’ll get there. I’ve had a taste, and definitely will be back for more.

After crossing the line, getting cleaned up by the medic, switching some clothes, and cranking the heat, we were on our way. What an awesome day, and an awesome weekend. Looking forward to our day off tomorrow.

Officially, out of 483 that started the day, I pulled in 34th. 32/352 gender, and 13/80 age group place. 9:12 pace/2:00 hours on the day. 9:12 (eek)!! Whole different ballgame out there in the woods. But remember, I got lost, and in reality per the GPS I ran close to 13.5 miles, at a 8:55 pace. So it’s probably somewhere in the middle. Pretty stoked with that, as had I not gotten lost I’m pretty confident I would’ve scored a top 10 age group.

Earning my stripes.

I came, I saw, and I…survived. As I sat in my cage Monday for the prescribed once a week recovery day, with a wholesome zen-like peaceful fatigue, repairing the damage by continuing to stuff whatever edible item within reach into my mouth (interrupted only by the previous night’s sleep), realizing not only did I survive, I was wanting more. With approximately 13 hours of the hardest consecutive days of training to date this year, you’d think my mind would be far from yearning for the same, but it kept flashing images of the roads of Connecticut. I’m sure this wouldn’t be the case if human beings had the capability to remember actual pain (physical), but there was no other place I would’ve rather been…

What an awesome weekend from all perspectives, including great weather, company, food, and ice cream. We headed up Friday evening, and after a fairly uneventful drive out of the city, packed it in shortly after unloading at the Labbe’s household around 10:30PM or so. My plan for Saturday was to do the entirety of the ride that I wussed out on a few weeks back, i.e., from Bethany to Quassy, ride the Rev3 course, and ride back. Somewhere in the range of 98 miles was the plan for the day. 98 miles in Connecticut hill country mind you.

Having my cue sheet still handy (but knowing a little over half of the route already), nutrition dialed in, and beautiful weather, I set off around 7:30AM the following morning. Arm warmers were all that was needed, and as the day climbed into the 80’s, even those found themselves rolled up and put away shortly after heading out. The ride from Bethany was still pretty fresh in my head, and for the most part dialed in with little need to reference any directions. Approximately 20 miles put me at the start of the Rev3 course, which today I had every intention of finishing.

I was still feeling pretty fresh when I started the course, although the heat was creeping up pretty quickly. It was just a little too early to be so hot, and without any acclimatization time it seems this year, it only felt hotter. I soon found my way onto new roads as I continued past my previous turn around point. I’d like to point out, that albeit this is reading very easily, this ride was a suffer-fest. I wish I could recollect exactly where the toughest of the hills were, and I probably could if I took the time, however I think the more appropriate thing to note here is that it’s all hills. I do remember route 254 heading north to be a particularly long climb, so I’ll make a physical and mental reminder for that one.

The turnaround point just south of Litchfield is where I got somewhat lost. Thus, I really didn’t get to complete the entire course as it turns out when I retraced my steps and mapped it this morning. However, I got more than an adequate taste, and have concluded that it will be a tough, tough day, which has set a little natural apprehension about what lies ahead. Although by the same token, I absolutely can’t wait and can’t continue to stress enough, even while suffering, I never regret it for a moment. I love riding up there with endless roads to explore off the beaten path, vineyards, farms galore, etc. Its rural America at it’s best. So while everything may hurt, at least I’ve had the scenery to soak up, no traffic, and rarely another cyclist.

I really love cycling again. Thank you Connecticut, and despite all your damn hills, I love you too.

The day wrapped, with me rolling into the driveway, as Jason put it, going so slow that I could’ve tipped over, at approximately 94 miles and over 6,300 feet of climbing. I lost the route somewhere, but got a good long day in hot, hot weather. Excellent practice, but I still had one more equally tough day to go.

After stuffing my face continually for the remainder of the day, topping it all off with some amazing homemade ice cream, we called it a night after a quick route check and cue sheet for the following day. That next morning, Sunday, shaped up to be an amazing but even warmer one. We started the day at Lake Waramaug for my first open water swim with the new wetsuit. Upon arriving at the lake around 7:45AM accompanied by two very gracious sisters to keep me company, we quickly found our original plans awash. Hordes of people, were packing into the state park area of the lake for a crew meet, which also happened to be the original place planned for me to swim from. Alls well that ends well, as shortly thereafter we agreed upon another location, and after suiting up, I began the first leg of my brick around quarter to 9AM.

The wetsuit is pretty amazing. I felt like I could swim all day in that thing; it certainly makes for less effort. However, the initial shock of the cold water wasn’t something I was expecting, and for a short time it altered/strained my breathing until I settled in and warmed up a bit. I continued fairly close to the shoreline at an aerobic clip for 35 minutes thoroughly enjoying myself. Upon exiting I suited up, this time in cycling attire, said my good-bye and thank you (!) and set-off on the planned route of the day for a total of 60 miles finishing back in Bethany.

I found some amazing hills that day. Big surprise right? Turns out the route directly back to Bethany to the south wasn’t quite the amount of mileage I needed for the day, so I first headed north. I apologize for keep coming back to this point, but there was no shortage of inclines. Even though as a whole the ride would be easier today, with only approximately 3,500 feet of climbing, it did not disappoint. Further good news came with the realization that even after yesterday my legs still felt O.K. O.K. enough that is for a steady, but not too crazy clip.

Sunday climbed well into the 80’s, and for anyone who rides a bike, knows quite well the heat radiating off the pavement certainly cranks it up even a few more notches. I was glad for a change of pace, as my last two long rides up in Connecticut had been on the Quassy course or en route. I started of around Waramaug, heading back towards the direction of the state park entrance where I caught of glimpse of the crew teams now in the water, toeing the line.

Almost immediately I headed up a pretty serious climb as I popped off northwest of the lake. What was interesting is that shortly thereafter as I turned on to the very appropriately named ‘Brick’ School road, I entered my first true dead area with no cell phone coverage. Pretty amazing. It happened sporadically throughout the day north of the lake, and if I could digress for a moment, it dawned on me that it had been years since that happened. It could only make me smile however when I soon realized how attached I had become to the maps to help pinpoint myself should I miss a turn. Ross and I never did that! If getting lost meant adding miles, or finding awesome new stretches of road, how could you really call that getting lost? Funny how technology can make you second-guess yourself. That same bit of technology did however, despite no cell coverage, allowed for this very cool picture. Guess you can put two and two together on why those Connecticut old-heads named it Brick School road. That’s 1798.

The conclusion of the ride, despite my best efforts to skip a road of serious inclines, only took me on one of even more serious inclines. I guess that’s what I get for trying to wuss out. But know this Blackberry road, you and I will do battle again. I ended the day on my way back up Miller road at a little over 60 miles, and this time it wasn’t at tip-over speeds. After parking, dismounting, and drinking copious amounts of water that was left for me on the front entry way (I stupidly underestimated water consumption today, and got an emergency txt in that requested such. Thanks guys!), I laced up, changed tops, and was off on a planned 5 mile route that Melissa had printed out for me.

The legs were fine, but wow the heat was wearing on me. It did reach high 80’s that day, and knowing this is the best type of practice for Kentucky, I took off down the driveway. What is really cool, is that I’m truly learning the science of adjusting and regulating pace in different scenarios. Sunday was definitely one of those scenarios, and after two tough days, a hilly run, and a very hot start around 12:45PM, I knew I would have to slow things down. That being said, the run actually turned out to be fine. I slowed it down to an 8-8:15 pace, and cruised comfortably (as comfortably as I could) through a little over 5 miles.

And that was a wrap.

Lastly, I’d like to take just a moment to say thanks for all help everyone. I don’t say it enough. I couldn’t do this for a second without you. I mean that. It can be a selfish pursuit when it comes right down to it, so I appreciate all the support, and all the forms it takes…just like the title and parting photo, courtesy of Labbe & Labbe.

Finally.

So today this morning something happened that I had been waiting for for some time. It was easy. I’ve been saying to Michelle for a few months of Wednesday long runs upon returning to the apartment, that albeit I had finished fine, it was just a little too hard, or something was just a little ‘off’. If those mornings had been recorded, a common saying to the word, that came out of my mouth was: ‘Those need to get easier.’ Well this morning it was…remarkably easy. It was a combination I’m confident of appropriate nutrition (thanks lom) and a thorough job at keeping locked in (despite here and there) at long run pace of 7:30-8 minute miles. Today also happened to be the first run to the office. It just seemed to make sense, and I can’t believe I hadn’t done it sooner. It was a lovely change of pace and scenery, with a strong finish in Central Park (despite getting a little turned around). Ended up with 2 hours 40 for the day, clocking 20.5 miles so comfortably at an average pace spot-on in the low 7:50’s and a 133 bpm average heart rate. Great numbers for me. Major confidence booster that was definitely needed, especially after the monster training weekend that just passed. That update is coming tonight – just wanted to get this short one down in the books. Stay tuned.