DNS at the Sunner Series #2

My wife said I was groaning in my sleep Sunday morning when I should have been out running a 5k race. My ankle was bothering me and I posted my second DNS (Did Not Start) of the year.

Before that, I had a 9 mile long run planned for this weekend. I was going to run it on Saturday. My ankle was bugging me before I even got suited up. After about 1/2 mile I knew I wasn't going to run any where near 9 miles. I ended up walking most of 3 miles with an occasional short jog every now and again.

Before that, I had a softball game on Friday night. My ankle was fine. No issues during the game.

So, how did I come up with an ankle that wouldn't allow me to walk, let alone run a 5k?

I blame my wife, Amy. She put on new sheets. When she does this, my poor feet have no room to roam and they get squished in an awkward position. It's kind of like waking up with a stiff neck. So, I'm a bit behind in my training. But, my ankle feels good today. I'll give it one more day of rest and then go out for a test run tomorrow.

Lesson learned? Fix the damn sheets if they bug you before you go to bed.

Chasing Jackrabbits

Tonight I was scheduled for 8 miles. I ran around 8 pm in wonderful weather. High 70's. I ran over to Desert Breeze Lake and did loops around the park. A full moon and lots of families finishing picnics, as well as, the cricket players playing under the lights made for a fun run. But the best part came around mile 5. As I turned the corner I spotted about a dozen jackrabbits. Half ran one way, half into the field. So, the race was on. I took off after one rabbit. They are fast. I was between him and home, so he ran south. I tried to keep between him and the goal. After about 10 yards he got enough distance to cut the corner and make it back to his home. They are beautiful animals to watch run.

I made it back home. Switched to my swim shorts and jumped in the pool. Did some laps and pretended to be a tri athlete. After swallowing pool water and Amy opening the door to ask if I was ok, I got out.

This was my first long run for marathon training. 8 miles this week. 9 next week. Legs feel good.

Marathon Training

Before I know it the Twin Cities Marathon will be upon me and I better get ready for it. Hotel - A Loft in downtown Minneapolis. Check. Baseball tickets to the last two games in the Metrodome - Check. Airline tickets - still needed.

Training? Here's the plan.

June 7 - Long run of 8 miles (3 miles in a race, 5 after race). 20 miles for the week.
June 14 - Long run of 9 miles. 3 runs of 4 miles each. 21 for the week.
June 21 - Long run - 10 miles. 23 total.
June 28 - Long run of 12 miles. 24 total.

July 5 - Long run of 13 miles. 26 total.
July 12 - Long run of 10 miles (cut back). 20 total.
July 19 - Long run of 15 miles. 26 total.
July 26 - Long run of 16 miles. 30 miles total.

Aug 2 - Long run of 17 miles. 31 total
Aug 9 - Long run of 10 miles (cut back). 20 total.
Aug 16 - Long run of 19 miles. 34 total.
Aug 23 - Long run of 20 miles. 36 total.
Aug 30 - Long run of 22 miles. 38 total.

Sept 6 - Long run of 10 miles (cut back). 20 total.
Sept 13 - long run of 22 miles. 42 total.
Sept 20 - Long run of 10 miles (taper begins) 20 total.
Sept 27 - Runs of 6,5 and 4. 15 total.

Oct 3 - Runs of 6,4 and 3. 13 total.

Oct 4th - Twin Cities Marathon.

Blogcation

Yeah, I'm still running. But, blogging is taking a back seat to me selling some homes. Gotta pay the bills.

Hope everyone is putting in some serious miles and I'll talk to you later.

Sione and The Biggest Loser

Sione from the Biggest Loser ran Pat's Run. I didn't see him, maybe because I couldn't catch up to him. He beat me by 5:26. Damn, he's fast.

Jeff out in Maryland was thinking of me. I got these in the mail. He knows I'm a Reds fan. Thanks, Jeff. And GOOD LUCK to Jeff, Dan, Karen, Taryn and Katie who are running the AOR Relay.

Pat's Run

The first of two Pat's Runs take place at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. The school that Pat Tillman played his collegiate football. Next week there will be another Pat's Run in San Jose, Pat's hometown.
This was the fifth annual run that started soon after Pat Tillman, an American hero, died in Afghanistan fighting for America. Just in case you may not know, Pat played professional football for the Arizona Cardinals. When he was offered a new contract, he passed and joined the military. Today we celebrate Pat Tillman and raised funds for his foundation.

The race featured 20,000+ runners and walkers running from the parking lot of ASU's Sun Devil Stadium north across the Mill Avenue bridge and through Papago Park along Curry Road. As you head south down Scottsdale Road you loop around the athletic fields and up into Sun Devil Stadium. It's 4.2 miles and you finish high fiving ASU football players on the 42 yard line. Yes, you get to finish on the field and you're not rushed off. You can stretch on the grass after your run. Plenty of seating in the stands to watch your fellow runners come in.

Why 42? It was Pat Tillman's number when he was a defensive hero for the Sun Devils. This race is unique, in that 70% of the participants wear the technical shirt you get with your registration. Families will also love the play area for kids and the festival where you can get something to eat, drink or even a message.

Look to your right around the half way point and you'll see the stadium. The finish line looms big just a few miles away.

Football fields are marked every 10 yards, but at ASU, the 42 yard line is also marked so that we can always remember Pat Tillman. If you'd like to learn more about Pat click on his name.

As for my race? I planned to run 9 minute miles, or closed to it. Finish under 40 minutes and stop for just a few pics. My splits came in at 9.08, 9.33, 9.33 and 10.41. Not sure what happened at the end. But, I finished with a 9.11 for the last .2 miles entering the stadium. Final time: 40.09. It was a crowded race, but not so much to slow me down. I did a little weaving, but I was able to run the tangents without much interference. After the race, I went back to the stadium entrance and ran back in to take some pictures. Here's where you can find more pictures.

Race stats and map

Sumo Are You at 100 Days running yet?