Mt Desert Island here in Maine. Think Acadia National Park. I consider it my 'home' race as it was my first race of any length and is only about 1:20 drive from home. This will be my 8th consecutive MDI.
It really is a great venue, well run, and a challenging course. There are hills in the beginning, more hills thru the middle and some long hills at the end. If you are thinking about it, be sure to sign up before the end of winter - it has sold out the past 2 years.... since the Runners World survey had it as Overall Runner up (2nd) and rated Best for 'most scenic'.
@ Steve, I will up at MDI this weekend. I have a friend racing, will be leaving from Boston early tomorrow AM. I am hoping the leaves are spectacular! Good luck to you, hope to see you on the course!
@ John - thanks, it's going to be fun and weather looks perfect - low 50's and breezy.
@ Carly - that is great. You and your friend been here for this before? It's a great race course.
Not sure of your plans but Carole and I will be there tomorrow afternoon. We are staying at the Villager Motel which IS the start line. We are getting there early to visit my LBS (Bar Harbor Cycle) and will be going to the pasta dinner too. Do you and your friend plan to do the pasta dinner and/or guest speaker?
My cell: 207.356.5549 if you want to meet up on race day or before.
PS - did you see the 'bridge out' warning for spectators? kind of a bummer, any other year fam could leap-frog most of the race course. This year not so much.
After taking the week off except for 1 run to let "hammie" have a break, I finished the Hartford 1/2 Marathon today. Time: 2:35:16, which is a 16 min. improvement vs. last year. Kept a nice steady, pace and even a negative split. Last 2 miles were pure will, legs just along for the ride. IT band acting up as well at the end. Nutrition was A-, probably could have a had a bit more water but very pleased with execution and improvement. (And not having to make any porta-potty stops!) Next year will be under 2:30 damnit!
Will take it easy this week then maybe re-start the 30/30 depending on how hammie feels. I def. think the 15 days I did of this challenge helped. Keep it going everyone!
Well, today went better than expected. Basicly I started too fast and just went with it. I was running for the sake of running - by mile 5 I pulled my HR strap off and considered turning off my Garmin (I didn't). I ran by feel - meaning what felt right. Not from an RPE or pace perspective but an inner feeling.... an emotional one. I was relaxed, happy, pain free, without goals or race plan.... just a desire to run my favorite marathon.
The most surprising thing is that I fell off my formal training plan back in early September and what got me to the starting line was this 30/30 challenge. Amazing what consistancy does for fitness and endurance....... John, thanks for starting this!
Now, tomorrow may be a tough go....... but you can be sure I will make a point of getting it done.
Took a few days off since today I had a half marathon race, especially since I had some pain in my heel. The race was fine, except that now I can't really put any pressure on my left heel. I try to run mid-sole, so really not sure where this pain came from. Anyone else had the same thing?
@Steve- That is awesome! I often wonder what would happen if I ran by feel. I think that was one of the best parts of 30/30.... It gets you to run just to do it without specifications. Looking forward to getting back to it!
@ Steve - those are the best type of runs - just do whatever your body feels like. OFten times they are fast, but always most fun. Congrats on a strong run.
Like some of you have indicated, I had to take a few days off during this thing, did my first double last Saturday. Need two more this week to get back on track. Sunday was nice trail run where I thought I'd just do 4-5 miles, ended up doing 8. That was a nice surprise.
One thing I noticed, is that after first 10-12 runs - where my body was just getting comfortable w/ the idea of running every day, my body seems to want to run in the 2nd half (at least after that 1st agonizing 1/2 mile).....
@ Steve-sorry I missed you. Sounds like you had a good race. I'm sure you passed me, was at the 11.5 mile at teh L hand turn, was there from the leaders till my friend ran by at 11 min/mile pace. That is a legit course, loved the small town vibe. I had never been up there, very nice area. Would like to see a marathon on the carriage trails, that would be beautiful.
I admit to haven fallen off the wagon a bit here with the travel/spectating and life in general. Looking to get back on the horse tomorrow.
Nice job all. Well finally had to take a day. After 26 days in a row my feet and ankles needed a break. I'll figure out a way to knock out a 2 a day either friday or saturday.
Great work everyone - especially those racing as well! Have done 19 runs in 20 days, had to take my first rest Sunday to let this flu improve a bit and rest the joints. Felt much better on yesterdays run, will double up one day this week to catch the run up. Not doing big runs but as am on SC this season think that fits a bit better.
Have to admit I couldn't get running yesterday - I had a truckload of fatigue from running a 'no taper' race. So now I am down 2 - maybe this weekend I will be able to squeeze a few doubles in......
Tonight was an easy shuffle on the DM for 40 minutes. Got me to 4.2 on the day. First 2 my quads were tender but felt better by the end.
@ Carly - A few years ago I asked the RD about using the Carriage Trails as part of the course but he said that the National Park has a group size limit (300 I think) that prevents that from being possible. So next year you'll be running MDI? Better sign up early, it has sold out the past few years.
congrats all for the consistancy. I have actually been enjoying running again! Today did some strides after warming up, then did three negative split miles with each 15-20 seconds faster than the last. Felt great!
I didn't think it possible but I am enjoying running more since we started this challenge than I have in a while. Something about knowing I will be able to clean out the cobb webs from the day at the office.... nothing fancy, mostly EP on the DM for 40 minutes or so.... longer if I feel up to it.
My plan to run this right up to NOS and test out on week 1.
Love looking over the spreadsheet seeing all the miles everyone is racking up - very insparational. Thanks to everyone for sharing, caring, reading and supporting.
Some great work out there folks. I'm at 28 runs in 31 days or something really close. Had to stand down Monday and today due to a hamstring strain and some ankle pain. The hamstring I can deal with but the foot/ankle pain is killing me. Have a massage tomorrow and hoping that helps a bunch as me and Withrow have a 5k on Saturday on his home turf.
For the first time since the challenge started, I did 5.8 miles outside with no knee pain. I also don't plan to taper for my 5k race this weekend like Tucker. The good news for him is that he can beat me even if he has 1 hamstring tied behind his back.
So now I need some advice from you runner types... I have never actually run a 5k race before... Last yr, I did all my 5k tests solo. Any advice on pacing or racing? Start fast or slow, even pacing, negative split...? I would guess I'm around 21:00 minutes give or take. Should be interesting since I have done exactly 0 speedwork over these last 18 or so days in a row of running. Thoughts or advice will be much appreciated.
@ John - my n=1 is to warmup for 15 to 20 minutes to get your body fully into the aerobic state with all your cylinders firing. I know that my RPE relative to pace changes dramatically after about 2 miles. Doesn't matter if it is a training run or a race - always the same: sluggish start, thick legs to "wow, this feels easy but I'm going way faster"
mile 1 - start at 7:00 and work to 6:45 mile 2 - hold 6:45 mile 3+ - press for 6:30 by tearing your legs apart - and know it's gonna hurt bad. got a little more? put it out there!
I'm starting to get stoked! Last night was the fastest 5K I've done since my ankle busted. At wasn't super quick, but 5K in 35:46 (as 1/4 mile walks + 3/4 mile runs) and best of all no pain in the ankle or foot. Fantastic. Even better, the 'run' was a comfortable mosey around 9:15-9:20.
I've been fairly pleased at how the recovery is going. I've still be told to keep it super conservative and not push it... but as it feels better and better, that is going to be tough.
I'm already looking forward to that final vDot test at the 30 day mark!
Seven more on the DM tonight for 26/28. First 5 @ EP, then 1 @ MP and the last @ TP. Need to get doubles in both days this weekend to catch up on day 30.
From now to the start of NovOS I hope to be getting more of my miles in at TP or faster to set myself up for an awesome 5K test.
Glad to see most are still cranking out the runs and miles. Nice work everyone!
It's Official! EN came in #1 and #2 in the 30-39 Age Group at our 5k! Not only that, but Tucker set a Course Record for 30-39 yr olds!!! Was a fun race, but I think Tucker fully injured his Hammy in the last half mile, but it wasn't enough for me to be able to track him down. Lets hope many beers will fix it up for him! Oh yeah, and the kid that won the 14 and under AG passed me in the last half mile and he couldn't have been a day over 12 yrs old!
5K in 21:39 yesterday (VDOT=45.4) which I'm very happy with. I had injured my calf back in July and had been unable to run a step through most of August. Could barely make it a mile without pain just prior to the challenge. Used the challenge for a lot of low intensity, frequent runs (mostly 3-5 miles). By the end of the month I felt like I was back to my old running self. My 5K time compares very favorably to my time pre-injury of 21:31 so I am back and healthy to start the OS in Nov. Really want to go back under 20:00 for the first time in many years. Thanks for providing the carrot to get me back and healthy again.
I abandoned the challenge a few weeks ago to let hammy rest but its great to seeing everyone doing so great! Congrats John & Tucker!
First run today after 1/2 marathon last Sat. and it was surprisingly slow. Going to do some speed work in the next couple of weeks before next race. (10k in 2 weeks)
It's Official! EN came in #1 and #2 in the 30-39 Age Group at our 5k! Not only that, but Tucker set a Course Record for 30-39 yr olds!!! Was a fun race, but I think Tucker fully injured his Hammy in the last half mile, but it wasn't enough for me to be able to track him down. Lets hope many beers will fix it up for him! Oh yeah, and the kid that won the 14 and under AG passed me in the last half mile and he couldn't have been a day over 12 yrs old!
The nun handing out the medals beat us both. We suck.
Comments
It really is a great venue, well run, and a challenging course. There are hills in the beginning, more hills thru the middle and some long hills at the end. If you are thinking about it, be sure to sign up before the end of winter - it has sold out the past 2 years.... since the Runners World survey had it as Overall Runner up (2nd) and rated Best for 'most scenic'.
so through yesterday have 18 runs in 16 days. Am feeling wiped and so going to NOT run today.
Funny thing is I am feeling guilty about skipping today.
have to remember the OS starts in a couple weeks, and that is what matters not checking a box today.
@Paul- 18/16 is pretty amazing!
I agree with everyone else that this is making me even that much hungrier for the OS and I think I will be more prepared to start it this yr.
@ Carly - that is great. You and your friend been here for this before? It's a great race course.
Not sure of your plans but Carole and I will be there tomorrow afternoon. We are staying at the Villager Motel which IS the start line. We are getting there early to visit my LBS (Bar Harbor Cycle) and will be going to the pasta dinner too. Do you and your friend plan to do the pasta dinner and/or guest speaker?
My cell: 207.356.5549 if you want to meet up on race day or before.
PS - did you see the 'bridge out' warning for spectators? kind of a bummer, any other year fam could leap-frog most of the race course. This year not so much.
Will take it easy this week then maybe re-start the 30/30 depending on how hammie feels. I def. think the 15 days I did of this challenge helped. Keep it going everyone!
Well, today went better than expected. Basicly I started too fast and just went with it. I was running for the sake of running - by mile 5 I pulled my HR strap off and considered turning off my Garmin (I didn't). I ran by feel - meaning what felt right. Not from an RPE or pace perspective but an inner feeling.... an emotional one. I was relaxed, happy, pain free, without goals or race plan.... just a desire to run my favorite marathon.
Finished 3:34 - my 3rd fastest marathon. 95/925 (includes walkers); 14/66 AG.
The most surprising thing is that I fell off my formal training plan back in early September and what got me to the starting line was this 30/30 challenge. Amazing what consistancy does for fitness and endurance....... John, thanks for starting this!
Now, tomorrow may be a tough go....... but you can be sure I will make a point of getting it done.
@ Kim and Steve: Nice runs. There is nothing like racing to know where you are at. Says the guy who should race more!
To the track again today 7x800, done between 2:59 and 3:06. Not bad considering.... I'll probably choke during my 5k race/TT!!!
Like some of you have indicated, I had to take a few days off during this thing, did my first double last Saturday. Need two more this week to get back on track. Sunday was nice trail run where I thought I'd just do 4-5 miles, ended up doing 8. That was a nice surprise.
One thing I noticed, is that after first 10-12 runs - where my body was just getting comfortable w/ the idea of running every day, my body seems to want to run in the 2nd half (at least after that 1st agonizing 1/2 mile).....
I admit to haven fallen off the wagon a bit here with the travel/spectating and life in general. Looking to get back on the horse tomorrow.
Keep it up everyone!
Tonight was an easy shuffle on the DM for 40 minutes. Got me to 4.2 on the day. First 2 my quads were tender but felt better by the end.
@ Carly - A few years ago I asked the RD about using the Carriage Trails as part of the course but he said that the National Park has a group size limit (300 I think) that prevents that from being possible. So next year you'll be running MDI? Better sign up early, it has sold out the past few years.
congrats all for the consistancy. I have actually been enjoying running again! Today did some strides after warming up, then did three negative split miles with each 15-20 seconds faster than the last. Felt great!
My plan to run this right up to NOS and test out on week 1.
Love looking over the spreadsheet seeing all the miles everyone is racking up - very insparational. Thanks to everyone for sharing, caring, reading and supporting.
So now I need some advice from you runner types... I have never actually run a 5k race before... Last yr, I did all my 5k tests solo. Any advice on pacing or racing? Start fast or slow, even pacing, negative split...? I would guess I'm around 21:00 minutes give or take. Should be interesting since I have done exactly 0 speedwork over these last 18 or so days in a row of running. Thoughts or advice will be much appreciated.
mile 1 - start at 7:00 and work to 6:45
mile 2 - hold 6:45
mile 3+ - press for 6:30 by tearing your legs apart - and know it's gonna hurt bad. got a little more? put it out there!
I've been fairly pleased at how the recovery is going. I've still be told to keep it super conservative and not push it... but as it feels better and better, that is going to be tough.
I'm already looking forward to that final vDot test at the 30 day mark!
From now to the start of NovOS I hope to be getting more of my miles in at TP or faster to set myself up for an awesome 5K test.
Glad to see most are still cranking out the runs and miles. Nice work everyone!
It's Official! EN came in #1 and #2 in the 30-39 Age Group at our 5k! Not only that, but Tucker set a Course Record for 30-39 yr olds!!! Was a fun race, but I think Tucker fully injured his Hammy in the last half mile, but it wasn't enough for me to be able to track him down. Lets hope many beers will fix it up for him! Oh yeah, and the kid that won the 14 and under AG passed me in the last half mile and he couldn't have been a day over 12 yrs old!
First run today after 1/2 marathon last Sat. and it was surprisingly slow. Going to do some speed work in the next couple of weeks before next race. (10k in 2 weeks)
The nun handing out the medals beat us both. We suck.