Marathon #22 was Vicious

When you wake up in the morning and it's raining outside....pretty heavy.....and it's dark outside....pretty dark......and it's cold outside....pretty cold......who in the world wants to go run a marathon in that stuff? Well Sunday morning was just that. I really thought that rolling over and going back to sleep would be a better idea......but noooooooo! I had to get up.

52 degrees, heavy to light rain fall and winds around 20 mph was sure to make a really ugly day for a run. I always do great at the J&A Shamrock race but today I felt that just finishing would be acceptable. Facebook already had people deciding not to run it because of the conditions. Blah.....I got ready. Tried to figure what to wear. I really don't have rain gear that would work for 26.2 miles.

I bundled up, wore a trash bag and my wife dropped me off at the race so she could go on to church. I asked for prayers.....is it acceptable to ask for prayers for a self inflected run on a cold day and to miss morning service for it? I'll let you answer that one on your own. I did make it to even services that night.

I found a place in the stairwell right near the start line to hide out for a while beforehand. I chatted with serval other refugees from the cold and windy frontier talking about the normal pre-race developments. I try to be outgoing and encouraging to the others......I guess I can consider myself a veteran now. It is always good to share why I'm running so many marathons. Run Eugene Run. I can't wait to get my shirts made. One by one I bid them good luck and to have a FUN RUN..... Yeah right.....fun? How so in these weather conditions.

Well five minutes to start time and I jump out of the concrete cave and hit the restroom. Good news....it has stopped raining. Still cold and windy but hopefully the running will keep me warm. The race route has become a familiar one and I know where each of the hurdles will lie......that is always helpful. Unfortunately no soldiers out today at Camp Pendelton.....I didn't expect any. That is always a great boost to give them all a high five and thank them for their service. There were two.....I don't blame them for not coming out......it was crazy cold.

Back over the bridge and turn the corner at the boardwalk and headed straight into the wind. Before I was running between a nine and ten minute pace......with this headwind I slowed down by several minutes per mile. It was just rough. No choice but to keep running. I was going to be facing these winds for over ten more miles.

At this point I was running pretty strong. Probably faster than I should be but I was worried about the weather and the cold. I felt it was better to get in as much time as possible before it started raining again. Funny......it never rained again until right after I finished the race and had hopped in the car.

Push push push. My breathing was rough. I saw the 4:45 group pass me......REALLY!? I was running that fast? And then the worst......I thought I might be able to squeak out a sub 5 hour race as well as I was doing.....or at least a PR which would have been below 5:09......but then I saw the 5:00 pace group come up beside me at mile 19.......CRAP!

I ran with them for several miles and tried to focus my mind on maintaining the pace. I was just getting really tired. I kept pushing....kept running....maybe. But they slowly pulled ahead of me.....that is always the saddest thing. At mile 25 marker I reached the 5:00 mark.....so close. A little more push and I would be done. I turned the corner back onto the boardwalk around 37th street and I knew I only had a few more blocks. I could see King Neptune waving me in to the finish line far ahead. I picked up the pace to push these last few feet.....a good sprint towards the end always makes one feel accomplished. I finished......5:16.....I guess not bad for the weather. My second fastest marathon. Once again I do my best here at the shamrock.

Looking up I see my wife, daughter, grandson, my son and daughter-in-law all there cheering me on and congratulating me on the finish.......one of the best feelings of the day. So glad they came out to watch. 

Home now.....no food.....just warmth......I need to get warm and climb in bed. So I do.

That's my day my friends. 22 marathons in 26 months. Yes crazy.....but if I can do this with diabetes......you can do much more.

Have a fun run....until the next time

Eugene Thompson

Run Eugene Run

COLD Weather Running Gear

Here’s what you need to say comfortable and safe when Mother Nature goes frigid:

Trail running shoes
Your usual running shoes are fine in dry weather, in temps down to just above the freezing mark. But when it’s slushy or icy out there, opt for more protection. A pair of sturdy trail runners should see you through all but the harshest winter conditions. Many are waterproof, and their thicker top construction adds warmth and stability. Importantly, their soles are made to grip uneven, unstable terrain, so they can provide extra traction in slick conditions. Many trail runners are versatile enough to wear in spring and fall, too.
$80—$170

Base layer shirt
The only thing that will ruin your run faster than a sweat-soaked cotton tee-shirt is a cold sweat-soaked cotton T-shirt. So never wear cotton as a base layer, especially in winter (when hypothermia is a greater risk, hence the adage, “cotton kills.”) A synthetic, form-fitting, sweat-wicking base layer will keep you warm and dry — and allow you to pile on layers without feeling bulky.
$45-$60

Half-zip shirt
On top of your base layer, you’ll want a long-sleeve, synthetic shirt with a zipper extending several inches down from the neck. Unzipping will allow more air to circulate once you’re warmed up, and you can zip up again when the wind picks up. Look for one made from the same moisture-wicking material as the base layer. This can be a top layer in fall or spring, but it’ll be your middle layer on cold winter runs.
$55—$70

Waterproof running jacket
In dry weather, above the freezing mark, you may only need to put a spring or fall running jacket atop your half-zip shirt. But to run in harsher winter weather, invest in a waterproof jacket that will keep out wind and moisture. Be certain it has reflective strips to make you more visible to drivers, as short winter days make night runs more likely. Some models boast extra insulation¬ for the coldest climates.
$80–$200

Running tights
Whether they’re skin tight (which can provide more warmth and sweat-wicking power, but leave you feeling a little…self-conscious) or a bit looser for guys with a few pounds to lose, tights made from technical, sweat-wicking material are a must-have.
$60—$120

Wind pants
On extra-cold, windy days, tights won’t cut it. These looser, wind-proof pants provide an extra layer of protection between your hard-working legs and the elements.
$60–$120

Underwear
The most essential of base layers, a pair of snug-fitting, sweat-wicking underwear will keep you warm and dry where it matters most.
$30—$40

Hat/visor
Your grandma was right: you lose most of your heat through your head. A stocking cap made from sweat-wicking material keeps you warm in cold, dry weather, and a waterproof hat with a visor will keep an unexpected drizzle off your head.
$15–$20

Gloves or mittens
Never run in winter without them. Even in moderately cool temperatures, your hands can become icy cold. Some companies make gloves from material designed to warm up as you start sweating. Runners in wetter climates favor those made from waterproof material.
$20—$40

Socks
Look for a pair made from breathable Merino wool, or at least from a heavier-grade technical material than your typical summer models. As with all base layers, avoid cotton unless you literally want a bad case of cold feet.
$10–$17

Head lamp
When it’s pitch black at 5pm, a small, lightweight head lamp made for running will illuminate your route and make yourself more visible to oncoming cars. New models are comfortable, so you won’t feel like a coal miner.
$20–$50

Balaclava or neck gaiter
A face covering not only protects your skin from the wind, but also warms the air you breathe, protecting your airway from bitterly cold, dry air.
$20–$30

Sunglasses
If you run often during the day in a snowy climate, wear shades to keep the snow glare off your retinas.
$50–$200

Winter Mornings

I do not like Winter Mornings says Sam I am.  I do not like them in a coat, I do not like them with big boots.  I do not like cold mornings with feety pajamas, nor with a scarf and hat. I do not like cold mornings and that is that. Okay it isn't really winter yet...but I am in anticipation of them getting here.  My morning routine lately has been to wake up and my lovely wife brings me a cup of coffee in bed while I read the internet news, emails, facebook, linked in, blogger....etc.  You get the idea.  However, due to certain circumstances, I have been leaving the sacred confines of my warm cozy bed with the nice cover for coldy nights blankets all wrapped around my lap and have headed off to the living room.  Let me just say that it is less than appreciated in the morning.

FIRST REASON IT IS GOOD TO GET UP: Okay, I know that I will have to start getting up soon anyway so I can begin my running routine on the treadmill. Being cold weather, I will never again run outside until the sun yet brightens the day beyond 80 degrees in the early morning.....can you tell I don't like cold weather?....How did I ever survive those years in Pennsylvania? I need to do my exercise at 6:00 AM so I need to get up....I also cannot let my wife get too far ahead of me in training.  She is already running 5 miles a day.....Cold weather doesn't affect her.  She is invincible to the Mr. Frostbite...okay it is only 46 degrees right now....no frostbite but I believe my kryptonite is cold.....therefore I must stay far away.

SECOND REASON IT IS GOOD TO GET UP: Okay, yes I know that the day has only so many hours in it and I can get so much accomplished if I would only get my butt out of bed....evcn if I have professing that the the time spent on the internet reading and writing should be considered "marketing".....well it could be! Lately, by the time I get moving around and cleaned up it is tough to make it to the office in time for the start of the day.....the others are mostly already there.....I am the boss....true....I don't have to be there at the start (thank you to a bunch of great office staff), but still there is a lot to do running the business.  I can also get my work done....which truthfully never does "get done"...marketing always goes on, meetings, social networking...on and on....but it would allow me to get out of the office sooner if I got there quicker....think what I could accomplish.

THIRD REASON IT IS GOOD TO GET UP: Hmmmm, I cannot think of a third reason....there isn't a third reason....none what so ever.  Exercise, and work are the only reasons.....why am I writing this then? Oh my goodness, I have just proved to myself that I should be in bed....typing this blog.....waiting for my wife to bring me the second cup of coffee. Even the dog, after waking me up has now fell back asleep in bed. Okay, I have convinced myself.....back to bed.....wait, it is 7:30 now....NOW I do HAVE to get up.....being a responsible person isn't really what it is cracked up to be.... HAVE A GREAT DAY FRIENDS, even if you are still in bed reading this blog....!

Alright my friends, I need you to write me if there are any other reasons I should get up and MOVE....let me hear it! Post it here in the blog comments.