Bryan Patchen's posterous

The Marathons—Part 2. Competition vs. Completion

When last we left our…runner, he had just finished the Rome Marathon….. 

After a quick trip to the doc, a chest X-Ray, and the assurance that it would get better eventually, I was off again.  This time to the USA to figure out where we would be living this summer and attend the LIVESTRONG Assembly.  Landing on Saturday night, I thought it would be a good idea to run the Dallas ½ Marathon with my cousin.  But that’s a story for another day….

So, Rotterdam marathon.  I returned from the US in time to catch spring break with the family in the South of France.  A few test runs on the beach in Cannes (one over 11 miles) gave me hope that Rotterdam would go well.  A positive to the slower pace of Rome was that I seemed to recover quickly.

As hot and sunny as it was in Rome, it was not in Rotterdam.  Temps on race day barely hit 45 degrees (That’s around 7 degrees C for you Europeans out there), which presented a wardrobe problem.  In addition, it was windy.  Really windy.

My German winter training prepared me well for the cold temps.  I managed to make my way from the hotel to the train station and then to the starting line with time to spare, wearing a combo of a cast—off sweatshirt and plastic rain poncho (more like a plastic bag with arm holes) over my LIVESTRONG gear.  The race began with a shot from a cannon (no kidding) and a slow shuffle to the start.

As I began to run I had two thoughts.  First, I felt pretty good.  Second, for some reason there were distance markers every 50 meters—that was going to get old quick.  Fortunately, the markers jumped to KMs after the first 500 meters, and the reason for them became clear later on.  But I’ll get to that.

The first thing I noticed was that I was moving pretty quick.  I was steady under 9 minute miles for quite a while, and I kept forcing myself to slow down since I was shooting for around 9:15 as a reasonable pace.  After a while I gave up and just ran by feeling, figuring I would slow down eventually and hoping I didn’t burn up too much energy in the first half.

This is where the Competition vs. Completion comes in.  I recently observed that my “athletic life” is made up of two overlapping and sometimes conflicting circles.  The first circle is made up of my triathlete friends.  In this circle we talk about PRs (personal records for those outside that circle), “A” races, goal times, etc.  It is all about the results and the performance.  The second circle is composed of my “charity running” friends and supporters.  When they ask “how did the race go?” they are wondering things like how did it feel, was it fun, did you finish, etc.  I might even make these circles on Google+, but I can’t figure that thing out so I won’t. 

The reason I bring this up is that in some form or another, I face an internal struggle between these two groups as I run.  On the one hand, I am running for LIVESTRONG—raising awareness and funds for a cause.  My goal is to have fun, finish the race, and spread the LIVESTRONG message of hope and support.  On the other hand, I really want to run fast.  The faster the better. 

This internal struggle generally forces me to make a decision at some point in the race—do I continue to push and shoot for a time, or let it go and enjoy the experience.  Generally I am able to resolve it, but sometimes it takes longer than others.

In Rotterdam, I felt like I was running fast.  Not too fast as to burn out, but fast enough to achieve that elusive (only made it once) sub-4 hour marathon.  In the end, however, I let it go in favor of the experience and the ability to walk up the stairs the next day.  There will be opportunities to run sub-4 again in the future, but I will most likely never run another Rotterdam marathon.  As I ran the last 500 meters to the finish, I realized I had been here before.  Literally.  The start and finish were in the same place, explaining the distance markers every 50 meters.  They were a lot more useful as a countdown to the finish….

Overall, the race went well.  I finished my second marathon in less than 30 days, my 3^rd Running event for LIVESTRONG (4^th overall counting Dallas), and feel ready to wrap things up with the Weinstrasse Half next weekend.  A few observations:

·        What they said:   “Water will be served via our unique drink system Smart Drinking.”  What they meant:  Water will be served in cups with sponges on top.

·        When stopping for a celebratory post-race cheeseburger, keep an eye on your stuff.  My sweat soaked “Gas Cap” hat was stolen off my table along with my map of Rotterdam, 2 drinks, and the few gels that were left.  The cap and I have been through many marathons together—it will be missed.  Who steals someone’s hat?

·        When given the opportunity to drop off clothes for after the race, don’t pass it up.  It’s cold out there!

·        I can at least guess at the meaning of signs in French, German or Italian.  Not so in Dutch.

I was asked yesterday why I chose to run these races.  The answer is simple—so I can spread the LIVESTRONG message and offer hope to those affected by cancer.  4 years ago I had cancer.  Last Sunday, I completed my 65^th race mile for LIVESTRONG since March.  If I can do it, so can you.

2 months. 4 countries. 4 events. Marking 4 years.

In February of 2008 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. The next two months brought the start of my treatment, and my physical “low point.”

To mark 4 years since the start of my treatment and recovery, I will be participating in 4 events in 4 countries in March and April. In addition to the Paris half Marathon, I will be running the Rome Marathon, Rotterdam Marathon, and the Deutche Weinstrasse half Marathon.

If you would like to donate to my LIVESTRONG fundraising efforts, please visit my webpage:  

http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/Bryan2012

And now for the splits (for my tri-circle folks):

LIVESTRONG Events 2 & 3 of 4—The Marathons! Part 1….

It has been a busy few weeks with very limited computer access, so it’s time to catch up on the Marathons.  First, there was Rome…..

My 2^nd of 4 events for LIVESTRONG was the Rome marathon.  Let me start with a bit of an alibi—I was not in the best health heading to Rome.  After the Paris 1/2 marathon, I went to the doctor with breathing issues.  A week and some meds later, I was hoping that I beat it.  I didn’t mention that I would be running a marathon as my first “test” of the treatment success. 

So, the race began on a very warm and sunny day.  After the “Siberian Freeze” we experienced in Germany (most likely the source of my breathing problem), this was quite a shock.  Knowing my questionable health and keeping in mind that I had another marathon 4 weeks later, I decided to force myself to set a reasonable pace.  I did this by carrying a camera with me in the hopes that I would take in the scenery.  This definitely worked, and I have the pics to prove it. 

It became apparent by mile 10, however, that everything was not quite right.  As I was running, I found that when my heart rate got higher, my breathing got more difficult.  This forced a change in strategy—mostly involving walking through the feed zones.  As I hit the 20s, this walking requirement came more often, but I was able to keep going.

The highlight of the race came at KM 37 when I was able to link of with the family.  Lizzie and Robby joined me for a lap around the Piazza del Popolo while Brandi and Katie looked on.  After that, it was only a few cobble stone miles to the finish.

Just after the 42 KM point (where’s that finish line again?), we climbed the hill around the Coliseum.  It was here that I met Mona—identically dressed in Team LIVESTRONG gear.  It helped to share the suffering for the last little bit of the race, and we ran across the finish line together—almost like we planned it. 

My time?  A PR of sorts, but not the good kind.  I crossed the finish line with my slowest marathon time to date:  4:43:33.  And to add insult to injury, my Garmin quit on me just after KM 37…..  Although, since I probably shouldn’t have run the race anyway, I’ll take it!

So, 2 down, 2 to go.  The Rotterdam marathon was going to be the true test to see if my plan worked and my training was sufficient, or if it would all fall apart.   

2 months. 4 countries. 4 events. Marking 4 years.

In February of 2008 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. The next two months brought the start of my treatment, and my physical “low point.”

To mark 4 years since the start of my treatment and recovery, I will be participating in 4 events in 4 countries in March and April. In addition to the Paris half Marathon, I will be running the Rome Marathon, Rotterdam Marathon, and the Deutche Weinstrasse half Marathon.

If you would like to donate to my LIVESTRONG fundraising efforts, please visit my webpage:  

http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/Bryan2012

And for those interested about those sort of things, here are the splits:

Time: 04:45:09 real time: 04:43:33

Overall ranking: 9367°

Check Time Delta

Via Ostiense (5K) 00:31:52

Lungotevere Testaccio (10K) 01:01:57

Lungotevere Marzio (15K) 01:32:30

Viale Caorso (Half Marathon) 02:11:49

Lungotevere Acqua Acetosa (25K) 02:38:11

Via Reni (30K) 03:14:51

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II (35K) 03:51:19

Via Petroselli (40K) 04:29:21

Via dei Fori Imperiali (FINISH) 04:45:09 

LIVESTRONG Event #1 of 4--Paris Half Marathon Recap

For those anxiously awaiting details of my first of 4 events in March and April, the wait is over!  For everyone else, I hope I can help you kill a few minutes....

First, a disclaimer.  I am writing this from the perspective of someone who has completed 5 marathons and various other endurance events in the last 2 years, so my expectations and frame of reference may be different than someone completing their first event.  In addition, my sharp wit and sarcasm are often lost in the written word, so no offense is meant to anyone or anything in the comments below.....

On Sunday I spent several hours with 30,000 of my closest friends.  And I mean close.  Because of the number of participants and the fact that it was only a half marathon, the crowd never thinned out.  But more on that later.....

The event itself was held in the outskirts of Paris--not in the downtown area so familiar to many.  This fact was lost on me when I signed up, possibly because the photos on the web site show the Eiffel Tower and I never looked at the course map.  Despite this, however, the scenery was still great and, Paris being Paris, there were impressive moments to be had by all. 

Overall, I enjoyed the event and am glad I participated.  My only two issues with the organization of the event were the luggage drop off, which took over 45 minutes causing many of us to miss the actual race start, and the lack of shower/changing facilities.  Other than that, the race was well organized and supported. 

My training leading up to the event was not very good.  Although I was able to get in a few long runs, I did not get in nearly as many miles as I had hoped.  Some of this was due to the extreme cold that hit Germany, and the fact that I was sick for some of the last 4 weeks.  Regardless, I wasn't sure what to expect on race day.

So, as I mentioned earlier, I witnessed the start of the race from the luggage drop off line.  Fortunately, the race started in waves and I was able to catch the start of the second group.  Also, with timing chips, it really doesn't matter when you start since your time starts crossing the line.  The only drawback to starting late was I was mixed with a slower group, which set my pace for me.  With the sheer number of people, there really wasn't much that could be done about it.

The race itself was uneventful.  I forced myself to take it easy and enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris.  Unlike the German crowds who often stand at stare at you with "unemotional support," most of the French spectators had a look of disbelief as if to say "why are you running on a Sunday morning?"  Not the overwhelming cheering I had hoped for, but I'll take what I can get.

I was able to link up with the family around KM 6, a bit early in the race but convenient since the course passed by our hotel.  Around KM 8 I found the first hill of the course (I knew I should have looked at the route a bit closer), but it all averaged out in the end.  I briefly considered picking up the pace but after a few attempts gave in to the herd and just kept it steady.  Even with that I was able to finish in under 2 hours (barely, with a 1:59.12), so I guess my fitness level was okay afterall.

After the reunion with the family and a chilly and awkward change into street clothes, we made our way to the Metro to spend the rest of the day at the Musée du Louvre.  The kids had a great time exploring and we ate dinner overlooking the medieval moat.  Not a bad way to end the day.

So, 1 down, 3 to go.  I'm guessing the Rome Marathon in 2 weeks will be a bit more demanding.  But I'm also guessing my pre-race pizza will be more tasty.  So that about evens it out.

Some random thoughts/observations:

• Witnessed a "Jersey Boy" hitting on a young woman from Spain, explaining to her the significance of which exit he is from on his iPhone.  Some things are truly lost in translation.
• Most motivational sign of the day:  "Papa, You are our Champion" (hand written in French)
• Least motivational sign of the day:  "GO RUNNERS" (Printed by computer, Black on white, in English)

A few tips for the masses:

• For those in the middle of the road who see the water/food and abruptly cut 90 degrees to the table--there are 30,000 other people around you.  Please be careful and don't run into us.
• The blue line is not magic--it is okay to leave it when someone is in your way.
• Weaving in and out of the crowd will not really help your time much.  It will, however, annoy just about everyone around you.

2 months. 4 countries. 4 events. Marking 4 years.

In February of 2008 I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. The next two months brought the start of my treatment, and my physical “low point.”

To mark 4 years since the start of my treatment and recovery, I will be participating in 4 events in 4 countries in March and April. In addition to the Paris half Marathon, I will be running the Rome Marathon, Rotterdam Marathon, and the Deutche Weinstrasse half Marathon.

If you would like to donate to my LIVESTRONG fundraising efforts, please visit my webpage:  http://laf.livestrong.org/goto/Bryan2012

2012 race schedule is coming together!

Started to commit to some races--for now just running. So far we have the Paris half and Rome full marathons in March, the Weinstrasse half in April, and the Air Force Marathon in September. Hoping to register for the Marine Corps Marathon in October, and debating the Rotterdam marathon in April. Saving the summer for returning to fly and the occasional triathlon as able. While competing, I will be raising awareness and funds for two great organizations--LIVESTRONG and Team Red, White and Blue. Details to follow.....

Saarbrücken Gourmet Half Marathon Recap

                This past weekend I competed in a half marathon.  This event was kind of a pop-up, since I first heard about it a few weeks ago and said “why not?”  The longest I had run since the spring was 10k, but I figured it would just be a long taper…..

                First, the event itself.  Unlike most of my other marathon events, this one was low key.  With participants less than 2000, it had the feel of a local 5k instead of a major marathon.  Nonetheless, it was well thought out and supported.  The race was set up in 2 loops for the half, and 4 loops for the full.  This allowed the 3 food/water stations to be more than adequate, since you saw them 3 times per lap.  Also, the setup was perfect for spectators, since it was set up around the walk platz and there were several opportunities to cross bridges to catch different parts of the loop.  All in all, a good event with a flat course—perfect for a PR.

                In addition, it was billed as the Gourmet Marathon.  Not only was the finish line catered (more on that later), but the rest stop had various tasty treats along with the standard water, iso, coke, and bananas.  This gave participants a dilemma—run fast, or enjoy the treats. 

                The day of the race arrived cold and rainy.  Since it was only a 30 minute drive from my house, I delayed as long as I could to avoid the cold.  As we headed to the start, it was barely reaching 50 degrees and was threatening to rain.  As with most of my European races, I had no idea what the announcer was saying up to the point when I heard the gun—which started the herd moving.  Hoping I was starting in the right place (1/2, full and relay all started together), I took off.

                The first few miles found me second guessing the decision to run.  My legs were fighting me and the weather started to look worse.  Despite this, I pushed on thinking that I might as well make the best of it.  By mile 5 I found my groove and started to enjoy the course.  Shortly thereafter, the sky opened up and the downpour began.  It was here I began the true contemplation of negative splits to take my mind off the weather.  Although not an expert by far, my basic understanding was the second half of the race should be faster than the first—something I never achieved before.  I decided to give it a try, for the first time trying to keep a pre-set pace.

                The cold weather and rain actually didn’t bother me.  As I rounded the first loop (at 55 minutes and change) and began the second, I realized that I felt better at the 7 mile point than I did at the 1 mile.  The negative split calculations began in earnest.  Basically, how much faster would I have to be per mile to reach an arbitrary 1:50 time—faster than I have ever done a ½ marathon before.  Thinking I had it figured out, I pushed forward determined to keep up the pace.

                And keep it up I did.  I felt good for the rest of the race and crossed the finish line at 1:50.38—my new PR for the ½.  Not Olympic material by far, but not bad for an impromptu race.  I definitely could have pushed it and gone faster, but I wanted to make sure I could enjoy the event and make it home in one piece.  And crossing the finish line, I found myself immersed in the best recovery area ever.  Starting with a beer and a handful of granola bars, I soon encountered the gourmet catering that gave the event it’s name.  Not only was there wine, apple strudel, and chocolate covered bananas, but also fresh baked goodies hot from the nearby oven.  Not a bad way to finish a race.

                Overall, a great experience that I highly recommend.  I had fun, and that is saying something in 50 degrees and rain.  Some parting thoughts:

You know you are an endurance athlete if:

1.  You feel better on the second 7 mile lap than you did on the first.
2. You start to find your stride at the 5 mile point.
3. You run a ½ marathon on a whim.
4. A ½ marathon is just another Sunday run.
5. You find yourself calculating negative splits.

Splits:  7:57, 8:12, 8:41, 8:40, 8:37, 8:40, 8:28, 8:26, 8:20, 8:24, 8:07, 8:22, 8:10, 7:59 (last .2 pace)

Total:  1:50.38

Cologne Triathlon Recap

Last weekend I competed in the Cologne Olympic Distance Triathlon (http://www.koelntriathlon.de/).  Although only my second tri of the season, it will most likely be my last of the year since we are quickly running out of daylight and good weather in Germany.  My original plan for that weekend was to complete my second 70.3 event, this time in Ireland, but the logistics and competition for training time caused me to abandon that idea.  Instead I picked a race within driving distance, and it was a good way to end the season.

Training for this event was sporadic at best.  In between work and family trips, I did what I could to get ready.  Other than a run or two a week and the commute via bike, there wasn't much else.  In the days leading up to the race, I realized I hadn't been swimming since my last tri (in June), so I snuck in a 30 minute workout in the pool.  That was it.

In the days prior I also received a birthday reminder for Chris Sells.  Chief Master Sgt. Chris Sells was truly the best of the best--having a positive impact on everyone he interacted with.  On Christmas day of 2010, Chief Sells passed away after being diagnosed with cancer the year prior.  I decided that my efforts in the race would be dedicated to Chris and hoped to show my appreciation for everything he did for me during my time at Minot.

The Cologne (or Köln or Koeln, depending on who you are...) event was pretty impressive.  In fact, it wasn't just a single event but an entire weekend made up of events ranging from super sprint to full iron distance.  I was in the second wave of the Olympic Distance race (1.5K Swim, 40K bike, 10K run), which meant I didn't start until 1400.  Although temps in Germany had been in the 60s, race day arrived with a mid 80s--90 forecast.  Of course, the peak temp for the day arrived right about....1400.  And the forecasted temp was on the low side....

I arrived at the registration area just after 1030, which was a bit stressful since the translation of the instructions said check-in ended at 1030 for wave 2.  Turns out it was a misprint and registration went until 30 minutes prior to the start, so I had plenty of time to get things together.  After setting up the transition area I realized that I hadn't seen anyone in wetsuits--turns out they were not going to be allowed due to water temp.  An interesting twist for the day--my first tri without a wetsuit.

Eventually it was time to get in the water.  Despite the "too warm for wetsuits" ruling, the water was cold--as evidenced by the screams of the participants.  We slowly adjusted to the temps and made our way to the starting line for a 10 minute water-treading wait.  The start was not the expected bang, beep or crash, but rather a mumbled phrase in German which began a flailing of arms all around me.  Off we went.

The swim went well and I was soon out in the front group, and then out of the water.  Apparently there were cheerleaders set up right at water exit, but I never saw them.  I did, however, see the family cheering me on.  Running up the hill to T1, I was feeling pretty good.  The transition went smoothly, and I was inspired by the "In Memory of Chris Sells" bib I had tied to the bike rail.  Off on the bike at 26:55 (swim, short run, plus T1)--a bit slower than I would have liked, but good enough to keep me out front.

The bike course was my least favorite part of the race.  It was made up of three loops on a road without any scenery at all.  In addition, there were three 180 degree turns on each loop.  Unfortunately, I couldn't remember how many loops I needed to do so I had to ask several volunteers (in broken German) to make sure I had it right.  Despite this, it was a quick 40K and my bike and I got along well--even with my new saddle.  As I dodged the cones at the end of the third loop I felt pretty good, and T2 went off without a hitch.  Off the bike and on the run in 01:09:43.

Then came the run.  Unlike my last tri, my legs felt good.  Whether this was due to the lack of hills, riding the Ora (TT bike) instead of the Onix (road bike), my runs the weeks prior, or the intervention of Chief Sells I will never know.  Regardless, I ignored the heat and pressed forward.  Unlike the bike course, the run course was scenic with a loop around the lake.  Since it was potentially the last nice day in Germany, the park was packed with swimsuit clad locals cooking on their grills.  Most of them looked on in amusement as we ran by.

Overall, the run went well.  The heat got to me a bit, so I altered my routine and walked through the feed zones to make sure I took on enough fluids.  If I needed to, I slowed down, but kept going forward.  And in the end, I crossed the finish line in 02:38:01--30 minutes faster than Baumholder and my fastest time to date for an Olympic.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  Whoever said slow and steady wins the race wasn't a triathlete.  Slow and steady does, however, finish the race.

So, I am definitely glad I did the Cologne race.  Not only did I get my best time, but I was able to give the race more meaning by dedicating it to Chief Sells.  Even though I have been fundraising for and supporting LIVESTRONG the last two years, it is often an abstract idea which can sometimes get lost in the noise.  There is nothing more meaningful than the life of an individual, a mentor, a friend.

Patchen, Bryan (USA) EURO Tri Ramstein M35

Swim: 00:26:55 / Bike: 01:09:43  / Run: 01:01:24  Overall: 02:38:01

Baumholder Tri Recap

So, there I was….the first Tri of the season.  This year got off to a much later start than last year in that I skipped the Metz Tri in May.  Not sure why I was dragging my feet—maybe I was burned out from the two spring marathons.  In any case, the last weekend in June arrived and with it came the Baumholder Triathlon (http://www.baumholder-triathlon.de/ ).

Because this was a “local” event (about 30 minutes away), we used it as our first group race.  In all, about 10 of our “Euro Tri Ramstein” Facebook group entered, and most of them joined us for a post race BBQ.  That alone made it an event to remember.

Going into the race, I did not feel prepared.  In fact, I was almost dreading it.  This was most likely due to the fact that I hadn’t been in the water since September, and no serious running since April.  I did, however, commute to work on the bike for about 100 miles of training a week.  That was about it.

The night before the race found me trying to piece together my gear.  Thanks to a fortuitous tweet by Julie Dibens (juliedibens), I remembered to pack my swim goggles.  I finally tracked everything down and loaded the car.  In the end, here’s what I used:

·         Orca Tri Suit, Orbea Onix (OrbeaBicycles), Xterra sleeveless wetsuit (XTERRAWETSUITS), New Balance running shoes, Giro LIVESTRONG helmet (LIVESTRONG), Gas Cap hat (www.gogascap.com), Oakley sunglasses (oakley), and my Wheelsports (http://wheelsports.de/)  socks and bike gloves.  Oh yeah, and my Aqua Sphere goggles.  More on the gear later.

After a nearly sleepless night I rolled out of bed and drove to the race.  After passing the officials, who told me my helmet may or may not be okay, I started to set up my gear.  It was then I realized it was almost a year since I thought about transitions and started looking around for tips on setup.  Not rocket science, of course, but definitely important. 

When the race briefing started I said “good enough” to my gear and listened to the threat of the day—elevated algae levels and associated health risk.  Despite the clear offer of a “way out,” we all decided to sign the waiver and race.  30 minutes later we were in the water and the race began.

Despite my lack of swim training, the swim was mostly uneventful.  A slight wardrobe malfunction arose half way through the first lap—the right side of my goggles filled with algae-laden water.  Despite this, I cleared them and went on, cleared them again, and… well you get the point.  On the second lap I found a friend—someone decided to attach themselves to my feet.  Try as I might there was no escape.  As I exited the water I saw the culprit—and he was one of our own.  Oh well.

I exited the water and hit T1 at 18:27, which had the addition of a water station to “rinse and clear off the algae.”  After that, I realized the art of transition was lost to me.  As I fumbled with my gear I watched my lead (4^th in my group, 7^th overall) from the swim disappear.

The ride, while challenging, was uneventful.  The sun was shining bright—something we had become unaccustomed to in the weeks leading up to the race.  In fact, it was 20 degrees warmer than it had been the day prior.  Despite this, I felt I held my own on the ride despite being a relative novice.  No issues, no crashes, and speeds in excess of 70 KPH on the road bike.

T2 was smoother than T1—probably because there was less to deal with.  As I took off on the run, I realized I still had my bike gloves on—probably something I could have done without in the first place.  In any case, I soon realized that my lack of training was going to cost me. 

Shortly past the ½ mile point, both calves locked up on me.  I pushed as much as I could, but finally decided to stop and stretch.  After several attempts to loosen them up, I finally felt like things were starting to work again.  It was at that point that I lost feeling in my right foot.  Odd at first, it started to get me worried—so much so that I resorted to stopping to pull the shoe and sock and massage the leg.  That seemed to work briefly, but then the feeling was gone again.  After pulling the shoe off again and walking , it finally worked itself out.  By mile 5 I was ready to go and as I picked up speed….the race was over.

So, lessons for the day.:

·         There is no substitute for training.  My lack of running in the weeks prior definitely hurt my run.  My lack of swimming probably didn’t help either.

·         Don’t try new or excessively old gear on race day.  My running shoes were last worn in September, as were my goggles.  I’m pretty sure the discomfort on the run was either caused by or aggravated by the shoes.

·          Don’t over-do it.  My swim was fast.  My bike felt good and I pushed it.  That probably cost me the run.

·         Sunscreen only works if you apply it fully.  My back can testify to that.

And last, 3 years ago at this time I had just finished my cancer treatment and could barely walk a mile.  On Sunday I finished another Olympic distance Triathlon.  Not bad.

LIVESTRONG!

45 Patchen, Bryan
(00:18:27/ 01:42:48/ 01:07:50) 03:09:05 h

Commuted via TT bike today. The Ora is definitely a bit more touchy than the Onix...

Commuting via bike is somewhat therapeutic. That will be $50 please. #rideyourbike

It was the best of times, it was the worst time--London Marathon Recap

So, after months of training and fundraising the day of the London Marathon finally arrived.  I went out the door just $450 shy of $5000 for LIVESTRONG and ready to run.  Torn between pushing for a finish in under 4 hours and soaking in the experience, I started my trek to the starting area.  As I approached Paddington Station unsure of exactly which trains to take, I saw a few runners walking with a clown.  The clown looked like he knew where he was going, so I joined up.  What could possibly go wrong?

Betting on the clown worked out—I made it to the starting area without any problems.  I also realized something—this was the first endurance event in the last 3 years where the language was English.  As I rode the trains I chatted with several locals giving insight about the event.

The start was congested but very organized, as I would expect in England.  And the first few miles flew by.  I continually reminded myself to slow down.  I didn’t want to repeat the mistake I made in Rome of going out too fast.  The night before I had debated which timing band to put on—I had picked up everything from 3:45 to 4 hours.  In the end, I grabbed 3:55 thinking I could always go faster if I felt like it. 

As our red start group merged with the blue, it started to get congested again.  The easy pace turned to shuffling as people tried to get to open areas.  A guy kicking a soccer ball took a tumble—not a good thing at any point but especially with over 20 miles to go.  A few miles later another runner went down.  I stopped to help her up and pressed on.

Passing Tower Bridge and the halfway point, things were going great.  I decided to keep the 3:55 pace until mile 20, then push it up if I felt good.  I took a few glances over my shoulder to take in the sight of the bridge filled with runners—not something to miss!

As I ran I pulled my right earbud out so I could better hear the crowd.  Unfortunately, the foam end came off and was lodged in my ear.  Facing another 12+ miles, I decided it had to come out.  I managed to pick up a piece of a zip tie (they were holding the fence covers around the course) and tried to dislodge it while running.  Not my best idea.  After stopping to walk for a few seconds I managed to get it out, toss it aside, and start running again.  MacGyver has nothing on me.

Approaching mile 17, I caught sight of my family and friends on the sidelines.  Instead of running by and waving as I did in Rome, I stopped to say hello.  Hugs for all, then back to the run.  As I passed the 17 mile marker I caught sight of the pink LIVESTRONG shirt of fellow LIVESTRONG Leader Dani Felitti.  This time I just waved, but it was one more boost to keep me going.

Around mile 18 the sun was really beating down, and there was still no wind.  I heard an announcer talking about how “anyone who has done any road racing knows that when that sun comes out the race gets harder” or something to that effect.  Thanks for that.  In any case, it did get harder and my pace was slowing.  Part of it was me, but part was the sheer number of people on the course—especially in a few spots where the road thinned down and we were forced to a shuffle.

Around mile 20 I had a decision to make.  3:55 was slipping away, and I wasn’t feeling that great.  Legs felt fine, I was just having a hard time keeping the pace.  It might have been the heat, the fact that I didn’t follow my nutrition plan (finished the race only having eaten 3 of 6 gels), the lingering fatigue from Rome, or any number of other factors.  Bottom line was I could either keep pushing for that sub 4 marathon, or let it go.  I grabbed a bottle of water, and for the first time walked through the feed zone.  I was in London to enjoy the event, not to set a PR.

Coming around the corner just before Big Ben, I saw the same clown giving an interview on the side of the road.  At least I can say I didn’t get beaten by the clown….  Some of the other memorable costumes I passed along the route included a rhino, Mr. Happy, a penguin, and a guy wearing nothing but a G-string and a smile.  Could have been worse.

Crossing the finish line at 4:13, I was a bit disappointed by the time, but thrilled to have run London.  I also felt much better at the finish than I had in Rome.  As I walked to the truck to get my bag, I chatted with someone who shared the experience.

Returning to the apartment to rejoin my family, I found that while I was running I received more donations.  My total now was over $5000, thanks in part to a generous donation from my cousin Christopher.  Once we were reunited, we walked to Princess Diana’s memorial playground to finish off the day.

So, although I had the worst time of my 4 marathons in the last 13 months, I think it was the best race.  Why?  I ran for Team LIVESTRONG and raised over $5000.  I got to see my family on the side of the course.  And after the race, I felt well enough to walk up and down stairs  and take the family to the park.  Not a bad day.  I will say, however, that 2 marathons in 1 month is not something I plan to do again.

splits