Prevent Injury? I Can't Even Walk

After 550 miles of training under my belt I was able to complete The San Francisco Marathon and walk away with sore quads.  Everything else felt pretty good.  Last night I was putting my suitcase back into it's place in the garage when I stubbed my toe.  Correction.  Toes.  I ripped up three toenails and yes, they started bleeding.

After a few carefully chosen words (the kids were around) the pain subsided and I went limping off.  Go figure.  All those miles without a single blister then wham!  Might lose a few toenails because of this.  Feel like such a knucklehead.

It's Official. I'm In Club 26.2

This past Sunday I completed my first marathon ever.  The San Francisco Marathon.  The course was tough but beautiful and I'm glad to say that I joined club 26.2 on this course.  Having grown up in the area I have many fond memories of the city.  Running across the Golden Gate Bridge, through Golden Gate Park as well as the surrounding areas gave me the inspiration I needed to cross the finish line in 4:40.  While I may not have been the fastest runner out there, I think I was certainly having the most fun.  I did train enough for the hills.  Running up..no problem.  Running down..wow, quads sure felt it.  But I loved the challenge.

One emotion I did not expect to feel is depression and/or sadness.  To tell you the truth, I'm kind of bummed that the whole experience is over.  The past 7 months I have dedicated myself to this event.  Now it's over.  I did sign up for the Huntington Beach Marathon in February 2011 and that has helped somewhat but I really do miss the routine I was on for this event.  On to the next challenge.

I will also be running the Long Beach Half Marathon in October of this year.  Then when I cross the finish line in Huntington Beach, I'll be able to pick up my California Dreamin' Series medal as well.

Thanks to all the friends I made on Twitter that provided encouragement as well as my family (especially my wife).  Could not have done this event without you.

All Systems Go..For Now

This past weekend we celebrated my youngest son's second birthday.  Fantastic day with family.  Everything was great except the pain in my right knee.  This morning I woke up and found that the pain was gone.  Whew.  I have two three mile runs on the calendar for the week.  Not sure if I should rest or just knock them out to help with nerves.

Hard To Believe

It's hard to believe that this time next Sunday I will have completed my first marathon.  Of course that's assuming all goes well.  With just about 550 miles under my feet in preparation for this single event, I think I'm as ready as I can be at this point.  "Hay is in the barn" so to speak.

Club 26.2 Here I Come

I started this blog to document my journey from an out of shape guy to an ultra marathoner. As of today, I have yet to enter and complete a marathon. I have done a couple half marathons during the last 7 years but never a full. Earlier this year after coming to the realization that I wasn't getting any younger or healthier, I decided to sign up for The San Francisco Marathon. This has been an amazing journey that would not have been possible if it wasn't for the amazing support of my wife and family.

I truly mean that. My wife has been 100% supportive and has gone above and beyond with regards to taking care of the kids and a limping sore husband after the long runs.

Today I completed the last long run before the marathon. Next Sunday, July 25 I will start The San Francisco Marathon hoping to join club 26.2, the first goal on my way to completing an ultra marathon.