tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88894428665571310122024-03-07T08:53:13.118-07:00Jesse Armijo - Chasing the DreamJesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-84287573130763150932024-03-05T14:12:00.004-07:002024-03-07T08:52:23.415-07:00Life as I know It - Through Running and Racing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabrTKmvKlPXLc4t9U6oViUJiSRooMYAXloVukY1lRI-pjFnDB7iiLNXfh0vYsrOKYt-EjxUcxB7c4xwfwNhCy3FY5eYxYUzay4cKDXb2melqHlOk96Fcdzeb3a9cV6hUGeZ5Cl2dqP1BgaZSryLDrL3nFoKjTY7ly7TG49a9bcNNQAfGPkPBDZcUaJ1c/s9504/_DSC5457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="9504" data-original-width="6336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabrTKmvKlPXLc4t9U6oViUJiSRooMYAXloVukY1lRI-pjFnDB7iiLNXfh0vYsrOKYt-EjxUcxB7c4xwfwNhCy3FY5eYxYUzay4cKDXb2melqHlOk96Fcdzeb3a9cV6hUGeZ5Cl2dqP1BgaZSryLDrL3nFoKjTY7ly7TG49a9bcNNQAfGPkPBDZcUaJ1c/s320/_DSC5457.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p>Life has as many ups and downs or zigzagging turns as any single tracked trail that I have navigated in the past 25 years or so. With that wild parallel behind me, and the many unknown life trails ahead, it seems fitting to reflect on the past year or so and revisit my dusty blog.</p><p>Right now I would like to reflect on what running has evolved into for myself, and what I hope it will transform into. I would like to circumnavigate the many feelings of this sport, just as it has felt when racing a true mile on a track. The 4 laps all serve a distinct feeling as you speed towards the finish, and in some cases the splits tend to be nearly identical as the last, but the sensation is oh so different. For this reflection, and for where I am in age - 41 years young, it's uncanny to match up each lap with a different part of my life in a decade format. Lap 1 is getting familiar with the sport, Lap 2 is settling in, Lap 3 has zero error to loose focus and Lap 4 was the long 400m kick home.</p><p>Lap 1: This will be the shortest of paragraphs, as most will know that the first lap of a hard mile is sometimes a blur of emotion and adrenaline from just the excitement of the race. This segment of my life was probably my high school and college career. We were young, only had PR's to look forward to as we got older. We developed many life long friendships in this sport as the commonality of running on a team only brought us all together. The brotherhood of sweat and tears running around an oval only strengthen the bond we had as teammates. Yet, the personal endeavor of improving was all we could think about. Improving... was one way to look at it, but for the mature athlete we looked at it as Growing. Some of us had a predetermined set growth that would end once we were never expected to wear our college uniform again - graduation day. Others knew they would keep running for the pure joy or physical benefit of staying in shape. And a few of us were propelled to pursue some lofty goal that would seem unimaginable...</p><p>Lap 2: For me, this was post-college competition and entering the world of professionalism; attempting to reach for some times that would be regraded as "fast" and not just an "also ran" individual. For nearly 4 years after college I settled into my life with friends rather than a career as a teacher. I trained somewhat seriously and worked somewhat seriously. Just as you would in the mile itself, I settled. I settled in my training, just slowly increasing my fitness and making some decent improvements. Raced all around San Diego and Southern California, and remained a big fish in a small pond. Settling into a small bit of glory by becoming the "Top Dog" in my area. Still in search of something greater, I would approach lap 3 with some decent experience in the running world, but knew that I would have to make a dramatic move to reach those far fetched goals. This metaphorical move, was actually a physical move as I looked into moving to high altitude. The mountain towns of Flagstaff, Boulder or Alamosa were on my mind. Ironically, an old teammate by the name of Kris Houghton was training in the high altitude city of Albuquerque. A city that would rival Boulder for it's population of World Class medalist. A city overflowing with dirt trails and year round sunshine for near perfect training weather. A city of running tradition that has been rooted back to the indigenous tribes that would trek across the desert sand. A city where the University was accessible and cheap for a grad student! Albuquerque seemed optimal as I approached the penultimate lap of my competitive running career. This would be the move I made into my third lap, I had to get out of lane 1 and make a surge or push to get into a better position in life around the track.</p><p>Lap 3: My arrival to Albuquerque was met with an exotic array of distance runners that would make any Hollywood script into an award winning documentary. A great deal of this story has already been told and many details have already been written in the archives of this blog, however it never gets old to me when I think about my first encounter with Henry Rono - my soon to be new coach, and the many other African and Asia runners. In one short month in August of 2008, I gained a coach, 2 new dedicated training partners and was exposed to half a dozen Olympians at the Albuquerque Academy track. All our workouts were intertwined with other world class runners. One in particular that made a definitive difference in my view on training and racing would be Hendrick Ramaala (New York City Marathon Champion, 2 time World Half Marathon silver medalist). He casually crushed a workout while Kris and I requested to tag along for a strenuous workout of our own. Hendrick; being the South African record holder in the 10,000m and humble individual, naturally and without any hesitation said, "sure" to us training with him. We hung on for dear life running what we could for his 1,000m repeats. And after the we tore the rubber off our soles and our heart rates came back down from the rushing beat of each interval, we realized that we were only going to get better in Albuquerque and made the right decision to call this city home. Many years had past and many minutes had gotten shaved off of each PR allowing for and more doors to open to some of the most competitive races in the Country. Reaching the ranks of top 30 in Track and Field news in distances in the 10,000m and the Half Marathon was great on black and white print. Yet, the one race I wanted to get into the most required the most discipline - the USA Olympic Marathon Trials. It didn't matter how fast you were in the 10,000m or even the Half Marathon, you had to survive 26 miles at an ungluing pace to gain entry into what was a dream championship. Just as you would round out the third lap of the mile, you had to finish strong when the bell came. I thought I had done everything right leading up to this point. I trained, I moved, I surrounded myself with faster runners than me, I got injured, I healed, but what else was I to do to qualify? It wasn't going to just be handed to you, even if you worked at it, because everyone was working hard. </p><p>Lap 4: Without a dramatic write-up, I ultimately made it to the USA Olympic Marathon Trials and embraced every moment of it. Just like everyone who has raced a mile, you will make it to that last lap, but how will you feel when you get there, and what position will you be in? Will it be too late to make a move, or has the raced unfolded perfectly for you to rush the backstretch and kick with everything you got before the bend? Will the field open up wide and allow for you to stay in lane 1 and run home with a PR, or will you be boxed in? Will you already be defeated? The uncontrollable variables can almost determine everything. I felt that going into my last lap was set up perfectly for me. Sure, things could have been better and I could've had a better finish. But, if you ask many runners who run an incredible race, they will recall every moment of that finish and think back that they could've gone even faster. That their next race will be even better. That they will only take away the positives from this glorious finish, and forget about all those little mistakes they made, only to re-experience them again in another race. My fourth lap of my competitive career was incredible, and it lasted well beyond the Olympic Trials. If I could measure it in meters out of a 1,609 meter mile spectrum, I would say the Trials were somewhere around 1,200m, knowing that I still had just over 400 more meters of competitive years left. Another full lap of running new races on the US racing circuit and experiencing the marvel of running was like an all out bell lap. </p><p>With life as I know it today, I have only summarized one perfect mile - the mile that is written above. And as any good athlete will know that once they finish their race, they must cool down the body before entering another race. My cool down run has been a long reflection on how that race has turned out. It has been the many years that have passed. What mistakes I made, what moves proved to be beneficial, and how can I improve on it next time? I feel that I have already entered another metaphorical race. One that involves both training and mentorship as a coach. Juggling both wonderful worlds as I settle into a strong and fast pace. A race that will include a wonderful new addition to mine and Arlene's life in the form of a tiny human. A race that will feel both hard, but familiar. My biggest question though, is how to approach it, as this next race is not as compartmentalized to break up as a mile race. This next race might feel more like a 5,000 or even a Marathon. The segments within this new race of life have a grueling sense of familiarity that I've enjoyed, yet the outcome and finish will be a different type of perfect. An unknown that I am very excited for and to be enjoying as each lap or mile ticks away with another thoughtful and memorable experience. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-53937336115666685652022-12-14T11:52:00.003-07:002022-12-14T11:52:25.529-07:00Masters Runner<span id="docs-internal-guid-94673c8d-7fff-a3c1-ac23-c41e881b3d12"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I Like Running - Masters Runner</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like to run. I also like to reflect about my running while I run, and at times I am lucky enough to write those thoughts down and share them on this blog. Since it’s been far too long since my last post, and a lot has happened since my 100 miler, I thought it would be refreshing to revisit and share my reflections of the last few months of running. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just recently I turned 40 in October, which has now catapulted me into the Master’s Age group category. It’s a fun group to be part of, as many of these runners have been racing competitively since college. Many of these runners at the top end I have raced over the years since college, post-college and on the USA circuit which included the Olympic Trials and various prestigious road races.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A few months ago I got to debut at the USA Cross Country 5k Masters Championships in Boulder. I had this race on my calendar for nearly a year, but I wasn’t training properly for it during that time period. So when the race came around in October, and only a week after I turned 40, it didn’t go as planned. I was hoping to place on the podium many months ago, but as I said, my training wasn’t up to par. I got smoked and felt many nagging injuries rise as a result of wearing spikes and not prepared for it. Lesson learned - train more and get some decent mileage in if you want to compete like you use to.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">USATF Club Cross Country Championships </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fast forward to this past weekend and some 5 weeks of “okay” training will result in an actual result you would like to see. Despite the mess of the race organizing logistics and the weather, I was very satisfied with my results. I finished 50th place for the altered race in a time of 31:45. This time is a little irrelevant since it’s cross country and not to mention that it was closer to a 6 mile race than a 10k race distance. However, the thing that stood out was the 50th place out of 334 athletes. I know I have worked very hard in the past to run well, and to compare that to what I am doing as a masters runner isn’t at the same level. I have definitely been slacking a bit on the mileage and overall focus as a runner. However, life is more balanced as a husband, coach, teacher, friend, and socialite (which I dislike doing these days, because all I want to do is stay home with my wife and dogs relaxing…).</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are way more things to juggle around in life and Arlene and I don’t even have kids yet. Although, instead of complaining, I have found so much more structure in a routine to keep up with my training, and to train competitively. I still feel that I can post some decent times as a masters runner, and hope to continue my training while staying healthy. If this happens, I would like to break 2:30 in the marathon as a masters runner and complete at a few Masters Championships over the next few years.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s an exciting realm to be in, and after our San Francisco Club Championship race, I have high hopes for the future of my running. Paralleling my own training alongside my youth athletes will be an exciting challenge that I hope evokes the same passion for this sport as I have had. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-38539463903085959232021-02-18T15:31:00.008-07:002021-02-18T20:22:48.750-07:00The Long Awaited 100 Mile Journey at Coldwater Rumble <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>The Long Awaited 100 Mile Journey at Coldwater Rumble</u></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS_vooflzGTxntGhruLxubIp1W_mAnod5zmdpdJahJKvQiurkPK0zsyyND2VmkhNJSmLaTfKzif3ZvtP8ZlinjLUHTM7FYNEoV-hS82jZ6SOUVJV1_BBugplM0M3zGxtDky1deA_ykno/s2048/IMG-0933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNS_vooflzGTxntGhruLxubIp1W_mAnod5zmdpdJahJKvQiurkPK0zsyyND2VmkhNJSmLaTfKzif3ZvtP8ZlinjLUHTM7FYNEoV-hS82jZ6SOUVJV1_BBugplM0M3zGxtDky1deA_ykno/s320/IMG-0933.jpg" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s been over a month since I crossed the finish line of my first ever 100 miler, and another 26 hours prior to that when I started that journey. Although, I know that journey took place many months before the starting pistol even went off. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I felt like my 100 mile journey began back in 2012 when I finished the USA Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston (do you like how I snuck that in there..?). After that race, I took some much needed time off and then began ramping up the mileage and training runs on a hell bent journey to run another fast marathon. The training seemed exciting and sexy, especially when you talk about 5 min mile repeats and fast 22 mile long runs or speedy track repeats. And, as the year continued on, I was fortunate enough to pace a friend of mine - Loren Wohletz at the Hardrock 100 miler in Colorado that summer. In my first experience witnessing the trials and tribulations that some of these humans experienced in their race and upon arrival at the finish line; I thought to myself, “I want to feel that grit when I run”. Lucky for me Loren is crazy and loves to run races, and luck for me the Mt. Taylor 50k was being hosted for the first time that year. So naturally, I felt like this was a safe way to dip my toe into the Ultra Trail scene.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the years flew by, with many races under my belt, I thought it might be time to attempt a 100 miler. That elusive distance felt so natural of a challenge. It perfectly matched up to all the 100 mile weeks I was doing over the years, and I felt that accomplishing a 100 mile race was only fitting of an experience to add to my life. Fast forward to the summer of 2020, and the introduction to “Virtual” races. It’s September and Zach and I finish the Virtual Boston Marathon, which would also be the beginning of my 100 mile training. I had the idea of attempting a 100 miler in 2020. I put in for the Leadville 100 lottery in February, and of course didn’t get in. I thought about the Javelina Jundred, but then COVID happened and getting out there in October didn’t seem like a reality. So, the next option would be something in early 2021. The Coldwater Rumble 100 was another race put on by the good people at Aravaipa Running, so naturally it made sense to sign up. Granted, the buckle looked really cool too!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ok, so in September I had my sights set on a January 100 miler, but hadn’t signed up due to COVID restrictions and complications our State has with traveling out of our state. I was prolonging signing up to the last minute possible, but also wanted to mentally prepare myself to run 100 miles. My training was going pretty solid and I decided to jot down my actual training plan in preparation for Coldwater. One thing I enjoy about racing is the experimentation of training. I wouldn’t say I have mastered the 5k, 10k or even the marathon, but I have good intuition on what works well for me. When it comes to trail running, or more specifically the 100 miler, I have no idea what I am doing. I’ve consulted with many 100 mile veterans and trail aficionados but I wouldn’t know exactly how to train for it until I put the work in myself.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With four months until the race, I plotted out a simple plan of just plain running. I also signed up for a virtual racing tournament called</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/8889442866557131012/3853946390308595923#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘</span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Trials of Miles</span><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> which consisted of time trial races in an elimination format with races consisting of: 5k, 6k & 8k distances throughout the month of September and October. I didn’t plan on doing any shorter speed workouts for these races and just attempted to keep my mileage up and increase my long runs. I always told myself that you could probably run any distance fairly quick with 100 mile weeks and strides. However, I wasn’t doing 100 mile weeks, but I was doing some strides. For those weekend races I managed to run the following times on the Bosque Bike Path:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Results:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/8889442866557131012/3853946390308595923#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sep. 19th:</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 5k -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 16:38 (5:21/mile pace) </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/8889442866557131012/3853946390308595923#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sep. 26th:</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 8k -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 26:57 (5:25/mile pace)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blog/post/edit/8889442866557131012/3853946390308595923#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Oct. 10th:</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 6k -</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> 19:32 (5:14/mile pace)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each of these time trials were done on Saturday then followed by a Sunday long run. After my last one on October 10th, I got a really solid 26 miler in the foothills. That was my longest training run so far in preparation for my 100 miler. The following weekend would prove to be more of a test, as that was going to be my 38th birthday and I had planned a 38 miler to celebrate it around the UNM North Golf Course. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">With October well underway, and that 38 miler done, I felt pretty confident in what I had planned for the next few months. I had a few interruptions planned in my training, along with plenty of miles, but no real workouts. October would be a steady build up to longer long runs, November was going to have one weekend of just hiking around on my Deer hunt, while the other weekends would again be solid long runs leading up to a 30 miler. December was going to have a 40 mile long run and some back to back big days, with another weekend devoted to a hunting trip; which meant hiking around the mountains. This all seemed like a solid plan. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Looking back and reflecting on my running log I have plenty of pros and cons to dwell over. Some positives I can proudly state are getting in those 30 milers in on the weekend, along with a mid week 20 miler on Wednesdays. I also had one solid 20 mile night run, which finished at around 2:00am to get my body a little prepped for a night segment in the race. Some downfalls I had were not stimulating my body with different workouts. Maybe a few strides here and there, but there wasn’t much variation. Note to self, do some workouts! I think I didn’t do workouts because of the fear that I wasn’t going to be prepared for the endurance aspect of a 100 miler. However, working different energy systems could help with endurance, which I neglected to focus on. I remember my first 50k at Mt. Taylor and the training I did for that race was more marathon specific with a slight emphasis on trail running. That race was a success, but I didn't learn from it nor did I incorporate that training into my 100 mile training. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, once Christmas rolled around, my IT-Band really started to flare up on me. I wasn’t able to accomplish my 40 miler I had planned due to that, and cut it down to 30 miles. I took a few days off in attempts to let it heal. I got a massage (the first one in this entire training cycle since April), and continued to rehab it. I managed a 20 miler with Sean at Pine Flats and then proceeded to do a 3 week taper instead of a preferred 2 week taper I was planning. I guess it worked out.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once race week came along, I had no idea what to do training wise. If all went well, I was going to have a 100 mile day plus whatever mileage I did that week. Was I supposed to run like 30-40 miles plus the race? That still wouldn’t amount to my highest mileage week, so I guess that would be okay…? I had planned to take one day off, and just run 4 miles each day and see how I felt the day before the actual race. With that said, I got 114 miles for the week. Kinda weak if you ask my younger marathon self, but perfectly adequate for my current nursing IT-band self.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq1pKHEpvPc0mnLfML-wW9N4ZCBukHbDpXk_dqX_x7X6NdLMbHg7B9X5ysneJWnluVMW6DFNbH_Vp-237waUq5vDS9C0pcKxRD7qrOps96CCWPtBPGrU3j1IRU9WbB3kMhpcsp6OKD54/s2048/IMG-0575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq1pKHEpvPc0mnLfML-wW9N4ZCBukHbDpXk_dqX_x7X6NdLMbHg7B9X5ysneJWnluVMW6DFNbH_Vp-237waUq5vDS9C0pcKxRD7qrOps96CCWPtBPGrU3j1IRU9WbB3kMhpcsp6OKD54/s320/IMG-0575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After finally realizing it is race weekend and being surrounded by my wonderful crew of: Arlene, Andrea, Marc, Sean, Truth (Marc’s son) & Zac (Andrea’s Boyfriend), I was ready to do this thing. It was Friday night and Marc being the prolific chef that he is, graciously decided to cook for us. Sean and Marc were also racing the 52k and 4 miler respectively on Saturday, so it was very thoughtful of Marc to provide a first class meal of Chicken Marsala. The lightly battered chicken would melt in our mouths like the Arizona sunset fell over the horizon. Our conversations at the dinner table were filled with everything from race strategy to nutrition to butt chafing to the possibility of never doing this again to the possibility of recreating these moments again. All and all, it was nice to have friends around. It brought a sense that this is why we do these races; they are a capsulated moment of memories that will never be recreated again. No matter how many races you plan to do, each one is a unique experience filled with countless memories, and I was excited to bottle this memory up and archive it as an Epic experience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do remember not fully engulfing my every waking moment to study the course or plan out drop bags along the course. At Coldwater, you are allowed pacers at mile 60 or at sunset; whichever comes first. So I did plan for Arlene to pace me from mile 60 - 80 and Andrea from mile 80 to the finish. Besides that, I had a cooler full of goodies/snacks/drinks at the start/finish and a plan to just make it to mile 60 in one piece. So the night before the race, I figured I had everything planned and didn’t lose too much sleep over it. I was surprised how well I slept. Usually the pre-race anxiety gets to a runner and you can’t get much sleep, however, that was not the case for me. That could have been a sign of possible bad things to come on race day.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6MxsrsjTMS8BVB0KqOSThY5vW6aSxyyDWKEitbsC9inPEH_TlLSVs0Qb-pqCToOG6NxDKWA8lsdMFVgE7HarvQetGlWOwe4xyxOT6CiJHab0TDWOVksA-ZqLm3myv9uEWHFOpvrn4oA/s1000/IMG-0903.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6MxsrsjTMS8BVB0KqOSThY5vW6aSxyyDWKEitbsC9inPEH_TlLSVs0Qb-pqCToOG6NxDKWA8lsdMFVgE7HarvQetGlWOwe4xyxOT6CiJHab0TDWOVksA-ZqLm3myv9uEWHFOpvrn4oA/s320/IMG-0903.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Saturday morning I was up at 4:45am, which was only 1 hour and 15 minutes before start time. Our Airbnb was like 10 minutes from the start, so we didn’t need a whole lot of time… in my mind. After a quick breakfast of a Pop-Tart and coffee, we got everything together and headed to the start. With all the COVID safe protocol’s initiated that Aravaipa Running has; such as a wave start of limited runners, masks to be worn, temperature check and a pre-screening questionnaire, all of us were ready to go. Even the start/finish area would have limited crews, and they were spread out. The course itself was a giant 20 mile loop shaped almost like an eight. There are 3 aid stations on the course (Coldwater, Pederson, Coldwater) plus the start/finish. You hit Coldwater twice because the course cuts back to it on the return loop. All and all, it’s set up quite nicely. The longest stretch would be 7.9 miles and the shortest is 3.4 miles.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ok, let’s get into the grit of the actual race. I apologize for the lengthy lead up to this portion of the race, but here goes nothing…</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Loop 1 (Mile 0-20):</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first ½ mile has a steep uphill, which was nice to have as it kept your pace slow. However, after that it was a nice rolling course with sand, some sharp uphills and downhills, and cactus as far as the eye can see. I stayed well behind the lead pack of 6 runners, and even further behind another string of maybe 6-10 more runners. The pace was close to my goal time of 20 hours, but naturally at times I was running a little quicker. That goal pace was about 10 minute pace per mile. Also, that first loop seemed to go by quick. I hit each aid station feeling good, and just planned to refuel my water and electrolyte drink along with a few gels. The plan was to intake 200 calories every hour, which meant 2 gels an hour or anything else I could muster to eat besides those awful gels. The back stretch of this course had a sandy wash leading up to Pederson aid station. After that it rolls back on some nice packed trails leading you to Coldwater aid station, and then a nice 4 ½ mile jaunt back to the Rumble Headquarters (start/finish). I can in around 3 hours and 20 minutes, which was very quick. I saw Arlene at the crew area and she was setting up shop. That was definitely comforting to see. At this time, Sean Abeyta and Marc were already underway on their races, and little did I know Sean was smoking the field in his 52k. Marc was also crushing his 4 miler and would come out the other end a new man, resilient and accomplished on the trails. All of this was unseen by me at the time, but I could feel their energy on the course and was hoping to capitalize on this positivity.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtOxuzCeE1vsuNM66MSsrobcd_s0yT_3ifYZ1xsnGqG6IenuJ5pJEdy_xtA6R0Fv7vttH6WICnkDaPCABiGI0LXt6CqXk8QNBml4WMgKsTab6Domuk9129if-5o6fpSgXNytXsvVXJOY/s947/IMG-0964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="947" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtOxuzCeE1vsuNM66MSsrobcd_s0yT_3ifYZ1xsnGqG6IenuJ5pJEdy_xtA6R0Fv7vttH6WICnkDaPCABiGI0LXt6CqXk8QNBml4WMgKsTab6Domuk9129if-5o6fpSgXNytXsvVXJOY/s320/IMG-0964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Loop 2 (Miles 20-40):</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After shedding my headlamp and ready to settle into a solid pace, I left Rumble Headquarters feeling good and ready. A slightly lighter pack would also be welcomed on the next 20 mile loop. I would also say these 20 miles were not that eventful. I managed to keep my fuel intake going and kept the hydration up as well. From Coldwater aid station to Pederson, it got a little warm. By this time I would say it was around noon, and the winter sun was still beating down in the Estrella Mountain range. Out on that wash area, I basically drank all my liquids and was just pushing hard to get to the aid station to refuel. I would say I made it without consequence, but that little bit of dehydration would prove to be detrimental in the long run. I headed out of Pederson feeling ok, and kept pushing onward to the Rumble HQ to finish my 2nd loop and step foot into uncharted mileage territory. I got to Rumble HQ at around 2pm, which was about perfect pace. I got to reconnect with Sean and Marc and congratulated them on their epic races! Sean ended up 3rd overall and pushed himself to the well, and Marc was all smilies with his 6th place performance on rough terrain. Their successes made me feel accomplished as well, and I wanted to keep that momentum going. However, the halfway point was beyond the horizon, and I felt like my confidence was dangling on a string. I had a solid sense of my composure when I was around my friends and Arlene. It’s like I was “holding it together” when they were around me as I packed my vest and stuffed random calories into my bag. I could hear Sean yell out, “Nice work man, you’ve got a mileage PR right here, this is the furthest you’ve ever run!”, as he was exhausted from his own mileage PR in the 52k race. I embraced all those distractions and tried to stay grateful to even be running and healthy, but I knew the moment I left and ventured out alone, I wouldn’t be able to control whatever was percolating up inside of me. The unknown wasn’t something I was ready to embrace.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s4P8fUpctzl8_TL07YRROYuqqMRX9vf6Gbrw2QErmuR6k_1q8CuHhBGhGYUfKA12Bz-WGBSpZhvuI6tZINJFcdqhSiODbSq0D-zaGEJ9mp_QsusjdCnJ6Etm_B_FcxfKsDBoa7SR4hc/s946/IMG-0967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s4P8fUpctzl8_TL07YRROYuqqMRX9vf6Gbrw2QErmuR6k_1q8CuHhBGhGYUfKA12Bz-WGBSpZhvuI6tZINJFcdqhSiODbSq0D-zaGEJ9mp_QsusjdCnJ6Etm_B_FcxfKsDBoa7SR4hc/s320/IMG-0967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Loop 3 (Miles 40-45):</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once I had everything I thought I needed, which by default I forgot to bring a headlamp, I knew I needed to get out of there before my emotions got the best of me. Arlene said good-bye and reaffirmed that I was doing great, and I quickly took off at a not so quick pace. Once my crew was far enough behind me, that’s when it hit me. I was probably just 1 mile away from Rumble HQ at mile 41, and I just felt a combination of overwhelming joy, happiness to be running, selfishness to be running and then actual physical pain in my legs. After shedding a few tears of all those random emotions, I continued onward, but the tightness and slight pain in my IT band wasn’t disappearing like the salty tears from my eyes. I managed to jog at a pathetic pace and got to Coldwater aid station. Again, I got what I needed and left with an annoying twinge in my left leg. I guzzled down more liquid on the course as it was getting very warm, but then realized how hot this next section would be. I think I still kept moving along but I distinctly remember at mile 45 thinking how this wasn’t going to happen. I started to go down a bad mental path of despair and disdain. I told myself that I wasn’t going to finish 100 miles and that once I completed this loop, I would be done. There was no way I could continue like this. I wanted to go back to 5ks and comfortably hard, yet shorter distances that I was familiar with. That I wasn’t built for running 100 miles. Yes, it was a series of one bad thought after another, and I kept dwelling on that for the next few miles. As the sand slowed down my pace, my mind would be racing with more negative thoughts and the ultimate conclusion was that I was going to drop out.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Miles 46 - 60</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After fully being ok with just finishing this loop with complete and utter self pity, I started to realize that it was going to get dark soon and that I did not have a lamp. I needed to rally myself to the aid station, refuel since I am completely out of water and hurry back to the Rumble HQ before darkness approaches. I would guess the time is around 4pm, and the sunsets around 6pm in Arizona at this time of year. I had about 9 more miles and was not going that fast. Things were not looking good. Oh, and my IT band wasn’t happy either. My decision to keep going was still buried into my subconscious, but the hopes of dropping out and just getting to mile 60 in one piece were at the forefront. I thought I better start running a little quicker than a pathetic walk, and maybe, just maybe I could damage my IT band so bad that I would have to drop out. I was also wrong about when the sun was setting, so by the time I barely made it to Coldwater aid station at around mile 55 point whatever, the sun had already set over the desert horizon. As many other runners were taking out their headlamps and lighting up the trails with a new sense of invigoration, I continued to embrace the self pity of using my iphone light as a beacon of hope through the darkness that lay ahead. There was no questioning how pathetic and underprepared I was and how accepting it would be for me to drop out. This was my excuse. And so this last section was run along side a mountain trail and I was attempting to run far behind a runner who had a lamp so that I wouldn’t trip down the side of these trails. Full on darkest was upon us, and I believe it was around 6pm. I only had like 2 miles left, but I was very worried my iphone light was going to drain the phone battery and the temps were dropping quickly as I also didn’t bring any warmer clothes for the journey ahead. With all these “challenges” I kept telling myself, I heard a voice yell out “Jesse!?”. In my slight disillusioned state, I just said “Hey what’s up?” without even knowing who it was. After a few seconds, I realized it was Zac and that he had an extra light for me and listened to me complain about how bad the IT band was hurting. He gave me some words of wisdom, that we should just focus on one thing at a time, and that was getting back to the Rumble HQ safely and reassess the leg there. It was well received information and I gladly took it and focused on the task at hand.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsHM-Dtn6S7QwvTSNT9MTxJz-S0zenviUAk9cj_sIffEVrzrHEAWRKskZXim2GK-tftDqTLkT6DDX1x0wSVek6QQG5qQekFD6Ag13jlWnRpSdAYr34cnJYMO-TMIK1RYPKWln6Ry_0mM/s2048/IMG-6257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAsHM-Dtn6S7QwvTSNT9MTxJz-S0zenviUAk9cj_sIffEVrzrHEAWRKskZXim2GK-tftDqTLkT6DDX1x0wSVek6QQG5qQekFD6Ag13jlWnRpSdAYr34cnJYMO-TMIK1RYPKWln6Ry_0mM/s320/IMG-6257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Rumble HQ at Mile 60:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The location of the this aid station being at the start of every loop is quite cruel. There are just too many emotions when you enter this finish line area. It makes dropping out all that much more inviting, and yet this time I was 99% in on dropping out. Now, once I saw my crew at around 7pm here, I wanted to embrace the comforts of what felt like home and not take a step out on the course again. I was really holding in all my emotions of just quitting and realizing that I would be a failure. Yet, Zac being the physical therapist that he is worked on my leg a little and confirmed that it was “a little tight”, but helped release some of the tension with a proper massage. Arlene then proceeded to rub every kind of muscle ointment on my leg while Andrea grabbed together some headlamps and stuffed my pack with fuel. And after consuming over 20 gels, we left those out of the pack. Sean offered me a Pop Tart, and then stuffed more crap into my pack, “just to mix it up” he said. But, I just sat there nibbling on some solid warm food and contemplating how I could get out of this situation. My IT band wasn’t a good enough excuse, being able to eat and hold down food wasn’t an issue, being slightly dizzy and cold wasn’t a real concern, so my Crew did what a good Crew does; they said just get out there and keep moving. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Arlene would be with me at this point and I almost felt sorry that I was planning on dropping before sharing the 20 mile journey with her. I knew it was going to be a special moment for us, and I was trying to rob myself of it. She didn’t even hesitate to grab her pack and was eager to start. I couldn’t back out now.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I grabbed everything together and I went through the finish/checkpoint mat and Arlene and I were off. Not even a few steps in and Arlene proceeds to ask “tell me how you’re feeling, what’s going on?”, and that little gesture of kindness that she always has, broke me. She then said, “let’s just hold hands'' and we did as we climbed the first hill while I wept in even more self pity. Since Arlene knows me the best, maybe I could get away with explaining to her that my IT band was really hurt and that I couldn’t finish this damn thing. I did the math and the pace we were going would barely put us under the cut off of 32 hours. Arlene did something uncharacteristic of her; she just listened and let me blab away with an almost worried look on her face. I so desperately wanted to drop out, especially when my watch clicked off at mile 62, which I thought was a good stopping point since that was 100k. I felt accomplished and knew the end was near once we would arrive at Coldwater aid station for the umpteenth time - that would be my finish line. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upon arrival, there was a nice fire pit ablaze with 2 runners soaking in the warmth. I walked directly towards it and sat down on a log and listened to the conversation the 2 runners were having. After learning that one was about to drop out, and the other was an actual volunteer who attempted this race last year, only dropped out as well, I felt I was in good company. They would understand my pity and confide in my reasoning to drop out. Arlene again, just listened to all of us, probably buying in on my pathetic story with a hopeful admiration that I did the best I could. But, when the time came to actually drop out, she told me I had to figure that out, and that this was all on me. It was my journey. I took some ibuprofen and waited a few moments so I could find the clarity to actually mutter the words, “I am going to drop out”. Which never really happened. I stood up and walked over to the aid station and asked what I would have to do if I were to drop out. The lady looked a little puzzled, but knew exactly what I was trying to get at. So instead of just telling me what I wanted to hear, she looked over her shoulder and called for a man named Keith. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith was laughing with friends by a space heater and excused himself to get up out of a chair to walk towards the aid station volunteer and myself. He had a drill sergeant look to him as an older gentleman wearing an all black sweatsuit. A rugged and chiseled face along with a shaved head under his beanie were all could be described of him with a slight smile as he approached. But his demeanor was very calm and collected as he asked, “what’s up?”. I explained that I was thinking of dropping out and that my IT band was hurting, and with that response he vollied a series of calm questions of: where are you from? Have you ever done a 100 miler, or a 100k or a 50 miler, and what mile am I at, and how bad is the IT band? With each answer, he responded with, “oh okay…” as he was waiting for my mumbling to end so he could unleash the most pivotal speech my mind and soul was craving to hear.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Keith told me the most praiseworthy words as if I was listening to my high school graduation speech on how far I had come to make it to mile 65 and how admirable it would be to drop out at this point of the race. He even did the math and knew I would make the cut off even if I walked the rest of the way; which I would rather have quit than to finish walking in at 2pm the next day, but he knew the ultimate goal was to finish. And finish by all means necessary, even if it meant crawling to the finish. I felt that I was crawling, but he reaffirmed that if I could manage the pain in my leg and “suck it up” that I could just focus on one thing at a time, which would be to make it to the next aid station. Then to the next, and so forth. And before you know it, you will be done. “You didn’t come all this way to quit” is probably one of the most iconic and clich</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">é</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> lines in ultra running, but the way Keith said it made sense. Oh, and my favorite line, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” was uttered from this trail whisperer as I was already packing my vest with gels and grabbing a hot cup of ramen. Keith and Arlene just looked at me and they both knew I was ready to go. I was also fortunate to get Keith’s name before I left, as he said I would most certainly finish this thing and write them letting them know I accomplished what would be the hardest endeavor I would put myself through. So thank you Keith for those words of encouragement. Also, I think the Vitamin IBU kicked in as Arlene and I took off jogging towards Pederson aid station.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrc_kEG8MIvibeo4gAPsE_a8jF9b66xVhLlv8bZH5qUis4L8QVF48r2LqyxPT8nThLTMX3filhm_Lz0YyV424guAVM4rDQOqE_jGEAs6KPvBfn5QCv2WYDbhVZ2m1qsO5gDwYYHMEyqM/s2048/IMG-6291.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrc_kEG8MIvibeo4gAPsE_a8jF9b66xVhLlv8bZH5qUis4L8QVF48r2LqyxPT8nThLTMX3filhm_Lz0YyV424guAVM4rDQOqE_jGEAs6KPvBfn5QCv2WYDbhVZ2m1qsO5gDwYYHMEyqM/s320/IMG-6291.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmV7byRq0_-cNMbaUa8nG-IrkgRzTybBu-pAnNWwHUs_IKQ0vCIRr7VOIlvygBBqjpaUWAUirPk8VHf07pMOpIna86GR7CSJ2wqZsrBhVQ6meHSn6qfQdg4F5hlAlYtDGBf8-wuF6Dlg/s2048/IMG-6287.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmV7byRq0_-cNMbaUa8nG-IrkgRzTybBu-pAnNWwHUs_IKQ0vCIRr7VOIlvygBBqjpaUWAUirPk8VHf07pMOpIna86GR7CSJ2wqZsrBhVQ6meHSn6qfQdg4F5hlAlYtDGBf8-wuF6Dlg/s320/IMG-6287.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">These next 15 miles were filled with some humorous doubt as I felt like I could manage the pain and pace to finish in under 32 hours. I was already well off my goal pace of 20 hours, but I knew at this point it wasn’t about a time, it was just about finishing. Arlene witnessed some low moments, but she knew after the Keith interaction, that a little encouragement was all that I needed. That, and staying fueled and eating hot food at the aid stations. 2am rolled around and we were hobbling along into the Rumble HQ with Andrea awaiting a newfound runner with hopes of finishing at all costs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Final Loop (80- 100 Miles):</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I knew prior to this last loop, that miles 40-60 were going to be the hardest. I also knew that once I got some pacers, it was going to help tremendously. I also knew that Andrea was going to kick my ass and make sure I finished this damn race in a respectable time; as she had a lot of damage control to work with as I was fading a lot. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">We managed to get out of Rumble HQ fairly quick and right before the steep hill, Andrea tells me that we should definitely look for a fast 100k for me after this race. That was a sign that even though there were 20 miles left, I was going to be ok. This last loop was probably uneventful for Andrea and she was probably just as sleep deprived as I was, but I know I couldn’t have finished without her aide. Towards the back stretch by Pederson aid station, I got a little dizzy and light headed, but after a quick bathroom break off course, I felt a lot better. We got moving again and rounded out the last aid station very quick as the sun was just rising. 4 more miles were all that stood in front of us and the finish.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIqsOkJpO51Z3-cXuR3v8oXqOj49IHVWaJM-u8jtJf0z5aRPqio5IKFBwRDoLm-PicgshIzWeJ_Ny0M6O7GQxtvGtjrwXucG9cBiWjkW7bkivzHDRm-txy7fBpJWlXdO6IMTZ3ph2ohY/s960/IMG-6296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIqsOkJpO51Z3-cXuR3v8oXqOj49IHVWaJM-u8jtJf0z5aRPqio5IKFBwRDoLm-PicgshIzWeJ_Ny0M6O7GQxtvGtjrwXucG9cBiWjkW7bkivzHDRm-txy7fBpJWlXdO6IMTZ3ph2ohY/s320/IMG-6296.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">he Finish:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I could almost embrace every ounce of emotion that trickled over me throughout those 100 miles as Andrea and I could hear people cheering at the finish line. I saw Arlene, Sean, Marc and Zac just smiling and clapping, and I so badly wanted to be done. As the finish creeped closer to me with only a few hundred meters of space between us, I thought I was going to be more of an emotional wreck. I thought that once I got that buckle I was going to grasp it like a chalice with immortal praise. But, I think I was all emotional out from the pervious 26 hours. I was just happy to be done and back with people I loved. I was happy to stop moving and to let my brain stop pushing me forward towards an imaginary line. I was just happy to finish 100 miles and know that with so much love and support, I could do it. It wasn’t pretty or exceptional, but all the countless other emotions I felt on the course were priceless and something I was searching for. I definitely wanted to be pushed to discomfort and see how I would react. I dug a very deep dark hole and luckily I had people to reassure me that I could get out of it. I don’t know if I would recommend this to anyone, as I was hating my life and every decision that led me to that painful dark hole, but I’m glad I made it out and have a life that I am beyond grateful for. It was a journey I will never forget. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-vA5Z-wxur2RlbECvIFOIzOjx_0VaBEMaIFAAWtWgbWP3EqnAMB5dMWFX24Zvl9h9NnkSx8fdp92Cmp9uwFcMTTXBPkQUnSAaCM7E3CdI8Z-LDv3Mh-lMleGt7r068mZlSanPoZFXNg/s2048/IMG-6313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-vA5Z-wxur2RlbECvIFOIzOjx_0VaBEMaIFAAWtWgbWP3EqnAMB5dMWFX24Zvl9h9NnkSx8fdp92Cmp9uwFcMTTXBPkQUnSAaCM7E3CdI8Z-LDv3Mh-lMleGt7r068mZlSanPoZFXNg/w400-h300/IMG-6313.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl63XMMHqYDaqqhZ6zc6Ckq7q8VxQorzdBlhyphenhyphenMZQq7tJMdRNH8IXRp1ffze3slhLfK0cFOITXOB5EUUe5_6Web3rmyDxV683cvAyU259JFCCJbDQZnoHDYaB4pWuPwBC2a9NcRLJWVw4/s2048/IMG-6309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCl63XMMHqYDaqqhZ6zc6Ckq7q8VxQorzdBlhyphenhyphenMZQq7tJMdRNH8IXRp1ffze3slhLfK0cFOITXOB5EUUe5_6Web3rmyDxV683cvAyU259JFCCJbDQZnoHDYaB4pWuPwBC2a9NcRLJWVw4/s320/IMG-6309.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-48351514123797518492020-12-15T17:47:00.005-07:002020-12-16T10:29:32.070-07:00New Motivation - Attempting the 100 miler<p>As this gloomy mid-morning Monday continues on, I felt the urge to log a few thoughts on my progress and process of my 100 mile training. Since my last post, I was in the thralls of training for the Boston Marathon, and had my sights set on a postponement of that race. Over the coming weeks and months, that race; among others, began to cancel and I continued to train at a mediocre effort. The occasional time trial, or virtual race peaked my interested as it may have with so many other runners, but in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to complete a 100 miler this year. The main goal was the Javelina Jundred in October. However, with so many uncertainties, that race wasn't in the cards for me to attempt. I then shifted to another goal, which will lead me to the starting line of another 100 miler I found; expect this race will be in January.</p><p>The idea of completing a 100 miler seemed so appealing to me for nearly 10 years now. Many friends have done them and the sense I get from them is unworldly. They have that look of terror and humble satisfaction that only a few runners have accomplished. "They've seen things" is what I whisper to Arlene when we end a conversation and part ways. I feel compelled to inquiry more of every aspect they went through: from their training, to what race they did, the scenery, what hallucinations occurred, to any other words of wisdom. Yet, with a subtle look on their face, I can tell they want to cherish those memories for themselves. Or, elect to show me that there isn't a way to describe their experience and that you just have to venture into the darkness and find out for yourself.</p><p><br /></p><p>As of now, I plan on running the Coldwater Rumble 100 miler in January. That race is put on by the same organizers as Javelina, and has a solid course that seems to be manageable for me. I'm not expecting to set any records or do anything wild out there, I just want to complete one and feel the anguish that comes from the process in training for a 100 miler. I want to be uncomfortable and keep pushing. I want to embrace everything the elements have to offer and still put one foot in front of the other. I know these 30 mile training runs are nothing compared to the actual 100 mile race, or even a 40 mile training run. However, I feel that this is a learning process, and if I can bare through the race, then I can reflect back on my training and see what needs to be changed for another attempt. Time can only tell. </p><p> </p>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-12811103504699704532020-04-19T15:15:00.000-06:002020-04-19T15:15:15.787-06:00Boston Marathon 2020 Postponed With so much more pressing issues in the World than not having the opportunity to race the 2020 Boston Marathon on Patriots Day, I decided it would be insightful to reboot this blog and discuss some training, the Boston Marathon in the fall, and what lies ahead. Since the stay at home order and schools have been closed, I have slowly adjusted to this new schedule of working at home. A few weeks ago, I also took a week off to let some pain in my hamstring heal up. That subsided, but the weirdness of it remains. Luckily it doesn't hurt during running... which is the statement of every runner desperate to hold on to their running hopes.<br />
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So, moving onward to what will be some easy base mileage during the spring months, and then the grinding marathon workouts over the summer months. All this while adding another race to the docket - a hundred miler. Yes, I hope to compete and run the Javelina Jundred on Halloween. That race will be 6 weeks post Boston, and as many ultra marathoners in town have told me that it is totally doable; I have my doubts. For one, I am starting to feel the years of miles under my belt after I sit on a comfortable couch for prolonged periods of time. The rusty old body seems to need more oil on the joints these days, but that's substituted with either a beer or chocolate chip cookies. My mind seems to always be ready and thirsty to train hard, however I get reminded by my body to only work at a reasonable effort. This has been a good balance and it has kept me relatively health for the past 5 marathons I've signed up for.<br />
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With 21 weeks ahead of Boston, I have been thinking a little on how I would like to segment my training. I tried to keep things simple, and if all goes to plan, it will look a little like this:<br />
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April - Base Mileage and strides<br />
May - Incorporate some speed sessions<br />
June - Introduce some marathon workouts<br />
July - Sustain those marathon workouts and longer long runs<br />
August - Same as July<br />
September - Start Peaking<br />
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Seems full proof...<br />
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Now I just got to figure out how to sprinkle in some Ultra Marathon training in there. I guess, I have a couple months to figure that out. Until then, this was my easy week back:<br />
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Monday - easy 4<br />
Tuesday - easy 4<br />
Wednesday - easy 6<br />
Thursday - easy 6<br />
Friday - easy 6 w/4xstrides<br />
Saturday - easy 6<br />
Sunday - easy 10.5<br />
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Total: 42.5<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGLuIMx-3GPMGyhi18g9Nspy7gkq0gq1pyTW61n5nXIDWSDy9RgoMBZScks6dizl8KvqFwcWxtGYXVvJNi4X0xrgC-weP0BUePx9OS8kDVbhccCA38WovOjYOARUtDU1dqHYKPcnd224/s1600/IMG-5202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGLuIMx-3GPMGyhi18g9Nspy7gkq0gq1pyTW61n5nXIDWSDy9RgoMBZScks6dizl8KvqFwcWxtGYXVvJNi4X0xrgC-weP0BUePx9OS8kDVbhccCA38WovOjYOARUtDU1dqHYKPcnd224/s400/IMG-5202.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random Boston Photo from Last Year with the Crew</td></tr>
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<br />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-56899867746258522662020-01-13T13:17:00.001-07:002020-01-14T12:22:29.811-07:00CIM reflection and a New Year Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that the dust has fully settled after CIM and basically started piling up as dust so often forms on the forgotten places like the backside of your TV shelf, I've had plenty of time to fully reflect on that race and think about what lies ahead. With the countless holiday treats and pints of beer over the last month, I found myself thinking why I had a cramp in the marathon. I've heard plenty of people tell me that they cramped up around mile so-and-so, and had to slow pace. Do some damage control. But, I never really experienced that in a marathon. At CIM, I felt great. I hadn't warm-up, but felt that the first few miles were a great warm-up for the daunting distance. In my mind, I had a goal time of 2:28, and with every mile the little Garmin watch would read 5:40 something, so I was right on pace. One guy even asked what I was going for in the race, and I told him 2:28, and just as the mile came up, we looked at our wrists for a sense of gratification, and there on the screen "right on pace" appeared!<br />
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Nothing could go wrong, as magical things always occur at the California International Marathon. Many miles pasted with ease, along with the occasional rain shower. Even when I approached half way in 1:13:49, I knew I was going to have a fabulous day! I thought to myself, "man, I really feel good, this pack is going to crumble at mile 24, and I'm going to break away and really put the hurt on.". I was definitely getting ahead of myself. Flashback to my training, and only the half marathon at the Duke City race indicated that I could run around 2:27 or 2:28 from that fitness. Yet, since that race, my training had stagnated and I was attempting to do workouts in the morning. Those workouts weren't the greatest, and were actually minimal in volume and speed. I think I was running around 5:50 pace at 5:50 in the morning. Not a solid indication of a 2:27. But, I was holding on to those infamous Race Indicators, and I believed I could crack 2:30 with ease. I was wrong.<br />
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Miles 13-17 felt good. I could start to feel the burning sensation in my quads, and the tiredness from the pounding. Yet, I still felt good and was trying to embrace that feeling. In my mind, I was going to cruise to mile 24 and then let go of the comfort. Then the twitch and subtle tightness in my left hamstring started to tingle. My first reaction was to move it out of my mind, not to think about it and focus on the positive of the pace and my surroundings. A few strides later it was still there. Around mile 18 or 19 I thought that feeling wasn't happening to me. I wasn't getting a cramp or twitch, or whatever it is that's going on with my leg. I stayed focused. Maybe if I switch up my stride the leg will magically feel better? Well, that didn't help. I realized I had to at least slow down a little. Again, in my mind slowing down by 20-40 seconds felt like putting on the brakes and the entire field was going to pass me. I had to slow down even more. 6:40 pace clicked on my watch, and I felt doomed. Then 7 something was scrolling on my watch and a few guys were passing me with the same look of despair on their faces, yet they were dredging onward. A few moments, I thought I wasn't even going to finish. But those thoughts of darkness were quickly pushed out of my head by the lamest excuse of positivity I could think of: If I don't finish I won't get a water bottle, how am I going to get to the finish line if I stop? and You've NEVER dropped out of a marathon, so just FINISH!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embracing the distance. pc: Zach</td></tr>
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Around mile 22 I saw Zach, and I could tell he knew I was in pain. I tried to smile to ensure him that even though I was going "slow" I was still giving it everything I had. Zach hopped on his rental bike and zipped along the course cheering and speeding ahead towards the finish. The slow disappearance of Zach was almost symbolic to the cramp that was subsisting in my leg. As each step towards the finish line was a moment less of pain. However, earlier I wanted to embrace the pain of running fast the last 2 miles, but now I was going to embrace the pain and push towards the finish no matter how fast I would be going. The agony would ultimately be what I was searching for, not a general speed, but the feeling of discomfort and satisfaction all rolled up into one immense feeling. Luckily for me, that feeling was still going to happen over the last 2 miles. The lungs and muscles burning with satisfaction as a few other runners were now fading as I repast them. An old friend that wanted a PR yelled my name from behind as he quickly approached. "Stew!!!" I replied, as he was in happy mode knowing he was going to PR with about a mile to go. I saw this as another sign to keep pushing and attempted to go with him and his running buddy. That didn't last too long, but the momentum of that wake helped carry me to the finish in a time of 2:32:51.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5XJlbwHXCn3kW5ZvxWu7VBYK_X-WTOvYngYh6VV5OdSHdIUv7CRB0YhvjJ_dFYYVhB6VFM5ZxBM8wnrBPGSIrbl-pWmdh-h6TzaPe2Lbtu2SZbMrfS4yurkuwop7dsR2kcJDJ-JHfpM/s1600/534AB4D9-B445-4575-88FA-5F5A7D5F4FB4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1003" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5XJlbwHXCn3kW5ZvxWu7VBYK_X-WTOvYngYh6VV5OdSHdIUv7CRB0YhvjJ_dFYYVhB6VFM5ZxBM8wnrBPGSIrbl-pWmdh-h6TzaPe2Lbtu2SZbMrfS4yurkuwop7dsR2kcJDJ-JHfpM/s320/534AB4D9-B445-4575-88FA-5F5A7D5F4FB4.jpeg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere along the course</td></tr>
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After finishing 13 marathons prior to this one, I usually have a good feeling of where my fitness is, but that doesn't account for the actual outcome. This one goes without exception. As will my next one be determined as they all are - a reflection of your training and execution. This is why we run the marathon, to see how well we can do on the day. With that said, I'll be very excited to be racing Boston again. I know I still have a lot of work to do over the winter months, and I need to get myself in shape, but more importantly I need to stay healthy and hungry. There will be a lot races ahead, but I think I want to continue to embrace the suffering that parallels the races that I do. Either it be a 10k or even a 100 miler, I never want to look at the final moment of accomplishment, but rather the length of the sacrifices that lead me to that moment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXCWSyyN9WheF88p3g2ZEZEBE6RkCHWY_CwUPCCpF2OzQrRbNKR6xcq675jdKBdk0cdiKbDHqZkvlH3Tgb1ofC-2iPO_TQhEzQQVcla8iWZJI1WprI_3yYA3Zz5sYm0V_Yv3EPqjV_VU/s1600/786499FA-A2AE-4CD7-A64A-00BC0F48BB5A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXCWSyyN9WheF88p3g2ZEZEBE6RkCHWY_CwUPCCpF2OzQrRbNKR6xcq675jdKBdk0cdiKbDHqZkvlH3Tgb1ofC-2iPO_TQhEzQQVcla8iWZJI1WprI_3yYA3Zz5sYm0V_Yv3EPqjV_VU/s320/786499FA-A2AE-4CD7-A64A-00BC0F48BB5A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew with post marathon smiles</td></tr>
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<br />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-83803912953636545422019-11-05T12:14:00.000-07:002019-11-05T13:49:27.272-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Year Later</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can’t believe it’s almost been a year since I last wrote a blog post. I’m still here and have had some decent races since Philly, not to mention an epic Boston Marathon with a ton of Dukes Track Club runners that occupied the starting line of that famous race. But, I may have been lost in void of micro social media post here and there, which ultimately took the time away from any hint of a blog post. Now I can honestly do a full review of the last year, and what lies ahead… I really want to gather my thoughts and cover what happened since my last post, then discuss my marathon “progress” over the last 10 years, and finally go over what looms over the horizon.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, last December after Philly was abysmal. I was recovering from the marathon and not running a whole lot. Maybe some light workouts to freshen up the legs. I had already signed up for Boston and was very excited to race that and get my fitness in order to run a Boston PR! January rolled around and training was ramping up. I was finally running early in the morning and had a newfound glory to waking up before the sun rises. I had Corey and Sal to run with as they were getting ready for a speedy track season. Life was good. February came and I jumped into a 10k at the Super Bowl run, and had a good showing. Fitness was great and mileage was creeping into familiar territory - 80 mile weeks and even higher! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When March came, a few of use planned a trip to Phoenix to race the Mountain to Fountain 15k. This is a great point to point 15k that is fast for the first 5k, then relatively quick for the next 5k, and finally a tough and hilly last 5k. There’s a team component to it where you can win your weight in beer, so that’s a huge incentive for any team to race their tail off. The Dukes took home the co-ed Victory with Arlene finishing 3rd Female, myself taking home 2nd place, Rachel Janson rounding out the top 10 female and Brant finishing top 10 as well. I don’t fully remember their placings, so I apologize for that. But we won and the Armijo’s podiumed with some gas money in hand! I ran 48:20 which was faster than the previous year, so I was very satisfied.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I ruined my confidence by running the St. Patrick’s Day 10 miler in Rio Rancho later that month. Now, I didn’t have a bad race, I just didn’t train for hills like I should have. This neglect will further be proven correct after racing the Boston Marathon. I’m too lazy to look up those results, but it wasn’t good. I finished 4th overall and felt good, meaning I didn’t push myself like I know I can. The hills were too abrupt and I didn’t race with the tenacity that I usually do. Oh, and to add more excuses (because this is exactly what I’m doing), I had 2 solid weeks of 100 miles or more leading up to this race. I was super happy to be training at that volume again and feeling pretty strong about everything. However, the race result on a hilly course that I wasn’t training for proved differently. So with that race behind me, I was looking forward to Boston!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">April: Bawston! I rested and peaked perfectly and was ready for anything in Boston. Our entire team had a huge Airbnb and after a long travel day to Boston, it was so amazing to see everyone and calm the nerves by all being together. I think there were about 10 of us in that Airbnb, and it was just like college! Except, I was sleeping next to Zach and not my wife… but that’s just the logistics of sharing a large space with that many people. I really wish I could write every moment that was spent in Boston with those friends, but thinking about those memories might be too much to add to this post. This will be a lesson to myself on how I must write something immediately after I’m done with that experience, rather than wait 6 months after the fact. All I will share are blobs of memories rather than detail them out, because those cherished details should be spoken with you on a run or over a beer. Just thinking about that weekend provokes more wonderful moments of stillness that can’t be expressed in words: Just walking around the city, going to a Red Sox game, having dinner with friends, sitting around the Airbnb, attending the expo, taking countless pictures on Boylston Street, occupying the finishing line, gearing up, the bus ride, sitting at the athlete’s village, all the rain, and finally running the Race.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Boston Marathon! It was my second time running it, but I was well prepared and ready to roll as opposed to my 2016 experience. I felt like I was holding back for the first half of the race fully in control and relaxed. I knew the pain of the hills were coming at mile 18, so I wanted to hold back. That didn’t work. The intensity of the downhills on my legs were a little too much for me to be ready for. As soon as I past the fire station and made that right hand turn, I was on the verge of trashed legs. I went from 5:20’s and 5:30’s splits to a dramatic 6 flat pace or slower for the last 8 miles. It wasn’t pretty. I had a solid pace for 18 miles and I was passing people every so often. However at mile 19, the tables had turned and people were passing me. I ended up finishing in 2:31:57, which wasn’t what I wanted or expected with the amount of training I had done. I think my half split was somewhere around 1:12 low. With every race I always think I can negative split, so after holding back I thought I could at least come home in another 1:12 and finish under 2:25. Inevitably, that didn’t happen. I managed to maintain low 6:00’s to the finish, but that just felt like a painful jog and each step filled with burning intensity through my quads. It was the downhill(s) at the beginning, which is what EVERYONE always says. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The downhill will trash your quads, and then those hills come you’re gonna pay for it.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Well, they are all right about that. Still, it was amazing and the crowds were cheering their drunken brains out! I love that race and can’t wait to head back there again with the team. And speaking of team, we finished 13th place overall as a team. Not too bad. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once April had passed, May was just a fun month of catching up on miles and getting in shape. I had a decent summer of training while teaching full time on summer school mode. And with the summer heat in full swing, I was glad to get up early and run with the guys while building my speed up. I set out a plan to break 16 minutes for the 5k in Albuquerque (5000’ + Altitude) and finally did so after 2 solid races. In July, Arlene and I took a vacation to Costa Rica and I took the week completely off. I came back a little outta shape and then got sick the moment we got home. That was followed by a bachelor party to Kansas City where I wasn’t running a whole lot. This brought me to August where I finally got into a routine of training again and raced the La Luz trail run. This is a gruelling uphill trail run that I love/hate. After that I raced the Lobo Invite XC race and did a little quicker than last year - 16:31. Things were looking up. I kept focusing on my training, but my mileage never quite hit over 70 miles/week. I had another tune-up race at the Chips and Salsa 10k and ran 33:16 to win it. That was also faster than what I ran 2 years ago. Things seemed to be looking up, but in the back of my head I knew I could get away with running quicker at shorter distances, but how was this going to translate to the marathon? The true test would be the Duke City Half Marathon in October… I know, it’s a lot, but I’m almost caught up. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Duke City Half Marathon would be a great test of marathon fitness and where I could attempt to defend my title for a 4th year in a row. It ended up going pretty well. I won but ran my slowest time of all 4 wins with a time of 1:13:22. I felt like I had a little tail wind going out, but then that wind hit me on the way home. It didn’t affect me too much, but enough to bring my splits down. Here they are: (5:30, 5:31, 5:25, 5:24, 5:32, 5:27, 5:37, 5:39, 5:44, 5:41, 5:38, 5:38, 5:38, 5:01 pace for last .21), not too bad but not too great. The biggest take away from this was knowing where I was fitnesswise. With this performance, I feel like I should be able to run 2:28 or quicker. If things fall apart, I will be above 2:30. The goal this year since Boston has been Chasing 2:30… another arbitrary number that really doesn’t mean anything to anyone else but myself. I want that feeling of chasing something that’s hard but not a given. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I looked back on my last post and after reading through that, I saw how important it was to be chasing a low 2:20 marathon. I usually plot things out over the long term and chase things with intention and thought. I know what is reasonable for me, and have surprisingly been health over the last 4 years. I know I am not pushing my body beyond my limits with the hope of staying healthy and racing out of my mind like I used to. Now, I train with purpose and with a healthy mindset to stay healthy and not overdo myself. This training approach isn’t going to yield stupendous results, but I’m 37 years old, I have a wonderful and physically demanding job, and I’m healthy to run about 90% pain free. And this deep into my training I am not going to deviate to do anything drastic that will cost me an opportunity to race. Races now are a reflection on my preparation. I’m looking forward to another great experience at the California International Marathon in December, and can’t wait to add it to the memory bank of great marathon races.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This leads me to my marathon progress over the last 10 years (or regress). And when I write this, I honestly can’t believe it’s been 10 years since my first marathon. Each one has had a specific memory that makes each one special in their own way. Even if it was deemed “bad” or a horrible race, it’s still a memory that I’m happy to cherish. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is a quick list:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2009 Twin Cities Marathon - 2:24:26</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2010 RnR Nashville Marathon - 2:25:36</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2010 Chicago Marathon - 2:26:16</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2011 California International Marathon - 2:17:19</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2012 USA Olympic Trials Marathon - 2:22:25</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2012 Grandma’s Marathon - 2:22:44</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2012 RnR Las Vegas Marathon - 2:43:38</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2013 Twin Cities Marathon (US Champs) - 2:20:57</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2016 Boston Marathon - 3:07:42</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2017 RnR Arizona Marathon - 2:35:37</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2017 California International Marathon - 2:25:50</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2018 Philadelphia Marathon - 2:29:10</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2019 Boston Marathon - 2:31:57</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*2:27:35 Average for 13 marathons and not a single DNF!!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m pretty proud of that last statement.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As CIM approaches I just look forward to embracing the struggle and journey that coexists with running a marathon. The high’s and low’s of each mile, the pack running that only happens at certain races, and the moment of virtue once you cross that finish line. I still have a couple weeks left, so I will approach these weeks with continued excitement and try to absorb every mile of fitness that I put in.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#DukesTrackClub #marathontraining #Marathoner #marathons #roadracing #BostonMarathon #CIM #CaliforniaInternationalMarathon #runrabbit #runinrabbit #rabbitELITE #blogging #blogpost #blog </span></div>
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-11937494342782617392018-11-27T11:56:00.006-07:002018-11-27T11:57:37.927-07:00A Positive Split - Philadelphia Marathon Recap<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">It’s been over a week since I crossed the finish line of the Philadelphia Marathon in 18th place and a respectable time of 2:29:10. This race was also my 12th marathon finish, and after looking back at each marathon performance, it has definitely been an up and down process. Since I’ve never dropped out of a marathon, you can definitely see which ones went bad and which ones when horribly bad. Nevertheless, after each one, I’ve taken away a few helpful lessons, and Philadelphia goes without exception. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">To highlight some useful facts, I had a solid summer of training leading up to Philly. I was healthy all summer and fall, and had some decent mileage. I say decent, because I didn’t get as high as I’d like. The 15 weeks leading up to the race I averaged 69 miles a week. That included a 90 mile week and a few solid 80 mile weeks. But it also included some low 50 mile weeks and even a 40 something mile week. My workouts were somewhat quick early on, where I was hitting some 6 Mile Tempo runs in low 5:30s, but as September and October rolled around I was extending my workouts out and hitting 5:40s. It’s hard to gauge true fitness on a few weekly workouts, but I knew I wasn’t super sharp, but perhaps a little stronger. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">A big confidence booster was winning the Duke City Half Marathon for the third time in a row. My time wasn’t fast, in fact, it was my slowest of my 3 wins. So, after that race I knew I wasn’t ready to pop a quick time in Philly. My goal from the summer was to run as close to 2:20 as possible and definitely run faster than 2:25:50 from CIM last year, but those dreams slowly washed away. I had a new plan, I was going to run as smart and strong as possible, something I don’t think I have ever done before. Usually, I go out pretty quick and then fade a little in the last 10k to finish with a glorious 2-4 minute positive split. But, if you saw my splits at Philly - that did not happen. And I shocked myself to run relatively even for me, considering my PR came with a 2 minute positive split, and most of my quicker races have had significant positive splits. In Philadelphia I ran 1:13:55 for the first half and came home with a 1:15 positive split to finish in 2:29:10. Not my fastest marathon, but a proud marathon finish. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">So, with further reflection, I’ve taken away a few things. One of which is my continued appreciation for being health and enjoying every moment I get to train and be outside. Aside from all the mushy happy feelings that come with training, it’s also a great feeling to push yourself. Either it be with teammates or by yourself, it’s a great sensation of self worth. Having trained on my own for most of my marathon build-up, I only reached a dark place in training a handful of times. I really miss when I can push myself towards uncharted splits that really put the scare in your bones. This will be one thing I would like to work on moving forward towards Boston. I want to push the envelope a little more and not run as conservative as I have in the past. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">When looking at the timeline of the Olympic Trials, there’s not a lot of time left. It’s only a spring marathon and maybe a fall marathon if needed. So there’s no time like the present. And looking at my marathon times, someone could say I have no business chasing that dream again. What I really need to do is fully commit to chasing that dream and see where that takes me. I’ve spent too much time afraid of injury and afraid I won’t get to race, when the reality is, there’s only 1 year left of training, after that I can run for fun and not worry about the consequences of overtraining, because let’s be honest, all the guys from the 80’s were constantly overtrained and overworked, but they still managed to run fast! Now, I’m not saying I’m going to train with reckless abandonment but I am going to train with more purpose and self discipline so that the next time I toe the line of a marathon, I’ll be racing all out from mile 1 to the finish.</span><br />
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-14855679163183189412018-03-28T14:13:00.001-06:002018-03-28T14:33:42.758-06:00Carlsbad 5000 Race RantAnother race report, but in this pure instance, it will be a pulsating wake of ranting, followed by acceptance and finally, a deep contemplation and optimism of what’s to come in the running world of Jesse Armijo. So let’s get started…<br />
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First off, the Carlsbad 5000 is a pretty well known race in the world of road races. The tiny beach town of Carlsbad, California is home to my college coach and American mile legend - Steve Scott. Steve helped design the fast course back in the day, and in it’s 33rd year, it still draws the attention of many sub-elite, masters and professional runners looking to post quick times. I last ran this race in 2006, and had that race T-Shirt on to advertise the fact that I’m beyond my age but still willing to race fast. At my ripeful age of 35, I would now be racing in the 30-39 age group and hoping to dethrone Roosevelt Cook, who has won this race for nearly 6 years in a row. Roosevelt and I have known each other for awhile, and he’s a great Southern California competitor.<br />
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For the last month I had been changing up my training to suit the competitive speed that’s required to run a 5000. I also decided to scratch a spring marathon and just have a little fun this spring. Without the stress of marathon training being compromised, I focused back on the track and had some wonderful revelations that I still had some speed in my legs. I did a lot of combo workouts with tempo runs on the track, followed by 800’s or 400’s. Dabbling with quicker turnover felt great! I started to feel like a college kid again, just ripping through some quarters, and clicking off splits that make you smile once you can manage to catch your breath again. So with all that said, I felt ready to race in Carlsbad and win my first Carlsbad 5000m. It was also comforting knowing that I had some teammates out there racing. Brant had raced earlier in the master’s division, and Sal was going to race after me in the 29 and under group. I knew I had to do well and represent the Dukes Track Club as best as possible.<br />
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Fast forward to race day, and I could tell with confidence I was ready to win. I was ready to race and to race smart. Once we gathered at the line, I tried not to notice all the other competitors whose sheer physique, flashy racing kits and sweet looking road flats could intimidate the most seasoned runner. All I knew was that I was fit and ready to roll.<br />
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When the gun/horn went off, everyone bolted out. I managed to settle in just fine, as so did everyone else. The turn at the top of the hill came quicker than I imagined, and from that point on, I told myself to just relax and tuck in. We had about 8 guys in the lead pack with Roosevelt amongst the group. We cruised through the first mile in 4:48 or perhaps quicker. The 180 degree turnaround wasn’t too far away, and once that came, I still decided to stay close to the group and follow. At about 1 ½, I decided to make a small surge and try to break away. The only one to go with me was Roosevelt, so I figured this was going to be it. But, once we passed mile 2 and a small incline, Roosevelt made another surge, and I thought, “damn it, he knows the course better than me!”. He broke away by a few meters, and I just kept in contact. Then 2 guys passed me at the other 180 degree turn. We had less than 800m to go, and I was suffering in 4th place; I wasn’t even going to be on the podium! I managed to stay relaxed and save a little for a strong kick to nab 3rd and at least get on that damn podium. That plan was about to get derailed…<br />
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At the Carlsbad 5000, the finish line sits on a nice 200m downhill… and on the other side of some train tracks. In the past, a train never really interrupts the tops competitors of any of the races. This year would mark a different story. As I was settling in for that last left turn and a sprint kick towards the finish, I actually managed to produce that turnover I was mustering to edge out 3rd place. 1st was a solid 5 seconds up, and 2nd was somewhere unreachable with the small amount of real-estate left after the turn, but 3rd was right there. We were shoulder to shoulder and I was pulling away until I looked up and saw the railroad crossing signs flash and ring away. I thought it was a mistake but started to ease up. Once I saw Roosevelt get stopped by a race official, and then 2nd place stopped, I slowed down and stopped immediately. The gates came down, and a few moments later the train blasted by. The race official started yelling out that he was sorry and that we should stay in our positions. But before anyone knew it, the gates went up and it was a mad sprint to the finish. In the fog of confusion and frustration of knowing that I was going to be well under 15 minutes for a road 5k, you could say I was beyond pissed off! The guy that was in 4th managed to be ready and sprinted to 2nd place, I was left in a moment of confusion and before I knew what to do, I was sprinting all out to get back to my position, but the 80m to the finish just wasn’t long enough for me to make it up. I ended up in 4th in 15:09 with an asterisk.<br />
<br />
I honestly hate asterisks. I hate converting my altitude times when I race in Albuquerque, or calculating what I could’ve run if I wasn’t directed the wrong way on a course. This may be why I love the track and discredit most times that aren’t run regularly on the same course or if someone gives me their BS excuse for why they think the course was long because their GPS said differently. I know most people don’t race anymore. I know many people are in fact racing themselves, which is a wonderful way to push themselves and gauge their fitness. A PR or personal best is a wonderful thing to have, and a great motivator, so if race officials over mark a course or undermark a course, it can be frustrating. People are paying to run that distance, so I get that aspect of it. But, it’s hard to validate a performance when there’s inconsistencies. <br />
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A race is merely how fast you can get from the start to the finish, and I’m disappointed with myself for not having that tenacity to race from the train to the finish. I felt as if that small bit of disappointment got to me once I had to stop at the train. I somehow managed to turn off my racing mentality when that race official barked orders to us to hold position. The race wasn’t over yet, so why should we stop here at 4920 meters?!?! I should’ve raced until the finish. So, I guess in all my experience with racing, I never had to do that, and now I can thank this race as I continue on as a competitor willing to give everything from start to finish. Anything can happen in a race, and we need to be ready to respond. I’m very glad no one passed Roosevelt, as he was the clear winner on the day. And of course, without a minor debacle there wouldn’t be this post race recap, or encouragement to continue on with training and racing. Which leads me to ponder what to do next?<br />
<br />
I’m signed up for some ultra races this summer, and will be attempting to race the Jemez 50k in May, which will be a tough 50k with a ton of vert! But, do I want to give up on running fast times in California, do I want to go back to the oval and hug the rail to a new shinny 5000m PR with spikes flying at your shins? Do I want to feel that wonderful anxiety of sitting around waiting for your event to start at the crack of a starter's pistol…? Or am I too old for all of that? Until I can figure out what path I want to take, I’ll continue to be humbly appreciative of my health and fitness. <br />
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Onward and upward! <br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://29ee2e9b-0ab4-4205-9c0f-bfee56406c67/imagepng" /><img src="webkit-fake-url://06346218-1e4c-4bbb-b92d-41cc251fd33d/imagejpeg" /><img src="webkit-fake-url://e694d433-8d09-402b-a767-3ef125b3dd32/imagejpeg" />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-60469714716406235072018-03-06T12:22:00.004-07:002018-03-06T12:22:52.475-07:00Mountain 2 Fountain Race Report M2F 15k<br />
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I’ve had this race marked on my training schedule for quite some time. It’s a fairly competitive road race in the suburbs of Phoenix that rolls downhill on a wonderful point to point course. The prize purse is usually pretty nice and the race generally offers plenty of elite runners an opportunity to race hard and earn some extra cash for their travel to such a nice climate for early March. Sunny skies and mild weather make race day competition ideal, and by looking at the net downhill course, you could say the course is perfect for a pr, however some hills deter that from happen to even the Olympians that have toed the line. But, all in all, it’s a great race and I was looking to run this as a solid gauge of fitness leading towards the Carlsbad 5000 at the end of the month.<br />
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It was a lovely road trip from Albuquerque as a nice crew of Dukes Track Club members headed out to M2F. Once we got in Friday night, and relaxed around Saturday, race day was already here. I wasn’t too concerned about who was racing, as I was going to race within myself and set a solid pace for my fitness, and once I started to realize there weren’t many elites at this race, I slightly thought I could make the podium. I saw Daniel Tapia, who is a good running friend of mine, and we warm-up together and caught up since we last saw each other at Cal International Marathon. But besides him and Stephen Kersh from Flagstaff, I was hoping to race smart and make the podium.<br />
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I could go on and on about how the race turn out, but I’ll keep it short and sweet - I finished 3rd and in the money! The last time I raced M2F I really sucked it up. But, I knew I was fitter this time around and wanted to run strong. I knew I couldn’t keep up with either Daniel or Stephen so I ran my race and had a nice 1st 5k of 15:30...ish. Which bodes well for Carlsbad 5000 at the end of the month. Then I ran solid through the next 10k and finished with a smile. Now the reflection… was I really happy? I had 3 goals going into this race and accomplished 2 of them. First, I wanted to run faster than my abysmal time from 2016, then I wanted to place higher than that, and lastly I<br />
wanted to run under 49 minutes for 15k. I managed to accomplish 2 out of the 3 goals, and was fairly happy with that.<br />
<br />
Now, what to do next…? I had a small conversation with Arlene and some friends about holding off on a spring marathon this season. I haven’t felt too into the whole marathon vibe right now. And after a sweet track session where I felt some speed burrowing out of those old muscles of mine, I’ve been contemplating what to do next. I know Carlsbad 5000 is uber high on my list this season, which is why I’ve added a little bit of speed into my regime, but once that race is over, I’ll be in lala land trying to figure out what to do next? One option that I am excited about would be to hit the trails. I’ve already signed up for a 50 miler this summer in July, but that’s beyond my short term goals. And to stay healthy and excited, I think I am going to focus on some local races and attempt the elusive Jemez 50k in May. Trails are fun and with the weather getting warmer, it’ll be nice to sweat and grind some mountain races. Cheers! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img src="webkit-fake-url://8a48bc7e-92da-425e-93d3-43f73821eeff/imagejpeg" /><img src="webkit-fake-url://f65ffe37-8e33-4a08-8c7c-13f7f6cee099/imagejpeg" />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-5619988427461103792018-02-23T11:14:00.003-07:002018-02-23T11:15:09.401-07:00Training Post CIM - Heading towards SpringTraining post Marathon<br />
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It can be slightly difficult to get back into the groove of training after posting a good marathon in the fall/winter. In what feels like forever ago, the California International Marathon looms in the not-so distant past of 2017, and all those long runs and heavy training days have all but disappeared along with the crisp fall weather. Even though some of these winter months have felt like spring months, it still feels like a long time ago, and easing back into training is now an excuse for not laying down some heavy training. <br />
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I’ve been fortunate enough to be healthy and have been racing a little to keep the spark of training at the forefront. However, I know my actual training is not matching up to the program I have sent out to accomplish. After every marathon, I anxiously pull out the calendar and plot out races I want to do and workouts to fill in the void of racing. I evaluate and reevaluate my desires to race nearly every race possible; to the reality that I should only race a few key races leading up to one significant race. In this case, that major race will be the Lincoln Marathon in May. I’ve already raced two local races and have three more before Lincoln, so my plate if plenty full. But how has the fitness been compared to the training I set out to accomplish…?<br />
<br />
Well, after taking a quick look at my training plan, I’ve only got 10 weeks left of training. That seems like enough time, but it doesn’t feel like enough. At this point, I would’ve liked to have more miles under my belt and feel sharper in workouts. The reality is: I’m healthy and can train, I have a decent amount of time to get fit, and the workouts are slowly coming along. It’s hard for a lot of runners to stay focused all year long, but by having a nice racing calendar keeps things in perspective and motivated. I like that I’ve hit every workout I’ve planned; they’ve just not been fast or impressive, but I’ve been hitting them. I don’t like that my mileage sucks and is nearly half the amount that I’ve run in my hayday, but that was a different me. I LOVE the fact that I’m healthy and motivated to train, so the only issue is, I just need more time to run all the miles in the world!<br />
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This past week, I was on a vacation/wedding trip, and in most cases it’s hard to train while on vacation, and especially in Hawai’i. However, I managed to run everyday I was on the beautiful island, and got my 20 mile long run in, despite having no fuel and surrounded by heat & humidity. All in all, it can be a fun challenge and adventure to train in a new environment. I loved running with some locals (Johnny Bananas from The Big Island Running Company shoe store) and seeing so much lush forest and water everywhere. I was very fortunate to have that opportunity to see the island in a different and slower pace. So, with new vigor and a rejuvenated approach to my final 10 weeks leading up to Lincoln, I can confidently say I am ready and excited! Aloha & Mahalo!<br />
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-72389674725476318852017-09-10T16:16:00.000-06:002017-09-10T16:16:08.091-06:00Marathon Training: Week 3 - Road RaceAnother decent week of training and slugging around the roads before ending the week with a 10k road race. After last weeks long run on Sunday, I eased into this week with a few recovery miles. I set my goal for the week of 70 miles, but missed that by handful of miles. In fact, as I write this, I am highly debating getting those 2 1/2 miles in to make it a nice round 7-0 for the week.... but it's Sunday, and I just race a race and made it a 20 mile day. I also just had a celebratory beer and have been watching football, so I guess I'm not going to hit it... oh well.<br />
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Anyways, this week was another good one. I got plenty of quality miles for the week. One of which was done in a workout on Wednesday, and the other in the Chips and Salsa 10k today. My Wednesday workout (W.O.W. as the youngsters on Flotrack call it) was a classic 6x1 mile with 60 sec rest along the river path. I went back to my old stomping grounds at Kit Carson park and hammered out some respectable paces. I can tell things are shaping up as these workouts are getting a little faster. Thank God! Besides that workout, I just devoted the rest of the week to recovering and getting ready for the 10k.<br />
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The race went as well as I expected. I set a goal that if I can't break 34 minutes, then I need to find a different hobby.... so luckily my body and fitness made that happen. Chris Valicka and I decided that we should go out comfortable and then work on bringing down our pace. Well... that didn't exactly happen. We went out a little quicker than anticipated, but held on an even pace and finished as strong as possible. I can tell that I need to build my endurance up, not only from my splits, but from my workout on Wednesday; as that workout I ended up with a positive split, but whatever. So, long story short, I was lucky to take home the victory with Chris right behind me! Go Dukes! And speaking of that, the guys in the half marathon crushed it! We had a bunch of dudes PR and go: 2-8th place, lead by Jesus Mendoza! Our team is looking mighty good these days!<br />
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Week of Training <br />
<br />
Mon - am. 6 miles in the foothills<br />
Tue - pm. 10 miles<br />
Wed - pm. 2 mile warm up, 6x1 mile w/60sec rec. (5:32, 5:31, 5:28, 5:38, 5:27, 5:40) 5:32/avg. 2 mile cool down. 10 Total<br />
Thur - 4 miles<br />
Fri - 7 miles<br />
Sat - 10 miles<br />
Sun - 2.5 mile warm up, 10k - 33:44 - 1st place (5:23, 5:27, 5:20, 5:24, 5:30, 5:31), 11.5 mile cool down. 20 Total.<br />
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Total: 67 milesJesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-50002008573496369212017-09-03T13:58:00.000-06:002017-09-03T14:25:26.355-06:00Marathon Training: Week 2 - Cross Crunchy (aka. Cross Country)After completely missing my weekly goal mileage to, "rest" with a much needed nap after work; which may only come around as often as that lunar eclipse the other week, I still managed to get in my weekend warrior status! With some decent miles throughout the week, a baby workout on Wednesday, and a long run, it all culminates into one tired individual. I honestly don't know how I use to do it in the past, which brings me to my next point. I am not as young as I use to be, nor am I anywhere near the same person. I've already slowly learned that I can not do the same workouts I did in the past, so I need to throw out those old running logs and move on.... actually, those old running logs are my pride and joy, so I will never throw them away. But seriously, I have come to peace with how I need to train in order to accomplish some of those fast times. For starters, it's already been 2 years since my last stress fracture, and I try to stay away from double days because of that. I don't know if it really works, since most of the "scientist" out there claim two different benefits from running singles verses doubles, but for my lifestyle, along with some basic math, I can only realistically run once a day. I'm okay with that. Also, I only need one workout a week along with a solid long run. So, that's that. Let's see how well this training will go.<br />
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This week also had me toeing the line of a cross country meet. The Lobo Invite 5k! Wow, how wonderful.... except for the fact that I am not in 5k shape, nor am I in cross country shape, nor am I in any kind of shape to be racing. But it's always awesome and special to race as a team, and the Dukes TC had one hell of a team this year. We got some young talent, with some freshly minted college graduates that are willing to work harder than ever to chase the Marathon Trials Standard with all their heart. So, with those guys at the helm, and a few other DTC guys pushing everyone, we did alright at the College Meet. I was our 6th runner and basically our top 5 guys had a faster average time than the UNM Lobos. 15:56 average to 15:59. However, we didn't win due to points. We lost by 1 freakin point! It took a lot of work to add up the scores, but the final score would have been 37 - 38 with the Lobos beating us by 1 lousy point.... man, I need to run faster!<br />
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Here's the results:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_J10ipoXniyEsVmVX2mEpx8-lTzNStbYs7_pII3xU2YxlkvHQ5f1tPDR0S8he0576PXaCXiN_GFByWLsDRpDlbX6WNp6QfcBi0AXoDGqQkTWPXtXP4g39hDMI-B5DSFxSa_951HBnXQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-03+at+2.09.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="744" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_J10ipoXniyEsVmVX2mEpx8-lTzNStbYs7_pII3xU2YxlkvHQ5f1tPDR0S8he0576PXaCXiN_GFByWLsDRpDlbX6WNp6QfcBi0AXoDGqQkTWPXtXP4g39hDMI-B5DSFxSa_951HBnXQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-09-03+at+2.09.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_J10ipoXniyEsVmVX2mEpx8-lTzNStbYs7_pII3xU2YxlkvHQ5f1tPDR0S8he0576PXaCXiN_GFByWLsDRpDlbX6WNp6QfcBi0AXoDGqQkTWPXtXP4g39hDMI-B5DSFxSa_951HBnXQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-03+at+2.09.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Week of Training:<br />
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Mon - pm. 6 miles<br />
Tue - pm. 6 miles<br />
Wed - pm. 2 mile warm-up, 4x1 mile w/3min rest (5:28, 5:23, 5:21, 5:20), 4 mile cool down. 10 total<br />
Thur - 0 miles - napped<br />
Fri - am. 4 miles. pm. 6 miles w/strides<br />
Sat - am. 2 mile warm up, Lobo Invite 5k - 16:34, 6 mile cool down. 11 total<br />
Sun - am. 20 mile long run. 2:22:24<br />
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Total: 63 miles Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-38057549740243543772017-08-27T14:13:00.000-06:002017-08-27T14:13:17.783-06:00Marathon Training: Week 1 - The First Step Towards the ChampionshipsAs summer comes to an end, I find myself wondering where the heck did my training lead me...? I had a great plan to build up my mileage and utilize the fact that I didn't have to be anywhere at 8:00am. I plotted out all the "workouts" that I thought I was going to do, and trickled a few races here and there. And those races are what got the best of me this past summer. I toed the line of a local 5k on the Forth of July and little did I know I would be hobbling back to the starting line after the first mile with a brand new DNF to add to my running resume. My calf was being very unpatriotic and decided to quite on me after the first time of a "fun" 5k. I thought, this was the most Un-American thing you could do on the 4th of July - QUIT? Seriously?! Well, it was for the better, and I rested up and have been running fine since a mere 2 weeks off in July. I really got to thinking about how in my entire college career I never once quit in a race. Then out of all the post-college races I had, I never quit either. Even after all those crapy felling marathon's, where I was completely off my mark I never decided.... "Hey, I'm just going to step off the course and rally up for another one". I still think about how I should've quit at Chicago way back when, instead of posting another disappointing time and missing the Olympic Trials Standard. But, where would that have gotten me? I always believe that if you're healthy, then finish the damn race. And I won't even talk about Boston...<br />
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So, after healing up and building my mileage to a respectable number, I've decided to get the blog back in action and start posting about the journey to the USA Marathon Championships this December. The California International Marathon will host the championships, and we have a huge crew of Dukes Track Club runners heading out west to chase some impressive times. One time that should stick out is the new 2020 USA Olympic Trials Standard. The men's "B" Standard is 2:19:00 and the "A" Standard is 2:15:00. Also, if you are top 6 at the Championships, that qualifies as an "A" Standard, so it's pretty neat. All I know is that there will be another gaggle of dudes going for that standard. The weather should be good, and the company will be championship class. As for me, I have a feeling this will be a subtle introduction back to the roads and a journey of chasing that standard<br />
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Week of training:<br />
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Mon- 2.5 miles<br />
Tue - 7 miles<br />
Wed - 2.5 mile warm up, 4 mile tempo (5:42, 5:37, 5:36, 5:31) 4 min rest, 8x400m w/90sec rest (75, 74, 71, 72, 72, 75, 72, 72) 2 mile cool down<br />
Thur - 11 miles<br />
Fri - 11 miles<br />
Sat - 9.5 miles<br />
Sun - 18 miles<br />
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Total: 70 miles<br />
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-42477476830924217632017-06-07T10:58:00.001-06:002017-06-07T11:36:08.676-06:00Waking Up<span style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I It's summer time; hot days, sleeping in, resting, reading, house work, naps and of course - training. I would like to say sleeping in fits into that category of summer life, but to avoid complete dehydration and death, I don't mind getting up earlier than I would for work and hitting the pavement. This summer has already started off on the right two feet. My mileage has safely been increased from where I was last month, and I've already circled all the races I want to run this year in my imaginary calendar. Those imaginary red circles on the calendar will be a bullseye on gauging my fitness and pushing myself towards a fall marathon. I can talk and write all I want about racing, but we all know injuries lurk around each corner. So, I need to be diligent about injury prevention and building my mileage up slowly. </span><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I miss the weeks when I could climb from 60 to 80 to 120 miles with ease and carelessness. But, I will triumph in small success, like completing a workout or getting in another long run or running on a new trail in the mountains. New peaks shall be conquered and in that process those bullseye will be hit as the summer ebbs and flows. So, it's time to wake up and continue running. </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Last weeks training:</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Mon - 5 mile trail run</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Tue - 9 miles </div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Wed - 2 mile warm up, 4 mile tempo run (5:41 avg.), 3 mile cool down</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Thur - 11 miles</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Fri - 8 miles w/strides</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sat - 9.5 miles</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Sun - 16 miles</div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;"><br></div><div style="color: rgb(69, 69, 69); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">Total: 68.5 miles </div>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-62476501906721591962017-02-26T09:34:00.003-07:002017-02-26T09:34:48.843-07:00Getting ahead of myself - InjuriesWe all tend to do this a lot - start planning for races before you are even ready to run. Circling those far off race dates in the calendar, in hopes that you will be on the starting line, or just day dreaming about the possibility of crossing off one of your bucket list races. Well, at least I do. I tend to do this all too often, especially when I am not running. The unknown of when I "will be training" seems to make the possibility of any race just a registration click away. My wife can tell you that, when I am hurt, my race options seems to double throughout the season - "Honey, I want to do this race, oh, and then we can do this race.". I guess the mind moves way faster than the body, but this seems to help with the mental aspect that I am not running. The hope that I will be back training again is the light at the end of the dark and torturous tunnel. And with the thought of races, comes the reality of training and getting stronger; running with your friends, and pushing each other to achieve a goal. Those are definitely not occurring when you are cross-training by yourself, or sitting around waiting for your injury to heal. Or thinking, "I'm not a competitive cross-training, why am I do this?". But the fact of the matter is, that you, or I, will be able to run again, and enjoy all the aspects that it entails. And know that these auxiliary workouts are going to get you healthy and running again.<br />
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As for me, I am still cross training with my trainer - Lawrence, twice a week. My massage therapist - Laura, is continuously making my muscles and tendons feel like rubber, and I have seen a Dry Needling guy/Doctor, named Nick Speegle who will stab me a few more times this week while sending electrodes through those wonderful metal needles. The goal of all of this is to heal my left achilles and test it out on Friday. My achilles has been bugging me since forever ago, and it has really flared up recently after the marathon last month. So I thought, it would be best to fully heal it and start off fresh this year. I still have plenty of time left (the rest of my life, I guess) to figure out what races I really want to do, and until then, I will focus on the important aspect of recovering and healing. Once that is accomplished, then I can break out the red marker and start circling all those races dates... or more importantly, all those sunday long run days with the Dukes Track Club.Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-18760820385919035382017-01-29T12:18:00.000-07:002017-01-29T12:36:52.940-07:00Post Phoenix Marathon and Onward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMQwhOehVK3nSBUBLueyuurSeDQMPN9h_jY1yVFqzIW1IRtGdhBBurnX20Pe7aoVJD2sDf11Yz-vT53K6xDmnoAZW0N4Im6f3ny3da68TpCXv5ETWUnFtseVVJYHpr7JOrvjYuFTlgTE/s1600/rnr+az+img.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMQwhOehVK3nSBUBLueyuurSeDQMPN9h_jY1yVFqzIW1IRtGdhBBurnX20Pe7aoVJD2sDf11Yz-vT53K6xDmnoAZW0N4Im6f3ny3da68TpCXv5ETWUnFtseVVJYHpr7JOrvjYuFTlgTE/s320/rnr+az+img.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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After taking a much deserved week off, and this past week of easy trotting around to reflect more clearly on my performance from the 2017 Rock n Roll Arizona Marathon, I've decided I need to jot some things down. I know my performance of 2:35:37 isn't much to write home about compared to my previous times, but it was an all-out effort and a stride in the right direction as I set my sights on faster times to come this year. After toeing the line in Arizona and coming across the finish, I was pleased to feel stronger and fitter than the abysmal effort that occurred in Boston last year (I don't even like to mention that marathon). Honestly, I wasn't ready to run a marathon in Boston, so I set my sights on Arizona as a lower key race to get the wheels back.<br />
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As I look back at my training, I know I could have done more... we always think we can do more. And I feel it was enough for my body at the time. Now, I know I can start to push the envelope a little more for a spring marathon, and reevaluate the training that proceeds that race. I am not getting any younger, and perhaps my best marathon days are behind me, but there is still a carrot leading me to accomplish a huge goal, and that would be to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. Those standards came out earlier this year and they seem within reach, even for this old man. It's truly a privilege and honor to be able to just run freely. I never seem to forget how quickly it can disappear, or how we can take it for granted. All I have to do is step out the door and enjoy the freedom of being outside. It's a gift, and I don't want to take it for granted. And with that gift, comes a small personal goal. <br />
<br />
<b>Olympic Marathon Trials Standard (rumored):</b><br />
<b>Men - "B" Standard 2:19:00 Full Marathon</b><br />
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With the right attitude and smarter training, a sub 2:19:00 is within striking distance. It sure is easy to talk about, or write about, so in the meantime I'll just focus on improving upon my most previous marathon time and strive for something in the 2:20s this spring. Right now, I feel excited to train more effectively for a spring race, and hopefully I make another step in the right direction. As for my training for Arizona, I was able to accomplish the following:<br />
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- Over the course of 15 weeks, I only averaged 55 miles a week<br />
- Over the course of those 15 weeks, I averaged 6 miles of tempo runs a week<br />
- Longest run was 23 miles<br />
- Cross trained twice a week for the duration of 15 weeks<br />
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After looking at that raw data... there's plenty of room for improvement and more importantly, HOPE.<br />
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<br />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-82655991692255250752016-07-18T13:58:00.003-06:002016-07-18T13:59:28.654-06:00Base BuildingOkay, base building is a simple concept, yet I don't think I've done this correctly in the past 1-2 years. So, this summer feels like a great opportunity to build my base mileage and gear up for whatever I feel I need to race in the fall. And, unlike my training leading up to Boston, I didn't really have a base which can sure explain a lot from that outcome...<br />
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So far, things are going well. My mileage is not where I'd like it to be, but I guess that's what happens when you start off slowly. And, I'm not too worried about that. My ultimate goal is to build slowly towards 90 miles a week in singles, and then see how the body feels. Once that magic number is being plotted down in my running journal, then I can start to incorporate some workouts. It's no secret formula, it's just a matter of being patient and diligent about the mileage. My body seems to be holding up with minor aches and pains here and there, but that's expected as well.<br />
<br />
On the near horizon, I have La Luz mountain run and hopefully test out the legs with a road 5k in August. And I'd love to see some 80-90 mile weeks mixed in there as well, but it's tempting not to try a workout. I really do miss those tempo runs, or speed sessions, but ultimately I don't have a major race planned this fall, so I'd better just stick to my gut and build those miles! I sound like I'm trying to sell myself on this plan, but I haven't just run miles without workouts in a while. I think my body needs that. And to mentally change it up, I've been plotting out new runs and routes from my house. Right now, I've got a sweet 10-12 mile loop. And of course, I've been hitting the foothills a little more. Onward and upward!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPVqYhFW8R8dwgr_Jhfal4MaU97Lf8H_7wPl26_hMnhIX-bH0ok9guZaI1OJUg4UVRfK8Y4dq4JePttGgTGNs5TP5vnAHhoEmSN97xzhBZTF2wwSJ1RAk95zxGaNhF2-kbGyF950Zcto/s1600/La+Luz+ultrasignup+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPVqYhFW8R8dwgr_Jhfal4MaU97Lf8H_7wPl26_hMnhIX-bH0ok9guZaI1OJUg4UVRfK8Y4dq4JePttGgTGNs5TP5vnAHhoEmSN97xzhBZTF2wwSJ1RAk95zxGaNhF2-kbGyF950Zcto/s320/La+Luz+ultrasignup+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Luz Start... 2009... I think</td></tr>
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<br />Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-40797956272375453332016-05-23T15:18:00.000-06:002016-05-23T15:49:12.685-06:00Getting Ready for Summer TrainingAs summer is approaching at super sonic speed, and my body is starting to feel recovered after my death march of a race in Boston, I can honestly say I'm excited to train for another marathon. The cataclysm of a race in Boston was humbling and stocking. I feel I will forever have some PTSD, or some extensively repressed memories from that "race". It was a stock to know I was never in the shape I thought I was in. In fact, I probably had no clue what shape I was in and could've just picked a random time out of a hat. Instead, I incorrectly guessed I was in 2:30 shape. And with the weather being a little warmer and dryer than usual, I knowingly went out even faster than my self-prescribed time. I believe I latched on to a 2:28 group and dumb heartingly strolled along for as long as possible; which was only about 9 miles. After that, the rest was a painful blur. It was a long crawl home to the finish, and two distinct things came to mind after I was painfully lifting one leg after the other. One thought was the fact that I wasn't injuring myself in the slow and miserable process I called, running. And the other thought was how actually grateful I was to be on the pavement in Boston, running in the Boston Marathon.<br />
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The thought of running in the Boston Marathon is a dream of mine and many runners alike. Of course, my dream of racing Boston wasn't to see the hour mark tick anywhere near 3 hours. But I was still beyond appreciative of being able to run the distance and make it from start to finish without hurting myself. The only thing I hurt was my reputation, and that will take some time to heal. Otherwise, I saw zero reason to quite and drop out. I've never dropped out of a race in my life, and I sure as heck wasn't going to drop out of the Boston Marathon. I thought to myself, I may never get the chance to race/run in Boston again, so you better not drop out. I have my pride of running quick and putting everything I have on the line in most of the races I compete in. I hate losing, but to me; the worst thing than losing is giving up for the shake of not winning. I've talked to a lot of people after the race, and I've gotten a lot of congratulatory compliments, but of course I know I ran beyond what words could describe as horrendous. "Like Crap" or "I don't even know what happened" are my usual responses to most people who have an idea of how slow I ran. But, deep down it was a learning experience and I learned a lot. I learned you can't average low mileage and only one 20 miler and expect to run a fast marathon. I learned how important all the workouts shape and build you as a runner. And most importantly, I experienced how well you need to tune into your body and ask it to do something that's incredible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJslVnxcRv72VLyg8-lQEBxJvIkzM2CNP5I7hLTy94E3623Yg0tYgjlh4Xi-o13wJJLLUoYujbqMD2Jqkkw6LdDlBDznjvKwjoc0ZdWUvHH8pv4O9M0CR9Pt6WplyRoMQrT2bsKMW3F0/s640/blogger-image-942496731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJslVnxcRv72VLyg8-lQEBxJvIkzM2CNP5I7hLTy94E3623Yg0tYgjlh4Xi-o13wJJLLUoYujbqMD2Jqkkw6LdDlBDznjvKwjoc0ZdWUvHH8pv4O9M0CR9Pt6WplyRoMQrT2bsKMW3F0/s640/blogger-image-942496731.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the screaming women of Wellesley College</td></tr>
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So moving forward with a healthy and recovered body I can look to the sunrises of about 70 days of solid work-free training. It'll be like I'm a professional runner once summer roles around in a sheer 3 days away. I have my eyes set on the New Mexico road 5k championships this summer, along with many miles of training for a Fall Marathon. The options are still there, so I haven't decided on what would be the best choice. Part of me would like to run a lower key marathon and attempt to win one. And another part of me wants redemption and attempt the fastest course possible with the best opportunity for a fast time. It's still undecided. The main factor that has been decided is some solid training. I'll be looking to build my aerobic threshold and concentrate solely on marathon specific workouts this summer. I'd like to get comfortable again with longer tempo runs and consistent mileage. I also have been weary of a stress fracture recurring, so I won't be too aggressive with the double days or über high mileage. All in all, I have a great feeling about this summer and I'm excited to be back training again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z-ue2zt-W_WjwXx3H8IQnjjggcL2J1GTH1kblfHZsedYbjykKx26NZGp57YuBLFJylPU4dFb3DDcI7CQQzsoQDmtlr-qqTSasIT1bthIG4piUQtcku54wpxAwbmH5_PrfO0E6gaA7no/s640/blogger-image--1208856042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z-ue2zt-W_WjwXx3H8IQnjjggcL2J1GTH1kblfHZsedYbjykKx26NZGp57YuBLFJylPU4dFb3DDcI7CQQzsoQDmtlr-qqTSasIT1bthIG4piUQtcku54wpxAwbmH5_PrfO0E6gaA7no/s640/blogger-image--1208856042.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prior to the Carnage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5yn86xq-Ai1NlVgVwtJNHbjvZf9FpCLtzr4wiK2X6u9jo-gD8XH4T_nRk5csqM67xA-NjXBfxn-Mw25Zuf_9QIthcpa9Q4raZ4uDNtcVcEi6QxKRvpcmLcudGgb5ZqylQ8gcwM8KvaY/s640/blogger-image-1904760998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5yn86xq-Ai1NlVgVwtJNHbjvZf9FpCLtzr4wiK2X6u9jo-gD8XH4T_nRk5csqM67xA-NjXBfxn-Mw25Zuf_9QIthcpa9Q4raZ4uDNtcVcEi6QxKRvpcmLcudGgb5ZqylQ8gcwM8KvaY/s640/blogger-image-1904760998.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-Race racing kit</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CVhg3BcRTHBHLLQPdRa2vf4tdHdm4h6-6Mf0YkuVrbNqruo8sEX5RGsvnnSriCX_Qn_hhjAEe8UNzjuJTqIU99EI54BdxAGENgJR-L6YN6S4fcMuHFm8ecDWGSc0NWxKkjaQNS8bXwY/s640/blogger-image-1793936189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CVhg3BcRTHBHLLQPdRa2vf4tdHdm4h6-6Mf0YkuVrbNqruo8sEX5RGsvnnSriCX_Qn_hhjAEe8UNzjuJTqIU99EI54BdxAGENgJR-L6YN6S4fcMuHFm8ecDWGSc0NWxKkjaQNS8bXwY/s640/blogger-image-1793936189.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Old Roommate from College (Mike Crouch)</td></tr>
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-52612747955914365682016-03-08T12:59:00.001-07:002016-03-08T15:19:07.328-07:00Boston Marathon ApproachesThe Boston Marathon is just over the amount of time it takes to cover Lent - 41 Days. It's quickly approaching with excitement and anxiety as many members of the Dukes Track Club continue their training. For me, I'm hoping that the third time is a charm, meaning I actually make it to the starting line and finish in a respectable time as compared to my first and second attempts. The first being hurt with an it-band injuring accompanied with a bit of pneumonia for good measure. I think the Boston marathon gods made sure I didn't run that year - 2013. Then the following year I was sidelined with not 1, but 3 stress fractures. So like I said, may the third time be a charm. <div><br></div><div>At this point in my career and training, I'm praying to be fit enough to get this race under my belt. After Boston I would like to move forward towards a more practical marathon build up with a greater opportunity to be more competitive... And to be "more competitive" is a relative term, I know. I feel that I'll always be competitive with myself and those I race against even when I'm 90 years old. But, for the brief amount of time I left with my aging body, I feel that I could still rub elbows with the best of them. This means chasing a half marathon and full marathon personal best.</div><div><br></div><div>The marathon is such an incredible event. Here in the US we have a 40 year old on the Olympic team, which gives me hope that perhaps my best marathon is still ahead of me, and not in the rear view mirror waving goodbye. That said, I sure hope it's a beautiful destination ahead of me and that I have the foresight to take the correct roads to the exit and reap the benefits of a pr. I'll have to plan more accordingly, take the proper precautions and train my body the proper way. </div><div> </div><div>I've said, time and time again, that the journey is worth more than the finish. So with this Journey to Boston, I've found myself stumbling... praying... rejoicing... contiplating and focused. I now know I'll make it to the start. I've had some good weeks, and some bad weeks, but at least I'm still training. Whatever happens on Boylston street will be a victory that I will tuck away quietly regardless of time or place. It will be one step closer in the right direction, and forever a race that I'll cherish with gratitude. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Training week 2/29-3/6</b>:</div><div>Mon. Off</div><div>Tue. 9 miles 3x800 (2:29, 2:33, 2:31)</div><div>Wed. 10 miles</div><div>Thur. 10 miles</div><div>Fri. 8 miles</div><div>Sat. 2 mile w/u 8 mile tempo (5:45, 5:50, 5:47, 5:48, 5:48, 5:51, 5:47, 5:39) 2 c/d 12 total. </div><div>Sun. 18 miles</div><div><br></div><div>Total: 68 miles</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-34516964500752133392016-02-12T15:56:00.000-07:002016-02-12T15:56:36.117-07:002016 Olympic Trials: A Relevance With the Olympic Trials marathon approaching fast; heck the race is less than 24 hours away, it's very clear that I will not be there racing. I miss that train last month. In fact I missed that train what I was training and dealt with injuries for the last 2 year. I feel a slight sense of a void for not being in Los Angeles with all my friends ready to compete. No hype surrounded my life this go around, and with that, no expectations were ensued upon me either. It's like I don't even exist, or have any relevance. Now, I'm not trying to have a pity party over here, I'm just accepting the fact that I had a goal in early 2013 and watched that goal disappear over time. Like many people always say, "It's about the journey, not the destination." And I felt like I had a solid journey over the last 4 years.<br />
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To reflect back on my time and my attempt at chasing the standard, I learned a few things. At the beginning, I thought it was a sure thing that I was going to qualify. I felt that if I had one bad race, I could make that up in a few months and try again. Injuries, age, and diet never crossed my mind. So, when I look forward, I have to take a slower approach and think things through with more ease and preparation. <br />
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When looking back on my attempts, here are a few races that stood out in the last 4 years - since a runner's life can be measured in quadrants:<br />
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<b>August 1st, 2013</b> - The USATF opens the Marathon Trials qualifying window. 2:18:00 for the full marathon and 1:05:00 for the half marathon are the "B" standards, and 2:15:00 for the full marathon is the "A" standard.<br />
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<b>August 11th, 2013 - </b>I finished the Rio Grande Half Marathon in 1:05:19.....at altitude..... although I believe the course was short, and that would've been a remarkable performance at altitude.<br />
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<b>September 8th, 2013 - </b>I won the Skagit Flats Half Marathon in Burlington, Washington in a time of 1:06:47. I ran solo for the entire race, so I had some good confidence going into the USA Marathon Championships, but still missed the 1:05:00 mark by a lot.<br />
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<b>September 15th, 2013 - </b>I won the Chips and Salsa half marathon in Albuquerque in 1:08:42. And I was very pleased with that solo effort again.<br />
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<b>October 6th, 2013 - </b>Finished 20th at the USA Marathon Championships in 2:20:57. Deep down I was really disappointed as I was attempting to not only qualify, but PR as well. I felt strong and ran what I thought was one of my strongest marathon finishes ever. <br />
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<b>January 19th, 2014 - </b>Another fast, but not quite time at the USA Half Marathon Championships in 1:05:38. That was actually the exact same time I ran 5 years earlier. After that race, and disappointment, I finally looked at the positive and set my sights on the Boston Marathon, where I thought I was going to smash my pr since I was in incredible shape that early on...<br />
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<b>March 1st, 2014 - </b>The Phoenix Half Marathon, and where everything went south. I probably ran this race with a stress fracture and ended up taking 8 weeks off once I realized I broke myself from this race. I ran a respectable 1:07:52, but couldn't walk correctly afterwards. THIS is where the downward spiral for 2 years started.<br />
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After Phoenix, I had to drop out of the Boston Marathon - a race that I have been yearning to compete in since my first marathon back in 2009. From the 3 stress fracture that I had from that spring, to another bout of a stress fracture this past summer, I was only left to watch the Olympic Trials window slowly close shut. <br />
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So, at 10:06am PST tomorrow morning, the best men in the US will be competing against one another, the weather, and more importantly, themselves. Each athlete tomorrow has an incredible story, but only a few will ever be showcased. Each athlete tomorrow will be racing for a different reason, and only they truly know. Each athlete tomorrow will also walk away from the race with a different perspective. But I believe the true Olympic spirit will reside with them the rest of their lives, even though only 3 per gender will compete at the actual Olympics. Just being able to say you were an Olympic Trials contender carries so much pride and accomplishment. I'm jealous (in a positive and satisfactory kind of way) that this year those athletes can participate and race with such passion that only comes once every 4 years. It's going to be great! <br />
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Looking back, I can honestly say I had a good chase at the standard. It's actually really fun chasing something like that. Knowing that you shouldn't take anything for granted and having the opportunity to train your brains out. Those are just a few of the benefits and commitment issues that an athlete must decide on. On the down side; balancing social events, and staying out late and a few of the things on the other side of the spectrum that need to be prioritized and readjusted. But, sooner or later, that opportunity won't be there anymore, as you can only run fast for so long. I might as well take advantage of it while time may still be on my side. Because later in life I will just have to be a supporter of the sport and cheer on those that will be doing the same thing - chasing the dream.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9R6W-AGZFzduSv4tRCdRl-dieXCEXRwtR17nlsp1mtSqaYmAU4KmTw9yhyg-aOP7RB3kOAyFkwqv6980PpvogGOafpNhHSYQ9-IDwI0Zw4ZTskuWk6UFpfBkKl0F2vJdrOleVhhkBJY/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9R6W-AGZFzduSv4tRCdRl-dieXCEXRwtR17nlsp1mtSqaYmAU4KmTw9yhyg-aOP7RB3kOAyFkwqv6980PpvogGOafpNhHSYQ9-IDwI0Zw4ZTskuWk6UFpfBkKl0F2vJdrOleVhhkBJY/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dukes Track Club - My teammates, friends, and biggest supporters.</td></tr>
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-11043871334387310172015-12-09T15:51:00.003-07:002015-12-09T15:52:34.938-07:00Stress Fractures SUCK!!!Yes, it's been forever since my last post, and I have a tendency to not write when I am hurt. My thoughts are, who cares about someone whose hurt and on the sidelines...? I'd much rather be writing about awesome workouts and races that have a lasting memory. But, injuries happen to all of us, and they leave lasting memories on us as well.<br />
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My latest injury was another stress fracture in my right tibia. This time, I felt like a caught it early and took sufficient time off (8 weeks). My question is, why the heck do I keep getting an injury on the same leg in the same region? There must be an imbalance or something causing extra stress to that area, but the docs don't really know. I'm doing physical therapy at <a href="http://www.quadrahealth.com/" target="_blank">Quadra Health Institute</a> once a week, so that seems to be helping my imbalances a bit. I have also taken the very slow approach of running again. Or, at least I believe this is a slow approach...<br />
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This past summer I felt like training was going really well. I never got up to 100 miles a week, but I had some quality workouts. Things seemed on track for a solid half marathon in September and a full marathon in Chicago. The timeline of events went something like this: end of August I felt a little pain in my right tibia, took 2 weeks off, ran for 2 weeks into early September thinking the pain was an acute injury and had subsided, realized it was getting worse the more I ran, stopped running, went to a podiatrist and continued to not run for 8 weeks, the end.<br />
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On November 16th, I ran for the first time for 15 minutes to test it out. I was out of breath, tired but thrilled to not have any pain in my leg. For the remainder of the week I ran every other day for 15 minutes for a total of 6 miles in the week. The following week I doubled my mileage to 12 miles, kinda crazy, I know! Then last week I kept going with a whopping 18 miles and a 30 minute continuous run. Everything seems to be going well, I'm not feeling pain in my leg when I run, but I have noticed that afterwards I have a weird feeling. It's very similar to my last stress fractures, as it's been commonly called "Phantom Pain". This pain or feeling is typically caused by a build up of calcium in the area of the stress fracture pressing outward on nerves or tissue. After doing quite a bit of research, it's been reassuring to know I am not getting hurt again, and that this sensation is very common. However, I am not going to be stupid and go crazy with my training. Going into my 4th week of running give me confidence to keep training, but only with a conservative approach. I don't really have a rush to get back into things, so I'll slowly increase my base and race when I feel ready enough to. <br />
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To conclude this past marathon cycle, I have failed miserably in an attempt to qualify for the 2016 USA Olympic Marathon Trials. However, I still feel that my best marathon time is ahead of me, and that I have many more amazing races to come. I know I can't do the same thing I have in the past. I've gotten older, so therefore I should be wiser - I know I'm not that wise yet, but am aiming for that wisdom. So something has to change, which will be my training and training philosophy.<br />
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"If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got."<br />
-Mark TwainJesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-72530759316757160972015-08-03T17:44:00.000-06:002015-08-03T17:51:15.772-06:00La Luz Trail Race & Week 5Not the most miles logged, but another week completed with an annual trip up the Sandia Mountain along the La Luz Trail.<br />
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My only workout this week was on Wednesday, and that was a nice little track session with some of the guys. After that track workout, I seemed to gain a little more confidence in my training, as well as my speed. I know there are only about 68 days left and I have enough time to be race ready, but I need to be in 2:17 shape for all this to pay off. It can be defeating just thinking about a time, which is why I enjoy feeling stronger and faster throughout this marathon segment. Things are going in the right direction. </div>
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<b>La Luz Trail Race</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00n8LGLCBzutpkj1-OEqGaxMxAqSsHpON9LWp1_dO29J15sNSycsYY3_8v8BBkLSMkKiehPeQmmK7FGH4agBUGStqItSBENYm2uLSHLH_zszIfyfKolQv8RbUFKiB_xCcSQddw738jbA/s1600/At+the+Start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00n8LGLCBzutpkj1-OEqGaxMxAqSsHpON9LWp1_dO29J15sNSycsYY3_8v8BBkLSMkKiehPeQmmK7FGH4agBUGStqItSBENYm2uLSHLH_zszIfyfKolQv8RbUFKiB_xCcSQddw738jbA/s320/At+the+Start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Guys at the Start. You can almost see the finish - it's at the top...</td></tr>
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As an annual sacrifice to the mountain running Gods, I force myself up the Sandias in the La Luz Trail Race. This year, I finished 3rd overall, which was great compared to last years awful 26th place finish - granted that was the furthest I ran post stress fracture. So, this years race was much better in comparison. I started off kinda quick going up the road in 3rd place, but then got passed by Sal and another dude. Once we hit the trailhead and after a few switchbacks, I got passed by Solomon and another dude. I actually felt pretty good, so I stayed with them until the second water station. At that point, I got my second wind and passed Solomon and left those guys. I believe I was in 5th place at that point and slowly caught one more guy and then Sal just before the rock slide. Now, the rock slide sucks, so I probably lost some time going through that segment, but whatever. Once you get to the staircase; and all the cheering dukes, the finish is within reach. I was hoping to get a pr on that course, but a 3rd place finish and second fastest time for me was good enough, and a good sign to me how I'm getting stronger compared to other attempts at this dreadful race.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-Vc7Rh1K4ZAEwgxtCr5KiyW_2cip7oUvQ3QTYtv89r-CJqVDXXsKPycZnRU1cHEPvV1Wq-HB5CSu8nzGcQXLkDTQLNW_ZLtAuKXYyDWk0qoeX6jVxbE3fQ74ClXIBwNj2v6O5GLOZ4/s1600/Jesse+Staircase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh-Vc7Rh1K4ZAEwgxtCr5KiyW_2cip7oUvQ3QTYtv89r-CJqVDXXsKPycZnRU1cHEPvV1Wq-HB5CSu8nzGcQXLkDTQLNW_ZLtAuKXYyDWk0qoeX6jVxbE3fQ74ClXIBwNj2v6O5GLOZ4/s320/Jesse+Staircase.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up, Up, Up, The Staircase</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwF9WMm-gg8iB9zZxGAEkjMtWVmcnDcMh9nMdKG1swx7CZBAQBhMsALS2gO2yjHDARVU38tnx8Znk6nfsi2KxKsU3aAz44HrLbGHMdO5eGMaVlB2iMHQnwprvhZCs4nVX1U5IyZ-0TyM/s1600/La+Luz+Runners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwF9WMm-gg8iB9zZxGAEkjMtWVmcnDcMh9nMdKG1swx7CZBAQBhMsALS2gO2yjHDARVU38tnx8Znk6nfsi2KxKsU3aAz44HrLbGHMdO5eGMaVlB2iMHQnwprvhZCs4nVX1U5IyZ-0TyM/s320/La+Luz+Runners.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dukes that Ran</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2k5h5D29gFlzWVULUQ2eFyyk7641uFzA6A96jzB-yF8n1PR3GOYpkAzeD395WSrz6CrrAUS7WqsoQMHOW12LHLr2XCV0AlVwJ9FM3MaYfhtHN2uzXS9boh_lMq_rySTimEZD5r0iZ_w/s1600/Team+Photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2k5h5D29gFlzWVULUQ2eFyyk7641uFzA6A96jzB-yF8n1PR3GOYpkAzeD395WSrz6CrrAUS7WqsoQMHOW12LHLr2XCV0AlVwJ9FM3MaYfhtHN2uzXS9boh_lMq_rySTimEZD5r0iZ_w/s320/Team+Photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our amazing Team!!!</td></tr>
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Week 5 Training<br />
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Mon - am. 11 miles<br />
Tues - pm. 9 miles<br />
Wed - am. 4x1000m + 4x400m w/200m jog recovery 1000m's(3:08, 3:04, 3:06, 3:05) 400's (69, 68, 68, 65) Total: 9 miles / pm. 6 miles<br />
Thur - am 10.5 miles / pm. 9 miles<br />
Fri - am. 11 miles<br />
Sat - Off<br />
Sun - am. La Luz Trail Run. 9 miles 1:32:55. Total w/warm-up & cool down: 13 miles<br />
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Total: 78.5 miles<br />
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I need to be running more!</div>
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Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-3680742069457523152015-07-28T10:54:00.001-06:002015-07-28T11:01:28.456-06:00Week 4 of Marathon TrainingAnother solid week in the log. After all that traveling last week, this week felt great. It's always a good feeling to be back in a routine and sleeping in your own bed. <div><br></div><div>As for training, I felt that things are starting to pick up, and that my fitness is slowly coming around. I had two workouts this week; one tempo run on Wednesday, and a long run workout on Sunday. That Sunday run was a little intimidating at first, and I was really nervous beforehand. It was another Jack Daniels workout, but it was a pretty big one, with longer bouts of recovery, which to me can be difficult since we'll be on our feet for so long. Nevertheless, it went well. And it was great to have so many guys at this past Sundays long run. </div><div><br></div><div>So if you're wondering what torturous workouts I did, here they are: Wednesday was a 3 mile, 2 mile & 1 mile tempo repeat. Sunday's long run was a 4 mile warm-up followed by 2 mile tempo, 3 mile tempo, 2 mile tempo & 1 mile tempo with 1 mile recovery in between. Interesting and tough! Well, it went well and the week was great! Onward to the next week. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBkfUX43twDNZt2ApjZ1PFCSG6VY4utENUnRH_EqCjm6MEI8d5O6Y8xUZboE5u0DS-TUR4lIDTL-mLwD6j09fDBNFYTlHyZVXoUbX0Nm3Dx3Mxqp7F160i5bpv7a9Js8X69PKT3g-0cQ/s640/blogger-image-1057666493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBkfUX43twDNZt2ApjZ1PFCSG6VY4utENUnRH_EqCjm6MEI8d5O6Y8xUZboE5u0DS-TUR4lIDTL-mLwD6j09fDBNFYTlHyZVXoUbX0Nm3Dx3Mxqp7F160i5bpv7a9Js8X69PKT3g-0cQ/s640/blogger-image-1057666493.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Week 4</div><div>Monday - 11 miles</div><div>Tuesday - 12 miles</div><div>Wednesday - am.w/u 2.5 miles (5:21, 5:28, 5:25) (5:28, 5:21) (5:15) c/d 3.5 miles. Pm. 6 miles. Total: 18 miles</div><div>Thursday - off</div><div>Friday - am. 11 miles pm. 6 miles</div><div>Saturday - am. 11.5 miles</div><div>Sunday - 4 easy, (5:28, 5:24) 1 mile easy, (5:25, 5:25, 5:27) 1 mile easy (5:21, 5:28) 1 mile easy (5:18) 5 cool down. Total: 20 miles</div><div><br></div><div>Total: 89.5 miles</div>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8889442866557131012.post-52924444477935511012015-07-20T14:20:00.001-06:002015-07-20T14:20:10.610-06:00Week 2 & 3 of TrainingAfter writing my first version of this post, and finding it erased/not saved, I'll make these last 2 weeks short and quick. <div><br></div><div>Week 2 was just shy of my 100 mile goal by 2 miles. I was happy to get some quality workouts in, but my paces are no where near where I would like them to be. I know it's a "long process" and consistancy is key. But after not really having any solid training under my belt in the last year, it's going to be a hard reality. I feel that my body needs to get toned down again, and much stronger. I don't really have much time, so I'm not going to squander any of it fooling around until after Chicago. Which probably means, a huge limit on my delicious beer consumption. That makes my taste buds sad. </div><div><br></div><div>Week 3 was ok. I spent a lot of time driving. 1725 miles from Wednesday to Sunday. My first priority was to get Arlene to Las Vegas, NV. After that I got to spend some time in Flagstaff, AZ with my buddy Nick (Mr. 2:11 Marathoner) and his wife. I loved my time in Flagstaff. The thin air, trails, and people make that town a haven for running. Nick also convinced me to race a 7 mile road race - granted it was all up hill. The Snowbowl Hill Climb was a great race to get your ass kicked in. I believe you start at 6800' and climb to 9300'. It sucked, but was awesome at the same time. After that race on Sunday, Arlene and I drove back to rainy Albuquerque. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNU9U9dLumn6UxGgWblawmSFidEPKGzL8N0RwHLwWfaG6NWY19LfBVu0YzL-qser9eTTGi_u0VVmfW92pY_0lM5LSdhgmM1CRe7bcs5e4VguZmG1BBolp9KVAEOZxM1Cv0YIcPqH698Q/s640/blogger-image--1256194284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNU9U9dLumn6UxGgWblawmSFidEPKGzL8N0RwHLwWfaG6NWY19LfBVu0YzL-qser9eTTGi_u0VVmfW92pY_0lM5LSdhgmM1CRe7bcs5e4VguZmG1BBolp9KVAEOZxM1Cv0YIcPqH698Q/s640/blogger-image--1256194284.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>I know I have to be patient with my training and just stay the course as Chicago is on the horizon. Besides, it sure feels good to be training hard, but now I just gotta train harder. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL0GObfLLWpAn93hFHEjZQwLyLmtvTNcBFaSFhjwNLL2BIVi-_pBf7DNSUW1ISxGvq-VVCWxmn82xS9sLulqDOqi41xNob3Zn70orrYT0fYXLG3HkJhtyge2LPphHTVwyk9qylNLLS80/s640/blogger-image-1597576575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL0GObfLLWpAn93hFHEjZQwLyLmtvTNcBFaSFhjwNLL2BIVi-_pBf7DNSUW1ISxGvq-VVCWxmn82xS9sLulqDOqi41xNob3Zn70orrYT0fYXLG3HkJhtyge2LPphHTVwyk9qylNLLS80/s640/blogger-image-1597576575.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx_Rnso8nfBwCTcTkd_-jk8RjxosbJxGDGPmCNV-YlNA-wVuKubGEA5j967XBJ1RF7OshpaaMdhk882tfx14omhOetkUKvJV2jxY_tVXyxi03jR60MPp5BQCcg-NpzuL-fpZ6uRVdNV0/s640/blogger-image--978558715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx_Rnso8nfBwCTcTkd_-jk8RjxosbJxGDGPmCNV-YlNA-wVuKubGEA5j967XBJ1RF7OshpaaMdhk882tfx14omhOetkUKvJV2jxY_tVXyxi03jR60MPp5BQCcg-NpzuL-fpZ6uRVdNV0/s640/blogger-image--978558715.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Week 2</div><div>2 workouts</div><div>Tue - 8x1000m 3:11 avg. </div><div>Sat - 4 easy, 2x2 miles (5:28, 5:40) (5:28, 5:25), 7 easy 2 mile tempo (5:32, 5:42), 1 mile easy. Total: 18 miles</div><div>Week Total: 98 miles</div><div><br></div><div>Week 3</div><div>1 workout, 1 "race"</div><div>Tue - 4x2 miles w/2 min rec. (5:33, 5:28) (5:28, 5:25) (5:28, 5:42) (5:32, 5:23)</div><div>Sun - 7 mile hill climb</div><div>Week Total: 73 miles</div>Jesse Armijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17980294088165590091noreply@blogger.com0