Des Moines Report

2009 Des Moines Marathon Race Report

The race started in downtown Des Moines at 8 AM. The weather was perfect, about 38 degrees. I left my clothes with my sherpas and got to the start at about 7:50, and snuck in with the 3:10 pace group.

The first 3 miles were flat through beautiful downtown Des Moines. It was fairly crowded, so I just stayed in touch with the rather sizeable 3:10 group (20 people or so). After mile three, we went into about 10 miles of small rolling hills through some nice neighborhoods. I felt strong through the early section of the race, where we ran about 7:10 miles.

Mile 12 contained a lap around the historic Drake University track. I ditched my fuel belt, electing to hold my last couple gels in my hands. I did see myself briefly on the Jumbotron as well, which was sweet. Quickly after exiting the track, we went through the 13 mile mark in 1:33:13.

Miles 13-18 were pretty uneventful. Some nice, long downhills and flats. We stayed on pace.

Mile 18 is when I started to feel fatigued. Imagine that! I ignored the pain and just held onto the group. I started to feel a bit better after another gel at mile 20, and ran pretty strong from miles 20-22. We went through 22 in 2:38:07.

Miles 22-24 were very tough, I worked really hard to hold onto the group, which was running at a 3:08:30 pace. We went through 24 in 2:54.

After we went through mile 24, I let the group go and focused on coming in under 3:10. I kept the group in sight, and really concentrating on keeping my turnover high. After I went through mile 25 in 3:00:25, I knew I was going to meet my goal and qualify for Boston. I kept the wheels turning through the last mile before a short, slow kick into the finish for a final time of 3:09:49.

I couldn't be more pleased with the race. I hit my goal time almost exactly, feeling strong and confident throughout most of the race.

Many thanks to Ellen who hosted me for the weekend, Justin who drove, Eric the pacer, and all the Trifuelers for your advice, especially in this thread.

One week

One week until Des Moines!

I just finished a comfortable 8 mile run on a beautiful day. Sunny and 52 degrees, about perfect for a run.

Congratulations to Jesse for a great race today in the Chicago Marathon, a 2:50 finish and PR. Awesome run, Jesse!

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Audience participation contest:

Guess my finish time for the marathon. Closest person (by absolute value) wins a prize TBA. Enter your guess in the comments section.

Yasso 800s

Yesterday's workout was Yasso 800s, a classic marathon speed workout. I did 10 repeats, with about 3 min recovery (slow jog). Here are the results:


A good workout for me. I continue to feel stronger, fitter, and faster.

For comparison, 2.5 months ago I ran the same workout, struggling through only 4 repetitions @ 3:20 pace.

Only 1 more month until Des Moines!

Half Marathon

I did a 13.1 miler today with Jesse. We finished in 1:33, covering the last 2 miles in 12:43. This was my fastest half-marathon by about 12 minutes. Needless to say, I'm feeling very fit and fast, ready for the last few weeks of training, then Des Moines!

Halfway There

8 weeks down, 8 to go.

Training so far has been great. I haven't missed a run so far, covering 255 miles the first 8 weeks. My legs are holding up fine. I have my longest week this week, 44 miles, with an 18 mile run Sunday. Then, I have 2 20 milers, with rest weeks in between, before I start my taper.

I haven't trained this consistently since high school CC. I'm feeling good about my fitness and I'm excited to see what I can do in Des Moines.

In other news, who wants to go back to Leadville next summer?

14 Miles - Feeling Fine

Yesterday was a 14 mile run, and it went really well (except forgetting sunblock). I ran 8:30 pace on the way out, and 8:10 pace on the way back for 1:56 total time. I felt very strong, while also relaxed and comfortable for the whole run. Today, my legs are feeling pretty fresh, only a little sore. I think that may be due to making the COMMITMENT to running as scheduled and not skipping workouts. My body is getting used to the mileage and consistency of training. It feels good.

Commuting

There is simple pleasure in riding my bike to work. Moving swiftly through the fresh morning air, the stiffness in my legs from the yesterday's run melts with each turn on the pedals. The fixed-gear bike provides a direct connection to the pavement rushing beneath my feet. The first beads of sweat appear as I hop off and walk into work. I hope it doesn't rain on the way home.

81 Days to Des Moines

The Des Moines marathon is only 81 days away. That seems like a long time, unless you are running it, like I plan to.

Training started about a month ago. I’ve worked up to 36 miles for this week, and I’m feeling pretty good. I’m following a training plan, and actually sticking to it well.

I’m excited for this race for a few main reasons. First, I’m finally excited and motivated to train for something after a long break after the half-ironman last summer. Second, I’ll get to hang out with E & A in Des Moines before the race. Third, part a lap around the historic track at Drake University is part of the marathon course. Finally, it gives me a reason to resurrect this blog!

Until next time, run fast.