I Did It!

I got up a little after 3:00 this morning after a restless night. Must have been too keyed up about the marathon. As planned I ate a banana and part of a Clif Bar for breakfast, got ready and did my stretches. Dennis, Kay’s brother, came a little before 4:00 to drive us to Honolulu. He spent all morning with Kay driving to various spots where both took photos of my run.

The marathon started on time at 5:00 with fireworks over the Honolulu harbor. I ran the course pretty much as planned, sticking to a 11 to 12 minute mile pace at first and downing six gel packs, one for every 4 miles. Although I skipped the first water station, I walked through and hydrated myself at every one after that. The stations offered cups of Gatorade and ice water, and wet sponges. Some even had ice cubes available from large plastic bags. The water stations were well spaced, just a few for the first half of the course and then much more the second half about a mile and a half to two miles apart. After a few stations, I got the hang of it first picking up a cup of Gatorade, then some water, ditching the Gatorade cup and picking up a sponge to cool off.

I sort of hit the “wall” again around the 19 to 20 mile mark. My left leg just did not want to move. I think it was my knee. Having experienced a similar “wall” encounter before, I nursed the rest of the run and finished by walking and jogging slowly.

I’m now the proud owner of a “fire engine” yellow T-shirt which I can use running early in the mornings. They’ll see me coming from a mile away.



We all received finisher medallions which I plan to use as a Christmas tree ornament.


Some final questions: Did I have fun today? Yes, although my legs are still sore from being on the road for 5 hours and 41+ minutes. Will I be doing this next year again? It depends if I can convince my “Run Day” logistics support to get up early again.

I just wanted to let you all know that during the run I often thought about all the best wishes I had received. They kept me motivated and focused throughout my marathon run. Kay asked if there was ever a time I felt I could not make it. Told her not really. With all the training I had done, I was confident I could finish. I had a lot of folks supporting me too, and there was no way I could not finish what I had started over four months ago.

This will be my last post. I have enjoyed having you all be part of my marathon experience and appreciated your kind words of support. Thank you all and have a wonderful holiday.

A Run, Not a Race

I have learned that training for the marathon is a combination of getting physically fit and mentally prepared. My physical training was pretty much over when I completed the 20 miler last month and spent the past weeks tapering off my mileage. I ran an easy 2 miler this morning and will rest on Saturday. I have also decided it will be a 26.2 mile run and not a race. I’m planning to enjoy the outing and finish running.

Another important part to a marathon is the support one gets. All of those who have read and commented on this blog have really been great for my psyche. Kay and her brother, Dennis, will make the ultimate sacrifice by getting up very early to drive me in. Dennis will be coming by tomorrow to plan for Sunday. We’re trying to convince him to take our Prius but he’s a bit nervous about driving it. Maybe he can drive it tomorrow and get comfortable on the road. We plan to drive the marathon course so they can scope out areas to watch and I can get a feel what I’m in for.

As Kay’s Musings noted, we picked up my bib and timing chip at the Honolulu Marathon Expo on Wednesday. There were a lot of runners from Japan picking up packets too. Since more than half of the runners are supposed to be from Japan, all signs and information were bilingual and most of the vendors catered to them. I stopped by the Maui Marathon booth where the lady encouraged me to signup for their race next fall. After explaining this was my first and I was not sure I’d do another, she still insisted I consider running on Maui where the scenery is much better than Oahu. I asked her for a brochure but to my surprise she had only Japanese language ones, none in English. Oh well, I was more successful at the Lava booth where they sold locally made gels. Got Tropical Mango and Kona Mocha (with caffeine). I tried them on a couple of runs and had no problems. I’ll be taking Gu and Lava gels for my run.

I’m feeling great and the weather forecast for Sunday is nice, partly cloudy in the low 80’s. I’ll check back in on Sunday after my run.

My Last Long Run

I did my last long run before race day. It was an 8 miler which brings my total miles for this second to the last week to 16 miles. I ate a banana and part of a Clif Bar, got ready and rested a full hour before starting out. There were no clouds and the temperature was cool, in the low 60’s. Went out with a long sleeve shirt and noticed all the walkers had on light jackets. I still can’t believe I’m running at 5:30 in the morning in shorts with a cotton T-shirt, no ear protectors or gloves. What a difference from running in the Chicagoland area.

I’ll be picking up my packet on Wednesday at the Honolulu Marathon Expo being held at the Hawaii Convention Center. That’s where I’ll get my running number and timing chip. There is supposed to be a bunch of vendors, but with the slow economy in Hawaii I don’t think there will be much free stuff. The major sponsor this year is Japan Airlines. Wonder if I can get free upgrades to first class for our coach tickets we have to Tokyo next year.

I’m still working on my marathon game plan for next Sunday. Thus far, it looks like this: get up around 3:00, eat a banana and Clif Bar breakfast with water, clean up and get dressed, and do my stretches. Plan to bring 6 Gu gel packs, one for every 4 miles. I’ll also have a cell phone to call Kay and Dennis, her brother, who will be driving my tired body back home. I’m very thankful to have both who are willing to get up early and drive me to Honolulu for my early 5:00 start.

I’ll check in again next week before the race.

A Very Good Day

Well, I was able to do 10 miles early this morning. It was one of those beautiful mornings with a nice cool breeze under partly cloudy skies. Hope to have the same weather come marathon day.

I received my official pick-up card in the mail this week. I had read several weeks ago that over half the Honolulu Marathon runners last year were from Japan. Since the Japanese yen has been at near record highs against the US dollar this year, they are expecting an even large group. It’ll make up for the lower numbers they are expecting from the West Coast which has been hit hard by the economy.


By the way, I finished in time to bake our belated Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. Only problem was we didn't have any shortening for the crust. I substituted margarine for it and ended up with a crust having a hard cracker like consistency instead of one with a light flakey texture. The pie filling was pretty good though especially with lots of whipped cream. Kay tried brining our turkey this year, and it turned out moist and delicious. We had a great family dinner to end a very good day.

Happy Thanksgiving

I went for my turkey day run this morning bringing my total midweek mileage to 12 miles. A woman startled me with a “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting when I passed her. I didn’t think anyone had their act together at 5:30 in the morning but seeing a familiar face, I suppose, brings us all closer. Actually, while running I had totally forgotten what day it was since we’re not having our Thanksgiving get together until Saturday.

I have a 10 miler this weekend and will likely do it on Sunday. I have to bake a pumpkin pie on Saturday and have been told the oven is mine in the morning. The turkey has the afternoon time slot. However, if I can be out the door by 5:00 on Saturday morning I should be back by 7:00 which should be plenty of time to bake a pie.

Here’s wishing everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving.”

To Stop or Not to Stop

I did my 12 miler this morning. Got up early and eat a banana and part of a Clif bar washing it down with some water afterwards. I made sure to wait an hour to allow everything to settle before hitting the road. Also, downed a Gu gel on the road without a problem.

It was a nice relaxing run working on pacing myself and drinking water more often. I did encounter an interesting dilemma. While running on the sidewalk under the H-1 freeway, I noticed a bright shiny quarter right in front of me. I had to make a quick decision: should I slow down, stop and pick it up or just run pass it. Well, I just could not resist. I stopped and put it in my pocket. Had it been a smaller denomination, I suppose I would have left it for someone else.

This reminds me of all the coins I picked up while riding my bike (when the weather was nice) commuting to and from the train station to work. I had several old film canisters at the office filled with change I called “street money.” I made it a practice to drop the coins into those donation cans they have on convenience store and fast food counters.

No, I don’t plan on stopping to pickup anything during the marathon…but, if it’s a big paper bill I may be tempted.

Banana for the Road

I did my 18 miles for the week and will top it off with a 12 miler on Sunday. I can’t do the long run on Saturday as Kay has us going to a flea market at Pearl Harbor’s Richardson Rec Park in the morning.

I eat half a banana this morning before running to see if my tummy would be okay. It was fine. On the morning of the race day, it is recommended runners eat a light snack such as a banana, bagel, toast, or energy bar 1 to 2 hours before running. It helps maintain glycogen storage. On Sunday, I will eat an entire banana and down it with some water before starting off.

21 Miler, a Very Long Day

I did my 20 miler this morning and hit the proverbial WALL. I ran much the same as I had done previously, staying above the 11:30 miles pace, drinking lots of water, and downing a couple gel packs. The weather was windy but mostly cloudy and a little humid. I felt pretty good at my 16 mile mark, and I decided to continue along the shoreline bike path for another 3.5 miles before turning around. By doing this, my total mileage for the day would be 24 miles. I thought I could run “a little over” my planned 20 miles and walk the remainder when I tired out. To my surprise, at about the 20 mile mark I started slowing down and quickly ran out of steam. What’s worst I had just turned around and was starting to head back home. At that point I was over 4 miles out. I managed to run another mile and finally decided to walk the rest of the way including the 1 mile + climb up Waimano Home Road. When I got home I was all tuckered out and could barely down a smoothie. I showered and took an hour nap.

I had originally planned to do the 20 miler on Saturday but I dropped a cabinet door scraping my left shin. I immediately iced it and wrapped aloe around the affected area. There was no pain at all just a black and blue mark Friday evening. I decided to play it safe and wait a day. The foot did not bother during the run.

Bottom line, what did I learn about this morning’s outing? For one, the saying about the last 6 miles is the most difficult is certainly true. I will have to be better prepared. I’ll increase the number of gel packs and start taking them earlier. Definitely drink more water through out the run especially during the latter part. I may have to slow my pace or take short walking breaks. I ran most of the 21 miles taking short breaks to fill my water bottle and slowing down to down the gel packs. I was at 4:13:25 at my 21 mile mark. Plan to eat a slightly higher carb and protein diet during the week before my race.

I’ll rest a couple of days and start running on Wednesday. I have 18 miles to do before my 12 miler on Saturday. Today is the longest run I’ll do. From this point on I’ll be tapering (reducing) my mileage as I get closer to marathon day.

Physically and Mentally Prepared

I had 16 miles to do this week before my long Saturday outing. The plan was to do 5 on Monday, 6 on Wednesday and another 5 on Thursday. Well, we’ve been having a lot of rain lately so I took Marathon Mentor Ed’s advice and combined the mileage by running 11 miles on Monday and 5 more this morning. I’ll rest tomorrow and complete my long 20 + miler on Saturday. If it rains on Saturday, I’ll try Sunday.

It’s interesting to note this training has not only developed my distance stamina but also given me a mental boost and the confidence to complete the 26 + mile run. If you would have asked me a year ago to run a 10 miler, I would have bent my head, shook it and said “no way.” Now, I consider the 10 miler my middle running distance. I’m not running very fast though; but I’ve been able to keep my 11:30 to 12:00 minute mile pace. Will let you know how this weekend goes.

Out of Memory and a Reality Check

When I started out this morning, the air was cool, streets were wet and there were occasional refreshing passing light drizzles. I had the feeling it was going to be a great run. But, about the 9 mile mark Garmin beeped indicating the memory was full and stopped recording my run. I should have checked its memory before starting. There is nothing like running and trying to remember how to free up more memory. I kept running and pressing buttons without success. Finally, I slowed down and walked to fully concentrate. I remember, I had to get to the “History” screen and select “Delete.” Of course, instead of selecting “Old Activities” I just hit the “All Activities” which promptly wiped the memory clean including my morning run thus far. So I just started a new running record. After finishing my longest running route to date and what I thought was a 19 miler, I discovered that it was only 17 miles. To be sure, I checked the route using Google’s Pedometer and, to my surprise, it was just a little over 17 miles. If this sounds confusing, it certainly was to me. Where did my 2 miles go?

Since I hate taking the blame for this one, it was Garmin who screwed up. Oh well, I’ll have to recalibrate it to more accurately record the correct distance. As my son reminded me, I should have gotten the Garmin that used GPS technology instead of the cheaper foot pad one that’s like a high tech pedometer. Granted, I had noticed earlier when I ran slower with shorter strides Garmin displayed a few yards off per mile. Didn’t think it would add up to that much.


For the outing I tried a 2 x caffeine Expresso Love and a no caffeine Strawberry Banana Gu gel. Had no problem with my tummy. The coffee flavored one was much tastier. I’m sure the added caffeine must have given me a boost; I couldn’t tell when.

Mauka Showers But Clear Makai

It rained off and on yesterday so I gave myself an extra day off. This morning I was determined to get some mileage in. When I walked out a little after 5:00 AM and felt a few drops, I had to go back in and checked the horizon from our second floor. There were dark clouds mauka (up mountain direction) where the showers were coming from. However, it looked clear down towards the ocean side (makai). I usually run up and down the mountainside during weekdays to avoid the heavy traffic which I have to run pass to get down to the bike path along the coastline. Traffic is much lighter during the weekend.

Anyway, I braved the traffic and ran down to the coastline and ran into the naval housing area which has good street lights. Much safer while it’s still dark. Although the bike path is paved, it does not have lights in many sections making it difficult to run early in the morning. During my long weekend runs, I run pass the bike path down to the naval housing area first and by the time I return to the bike path the sun is just coming out making it easier and safer to do the path. But, this morning as I ran back to the bike path I felt rain drops. I ended up running around the housing area several time keeping an eye on the mountain for a break in the weather. It finally cleared so I made my way back up the hill to finish my 8.28 mile run.

The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend which will be great for my 19 miler.

Better Weather, Slower Pace and Energy Gels

What a difference cool dry trade winds makes. Along with a slower pace and two energy gels, I finished feeling pretty good; not really tired at all. I did my 17.47 miler in 3:28.39. Although the sun was out and it was getting pretty hot by 7:30 which was about my 2 hr 30 min mark (started at 5:00 AM), the air was not very humid making it a lot easier to run. I slowed down my pace throughout the run to conserve energy, and it helped towards the end climbing the hill.


I tried two of the energy gels I had purchased earlier a Gu Orange Burst Energy Gel with caffeine and later a PowerBar Raspberry Cream Gel without caffeine. Both went down easily and sat well in my tummy. Made sure I drank water after each. Now I have to figure how to squeeze the gel out without getting all over my fingers. Guess I don’t have to get the very last drop out of the package. Nothing like running with sticky fingers. As for the flavors, I preferred the orange to the raspberry cream. I still have lemon, chocolate, strawberry banana, and green apple to try. As for the caffeine, I couldn't tell the difference with or without it. Perhaps I was too involved in running to feel anything or the caffeine’s effect was too subtle. I’m sure the extra calories the gels provided helped though.


Again Kay made a smoothie for my breakfast. Actually, she had two glasses waiting for me. I inhaled the first one as soon as I walked in the kitchen and saved the second for after my shower. We had lunch again at Burger King only because we got a free Whopper when we bought a value meal with a coupon that was going to expiring soon. Whoa, that's 2 burgers in a row.

Yellow Morning

Before running this morning I checked AIRNow to find out what the air quality was like outside; it was too dark see. Honolulu was listed as an “Yellow 75” which I thought was okay since it was only 25 points above “Green.”



AirNow is a federal, state and locally maintained website providing air quality forecasts as well as real-time conditions. I’m not too sure how accurate the system is though. The forecast for today was supposed to be "green” but the air sure looks bad this afternoon, and the current status is “Yellow 79.” I guess that’s a problem with running too early in the morning. You can’t see air quality.

I have been getting some good advice from Ed, my marathon mentor. He recently recommended trying energy gels that I can drink instead of the bars which must be chewed. I got several different flavors from a sports store and will try a couple Saturday.

16 Miles and 10 More to Go

Wow, yesterday’s 16 miler was my worst by far. I was dragging like an old hound dog coming up the hill to finish in 3:13.08.

After thinking about it, I am sure it was a case of overestimating and underestimating conditions. I had been running well during the last two weeks so I decided to increase my pace for the long run which was a big mistake. I was over confident and should have kept to my slower pace strategy. Also, I did not realize how the heat and humidity would adversely affect my outing. By the time I reached my 10 mile mark I was soaked with sweat and just about out of gas. I walked a while to catch my breath and drank more water. Luckily, I found another park rec facility next to the running path and filled my water bottle. Although I drank a lot of water, it was not enough for the hot weather. It reminded me of the Chicago Marathon in 2007 when temperatures reached into the high 80s. The race was called off before most runners finished. Over 300 runners were taken from the course by ambulance with heat-related conditions. I have got to keep an eye on what Mother Nature up to and be better prepared.

To help replenish lost calories, I celebrated with a large fruit smoothie that Kay made me after showering and a Burger King Whopper for lunch later. It was the first hamburger I have had in over 3 years. It really hit the spot.


You can see what happened after all the food since Kay couldn't resist capturing me unaware.

Mock Orange

It must be mock orange season. There is a fragrant variety here that is often planted along the sidewalk. When I pass the sweet smelling white blossoms early in the morning, I get a little charge and have to smile. What a way to start the day.

So far, this week has been:
Sun…rest
Mon…4 miler
Tue…rest
Wed…8 miler
Thu…4 miler
I will rest tomorrow in preparation for another long 16 miler on Saturday.

I have to figure out how to get more water during my long runs. My 16.9 fl oz water bottle is just not enough. Carrying two bottles is a bit cumbersome. I can carry two bottles for a couple of miles and then stash one along the route I plan to return. Problem is what if someone walks a dog and makes a pit stop where my bottle is. This is unlikely since it is really early and there are not many dog walker out yet. The other option is to stop at my favorite park rec facility and fill up. It is, however, out of the way. I will try the second option first; otherwise, I would have both hands full on my last mile up the steep Waimano Home Road. Granted two almost empty water bottles do not weigh much but…

Saved by TP

Did my 15.53 miles in 2:59.30. I should explain that this overall time includes an unscheduled pit stop. It was early in my run. There is nothing like looking for a bathroom in the dark at about 5:30 AM. Luckily I knew where to go, and it is a good thing I was carrying some TP. The remainder of the run went very well. I had a piece of Clif bar at my 1 hour distance and another at the 2 hour mark with no problems. I found, however, I really did not have an appetite to eat anything and had to force myself. I guess it is another thing I have to learn to do.

I noticed a lot more runners out this morning. There were several in groups of 6 or more which I am assuming are running clubs also preparing for the marathon. Bet there will be even more tomorrow, Sunday.

Well, I am off to a buffet luncheon at Makino Chaya to celebrate Kay’s mother’s 80th birthday. It will be a good chance to load up on some calories. At 100 calories per mile, I have about 1500 to consume.

A Clear Sunrise

One of the neat things about running in the mornings is watching the sun rise. There were no clouds over the Koolau Mountains just a crescent moon.



It was a short 4 mile run morning. It follows a 4 miler on Monday and 7 miler yesterday. Saturday will be a real test; it is my 15 miler. I am expecting to be on the road for about 3 hours. I will be experimenting again eating a Clif bar and drinking water however this time earlier in the run.

Hope the weather is not as humid as last weekend when we had Kona (leeward or southwestern) winds. I guess it is like the folks in Chicago complaining about getting those hot and humid Gulf weather in the summer or in LA when the Santa Ana winds heat things up. Wonder what they call it in New Mexico?

10 Mile Saturday

It is Saturday so it must be another long day. I did 10.70 miles this morning in 2:04.16.

I tried eating small amounts of a Clif Bar while walking and running. I made sure to drink water to down it afterwards. To my surprise, I had no problem. As a precaution, however, I did carry some TP.

I have been working on slowing my pace for the first part of the race in order to conserve energy for the more difficult second half. I find myself having to check Garmin often to make sure I maintained my pace. I have to practice running slower which will be especially difficult during race day. There will be lots of adrenalin flowing and other faster runners tempting me to run too fast at the beginning. I have been warned running too fast at the start is a common mistake for first time marathoners.

Still Going Strong and Wondering

Well, another 6 miler for my midweek run. It has been very hot and humid these past few days. Luckily, I have avoided the high temperatures by running early in the mornings but not the humidity. Guess I should not complain since most of the mainland is starting to cool off.

I tried running while listening to music but found it distracting. Guess I like to focus on the run and let my mind wander. In fact, this morning I was wondering how normal working folks ever find the time to train for a marathon. Granted, they would not be on the road as long as I am. Still, it requires several hours a week. I can barely keep it up and I am retired. You have got to admire all those runners who squeeze training into their busy daily lives.

Here’s my long weekend running schedule leading up to marathon day:

Date.....Miles
Oct
10............10
17............15
24...........16
31............12
Nov
07............18
14............14
21............20
28...........12
Dec
05.............8
13.............Marathon

I also have some pretty long midweek runs to go along with it.

Back to Last Month

Again the alarm beeped at 4:30 AM, I was up and out the door a little after 5:00. Since I was feeling pretty good, decided to extend my planned 9 mile run to 12. Ended up running 12.48 miles in 2:19.09 which is where I was about a month ago. According to my journal on September 5, I ran 12.36 miles in 2:18.48. It looks like I am a month behind my original plan but I should be able to make it up. This morning I tried running at a 10 min 30 sec per mile pace. I kept to that pace until the last mile and a half which is all uphill.

By the way, it is a little difficult to see my pace display on Garmin early in the morning when it is still dark. I could use the backlight feature but I have been conserving my battery consumption. The well spaced street lamps are okay but there are no lights on the bike path.

Plan to start eating small portions of energy bars during my next long run. I will be trying a variety of flavors to determine which one agrees best with my tummy. Hope all goes well on the trail. Just in case, I know the locations of two park bathrooms along my route. Hmm, maybe I should bring some TP too.