Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon 2009

October 17, 2009

Poor poor Husband. He really thought I was kidding when I said we had to leave the house at 5:15am. Poor poor dog. He didn't know he wasn't going to dog park.

About 6:00am the Husband, Zeus dog, and I rolled into the parking lot on the south end of Crown Center. Here we were. Marathon day. In the rain. And cold. BUT! The temperatures were over 40, and I couldn't have been happier.



Before I found my pace group, I hung out with Merple and the blue beast for a bit. I wanted to stay in warm dry clothes as long as possible.



Zeus, however, was getting hugged loved and snuggle by triplet three year olds and their two older brothers. Nothing like seeing a hulking 110 + lbs cane corso getting mauled by a handful of toddlers.




Before taking off, Husband snapped a couple pictures of me, and gave me my throw-away DFT jacket. Throw-away jackets are the world's best invention. Seriously. They're like trash bags, shaped like coats, with a zipper. Genius.



I started the race with the 5:20 pace group. The pace band Julie gave me was for 5:25. I felt really confident in this time (oops! Except I only ran three times in as many weeks leading up to the race!).


I talked with a lady there quite a bit, and we ran together for a long time. Here's the course map to follow along the recap!



The course started at Crown Center, went north a long Power & light and Sprint Center, cut west where Andrea came up behind me (she was running the 5k), and then went back south. When we went under bartle hall, i lost signal on my Garmin. I looked down and saw the time stopped, then forgot to start it back up again. Duh. The rest of the race I had to add 6 minutes and .5 miles to the calculations. Stupid bridges.




As we were passing mile three (I think) the lady next to me told me to "Check out that dog!" It was my dog!!! He was sitting so pretty next to Eric. Zeus' head was going back and forth, like he was watching a tennis match. Good puppy! That's when Merple took this picture->


This is when I should mention I ran in a running skirt. I've only worn it twice to run, but I pulled it on over a pair of tri shorts. I figured my ass could use the extra layer.




The course went south up this long hill by the Liberty Memorial. Loooong steeep hill. I started feeling like my bladder was full, and needed to pee- already! So, I kicked ahead of the pace group to potty at like mile 4, which was right out of the Liberty Memorial out-and-back. The line was ssoooo long. I decided I'd keep going. I spotted an Wendy's about a mile later.


I went in and line was about four women deep. I considered using the men's, until the grossest, biggest, greasiest man waddled out. He must have dropped a deuce the size of Raytown, because I, with my gag reflexes of steel, started feeling nauseated.


**Speaking of deuces: Friday morning I had a luncheon at one of my favorite restaurants. I had some salmon and cheesy rice. I'm not sure if the rice had something in it with gluten, or if my stomach was just not tolerating sustenance, but I had awful diarrhea. It lasted all afternoon, and until about 2am. I couldn't poop in the morning before the race, so I started with poo in bowels and completely dehydrated.**


I waited at the Wendy's for seven minutes. After I pee'd my bladder felt so deflated. I could drink and take in fluid again! Yay! But now, I was way behind my pace group. For whatever reason, I let me legs get WAY out from under me. I was hauling ass to catch up, for no real reason! I still had about 20 miles to go! Yet, I got back seven minutes in about 2.5 miles. Which meant I was basically running at 5k pace. I'm an idiot.


I felt really great and was still with the pace group at mile 10, where I saw Julie being a very up beat spectator. She had planned on running KC. But she raced Chicago the weekend before. I still think she should have done both. ha!


Mile 11 marks the start of the big climb- Sunset Dr. If you're familiar with Kansas City, and the ritz-tastic plaza, then you know the fancy-schmancy Sunset Dr. area. If not, check this out. This place has been for sale for a couple months, and I want it. You should buy it for me. Yes, that is a 25 yard infinity edge lap pool in the back. The homes on this street are freaking ridiculous. They are some of the best in KC. Even Ward Parkway, which we also visited, can't touch the Sunset Dr. homes.


Just after the peak of Sunset, is Loose Park. It's a staple for the Urbanites and Yoga-in-the-park people. Right at the top of Loose Park was my favorite band on the route (yes, there were bands along the route!). A Rastafarian reggae band! They were so good! Anyone know who those guys were? I want to see them play.


I started to loose footing on my pace group going up Sunset, and I could just see them in the distance at this point. However, I was now following a 5:20 pace band from the pace leader, and I was only 40 seconds off the cumulative time.


Now, I'm pretty sure I saw Julie on 75th street, by the brewery, but I don't remember. Somewhere around here she said she would see me at the 20 mile mark, but I couldn't tell you where.


In the Wornall-Brookside Blvd area I saw a handful of spectators I know. Thanks everyone!


I finally made it back to mile 20. We passed this on the way out. It was mile 8.5 for me, and the lead men were going past 20. Pff. If I were Kenyan I'd be fast too.


Here's where I was starting to hurt. I needed to poop, bad, and my knees were toast. My left foot started to throb along with my ankle at about mile 15, but it was tolerable. I had two emergency Tylenol that I took at the mile marker 20 aide station. I saw Julie and told her my stomach was acting up. I went in to poop, and of course, the seat was a mess, and there was no toilet paper. My gloves would have to do. The worst part was squatting. I thought my knees would explode and that I wouldn't be able to stand.


I felt much better, and Julie said she had talked to Husband. Apparently, he took the dog home, got a shower, had some lunch, and was driving back. Gawd, I'm so slow.


Somewhere about the infamous mile 18 I started to fall apart. I was taking longer walking breaks thru the aid stations, and was falling farther and farther off pace. I gave myself a pep talk here at 20, and was convinced it was now just a 10k. How many 10k's have I ran? Probably a hundred!


That didn't last too long, and I started doing run five minutes, walk two, plus the aid stations. There's several decent ascents in Hyde Park and the Paseo, which I struggled with.


I cop holding traffic asked me how I was feeling just before turning onto 18th St. "Like I'm at mile 24 of a marathon."


My foot really really hurt, and I was sluggish, but there was GREAT jazz coming off 18th and Vine and I was headed down the home stretch. The last two miles are flat to down hill, and I was trucking along (aka, moving at 13:55 min/miles).


I was so happy to turn down 18th cruising past the coffee houses and bicycle shop. So close! There's a gradual uphill to the finish. I could see Husband and Julie, but I wasn't very chipper.


I finished the race in 5:51.42. It was about 25 min off my goal time, but you can't be mad when you finish a marathon. It was also 13 min faster than my IMFL marathon split, which to date, is my only other marathon.


Next up, Gasprilla Distance Classic in Tampa Bay, FL. I'm not sold on the marathon yet. That's what I'm thinking, but I'm not positive. Mom's says she's going to do the half. I sent her a training schedule and she didn't respond. Hope I didn't scare the poop outta her!

We'll see if I'm okay to start training in a couple weeks. I sorta kinda stress fractured my foot Saturday (that explains that ouch during the race), so I have boot on. We'll see how long that lasts. I want to be healed to train, but I hobble and look stupid.

It's Always Sunny in Kansas City

Okay, that's a lie.

I've been in Florida for a few days to lay to rest my grandmother's (and grandfather's) ashes. It's been a very tough and emotional trip. However, I got to spend a lot of quality time with my mom, whom I miss dearly, and my brother, sister in law, and one of my niece's (and a slew of aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc., that I rarely get the chance to see).

While I took my running stuff, I never unpacked my Garmin, let alone the running shoes. Tisk tisk. Not sure if running in 95 degrees would have been condusive to this weekend's marathon, anyway.

Speaking of the marathon: guess what! Mixed reports from drizzle, to run, to, what's this?! Farking SNOW?

Whatevs. This is the updated WeatherUnderground.com report (might not be the most credible, but it seems to be the most positive):

So, it will be cold. According to Brett Anthony (the official meteorologist for Runner's Edge KC) it should be dry all morning, and 48 by noon. And, I'd like to finish by 12:30pm.

I am still planning on Gorilla Multisport Shorts, with the tank, and an underarmour shirt. I'll start the race with the throw-away jacket I got from DFT many moons ago. Never had conditions that I thought I would need the throw-away for, and now I do.

I got some of those $1.00 gloves and almost matching $1.00 headband from Target. That oughtta do it, right?

If not, I may end up in capris, which will probably be the more sensible choice.

Here's the info on the marathon, and my number, in case you'd like to track me!

http://www.waddellandreedkcmarathon.org/

http://tracking.theendresultco.com/2009/kc/step1.php

I'll Be Damned.

Well, this is cute! What a little light in my day!

www.kansascity.com

Where Was I Before I Stopped Breathing?

I have a marathon in one week, 16hrs.

Julie is racing Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

IRONMAN Kona is TOMORROW.

I have budgets for mutli centers due TODAY.

My maternal grandmother passed away this week. I'm jumping a plane to Orlando on Sunday. I'll spend time with my mother, and extended family. I'll have budget presentations, and meetings from the moment I land back in Kansas City, until race day.

Did I mention the weather? It's raining, drizzling, and, what's this? SNOW tomorrow!? I know, it's flurries. But still!

I hear O-Town is setting record highs again. Won't that be a kick in the ass. At least it's taper time. My shorter runs will be in 95 degree. After, of course, tonight's run, and Sunday morning's- both in the lower 40's.

I'm teaching a swim coaches clinic for the association tomorrow. I don't really know what I'm going to say, I have a basic outline, but I haven't made a packet yet. Yikes.

Sn0o0w. I said it again.

I just finished admistering my 5th pool check of the week, the 3rd of which I played "victim" in a spinal scenario. I have scrapes on my neck from the cervical collar, and scratches on my arms and legs from the straps. At least my spine is fine.

I worked the ICE fashion show last night. Some of the models are great. Some need throat punches. I saw a lot of random boobs.

The good news: The marathon forecast for the 17th looks like this:
Oct 17 Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the low 40s..

I'm super itchy. It's nerves, irritation and dry dry skin.

I am hoping to finish up work before 7pm. I want to go home. Run, if possible. Drink a bottle of wine, and sit with my husband.

I'm really tired.

I need to breathe.

Kick My A....nerobic Threshold

Ah, it's that time agian. Believe it or not, KMA is right around the corner! January is coming faster than we want to beilieve (so is next season!).

This year, KMA is at a new locale right down the street from the Bike Stop. If you want to develop some serious power in your legs and get your heart primed for cycling, you should be in this class. I've taken a half-dozen different types of "Spin" Classes, and this, by far, kills them all. I'm going to C&P the information. I highly highly highly suggest signing up for the class taught by Dr. Goodpain, er, Greg Goodman.



KMA ADVANCED INDOOR CYCLING CLASS
Want to ride faster? Read on…For the 5th year we I will be teaching the Kick My A…nerobic Threshold (KMA) indoor cycling class. This will be a 12 week program meeting twice a week Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8:15 p.m. (a change from last year). Classes will run from Jan. 5th- March 25th 2010. I’ll schedule an optional outdoor time trial in the spring at a date TBA. This year class will be held in a warehouse on corner of 40 hi way and Cemetery Rd. (One mile west of the BS Bike Stop on the north side of 40)
Greg Goodman will be leading this class in which you will go through a progressive program that will have you ready to ride for the 2010 season. All types of cyclists will benefit from this program. Workouts are designed to challenge the strongest of cyclists but adjustments are made for the 1st timer or beginner cyclist. You’ll be working at an intensity that you can handle…no one gets dropped on this group ride! This IS NOT your local gym spin class, pedal to the rhythm type training. You will learn about nutrition, strength programs, heart rate monitoring, cadence, and mental toughness. Workouts will consist of interval work, time trialing, strength building sets, climbing sets, power developmental sets, anaerobic threshold training, core training, and drills to improve your cadence and pedaling technique. We will also be using an my strength/power and flexibility program with Flexbands. Prior to the December starting date feel free to contact me at 699-8918 or at gggoodman@comcast.net and I will help you with your training during the months prior to class to prepare you for KMA 2010. I will email everyone aerobic (base building) workouts that you can do on your own to prepare for class in January.
Price for the class will be $175. ($200 if you don’t own a Flexband) Space is limited so get your spot reserved early. Cash is preferred but checks accepted. Make checks payable to Greg Goodman. Classes will start at 6:30 p.m. (AOB) and last approximately 1hr and 45 minutes. All participants must have a trainer (fluid trainers are the best)...magnetic trainers are ok if they are new models, heart rate monitor, cadence mode on your computer and a METAL SKEWER on the back wheel to prevent your bike from falling off the trainer. We are going to do this the "right way” thus the equipment requirements. You will get a 15% discount on trainers (that aren't already on sale) and 15% off on heart rate monitors at the Bike Stop.
Our goal is to get you stronger both mentally and physically on the bike. Whether you are a competitive cyclist or just want to get in the best shape of your life I promise KMA will make you faster, stronger, and have more endurance! I hope to see you for some fun at this one of kind class in the area. To sign up contact Bike Stop at (816)224-8588, amy@bikestoponline.com or contact me at the above mentioned phone number or email. Sign up right away to reserve your spot. A $75 (cash preferred, checks accepted) reservation fee is required.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Greg Goodman, a Physical Education instructor for 30 years will lead you in this advanced conditioning class for cyclists which incorporate the latest advances in training techniques. Greg has a Master's Degree in Exercise Sports and Science. He is a former CMSU basketball player and a 5-time Ironman finisher placing 38th in the World in 1985 with a time of 10 hours and 18 minutes. Greg has taught a variety of classes such as Spin, Speed Agility and Quickness and Core & Functional Training. Greg has worked with athletes from 8 to 75 years of age and is looking forward to working with the Bike Stop cyclists for a 5th year.


The 5th Annual KMA
“Kick My A….nerobic Threshold”
Indoor Cycling Class

Want to ride faster? Get in better shape? My goal is to get you stronger both mentally and physically on the bike. This is a class for any type of cyclist who wants to get in the best shape of their life. I promise KMA will make you faster, stronger, and have more endurance! All levels of cyclists are welcome. Workouts are designed to challenge the strongest of cyclists but adjustments are made for the 1st timer or beginner cyclist. You’ll be working at an intensity that you can handle…no one gets dropped on this group ride! I hope to see you for some hard work and fun in this one of kind class in the area.

Dates: Januay 5th to March 25th. An optional outdoor Time Trial will be arranged at a date TBA

When: Tuesday and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:15 P.M.

Cost: $175 ($200 if you don’t have a “Flexband.” (See Required Equipment
below for more information about Flexbands)
There is a $75 dollar fee to reserve your spot. (cash preferred, check accepted) Make checks payable to Greg Goodman.
Full payment due Dec. 1st. (Cash only) Full refund of $75 reservation fee prior to Dec 1st. After Dec. 1st refund will be $25 fee.

Where: Warehouse on corner of 40 hi way and Cemetery Rd. (Approximately one mile west of the BS Bike Stop on the north side of 40)


Required equipment:
- Bike…If you haven’t had your bike fit to your measurements I’d highly advise a BG Bike Fit from the Lee Summit Bike Stop.
- Resistance trainer. Fluid trainer are the best but newer model magnetic trainers will work. Include a front wheel riser to level off the bike and a METAL SKEWER (the heads of the skewer need to be metal not plastic) for the back wheel.
- Heart rate monitor
- Bicycle computer with cadence. Power meter is a great option for the serious cyclist.
- A couple towels to wipe the sweat off yourself and the floor after class. We’ll be on cement this year.
- Food and at least 2 bottles of fluid replacement (I’d advise one of water and one of Gatorade etc.)
- Flexband: These are 40 inch industrial grade bands we use for an innovation strength and flexibility program that is crucial to your improvement. A very simple but effective piece of equipment that will give you years of use to aid in your strength and flexibility. Go to www.performax4u.com for more information on the bands. We use the light band (purple).
- A desire to work hard with no whining because it’s all goooooood pain!

Big Scary Run Recap

A week later and I'm finally talking about it! Dang! Okay, everything went fine. I actually don't have anything good or bad to say about it. It was, well, 20 miles. I did the whole thing with Julie. She's got some good goals for Chicago and I ran with her as close to her training pace for Chi Town as she needed to. Thus, I'm kind of thinking about reevaluating my KC Marathon goal. I have a tortoise time of 5:25 planned. However, I'm thinking it might be possible to go under 5. Basically, after looking at my pace bracelet Julie got me, if I go one minute faster per mile than I had planned, I will come in at 4:59. I know, a minute per mile is pretty damn lofty. But, we ran a training pace for 5:00 (11:40/min miles) and I still felt okay. Here's the actual difference of the two paces (and Boston Qualifying for the Helluvit):

Today I make up yesterday's missed 10 miler. Then I have a 13 next weekend and an 8 the following. That's all, folks!

Hitler Hates Kayne

Now, I like me some Kanyzzle now and then. I still think he deserves a throat punch.

So does Hitler.
Click to watch Hitler get angggrrry at Kanye.