Glass City Marathon

4th Marathon under my belt. As most of you know I've been training for another long run.

Well I did another marathon Sunday in Toledo, Ohio. It was the Glass City Marathon, It's only about 45 minutes from my house, so it was an easy drive. I like that.

I wasn't planning to set any records, I just wanted to finish with an "ok" time. I went up with my wife and an other very good friend. This friend , She has been in/out of the hospital due to complication of cancer several years ago. However with 78 full marathons under her belt. She decided to give this race a try, after all these types of people live for the challenge! LOL, She ran 12 miles with me last Saturday with no problems, then another 5 Thursday. All seemed good.

The race started at 8:00 A.M., The weather was calling for temperatures in the 80's and a little wind. After about 4 or 5 miles, I could tell she was struggling. However she kept pushing on. I could tell it wasn't going to be her day. We would run a while then jog or walk as needed. It was no longer about me, it was all about helping a friend and runner while she needed support. We made it about 12 miles before she elected to call it a day. Its really not worth killing yourself over a run. Besides, if I were struggling because of health, I would hope one of my friends would be there for me to. I gladly do this, after all, she's always been there when I was training and needed help. She really has nothing to prove. After all 78 Marathons.....Wow.

The race started back up for me. I new I was way behind everyone. But I was determined to finish regardless. I went back out after 12 at a fast pace for the next 5 miles or so. It felt ok, but the sun was now out in full strength. 82 degrees and here I'm 35 to 40 minutes behind most of the runners. Dang.

Now its about me finishing. I tried to get plenty of water, gue & Gatorade every mile or so. Now it 85 degrees and I have another 6 miles to go. Wow....I was dying. My navy blue shorts and light blue cycling shirt had turned white from the salt and swet leaving my body. I ended up walking 20 to 30 paces about every mile at the check points. My legs cramped, chest was tight and head was pounding. The sun is a terrible thing. I just wonder what the run would have been like it we'd have gone out and stayed with the pack like we were planing?

I crossed the line in 5 hours 10 minutes and 8 seconds. Not a good time, but you know, it really didn't matter. I did it anyway. That medal around my neck is better than most could ever dream of. Plus I felt good knowing that I stayed with my running buddy when she needed it, regardless it she encouraged me to leave her behind or not. That's the way it should be. There will always be another race. :0)

RT

Last long run

Ok, I did a 12.5 mile run today. Now I just rest up for the weekend, maybe one more short one Thursday. Lets hope for good weather Sunday.

RT

I signed up for another marathon

Well it had to be done. It seems as my plans for a marathon in May are getting even more complicated. so instead of missing out on what I've been working for. I decided to sign up for a marathon this weekend! Yes this weekend. Am I ready? Time will tell. I'm not looking to finish in a fast time. Just to go out and have fun. Hopefully finish. I really haven't put in to many long runs yet. That the only thing scaring me. LOL. Wish me luck :o)

Gaining weight

It's amazing how quick you can put the weight back on. I tell you, I've had a few days off due to weather and just needing a break. I've gained a few back way to quick. I know with the holiday and all. But you really need to watch it! I NEED TO STAY UNDER 190! Rob get your head back into it!

Just way to nice out.

Well I got off work tonight and the weather was calling me. It was about 46 degrees and the sun out. Today was the first day I've run outside in shorts. It felt great! I ran 7 miles in about 59 minutes. Nothing to set a record at, but still not to bad. Will try another long run Saturday morn.

RT

A little speed work

Today was one of those sort of nasty days....Windy, 31 degrees, damp & light rain at times. I told my self I was going to run & stay close to the house. I only did 2 miles, however I did go over to Donnel Track and wanted to see what kind of time I could do a 400 in. I left my winter gear on and tried a lap. I really havent ever timed myself. I ended up doing a 1:14 lap. Not to bad! Gives me something to work on.

RT

I had relation in the 57th OVI

The Battle of Shiloh - April 6th, 1862
Head Quarters 57th Regt. OVI
3rd Brigade, 5th Division, Dept. of Tennessee, April 11th, 1862.

Editors Courier and the Jeffersonion:

Sirs, - Availing myself of the presence of A. Bushon. esq, of Findlay who is in our camp tonight, having arrived this afternoon, I drop you a line. The people of Hancock and vicinity are doughtless anxious to hear from their freinds and relatives in the 57th. We have passed through the most terrible battle that has ever been fought in America - perhaps in the world. I have not the time to descibe it; I could not do it if I tried. It is indescribable. The deeds of valor and individual daring performed by our soldiers on the 6th and 7th days of April, are unsurpassed in the annals of history.

Goose Attack

I'm sure most of you have had a goose flap its wings and run at you, however I had an attack by one this week about 7 miles into my run. I enjoy studying about the Civil War. So its not uncommon for me to run past the local training camp location here in Findlay, Ohio. It was called Camp Vance back in the 1860"s. Its a wonderful location along the Blanchard River. It's hard to imagine what was going on here about 140 yrs. ago. There is a paved path which is perfect to run along the riverbank now. I was going at a good pace when all the sudden I heard a strange noise from my rear so I slightly turned my head to see what was behind me. As I did a large goose smacked the back of my head nearly knocking my hat off. I never even saw it coming. The only thing I can imagine is that a nest was close by and it just happened to be flying in and saw me there. It was a full attack with the intent to kill. LOL.
I smacked it with my fist and pushed it away. It then flew around and turned back at me. This time coming full speed at me from the front. I attempted to hit it out of the air as it came in again. As I swung I twisted my left ankle. The pain shot up my leg but I continued to run from the seen. It's amazing how you adrenaline starts pumping when something like this happens. It finally stopped its attack so I was able to limp to a stop. I ended up walking about 100 yards thinking if I stop moving my ankle would swell and get worse, so I bit the bullet and decided I'd jog at a slow pace the next 2 or 3 miles home.
I've never heard of a goose attacking from the air, only on the ground. I took 3 days off just to make sure my ankle was feeling better. Today I did a little over 11 miles...It felt great, but I tell you, as the sun started to come up this morning I heard a flock of geese flying over head. My heart started beating fast and I made sure all my directions were clear. It makes you wonder.