.: bistan.net :.

On Saturday morning, I woke up early in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia to run the Chickamauga Battlefield Half Marathon.  I thought we were going to some town in the middle of nowhere, but Fort Oglethorpe is actually a surburb of Chattanooga, Tennessee and was pretty well-populated.

The Chickamauga Battlefield is the nation’s oldest military park and the site of the second most significant battle of the civil war (after Gettysburg).  While running the 13.1 miles though the beautiful park, it seems that these monuments are just randomly scattered about, but each one represents a historical site or moment.

The race was one of the best races that I have run so far, both in the organizational and logistical aspects of the event as well as my performance.  The race is small compared to other endurance events.  The field is limited to 1500 runners in both events. The weather was perfect and the amenities were plentiful.  I cut almost 8 minutes off of my best half-marathon time.  Although the race is considered by Runner’s World magazine to be the best marathon for families, my family stayed at the hotel just in case I didn’t finish by check-out time.

Next year, I hope to run the full-marathon.

After finishing the race, I returned to the hotel to celebrate Tristan’s 7th birthday.  I can’t believe I have a seven year old!

To celebrate his birthday on the road, we stopped at Discover Mills mall near Atlanta and met up with my sister and her family.  We played mini-golf and let Tristan crawl around in a hamster ball in a pool.  That seems silly, so I’ve included the video below:

For the first time in a very long time, I forgot to take my camera on the trip.  That’s why this post is mostly text.  After leaving the mall, we shopped for a while, treated Tristan to a birthday dinner, and headed home where the rest was welcome.

I’m too lazy to rewrite my weekend recap for this blog, so below is an article I wrote for my local running club’s newsletter.  It’s long, but stick with it because lots of pictures are below.

Those of you who know me are aware of how much I love all things Disney.  In fact, I share the same story told in previous newsletters by several other Macon Tracks members:  one main reason that I started running almost three years ago was to run the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon. Of course, I didn’t stop with that race.  In fact, I’ll participate in my third Disney Marathon this January. 

Disney is packaging their race series under a new “brand” called runDisney and Jeff Galloway has signed on as the official training consultant.  When Disney announced that they were combining the Tower of Terror 13K with the Race for the Taste 10K to create the new Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and I knew I had to participate in the inaugural event!

A few days before leaving for Orlando, I saw a twitter post that said “Check the Disney Parks Blog at 11:00 for an opportunity to go on a training run with Jeff Galloway”.  I checked the blog, quickly submitted my name, and waited.  At 2:00, I got the confirmation that I was one of only 20 people chosen!  Needless to say, I quickly modified my travel plans to be there.

On the morning of the training run (the day before the half-marathon), the other participants and I arrived at Epcot at 6:30am.  We checked in and signed waivers allowing Disney to photograph and video the activities.  We also received a nice moisture-wicking runDisney shirt, which is currently not available for purchase.  Then, Jeff Galloway arrived.

Some of us chatted informally with him, while others jumped at the chance to take photographs of the beautiful sunrise over the closed theme park.  After a little while, we were told to warm up for our training run.

The training run consisted of a run through Future World followed by two loops around the World Showcase, which was bustling with activity in the early morning hours in preparation for the first day of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival. We had the option of running at our pace, staying with Jeff (and his run/walk/run method), or falling behind.  Of course, I stayed within earshot of Jeff.  It was amazing to be able to run in such a small group through such a beautiful place with an athlete like Jeff Galloway. Of course, you can’t run at Walt Disney World without Mickey Mouse.  He was on hand too to welcome us back to Future World. 

After the run, there were numerous photo opportunities.  The photos of our group with Jeff Galloway will likely be used for future race publicity.  It was surreal having my photo taken with the world’s most famous mouse and one of running’s best known athletes.

Jeff Galloway is a great guy.  After even more photo opportunities, he took over an hour to answer all of our questions and share tips and strategies.  The most popular topic by far was how to properly eat before a night race, because running in a long-distance night race is something that most runners have yet to do.  As expected, stretching and injuries were discussed as well.  Did you know that Jeff has not had a running-related injury in 31 years?  That’s my entire life span!  And as for stretching, Jeff doesn’t do it!  He told us that current research shows that stretchers are more likely to get injuries than non-stretchers.

Other Disney Sports administrators were on-hand as well, including Disney’s well-known race director Jon Hughes.  They told us that Disney is actually planning a fourth race for the 2012 series to complement the Wine & Dine Half Marathon, WDW Marathon Weekend, and the Princess Half Marathon.  That’s great news, but not for my wallet!

After the Q&A session, Jeff gave us each an autographed photo.  He even offered his email address in case we had any additional questions.  Then, we all exited the park, which was about to open to regular guests.  The training run with Jeff Galloway was, by far the highlight of my weekend.

Later that day, we were off to the expo.  Although it was smaller than the expo held during the regular marathon weekend, it was still very good.  That afternoon, my kids participated in the Disney Kid’s Races.  I constantly tell people that the kids’ races are the best deal at Disney.  For $10, each child gets a shirt, a nice finisher’s medal, snacks, a goody bag and lots of fun.

The next morning my wife Kimberlie, one of Macon Track’s newest members, participated in her first 5K ever: Mickey’s Halloween 5K.  It is currently the only short race that goes through the Magic Kingdom.

The Wine & Dine Half Marathon was later that evening.  With a starting temperature of 74 degrees at 10:00pm, it was the hottest long-distance race that I’ve participated in.  During the run, I actually caught up with Jeff Galloway at mile 11!  He was pacing someone using his run/walk/run method.  I ran (and walked) and chatted with them for a while before they left me at mile 12.  The race wasn’t my best half-marathon, but it wasn’t my worst either. 

The course started at the newly rebranded ESPN Wide World of Sports, and followed Osceola Parkway to Animal Kingdom where we ran through the park.  Animal Kingdom almost always closes to guests at 5:00, so it was extremely rare to be there at night.  There was a “Jurassic Park” feel as we ran through the darkness, knowing that animals were nearby but unable to see them from the darkness.  We then ran back down Osceola to Hollywood Studios and continued through the resort area to an Epcot finish. For those who have run the Disney Marathon, the last eight miles of this course nearly mirrored the marathon course.

The staging area and pre-race activities were surprisingly the best I’ve seen at Disney.  At that point, I was impressed that an inaugural race was that well organized.  However, the finish line area at Epcot was a logistical disaster.  To retrieve a bag from baggage claim, the tired runners were funneled into a very long line down a relatively narrow hallway. 

A post-race party was held in the world showcase and each runner was given vouchers for “one drink” and “one taste”.  However, when you divide 15,000 runners (and the many others who purchased party tickets) among only 26 food stands, those lines were excessive as well.  The lines were so long that I didn’t have the energy to stand in them.

Although overall I had a great time, I doubt I’ll continue participating in this race annually.  It always takes a few years for a new race to work out all of the problems, even at Disney.  Also, I typically do much better racing in cool mornings than warm, humid evenings.  Next stops for me: Chickamauga Half Marathon in November and back to Disney for marathon weekend in January!

It’s been a while since I’ve updated on my running progress.  As you can see from the chart below, my running took a huge hit in July.  We did have temperatures above 95 degrees for pretty much the entire month.  Vacationing didn’t help either.  While most runners would love to go running down the beach, I would rather vacation.

I am still doing better than last year.  This Monday, I set a new 10K personal record at Macon’s Labor Day Road Race.  The temperature couldn’t have been more perfect.  I shaved 5 minutes off of last year and 15 minutes off of my time from two years ago!  Next year, I want to do it in less than 50 minutes.

If you follow my running saga page, you know that I have a half marathon in just four weeks!

This weekend, I went to the Coliseum Rock & RolL Triathlon at Lake Tobosofkee.  No, I did not do the triathlon.  I did participate in a 10K, which was an “afterthought” addition to the events.  The race was extremely unorganized and turned out to be the worst race I have ever run. 

I did, however, very much enjoy watching the triathlon events.  I had several fellow runners from our local track club participate and they have inspired me to attempt one someday.  Unfortunately, that someday will not come anytime soon for three reasons. 1- I am registered for too many long races to focus on anything other than running. 2 – I don’t want to shell out that much $$$ for a road bike right now. 3 – I’m not looking forward to actually swimming in Lake Tobosofkee.

Here are a few photos from the events:

While I’m posting numerical updates, here is my updated running chart.  I’m beginning to rebound from my February marathon recovery, but I’m not up to where I was in the fall.  I wish this heel pain would go away!

I have been going to the local running club’s speedwork session every Tuesday evening. I’ve also ran a few races lately.  As always, you can follow My Running Saga by clicking on the link under my picture on the right. You can see all of my races, PRs, etc.

Our lives have been incredibly busy lately: work, school, t-ball, races, and lots more.  With all of those obligations competing for our time, it is so easy to just zip through the drive-thru instead of preparing a meal at home.  In the last week or so, we have been eating out several times a day.  On Saturday: chicken biscuits after the 5K. On Sunday: McDonalds after church, O’Charleys for dinner. We have been eating out literally every day. That puts a strain on our wallet — and our health.  So for the month of March, we have decided to abstain from eating out.

I have also tried to limit my soda consumption in the past.  Unfortunately, in our combo-centric world, it hasn’t been possible to do so while continuing to dine out.  Who is really going to buy the chicken sandwich combo and fill the cup up with water?  So to take the health thing one step further, I have personally chosen to not drink coke during March.

Here are the terms of the restrictions:

• When there are events at work that have food, it doesn’t count as “eating out” — even if the food is pizza, etc.
• There is one exception: we can eat at Chic-fil-A once (because we have the calendars with the monthly free item).
• I am not allowed to drink any coke, even at the events above. This does not apply to other family members.

Today is day four and it has been tough.  Really tough.  I can’t remember the last time I went four days without a french fry and I never noticed just how many fast food commercials there are on the radio.  Also, social activities in the south are centered around food, so pledging not to eat at restaurants are starting to affect social aspects of my life as well.  The lack of coke has affected my motivation and energy.  It makes running a lot tougher when you take away a primary energy source. I am glad, however, that the symptoms of caffiene withdrawal have passed.

Can I successfully make it through the next 27 days? Tune in and see.

This past weekend was Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.  This is the second year that I’ve participated.  On Thursday, we checked the kids out of school early and headed down to the Wide World of Sports for the expo and packet-pick up.

The Expo

Friday morning I ran the Up and Away Family Fun Run 5K.  I didn’t really have any time goals for this race.  My current 5K PR is around 24 minutes and I knew I wouldn’t come close to that.  With 5000 runners in a race, it’s nearly impossible to run for a time goal.  Besides, I wanted to save my energy for the Half-Marathon on Saturday.  It was around 40 degrees at the beginning of the 5K, which I thought was pretty cold at the time.  Little did I know. 

The 5K was a nice run around and through a pre-dawn Epcot. I finished in a little over 26 minutes.

UP house at the 5K start

5K Start at Epcot

On Saturday came the race I’ve been waiting for.  The Half-Marathon.  This was the race I had trained for.  I thought the 5K was cold, but on Saturday it was in the very low 30s with a wind chill in the 20s.  And sleet . . . in Central Florida.  Lots of sleet and rain for the entire 13.1 miles.  Nevertheless, the family came out and cheered for me.  We had previously made signs and shirts and Kimberlie committed to getting up at 3:30 in the morning and chasing me around Walt Disney World.

My family at 3:30 in the morning

Me and an army man before the start

Tristan with his sign

The race started and I felt really good at first, but then the heel pain started creeping on. My time goal was 2 hours, but it ended up taking me 2 hours and 14 minutes. Of course, part of that was stopping to take pictures with characters, part of it was the sleet (and ice in my eyes) and the rest can be attributed to heal pain.  By 8:00 am, it was over and we were back in the hotel.  It took my body until well after noon to heat up and stop shivvering.

Princess Tiana along the course

Daisy with the family after the half-marathon

On Sunday morning, my feet were killing me.  Unfortunately, I had to get out of bed at 3:30 and run 26.2 miles before sitting in the car for a six hour ride home.  How was I going to do it?  On marathon morning, it was 26 degrees with a wind chill in the teens.  Brrrrr.

Starting Line	Characters at the Start	Pluto at Epcot
Hot air balloon	Reindeer in the cold	Dopey

It was so cold, that the course was icy. The powerade was slushy. The bananas were frozen solid. People dressed in layers and shed them as they ran. Disney collected the clothing, laundered them, and donated them to charity — over 30,000 pieces.

Somehow, I was able to finish. Over 8,000 of the 24,000+ marathoners did not finish.  Although it took over 6 hours.  At the time, I didn’t think I had ever been in that much pain before, but now I can’t remember — sort of like when a female goes through childbirth.  In fact, I plan on registering for all of the races again next year.

This photo made it worth all of the time, energy, effort and expense.

My bling bling: UP medal, Donald medal, Mickey medal and Goofy medal

Once again this year, I’m not making “resolutions”.  I do have several goals for the new year.

Fitness Related:

Run a half-marathon in less than 2 hours. (Let’s hope this happens on January 9!)

Reduce my 5K PR to 22 minutes.

Run 1000 miles in 2010.

Restart and actually complete hundredpushups.com.

Commit to and begin training to run (not run/walk) an entire marathon.

Drop my weight down to 160.

Eat out no more than once per week.

Finance Related:

Eat out no more than once per week (this falls under both).

Be completely debt free by 2011.

Work/School Related:

Take two masters degree classes each semester and stay on top of them.

Stop passing up greener pastures.

Home Related:

Spend more time teaching my kids things.

Get rid of more junk.

Computer Related:

Tweet more.

Blog more.

Facebook less.

I think that’s enough for now. I’ll try to revisit this post every few months to see how I’m doing.

I’ve really pushed the envelope with running this month: 87.26 miles for September — more than double my average and double the previous month.  That’s like from here to Atlanta.  I was scheduled to run over 100 this past month, but it is incredibly easy to renegotiate the terms of my training plan at 5:30 in the morning.

Even with the renegotiations, I’m consistently running five days a week totaling over 20 miles a week.  I’ll drop a few runs this month due to travel, but I have four races scheduled.

I think in the next month or so, I’ll start incorporating other routines into my overall fitness plan.  Perhaps I’ll go back and finish hundredpushups.com or a similar program.  I really hate running and I really hate exercise, but I want to live past retirement age so I’ll keep going for now.

I ran the Labor Day Road Race this morning for the second year.  The course goes from the Forsyth Road Dairy Queen to Central City Park, up and down the hills of Vineville Avenue (and the other 5 names the street is called along the route).

I completed the course TEN minutes FASTER than last year.  It is the toughest 10K course that I’ve ever run.  I was still 31st in my age group.

I’m several weeks into a half-marathon training plan.  Last week, I ran 21 miles.  My mileage is supposed to steadily increase until November.  I’m not sure if I’m going to tackle a November half-marathon or just wait until January when I’m scheduled to run the Disney races again.

Click on that last picture and check out how sexy my legs are getting!