Chilli 5k -- 19:43 (I'm happy)

Being barefoot only cost me about 15 total seconds. Mile 2 was a 6:30 (had a gravel stretch that I danced around) but I finished my last 1+ at 6:15. It's a great course for barefoot running. Smooth. In addition to the 5k completely au natural, my warmup and cool down were done in the sandals. My age group was wicked fast. It's not often that a guy like Pat can go sub 17 and get 3rd in his age group and 5th overall. That was pretty cool for me to see all those fast over 40 guys go at it.

It was fun watching my daughter run her 5k. She was a very nervous 10 years old. She had the goal of not stopping to walk and ended up winner her age group. She's a great kid. These are pretty long distances for young kids. She doesn't train and I think that's best. At her age it can be damaging for her to run too many miles plus you want her to develop a love for the sport.  Her goal was 30 minutes and she came in about 15 seconds short.  The great thing was that she won $125 gift certificate to Running Central.  Thanks Adam & Marie!!!!!  She's stoked to get some new gear.  Running Central did a great job of supporting this race as they do all things running in town.  We are so lucky to have a store of this caliber in town.  Not having to go to a big box retailer to find some crappy gear in a store that mostly caters to golfers, camping and basketball is really nice.  Running Central focuses on running and track and field and they get the right gear with the knowledge to use it correctly.  I highly recommend them.


Race conditions were warm. The upside is these early warmer races and test runs will be helpful for Grandma's if it turns out to be warm. The heat wont be a surprise.

Sunday I ran my 16 on the East Peoria trail at about 9am. It was pretty warm, about 85 F. I thought it would be good to get some more hot weather running in. I developed a couple of hot spots on both feet during the run. It's the second time these darn Huaraches have done this too me. It could have been the cumulative of running fast barefooted yesterday or it could be what sweaty rubber does to feet. My feet are not fully conditioned/toughened to the point where I can handle this much back to back volume and intensity in these shoes. I tend to have bad judgment of what I should be wearing on my feet. In hind site, I probably should have worn shoes and gotten the distance at pace in. I wanted to push the limits of my minimalist shoes to ensure I was ready both physically and also from a foot toughness standpoint for my marathon. The two goals sometimes work against one another. Because of my choice, I'm nursing sore pigs. Nothing serious. I had to walk an aweful lot of the last 6 this morning. I was so disgusted I turned off my GPS watch and cursed the path back to the car. This walking bugs me more than the sore feet. I was on a 7:50 pace till mile 10.

Having a 20 miler scheduled for next week makes me VERY happy. I feel it will give me much needed confidence that I have gotten enough cardio base running in. I'm not so concerned about having a perfect taper because I am looking at Grandma's as a building up for the fall marathon(s). If I do Huntsville, I'll evaluate after Chicago, it will be in shoes. I think I'll run this marathon more conservatively than some of my previous attempts. I'm just fit enough to think I can run faster than I am really capable and then be upset with a poor showing.

I don't think I'm believe yet I am as fast as I can be. I've been making lots of progress but I had lost a bunch of fitness from where I was trying the barefoot experiments. Although I enjoy this part of running, I am not ready yet to concede the seconds to father time. The great thing is that my knees and IT bands are in excellent shape. I know it's very odd but it's fun for me and that's what it's all about in the end for a guy with my mid level running ability. I'm never gonna get paid for this so I'd better be having fun or why bother :-)!

Screaming Pumpkin Race Report

I thought you might like to see a clip from Friday evenings Screaming Pumpkin Marathon. The race start shown in the video was actually the 5k that accompanied the event. The marathon had a staggered start for teams and runners. It turned out to be a great evening. Unlike most marathons, this one was a prediction run where watches are not allowed. There was a LOT of partying going on around the start later that night. Let’s just say the Gatorade bottles of some spectators were holding some pretty unusual recovery drinks. The runner finishing closest to midnight was the winner. FYI, I am the one in the gorilla costume. I have a good story surrounding the race. We took Shev’s Murano to the Lower Glenn Oak Pavilion to drop off tables and chairs etc. It was getting late so we left to get ready. We planned on picking up the kids at school and heading home to change into costumes. Shev was planning to go as Gene Simmons of Kiss fame. On the way to school she was rear ended. Fortunately there was no damage to the car but the ensuing chaos meant we were late picking up the girls. I was behind schedule and needed to get to the park so I headed out without Shev. She was still putting on her makeup and had to get the girls costumes ready. I was at the race and swamped with entrants and an hour later I was really beginning to worry about where the heck she was. It was getting so close to start time. I had left my phone in my car. I finally got a relief assistant so I could go to the car and get it. I had 20 missed calls all from her. Turns out, I failed to pull our side door shut and our dog Daisy had escaped. She wandered over to the (yet to be introduced) new neighbors, the O’Brien’s and bit their dog so badly it needed medical attention. My dog has sensitive skin so I had previously taken her collar off. Animal control was called and they were in the midst of chasing her down the street when Shev noticed the ruckus. She managed to talk AC out of impounding the dog. Shev was in a panic and reluctant to go over to the Obrien’s house to find out what was happening because she had her Kiss makeup on. She figured figure it couldn’t possibly go over well looking like she did. Turns out they (fortunately) didn’t press any charges. Whew! We are definitely now the biggest rednecks of the hood. Look to the Fennells for car crashes, cops, dog fighting, and Kiss costumes.

Rich Giebelhausen's Auckland 1/2 Marathon Race Report

Well, that was an interesting race. Pretty much makes the IVS Half Marathon look like a flat course!!

It was very challenging and what really added to the fun was for over half the course we had to run on sidewalks. They wouldn't let us run in the streets because they were real busy. The problem was the sidewalks were right next to the streets. Most of them were concrete and you had to deal with all the curb and driveway elevation changes. It seemed like your feet never had a level or even surface to land on. I am not real (actually, I am awful) good on uneven surfaces so it added to the fun: an interesting twist to the race since I don't wear my glasses when I run. The side walks were narrow so passing was a challenge in spots.

I am not trying to sound like I am complaining but it wasn't easy - as my time shows it. I think we are a little spoiled with how big races are run in this country. It was well run but not being able to use the streets; well that was different.

Here is a link from my Garmin: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/13543784

If you click on the elevation tab, you will see what the course was like - over 2,900 feet of elevation gain! The first couple of climbs were manageable but starting at the 8K mark the fun really began. It just didn't let up until about the 12K mark. Some of the switchbacks were very tight so doing the inside line would just add to the misery. In theory, you would think the downhill would help but the legs were trash by that point.

Rich

Rich and I were talking last night at the Tri-P social at Old Chicago. In addition to the World Championships and the 1/2 he decided to do a bit of bungee jumping. Here are a few shots. Would I do it. No! Not just no. Hell NO!!!

Barefoot River Run -- My First Barefoot 5k

Today I ran my first barefoot 5k.  I admit I was a bit nervous about the attempt.  I have run this far barefoot before but never tried to go even as fast as tempo pace on the road (I did try it on the track last year).  Having been grounded by my doctor with Osteitus Pubis, I haven't been running at all. I expected to pay big time.  I figured the bare feet might aid as a govenor to keep me from trying to go out too hard but was worried I hadn't properly prepared for a barefoot race.  I was pleasantly surprised to end the race feeling as good as I did.  To be honest, I never got to that point of total discompfort one normally associates with the 5k.  I finished around 20 minutes.  Chillicothe hosts a great race.   

Race Day -- Boston Marathon

Race day was partly cloudy and the wind was gusting from 10-15 mile per hour. Shev woke at 5 am and dressed for the day. We went downstairs to the café in the Jewel. Being so early, it was dark and unattended. Item's needed for breakfast were sitting out and ready. Mouldi Sayeh, the proprietor had been up late the evening prior. In addition, his wife wasn't feeling well. I suspect she’s the glue in his life. I’d really warmed to his company and hospitality. Finding the light switches took a few minutes. As it should be, the Jewel's espresso machine is always on so I prepared the morning java for me and my wife. The machine for me became a highlight. This was not my first go at using it. It's a beautiful gold Rancillio four group machine. The Jewel needs a steaming pitcher and I prefer skim milk for lattes. If I should find some Algerian patterned coffee cups and a steamer I will send them to him.Most modern coffee-drinkers are probably unaware of coffee's heritage in the Sufi orders of Southern Arabia. Members of the Shadhiliyya order are said to have spread coffee-drinking throughout the Islamic world sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries CE. A Shadhiliyya shaikh was introduced to coffee-drinking in Ethiopia, where the native highland bush, its fruit and the beverage made from it were known as bun. It is possible, though uncertain, that this Sufi was Abu'l Hasan 'Ali ibn Umar, who resided for a time at the court of Sadaddin II, a sultan of Southern Ethiopia. 'Ali ibn Umar subsequently returned to the Yemen with the knowledge that the berries were not only edible, but promoted wakefulness. To this day the shaikh is regarded as the patron saint of coffee-growers, coffee-house proprietors and coffee-drinkers, and in Algeria coffee is sometimes called shadhiliyye in his honor.

Shev really didn’t have the perfect pre-race breakfast. She choose bread and cereal with whole milk. I could sense her concern. Rich came down about ½ hour later and he had the foresight to bring some instant oatmeal. I wasn't worried. Shev left about 6, kissed her for luck because everyone knows, the marathon is all about luck. She left for the commons area to catch her bus. Rich still had a while to wait around so we headed back to our rooms. Last night, as official wine taster, I had my marathon so I headed back to bed. I really needed the extra shut eye. Haufnaui, Mouldi’s son wanted to go with me the night before but he wasn't around when I was needing to leave. Later his dad said he wanted him to sleep in. I had to hike a few blocks farther than normal to catch the train. Most of the stops near the finish are closed on race day. Surprisingly, the outbound stations aren't too crowded. I thought it best to head as far out on the green line as I could because the trains would be getting pretty crowded with people heading back to watch the finish. So I went to the Cliff gel stop at mile 17. Turns out it was a great spot to spectate. I could see the course really well. It was exciting to see the women’s elite so tightly packed at that point. I could tell it was going to be a battle. I took this photo. Ok. You gotta admit. Kara Goucher is hot!!! Whooooaaa boy! Even Shev would understand my excited electrons when it comes to this girl!!! She can melt hard iron on those abs! Wow. My life is complete.

By the time shevs group came by It had gotten so thick with crowds and runners I missed Shev completely! Oh well. Shev ran an AWESOME race. Negative splitting and achieving her pace goal of 3:25. I finally caught up to her after the race.  No wonder I didn't recognize her! WHERE did you get that outfit!?! I'm just kiddin :-). You paid more for those threads than you would have for anything at the Gucci boutique. ITS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN THE MONEY... You just can't buy it!!!!!!! WAY TO GO SHEV!!!! I LOVE YOU!

Boston Update

Today is Sunday and it is a BEAUTIFUL day! The weather was supposed to be really bad with rain and wind but it just might miss us. Regardless, Shev and I slept fitfully. New noises and the Newbury Street night life were not noises we are used to hearing. On top of that, the seagulls were making such a clatter. If you are too rowdy and get killed after being at a bar, you must be reincarnated as a gull. I am groggy but I don’t care. I’m a quarter block from the Expo and a block from the finish!!!! This is Boston! The history oozes from these sacred roads. The lack of sleep will be remedied by the day. After the packet pickup, we have all day to nap and chill out. The Jewel of Newbury is run by a charming man Mouldi H. Sayeh with a beautiful family. His faith in god is unbending and he is very generous.. Shev, Rich and Pam joined us. I really enjoy the Gieblehousen’s. A great couple to travel with...they’re a hoot! Peg is brilliant like my wife. She was making literary references that spark conversations between her and Shev. Rich or I could barely follow the conversation. We are more interested in our next beer. I say leave the literature to the literate!

We went downstairs for Breakfast and there was a new girl I didn’t recognize. Shev asked where her father was and she blushed. She informed us with a grin she worked there and was not a related. I asked for an espresso but she didn’t know how to run the machine. I offered my services and to my surprise she accepted my invitation. Mouldi prepared an interesting omlet (and I use the word omlete in a very open and generous way. It had many spices and fresh spinach, onion and mushrooms and did I mention spices. I nicknamed it the Persian Grand Slam. It was HUGE and SPICY....And Spicy! All qualities you don’t usually seek in the breakfast meal, but I didn’t care a bit. He had a groovy Rancillio espresso machine. I was given the privilege of playing with it every morning. It had plenty of a very good ground bean. I enjoyed learning the in's and out's of how to get a decent shot from it. We didn't have a steaming pitcher so I simply added whole milk to Shev’s double and she enjoyed the drink. Peg slumbered down in the middle of our breakfast and we still had plenty of deep dish omlet to go around. After breakfast Rich Shev and I headed to the expo. How cool it was to be so close. I went ahead and picked up my packet. Besides not having shoes or running a step for the last three weeks I entertained the idea of stepping on the course. Man, I had a low bib. Under 3,000! Oh to be healthy and fit. NEXT YEAR!!!


Vibram 5 fingers had a booth. I happened to be wearing my pair. There was MUCHO interest at the booth. My pair are 2 years old. I really believe in those shoes. They make your feet fit. Also a highlight was seeing Team Hoyt. Last year, I had a chance to talk with Dick in person. He was in Chicago but this year Dick brought his son. It was busy around the booth so I did'n speak to him but I was curious if they planned on running the marathon. They both looked great. THIS is is the picture I snapped.

Mr. and Mrs Fennell Go to Beantown

The spring marathon season didn’t pan out like I thought. I hoped to be running the Boston Marathon on Monday but it’s not going to happen. Greg put together a great plan but some of my parts just couldn't withstand the abuse. I don’t much like getting old. On Monday I will be with Shev in Boston cheering her on. She will no doubt finish the race with personal best on a very tough course. She’s done the work and has a vast pool of discipline. Now she needs to execute her strategy. I am expecting she will come across the finish line in under 3:25. Just prior to my tendon issues, I asked to just run with her at her pace. I was surprised by how hard she worked me.

Shev got up early Saturday (as usual) and did an easy 40 minute run while I got the last of my much needed beauty rest before we left town. We were flying out of Bloomington at 9:30. I fixed my last great latte for the next few days and we headed out. Not being one for details, I waited till the middle of breakfast and 10 minutes before we went out the door to get on the computer and input my cell phone number for tracking Shevs progress. After all the trouble, I forgot my cell phone on my way out the door.

Checking in at the ticket counter I ran into Matt Eckberg. We did a few long runs together this spring. He’s strong and fast and running really well. I would not be surprised if he turns in a 2:50 or better on Monday. As tough as he is, his little brothers are even faster. The brother he’s staying with has a personal best something wicked like a 2:27. He’s going to run as well. Rich and Peg Geibelhausen booked a room with us at the Jewel of Newbury. I am excited for the prospect of staying at the Jewel, a nineteenth century Victorian in a quaint part of downtown Boston in the history Newbury area. Peg was looking forward to looking around and perhaps finding a few items. From the printout Peg showed me in Chicago I’ll have plenty of coffee shops to enjoy. I am really looking forward to getting to know them both a whole lot more. Peg I am coming to realize has a bit of a competitive streak. Rich shares my love of great beer. It’s going to be a seriously fun weekend.

Rich is injury free has been running quite well. He has a bit of arthritis in his knee that’s he’s accepted with a certain grace. Price of admission he jokes. I expect he will have a strong performance. He’s hoping to run a 3:50-4:00 race. Break a leg Rich!!! I am enjoying my role on the side this year. Being a spectator is kind of nice. I can spend attention drinking in the the lifestyle aspects of the Boston Marathon experience.