Walt Disney World Marathon Review

Michael on the way to completing her first marathon!!!

Walt Disney World Marathon
January 8, 2012
Orlando, Florida
18th Marathon Completed
(First one completed with my wife!!!)
Overall Experience ... 5 out of 5


Spoiler Alert ...

• Maybe the best overall marathon experience ever
• Had the honor of running with my wife, Michael, in her first marathon ... she was AWESOME!!!
• Took pictures and video of Michael as she ran and just tried to stay out of her way
• Perfect weather ... 60's, sun, no wind
• Super-flat course
• Very well organized marathon from start to finish 
• Registered for the VIP Tent ... well worth the additional $100
• Stayed in an awesome Condo just a few miles from the Disney properties
• Early 5:30 AM start ... woke up at 1:30 AM to get ready for the race
• Only 4 out of 5 because the course got a little boring when not running in the Disney Parks
• Finishing a marathon with someone  you love is an unforgettable experience

Finisher Medal & Race Shirt...

Orlando, Florida ...

Central Florida is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world.  It's home to all of the Walt Disney World properties located in Kissimmee, Florida including Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Sea World - as well as the Universal Studios properties in downtown Orlando. It is also within driving distances of  both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and also the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Michael and I went to Universal Studios on Tuesday after the race and it seemed like we were be the only English speaking patrons in the park.  Orlando is definitively a world destination for vacations and holidays.  It was really cool seeing all of the different countries and regions of the world represented, although it made it tough at times to ask for a photo - but sign language usually sufficed.

The weather was perfect in Florida - about 60 degrees in the mornings, climbing to 75-80 in the afternoons.  It was a stark contrast to the 14 degrees that greeted us in Kansas City on Thursday morning back at home.  Overall, the city and weather could not have been more perfect.

Two idiots at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Michael & Mickey

Packet Pickup & Expo ...

Michelle,  Michael & me at packet pickup

We flew to Orlando on Saturday and weren't sure if we would land on time to pick up our race packets.  But two of Michael's friends - Michelle and Meredith - were also on the trip.  All three girls were running their first full marathons.  Michelle traveled with us, but  Meredith had made the trip a few days before with her family and did us a HUGE favor by picking our packets up for us .. a very kind and helpful gesture!  But once we landed, we had just enough time to head over to the Disney properties and check out the Expo for ourselves.  It was amazing!

This was probably the second biggest Race Expo I had ever been to.  It was held at ESPN Wide World of Sports and was awesome.  The ESPN grounds are home to several shops, conventional halls, sports fields, and the Atlanta Braves Spring Training complex.  I'm a huge sports nut - so I was in heaven. Michael couldn't have cared less about the sports, but she was walking on air at her first full marathon Expo!  She checked out pretty much every single item available for purchase before deciding on an "I DID IT!" t-shirt.  We joked later that the "I DID IT" logo looked like "IDIOT" ... which we we figured was applicable for someone who was running a marathon and putting their body through the torture!  Michael was a little hesitant to buy the t-shirt before the race.  She briefly tried it on, but took it off as quickly as possible so she didn't jinx her finish ... not a chance.  This girl was in it to win it!!!

All runners got a very high quality long-sleeve red technical t-shirt and a commemorative pin.  I'm not really a "wear a picture of Mickey Mouse on your t-shirt" guy, but the shirt was really cool - probably one of the best I've received.  Michelle, Michael and I spent time walking around the ESPN grounds and of course took several cheesy pictures.  It's what we do best!

The perfect dress rehearsal for the race ... Michael flying!!!  Me just trying to keep up!!! 

Beautiful girl with her "I Did It!" t-shirt

Two idiots and a giant lizard!!!

Travel, Lodging, and Meals ...

Our amazing Condo for the weekend

Orlando International Airport seemed very easy to navigate.  It was fairly small and an easy in and out upon arrival and departure.  I think we literally only stood in security for about 10 minutes total.  We rented a car and headed to one of the best things about the trip ... our friggin' free Condo!!!

Michael's triathlon friend Michelle hooked us up with a great two bedroom Condo through her work that was only a few miles from the Disney Complex.  It was beautiful!  And it was great of Michelle to invite us to stay ... it made the trip a lot less expensive and really relaxing and enjoyable.  The Condo had an awesome pool and clubhouse area that we took advantage of on one of the 80 degree days while in Orlando.  It was located in a nice gated community that was very safe and easy to access.  This beat the heck out of Hampton Inn where I usually stay!  It was awesome, and just another thing that helped make the entire trip unforgettable.

But here is a public service announcement to those of you who travel with two chicks that aren't as serious about their diet as you are ... BE PREPARED TO EAT CHICK-FIL-A the day before a race!!!   That's not the worst of it!  If Michael had her way, we would have eaten McDonalds.  That's right ... I said McDonalds!!!  The friggin' day before a marathon!!!  Now I've been known to down a pizza or two for a pre-race carb meal, but it serves a purpose.  I probably only eat Mickey D's or Chick about once a month or less ... and never would I think about putting all of that grease on my stomach the day before a race.  But not good ol' Michael & Michelle ... oh no!  They had no problem hitting up the drive through at the local grease pit!  I begrudgingly went along with it and later regretted it during the first half of the marathon.  More on that later.

But our pre-race dinner was fantastic!  Meredith, who was back at the Condo with her family, made a full spaghetti dinner for all of us the night before the race!  Again, another incredibly kind thing to do for all of us!  It was amazing.  It was so nice to go back to your FREE Condo and have a wonderful spaghetti dinner the night before a race.  This was by far the best pre-race setup I've ever experienced.  Simply amazing!  We were very fortunate and we're both thankful for Michelle!

Race Day ...

World Famous Pre-Race Dance Party!!!

As we got ready for bed the night before the race after preparing our gear bags, I could tell Michael was nervous.  It was about 7 PM and we would be waking up in a few short hours to get ready for the early 5:30 AM start. I kissed Michael and told her to try and relax, secretly snickering to myself knowing that she would probably not sleep a wink.  But I was out like a light and woke up at 1:30 AM.

When Michael woke up I asked her if she was ready to run her first marathon.  Sleepily she replied "No!".  But she rolled out of bed just in time for the World Famous Pre-Race Dance Party!!!  After that, we got ready and then the four of us - Michael, Michelle, Meredith, and me - were off to the VIP Tent that we had shelled out an extra $100 for.  Michael and I have been extremely blessed in our careers and are at the point where it's nice to be able to afford stuff like this ... but $100 each is still a big deal for us.  So I was hoping the pre and post-race tent would be worth the money.  And as a matter of fact ... it was worth EVERY PENNY!  It was awesome!  It was another one of the things that made this trip unforgettable and special.

When we walked into the VIP Tent, volunteers greeted us and cheered like we were celebrities.  Pretty cool!  Once inside the enormous tent, we experienced huge video screens, linen table clothes, a padded stretching area, massage therapists for after the race, Disney characters for photo-ops, a Disney merchandise area, and pretty much anything you wanted for breakfast from fruit to eggs and hash browns.  But probably the best features of the VIP Tent were the gear check area and private port-o-potties!  No standing in line at either!!! When we had to pee ... we walked up and peed ... just like that!  And when it was time for the race, we just walked up and dropped our gear ... easy-peasy!  It was soooo relaxing and stress-free.  I would HIGHLY recommend it if the $Benjamin isn't too much to fork out.  It's well worth it!

Just chillin' before the race in the VIP Tent

As race time neared, we dropped our gear and started the 1/2 mile walk to the starting line.  The Boston Marathon had a lengthy walk like this one, but it didn't seem too bad - just really congested.  Michael and the girls had worn throw away sweatshirts that later would be picked up and given to Goodwill.  But I had opted for short sleeves and shorts.  But I started getting a little chilly, so I tried putting on a plastic bag to hold in some of my body heat.  Problem ... the bag I brought with me was closer to a Glad Sandwich bag than a trash bag.  When I put it on, I literally looked like a giant wearing a Saltine Cracker wrapper.  Michael thought it was the funniest thing she had ever seen, but I was still cold.  So I did my best Incredible Hulk impression and made the best of it.

Disney had several starting groups and Michael and I were in one of the later ones, so we didn't have to kill ourselves to get to the starting line.  One of the cool things that Disney does is recreate the start for each group.  So each corral gets to experience their own set of fireworks and a count-down from Mickey Mouse himself! (It was really just a guy in a costume, but it was still pretty cool)  We were in starting group "F", and as each group was released at the start I watched as Michael started acting weirder and weirder!  This girl was pretty nervous ... but really excited!  As we started walking toward the starting line, I told her, "This is what you've worked for and this is YOUR DAY ... enjoy it!  I love you!"  And just like that, the fireworks for group "F" went off and Michael was running her first marathon.

"What is this ... a trash bag for ants?"

Since we started the race at 5:30 AM, the first few miles were dark and a little chilly.  I had discarded my pre-race warm-ups back at the VIP Tent, as well as my gloves.  My hands were freezing!  I'm a border-line germaphobe, but when I saw a pair of previously worn gloves lying on the ground ... my fear of germs gave way to warmth for my fingers.  Pretty gross I know - but my little hands were now nice and toasty!  The other thing I seemed to be dealing with immediately was my upset stomach.  It was the curse of the CHICK-FIL-A!!!  I struggled with "purging it from my system" for about the first 8-9 miles, but after that I was fine.

Me, Some Horse, Michael, Michelle, Meredith, and Woody before the race ...
All of us acting like grown adults EXCEPT for Michael???

I usually run most marathons around a 7:40 to 8:00 pace, with a finish time somewhere under 3:30.  I knew today would be a little different.  Michael runs at a little bit different pace and I knew including all of the photo-ops, we would be on the course for almost 6 hours.  Frankly, I had never ran for that long before, and I wasn't sure I could even do it.  But Michael had developed a wonderful run/walk plan that kept our legs fresh and gave us a breather here and there and it never seemed to be a problem.

Michael and a bunch of fruit in the VIP Tent

After the incredible start, the first park we ran through was Epcot Center.  It was amazing in the dark!!!  It was beautifully lit as we made our way through the various countries of the world featured at Epcot Center.  We ran by a beautifully lit lake that is in the center of the park.  And we could see the miniature Eiffel Tower brilliantly lit in the distance.  And there were Disney characters all along the path to greet us.  It barely seemed like we were running at all as we made our way down the streets of sparkling world center.

Dawn broke somewhere between Epcot and our next stop ... Magic Kingdom!  And as the sun came up we got our first glimpse of the Disney Castle ... and it was incredible!  All along the way so far I had been stopping here and there to take pictures and video of Michael, but in front of the Castle, there were several race volunteers and Disney staff to take a pictures.  This was also the first place where the huge crowds were evident.  There were people everywhere!  There was Disney music everywhere!  And all of the cheers made every runner feel like superstars on their big day.  This was probably the most memorable stretch of the race.

Hey look at us ... running a race in Magic Kingdom!

As we exited Magic Kingdom, I asked Michael how she was feeling.  Like a champ, she said "Awesome!"  I knew she was well  trained and the marathon would be very doable for her.  But I tried to keep encouraging her and letting her know just how proud I was of her!  She was amazing!  At no point did she really struggle ... only the typical fatigue that every runner faces in the last few miles.  Later in the race I tried to crack a few jokes with her, but she answered, "I can't deal with 'Jim' right now babe!".  I took that as my cue to shut up and keep running and snapping pictures.

The ONLY downside to the Walt Disney World Marathon is how much time you spend running when you are not in a park.  The race basically makes its way through four parks ... Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.  However, very little time is actually spent in each one.  Most of the race is spent on the connecting roads and parking lots between each theme park.  And some of the time in each of the parks is spent behind buildings next to dumpsters and employees on smoke breaks.  Disney has held this marathon for 20 years and they obviously have a reason to route the race like this, but it would have been nice to spend a little more time running through the different parks with more visual stimulation to take your mind off of the marathon.  But this is literally the only semi-negative thing about the weekend ... the rest of it was magical!

It's no secret that Michael and I are hams for the camera.  And this was on huge display as we ran the Disney Marathon.  There were great photo-ops everywhere.  We really wanted to get more photos with Disney characters, but the lines were sometimes 25 or 30 runners long and it would have eaten up a lot of the clock, so most of the time we kept moving.  Plus, I decided to run with our camera and snap pictures of Michael along the way, so we got some pretty cool photos without stopping.

Beautiful girl at Epcot Center 

Michael, me, Cap'n Hook ... and Doc or someone - who knows?

Beautiful girl at a waterstop

Run for your lives!!!!!!!!!!

Almost there ...

As the bright morning Florida sun began to shine, it started getting a little warmer - but it never seemed unbearable.  I asked Michael repeatedly if she was okay, and she answered, "I got this!!!"  We made sure we stopped at every water stop and took enough fluids and hydration was never a problem.  She was unbelievably strong!

After running through a smelly Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, we finally made our way back into Epcot Center where the race began and finished.  I could tell she was ready to be done.  But also, there was a growing excitement as we neared the finish line.  I'm not sure who was more excited ... Michael or me!  I couldn't wait to experience the joy of the finish line of her first marathon with her.  And as we ran through the last .2 miles with the grandstands full of cheering people, I shouted to her again ...  "Enjoy this!  This is your day!!!"  ... and we raised our hands together as we crossed the finish line!

At the finish line Michael broke down in tears of joy and I hugged her and fought back tears of my own.  I was so proud of her.  She did it!  And I could tell that a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders.  She was finally a marathoner!

Beautiful girl after crossing the finish line of her first marathon!

A few more pictures from Michael's great day!

Two marathoners with their medals!!!

Two idiots with Buzz Lightyear ... and their marathon medals!!!

We finished in just under 6 hours - but it would have been much faster if we wouldn't have stopped for so many photos. But it was well worth it!  We have a ton of great photos and video from this great day.  I think Michael was a little disappointed with her time. But more than anything, she was thrilled that she had ran such a strong race and made it to the finish line to receive her coveted marathon medal!

After the race, we made our way back to the VIP Tent where Michelle and Meredith were waiting to give Michael a huge hug.  They had both ran great races too and finished their first marathons like champions!  The VIP Tent proved to be even more valuable after the race than it was before.  We quickly found a couple of chairs, a table, and chowed-down on a great post-race meal that was waiting for us.  We also got a great pair of red Disney Marathon socks that only VIP Tent guests were given ... pretty cool!  We all visited for a while trading stories from the race, and then made our way back to the Condo for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

I've ran several marathons. The 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon was my 18th overall.  And I'm hopefully on my way to running one in every state.  But I can tell you that out of all  my marathons, this was probably the most memorable because I got to experience it through the eyes of my lovely wife.  She will be the first to tell you that she's not a natural runner.  But she worked so hard for this day and I couldn't have been more proud of her.  She fought, and battled, and persevered to the finish ... and finish she did!  She is forever a marathoner, and no one can ever take that from her.  She will tell you that she felt like a hero on Sunday at the race ... but she seems like that every day to me.  I love you sweetie ... congratulations!
... be great today!

My PRfect Wife!!!

My hot, hot, hot wife ... literally on FIIIIYYYA!!!

I know most of you read my wife's blog Slowly Tri-ing!  Get the pun ... she replaced the word try with "TRI" because she does a lot of Triathlons.  Sooooo sneaky!!!  And as y'all know, Michael and I give each other a lot of grief back & forth on our blogs, but I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of her!

She has set a ton of PR's lately in a couple of races. In the Cerner Kansas City 15K, she set three personal bests for her 5K, 10K and 15K splits ... AMAZING!!!   And this past weekend at St. Charles, MO in the MO Cowbell Half-Marathon, she crushed her PR by 13 MINUTES!!!  WOW!!!

Now I would never ask any of you to choose between our two blogs ... that would just be so embarrassing for the poor little thing. (Kidding of course, I FULLY understand that in all things Michael/Jim ... Jim is just the One-Hit-Wonder opening act, Michael's the Show-Stoppa!) But even more than her blazing speed recently, I am just so proud that she even stepped up to the starting line.  She has dealt with so many injuries lately that kill her when she runs.  She's in a lot of pain, but has SO MUCH heart and is obviously one tough gal!  I love you sweetie!  You are AWESOME!!!
... be great today!

Michael DQ'd Me???

The following is an 100% EXACT account of events & conversations that took place between my lovely wife Michael of Slowly Tri-Ing, and me over the past few days ...

Nice Michael ... with the ALWAYS NICE Jim!

Saturday ...
Michael - "Hey hunka-hunka burning man, what do  you think about running the MO COWBELL Half-Marathon in St. Louis with me in a few weeks?  We might even try to get Coy Martinez of First in Philly to run it with us!"

Jim - "Gee honey cakes, that sounds swell!  That's a really funny name for a race and the t-shirt looks cool, so just let me check my calendar and I'll let you know fo sho!"

Michael - "Perfect Sweet-ums, because I really wouldn't want to run this race without you by my side ... and furthermore do anything in life without you!"

Jim - "Awwwwwe, that's what all the people in my life have always said!"

Monday ...
Jim - (ring-ring, ring-ring) "Hey there Pumpkin-britches!  Listen, count me in for the MO COWB..."

Mean Michael! (Do you own any other ear rings?)

Michael - "Don't Pumpkin-britches me ... I'm running MO COWBELL with Coy!"

Jim - "Oh cool, that'll be fun to meet Coy and run a race with you gals!"

Michael - "Did you hear me? You're NOT INVITED ... it's a girls weekend!  No boys!  Don't ask me again!  Men suck!!!"

Jim - "But I thought it would be cool to meet Coy?  But I thought it would be fun to have a shirt that said MO COWBELL?  But ..."

Michael - "Bu-bu-bu-bu ... are you gonna cry about it??? I said NOOOOOOO!!!! You're uninvited! Not going! Not wanted! It's a girl's weekend!  Get it penis owner???"

Jim - (Thinking to myself) "... you're the one who's umm ... uninvited!!!"

Michael - "I heard that!!!"

So, as you can tell, I was quite unceremoniously disqualified from the MO COWBELL Half-Marathon before it even started!  If you don't read Coy's blog ... YOU MUST CHECK IT OUT!!!  Friggin' hilarious!!! (Michael's blog is pretty good too I guess) It would have been really cool to meet her & her husband, and chat about the Blue Grass State, horses, and Dick's Sporting Goods ... but I guess I'll just stay at home and rearrange furniture or something.  Have fun on your GURLS weekend! Sideways frowny face!
... be great today!

"Slowly" Awesome!!!

Most of you read my wife Michael's blog, Slowly Tri-ing!  And while she's not in my league as far as humor, wit, and satire ... she clearly out-shines me in almost every other facet of our lives.  Most of you also know her as a painfully honest writer who spells out exactly what she's feeling regarding working out and her Triathlon life.  But what you might not know is just how much she inspires me every day!

Michael will be the first to tell you that she was not blessed with speed.  I mean, she dedicated the title of her blog to this notion.  (She really sells herself too short in this area.)  But what she lacks in seconds on the clock, she makes up for in determination, heart, and a "don't give up" attitude ... and it motivates me to do the same!  

For some reason I have been blessed with good genetics and never really suffer from any long term injuries.  Sure I ache sometimes, and it can be a chore to push  myself - but it's usually nothing more than typical muscle soreness.  Something I probably take for granted way too often.  Michael is exactly the opposite.  For whatever reason, her body just doesn't respond well to all the training.  I know many times she is really hurting during a workout.  And I know sometimes she wants to quit ... but she never does!  She keeps churning and pluggin' away and always accomplishes her goal.

But yesterday she got word from the doctor's office that she had to come in for an MRI to take a closer look at her shoulder, which she injured about a week ago.  It seems as though there might be a bigger problem than originally anticipated.  They think the bone is rubbing against bone, with a potential tear in the tendon.  She was devastated.  She has her first Olympic distance Triathlon in a few short days in Des Moines, IA and this really puts things in doubt.  There's really a lot up in the air right now about whether or not she'll be able to compete.

Baby, whatever you decide or have to do about the Triathlon, just know that I couldn't be anymore proud of you!  All of the hard work you've put in is an inspiration to me and not one second of it has gone unnoticed.  I can't believe the way you push yourself with all of the double workouts, and it makes me want to be better just from watching you.  I know this is a tough time ... but I love you with all my heart and you have my 100% support whatever you decide!  You inspire me to be a better athlete, father, and man.  I love you!
... be great today!

Kansas City Royals 5K Report

3rd Annual Kansas City Royals 5K

Kansas City, Missouri
August 28, 2011
Time: 19:09
Finish: 13th out of 1479
Place: 1st Place ... Male 40-44

• Great day with my kids
• Beautiful day at the Stadium doing what we love
• 3 out 4 of us PR'd
• 3rd Age Group win of 2011
• I'm the fastest 80 year old!!!

All in all it was a great day at "The K" ... Kauffman Stadium, the home of the MIGHTY Kansas City Royals!  I got to combine my three favorite loves in life ... family, running, and FRIGGIN' BASEBALL!!! I ran the 3rd Annual Kansas City Royals 5K, benefiting Royals Charities, with my daughter Madison and her boyfriend, Nate.  My son, Gage also came out the stadium and watched his sister and ol' man run ... which was AWESOME to have him there!  Michael didn't run with us ... she had a previously scheduled 10K at the Northface Endurance Challenge with Dean Karnazes in downtown KC.  She also did a great job and PR'd, which you can read about here ... Slowly Tri-ing!

Great 5K race bag ... 2 T-Shirts, whistle, cup, pasta, 20% coupon to our favorite pizza shoppe, free ticket to Royals Game!

There were four of us running on Sunday in two different races, and I had hoped to write a race wrap-up about how all of us PR'd ... but I can't!  Three of us PR'd, but "someone" kinda let the group down ... that someone was me!  I was the only one who didn't.  Gotta get faster to keep up with these peeps I guess!

Nate, Madison, and me before the race at "The K"

It was a beautiful day, but a little warm for really fast performances.  And as a result, all of the times were a little slower than last year.  It was about 75 degrees with 75% humidity at the beginning of the race.  And about 2 miles into the run, the humidity kicked in and slowed everyone down a little.  I don't remember seeing any of the top runners stop and walk in a 5K before today, but I passed three different guys at the end who had stopped to walk.  Believe me, I wanted to join them a couple of times, but I just slowed my pace a little and kept going.

I had originally planned to run with Michael at the Northface race, but when Madi & Nate decided to run the Royals 5K a few weeks ago ... I changed my plans to run with them.  My thinking was that Madi is going to be getting married and having babies in the next few years.  As her life gets a lot more hectic, I don't know how many opportunities I'll have to run with her.  I really missed running with Michael but she understood, and we all had a great time at our own races.  Plus, I had ran in the two previous Royals 5K's, so I was excited to keep the tradition going, and try to set my 5K PR ... more on that later.

The Kansas City Royals 5K is a smaller race but is gaining in popularity and size every year.  As far as the course goes, its pretty uneventful other than the finish.  The Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs Stadiums are located right next to each other and share the same parking lot.  The race starts out in front of Kauffman Stadium, then circles Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.  After that, it's pretty plain until the finish.  The course basically takes runners around the back of Kauffman Stadium, and then loops the parking lot. But if you're a baseball nut like me, the finish is AWESOME ... because runners finish on the field of Kauffman Stadium!!!  The last tenth of a mile is a loop around the warning track in the Royals outfield, and the finish line is at third base.  I'm like a kid when it comes to actually being on the floor of the stadium ... it's awesome!


Awesome spread after the Royals 5K

The organization of the race is getting better too.  But probably the best thing about the race, other than finishing on the field, is the post-race food.  They have everything!  Hot dogs, nachos, and beer ... and of course the traditional post-race food as well.  This is always the best post-race buffet of any race I run.  Pretty cool!

Madi's Awesome Run!
As far as the running goes ... like I said, everyone set a PR except for this guy!  It was Madi's second 5K ever, and she topped her previous 5K PR by more than 2 minutes at 27:58 ... a 9:02/mile!!!  Gage and I got to watch her from the stands as she circled the outfield and she was FLYING!!! She was passing people right & left with a great final kick to the finish line.   I can't believe how well she is running ... this kid is awesome!  Gage even said, "It's pretty awesome to watch your little sister kick butt like that!"  You're awesome Mad, we love you!

Nate's Big Day!
It was her boyfriend Nate's first 5K ever and he also ran a great race.  The only problem was, his timing chip in his bib didn't register ... (mine didn't either - more on that later.)  He finished a few minutes ahead of Madison, but at this point we don't have any idea on an exact time.  He was a little bummed, which is understandable.  They must have been having trouble with some of the chips, because two out of our three didn't register.  Nate's fairly new to running and ran a great race too!  Plus, he's a pretty cool dude ... "I guess!" I have a "verrrrrrrrry strong suspicion he's gonna be around for a while" ... and we couldn't be happier!

Gage & Madi playing a little catch after the race

Big Talk ... No Results!
Which brings me to my race ... big fat flippin' fail!  I won my age group, which was cool ... but I REALLY wanted to PR, and I didn't!  I had written posts over the past few weeks about how some of my training times had been around 5:30/mile - and I honestly thought I was gonna shatter my 6:03/mile 5K PR pace, but I just didn't have it in me on Sunday.

Basically, it was very confusing.  My legs felt fresh and light.  My energy level was great.  My race plan was solid.  And the whole time I was running, I never felt like I was pushing to hard or anything ... but I just couldn't get my speed down to where it needed to be???  A couple of times I felt like I had really kicked it in and that my time was finally down around a 5:30ish pace ... but when I glanced at my Garmin - it was only 6:00ish???  It was humid, but I've put up much faster times in much "muggier" conditions.  So I dunno???

After the race, we waited around at the awards ceremony.  I was 13th overall so I thought I might have placed in my age group.  But when they announced the winners ... no Jim.  Huh, that was odd ... because I had passed the winner in my age group at about 2.5 so I know I finished before him.  Plus his time was 19:15 ... and I my Garmin read faster than that.  My initial thought was that I had been DQ'd because I wore headphones.

Fastest REALLY OLD GUY on Sunday

After the ceremony, I talked to the official results guy and asked him if I had been DQ'd - he said no, they wouldn't have disqualified me for that.  We went over to the Ultramax timing guys who were awesome.  I told them what had happened and they pulled out a tape of all the finishers and found me crossing at about 19:09. They were very apologetic and said for some reason my chip didn't read?  They actually went and found the medal lady and asked her to give me a first place medal - awesome!  Problem, they had already given away the first place medal that read Male 40-44, and the only first place medal they had left was one that read Male 80 & Over!!!   AWESOME!!!  That was hilarious!!!  So basically, I was the fastest 80 year old on Sunday ... which I'll take!

There is no way not PR'ing could have ruined the day on Sunday.  I was with my two awesome kids and my future son-in-law (more on that later) ... and nothing could have put a damper on that.  Of course, I'm always a little bummed when I try to run my best and don't ... but the day was much more than that!   I was with the people I love and watching them have a great time and do well was a million times more important than an "over-competitive" old man not accomplishing his goal.  They ran great, but more importantly, we were together and it was awesome! It was a beautiful day that we'll never forget!

Look how happy the Royals were about our great day at Kauffman Stadium ... thanks Bret Saberhagen!

... be great today!

Really Michael???

Sometimes as little love-birds, Michael & I exchange sweet little texts back-n-forth during the day.  ALMOST ALWAYS initiated by me of course!!!  Things like "Love you sweetie!" ... "Hey sexy!" ... "What's for dinner?"  Here is a photo of my phone from our exchange today.  My comments are in yellow ...

If you're still interested ... this cruel, cruel woman is having a give-away at her blog for a gift card.  If you haven't already, you can sign up here ... Slowly Tri-ing. 
Seacrest out!
... be great today! (except for you Michael ... you TRY to be nice!)

Oh Michael, You and Your Tall Tales!

First of all ... thank you to all of you who still read my blog.  I have been crazy busy this summer and have not left many comments.  I've been reading from time-to-time ... but I've been pretty non comment-ish lately!  I'll try to do better.

I think I got really dehydrated yesterday.  I've been working in double runs lately ... one in the morning and one in the evening.  And I'm REALLY having trouble getting & keeping enough fluids in me.  This morning when I woke up, I could hardly keep my eyes open, which is not normal.  I skipped my ab work (mostly because I was running late), got dressed, and started my run - I had 12 scheduled.

I made it through the first mile - mostly with my eyes closed.  During the second mile, my legs began to feel like I was running in honey, and I was sweating more than usual.  We DID have about 93% humidity this morning, and I know that had something to do with it, but it really felt below average.  I was getting a little shaky and light-headed, and at the end of mile 2, I hit the wall ... like I've experienced only about 3 or 4 times before.  I walked all the way home and couldn't get enough food and fluids in me once I was there.

After that, I was tired all day and my energy level was really low.  I also only pee'd about 3 times, which is really low for me.  I tried to get a lot more fluids today and I'll try it again tomorrow.  Ankeny, Iowa is super flat so it should be an easy run!

As for the title of this blog, I ALWAYS appreciate all of the encouraging and supportive comments that everyone leaves.  But today, while scanning the ol' www, I noticed that many of you had turned on me while reading my wife, Michael's blog, Slowly Tri-ing (or something like that).  It seems as though many of you have mysteriously taken her side in her ridiculous account of what happened between us a few mornings ago.

I REALLY hate to throw her under the bus or air dirty family laundry, but y'all should know that Michael gets "a little crazy" with her stories sometimes.  For example, she will look you in the eye and tell you that she invented Fruit Loops.  Or that she once lived on the moon for a summer after college.  And that she won the Indy 500 in 1992, and that pirates stop by her office every Tuesday.  I mean, just stupid stuff that can't be backed up factually.  I love the girl like nobody's business, but are you really gonna put much faith in someone who SWEARS she was a member of 'N Sync???  C'mon man ... think about it!

I love you babe, but you KNOW that you NEVER killed a mountain lion with your bare hands ... it's just not true.  Time to come clean ... AND YOU CAN START BY CORRECTING YOUR "VERSION" OF OUR CONVERSATION THE OTHER MORNING!  Seacrest out!
... be great today!

Feel The Love!

"Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor." - Mark 6:4

Similarly ...

"Only in his own house, by his wife, is a fairly decent marathoner not respected" - Jim 8/16/11

Me & super beautiful, awesome, smart, wonderful, lovely, better than me wife ... Michael!

 Here's a little scene from this morning's events at my house ...

The scenario: I've been up since 2:15am because I couldn't sleep ... but I'm in a REALLY great mood ... I just had a killer speed workout where I touched 5:30/mile pace for half mile stretches (my fastest ever) ... I come into the bathroom where my beautiful wife is getting ready ... and ACTION:

Me:  Hey beautiful ... wow, you look hotter than ever - is this heaven, 'cause there's an angel in my bathroom!
     Michael: (Silent ... no response and snarling a little)
Me: Awe sugar-baby ... what the heck is wrong ... is everything okay?
     Michael: (Silent ... no response and rolling her eyes)
Me: Wow, I had a great workout ... miles 5-8 were 6:36, 6:20, 6:24, 6:27 ... and best of all sweet-cheeks, I ran long portions of my run at a 5:30/mile pace!!!
     Michael: Wow ... that's amazing babe! (mixed with a little sarcasm)
Me: I'm just sayin', that's really fast for me!
     Michael:  Yeah, we get it ... you're awesome! (Now the sarcasm is obvious)
Me: I think if you go touch the sidewalk were I ran ... it's probably still warm!
     Michael: (Deep sigh ... gripping the curling iron a little harder now ... shaking her head)
Me: Did you work out this morning?
     Michael:  No I didn't!!! Is that okay with you??? It was planned because I have a swim tonight alright??? (detecting a little tension)
Me: Is it intimidating to live with a great athlete?
     Michael: You're an idiot ... when are you going out of town this week???

Clearly my improving running prowess is not appreciated in the A.M. in my house.  That's okay, I know when she says things like, "You're an 'idiot'" & "when are you going out of town this week?"  she really means, "Wow babe, you are one of the greatest athletes I've ever laid eyes on ... and I really aspire to be like you!  Please teach me the ways of running and how to master speed like you have!  I love you!"
... be great today!

My TRIATH-STUD Wife & Need Your Advice...

Michael ...
Most of you follow my Super-Studly-Wife Michael of Slowly Tri-Ing ... if you don't ... DO IT NOW!!! She had another Triathlon this morning and she FRIGGIN' KILLED IT!!! I won't steal her thunder ... but she was awesome!!!  I'm sooooo proud of her! 

Unfortunately she lives a "natural athlete".  Sports & fitness are about the only things I'm just naturally pretty good at in this world.  And she would probably be the first to admit it ... she's not a "natural athlete".  Every step of her journey is a challenge.  I love getting out of bed in the morning to run ... she hates it!  I can't wait to come home and start hammering out my second workout in the afternoon ... she dreads it!  And even though the heat we're in right now is a little tough, I LOVE THE CHALLENGE ... she longs for fall!  But even though this whole fitness thing is a chore for her at times, she is completely devoted to it and does a great job ... and she truly inspires me!  I love you sweetie!

AWESOME JOB BABY ... YOU WERE GREAT TODAY!!!

Michael last year in the Olathe Triathlon ("Wow, great camera work Jim!" ... Awe, thanks everybody!)

Need Advice ...
I had a great 22 mile run this morning in the DRIVING RAIN!  I'm not joking.  It literally poured 20 out of the 22 miles in Lees Summit this morning.  And on the back half, the wind picked up to about 20 mph.  But the good news is ... it was only about 75 degrees and I got though it!  Tomorrow I've got a 10-12 mile recovery run as I build up to my back-to-back marathons in October.  Which brings me to the questions I have for y'all ...

1. Have any of you ever ran back-to-back marathons, halfs, 5Ks, or triathlons?
2. If so, what is the best way to recover and get ready for the second one the next day?
3. How far out did you start training?

I think I can just naturally build up the mileage and simulate the back-to-back process on weekends, but I want to make sure I do it right.  On a regular long run, I of course have a recovery routine ... but should I modify it a little?  I think one thing I'll add is a lot more stretching during the day and try to stay active without sitting around too much.  But I was just curious on every one's thoughts.  Thanks for your help!
... be great today!

Wow ... Riveting!!!

Okay, here's part 2 of the "Ask 50after40 Anything" segment for y'all.  Although still a yawner, some of today's answers are a little more running applicable ... enjoy!

Johann of Run Tall, Walk Tall asks...
Q: Have you run an ultra yet? If not, do you plan to?
A: Not  yet, I had originally planned to run one next year but I'm not sure how the schedule is gonna work.  Yes, I definitely plan to - but probably nothing INSANE like the ones you run ... I'm not anywhere close to being in your league Johann!!!

Okay, maybe I am a little insane too!

Terzah  of BQby40 (who despite being a Cardinals fan is one of my fav's) asks...
Q: What is going to be your Colorado marathon? :^)
A: Probably Denver ... I'm not "super-pumped" about going too high in the mountains to run.  I'll probably try to keep it around 5,000ft ... I have a ton of respect for you high elevation dwellers!


Shawn of Chasing Immortality, 1 Mile at a Time asks...
Q: How many pairs of shoes have you gone through since you decided to run every state?

A: About 15 or 16 ... I usually get about 400-500 miles out of a pair, and typically have about 2-3 pairs in rotation. 

Probably need to throw away a few boxes

Q: Have any of those got to the point where you can't even donate them?
A: A couple have been pretty dirty at the end, but mostly they're in good shape with only some tread missing.

Q: When you're done in the states, are you going to run all our provinces?
A: That's not a bad idea!  I'll definitely have to think about taking it global.  Canada would be an awesome start ... I've never been there, but everyone says it's beautiful and they folks are great!


Everyone's favorite Big Daddy Diesel asks... 
Q: If barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
A: Because they're prostitutes?

Michael & a giraffe at the Omaha Zoo

Q: Do penguins have knees?
A: Yes, we all have needs ... both physical and emotional.  Oh "KNEES" ... I don't think so, but that would mean giraffes don't have shoulders.

Q: How does aspirin find the headache?
A: I think aspirin always starts its journey at the head because 9 times out of 10, that's what you're taking it for.  But I think it probably goes into the mission knowing that there could possibly be something else wrong.  I gotta give aspirin credit, I really think it tries hard not take your body for granted.

Q: If Teflon is stick free, how do they get it to stick to the pan?
A: I think they install it backwards, but I might be way off.

Q: When someone yells "heads up!!" why does everyone duck?
A: Exactly ... just like when a quarter lands "heads up" everyone start quacking!  C'mon people, that's uncalled for!


Tahoegirl of Got Miles? asks...
Q: When are you running a MI marathon?
A: Probably 2014, most likely Detroit ... unless you've got a better suggestion?

Q: What time do you go to bed?
A: About 9:00pm ... Central time of course.

Q: How did you and Michael meet?
A: Church.

Q: What kind of car do you drive?
A: We have a Lexus, which is Michael's and I never drive. I don't like it and think it's a little pretentious ... but we obviously disagree on that!  We also have my company issued car which is a Dodge Avenger.  I need a truck!!!

Our two cars

Kovas of Midwest Multisport Life asks...
Q: So what's next after you complete the 50?
A: I'll keep running and staying as active as my body will allow ... I've always thought running across the U.S. would be pretty cool! And I'm kicking around the idea of going into coal mining or joining the circus.


Rachelle of Running For Trevor asks...
Q: I want to know your lower body workout? You said you think this helped you in your last marathon and I am nosy and want to know exactly what you did.
A: I'm planning on doing a full post with pictures and descriptions on this later ... but here are the Cliff Notes!

Core Work: Typically 5 days a week before my morning run...

100 Crunches

6 minutes of planks - usually 2 min on each side, and 2 min center

2 x 30 push ups

Lower Body Work: Typically 2 days a week in P.M....

2 x 15 single leg squats

2 x 20 weighted front hip swings

2 x 20 weighted groin crossover

2 x 20 weighted ham string swings

2 x 15 single leg ham string push ups

2 x 15 leg extension machine for lower quads (very light, only about 90lbs)

2 x 20 abductor machine for outer hips & butt (about 130lbs)

2 x 20 groin machine (about 80lbs)

3 x 20 each leg - single leg calf raises (holding 25lb weight)

Q: Bonus question. Do you like Michael's dog?
A: Heck yeah ... Jack's da man!  We both love him the same, I just don't write about him as much as Michael.  He's like her kid!

Jack

The Unexpected Runner asks...
Q: Are you going to try a tri with Michael?
A: Probably not ... it's not really my thing.  I don't even own a bike and I'm  not a great swimmer.  Running is about all I can handle!

Yes, this is a little ridiculous

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? Are they all the same?

A: If you're talking running shoes and not pumps, I only have about 3 pair in rotation right now. But there are probably about 6 pair lying around that I need to do something with.  They'll most likely get given to my son or donated.  Yes, they're all the same - I only wear Brooks.  I used by buy red/silverTrance 9, but now I buy blue/silver Ghost 4.

Q: What do you do with all your spare time?
A: Right now mostly just hang out with Michael, my son, & grandson.  But also manage my fantasy baseball team, read blogs, watch real baseball, write blogs, go to actual baseball games, and blog some more.  Plus I just kick it with my dog Jack a lot!


ajh of Age Groups Rock asks...
Q: Have you done your Vermont marathon yet?
A: Not yet, I'll probably use your suggestion on the one I need to run out there.

Q: Is there a sport you are not good at?
A: Ha, well I'm fairly athletic - it's just one of those things I've always been good at ... but I'm not a great golfer.  I don't really enjoy it that much, plus I'm not sure that it's really a sport.  Definitely requires a skill set though. I can keep it around 90, but that's about it.

Jon of 2 Slow 4 Boston asks...
Q: How much time do you spend each day ,on average, blogging (reading and writing)?
A: Lately only about 30min, but usually about an hour or  more.  I've just been really busy lately and have been a BAD FOLLOWER!

Q: How much faster do you think you can get in the marathon?
A: I'm pretty sure I can get down to the new Boston qualifying time of 3:15 without too much trouble.  But my ultimate "speed goal" is 3:00.  That seems a little out of reach - but I WILL NOT stop working at it.


misszippy asks...
Q: Here's one: I know you are a step-father; do you want more kids?
A: Actually Michael is the step-parent in our relationship.  I have a 21 y/o son & 20 y/o daughter from my first marriage and my son has a 1 year old son.  No more kids ... I think my baby-raising years are over, but we're helping out a lot with the grand baby.

Our Grandson & pretty much all around stud ... Ryder

Jeff of Detroit Runner asks...
Q: Have you ever considered doing an ultra marathon? I think you'd be good at it.
A: Thanks Jeff, I was gonna try to do one next year and still might.  It just depends on how my schedule falls. I would most likely start with a 30miler and then work up to a 50.


Dash of Dash's Bites asks...
Q: When you run, are you a greeter, ie, do you wave at an approaching runner or do you look away?
A: I try to greet on coming runners.  Sometimes I'm really focused on a pace or breathing uncontrollably and might not wave from time to time, but it's not intentional.

Q: If you are a greeter, does it bug you when the other person looks the other way and doesn't acknowledge you?
A: Yeah, honestly a little.  I notice it more with women.  It seems like maybe a safety thing in that they don't want to make eye contact with strangers or something.  But when it's pretty obvious that you're running, I don't really get the point of not being friendly ... but maybe they're just focused or "in the zone".

Well, that about wraps it up! Thanks for all the great questions ... sorry it wasn't a little more captivating!
...be great today!