Resting for the next challenge!

Hello Everyone,

Four days post marathon and my legs are getting back to normal. It's amazing when you run 26 miles vs 20 miles the tole it takes on your body. Completely different. I guess that's why people hit the wall sometimes at mile 20. The additional 6 miles is a journey in and of itself. I have been doing my part in replentishing my body with some complex carbs such as potatoes and different energy drinks and energy bars. I have also managed to slip in a little ice cream! :)

My next marathon will be in Missoula Montana on July 12, 2009. I am really looking forward to this marathon because it is in such a beautiful part of the country. Perhaps I may be able to get in a little fly fishing while I am there. Experiencing different parts of the country and the people has been one of the exciting things about this 50 states journey. I am thrilled that I have many more places and people yet to experience.

I have been using Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide to train for each marathon. When I do multiple marathones I typically take a week to two off from running and do some weight training. I then start the 18 week marathon training schedule wherever I need to be to be on target with the program to finish it by the time of the marathon. I use the Intermediate 1 program and have been successful with doing the two 20 mile long runs in this program. The weekly mileage is certainly manageable with any job and the long runs just take some time management and some getting use to.

I have changed my philosphy for running. Instead of telling everyone I "have to run" xx miles everyday; I now say I "get to run" xx miles today. Not everyone can run. Some people are physically not capable. I am priviledged I have been given this gift and this ability. Thank God for this gift!!!

If you want to run faster, you need to run faster!!!

Have a superfantastic day!!!

Kurt

Little Rock Marathon

Hello Race Fans,

Made it back from Little Rock and I am happy to report that I have a new marathon personal record! It was a tough course with plenty of hills but the weather was outstanding. Averaged around 50 degrees. My brother Kyle and I ran most of the race together which was very awesome. I came in just a few minutes a head of him. My time was 4:49:06. I am not the speediest, but love to run, love the challenge and love to finish! I had 4 PowerBar PowerGel's to keep my blood sugar up along the run and ate a half of banana and a slice of orange along the way. I drank a mixture of water and Gatorade at the many water stations they had along the way.

My brother and I stayed at the Peabody Hotel. $125 a night! Can't beat it! The Expo was in this hotel and the start and finish line were in walking distance from the hotel. Very very nice set up.

I drove 5 1/2 hours to and from the race. Not a bad drive from St. Louis at all. All interstate. It went much quicker than I would have thought.

We ate twice at a restaurant called Big Whiskey's. I would highly recommend it. All types of food and very delicious. Also walking distance to the hotel.

This is now my 8th marathon and 7th state marathon I have run. Finishing the race is a new and awesome experience every time. The people that we met are just incredible. They motivate me to continue to push very hard. I met a lady who was 45 and this was her 38th marathon. We also met a couple who are travelling around the country and trying for 50 half marathons as well. Great people, great food and great experience! Run, run as fast as you can!

The Week Before The Big Race!

Hello Everyone! Very excited about my new blog...still learning so forgive me for my lack of entry. Five days before the Little Rock Marathon. I am very excited! My training has been going well despite a sore knee I have had for quite some time. I am going to shoot for a PR if everything goes well that day. It's safe to say, some days you're feeling it and some days your not. My brother Kyle who is six years younger will be running with me. He is a great motivator. You never want your little brother to beat you!!! The Little Rock Marathon has one of the biggest medals in North America. As a buddy of mine Jim McClear always says, "Its all about the hardware." Run, run fast!!!