Marathon 4/12

[Steve W]

Running the St. Louis GO Marathon on Sunday. Expecting discomfort not because I can't do the distance but because most of my running is on a treadmill, a much softer surface for these old bones. Have been rowing several times per week, anywhere between 2k & one hour for the last few months. Also started skierg'ing a couple of weeks ago. Not a crossfitter, just rowing to compliment running. It will be a slow go on Sunday but will be number 89, trying to reach my bucket list goal of 100 marathon or longer distances. Will report back following the run on 4/12.

[G-dub]

What an Imcredible achievement to run as many marathons as you have! I only have two and the thought of doing even one more seems overwhelming. How did the transition from treadmill to asphalt go?

[Steve W]

G-dub, thanks for your kind words. Had stomach issues early on that effected me throughout the race. Did not go as planned but toughed out a very slow finish. Eighty nine down, eleven to go...Mileage will be lower for at least a couple of weeks, which should an opportunity for more rowing.

This was an entire asphalt marathon, which can be a more punishing surface to run on. Wore well padded shoes that helped but legs & body are still sore & beat up. Had no back problems running the marathon & it seems rowing, and more recently skierging, have had a positive impact on strengthening core muscles and reducing lower back pain. Plus 1 for rowing/skierging as good cross-training exercises for runners & triathletes !

Highlights of the race...Petting a Clydesdale at the 10 mile mark as we ran through the AB brewery; Running over the two bridges into IL & back, second bridge bounced so much that myself & all other runners were having vertigo issues, really weird; logging #89 on the record; Lack of lower back pain.

Lowlights...Stomach issues. How I felt as the race went on, which IMO was directly related to the stomach issues. Seeing runners come back at me (out & back course) that I knew I'm faster than. I should have been in front of them! Also hoped to raise more money for Stray Rescue of St. Louis, a great local animal rescue organization. If anyone wants to still donate, PM & I'll send a link to the Crowdrise website (Stray Rescue is a 501c3). If I'm going to run, might as well do it for a reason.

[G-dub]

Well done - that's long race to gut out!

[Steve W]

Received a link to photo's taken at intervals throughout the race. OMG ! Looked every bit as bad as I had felt & described. Getting out of the car at home on Sunday, my wife met me in the driveway. "My God, you've aged!" she said. Looks like she was right Oh well, number 89 in the books, 11 to reach my goal.
Will do a 1 hour row this weekend and possibly half marathon row the following weekend. Not trying to be a total slacker while recovering!

[Steve W]

As planned, 1 hour row. Unexpected was broke my old 10k time by 25 seconds and hour distance by over 600 meters . Nothing to brag about compared to these boards but I'll take it. HR hit 161 on last 1k. Still have a pulled tendon behind my left knee from the marathon, so rowing is good cross training during this 'recovery' time. Now shooting for rowing a half-marathon in the not too distant future, guaranteed to be at an easier pace.

[Steve W]

Still feeling the marathon effort in the legs. Ran a moderately hilly 6 miler yesterday & was wiped. Took today off from running but did my first half marathon row in 1:42:44, was very pleased. Plan was to try for 1:45 or a little better. Surprise was in tracking the 1k intervals, everyone of them got just a hair faster than the previous by tenths of seconds each time. Certainly felt the effort but was not wiped. Hmmm, wonder what rowing a marathon feels like ? No hurry on that one & hoping the legs are good for a half marathon next weekend.

[Bob S.]

Hmmm, wonder what rowing a marathon feels like ?

It is not that much harder than the half marathon, with regard to cardiovascular effort and strain on the muscles. However it is a lot trickier in that water intake during the piece is a definite requirement for the FM, whereas none is needed for the HM. It is also much harder on the frame than the HM. A lot of rowers, but not all, experience a moderate amount of butt soreness doing the HM, but it is a far more severe problem when doing the FM.

In either case, it is a good idea to be fairly well tanked up with water a couple of hours before the piece and it helps to have some extra seat padding - helpful with the HM that is - but very necessary for the FM. Two small folded towels with a space between for air circulation has worked well for me. That was a recommendation from Xeno Mueller, an Olympic gold medalist and currently a coach

Bob S.

[Steve W]

Bob,
Your input & experience are very much appreciated. When I eventually do go for the full marathon, will heed your (& Xeno's) advice and be prepared. Thanks much!
Steve W.