September Training Summary

RUNNING

Todd 137.5 (month) 878 (year)

Alexis 65 (month) 581.5 (year)

Erin 38 (month) 471 (year)

BIKING

Todd 36 (month) 366.5 (year)

Alexis 39 (month) 354.5 (year)

This month was not a 100+ month for me (Alexis). Even though it included three races including a half marathon and a 10 miler, I had a great deal of pain in my knee that had me barely running the two weeks up to the 10 miler or much since. I am looking back over the year and analyzing my training summaries and knee problems. I am aiming to get my knee pain free and be faster than ever by the end of the year. That will include even more training but possibly less overall running. Wish me luck!

37th Virginia Ten Miler

This past Saturday Todd, Erin and I all ran the Genworth Virginia Ten Miler in Lynchburg. The Ten Miler is Lynchburg's biggest race and has grown in the past few years, the race saw over 2700 participants between it's three races; the Amazing Mile (an all children event held downtown the evening before) the 4 miler (which boasted a "walking" section this year) and the 10 miler. Saturday morning's start was a cool one that turned warm before any of us crossed the finish line (except for Benson Cherulyst who crossed the finish line in 49:23). It was Todd's second 10 miler (he ran a 1:36:07 last year when he ran his first ever road race). It was my first 10 miler (I ran the 4 miler portion last year in 45:45, also my first ever road race). It was Erin's first 10 miler as well, she wasn't even running last year when the 10 miler event occurred.

Result are posted here and below:

Todd

1:18:39 (an 18 minute improvement from last year!) 7:51 pace

177 out of 1080 overall

16th out of 87 in age division

Alexis

1:24:54 (8:29 pace)

337 overall

14th in age division

Erin

1:49:05 (10:55 pace)

923 overall

58th in age division

This race was actually my "anniversary" race. I ran my first mile since high school last year during the first mile of the 4 miler section. I quickly turned to walking with some occasional jogging after that first mile but it was that event that started it all for me. Ever since the 4 miler last year I have been immersed in running, training and racing. I have seen huge improvements over the past twelve months (from that 11:11 pace at last years 4 miler I have seen race paces as good as 7:39). Because of the meaning this race has for me I really wanted to run it and run it well. That is why I joined a 10 miler training group at the end of July and that it why, when three weeks ago, my knee started to hurt that I was stricken with fear and worry. The knee pain got so bad that I have only run a handful of short runs in the two weeks leading up to the 10 miler. The few days before I was unsure whether I would be running at all.

But I'm strong (read that 'stubborn') and I showed up on race day, downed 4 ibuprofen and joined the ranks crammed in elbow to elbow at the start line. The first mile was fine, it is mostly downhill (the race is the 10 miles off continuos uphill and downhill) and I kept a steady if not fast pace. Then at 1.16 the knee started up, then at 1.5 the other knee started to complain. By two miles both knees were hurting and I was seriously contemplating walking. I was crying in my head and thinking only about my knees. Finally, I told myself to change to positive thoughts or drop out of the race. I knew that negative talk, even if only to myself, was going to make the next 8 miles even more difficult than my knees were already making it. I tried to speed up but the knees and the friction caused by my IT bands were making it rather impossible. Feeling like my training may have all been in vain I pushed on. I told myself if I got to the five mile mark in 40 minutes I could walk. I didn't. It was 41:33. I continued to run through the park and decided to look for my sister, once I found her coming in the other direction I would allow myself a walk. I passed her coming into my sixth mile. I decided to keep pushing a little further and thus started counting runners running the opposite direction (the 10 miler is a loop and these people were behind me as I ran back to the start/finish line). At reaching 7 miles at 1 hour I told myself to keep running. Having already beaten my knees up for an hour I figured another half hour of running couldn't do that much more harm. At 7.5 miles I had an especially bad bout with my right knee that had me wincing in pain and doing a funny shuffle run. I again contemplated walking, but fought through again. Up ahead, at 8 miles, was the famous "Farm Basket Hill" 1.5 miles of all uphill taking you into the home stretch. Having run that hill at least half a dozen times in training I wanted to show off my ability on the hill, make my training count for something. I braced myself and headed uphill into the direct sunlight and towards my reward, the finish line. I did the hill well, but not great. I did pass a few people coming up the hill but try as I might I couldn't break 8 minutes on the hill. It was as bumming as my knee pain was. Finally, after what felt like far more than 10 miles, I saw the finish banner and line up ahead. Unlike the VA Beach Half I was able to kick it up, having grown used to running on my painful knees, I sprinted in like I am accustom to, and heard the announcers recognize my effort to cross which made the moment, if only a little bit, all the more rewarding.

I finished the 10 miler running. I didn't meet my goals of sub 80 or even of a 82. But I ran on knees that begged nothing more than me to walk making this by far my hardest race ever. From this point I am focusing on recovery. I start back running today with a 2 mile run and will work up from there, but this time I am going to listen to my knees. They were so angry they made it tough to walk around for most of the weekend.

Odyssey Trail Running Rampage

Two weeks ago Todd ran his first ultra, a 40 mile race in Douthat State Park. His knee ended up costing him some time during the second half, but I think overall it was a learning experience that he is glad he had.

Todd

8:36:03

12th overall in event

Fall Frenzy 5k

Todd

21:41 / 7:00 pace
13th out of 94
1st in age division


Alexis

23:48 / 7:41 pace
24th out of 94
1st in age division

Todd and I both set 5k PR's at this race which wasn't particularly flat or easy so that made it even more sweet that we took 1st in our age division.

Virginia Beach Half Marathon

A few weeks ago Todd and Alexis ran the Va Beach Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon at Va Beach. With 15000 other runners it was a big run. It wasn't quite the 'party' I had anticipated as you ran by the bands and cheer squads pretty quickly and I was rather unhappy with the concrete boardwalk finish as it seemed to aggravate my IT band so badly that I just haven't been able to overcome it since (and am growing more depressed with each passing day I can't run) but other than that it was a good race. I think Todd was rather pleased with his finish and came away injury free.

Todd

1:43:10 finish time
7:55 pace
1073 out of 14767 finishers
139 in age division (total 990 in division)
871 out of 6387 in gender


Alexis

1:48:10 finish time (4:02 over Lynchburg Half)
8:16 pace
1577 out of 14767 finishers
92 in age division out of 1738 in age division
351 out of 8380 in gender

I also ran a 1:22:25 10 miler but it was a pretty flat course.

August Training Summary

Running

Todd 131.5 (month) 740.5 (year)

Alexis 100.5 (month) 516.5 (year)

Erin 77 (month) 433 (year)


Biking

Todd 37.5 (month) 330.5 (year)


I was pleased with my second 100+ running month this year even though I am starting to have more pain in my knee and may need to back off a bit. Todd was the only team member to log any miles on the bike this month, go Todd! Erin had her biggest running month of the year by more than 25 miles this month. Thats an increase of 50%, go Erin!

Lynchburg Half Marathon

A little over two weeks ago I ran my first half marathon. I was shooting for 2:10:00 so I was rather thrilled with myself when I came in 18 minutes faster than that. It was also Erin's first half marathon and Todd's first street half marathon.

Results are posted below and here:

Todd Thomas

1:45:46

8:05 pace

3rd in age division

66th out of 283

Alexis Thomas

1:52:11

8:34 pace

5th in age division

108 th out of 283

Erin Colbert

2:28:28

11:20 pace

19th in age division

254th out 0f 283

ZeroGoo Fuel Injectors!

ZeroGoo is one of Madness Adventure Racing's newer sponsors, and I hadn't had a chance to try this thing out before our July 24, Sprint Race.

So, I went against common wisdom - "Don't race with something you haven't trained with" - and I installed this fuel injector system the day before the race. Let me just say that part of the reason I had hesitated installing it on my pack in the first place is that I wasn't sure how easy it would be. Well, that was before I opened it up and looked at it. The ZeroGoo fuel injector could only be easier to install if it came with a robot who installed it for you. In fifteen minutes I was ready to go, and it only took that long because it was the day before the race and I was being extra careful to do everything right.

The Fuel Injector itself is a very simple device. It installs quickly. It works easily. And it doesn't get in your way. I love it.

ZeroGoo also sent us a shipment of Human Fuel energy to be used with these fuel injectors (as well as some empty fuel bottles that we can fill with our own fuels (gels or whatever). The Human Fuel worked great, and didn't taste all that bad either. The way the injector works is that you flip a valve and get the fuel of your choice (Human Fuel) mixed straight into your water line. You get a good shot of fuel, then you turn the valve back off and chase it down with another gulp of water.

This process make it possible to race all day, getting electrolytes and energy with your water, and you don't have to mix anything in your Camelbak bladder that is going to lead to a funky bag when you forget to clean it out until the following weekend. Genius!

I ran the whole race and didn't even use one whole bottle of Human Fuel, and I felt that my fueling needs were met. As with all good energy fuels I couldn't really tell a difference in my performance after taking it, and that's the whole point for me. No Difference equals no drop in performance.

I would highly recommend everyone on my team installing a ZeroGoo fuel injector on their packs, and fueling with Human Fuel for all of our endurance length races.

-Todd

New Members

(left to right: Dennis Morton, Alexis Thomas, Gerald Cox)

East Coast Madness would like to officially welcome new Madness members Dennis Morton and Gerald Cox to the team. These madmen participated in East Coast Madness' inaugural adventure race and now can't get enough. We look forward to racing with these guys in the future.

July Training Summary

Running

Todd 151 miles (month) 609 (year)

Alexis 105 miles (month) 416 (year)

Erin 356 (year)


Biking

Todd 30.5 mile (month) 293 (year)

Alexis 5.5 miles (month) 315.5 (year)

I am psyched as this was my first month ever logging over 100 miles running. I hope I can keep it up as we train for more half marathons, 10 milers, adventure races and ultras coming up.

Odyssey Sprint Race - July 24, 2010

East Coast Madness entered two teams in the Odyssey Sprint Adventure Race at Wilderness Adventure Park in NewCastle Virginia on July 24. This was the inaugural Adventure Race for East Coast Madness, and we had been eagerly anticipating this one for months.

Odyssey Adventure Racing put on a great, well-organized race, and the staff of Wilderness Adventure along with the Odyssey volunteers were awesome, even with the temperature in the 100's and the humidity at about 700%.

We ran two three person co-ed teams: Madness One - Todd, Tyler, and Jordan, and Madness Too - Alexis, Gerald, and Dennis. The course and the weather were both demanding, but East Coast Madness was able to capture 3rd and 4th in their division.

Due in part to the heat, and in part to conditioning issues we started the race at a slower pace than we had anticipated. Both teams decided to stay together for the duration of this first race, so the trekking/orienteering course took longer than we had hoped. A leg cramp on the way to the boat transition also slowed us down a bit.

When we finally got our boats in the water we realized quickly that we had made a logistical error in assuming that all three team members from each team would be able to traverse the water course in the same canoe. So deep riding canoes coupled with extremely shallow waters meant a lot of pulling and pushing of the boats through the three inches of water trickling through the nearly two miles of river we had to cover.

By the time we finished the boat course, the six hour time cut off was almost at hand, and both teams and our gear were soaking wet, so we were forced to pack it up early without even getting a shot at the bike section of the race.

With this first race under our belts we are now counting down to the next race in October.

Madness Racing wants to thank it's Sponsors: Alexander Building Company, Gold Medal Gardening, Gargoyle Performance Eyewear, Nuun Nutritional Supplements, ZeroGoo, Skyline Signs, Hi-Tec Footwear, ATAC, Polar Bottles and Hydropak for keeping us well outfitted and fueled for both training and racing.

Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing - Odyssey Fall Finale Sprint

Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing - Odyssey Fall Finale Sprint

Percival's Isle 5 Miler

This morning was the Percival's Isle 5 miler at Percival's Isle in downtown Lynchburg. It was a hot and muggy morning but it was rumored to be the flattest and fastest course you can run in all of Lynchburg, so despite the heat Todd, Erin and I signed up.

We did pretty well for the heat, results are posted below as well as here:

Todd

53rd out of 225 overall

38:51

Alexis

69th out of 225

39:50

Erin

131st out of 225

48:54

June Training Summary

Running

Alexis 52.5 miles (month) 311 miles (year)
Todd 72 miles (month) 458 miles (year)
Biking

Alexis 15 miles (month) 310 miles (year)
Todd 38.5 miles (month) 262.5 miles (year)

Presbyterian Homes 5k

One hot day + one tough course = no new pr's.

Race results below and found here.

Todd

22:47

35th/243

4th in age division

Alexis

25:02

80th/243

4th in age division

Erin

28:51

129/243

4th in age division

Tried and tied.

Yesterday, I was gunning for a PR. Having DNS'ed for Liberty's Godparent Home 5k in April, I had not raced a 5k course since early March. I was ready to attempt my sub 25 goal set by myself in January. Then I spoke with a few people who had previously ran the Pres Home Course, all of them said the same thing: it's one tough course. I readjusted my goals, as Runner's World would have suggested, and set out to run an 8:37 pace (why? Because it's 45 seconds faster than my half marathon race pace I am supposedly training for). I figured out my splits and tried not to let the pre-race jitters effect me too badly.

And then all of us Madness members were running late, like thanking our lucky stars we picked up our packets early running late. So there was no time for proper stretching and there was no time for a warm up run or even a sprint. The only warm up sprint was the dash to be at the starting line by 8 am. But we did all get there within 15 seconds of the bullhorn.

The first mile was tough. I tried to let the stress of running late fully leave me and focus on the race. When I realized I had run an 8:09 mile, when my first mile tends to be my slowest, I decided, what the heck, let's shoot for PR. I picked up the pace and finished mile 2 at 15:55. I was picking up time and picking off other runners. I was feeling good. Mile 3, 22:58. At that point I thought I had it, a new PR. I was beginning to think that those people I'd been discussing the race with had confused this race with another. And then the .1, it was all up hill and in the sun. I started losing ground until someone shouted 'pump your arms'. I tried to heed their advice and then the girl I had paced in mile 3 started to shoot past me. Anyone who knows me, knows I have one tough competitive streak. With all I had I pumped it with all I could, finish line in sight, and took her by one second. I had a rush of nausea hit me in the shute and I could barely raise my arms. My time; 25:02. I thought I might have placed in my age division, I thought I had made my new PR goal. Then reality set in and I realized I didn't and I didn't.

It was one competitive race out there on Saturday, the three Madness team members who ran all came in 4th in their age division. My previous 5k PR? 25:02. That's right, I tied my previous PR. Tied it? I didn't even know that was possible. Now I am concerned, have I plateaued? Is there room for improvement on my time? Will I see the sub 25 this year? Then I think about that last 200 meters of that race all being up hill and I know I have the sub 25 in me, this year. Especially since our next 5k isn't until August. I have two months of training to shave off those 2 seconds.

And of course a new running mantra, "I think I can, I think I can,..."

"Running, one might say, is basically an absurd pastime upon which to be exhausting ourselves. But if you can find meaning in the type of running you need to do, chances are you'll be able to find meaning in that other absurd pastime - LIFE."

Bill Bowerman

Trail Nut 10k and Half Marathon

What an awesome race. What a hot and humid day. What a test of endurance, stamina and determination. Yesterdays Trail Nut races were perhaps my favorite run to date. A true test of ability along with scenic routes and an after party race gathering that was unbeatable. I think all three Madness members who participated were happy with their runs, especially Erin who shaved off over 10 minutes from her last trail 10k, go Erin!

Results are posted on the Mountain Junkies site here and below:

10k Race

Alexis

1:00:53
25/81 overall
1st in age division

Erin

1:14:49
53/81 overall
5th in age division

Half Marathon

Todd

2:00:58
24/99 overall
4th in age division

Trail Nuts

Tomorrow is our third 10k, our second on trails, at a little known park in Bedford. Thankfully the knee is on the mend and I have seen a physical therapist who has armed me with stretches and workouts to strenthen my hips and quads (which are apparently very, very weak). They warned me that I will 'look like an idiot' doing the strectches but it should amount to less pain and more training so I'm game.

I did go on a six mile trail run on Wednesday to make sure I could tackle tomorrows distance and not only did I manage with little pain but I thoroughly enjoyed myself (with the exception of every rustle in the woods making me fear bears and snakes). I am pretty excited about tomorrows race, and the post race Pumpkin bread. I should be asleep but I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve.

*Correction: Todd is running the half marathon, not the 10k.

May Training Summary

Running

Todd 86 miles (month) 385.5miles (year)

Alexis 43.5 miles (month) 258.5 miles (year)

Erin 46 miles (month) 270 miles (year)

Tyler 39.5 miles (year)

Jordan 64 miles (year)

Biking

Todd 13 miles (month) 224 miles (year)

Alexis 43 miles (month) 295 miles (year)

Erin 5 miles (year)

Jordan 119 miles (year)

Tyler 104.5 miles (year)

My knee was injured for most of May and I kept off of it as much as I can and I know that between work and school we've all been pretty busy lately but now that we've registered for our first adventure race approximately six weeks away we need to truly step up our training if at all possible. Look for an email from me in the next week if you are on one of the two Madness Teams running the Adventure Race on July 24th as we need to plan at least two team training sessions between now and the big day.

Train hard, rest easy, as my brother-in-law would say.

-Alexis