My First Half Marathon: The Greater Binghamton Bridge Run

By Richard Docalavich  

So: it is Sunday May 3rd at 7-ish in the morning and I am at NYSEG stadium in Binghamton NY with a crowd of other people getting ready to run the Greater Binghamton Bridge Run 2015 Half-Marathon. This is my first half-marathon. It’s a beautiful day for a run - sunny and a little chilly. I am thinking to myself "what was I thinking getting ready to run 31.1 miles for fun. Who does this?" My stomach is in knots and my head is racing. I position myself toward the middle and the back of the crowd because my goal is to just finish I am not looking for a specific time. Next thing you know I hear the Star-Spangled Banner being sung - and quite well I may add. I hear the countdown then the horn! The race is on!!!

First let’s do a flash back. This all started about 8 months ago when I was going through some major issues in my life. A little background - I smoked and weighted nearly 270 lbs at 5”7’ in height. I was clearly obese. So I started walking because it cleared my mind - and walking a lot. The problem was the walking took a long time. So a friend suggested I try running. I did the "walk two minutes run two minutes to get started running" twice. Then one day I ran three miles straight. It took me almost an hour but, I did it. I felt like a superstar. I was pretty heavy to be able to just start running like that, but let me tell you the feeling of accomplishment from doing that was awesome. So I started running a lot. It was my new addiction. I went from 0 miles a month to 70 miles a month. I signed up for my first 5K “The Pink Dress” which I halfheartedly planed to do in September.

Needless to say I ran that and loved it. The people cheering was amazing and even the runners that finished before me stayed to cheer people on. I was hooked. I ran a few more 5ks then a 10k. In the process I have lost nearly 52 lbs from running. I lost weight so fast that I couldn’t keep clothes fitting. I was the incredible shrinking man. I know - not really a "bad" problem, losing weight really fast. So, lets get back to the point of the article: my first half marathon.

Like anyone that runs, I knew a good portion of the race is in the preparing for the race before it even starts. The race start time was 7:30. I planned the night before to wake up at 5:00. See, in my training I found out that around 5 or 6 miles I tended to have to go "number 2" and I wanted to avoid that in the race. My plan was to wake up early enough so that hopefully I could get that out of the way. So I woke up at 5:00 all ready and excited. I had laid my clothes out the night before. I went down stairs and made a smoothie for breakfast since I was afraid to eat anything that was solid. The smoothie consists of yogurt, a banana, peanut butter, and a blueberry\strawberry\raspberry frozen mix all blended up. Then I took 1 Imodium which I was hoping would help with not having to do the "number 2" during the race. I also drank lots of water to make sure I was hydrated.

I arrived at the race around 6:30 I walked around a bit and was hoping that I could take care of the "number 2" thing maybe get my system to work that out. Unfortunately I think my nerves were not letting that happen which in turn made me even more nervous! I ran into some fellow runners that I knew and we talked. I wasn’t sure if I was shaking because of being nervous or chilly. Everyone was telling me that I would do well and I, of course, was hoping they we right. I stretched a bit and was really hoping that I was actually ready for this. Thirteen-point-one miles is a long ways. THIRTEEN-POINT-ONE MILES! Am I crazy? I am not ready for this! "Stop. Stop." I told myself "You're psyching yourself out. Baby step it. I am just doing a 5k (4 times). I can do this! I am ready. -- I have run this distance before once and stopped a few times. I am not ready!!"

Back to the start of the race: I lined up with a friend that had run 4 of these before and she said she was running around the pace that I had set on my watch. I set my Garmin watch for a pace of 10:40 min/mile which was a little faster than I though I could run it in, but I could always slow down. 

Race starts: so the first mile's done. Not so bad, only 12.1 miles to go. I have been keeping up with my friend. The watch is saying I am ahead of my pace, OK not a bad thing. I notice there are a lot of bystanders watching the race and cheering which is really cool and actually makes it easier and the sign were great! “13.1 miles you are only half crazy” and “When you legs give out. Let your heart take you the rest of the way.”

Approaching mile 2: watch still saying I am head of my pace and I feel like I am really moving faster than I had trained for, which is great but I am doing 13.1 miles not a 5K. I check my watch my friend and I are running a 10:19-10:15 pace this is too fast I can’t keep this up for another 11. I tell my friend I am going to have to drop back I am afraid that I can’t keep that pace. She says "ok, good luck!" and now I am on my own. Half way between mile 2 and 3 I have to pee. No porta-poty until mile 4. I can hold it - well, I have no choice! I can’t just stop and go, people are all over the place. I will get arrested.

Mile 3: the sun really starts showing itself and I start really working up a sweat. It keeps running into my eyes and I can’t see well. I have to keep adjusting my hat and wiping. My eyes are burning and I still have to pee. But the running I am doing well. I'm still ahead of my pace. The watch beeps and I put in a cough drop. Oh I forgot to mention I don’t do well with drinking water so I take cough drops when I run to keep my mouth from getting dry and it keeps my nose free and wide open. All in all, mile 3 feeling good besides the eyes.

Mile 4: yes! Bathrooms coming up! I have to go pee. I run off to the side to the porta-potties and they are full. I wait a minute in my mind it’s an eternity I see people running by. I am in a race! Forget it, I can hold it till the next one - another 2 miles. So basically I was worried about making to the bathroom all of mile 4 and mile 5 and listening to my head phones. I had a good beat going. I had chosen club music for the fast beat to keep me going. The burning in my eyes stopped. Still sweating but I think I am just used to it by now. My body is feeling good. I got this!! Just have to pee!

Mile 6: yes! Made it! Pee time! I run to the porta-pottys - OMG full. People running by. I am getting passed waiting to pee. Seriously, I have to go!! Waiting: can’t do it. I start running again. Two more miles and I can go. Two more miles and I have to go. No ifs or buts - even if I have to wait. 

Mile 7: I have to pee soooo bad. I start thinking about how I have read articles that some people just pee themselves in the race. Now I am pretty dedicated to running, but to pee myself - not sure if I am that dedicated. I spend the next mile weighing the pros and cons on peeing my pants. Next thing I know.

Mile 8: bathrooms I make a bee line for them. One is open. Awesome!! You have no idea how happy I was that one of the porta-potties was open.  The release of pressure from my bladder was pure joy. My legs went weak for a bit it felt so good. OK, I don’t have to go pee anymore. I start running again and I am feeling awesome - you would have never guessed that it was mile 8. I had a pep in my step. I even drank a Gatorade. I am feeling surprisingly good.

Mile 9: noting special starting to get tired of running but not too bad. 

Mile 9.5: I think I hit a wall. My body is saying I am done. Everything is starting to hurt. I am convincing myself to keep going. How can I stop now I am over half way? Then it hits me. If I stop I will still have to walk back to my car. My car is at the end of the race. Why would I walk it when I can just run it and get it done faster?

Mile 10: I start joking with people that are cheering me on. That I am just looking for my car and that I will never park so far away again. I am trying to keep my mind off the fact that my body wants to quit. I am not going to quit I didn’t sign up for this to quit. Besides I have to get to my car to get home and that is at the finish of the race. This is what I keep telling myself anything to keep me going. Then I started thinking "wait I only have 3 miles left. This is a 5k. I do 5ks all the time! I got this!!"

Mile 11: Still have in my mind it’s a 5k and I hear in my head one of my run friends saying that you need to give it all on a 5k. Give it all so I keep treading through. I have yet to walk or stop except for the bathroom breaks I am doing good. Miles 11 and 12 are kid of a blur not really sure how I got through them. Half way through 12 I actually walked for a bit but I found that it hurt to walk. My body had been running for so long that it was painful to walk. My pace had slowed down considerably and my watch said I was behind pace. I did not care I just wanted to finish. At mile 12, I took 2 cups of Gatorade and sipped then as I really slowed down didn’t walk because it hurt but went as slow as I could without walking. It hurt to walk. I was still encouraged by the bystanders cheering me on encouraging me. These were people that had no idea who I was and they were telling me that you can do it you got this. More signs that I remember reading “Pain is temporary but the online stats are forever”, “ Run like you stole something”.

Almost to mile 13. Seriously what was I thinking signing up for this? I paid for this, what is wrong with me? Where is the finish line? My watch says 13 miles I see nothing but more road. Where is the finish line? Seriously what is going on? Freaking out a bit at this point thinking this will never end. I notice that everyone is turning left. I turn left and come over a knoll and I can see the finish line. People are lining the streets cheering for us for me. There is nothing more powerful that a bunch of random strangers cheering you on. Suddenly I feel lighter. I feel like I got my second wind, actually more like my 5th or 6th wind!

The last .1: This is where all the pain from the race was wiped away. I was sprinting to the end (not really but it was all I had left). I have people cheering. I remember they take a photo at the end. Strike a pose while running! I hear my name called over the loud speaker. Well not my last name - a version of it when you can’t actually say it correctly, but still awesome. I cross the finish line and the feeling of accomplishment is crazy. Friends are there congratulating me because most of them are faster than me and have ran these before and finish before me.

Richard before weight loss and after finishing his first half marathon!

All in all I am going to run more half-marathons. All the pain sweat and tears (yes, there were tears) are worth it in end. I am proud of myself for doing this and like the one sign said “Pain is temporary but the online stats are forever”. This is an accomplishment that no one can take from me and I did all by myself. I did have a lot of support and I would like to thank everyone for that. Also I would like to give a shout out to the all the bystanders and their signs and support you have no idea how much a part of a race you actually are. Thank you.

Spectators: an Important Part of Every Race

By Michael Cordi

My first race was Saturday Oct 1, 1971 - four days after my first run. I was 12 and it was a terrifying 1.5 mile cross-country race at Arnold Park in Vestal. I remember a few things from that blur of a 10 minute run. One of those memories is the spectators. If you’ve ever been to a high school XC race you know there are plenty of spectators screaming and cheering for you, for everyone, as you push yourself along the trails.

Fast forward to March 7, 2015 and Confluence Running's Parade Day Mile. One mile up Court St to Main along the parade route, lined with thousands of screaming spectators. Those people have no idea how much they motivated me. When I was getting tired their encouragement kept me going. It was like I didn’t want to let them down, though I didn’t even know them and most of them didn’t know me!

Whether the runner passing by is the first or the last, competitively fast or simply seeking a personal record or to just finish, you spectators motivate us to keep going, to keep pushing. You give meaning to the training runs before or after work, the hard workouts when we runners just want to sleep in or stay home and watch TV. Yes, you are an important part of the race.

I don’t run, train, and race because there will be spectators, no one really does. But on race day, when people are cheering for me(!) I can’t describe how much I truly appreciate you being out there. I mean, look at this - you are out there in the rain, the cold, the snow, the wind, the heat and humidity. You’re probably thinking how crazy I am for being out there running. But guess what - I am just as impressed that you’re out there supporting me.

There’s this thing about the loneliness of the long distance runner - the inner battle when I race; the voices in my head telling me to slow down and take it easy. You, the spectator, are a louder voice and you keep me going.

You keep me going when I’m having a great day and I’m with the leaders.  You keep me going when I’m having a bad day and I’m further back than I want to be. You keep all of us runners going all along the course and especially (at least for me) at the finish. There is an incredible feeling coming into the finish of a road race, the course lined with spectators, feeling so tired and physically uncomfortable, as you cheer for us to keep us going for a few more steps to the finish.

If it was a great race, you’re cheering my accomplishment, if it was a bad race, your cheers are consolation. No matter what, your cheers make the training and racing worthwhile.

But you know what?

Your cheers help, not only the leaders, not only the middle of the pack age group aces, they help (and maybe this is where you help the most) the runners at the back of the pack- the last runners to finish. Remember, they didn’t lose the race, they won their own battle with the same demons telling them to slow down even stop; and, they struggled for a longer time.

The Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Needs You!

One of the major area races is coming up May 3rd , the Bridge Run. Thirteen-point-one miles (there’s also a 5K) around Binghamton. It’s a long way to run and we need help. Yes, some runners can finish a half marathon in less than one hour, but most of us are out there longer. Some of us are out there for two hours or even three or more. In a marathon they might be out there, running, for four or five hours. You, the spectators, help them just like you help the leaders. You keep them going all the way to the finish.

So get out there! Get some family, friends, and neighbors. Make some signs and cheer for every runner. Show community spirit, make your neighborhood the loudest most boisterous one out there.  Have fun with it!   Throw a race-watching party!  Go to the finish line and watch the winners win but stay and watch everyone and cheer real loud to drown out the voices telling them to stop. Take in the scene as people celebrate their own little victories.  Be inspired while you inspire others! Who knows, this might motivate you to be one of the runners someday.

If you’re a spectator you may never know how much you’re appreciated and how much you’re needed. But you are just as much a part of the race as the volunteers, the race director, the timing system, the awards, and the food and drink after.  Let's make this a great race, together!

Morning Cuppa: Caffeine for Performance Enhancement

by Coach Matt Gawors

Caffeine is a ubiquitous drug that can enhance the body’s chemical processes. When most people think of caffeine, a picture of a mornin’ cupoa joe pops into their mind. When most think of the use of caffeine, so often it is a substance to get jolt of energy in the sleepy time morning or mid-afternoon.

Athletic Performance


But what about caffeine use in athletic performance? Can it be used efficiently? Is it a necessity? Is the use that effective? Yes, Yes, and YES! Major studies have been done on the effects of caffeine on athletic performance and these are some results from Active.com:


“The average improvement in performance is about 12 percent, with more benefits noticed during endurance exercise than with shorter exercise (eight to 20 minutes) and a negligible amount for sprinters. More benefits are also noticed in athletes who rarely drink coffee, hence are not tolerant to its stimulant effect.”

Recovery

Caffeine can not only be an effective tool in athletic performance, but athletic recovery as well. Because caffeine speeds up chemical body processes, it inherently speeds up the time it takes for the body to repair itself from previous workouts. Additionally, Caffeine can increase the effects of carbo-loading for race weeks. Read Caffeine used as a Recovery agent for a more in-depth analysis.

Register now for the Bridge Run Half Marathon and 5k!

Legality

But is this legal in endurance sports? Again, Yes! In the ITU, USAT,as well as USATF rules it explicitly states that Caffeine is NOT a banned substance and can be used in competition.

How about ethically? Is it wrong? This is a matter of opinion but I believe it is not wrong. Caffeine is widespread, available to everyone, and is generally not harmful (extra high doses can trigger anxiety attacks and such).

According to the New York Times, “Caffeine, which is legal under International Olympic Committee rules, is the most popular drug in sports. More than two-thirds of about 20,680 Olympic athletes studied for a recent report had caffeine in their urine, with use highest among triathletes, cyclists and rowers.”

Dosage

So what is the proper dosage of this drug? Studies show that fewer than 2mg of Caffeine per kg of body weight has no athletic enhancing effect while over 6mg of Caffeine per kg of body weight actually hurts athletic performance.

Less than a month to sign up for the Parade Day Mile!

Click here to register now!

Source

Where to get it? Your first thought is probably “coffee.” While this is easily the quickest and cheapest way to obtain caffeine, studies show that caffeine in coffee may not be utilized as effectively as other sources. While this may be true, other options include eating 1000 calories of 90% dark chocolate (I love chocolate but let’s not get carried away), tea, or caffeine pills. Personally, I’ll take a few more ounces of the joe’ to compensate.

How to use caffeine efficiently?

When used on a regular basis, the effects of drugs on the human body tend to diminish over time. This is no different for the use of caffeine. Those who use it as a wake-up call every morning are going to see less pronounced effects.

While I haven’t found any studies pertaining to the tolerance effect of caffeine, I recommend scheduling it’s use sparingly (not daily) based on trial and error experience. I find that the athletic enhancements of caffeine diminish greatly after using the drug three or more days a week. Use caffeine twice a week on Lactate/Aerobic Threshold and VO2 Max days to enhance training performance. Three weeks before an “A” race, use is cut down to once a week to break tolerance levels so there is a greater effect during race week.

Schedule caffeine use on days with higher carbohydrate intakes for maximal carbo-loading. A study from the Journal of Applied Physiology (July 2008) found that glycogen levels were substantially higher with carb/caffeine ingestion as opposed to just carb ingestion. Most endurance athletes would call this glycogen storage “carboloading.”

Example for a Build week in Triathlon

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
90min Ride 90minSwim	2 Hour VO2Max Run	90min Run 90min Swim	2.5 Hour LT Ride (Long Sets)	90min Ride 60min Swim	60min Swim	2 Hour Weighted Run
	Caffeine		Caffeine

Running Smart: Hydration and Nutrition

by Joe Geronimo

Long before I was inspired to be a runner I never really drank, water that is. To be honest I cannot even tell you why. I've been running now for almost three years and my hydration habits are horrible. Research shows that an average male weighing 200 pounds needs 70 ounces of water per day to replace just every-day water loss. That does not include any extra effort or exercise. I can tell you this I don't think I've drank 70 ounces of water on a hot summer day. Throw in my running routine and it's a potential date with disaster.

I have a rule, its my own and I think it needs some modification to say the least. If I was running or racing anything less than a half marathon I would not drink water during. I never liked the "sloshing" feeling. After my run or race I might have a 16/20 ounce bottle of water and that is pretty much it, then it was "beer me!" Like I've stated I really have not been a water drinker. During the New York City marathon I carried no water but did make it through a few water stops along the course.

Over the past year I have been battling muscle injuries in my lower half, hip flexors, glutes & calves. I attribute a lot of this to my change in running shoes. I went from a stability shoe "i.e.. Brooks Adrenaline" to a more minimal drop neutral shoe as in the Brooks Pure Flow. I'm a big boned guy who hits the pavement hard when I run so I believe that lack of stability did some damage. It also didn't help that I rarely took a day off over the past two years and I ran 99% of my runs hardcore with barely a slow run. Yes I over-worked myself and I am paying the price. Fall 2013 through winter 2014 I was running 200+ miles a month in bitter cold temperatures before I fell to my injuries. My last race, the 2014 Binghamton Bridge Run half marathon, I was in so much pain I think I was crying crossing the finish line.  Recently and I mean in just the past few days I've been looking at how I am truly feeling. Muscles constantly tired, achy and sore. It hit me like a freight train, "hey dummy something else is going on here." I thought to myself: I wonder if my lack of hydration is play an integral part of my issues? After some online research, conversations with my wife, friends and trainers pointed me in the direction of hydration as a huge culprit.  

Sign up now for the Parade Day Mile!

Get your speedwork in while enjoying this fun race!

Cash awards for top finishers, prizes for best costume.

www.paradedaymile.com

Over the past several days I have been working very hard at hydrating myself and as of today I feel pretty darn good. My muscles don't ache and I feel quite considerably less sore than they have in a long time. This revelation of hydration came to me after my long run this past Sunday, don't ask me why. Over the last 20 years my nutrition had been terrible. This is why I weighed over 300 pounds before making some life changes. I never met a drive thru I didn't like or a foot long sub that was too big, pass me a 55 gallon drum of soda with a side of fries. In 2012 I ditched the Whopper with cheese so to speak for a more thoughtful and healthier lifestyle and it changed my life forever. I won't bore you with the details but a 3 ounce serving is VERY small. I've never been really good with nutrition.  How could I be? I work for the railroad and we were on call 24/7 365 with only a 2 hour notice to come to work. We'd work 12, 13, 14 hours a day, rest for 10 hours, and right back at it. We were zombies and I remember packing enough food to make sure I could stay awake for those long hours. Sometimes that wasn't enough and we'd find a Mickey D's or a diner. That poor nutritional lifestyle finally caught up with me and I needed to make a change. Finally, I have managed to keep my weight down with good choices and exercise. Lately though I have had this idea wrestling around my head that since I'm a runner I can eat whatever I want, WRONG! I've let things slide as of late, eating way to much candy (damn you chocolate & peanut butter), pizza, burgers, beer, etc. I love my family to death but I know when we all are together its going to be days of eating like crap.  Hey, we're Italians and we like to eat. It takes my body a full week, yes 7 days to recover from an eat-a-thon. I've gained several pounds over the last 9-10 months using this "I'm a runner" mentality and its time for me to get back on track. Its ok to enjoy that burger, pizza, beer and so forth but I am now making it a once in a while deal rather than more routine as it has been.

Don't miss out on our Nutrition for Runner's Clinic!

Feb 8, 2015

For more information, click here.

I'd like to ask you this, do any of you struggle with hydration or nutrition? If so I would love to hear about it.

Cheers!

Joe

Why Run the Mile? The Parade Day Mile!

By Coach Michael Cordi

Brooks Johnson was one of the best distance coaches in the USA. He coached Stanford University and National Teams. I remember he used to say, “Speed kills …. those who don’t have it."  Johnson was coaching runners at the highest level of the sport who wanted to win NCAA, National, and Olympic and World Championships. But his philosophy can be applied to any runner at any level who wants to improve.

There comes a point in any runner’s journey where “just finishing” is no longer the goal.  You’ve finished your 5K, 10K, ½ marathon, marathon. Now what? How about getting faster? Setting PR’s? Beating that Age Group Ace who finishes just in front of you every time you race?

To achieve your goals you need speed. A recent article posted on the Confluence Running Beginner’s Running Facebook page suggested that racing a mile might help you run a faster marathon!

Race a mile? Isn’t that intensely painful? Don’t young college age studs run that real fast?

Well, yes but so do thousands and thousands of Age Group runners all over the nation in all-comers track meets throughout the winter, spring, and summer. Just check out results posted on the Fingerlakes Runners Club and Triple Cities Runners Club web sites and you will see that, yes, anyone can and should race the mile.

Why?

I can tell you from personal experience. I used to be an 800 runner and I loved the mile. I could run 2:00 for the 800 and breaking 5:00 for the mile was a walk in the park. But there was a catch, I was young, real young, and had natural speed in my legs. I started my running career as a cross-country and track runner and had the natural speed of anyone from 14-20+ years old.

Then, I stopped racing on the track, I stopped running short repeats and I lost my speed. So, last fall I decided to go back to my roots and train for and run some 800’s and miles. I admit I’m not as fast as I used to be but I noticed something really cool. When I would go out for an easy 6 miles, what used to feel easy at 7:50-8:00 pace now felt like I was barely moving along at 7:20-7:30 pace!

What happened?!

I’ll tell you what happened - I got some speed back in my legs. You see the key to running to your personal potential is leg turnover- how fast your legs turn over from stride to stride. I was propelling myself along the ground faster than before with less effort because my legs have speed. After 15 years of neglecting that part of my training I actually felt fast again!!!

A lot of my Team Confluence friends will tell you that last fall I swore off any race longer than 5K. I just wanted to race fast (and I have to admit, being ranked #1 in the USA in my AG in the 800 for a few weeks got me excited).  But back to the easy runs. I got thinking (as I watched a 13:15 5k runner run his first ½ marathon in 60:51, one of the fastest times ever by an American): Hmmmm maybe I could run a faster ½ marathon because I have this new found speed in my legs!! I mean if I could “jog” 6 miles in under 47:00 on a cold and windy day after a long day on my feet at school, maybe I can run a decent ½ marathon!!!

Sign up NOW for 

the Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5k!

www.binghamtonbridgerun.org

How do you get this speed?

It’s easy (ok, it’s painful but the idea is easy) you train for and race a 1 mile run. Check out local opportunities- the TCRC will offer meets in the spring and summer with runners of all abilities so no one has to be intimidated.

Parade Day Mile!

Coming up March 7 (www.paradedaymile.com) is a 1 mile race down Court and Main Streets right before the Parade! Confluence is bringing back this event from a few years ago for good reason - it’s fun. I know - I’ve done it. Running by thousands of screaming parade goers is a riot.

Bring your friends and sign up - if you’re 21 you get a free beer at the finish! Set a goal to run a mile March 7 and to get there add some speed to your weekly routine. You’ve never done it? It’s easy (ok, it’s NOT easy but figuring out a program is). Keep your mileage where it is (World Class Milers run mega miles, like 100+ per week). So, don’t decrease mileage, just add a couple workouts twice a week.

Don't miss out!  

Space in the Parade Day Mile is limited!

Don't miss out on the fun! Space in the Parade Day Mile is limited to 500 runners, and we expect it to sell out fast! With cash prizes for top finishers, awards for best costume, and the screaming crowds of spectators, this is going to be an awesome race.

Register NOW to make sure you can be part of this exciting new event.

Use Coupon Code "BLOG" to get $2 off your race registration.

Speed Work in Disguise

Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist and the guy who got this whole running boom thing going once said, “Hills are speed work in disguise.”

Warm up, cool down 1 mile, 2 miles, whatever suits you. I recommend hills once a week. Run up and jog/walk down. Over and over as much as you can/want to/have time for. Find a hill- roads, grass, sidewalk, it doesn’t matter. Keep it short (you want speed) 50-100 meters and do it. Or, you can run hilly courses- go out and run how ever many miles you want and make sure you go up and down as many long, short, steep, gradual hills as possible. Lucky me- Endwell is great for that!

Go Fast!

Then, once a week try something shorter than you’ve likely done. I think the perfect distance is 300 meters with whatever recovery interval you feel is appropriate for you and your level of fitness. Find a track run 300 repeats.

The time you should run? Honestly, don’t worry about it, you’re new to this plus the weather might not cooperate. But, as a guideline figure out the pace you can do (or think you can do) for a mile. Use one of those running calculators if you have to, but find a time. Let’s say you think you could run 1 mile in 6:00. Now comes the math- divide- 6:00 is 1:30 per 400 and it’s 1:08 for a 300.  If we're talking hitting an 8 minute mile, then you're looking at 2:00 per 400 and 1:30 for 300.  There you go - easy math.

Think like a Kenyan

No track? There’s snow on the track? The local high school team is practicing? Run them on the roads? You don’t how far 300 is on the roads? Run for your target time then rest. Then run some more- however many you can based on your ability and time constraints. Many of the great Kenyan runners come from an area with no track, so they improvise - no excuses. If there’s a secret to Kenyan success it’s that they make no excuses they just do what it takes.

I do them at 5:00 am - I am very lucky to live on a block that measures 409 meters around and it’s flat. I also live at the bottom of a hill that is about 150 meters long. Lucky me, again.

The point is, you can do them. Your time for the repeats doesn’t matter and do not overdo it. What you’ll notice is that fairly quickly your legs will start moving faster with no extra effort.

If you like it (I LOVE speed work) add in some 200’s and 400’s - all at mile pace.

One other thing that anyone can do, anywhere are 100 meter strides. At the end of your run, you do four or so 100 meter “runs” at about the effort you would race a 5K.

This is Important

At the end of a workout you should not feel all sore and tired (that’s for Gatorade commercials). You almost feel refreshed, like you just did something good for your body (because you did)!

You’re training your legs to run faster. These workouts WILL make you a faster runner at every distance (including the marathon) and you just might find that you like the shorter races more.

Running and racing is about a lot more than just finishing. It’s about finishing at the limits of your own personal potential be that a ½ marathon in 1:00 or a 2:00. Getting faster is fun and rewarding and completing a tough speed workout is a great feeling.

Change up your running and gain some speed and you can run the classic distance the 1 mile run! See you on Parade Day!!!

You Know You're a Runner in Binghamton if...

We asked and you answered.  You know you're a runner in Binghamton if...

• You think a spiedie is a nickname for a local running club. 
• You consider a course with rolling hills as an easy day run.
• You've raced in Otsinango Park 500 times.
• When someone mentions Riverside Drive, all you think about is that stupid hill by the CVS.
• You're supported by the crowd whether you're the first or last in your age group.
• You've heard the local running lore of the nearly mythical "King of the Hill" race, or you've run that race yourself.
• You talk about watching the Chris Thater Memorial Races 5k so you can watch the Kenyans run by.
• TCRC is your middle name.
• You remember running in the St Christopher's Race.
• You run the Bridge Run Half Marathon or 5k every year.  
• You know every inch of the rail trail and got excited when they finally opened the new extension.
• You have a love-hate relationship with the January Freeze Series.
• You forget to put on sunscreen before a run because you're just not used to that being needed very often.
• You're extremely familiar with techniques for stepping over potholes or jumping over uneven sidewalks, but have probably managed to twist an ankle once or twice (or more).
• You've had to listen to Mike Cordi talk about his M-E cross country team. 
• Everyone at Confluence Running knows you by name & vice versa...or when your grandma goes shopping there & you know exactly who helped her.
• You can run to Pennsylvania and back in under 2 hrs
• You dress as the Can Man for Halloween races.
• You have ran to all the carousels and have a button to prove it.
• You have run stairs in an EJ House.
• You have done fartleks between Giants.

Please post a comment if you can think of more!  We'd love to hear them.

Remember, the Binghamton Bridge Run opens registration next week.  Don't miss out!

Need a coach?  Sign Up for the Binghamton Bridge Run Training Program at:

www.BinghamtonBridgeRunTraining.com

Virgil Crest Ultras 50k Race Report

I had been training for about three months for the Wineglass Marathon, when I heard about this beauty. For some time, I'd had the crazy idea that I wanted to run an ultra. Sure, a marathon would be a nice challenge, but I wanted to know if I could go beyond that. I know I'm not a speed demon, so it's highly unlikely that I'll ever qualify to run Boston. A 3:05 marathon isn't in the cards for me, well, maybe if I were on a bike... and even that'd be close. No, I may not be fast, but there were times that I'd hit a groove, and feel like I could just run for days. 

I know, I know... 50k... It's barely an ultramarathon. Some purists don't consider a race an 'Ultra' unless it's at least 50 miles. Well, I don't care what the purists think. The Virgil Crest Ultras 50k wasn't your typical 50k. I am amazed at the pure determination of the endurance 'machines' that attempted and conquered this course. Any of the distances. I think the 50 miler would've broken me. Forget the 100.

I went into this race with "finish" as my goal. Having never run any more than 20 miles at one time, I knew I'd be challenged. I did, however, do almost all of the marathon training plan that I had been following. I figured that this was my best chance at completing an ultra, and I wasn't sure that I'd want to go through the training again if I didn't end up loving Wineglass a few weeks later.

I knew this race would take me awhile, I just had no idea how long that 'while' was... My 20 mile training runs through the very flat Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, took me around 3 hours and 20 minutes, so I was hoping for somewhere in the 6 hour range to finish. I just didn't want to miss a cutoff. I didn't want to be pulled from the course, especially if I was still moving.

The week before the race, I tried my best to conserve some energy and rest my left foot. I had been experiencing some pain above the feeble curve that is technically considered an 'arch' and I knew that logging extra miles would only make it worse. I did my daily mile to keep my run streak alive, and little more. Luckily, I was also blessed with some type of sinus issue/head cold the day before the race! Hooray! There's nothing a runner loves more than a head full of snot, and if you don't believe me, just run behind one for awhile.

Gear

I woke up early, on little sleep (partly due to excitement and partly the aforementioned cold) and talked myself into/out of several different clothing and gear options. In the end, I ended up going with the stuff that I was hoping would be most comfortable:

• 2013 Binghamton Bridge Run Tech Tee
• Adidas Soccer Shorts (w/ Under Armour Boxer Jock)
• Zensah Calf Sleeves
• Swiftwick Socks
• Altra Lone Peak 2.0 trail shoes
• Outdoor Products Hydration Pack

The shoes were the toughest decision. I have been running the trails in my INOV-8 X-Talon 190s for a long time, but I felt I'd need some extra cushion for those additional miles. I had been running in the Altra Torins on the road, and the Lone Peaks seemed like a logical choice. I think I made a good decision. The Lone Peaks performed well. Although they felt squishy at times, they got me through with minimal slipping. No blisters or black toenails to report.

I filled the bladder for my hydration pack with some water a few days before, to give me some solid ice for the run. It worked well to keep my Gatorade cold for the early stages of the race. 

As for pre-race fuel, I went to my tried and true Honey Stinger waffles. I had a chocolate and a vanilla on the ride to the race with Jim and Jonathan. Looking back, I probably should've had a little more, but they definitely didn't give me any stomach issues.

Jim Devona's awesome 3-D printed elevation map of the course. 

The Course

The 50k course took you from Hope Lake to the first Aid Station at the Hitching Post. From there, you had another 4.7 miles to the Cortland 9 Aid Station. From there, you trekked another 5.7 miles up the mountain and back down to the Hurt Locker Aid Station. Then, retraced your steps to head back home. Total 33.4 miles (if you didn't get lost along the way...).

Check-In and Pre-Race

Thanks for the ride, Jim and Jonathan! 

When I arrived I saw some people milling around the Start/Finish line, waiting for the next 100 mile runner to come in. The 100 mile race (along with the 50 miler) started the day before, and some of those troopers were still out there, making their way in. I made my way to the check-in table and got my bib, and sweet Atayne arm sleeves, and Red Newt Racing Platypus water bottle. I shuffled through my gear, pretending I knew what I was doing, occasionally chatting with some of the other runners, listening to conversations of strategy and the difficulty of the course sections. It was hard not to doubt my training and my sanity as I saw some of the 100 milers finishing, completely exhausted. There was also an early start option at 6:00 am, so I knew some of the 50k racers were already on the course, and I had no idea what to expect, but I couldn't wait to get started.

The Race

Hope Lake to Hitching Post

I had heard tales of Race Director Ian Golden's ram's horn. He uses the horn to signal the start to his races, and this race was no exception. I lined up in the back of the pack, because I really did want to try to take it easy at the start. He blew the horn, and we were off!

"I always say I'll do it. I tell everyone else to do it. Do as I say, not as I do. Maybe someday I'll actually start off slow, and have energy at the end..." 

Chomping on some watermelon at the Hitching Post Aid Station. Photo: Steve Page 

We made our way around the winding paved path around Hope Lake, and into the woods. For about the first 2 miles, I was feeling like garbage (as usual for the first few miles) wondering if there was any way I'd make it to the first Aid Station. I was miserable. My strides were short, and I felt that I if I somehow managed to finish this thing, it'd take me a year. 

When I hit a muddy patch, I threw my conservative plan out the window. As the runners in front of me were finding the best way around the mud, I saw this as an opportunity to lengthen my stride. I sped up, and got through the mud relatively easily. After that, downhill... My weakness. I LOVE running downhill... FAST. I took off. I passed several people on that stretch, and just kept going. I started feeling better. Maybe I could finish this thing. For a stretch I found myself trying to keep pace with a seasoned runner that I had no business keeping up with, but I pressed on anyway. I pulled into the first aid station feeling pretty strong, and was ready for some fuel. I grabbed some salt potatoes and watermelon wedges and headed out towards the Cortland 9.

Hitching Post to Cortland 9

With 10k under my belt, I was ready to tackle the next section which was only a measly 4.7 miles. I was running hard, and enjoying the varying terrain. There were dips and climbs, drops into empty creek beds, and I couldn't help but think about how much tougher this course would've been with my feet being cold and wet from a creek, or running this same section with a headlamp in the dead of night. I passed some of the 100 milers coming back, and offered them encouragement. 

Somewhere along the way, I must've let my mind wander a little too much... I was very surprised that I wasn't at the Cortland 9 Aid Station, yet. It had been almost an hour since I was at the last aid station, and I should've been there by now. I was running along, noticing the marks on the trees, but didn't see any of the reflectors that had been marking the course. As I jumped over larger and larger trees crossing the path (on what must've been an old logging road) I knew something wasn't right. I decided that I must've made a wrong turn, and headed back. I retraced my steps and when I got back to the actual course I realized that I had COMPLETELY zoned out, and jumped over a well marked area, instead of making a turn and heading up the hill. As I laughed at myself, and my approximate 2 mile detour, I joined some of the runners that I had passed in the muddy section, and headed to the aid station (which wasn't far from my missed turn). I grabbed some water, a salt tab, and tried to eat some 'real food'. There were more salt potatoes, ginger ale, pierogies, and some other miscellaneous goodies. As with the last aid station, all of the volunteers were so helpful. "What do you need? What can I get you? Do you need your pack filled?" If I had known the beast that lie in wait, I would've asked for an ATV. Instead I took (off on foot) back down the hill to towards the Hurt Locker... 

Cortland 9 to Hurt Locker

I'll be honest... I don't remember much of this section. I think it's my brain's way of protecting me. Not only did we come out of the cool woods into the relatively hot sun, we had to run a stretch of paved road for awhile, before hit the ski slopes. It was brutal. My run became a jog, which became a power hike, which became a walk, which became a shuffle. Just when I thought I got to the top, I rounded the corner, only to find MORE uphill. If you look at the elevation map below, you'll see that section between 11 and 16.7 miles that dips down to the depths of hell, and then goes STRAIGHT up. Yeah, that's the spot I'm talking about... The worst part was, that the downhill on the way back DOWN to the Hurt Locker Aid Station was so steep that there was no running it. I had nothing left in my legs to prevent me from falling flat on my face. I walked some of that section sideways, just to use different muscles. When I got to the aid station, I found another group of friendly volunteers the (Trails ROC group), and BACON! There were other runners, sitting/laying down. I felt like crap, but I was happy to still be standing. I was halfway there. I couldn't stop now.

Hurt Locker to Cortland 9

More of the same on the way back. Grueling hills, but it was made more tolerable knowing that I had already been through here. The downside, I knew I had already been through here... Halfway back through this section, I think my lack of fueling strategy (and experience) started catching up with me. I started slowing down. I kept hearing other runners come up behind me, and I found that I couldn't keep up, when they passed. I was reaching my previous longest distance, and I knew I still had another half marathon to go. If I could just get back to Cortland 9, It'd be smooth sailing from there, right?

Cortland 9 to Hitching Post

After almost 2 hours of suffering, I made it back to the Cortland 9 aid station. I knew I had it in me to finish, but now I was worried about the cutoff time. At this point I didn't think there were many people left on the course, and I needed to pick it up to be able to finish. I had no idea of my pace, but I took as little time as I could at the aid station, and pressed on. I had surpassed any distance I had every run before, and at this point, the hills had taken their toll. I was struggling to run, even on the flat sections. Luckily, a fellow runner caught up to me, and we ran together for awhile. It helped to pass some time, but I just couldn't keep up. As I watched him go ahead, my jog slowed to a walk again.

Hitching Post to Hope Lake

When I arrived back at the Hitching Post, the first thing I asked was "Am I under the cutoff?" One of the volunteers said, "Oh, yeah! We wouldn't cut you off, after going this far. You've got this!" Music to my ears. I would finish. I had to. There was no way that I'd be stopping at this point. The reality set in. Even though I had underestimated this course, I went out too fast, and I was totally inexperienced, I would finish. 

Almost there.  Photo: Sarah Kuss

I set off for my final 10k, tired, but happy. I kept telling myself, "It's only 10k. You've run a TON of these. Just run this last bit." But I couldn't. I was walking at a good pace, but I just had a hard time sustaining a run for more than a few minutes. I kept thinking to myself... "I'll be reaching the clearing at the lake, soon. Right? It has to be soon..." It wasn't. Even though I had run this course just a few hours before, it looked completely foreign to me. "Did I get lost again? No... There's another marker. Just keep going." Oh, yeah, when you're running for hours on end, you start talking to yourself, out loud. I think it's completely normal. I talk to myself, normally, but it was almost as if my brain couldn't 'think' without my mouth telling it to. "Finally, I reached the clearing! Oh, wait, this isn't it... This is just a dirt road. Did I run this before? More markers, I must've." 

This went on for some time, with me hearing cheering voices (which must've been in my head - because there was no one around), running past some random guy with a shotgun (who was annoyed, and said "Jeez, you 'runner guys' are all the way out HERE?!") until I finally reached the clearing. I could hear my fiancée, Sarah and my friend Jeff cheering from up on the hill. I was back on the paved path around the lake. So close, yet so far. I was running again, but not fast, by any means. Finally the finish. 



Results

I was happy to learn that I wasn't the last person still running on the course (keeping the volunteers from getting home to dinner), but finished 27th of 58 runners. Not bad for my first Ultra. 

Profile of the course and my splits from the website

Final Thoughts

Photo by Sarah Kuss

Overall, this race was an AMAZING experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The atmosphere was amazing, and everyone was friendly and welcoming.

Thanks to Ian Golden for designing such a challenging course, Confluence Running, all of the awesome volunteers, and most of all, my friends & family for all of your understanding and support of my crazy pursuits (and for dealing with my hours of training, and the incessant babbling about it).

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Feeling inspired to take your running to the next level? 

Sign up for the Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5k!

Registration opens November 17.

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About the Author:

Joe Brienze returned to running in 2012, feeling nostalgic about that one season of cross country in high school. He is a member of the Triple Cities Runners Club and Team Confluence and blogs at www.abominabletrailmonster.blogspot.com