Maggie is my wife and mother of four children ranging in age from 10 to 1.75. She teaches math at Thornapple Kellogg High School, in Middleville, MI, and is an avid runner and a real competitor. She began her running career in her second year at Grand Rapids Community College when Greg Meyer asked her to help fill a gap on the cross country team. She had a successful season, and then turned her attention back to softball and Grand Valley State University. A few years later she started running again, entering local 5ks before moving up to the 25k, and then later the marathon. She has run the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI, the Grand Rapids Marathon, in Grand Rapids, and most recently, the 114th running of the Boston Marathon.
TS: First of all, congratulations on making it to and completing the Boston Marathon. This is a feat that many runners have aspired to accomplish. However, not all of us have been able to obtain this goal. So, tell me, what made you want to run a marathon of any kind in the first place?
MW: My friend Corrine was training for Bayshore and asked me to train with her. I figured if I’m going to do the training, I might as well run the marathon, so I signed up. I ended up qualifying for Boston in that race by only a second.
TS: When you were running the Grand Rapids Marathon, where you qualified for Boston for this year, was that the ultimate goal for you or were you simply trying to run the best darn marathon you could?
MW: Both. I really wanted to qualify for Boston so that I could go with my friend, Rita, but I also had just come off a good River Bank Run and wanted to see what I could do in the marathon. I had a time in mind that I wanted to beat and I did it.
TS: Running a marathon is quite an undertaking. How do you balance work, kids, and training?
MW: You (Tri Sam) give me a lot of time to train. I like the training programs that have me run 3 days a week. My body responds well to this format and it doesn’t take up a ton of time.
TS: What was the most challenging workout you completed in training for Boston?
MW: I ran a 16 mile run with a colleague of mine in the slush, with lots of wind and some snow and sleet. It was miserable, but I did it and am stronger for it.
TS: What was your favorite workout you completed in training for Boston?
MW: I ran a 20 mile run after work one Friday and it felt so good. The weather was perfect. Until then, I hadn’t run a 20 mile run that felt good the whole time.
TS: The city of Boston is quite an amazing place with a rich history. What were the highlights for you in simply being in the city itself?
MW: I’m not a big history buff, but I couldn’t get over every time you turned around there was another piece of history staring you in the face. We would walk down one street and I would feel like I was getting to know the city and then later we would walk down an adjacent street and it was completely different. I don’t know how they fit so much into such a small area. It is a wonderful city.
TS: There were some 27,000 people running the marathon. What was it like for you to be running with so many people?
MW: While running the marathon you don’t really get that there are 27,000 people running with you, the feeling of the run was similar to River Bank (5/3 Riverbank Run, Grand Rapids, MI). However, standing in line for the busses to get to athlete village and then getting to athlete village and seeing two gigantic fields loaded with people sitting down, standing up, waiting in line for the porta-potty, etc., is when it really hit me. Wow, there were a lot of people.
TS: Boston’s course is legendary. What were the highlights and challenges that the course itself?
MW: The crowds and tailgating the entire 26 miles was the highlight. I loved the uphill portions. The course was a nice course to run with tons and tons of support.
TS: The crowd support at Boston, I understand, is something to behold. What were your observations?
MW: There was never a spot along the course without crowd support. NEVER. I was expecting gaps between cities and towns. There were no gaps in spectators or support. Kids were out handing out licorice, water, oranges, and freezer pops. Everyone was cheering LOUD the entire time. There were tons of signs and lots of smiles. We were even interviewed by the local news as we were running up heart break hill.
TS: What is one of your most memorable moments during the marathon?
MW: When I was in line to get me finisher medal and got to the front, the guy putting them around our necks wouldn’t give one to me…I couldn’t figure out why. He kept looking down at my shirt and then back up at my face…I finally realized it was because I didn’t have my bib number showing. I had put a long sleeve shirt on over my running shirt and covered up my bib number. Once I lifted up my shirt and showed him my bib number, he smiled and said, “That’s the ticket” and put the medal around my neck.
TS: What was the most difficult part of the race for you?
MW: Any marathon is difficult. Just running the entire 26.2 miles and staying mentally tough.
TS: What’s more important to you, the finisher’s medal or the commemorative, technical, long-sleeved shirt?
MW: The finisher’s medal because only a finisher gets that.
TS: What did you rely on for race day nutrition along the course?
MW: I took two GU’s and drank Gatorade and water along the way. I grabbed couple of freezer pops. I love popsicles during a race.
TS: Other than your shoes and apparel, what piece of equipment could you simply not live without?
MW: I guess my fuel belt for my 16-20 mile training runs.
TS: Where was the best place to eat in Boston?
MW: Mikes Pastries
TS: Would you rather run backwards for a 5k or run a double marathon?
MW: I don’t know!!
TS: Who would be a better marathoner, the Cookie Monster or the Family Guy?
MW: Cookie Monster as long as there were cookies at the end
TS: What would be worse, forgetting your socks for a marathon or not being able to drink anything throughout the entire event?
MW: Not being able to drink anything throughout the entire event.
TS: What do you want your kids to take away from your example of running in the world’s premier marathon?
MW: Do your best with God’s given talents. Prepare and then enjoy.
TS: If you were given a $400 gift certificate for the expo at Boston, what would be the first thing you would want to buy?
MW: Since I already have my technical shirt…I guess a grey sweatshirt and some socks.
TS: Now that you’ve had a few days to limp around and lick your proverbial wounds, what’s next on the running agenda for you?
MW: Sunburst Marathon, June 5th.
My Book
Find at Amazon.com
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SPRING BREAK REPORT
Spring Break: The week long segment of the school year that is most cherished because it is long awaited and marks the beginning of the end.
Several Spring Breaks have been spent down in Florida with a fantastic setting and wonderful people. I would have the chance to run in shorts and no shirt at 7:00 a.m. along the Gulf of Mexico, or duke it out later with even hotter temperatures and a shot at feeling like a warrior in the mid-day sun. Furthermore, a swim was often in order in the Gulf, but this freaks me out pretty good, so one year I drove into town and swam laps in an outdoor pool. In addition to all of these great oportunities I could have the chance to run with family as well. The one missing element though was my bike. I wished I could have my bike. Well, this year was not spent in Florida, but in Michigan, but we had pretty darn good weather and I had a chance to take advantage of some solid workout opportunities. So, below is a recap of how this week in training unfolded.
MONDAY- I attempted my first time trial of the year ("backyard-style" solo effert on a favorite stretch of mine). The wind was from the west around 13 mph and the temperature hovered around 64 degrees, so I was set up well for success. My goal was to average 23 mph, but I thought even with a strong effort, this might be a stretch being so early in the season and all. Well, I worked my tail off going into the wind, pushing the pace the whole time. When I finally hit the turn-around, I was ready to have the relief of a tailwind. However, I told myself, "Just because it's easier, doesn't mean you get to take it easy," and I gave it everything I had. When I reached the end I was amazed to read the following on my bicycle's computer "AVG 24.0"! At first I thought I read it wrong or was looking at MAX speed. When I realized it was correct I was both thrilled and concerned. Thrilled because it was frickin' awesome for me and concerned because I had set the bar really high for myself for this particular task. We'll see how it translates when I start doing the time trials with the Grand Rapids, Rapid Wheelmen in May.
TUESDAY: I set out to run 4 miles. My original plan was to run my first two miles easy, and my last two miles fast. As I got closer to the Caledonia High School track, I thought, "Hmm, why not see how we can do on the oval." I made my way down, did a ceremonial 50 meter stride, then turned around and started jogging toward the start of what would be the first 400 of my 4x400m workout. My heart rate started going up before I hit the line in anticipation of what was coming, but I told myself to run fast-but-controlled. I hit the "start" button on my watch and sped up to the pace I felt fit the description above. I figured 1:20's would be good and at 200m I saw :38 on my watch, so I backed it down a little, but gradually. I still tried to remain steady and not panic because I didn't feel like I was going to wreck myself. When I crossed the finish line and hit the lap button, I saw 1:19. "Perfect!" I thought, as I jogged slowly for 200m before starting my next interval. Pow! 1:17 and still feeling fine. Bang! 1:15..."Whew! Where did that come from," I asked myself.
Then, before I started my last 400, I saw a person walking down the hill toward the track. It could have been some local who was going to walk or jog for general fitness, it could have been a former cross country or track runner coming to see if he still "had it" or maybe even a current harrier coming down to bring the lumber to his workout to show the old guy how it's really done. Without my glasses, it could have been any or all of the above. That didn't really matter. What mattered at this point was that I nail the last one with good form and without bending at the waist sucking air when I got done. Shazam! Another 1:15! ...and a gentle trott to exit the track having done my thing. I didn't see my visitor up close to see who he was and I didn't really care if he was impressed, but I wanted him to know I didn't competely suck. I was mostly just glad I got through the workout with my dignity and body still in tact. Finally, I took a comfortable pace home.
WEDNESDAY: The weather was...not so good. I spent the morning on the trainer taking it easy and letting my legs recover from the two previous days' workouts.
THURSDAY: This would be the only day I would swim due to pool availability. 100yd. w/up...1,100yd. steady...4x50yd. fast...100yd. c/down. I was just glad to swim at all this week. My pool was closed, so I tagged along with Ryan at the lush East Kentwood High School facility. Who wants clear water with appropriate amounts of chlorine anyway?
FRIDAY: Today I broke out my Saucony Grid Tangents to get my feet used to a lighter, less supportive shoe for my upcoming events. My intention was not to go fast, but to start out relaxed and let the run decide where to take me from there. It wasn't a super-fast run, but I did do negative splits. 7:09, 7:00, 6:50, 6:43. I'll take it.
SATURDAY: Rode to Ryan's house, then we headed north throuh Ada and ended up on Cannonsburg Road, and brought it back south on Egypt Valley Road. Cool route, great hills, and the day was clear and sunny. Yes, it started out around 34 degrees, but it climbed to 60 by the end of the ride. It was a bit challenging heading back from Ryan's because the south wind picked up to around 18-20 mph, but it's all good. I rounded out the ride at 60 miles. Good stuff.
SUNDAY: Ran my long run solo today. Mapmyride helped me select a solid route to take on. It had varried terrain containing flats, rolling hills, big hills, and beautiful scenery. I started out relaxed with intention of keeping it that way. However, at the turn at about 7.5 miles in, I faced a really long hill (the one on 108th heading west from Whitneyville for those familiar) and I couldn't just woddle up it, so I went after it...albeit in a steady-as-she-goes kind of way. I recovered on the top and down the other side in time to go after the second hill. After that the road leveled out and I settled back into a comfortable pace. When I had two miles to go, I decided that if I still felt good, I would allow myself to push the last mile. I did...and I did, and I felt strong doing it. Upon finishing I discovered I pulled off a 7:17 per mile average which is outstanding; especially since my heartrate was at a reasonable average (152) AND perhaps more importantly, my calves felt good!
I thought it would be wise to stand in the lake (likely 38 degrees) for 10 minutes for "icing". I brought my iPod down to listen to a podcast to occupy my mind. When I first stepped in I didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but after a few moments I adjusted and it became doable. Plus the neighbors were watching, so I couldn't wuss out at that point.
So, I didn't go to Florida for Spring Break, but I had a great experience at home in Michigan.
Boston (for Maggie) is a week from tomorrow and we're excited as heck, my first event is less than a week after that (Grand Duathlon), and all this is when we really get this party started!
Peace.
Several Spring Breaks have been spent down in Florida with a fantastic setting and wonderful people. I would have the chance to run in shorts and no shirt at 7:00 a.m. along the Gulf of Mexico, or duke it out later with even hotter temperatures and a shot at feeling like a warrior in the mid-day sun. Furthermore, a swim was often in order in the Gulf, but this freaks me out pretty good, so one year I drove into town and swam laps in an outdoor pool. In addition to all of these great oportunities I could have the chance to run with family as well. The one missing element though was my bike. I wished I could have my bike. Well, this year was not spent in Florida, but in Michigan, but we had pretty darn good weather and I had a chance to take advantage of some solid workout opportunities. So, below is a recap of how this week in training unfolded.
MONDAY- I attempted my first time trial of the year ("backyard-style" solo effert on a favorite stretch of mine). The wind was from the west around 13 mph and the temperature hovered around 64 degrees, so I was set up well for success. My goal was to average 23 mph, but I thought even with a strong effort, this might be a stretch being so early in the season and all. Well, I worked my tail off going into the wind, pushing the pace the whole time. When I finally hit the turn-around, I was ready to have the relief of a tailwind. However, I told myself, "Just because it's easier, doesn't mean you get to take it easy," and I gave it everything I had. When I reached the end I was amazed to read the following on my bicycle's computer "AVG 24.0"! At first I thought I read it wrong or was looking at MAX speed. When I realized it was correct I was both thrilled and concerned. Thrilled because it was frickin' awesome for me and concerned because I had set the bar really high for myself for this particular task. We'll see how it translates when I start doing the time trials with the Grand Rapids, Rapid Wheelmen in May.
TUESDAY: I set out to run 4 miles. My original plan was to run my first two miles easy, and my last two miles fast. As I got closer to the Caledonia High School track, I thought, "Hmm, why not see how we can do on the oval." I made my way down, did a ceremonial 50 meter stride, then turned around and started jogging toward the start of what would be the first 400 of my 4x400m workout. My heart rate started going up before I hit the line in anticipation of what was coming, but I told myself to run fast-but-controlled. I hit the "start" button on my watch and sped up to the pace I felt fit the description above. I figured 1:20's would be good and at 200m I saw :38 on my watch, so I backed it down a little, but gradually. I still tried to remain steady and not panic because I didn't feel like I was going to wreck myself. When I crossed the finish line and hit the lap button, I saw 1:19. "Perfect!" I thought, as I jogged slowly for 200m before starting my next interval. Pow! 1:17 and still feeling fine. Bang! 1:15..."Whew! Where did that come from," I asked myself.
Then, before I started my last 400, I saw a person walking down the hill toward the track. It could have been some local who was going to walk or jog for general fitness, it could have been a former cross country or track runner coming to see if he still "had it" or maybe even a current harrier coming down to bring the lumber to his workout to show the old guy how it's really done. Without my glasses, it could have been any or all of the above. That didn't really matter. What mattered at this point was that I nail the last one with good form and without bending at the waist sucking air when I got done. Shazam! Another 1:15! ...and a gentle trott to exit the track having done my thing. I didn't see my visitor up close to see who he was and I didn't really care if he was impressed, but I wanted him to know I didn't competely suck. I was mostly just glad I got through the workout with my dignity and body still in tact. Finally, I took a comfortable pace home.
WEDNESDAY: The weather was...not so good. I spent the morning on the trainer taking it easy and letting my legs recover from the two previous days' workouts.
THURSDAY: This would be the only day I would swim due to pool availability. 100yd. w/up...1,100yd. steady...4x50yd. fast...100yd. c/down. I was just glad to swim at all this week. My pool was closed, so I tagged along with Ryan at the lush East Kentwood High School facility. Who wants clear water with appropriate amounts of chlorine anyway?
FRIDAY: Today I broke out my Saucony Grid Tangents to get my feet used to a lighter, less supportive shoe for my upcoming events. My intention was not to go fast, but to start out relaxed and let the run decide where to take me from there. It wasn't a super-fast run, but I did do negative splits. 7:09, 7:00, 6:50, 6:43. I'll take it.
SATURDAY: Rode to Ryan's house, then we headed north throuh Ada and ended up on Cannonsburg Road, and brought it back south on Egypt Valley Road. Cool route, great hills, and the day was clear and sunny. Yes, it started out around 34 degrees, but it climbed to 60 by the end of the ride. It was a bit challenging heading back from Ryan's because the south wind picked up to around 18-20 mph, but it's all good. I rounded out the ride at 60 miles. Good stuff.
SUNDAY: Ran my long run solo today. Mapmyride helped me select a solid route to take on. It had varried terrain containing flats, rolling hills, big hills, and beautiful scenery. I started out relaxed with intention of keeping it that way. However, at the turn at about 7.5 miles in, I faced a really long hill (the one on 108th heading west from Whitneyville for those familiar) and I couldn't just woddle up it, so I went after it...albeit in a steady-as-she-goes kind of way. I recovered on the top and down the other side in time to go after the second hill. After that the road leveled out and I settled back into a comfortable pace. When I had two miles to go, I decided that if I still felt good, I would allow myself to push the last mile. I did...and I did, and I felt strong doing it. Upon finishing I discovered I pulled off a 7:17 per mile average which is outstanding; especially since my heartrate was at a reasonable average (152) AND perhaps more importantly, my calves felt good!
I thought it would be wise to stand in the lake (likely 38 degrees) for 10 minutes for "icing". I brought my iPod down to listen to a podcast to occupy my mind. When I first stepped in I didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but after a few moments I adjusted and it became doable. Plus the neighbors were watching, so I couldn't wuss out at that point.
So, I didn't go to Florida for Spring Break, but I had a great experience at home in Michigan.
Boston (for Maggie) is a week from tomorrow and we're excited as heck, my first event is less than a week after that (Grand Duathlon), and all this is when we really get this party started!
Peace.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Good Things Are Happening!
Working backward...
...This morning I ran 10 miles with Ryan and Josh on a fairly hilly route with temps in the mid-50's with little wind. Other than a hint of a suggestion, of a tease for calf discomfort in the last mile-ish, my calves felt great! It was by far my best long run of 2010.
...Yesterday I rode to Ryan's and we took a southern route in some descent wind, but 80+ degrees. I faced a serious wind heading home to round out a 60-mile ride, which was a great workout. Nevermind the sunburn I earned while not in Florida.
...The day before yesterday I had a solid, steady-state 4-mile run which preceded an equal-type effort in the pool for 1,200 yards.
EVENTS...
...Maggie did her last long run for Boston yesterday.
The day she qualified I was excited to go to Boston to see her accomplish something I wanted to do once upon a time, but I'm getting increasingly stoked as the day gets nearer.
...GU contacted me and offered to comp my race fee for the Rev3 Triathlon in Knoxville, TN in May. Very cool!
...It's Spring Break and I hope to get in some solid workouts this week.
Thanks for checking in. Rock on! Peace!
~Sam
...This morning I ran 10 miles with Ryan and Josh on a fairly hilly route with temps in the mid-50's with little wind. Other than a hint of a suggestion, of a tease for calf discomfort in the last mile-ish, my calves felt great! It was by far my best long run of 2010.
...Yesterday I rode to Ryan's and we took a southern route in some descent wind, but 80+ degrees. I faced a serious wind heading home to round out a 60-mile ride, which was a great workout. Nevermind the sunburn I earned while not in Florida.
...The day before yesterday I had a solid, steady-state 4-mile run which preceded an equal-type effort in the pool for 1,200 yards.
EVENTS...
...Maggie did her last long run for Boston yesterday.
The day she qualified I was excited to go to Boston to see her accomplish something I wanted to do once upon a time, but I'm getting increasingly stoked as the day gets nearer.
...GU contacted me and offered to comp my race fee for the Rev3 Triathlon in Knoxville, TN in May. Very cool!
...It's Spring Break and I hope to get in some solid workouts this week.
Thanks for checking in. Rock on! Peace!
~Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)