Injury report from the Savage 7.

Well, I signed up for the Savage 7, 7 marathons in 7 days, in Ocala, FL. Day 1 was on Dec. 26, and day 7 will be on New Year's Day. I've had blisters on my toes for years, but most of the time they aren't so painful, and heal quickly. This time I developed a blister on the bottom of my right heel, about the size of a pea. For day 2, I put a blister pad on it and tape on top of that, but the blister grew to about 1-1/2 times the size of a quarter. Because I was trying to protect the right heel, I irritated my left knee. So then I had two problems.

I rested on Day 3, thinking I could heal everything. Disappointed that I was out of the running for completing all 7, but still hoping to do 6/7, I went out again on Day 4. Determined to just walk at a comfortable pace, I did all right until about mile 16 or so. It was hard to judge miles because we were running laps on a track--105.5 per day. Then the knee started to hurt and I realized I had a new blister that was even more painful than the first. So I limped my way to the finish--that was no day for quitting.

That night I pricked all the blisters and hoped to be able to go out on Day 5, but when I got up I couldn't put weight on my right heel yet, so I threw in the towel. I'm done for this series, but if this event is repeated again next year, I'm in again.

Anyone know how to heal the pain in the back of my knee in a week? I'm doing First Light on Jan. 9, 2011.

Two more marathons added to the count

I ran Space Coast Marathon (Cocoa, FL) on November 28 and the Palm Beaches Marathon on December 5. Interesting, I ran 3 x 1's at Space Coast and finished with a chip time of 5:29. Last week, once I realized I'd forgotten to refill my little container of electrolyte capsules, I decided to be more conservative and I ran 2 x 1's. I still finished in 5:29 chip time. Also, it was sunnier and hotter for the last two hours in Palm Beach than it was in Cocoa.

This weekend is the Mangrove Marathon in Cape Coral, FL. I've never been to Captiva or Sanibel, even though I've lived in Florida since 1974. I know, I should be embarrassed, and I am. I plan to leave early enough on Saturday that I'll have time to at least drive out onto the islands and maybe take a short walk on the beach. Haven't looked at the weather forecast yet, so I don't know how cold or windy it will be. The length of my walk will be directly affected by the conditions.

The marathon count is now up to 85. And I got my fake Christmas tree up this weekend. I copied someone's Facebook post, and decorated the tree with marathon medals. Made it easy. Thanks to whomever....

Black Friday running shoes

I set the alarm for 5:00, but slept in for another hour before I could drag myself out of the bed. I wanted to take advantage of Sports Authority's running shoe sale--2nd pair half price. I need two new pairs anyway, for the upcoming 7 marathons in 7 days. I know I'm going to want to change up shoes. So I finally get to "my" Sports Authority to find it dark and locked. Oh no! But I consulted the old Yellow Pages I keep in my car (I'm still low tech) and found the store's new location. Wasn't too crowded, either. Got a pair of Asics and a pair of Sauconys. Both feel well cushioned. And I got new SofSoles while I was there. Can't decide which new pair I'll wear at Space Coast on Sunday.

How to start training for long distance runs

If you're a 5K or 10K runner, you might be afraid of a half marathon, or a even more a full marathon. I remember when I couldn't imagine running longer than six miles. I thought a 10K stretched my limits. But hearing other runners talk about longer distances finally got me motivated to try it.

I learned that I could extend my distance just a little each week, IF I slowed my pace just a little. I was careful to keep my mid-week runs the same distance, only increasing one run a week. Seven wasn't bad, either was eight. Nine make me aware of a little more fatigue than usual, as did ten. I repeated several ten's before I moved on to eleven and twelve. Then the big thirteen! The key is to take your time--go slow and easy. After the distance is established, you can then work on speed at that distance.

Finished 83rd marathon

Wouldn't you think I'd be well-practiced at running marathons by now? Not so. This Sunday, in Pensacola, I felt so bad at mile 21 that I walked more than ran the last 5 miles. I must have underestimated the effect of the heat and sun, and didn't take enough electrolyte capsules. Also, the cups of water/Gatorade were small and infrequent the last few miles, so maybe I didn't drink enough. Anyway, I tried to hang around the finish line to wait for friends to come in, but felt so bad I needed to get to the car and turn on the AC. After a few minutes of cool air blowing in my face, I felt it was safe to drive, and within a couple of hours, I felt fine. When will I learn how to gauge liquid intake and electrolyte replacement. Anybody have any advice?

Marathon season begins

This weekend sort of begins the "marathon season" for me. Here in Florida, nearly all the marathons are in the winter, so I have a full schedule for the next few months. But first I'm going to Raleigh for the City of Oaks this weekend. It's a 50 States reunion run--I'll be helping at the booth and at the meeting.

Then it's Pensacola the following week, and Space Coast 2 weeks after that. In December I have Palm Beach, Cape Coral, Jacksonville, and then finish the month with Savage's Seven--7 in 7 days. Or at least I'll attempt the Savage Seven. Not sure I can make all 7 days, but I'm going to try my best. Hope to see you at one of these.

Late report on Hawaii marathon, March 2010

I know this is a late report, but I just posted photos from my Hawaii trip to my Facebook page. The link is