Race Recap - CIM
This past weekend I ran a marathon in 3 hours and 24 minutes. To Boston Qualify I need to run it about 14 minutes faster. Let’s dissect this race to see ways to improve, but before we start into that, let’s do a brief recap.
My life, like most of us, has been a world wind for the past couple years. Change in careers, family dynamics, international pandemic…you know, the usual stuff.
My running “schedule” for months has been inconsistent at best.
My Long Run topped out at 17 miles and that run was about a month ago.
I didn’t even run in the three days leading up to the event.
My business was burglarized about 24 hours before the starting pistol went off. I’m writing this now on my phone since my laptop was stolen.
All the above had me walking into the race knowing that this was going to be a mental and spiritual gut check. I was unfortunately correct.
I woke up on race day at 3am to catch the 3:30am Uber that I THOUGHT I had scheduled correctly, but alas, I accidentally had scheduled it for 3:30pm instead (I can laugh about it now, but on race day there were cuss words and woo-sah moments as I was trying not to freak out). After scarfing down a banana, I hopped into an Uber and began the journey from the hotel to the finish line where I checked my bag and boarded a bus that takes runners to the starting line at 5am (I’m pretty sure that I was snoring by 5:15).
At CIM, you aren’t able to be dropped off at the starting line. Their well orchestrated bus system is your mode of transportation. This was my second time running CIM so I was familiar with the process. The kind bus drivers graciously allow you to remain on the bus until the race begins. Being that it was before 6am and freezing, this luxury was greatly appreciated.
The rest was much needed. I knew there was nothing I could do physically to prepare at this point. That ship had sailed, so instead I meditated and visualized success.
I must have been pretty focused and tired because by the time I woke up and made it through the porta-potty line, The Star Spangled Banner had been sung and the pacer for my goal time group was already running the course.
I crossed the starting line to begin the race at 7:07am with the 4 hour marathon pace group. I had my Garmin watch pace set to keep me at around 7:45 min/mi (slower than BQ pace, but a pace that I believed I could manage). The downhills in miles 2-4 allowed for a relaxed sub 7:15 pace. Due to lack of fuel strategy planning, I made my first bathroom stop by mile 5. After the quick pit-stop I was back to work. I was averaging around 7:30 minute miles until mile 10 where the pain began to creep in. This is the part o the race I knew was coming, but hoped it would show up late. It didn’t. Punctual as the person you gave a courtesy last minute invite to the party that you hoped had other plans. DING-DONG!
After bathroom break #2 at mile 14, I settled in for the long-haul.
I ran this race with no headphones/music. I avoided conversations (my apologies to those who attempted to engage with me as I ran away from them. I was focused. Focused on form, breathing correctly, listening to my body and finishing the race. Like I mentioned before, this was a mental and spiritual battle and I needed to stay focused to achieve the desired results.
Here I was.
In pain.
In a race unprepared (again)
In my own head wondering if Uber would pick me up from one of these side streets.
I was struggling, but determined.
In spite of Covid, the volunteers for CIM showed up in so many ways. From the well orchestrated socially distanced expo to receiving medals at the end of the race, the volunteers were plentiful, supportive and excited. Thank you to all 4,000 of you for being there for us all in spite of the cold and amount of water spilled on you at the water stops (guilty as charged).
As I approached mile 20, I ran through the CIM infamous wall with my head down and breathing deeply. Saying that “I was tired” at this point feels like a massive understatement. About 24 hours before the race, my business was robbed. Ten hours before the race, I was filing a police report. This last 10k was not the biggest hurdle in my life right now and I was determined to get over it one way or another.
As I approached the finish line I was blessed to see some familiar faces. My Black Men Run brothers were there cheering and calling my name at the final turn. It was needed in that moment more than they knew. Thank you for that.
As I rounded the corner I was elated to see my beautiful wife, business partner and best friend ) all same person).She had been through every trial with me leading up to race day and was right there in the freezing cold waiting for me at the finish line to support. There are no words to express the gratitude I have for her.
After crossing the finish line, my body had a complete melt down. I couldn’t walk. I could barely stand. I was grateful that my wife was there for so many reasons. I’m also appreciative of whoever planted those large palm trees at the Sacramento State Capital building. Those trees are great for leaning on after a race when you can’t feel your legs (lol).
My wife helped me to the car, brought me back to our hotel room where she had drawn me a spiritual bath. After I was able to soak for a few minutes, I felt a heckuva lot better. I had regained the ability to walk like a human again! We stopped in Davis on our way home to eat at an amazing Italian restaurant called Peasano’s. The food was amazing and exactly what I needed.
After race day, I decided to take a few days to fully process the race, recover and plan for the next. The pains that plagued me over the past couple days include:
Knee soreness: not sharp shooting pain. Just a dull muscle soreness
Hip flexor soreness
Minor calf soreness
As of today, I’m pain free which is surprising to say the least. Guess it’s time to get back to work.
What’s Next?
Now that the CIM training is behind us, it’s time to get to work in a major way so let’s talk numbers.
At CIM I ran a 3:24 marathon which is approximately 7:48min/mi
In order to qualify for the BostonMarathon I need to run under 3:10 which is 7:15min/mi
To have a chance to run Boston I probably need to be closer to 3hrs
The question is: How do I improve? With the vast number of mishaps in this race makes the answer multifaceted.
Increase Mileage: I approached CIM race day with a max out of 45 miles per week. I’d like to be at more than 80/wk by Oakland Marathon.
Speed Work: Let’s get comfortable running fast again. It’s time to incorporate some repeats into the mix to get my body used to running fast and recovering from it. Finding a local track will be extremely helpful.
Fix What Hurts: After the race, my body was weak. In the past couple of days I’ve been able to assess the pains, determine why and figure out how to reduce the pressure on some points. Some methods to achieve this will include strength training. Most will be through form correction.
Hill Work: while CIM has some hills, they’re speed bumps compared to Oakland. The city I live in is pancake flat so venturing out for runs will be necessary for training.
DISCIPLINE: It’s time to get consistent in spite of everything else that’s going on. While I am pleased with the results of CIM, in less than 3 months my goal is to run a marathon even faster than what now is my PR on a more challenging course. No easy feat for anyone, but with proper planning, I believe it’s about to happen.
In March 2022 I will be running the Oakland Marathon and I plan on ringing the Boston Qualifiers bell at the finish.
In the next couple days I’ll be making a workout plan that incorporates the things I learned from CIM 2021 as well as the life lessons I’ve experienced that apply to this moment. It’s game time. I need to show up physically, mentally and spiritually for success.
On March 20, 2022, I invite you all to come out, run or spectate. They offer everything from a 5k to an ultra-marathon. They even have a marathon relay (I’ve run it before and it’s awesome).
In mile 25, the race will be passing by my wife & I’s store Queen Hippie Gypsy on 14th St. Expect a party here.
Thank you for following the journey. Be sure to sign up for our mailing list so that you know when new blog post updates are shared. I’ll be documenting on this blog weekly how things are going. If you follow me, you’ll be able to see the training on strava.
If you are interested in having a training plan created for yourself, click on the link below and tell us about your goals. We’re here to help you achieve them.
Thank you for reading this race recap. Thank you CIM. We’re glad you are back and better than ever. Special thank you to my wife for all the support. I love you.
The journey begins today. Enjoy every beautiful step in the process. See you on the road.
