It's been a whirlwind of a couple weeks and I have lagged severely in keeping up-to-date on my marathon training efforts. In fact, I was actually surprised to learn that I hadn't mentioned anything since after week #4 of the training, and here I am beginning week #8 already. I won't bore you too much with all the details, but suffice it to say that I am still in the game, and feeling better about my efforts now than I have since I began. Last week was particularly rough, as the long run was 11 miles and it was very grueling. I felt like I walked more than I ran, and ended up very discouraged. The book I'm using talks a lot about the mental aspect, and includes testimonials from folks who have been through the training in the past. Several of those testimonials seemed to coincide with exactly what I was experiencing after last Sunday. Several mentioned their bodies being worn down, and their inability to finish a run without walking. In so much as I was discouraged after my tough run, I was encouraged to learn I wasn't alone, if that makes any sense.
That was all week #6. Week #7 was much kinder, and I found myself really pushing my pace on the shorter runs of the week, and having some success with it. Finally, this last Sunday was a twelve mile run to end the week. Was I nervous? Absolutely. In fact, I was flat scared. But I'll be darned if I didn't finish that twelve miles feeling the best yet. Sure, my legs were dog tired and felt like rubber, but I still had the mental and physical stamina to finish the run. So, I'm pretty much feeling on top of the world at this point, and as I begin the eighth week of the program. I've racked up a total of 138 miles since I began the training, and will be half-way home at the end of this week with a total of 166 miles.
As I celebrate my 37th birthday today, I am so glad to have made the decision to follow through with this training. I have already said I probably won't do another marathon, as the training takes a lot of time. But, I have definitely found a new appreciation for running and what it has done for my body both mentally and physically. And, I've learned that despite my age, I'm really not too old to continue to challenge myself. Us silly humans really can do anything we decide to put our minds to, of that I am convinced. Heck, I'm proving it!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Post-Plunge Pontification
The marquee on the way to the lake this morning read a balmy 19 degrees outside, but that wasn't so much what I was worried about. I can handle 19 degrees. In fact, for winter in Nebraska, 19 degrees is a pretty decent temp. What concerned me, though, was the 25-30 m.p.h. wind gusting out of the North. I never saw an official reading, but my best guess would have put the wind chill at just above zero, and that's away from the lake. Standing in the wind coming right off of Holmes Lake, the stage for today's Polar Plunge, I would have guessed the wind chill to have dipped below zero. Oh yeah, it was cold. Definitely a perfect stage for a "Polar" Plunge.
Despite the temps, though, Plungers turned out in great numbers this morning to help raise money for Special Olympics. The event seems to be growing every year, with more and more people "taking the plunge." I have no clue as to just how much money was raised overall, but I would have to say several thousands of dollars. It was an incredible sight! In fact, I would venture to say the organizers of the event will have to do some serious planning for next year, as things moved pretty slow and un-methodical this morning due to the unexpected numbers. As much as I complained about the entire process, from registration to the actual plunge itself, in hindsight, it's a good problem to have.
And yes, the plunge itself this morning was everything it promised to be - very, very cold. It's funny how the body reacts when hit with extreme temperatures such as this morning. My brain was moving at breakneck speed to get in and out of the water, but my body just wasn't having it. I felt like I was in a big vat of icy cold, thick mud. I....just....couldn't........move! And then there's the task of trying to change after getting out of said vat of proverbial mud. Fingers are numb, toes are numb. Okay, so, the whole body is pretty much numb. My teeth even hurt.
But hey, it's for a fantastic cause, and it's all over again until next year. My team had another blast pulling this off, and I once again want to give a huge shout out to all the folks who so graciously donated, both monetarily and with words and expressions of encouragement and support. All of you people rock! Until next year.....
Despite the temps, though, Plungers turned out in great numbers this morning to help raise money for Special Olympics. The event seems to be growing every year, with more and more people "taking the plunge." I have no clue as to just how much money was raised overall, but I would have to say several thousands of dollars. It was an incredible sight! In fact, I would venture to say the organizers of the event will have to do some serious planning for next year, as things moved pretty slow and un-methodical this morning due to the unexpected numbers. As much as I complained about the entire process, from registration to the actual plunge itself, in hindsight, it's a good problem to have.
And yes, the plunge itself this morning was everything it promised to be - very, very cold. It's funny how the body reacts when hit with extreme temperatures such as this morning. My brain was moving at breakneck speed to get in and out of the water, but my body just wasn't having it. I felt like I was in a big vat of icy cold, thick mud. I....just....couldn't........move! And then there's the task of trying to change after getting out of said vat of proverbial mud. Fingers are numb, toes are numb. Okay, so, the whole body is pretty much numb. My teeth even hurt.
But hey, it's for a fantastic cause, and it's all over again until next year. My team had another blast pulling this off, and I once again want to give a huge shout out to all the folks who so graciously donated, both monetarily and with words and expressions of encouragement and support. All of you people rock! Until next year.....
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Polar Plunge!
It just dawned on me...I don't think I've ever posted anything on my blog about this years' Polar Plunge. Doh! I know I put a note on my Facebook page, but I don't know how many folks read that and I'm sure there are those who read this blog but don't read Facebook. Anyway....
Hey - I am just 7 days away from participating in the Polar Plunge again this year to raise money for Special Olympics. I love this organization and what they stand for, and what they do for those who use their services. It's a wonderful cause, and one in which I am proud to support. I know times are tough right now, and I know not everyone is able to give. I totally understand - my family is pinching serious pennies right now, too. But, if you happen to have an extra dollar or two laying around that needs a home, would you consider throwing it towards Special Olympics, Nebraska? Your efforts help fund the Special Olympics, giving special needs folks wonderful opportunities to compete in athletic events, and more importantly, help raise their self-worth. It is truly fantastic!
Please visit my fund-raising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/bigkev. This site is completely safe, and totally secure. That said, if you would feel better about a personal check, feel free to mail one to my address, made out to Special Olympics, Nebraska. You can mail it to the following:
Kevin Campbell
131 Sante Fe Trail
Lincoln, NE. 68521
Thanks so much for your consideration - I am nearing the halfway point of my $1000 goal, so any help you can provide would be most-appreciated. And a big thanks to those who have already donated - THANK YOU!!
Hey - I am just 7 days away from participating in the Polar Plunge again this year to raise money for Special Olympics. I love this organization and what they stand for, and what they do for those who use their services. It's a wonderful cause, and one in which I am proud to support. I know times are tough right now, and I know not everyone is able to give. I totally understand - my family is pinching serious pennies right now, too. But, if you happen to have an extra dollar or two laying around that needs a home, would you consider throwing it towards Special Olympics, Nebraska? Your efforts help fund the Special Olympics, giving special needs folks wonderful opportunities to compete in athletic events, and more importantly, help raise their self-worth. It is truly fantastic!
Please visit my fund-raising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/bigkev. This site is completely safe, and totally secure. That said, if you would feel better about a personal check, feel free to mail one to my address, made out to Special Olympics, Nebraska. You can mail it to the following:
Kevin Campbell
131 Sante Fe Trail
Lincoln, NE. 68521
Thanks so much for your consideration - I am nearing the halfway point of my $1000 goal, so any help you can provide would be most-appreciated. And a big thanks to those who have already donated - THANK YOU!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Training: Week #4 Recap
So, I'm a month into my training now. Four weeks have gone by since I began, which means I'm exactly 1/4 of the way through the program. By the way, I don't remember if I've mentioned what book I'm using. It's titled The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer, by David Whitsett and Forest Dolgener. It's an easy read, and an easy-to-follow program for getting in shape to run a marathon. And it doesn't matter how much running experience you have, which makes it perfect for someone like me who used to despise running. Also, I'm using several tips from The Complete Idiot's Guide To Running, 2nd Edition. This book was given to me by my dear friend Alex after I first began expressing the idea of running a marathon.
Anyway, back to the training. Week #4 seemed to be a turning point, of sorts. I came through week #3 pretty sore and somewhat discouraged, wondering if my body could handle this intense training. I had begun to question myself, and whether I could really make a go of this thing. I was laying in bed at nights unable to sleep because my feet hurt, my knees hurt, my legs were sore, etc. I tried to stay as positive as possible, and tell myself it was all a part of adjusting to a kind of physical activity the likes of which my body has never been close to attempting. A friend of mine who has some marathon experience, sympathized with me. He made a comment something to the effect of, "Your body is telling you have absolutely no business putting it through this kind of intensity, that you are way too out of shape to even consider something like this. It's rebelling, big time. But your brain is forcing the issue, and your body can't compete with the brain." Thanks, Mr. Tate. You're exactly correct.
So I began week #4 with everything I had left, and things went much better. It seems my body is beginning to accept the fact that it is going to run, and it is going to run a lot. I added another 18 miles to the 49 I had amassed, bringing my total to 67 as of last Sunday. Sunday's eight-mile run wasn't necessarily an easy one, but it did go much better than expected. I have found a curious problem in all of this training, though. The short runs, which are between 3 and 5 miles, seem to be tougher than the long runs of the week. I don't quite get that, other than the possibility that it's a mental thing. I wonder if I'm thinking the short runs will be pieces of cakes compared to the long runs, and am kind of psyching myself out? Not sure, but that will be the next hurdle to overcome. I'd really like ALL the runs to be enjoyable, but right now, I'm having trouble enjoying the shorter ones.
So here I am, already into week #5. Two 3-mile runs, a 5-mile run, and a 10-mile run will be the order of the week, and I've already done one of the 3's and the 5. I have the other 3 on Friday, sandwiched between a couple of off-days, and then the 10-mile trek on Sunday. My brother, who is also training, predicted it would be quite a feeling to have run 10 miles. I fully concur, and look forward to accomplishing the feat. Thanks for all the support, prayers, and ongoing advice!!
Anyway, back to the training. Week #4 seemed to be a turning point, of sorts. I came through week #3 pretty sore and somewhat discouraged, wondering if my body could handle this intense training. I had begun to question myself, and whether I could really make a go of this thing. I was laying in bed at nights unable to sleep because my feet hurt, my knees hurt, my legs were sore, etc. I tried to stay as positive as possible, and tell myself it was all a part of adjusting to a kind of physical activity the likes of which my body has never been close to attempting. A friend of mine who has some marathon experience, sympathized with me. He made a comment something to the effect of, "Your body is telling you have absolutely no business putting it through this kind of intensity, that you are way too out of shape to even consider something like this. It's rebelling, big time. But your brain is forcing the issue, and your body can't compete with the brain." Thanks, Mr. Tate. You're exactly correct.
So I began week #4 with everything I had left, and things went much better. It seems my body is beginning to accept the fact that it is going to run, and it is going to run a lot. I added another 18 miles to the 49 I had amassed, bringing my total to 67 as of last Sunday. Sunday's eight-mile run wasn't necessarily an easy one, but it did go much better than expected. I have found a curious problem in all of this training, though. The short runs, which are between 3 and 5 miles, seem to be tougher than the long runs of the week. I don't quite get that, other than the possibility that it's a mental thing. I wonder if I'm thinking the short runs will be pieces of cakes compared to the long runs, and am kind of psyching myself out? Not sure, but that will be the next hurdle to overcome. I'd really like ALL the runs to be enjoyable, but right now, I'm having trouble enjoying the shorter ones.
So here I am, already into week #5. Two 3-mile runs, a 5-mile run, and a 10-mile run will be the order of the week, and I've already done one of the 3's and the 5. I have the other 3 on Friday, sandwiched between a couple of off-days, and then the 10-mile trek on Sunday. My brother, who is also training, predicted it would be quite a feeling to have run 10 miles. I fully concur, and look forward to accomplishing the feat. Thanks for all the support, prayers, and ongoing advice!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Training: Week #3 Recap
My third week of training was, in a word, ugly. And in two words, it was real ugly. After so much success in the second week, I was quite frustrated at the end of last week. It all began shortly after the six-mile run to cap the second week, which went so well. I was preparing to feed the dogs and had to bend kind of awkwardly in order to reach more dog food, and as I did so my back tweaked just right and about dropped me to my knees. Yeah, it hurt. Unfortunately, said tweak left its mark and caused me lots of annoying pain through the week, which in turn made running much more of a chore than it should have been. I tried to press through, and did, but it was sloppy and I never quite felt in sync while running. To say the three and four mile runs on Tuesday and Wednesday were a struggle would be an understatement. It just seemed as though my body was rebelling, as the aches and pains were quite prevalent.
Friday's three mile run was much better, though, and one of the fastest runs I've had since beginning the training. That was encouraging and I felt as though the seven-mile run on Sunday would be just fine. And it probably would have been, except that Mother Nature decided to drop a very nice little mixture of snow and ice on the ground. Just to spite me, I'm sure of it. At any rate, the run was another ugly one, as I spent most of it trying to avoid injury and slipping and sliding my way through the route. Bless my dear wife, who is ever the positive one, as she looked me in the eye when I got home and said, "But you made it, right?" Yes, yes I did make it. Still, I couldn't help but think about how tough the third week was, and I even began to wonder if this marathon idea was really a smart one.
But, I've said it before and I'll say it again: this training is every bit mental as it is physical. Period. I could simply give up, or I could rise to the extra challenge and press forward. Remember the Shield of Faith I spoke about in my last blog? I picked it up, read the verse, and vowed to myself never to give up. First, I've already come to far to stop now. Second, God and my family are with me. And third, I've already paid the registration fee and I'll be damned if I let that go to waste!
After Sunday's run, I had 48 miles of training logged. I ran my three mile route today and am already feeling much better about this week. A bit of a change this week, too, as the four-mile run changes to five miles, and the long run of the week is eight miles. At weeks' end, I'll have 67 miles of training logged. Woah. Crazy. I love it! I'm a marathoner, and here I come!
Friday's three mile run was much better, though, and one of the fastest runs I've had since beginning the training. That was encouraging and I felt as though the seven-mile run on Sunday would be just fine. And it probably would have been, except that Mother Nature decided to drop a very nice little mixture of snow and ice on the ground. Just to spite me, I'm sure of it. At any rate, the run was another ugly one, as I spent most of it trying to avoid injury and slipping and sliding my way through the route. Bless my dear wife, who is ever the positive one, as she looked me in the eye when I got home and said, "But you made it, right?" Yes, yes I did make it. Still, I couldn't help but think about how tough the third week was, and I even began to wonder if this marathon idea was really a smart one.
But, I've said it before and I'll say it again: this training is every bit mental as it is physical. Period. I could simply give up, or I could rise to the extra challenge and press forward. Remember the Shield of Faith I spoke about in my last blog? I picked it up, read the verse, and vowed to myself never to give up. First, I've already come to far to stop now. Second, God and my family are with me. And third, I've already paid the registration fee and I'll be damned if I let that go to waste!
After Sunday's run, I had 48 miles of training logged. I ran my three mile route today and am already feeling much better about this week. A bit of a change this week, too, as the four-mile run changes to five miles, and the long run of the week is eight miles. At weeks' end, I'll have 67 miles of training logged. Woah. Crazy. I love it! I'm a marathoner, and here I come!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Training: Day #8
Last Friday evening, I had the pleasure of joining Mandi at the church for an evening of fellowship, dinner, and games with her MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) group. As usual, it was an enjoyable evening and I was blessed to have the opportunity. The group began the evening by giving an appreciation gift to those of us dads whose wives are on the leadership team for the group. The gift was a keychain in the shape of a shield, and called the shield of faith. On the back is printed the Bible verse from Joshua 1:9, which says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." As I read this verse, I was immediately struck by the relevance as I continue my training for the marathon.
Fast forward to last night, and the final day of the second full week of training. Yesterday's long run was a six-mile journey, and one of which I was terrified. I honestly did not believe I had the endurance to run an entire six miles without having to walk at least a small portion. I didn't feel like I was being negative, rather, simply realistic. After dressing for the cold and light falling snow, I went into my room for a few moments of silence. I literally got down on my knees, bowed my head, and thanked God for the blessing of health and the ability to even try this marathon training. I didn't ask for God's assistance during the impending run, I simply offered my thanks. I then stood, read the verse printed on the aforementioned Shield of Faith, placed it in the palm of my hand, and put my glove on over it. Out the door I went.
Trudging through the snow and facing a light, but bitter, North wind, I made my way along the previously mapped six-mile route. As I ran, my thoughts turned to my wife who has been so gracious in her support of this crazy idea. Even as I left, she looked me in the eye and told me she believed in me, and that she knew I could complete this run. I thought of my kids, who have acted as my personal cheerleading squad. And, I continued to clutch the Shield of Faith with every step. As I entered the final leg of the run, it became obvious to me that these last two weeks of training are beginning to pay off. Not once did I walk, even after climbing some pretty decent hills. Not once did I stop. I was feeling the burn, but not enough to force me to quit. As I took the last few steps of the run, I extended my arms in the air to celebrate my personal victory. This training is every bit mental as it is physical, and I had just overcome a mental block. You bet I was celebrating, and I didn't care how many people passing me on 1st Street thought I was nuts or wondered what I was doing. It was a great feeling!
I now have 31 miles under my belt over the last two weeks, and am ready for week #3 beginning tomorrow.
Fast forward to last night, and the final day of the second full week of training. Yesterday's long run was a six-mile journey, and one of which I was terrified. I honestly did not believe I had the endurance to run an entire six miles without having to walk at least a small portion. I didn't feel like I was being negative, rather, simply realistic. After dressing for the cold and light falling snow, I went into my room for a few moments of silence. I literally got down on my knees, bowed my head, and thanked God for the blessing of health and the ability to even try this marathon training. I didn't ask for God's assistance during the impending run, I simply offered my thanks. I then stood, read the verse printed on the aforementioned Shield of Faith, placed it in the palm of my hand, and put my glove on over it. Out the door I went.
Trudging through the snow and facing a light, but bitter, North wind, I made my way along the previously mapped six-mile route. As I ran, my thoughts turned to my wife who has been so gracious in her support of this crazy idea. Even as I left, she looked me in the eye and told me she believed in me, and that she knew I could complete this run. I thought of my kids, who have acted as my personal cheerleading squad. And, I continued to clutch the Shield of Faith with every step. As I entered the final leg of the run, it became obvious to me that these last two weeks of training are beginning to pay off. Not once did I walk, even after climbing some pretty decent hills. Not once did I stop. I was feeling the burn, but not enough to force me to quit. As I took the last few steps of the run, I extended my arms in the air to celebrate my personal victory. This training is every bit mental as it is physical, and I had just overcome a mental block. You bet I was celebrating, and I didn't care how many people passing me on 1st Street thought I was nuts or wondered what I was doing. It was a great feeling!
I now have 31 miles under my belt over the last two weeks, and am ready for week #3 beginning tomorrow.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Training, Day #7
Today was another ugly Nebraska winter day, albeit fairly typical. Bitterly cold winds, and an afternoon dose of snow amounting to a couple of inches. And I was due for a three-mile run as part of my training. As I cuddled on the couch with my four-year-old daughter and enjoyed the warmth and protection of the cozy house, I couldn't help but wonder if I would be better off waiting until tomorrow to run. Not that I had any proof that tomorrow's weather would be at all better, but at least there was no snow in the forecast. The notion of waiting was becoming more and more inviting.
But, alas! My beautiful, wonderful wife walked through the door at approximately 3:30, and promptly told me that she had seen three different people out running this afternoon, and figured they must be training for a marathon to be dedicated enough to run in this weather.
Sigh.
That did it. I had no choice but to run today. So, I strapped on the new running shoes and all the cold-weather gear, and out the door I went. Make no mistake, it was a tough run. I have actually found the last few three-mile runs to be getting much easier, but as you can probably imagine, today's was difficult. High-stepping through snow-drifts added a much different element, but I didn't quit. Mother Nature didn't defeat me today. Had the run been much longer, I can't say I would have made it without walking, but it wasn't longer, and I did make it. Sunday is the long run of the week, and it's a six-mile jaunt. Snow is in the forecast for Sunday, so I'm going to get an early start and hope things go well. More on how it goes next week.
But, alas! My beautiful, wonderful wife walked through the door at approximately 3:30, and promptly told me that she had seen three different people out running this afternoon, and figured they must be training for a marathon to be dedicated enough to run in this weather.
Sigh.
That did it. I had no choice but to run today. So, I strapped on the new running shoes and all the cold-weather gear, and out the door I went. Make no mistake, it was a tough run. I have actually found the last few three-mile runs to be getting much easier, but as you can probably imagine, today's was difficult. High-stepping through snow-drifts added a much different element, but I didn't quit. Mother Nature didn't defeat me today. Had the run been much longer, I can't say I would have made it without walking, but it wasn't longer, and I did make it. Sunday is the long run of the week, and it's a six-mile jaunt. Snow is in the forecast for Sunday, so I'm going to get an early start and hope things go well. More on how it goes next week.
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