2006 Richmond

How my 2006 marathon experience was different.

2005 Suntrust Richmond Marathon Finish

It was HOT! In fact, it was one of the hottest Veteran’s Day in Richmond History. The shade by the James River kept us cool until mile 10. And the spectators helped with their rooting. But that was not enough.
I met up with Robert from Pennsylvania. We ran together from about mile 2 until mile 15. We talked about many subjects (mainly church) and the miles flew by.
I think my training and my new running partner Robert, along with my careful approach to the heat, helped me to have a successful run.

Let's take a look...

Training

2004 Marine Corps Marathon
I started training 20 weeks ahead of time.
I trained according to mileage.
Once I hit a certain number of miles per run, I was finished. All of my long runs were with a group.

I never tried to train fast.

2005 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
I started seriously running 12 weeks ahead of time.
I planned my long runs according to the Spencer Weekend T.U.F. method.
Time Upon Feet was my focus.
Once I ran a certain number of minutes, I stopped running. Some of my long runs were all by myself.

A few times a week, when I felt like it, I would run fast.

2006 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
I planned starting on January 1! I set a goal of running at least 6 hours a week.
I wanted to complete at least 24 hours a month (12 days for the year!). See how I did.
The Weekly T.U.F. method was a year long process.

About 8 weeks before the race, I started a new regiment of speed work.
Every Tuesday, I would meet my brother to run “one fast, one slow” lap at the middle school track.

Race Day

2004 Marine Corps Marathon
It was HOT! The warmest Marine Corps Marathon ever. By the time I finished in 4:59, it was over 80 degrees. I was not prepared for that. Even the winning time was the slowest ever.
It was HARD!, I had never run that far by myself before.

2005 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
It was COOL. Everything seemed to go just right. I ran by myself the whole time. The scenes of the James River and the many spectators made it a great day! By the time I finished in 4:20, I was ecstatic at the end. The winner finished in Richmond Marathon Record Time (2:14).

2006 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
With the heat, I knew I would have to take a careful approach.
By the time I finished in 4:28, I was very hot and sweaty but overjoyed with my run.

My son Edward also ran the 8K in 48 minutes.
Click to see other Roanoke/Vinton runners.