See you at Pre!

When one door closes, another one opens... That's kind of how it has felt in the past 6 months with my running. Since Boston last year, my right hamstring just hasn't been the same. I've tried just about everything to fix it, but nothing is seeming to take. While I have been waiting on that to get right, I have started writing a lot more. Mostly here, but also in other avenues. Now while my running times have gotten a little worse, my writing has gotten a lot better. That in mind, I have just been given my biggest opportunity to date....

I have been asked to be a part of the official press at the Prefontaine Classic this June (3-4) in Eugene, Oregon. I never would have thought reviewing a few books, films and an opinion piece on a cheating marathoner for my blog would put me in a position like this, but luckily, and likely due to the visibility of my review of Ryan Hall's book, "Running with Joy," it has.

I plan to take full advantage of the opportunity! There will be a lot going on and I'll be armed with my iPhone, MacBook, Coolpix and my running gear, with the hopes I can get over to "Pre's Trail" for an "easy 10" sometime during the weekend.

I couldn't be more excited about:

• Flying into Portland on Friday, June 3 and driving down to Eugene for the press conference that afternoon
• "Distance Night in Eugene" on Friday night and the chance to see former Tar Heel Shalane Flanagan go against the best runners in the world with the chance of taking back her 5k American Record
• High schooler Lukas Verzbicas taking aim at the high school 2-mile record Saturday
• The Bowerman Mile
• Experiencing Hayward Field

All this in mind, I plan on bumping up the frequency of the posts and hope to deliver even more quality topics. So stay tuned and thanks for reading. And if you know anything about Eugene or will be at Pre, please email me!

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Moving on up...

With increased traffic, I've dropped the http://pwprunning.blogspot.com address and am now now at http://writingaboutrunning.com Please update your Google Reader and other feeds so you can read my reviews (although I think they will automatically update) and hear me complain about my consistently in the shop running legs!

Work has had me pretty busy lately, but as the Diamond League season gets underway, I'll have plenty to write about. I'll also be reviewing Sage Canaday's new book, "Running for the Hansons" some time in the coming weeks. Stay tuned... Pat

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Bookworm: "Haile Gebrselassie: The Greatest Runner of All Time" by Klaus Weidt

There's really no hiding it... "Haile Gebrselassie: The Greatest Runner of All Time" is German sportswriter Klaus Weidt's love letter to Ethiopia, Ethiopian distance running and his favorite runner and arguably the greatest distance runner of all time, Mr. Haile Gebrselassie. The book begins with Weidt and his German running travel group's searching for Mr. Gebrselassie in Ethiopia and then goes on to talk about Haile's upbringing and rise through the ranks of competitive distance running in Ethiopia (similar to the tale of his first marathon in the Disney film "Endurance"). Weidt then goes on to tell of Haile's big win in the 10,000 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; his repeat in Sydney in 2000 and his 2008 World Record setting marathon over the streets of Berlin in a stunning 2:03:59.

Weidt also speaks about Haile's business acumen and his desire to make Ethiopia a travel destination. As you read on, you realize how much of a treasure he is to the German (and Ethiopian) population. Weidt's earliest trek to Ethiopia began the German's first hand fascination with Ethiopian distance running and this particular group helped fund and build a school in Haile's village (aptly called "Marathon"). There's no telling how much more the Germans have helped fund Haile's empire over the years, including his hotel, Haile Resort, from his winnings, appearance fees and world record bonuses collected in the Fatherland.

While this book isn't necessarily written for an American audience, it does bring a great American running book to mind. "Haile Gebrselassie: The Greatest Runner of All Time" is loaded with great color pictures of Haile and of Ethiopia, very reminiscent of Tom Jordan's "Pre." The photos alone are worth the purchase of this 174 page quick read. There are plenty of great footnotes included as well that go beyond Haile's excellent IAAF profile of accomplishments.

With all this in mind, it's tough not to forget Haile's tearful retirement after his allergy-plagued exit from the New York City Marathon this fall and his recent re-emergence in April at the Vienna City Half Marathon in Austria, where he won in a speedy 60:18. One has to think that Haile is targeting the 2012 London Marathon as his biggest goal and I for one hope he competes for the gold as he has been such a role model for distance runners across the world over the past 20 years.

You can order a copy of "Haile Gebrselassie: The Greatest Runner of All Time" on Amazon.com here

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Hobby Jogging: Bowing out of Boston

It comes with great regret and after some intense evaluation, that I have withdrawn my entry to the 115th Boston Marathon next Monday (April 18, 2011). In the past few months, I have tried everything, but just can't shake the injury bug. What started as a hamstring issue has turned into Piriformis Syndrome and a severe case of shin splints that have just refused to heal, even after backing off my mileage by 50% (or more on some weeks).

The last straw was this Friday's easy run. On Wednesday, I soldiered through a 3 mile tempo run at the Hanes Park track in 17:55, shins hurting every step of the way. Post workout, I just hoped that if I gave myself Thursday off and then went on an easy run Friday, followed up by my 10 days out staple of 10 Yasso 800's over the weekend, I would be ok. This didn't happen. I got 15 seconds out the door on Friday before I had to stop and come back to hit the foam roller and Trigger Point Massage Ball. I then tried again and it hurt like something awful. 2.25 miles in I stopped and walked home. This is when it started to become clear that a lousy day or a DNF could be in my future. I held out hope that I would feel better Saturday or Sunday, but it didn't happen. Quite frankly, it hurts to walk up and down stairs and the thought of running on it truly feels like getting "kicked in the shins." With all this in mind, I decided to send the dreaded email to BAA withdrawing my entry, then cancelling my room at the Dorchester Ramada and cancelling my flight on Delta. A sad day, but I think the smart decision in the long run.

I have been running competitively again for just over two years and it's pretty tough having to say no to Boston, where I would have given an arm and leg to run after I was completely humbled in my first marathon in November 2008, where I walk/jogged the second half to finish in 3:56. I feel bad for all of the people that train there a$$es off and can't seem to qualify. I feel a little empty that I won't get to go and hang out with my fellow track dorks for a few days. I feel like I let my training partner from Greenville, Tyler Pake, down a little as we were planning on racing together as our PR's are 8 seconds apart. But all the negatives aside, I feel relief.

Ever since Boston last year, where I had an incredible race, my right hamstring has been bothering me and I haven't truly given it a chance to heal. That's led to a lot of average races. I am ready to heal up and get back to above average racing; the kind I was doing before Boston last year. The only things I have on the books right now are the Triangle Race for the Cure on June 11 and the Ultimate Runner in Winston on June 25. If all goes well, I will make a dedicated attempt at a sub 5 mile this summer and will be ready to register for the 116th Boston Marathon in September. Until then, watch out for me at the American Tobacco Trail, Umstead Park or Salem Lake on my new mountain bike. After taking a week flat out off, I'll start doing some rides while the rest of me heals.

Most importantly, good luck to all those who are running. The Boston Marathon is my favorite race and before I ran it last year, I would take off work for a few hours to go home and watch it. It is truly an awesome event that I hate to miss, but sometimes, being a fan is just as fun. I'll be back, and hopefully on a better set of sticks!

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Hobby Jogging: 4/2/11 - Raleigh, NC - St. Timothy's Spring Sprint 5k

So this was it. Race number six in the Second Empire Grand-Prix. One last chance to lay one down to solidify my claim to the top 5 in the overall standings. That's about all I did today. Didn't feel great, didn't feel terrible, but did what I needed to do to hold serve to secure an overall podium spot at the Second Empire Awards Luncheon in June. The St. Timothy's Spring Sprint is no doubt, the hardest 5k course in Raleigh. I rode what I thought was the course Friday afternoon (per the USATF Course Map), but once the gun went off and we made the second turn, I realized it was totally different.

After battling some injuries, I have finally gotten in a few weeks of decent training. Now I am not out of the woods just yet with some serious shin splints being the injury du jour, but some of the hamstring pain has subsided and lots of rolling around on a tennis ball has dulled the literal pain in my a$$ that is Piriformis syndrome. I am hoping this bodes well for my upcoming return date with the Boston Marathon. It could be a nightmare, but if you know me, you know I will be going in with a positive outlook!

Got to the race about 45 minutes early and did an easy 2 mile jog with John Simons. Knocked out a few strides and got to the line with hopes that my shins would make it. I felt great doing some Yasso 800's Tuesday, but during my recovery lap jogs, my shins would kill. They felt ok on the flats, but hurt on the hills. And there were a ton of hills. About a half mile in, we started climbing for the first time. Over 200 feet in that next half mile before a short, steep downhill at the mile. Got through the first mile in 5:35 or so and didn't feel great, but kept slogging along, picking off some of the high schoolers. At the turnaround, I was slowing and two people passed me.

Getting passed mid-race doesn't happen a whole lot these days as I keep a pretty steady pace, but today was one of those days. Did my best to latch onto the back of the train for the second half of the race before I had to dig deep and make a hard move that would make me feel warm inside and keep my man card intact. The second mile was hard and hilly and the third mile was worse. Per the garmin dump, my second and third miles were 6:02 and 6:03. Ouch!

Now I have been beaten by plenty of women (and some girls) in my lifetime and it happens. No shame in it. Not this season though. As I trailed the lead woman over the last mile and a half, I was having a serious conversation with myself. "How bad do you want it?" was what I kept thinking as I slogged up the last 2 hills. When we got to about 1/4 mile to go, I started to pick it up. We then made the turn onto Rowan and I could see her just ahead, starting to struggle up the last hill. This is where I went for it. Sprinted the last 200 meters hard to pass the first female and finish 9th overall in 18:30 (although I had 18:26 on my watch). Tough day, but all the times were about 30 seconds slow, so I'll take it. Most importantly, I will hold onto 2nd place in the Grand-Prix standings and should finish no worse than 5th when the last 2 races are done and my competitors have gotten in their 6 scoring races.

All in all, I am happy with my efforts during the Grand-Prix series. My goal was to finish on the podium (top 5 overall) and it looks like that dream will become a reality. Now on to Boston. There is no finish line!

For more info, check out: http://patprice.com/running/races/reports/20110402StTimothys5k.htm

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Hobby Jogging: 3/12/11 - Raleigh, NC - Run for the Oaks 5k

Race number 5 (of 6 to score) for the Second Empire Grand-Prix is in the books! Today was a nice bounce back after a lackluster effort last Saturday. The weather was cool and the course was deceivingly tough, but I was still able to throw down a decent time to hold serve in the Grand-Prix standings.

I got up to the race at Moore Square in Downtown Raleigh about 45 minutes before the gun and picked up my number and chip before heading out on an easy 1.5 mile jog with John Simons. Felt decent. Was a little worried as my runs this week consisted of an easy Sunday 9 miler with Mary Aiken Barrow, a moderate 6.5 miler Monday in Winston (with 2x800 pickups in the middle at just under 6:00 pace) and an easy 6 miler at Umstead on Thursday (with 2x800 and 8x100 strides at the end of the run). I threw in Ab Ripper X on Wednesday because my leg hurt too much from the pounding to run, but wanted to do something physical. 30 miles per week ain't gonna play if I want to run with the big boys, so I will focus this next week on healing before ramping it up again for my last Grand-Prix race and of course my return to the Boston Marathon.

Got in a few strides and got over to the start on Person Street. The whistle blew and we were off. I drove the course last night and realized there were a bunch of long, little hills. I wanted to make sure I had the juice to finish strong, so I went out fairly conservatively. About a half mile in, I was already a good ways behind John, Brent Hale and Rodney Scott and was a little worried I may not have it again. Started to dig in on the slight downhill and began to separate from the B-pack that was right on my tail. Hit the mile in 5:38-ish and made the turnaround at 2k into Mordecai to head back uphill. Mile 1.25 to 2.25 was the hardest section of the course, but I stuck to my plan and soldiered on past the 2 mile at 11:27 or so before the slow rolling last mile. I wasn't gaining much ground, but I wasn't losing any either. At 2.6 miles, I was at 15 flat. I really wanted to break 18 and knew I'd have to run a 3:00 last half mile and change for whatever tangents I didn't run (Garmin measured 3.12). This is when I shed my gloves and dug in. Started to gain ground on Rodney and made the last turn to hit the 3 mile in 17:25 and roll the last .12 at 4:52 pace (per the Garmin dump) to finish strong in 17:56 for 6th overall and 1st in the 30-34 age group.

I can stand strongly behind this race as my effort was strong mentally and physically and it was my 3rd consecutive 5k under 18 minutes (4th if you count my 17:51 solo tempo on the track). I will be able to hold onto 2nd in the Grand-Prix standings when they are released and have all but clinched top 5 barring a collapse at race #6 in 3 weeks (St. Timothy's Spring Sprint). Good day in Raleigh, NC!

For more info, check out: http://patprice.com/running/races/reports/20110312RunfortheOaks.htm

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Hobby Jogging: 3/5/11 - Cary, NC - Cary Distance Festival 10k

Saturday was one of those races that just never really felt right. I was excited about the race and drove the course Friday night to get a feel for it, but a few miles in, I realized I just didn't have it! Everything started off ok though. Got over to the race, picked up my number and John and I knocked out an easy 2 mile warm up on the course. Did my usual strides and an easy jog up to the line with a shake out stride and walk back to the start and was ready to roll. The whistle was blown to kick the race off and I got off the line well. John and I ran together for a very good first mile in 5:38-9 and were slowly picking those off that went out too fast. We hit the longest hill on the course on mile 2 up Maynard and that is where things started to go off track.

We made the turn at 2 miles in around 11:38 and this is where I started to fade. At first I wasn't worried as I thought I would catch a 2nd wind after the 2nd mile, but that never happened. 2 weeks of traveling and shotty training due to a dinged up shin and calf were starting to catch up with me. All the strength I had felt negative splitting my last few races and workouts was not there. During mile 3 about 4 guys passed me. I locked on to the back of the train and held on the best I could as we hit the 3 mile in 17:40 and 5k in 18:22 or so.

The second half of the course was back in some neighborhood behind downtown Cary. Lots of twists and turns including a 180 degree turn at around 4.5 miles had my right leg hurting pretty bad. I was getting slower, but couldn't do anything about it. Hit 4 miles in 23:58 and 5 miles in 30:15. This is not what I had planned! Chugged through the last mile and was able to get one scalp in there from a fading triathlete looking runner. Dug in the last 400 or so to finish 9th overall in 37:46 (and 2nd in my age group). Not my best day, but not a total loss.

The bright side of the race was that it was the 4th race of the Second Empire Grand-Prix and I was able to hold serve at 2nd overall (when they compile the results). I am liking my chances to finish top 5 overall (the ultimate goal) and will be happy to have a short break after next weeks Run for the Oaks 5k. Also, this course wasn't easy. It kicked my butt a lot more than I thought it would. Lots of hills, very windy and too many turns on the 2nd half, so a great strength workout at minimum. Finally, I don't love the time, but not too long ago it would have been a great one, so I'll accept that as a small victory to acknowledge how far I have come in just 2 years of competing!

For more info, check out: http://patprice.com/running/races/reports/20110305CaryDistanceFest.htm

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