Runners Recap
by Analisa Naldi
For many, the end of the year is a time of reflection, a time to review and celebrate those accomplishments that occurred during the months previous. For a few, however, it is a time to squeeze in every last challenge, every last race, and every last mile. We’ve chosen to spotlight two of our FIT family members this month who’ve both covered quite a bit of ground (literally) during the latter half of this year. Here are their stories.
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Pam Kochman – New York City Marathon
November 4, 2007
Time: 4:53:13
I have never enjoyed running and never considered pursuing it as a cardiac
exercise. In addition to my negative attitude about running I had foot
problems, which made running and other exercises impossible. However, quite
miraculously these foot problems suddenly disappeared and just as
unexpectedly I decided to run the New York marathon. I wanted to make sure
running would not negatively impact my feet, so I first consulted with a
well regarded podiatrist. He made me a pair of soft orthotics and told me
to hit the road. I followed a marathon training plan for rookie runners. Of course this was for first-time marathoners who seldom run or race beyond
six miles. I neglected to read that last part and figured this program
was written for me, a person who has never run even one mile.
Upon receiving my orthotics in June, I started running. Beginning from ground zero was no easy task, but over the last year
Analisa had really slapped me into shape. I weight trained 3 days
per week and ran 4 to 5 days per week. At first it wasn’t bad but
when I started to run 25 - 30 miles a week I became really exhausted. Analisa kept track of my mileage and adjusted my strength training to compliment my
running.
In less than five months I went from not running one mile to
completing 26.2 miles in 4:53:13. I even enjoyed running the marathon,
taking in all the sights of the five boroughs. But one of the most amazing
aspects of this rise to victory was the fact that I did not get injured. It
is not recommended that someone with no running experience take on such a
condensed training program because an overuse injury is almost certain. I
truly attribute Analisa's training over the last year to be the single
reason I completed this course without an injury. I not only was injury
free but also recovered very quickly after the race. It is pretty amazing
that weight training could actually help that much even when you are 58-
years old. It was a memorable run and a big part of my success is due to
Analisa.
By the way my finish time has been corrected. If you can imagine they had
some problems with the start time of a lucky few runners and I was one of
them. They have deducted 3 minutes from my time and my new time has been registered as my official time.
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Joe Kelso – Helen Kelin Ultra Classic 50 mile Footrace
November 3, 2007
Time: 11:16:33
“My Path to 50 Miles in less than 12 hours, by foot”
The title is long, but so was the journey. It started August 5, 2007 with the Skyline 50K, which was my first ultra footrace. By definition, an “ultra” is any footrace over the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. 50K is around 31.06 miles.
On that painful day, I completed my first ultra in 5:17:32. The ultra task is simple: just run, eat, drink, walk, stop, and try again. If running fails, then keep walking or hiking. The 7-11-like aid stations pose a crucial role. You don’t want to run out of sugars or salts. You don’t want to run out of energy and bonk! During an endurance event, eating simple sugars is vital to success. Cramping and spasms are prevented by continually replenishing the electrolytes and salt lost through sweat. My end results: I almost cramped 12 times, flirted with spasms the last 6 miles and could barely move after the race. But instead of yielding, I signed up for the Cowtown Marathon in Sacramento, Ca., held on October 7.
Rather than being an easy 26.2-mile “training” run at a relaxed 8-minute-mile pace, it was a walk-shuffle-wince for the final 12.2 miles, complete with a bum right knee. Did my slowest marathon time (3:51:23) slow me down? I had the running blues for three days after the Cowtown Marathon and decided not to do the 50-mile footrace that was coming up.
After some ice and rest, and an attempt at running for 30 minutes, I had changed my mind. The day would finally arrive: 50 miles in less than 12 hours, by foot. Honestly, I dislike driving 50 miles and now I was at the start line of the Helen Klein Ultra Classic 50 mile footrace.
My strategy was to take the first half easy. I ran, walked, and stopped at aid stations for 18 miles. Then the wheels fell off. I managed to walk to the turn-around point at mile 25 point and the first cutoff… and I was quickly deteriorating. I sat down at mile 25 for a couple minutes and felt like my journey was finished. But I peeled myself off the ground and limped for the next 5 miles. I don’t remember being in more pain: a blister the size of a baseball, right knee pain, right Ilio-tibial band insertion pain, and severe shin splints pain in both ankles. I finally made the 30-mile mark, changed my socks and shoes, popped a few Aleve, drank a Red Bull, and was on my way, still limping. Two and a half miles later, I realized I was second to last. Something had to change. I popped another Aleve and decided it was now or never. I ran for the first time in over 12 miles.
One by one I passed runners, offering encouragement and Aleve. The pain was still enormous, but my adrenaline, Aleve, and Red Bull rush helped me run the hills – none of which was bigger than 350 feet but all felt like climbing a steep mountain.
Then: I crushed the last 20 miles! I never would have imagined the second wind and was entirely surprised to feel better the second half. Mind over matter, I was on a mission.
I finally made it in 11 hours, 16 minutes, and 33 seconds. Almost finishing second to last, or even dead last, I actually finished 107th out of 128 finishers. I was well under my “12 hour” goal, and in the last 20 miles I steadily passed 20 runners. With patience and determination I was able to persevere.
A race director once said, “You can do more than you think you can, and you are better than you think you are.” I proved that to myself on this day.
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At the end of the year, a time of celebration, reflection, and achievement, our FIT family would like to thank both of you, Pam and Joe, for sharing your journey, your stories, and your success with us. We are proud of and impressed by you, and we look forward to the many miles yet to be covered by you and your feet!
If you have a story of achievement or personal accomplishment that you’d like to share with the FIT family, please email Analisa Naldi at analisa@focusedtrainers.com .
Best wishes for a healthy, happy, active 2008!
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