So I kinda met Bucky Badger at the Madison Marathon Today

Today I really wanted to take a picture with Bucky Badger, the University of Wisconsin: Madison mascot, while I was running the 2011 Madison Marathon. Even when the race went through campus I did not see him. I was a little bumed. So after the race I'm sitting down in the massage tent waiting for my turn and I'm talking to the people around me. We're exchanging war stories and what we thought of the course. I told them I wanted to meet Bucky. This tall young man turns to me and says, "I just graduated, and I was Bucky." So I kinda met Bucky today. Sorry no pictures, I couldn't find my camera.

Stuff That Excites me about this Sunday's Madison Marathon

The Madison Marathon, my 9th marathon, is less then 3 days away! I love race day. I love the anticipation, the excitement, the thrill. I love being packed in to the start line with thousands of people then talking to veteran runners and giving advice to novice ones.  I love the thrill of some stranger calling out my name when I pass by. I love passing by that one band that is doing a cover of my favorite song that keeps you going. I love the sight of every mile marker telling me I'm little closer to my goal every time. I love the sound of my name being called out when I cross that finish line. I love the feel of stretched out muscles after that long run and the feel of that new shirt and medal you just earned.  Finally, I love the taste of a cold beer after that long day.

All the none runners call us crazy, but you marathoners you know what I'm talking about. You soon to be marathoners...just wait because your going to experience something that is wonderful, crazy, thrilling, exciting, terrifying, fulfilling packed into 26.2 miles.  

Two Weeks until Marathon number 9...I feel ready for Madison

Wow only two weeks away until I run the Madison Marathon. The training for this one was a little different from my past ones. For example, I tried a little bit more advanced training schedule. In the past I did a 16,18, and a 20 miler. This winter I did a 16 miler on a treadmill, a 17 miler, a 18 miler, and two 20 milers. I chose a harder plan because I wanted to feel prepared. When I did Steelhead 70.3 last summer, that was the hardest I ever worked. I ran 8 miles every Wednesday and 12 miles every Sunday. I had a strong finish. I think that was a combination of good nutrition and my body being prepared. Something I'm trying to duplicate for this race.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know that my first 20 miler didn't go to well. I tried a different nutrition plan. I had a PowerBar gel every 4 miles and chewed on cliff bars. I think I drank too much Gatorade too. Suffice to say my stomach told me to never to do that again. I could not do anything for a good 3 hours. My second 20 miler, went a lot better. I controlled my hydration, snacked on peanut butter pretzels every 5 minutes, and had a PowerBar gel every 5 miles or 48 minutes. Afterwards I was able to enjoy a tall glass of chocolate milk, a Portillo's Italian beef sandwich, and take my mom to a movie for Mothers Day. If you must know we saw Thor.
I also been working more on my core and upper body.

About 2 months ago I joined Lifetime Fitness. There I was able to take core and yoga classes to help improve my form. I also worked with a trainer who helped me work on a upper body strength regimen. It also helped out that I was able to work out really early or really late on days I was busy with work.

Finally, since Madison is really hilly I really tried to run on hills or use the hill mode on the treadmills at LifeTime. On the cut back weeks I ran with my buddy Mike throughout Highland Park. For most of my long runs I've been running in and near Buffalo Creek Forest Presrve and Nikol Knoll Park where there are some pretty big hills.

My goal for this marathon is not to hit the wall and have that marathon experience where I still feel strong throughout the race. I never had that feeling yet, and still strive for that marathon. I don't think I'll hit a Personal record. Only way that is going to happen is if all the stars are in perfect alignment and the Force is with me. I'll be happy with a time between 4:15 and 4:30. If I can meet my consistent marathon goal, I'll move on to my next marathon goal, either race walk an entire marathon or try to get fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.