Half Marathon Man

(see pictures accompanying this post below or at http://picasaweb.google.com/jplenczuk/HalfMarathonMan#)

After nearly 5 weeks of training, I put my mettle to the test this past Sunday, September 28, by participating in the Newport Liberty Waterfront Half Marathon in Jersey City. This is by far the LONGEST of any of the organized runs I've done. I participated in this event in 2006, and though I finished, it was a tough day because of the unseasonably high temperatures (the last few miles became a combination of walking and running). So, with a few LONG runs under my belt during the past few weeks on my own, I thought I had the tools to finish the race with a somewhat better showing than the 3 hours+ time I turned in two years earlier (and carrying much less weight).

Upon arrival and registering for the race, I was a bit concerned, because Sunday morning was VERY humid. Because of this, I knew that I had to be extra careful with hydration during the race, as my internal "furnace" heats up very quickly in those conditions.

So, off we go. The first 6 or 7 miles go okay, but I am clearly soaked from head to toe, and despite a handful of stops to fuel up on water and gatorade, the first warning signs of cramping made themselves known by what I call 'quasicramps'. This is when one calf or another muscle group begins to flutter, where I can feel if I flex it, it will be a full blown cramp. For this reason, I found myself favoring one leg, then the next. This continued for another couple of miles, where it gradually increased in frequency, and became full fledged cramps. By the time I had reached the 10 mile mark, my pace had dramatically slowed (mind you I'm not breaking speed records as it is), and I had no choice at this point but to convert the rest of my run to a deliberate walk, the only way I had left to travel without perpetual cramping. I tried many times between the 10 mile and 12 mile mark to begin a slight jog again, but immediately, both hamstrings and calves threw fits, and even felt my hip flexors reject the idea. Somewhat dejected, I continued at a fast walk, pumping my arms and adjusting my breathing to the pace. I made one last effort around the 13 mile mark to get even the slowest of jogs underway, because I really wanted to run across the finish line. Same outcome. Thus, with the encouragement of onlookers, I walked across the finish with a grimace and though while still over three hours (in fact, worse than two years ago), I managed to pull off a ballsy effort in some considerable pain. My wife, son, and parents came to support me, and I was immensely thankful I had that.

I'll be honest--I was disappointed. Despite being reminded by family that the very fact I finished was enormous, I can't help but to think of my practice runs and the success I had in completing the same distance but in more favorable weather conditions (I seem to thrive in cool /cold and dry conditions, as I'm sure others do). One year I will catch this race on a good day, or I may even explore seeking out another half marathon closer to winter, where I can put my tolerance for cold to the test. I guess we'll see!

Sister and Brother-In-Law visit Lake Adventure

Hey everyone. This past Saturday saw my sister, her husband, Max, and I take an afternoon drive to Lake Adventure. Needless to say, the weather made the trip little more than a 'meet and greet' of the new Park Home. Having been their first visit to Lake Adventure since 2001, Dionne and Bob were somewhat surprised at how much development had taken place in the areas we typically pass through on our way to the site. They were thrilled to finally have a chance to see the new place and shed, as well as spend time with Max and I (we don't do that enough given everyone's opposite schedules). After the visit to the site was an informal tradition I've adopted this summer of having dinner at Yetter's Diner on 206 (in Augusta).

Despite a brief visit and the dreary weather conditions, it was nice to get back up to the mountains again and get a chance to catch the leaves begin their transformation from the various shades of greens to the various orange, brown, and red colors we're so accustom to when these months of the year roll around.

Christening in Vernon

This past Sunday saw the Christening of Thomas Patrick Kimball, son to Pat and Theresa Kimball (the best man and maid of honor at my wedding). Lynn and godparents Anthony and Jocelyn Nelson participated in the baptism with Pat and Theresa's family. Meeting up with everyone afterward was Steven, Eric, Max, and me. After the ceremony was a nice luncheon held at Milano's restaurant nearby. The food was terrific, and it was nice catching up with everyone again.

Apple Picking!

Max and I took a nice drive out to west Jersey to pick apples in an orchard we haven't visited previously. Windy Brow orchards in Newton is nestled just off route 519 overlooking Springdale and route 206.





We picked up a couple of bags and took a walk into the orchards.

After some time searching out some varieties, we were somewhat disappointed in the amounts of trees that had already been raided by apple pickers before us. There were still plenty of apples to go around, but lacking in the variety we had hoped (I was looking for some Granny Smiths, a favorite of mine for cooking). In any event, we did manage around 30 lbs. worth of apples, so I guess the mission was accomplished!

Christening Reception in East Hanover

Lynn's long time friend Donna and partner in crime Mike hosted an incredible party celebrating the Christening of their adoptive child Christopher Ryan in East Hanover today. The party was nothing less than spectacular, with a hall and extras (open bar, huge buffet bar, lavish dessert spread, DJ, etc.) rivaling a wedding reception. Many of Lynn's friends and spouses/significant others and kids were on hand, giving everyone a chance to catch up on current events, and of course, have a few laughs in the process. Though Max's mood was a bit lukewarm for the first part of the day, he eventually opened up and made his way to the dance floor to cut some rug, giving Lynn and me of course a chance to follow suit. After a generous four hour time frame, the party came to an end, and everyone said their goodbyes, all looking forward to the next function (likely Max's birthday next month). More to come on that!

Closing on the Park Home--3 months later??

So today Lynn, Max, and I headed up to Sussex to close on our Park Home, though we've had the unit already for nearly 3 months. In any event, the day was cloudy and cool (my type of weather is in the air, I can feel it!), and the drive was long, but at least we got this effort out of the way. Getting something off your back is a nice way to start an extended weekend. That's all for now!

Labor Day Weekend Recap

So, the proverbial end of the summer has come and is just about to end. Besides the normal rigors of the weekends (errands, chores, etc.), there were three nice activities that made the weekend enjoyable. My mom's birthday party on Saturday over at their house was nice, where we had a full day of catching up on current events, food, and birthday cake. The visit was also a prelude to my mom's travel today for an extended stay in Kansas to care for my grandmother after her knee surgery (I didn't hear yet whether her flight was affected by the hurricane). The second activity of note was our last chance to swim at Lake Adventure yesterday--the weather was in our favor for this final day of swimming, and the pool, while crowded, was still enjoyable. After a swim, Lynn, Max, and I took our usual detour on the way home for some dinner for Max (at McDonalds) and for Lynn and me at Yetter's Diner (yum). The last, and most meaningful note to me, is today Lynn and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by having lunch out--Eric even came out with the three of us! Of course, I ate more than I needed, so between that and the hard yardwork I did this AM, I am now shot for the rest of the day, but plan to coast anyway, as I have a return to my non-summer hours at work--yuck.

On another note, obviously this week means the return to school--I'm sure this will be noteworthy (or at least humorous watching some folks in this house try to change their internal time clocks to 6:30-7am from the ungodly times they've been waking up this summer--nightowls!)