Jason Crowther’s Blog

A surprisingly good time.

Bright sunshine beating down on my me while I sat in my office at home this morning was enough to lure me out for a run. I’ve been trying to get motivated for the last week or so, but I could never get into the mood.

So, I suited up with my normal winter gear: tights, a running shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt, my trusty windbreaker, my old navy jimmy cap, and gloves. As I shut the door and headed over to my car, I had another one of those what the hell am I doing moments. I’m leaving a perfectly warm (well, warm enough anyway) house to go run outside. Something strange about clearing your car off to go running. Anyway, the feeling quickly passed and I was on my way over to Green Lakes. I’m happy to report my new commute to the Manlius Center Erie Canal Trail parking lot is about 7 minutes.

Not so surprising, there were only 2 other cars in the lot. I dumped out my pockets, retied my shoes, and got out of the car to stretch a little. Caught a bit of the breeze, and figured that was quite enough stretching and started off.

Everything started off good. Actually, really good, considering its only the second time that I’ve run in ‘08. Rt. 290 is clear. I make the turn off the road at the trailhead onto 3″ inches of snow from the night before. I’m a little worried about the ascent. I’m very familiar with the ruts on the hill up to start of the loops. I soon find that if I keep my stride short, its not too slippery. About 3/4 of the way of up, I can feel my lungs starting to burn because of the cool headwind.

Soon enough, I’m at the top and plodding down the trails I love (and hate) so much. Sounds corny, but everything does look radically different in the winter and snow. Basically, everywhere normally waist high in brush is flat to the ground. I was worried it would be hard to stay on course, but there were about 10 sets of prints under the new snow and few sets from earlier today.

Geez, jumping right back into Green Lakes loops probably ain’t the smartest thing to do. My legs felt like lead after the second hill. I enjoyed skipping down the little hill into the first open field. Everything was going great. Until I caught that chilling wind in my face again.

Before, I knew it I was the hell hill (all the 1st Marathon folks know which one I’m talking about.)  I remember the first few times I ascended it way back in June last year, and feeling like someone jumping on my chest when I made it to the top. I took it pretty easy; about 3/4 of the way up, all those months off caught up with me. I trudged onward and upward, but I was panting pretty good at the top.

The big decision was to go straight ahead and stick to the short loop, or go for the full loop around the Serengeti. Go big, or go home, I thought as I rounded the turn to head out for more punishment. I was happy to be on the relative flat plains, but not so happy with the wind ripping across the wide open.

Not sure if its my imagination, but the snow seems to be getting deeper.  Taking a quick peek at my feet, I’m pretty surprised that they’re not really snowed over yet; and even more surprising is that my feet aren’t even cold.  I just passed the power lines and started down the hill to the Vista Trail. I was little nervous when I saw some of the foot prints from previous runners start to get elongated. Yep, there’s a bunch of ice under all that snow. Weeee!

I was a little too paranoid to enjoy the vistas of the Vista trail, trying to remember where all those craters were. A couple spots I remembered being slippery when wet were just as tough in the snow. I began the descent into the gorge that marks the middle of the trail. Wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. The ascent back up the other side was as tough as I remembered; maybe just a little more. A few more turns and I was ready to bomb down the hill to the start of the loop and down to the trailhead.

Oh the fond memories, of more than once meeting up with a very stubborn skunk on this part of the trail. He managed to park himself right in the middle of the trail and he was the gate keeper, no letting anyone past. No amount of screaming, arm flailing, or rock flinging seemed to encourage him to move on.

Flashing back to the present, I feel gravity starting to speed me up regardless of the relatively cautious pace that I’m trying to stick to. There seemed to be just about enough snow to even out those annoying ruts that bothered my knees so much the first runs out here. Wow, I can finally get a better view of that abandoned car I’m always meaning to check out.

I’m up to a pretty good clip now. Right as I duck back into the treed section, I see a big splat mark in the snow. Looks like someone found some ice. Thankfully, it wasn’t me.

Another fast right, and I was none-too-soon headed back down to the trailhead and paved road. Again, found memories of stumbling down this hill after spending hours and hours running around on the loops. Hard to believe that I’ve run the same hill when its over 90 degrees and now when its less that 30 degrees.

I clicked the stop on my watch as I returned to my car. 1:01:49, I think that’s pretty good considering how little I’ve run lately. I’m actually pretty impressed that I didn’t bag out somewhere in the middle. I think now that I’ve got a decent run under my belt, I may be a little more motivated try to get back into more regular running. Now, all I just have to hope that the weather will cooperate.

If you’ve run a marathon or thinking about running a marathon (either dreaming or are seriously committed) keep an eye out for Spirit of the Marathon. Its a documentary on the history and modern evolution of the sport. I’m not a big sports history buff (yawn), but this was interesting and light hearted enough to hold my attention for the whole hour and half (two hours if you count hanging around for the DVD extra type stuff post show.)

After delving into the races origins, and early competitions in the Olympics, the story focus on folks training for the 2005 Chicago Marathon at various levels (first timer- lone trainee, first timer- group trainee, repeat marathoners, late onsets, and elites.) I felt right at home with the group first timer group trainee. I almost got choked up at times reliving some of the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of both the training process and race day that the profiled runners endured.

A large population of the Syracuse running community made it out to the show (thanks Fleet Feet for the heads up!) including the most of the class ‘07 1st Marathon. A few of which are getting ready for the fast approaching Boston Marathon. I’m still amazed that I trained with these amazing athletes.

At this point, I still don’t know what I’m gonna do in ‘08. Seeing the movie brought out both good and bad memories. I was thinking about giving up on the marathon distance and concentrating on speed at half and shorter distances, but now I’m jonesing for the high of crossing the marathon finish line again. Gonna have to get serious soon if that’s the idea!

Unfortunately, I think in theaters, the movie gonna was a one shot event; keep an eye out for it on DVD.

On one of my favorite TV shows, Mythbusters, they have what are known as Mythbuster’s Moments. Every once in a while, Adam stops and reflects on what he’s doing, like blowing something up or putting himself on the line in some crazy experiment, and realizes just how crazy things have gotten.

Not nearly as exciting, I’ve been having similar moments of wonder in my running. Marathon training and actual running of the race where numerous times I my sanity, let alone my motivation.

Lately, I’ve been running more or less for the fun of it without any specific training goals. But, I’m still have moments that give me pause.

2 weeks ago, I was doing a long run with Larry at Green Lakes when its 44 degrees out and raining cats and dogs, easily the wettest run this year.  By the end of the run, it felt like my windbreaker weighed 10 pounds on its own.

Last Saturday, I was out for another long run at Green Lakes; this time it wasn’t raining, thankfully, but it was a balmy 25 degrees out. It was a new experience to see frost accumulating on my shoes through out the run. I layered a running shirt, a long sleeve cotton shirt, and my windbreaker and think I was just about right. Larry chose just a short sleeve running shirt. Just looking at him almost made me go into a bout of hypothermia.

I snapped awake at about 3 this morning. I’ve been a nervous wreck lately about buying a house, and today was the closing (that all went fine, of course), so I was laying around staring at the ceiling and listening to the wind howling and rain. I thought, man, if that rain kept up, it’ll be a pretty icky run. But, an icky run is better than no run.

What a second. What the hell was that? I’m leaving a perfectly nice warm bed to go out into 35 degree pitch black night with a pretty good chance of rain. I think I may have blown a microchip.

It seems to be getting harder and harder to stay motivated as it gets cooler and the weather gets wetter. It takes all my will to get out the door, but once I’m going, each step gets a little easier and I’m always glad that I made it out when I’m done.

Tomorrow should be pretty exciting. Weather.com says 30 degrees and light snow at 5am. Not looking forward to it, but can’t wait to be done, if that makes any sense.

Not sure what the deal is but lately, my running hasn’t been going so well, specifically the long runs.  It feels like all my get up and go has just plain got up and went.

Ever since the marathon, it feels like my legs just haven’t been the same. I slow brought the daily runs back to 45 minutes with an hour thrown in every few days.  Most days I feel pretty good after the daily.  As the week wears on, I feel a little fatigued but nothing out of the ordinary.

The long runs usually start off pretty well, but after an hour, my motivation falls of pretty quickly.  2 weeks ago, I finished 90 minutes without too much hassle.  Last week, I pushed that to 2 hours and felt pretty much spent.   This week, I managed 2 hours again, but just barely.

I almost felt as bad at the end of that 2 hours as I did the last half hour of the marathon.  My right need was bugging me somewhat, but I think its just from road crowning.  I carried water with me, maybe I just not drinking enough.  I wasn’t thirsty, but was definitely dehydrated at the end.  Next week, I gotta remember to bring my strappy bottle with gatorade.

Maybe I’m just burned out.  Maybe its work and 1st time home buyer stress.  Maybe its straight up training.  I’ve been in loafing along in my half assed recovery training.  I gotta get started on Kevin’s ongoing maintenance plan.   Hopefully, that’ll shake things up.

The Wineglass Marathon results are in. I am proud to report the rest of the 1st Marathon team did 100% awesome:

• Bob: 3:29:07*
• Joe: 3:34:06
• Suzanne: 3:48:00
• Jen: 3:50:22*
• Diane: 4:06:21

*- qualified for Boston Marathon!

Again, I am once again humbled to have had the opportunity to train with such awesome athletes (and coach Kevin Collins.) After finishing the program and my first marathon, I truly understand and respect the dedication of everyone in the program.

Congratulations again!  Enjoy a little break guys, you’ve more than earned it.

Geez, I guess Rochester can’t be my last marathon. Can’t have all you guys putting me to shame so bad, hehe.