robert nelson (dot) me

Over the weekend I ran the Clearwater Half Marathon, which was a great race. Overall it was wonderful and I will say that it will be added to my “to-do” list of races for 2011. The course was nice to run as far as scenery to look at, it was very well marked and had plenty of aid stations and volunteers. You really cannot ask for anything more. But that is not to say the post-race was something to say was shabby — they had a nice finish line setup plus some good food. They had the usual oranges, pretzels, soda and water — but in addition there was also some hot food. A nice plus especially when the morning was a slight bit chilly.

Anyway, like I said the race was great in terms of support and all that stuff, and I also had a great run personally. The official results have recently been posted on the Clearwater Running website, but I ran with my phone which has SportyPal and tracks my progress by GPS so I have two sets of results listed below.

According to the official race results, I ran a 1:54:29 which means I ran with an average pace of 8:44 per mile.

According to my results, which you can see below (map above) I actually ran a little more than the 13.1, but I still had a respectable time. My race goal was 9 minute to 9:10 minute miles and I beat that so I am very happy.

• Date: 23/01/2010 07:10
• Distance: 13.55 mi
• Total Time: 01:54:41
• Average Speed: 7.09 mph
• Calories: 1372 kcal

• Start time: 07:10:56
• End time: 09:05:37
• Max Speed: 10.53 mph
• Max Pace: 05:41 min/mi
• Average Pace: 08:27 min/mi
• Total climb: 200 ft
• Total descend: 200 ft

Now I will continue to run and begin to think about my full marathon next month, which I am running at the end of the month as part of Gasparilla in Tampa.

The words “100 Miles and Runnin” could mean a few things depending on who you ask. It is of course an older NWA song, which does currently reside in my music collection. But more importantly it also serves as a goal for myself. That goal is to run 100 miles — an ultramarathon or more specifically I want to run the Keys 100 in May of 2011.

I have talked about this race before, and had hoped to run it this past May (in 2009) but timing was wrong and the finances were not available for a undertaking like this. So it was put on the back burner for a while. Now the timing is better and with some advance planning it should be easy to at least make it to the starting line. What I do from there will have to wait, but at least I know I can go in with a good plan, good support crew and most importantly plenty of supplies and plenty of training.

But in reality this post serves as a way to make my intentions public. And I am doing that because the more people that know, and the more people that I talk about my goal with, the harder it will be for me to chicken out.

Yes, attempting to run a 100 miles makes me nervous, but its a big challenge and honestly I am more afraid that I will finish and then want to do something harder, longer or crazier. But more on that after May of 2011.

In the meantime, I will continue training using my current plans, which will accommodate both my regular marathon and summer triathlon plans. I am also doing research into supplies that I need, and trying to read anything and everything that may help me in regards to ultramarathons.

But the first order of business, I need a new pair of running shoes.

Earlier today I went for a run, which by itself is nothing special as I run often. But today I found myself in another place, back to a time when running was the BEST or most relaxing thing that I could do. Now this is not to say any of my other recent runs were not special, but today it was done in less than ideal conditions.

I went running, I had my shoes, shorts, a thin but long sleeved running jersey, and my phone to track my progress and provide me with podcast entertainment.

I started out running, it was about 60 degrees (and yes for Florida that is chilly) and very windy and overcast. Not typical Florida weather, and about 1/2 mile in it began to rain, first a sprinkle then it was pouring. I thought about turning and heading back home.

But before I even made it to 1 mile in I realized that I was smiling. I have having FUN, serious fun. Like a kid playing out in the rain. And I mean I was smiling so much that the passing cars probably thought I was crazy. A mid-30 year old running in the rain with a big old smile on his face.

But it was fun, and with that I ushered in the New Year with an 8+ mile run. And then came home to a wife and two daughters that once again confirmed (in their minds) that I am slightly crazy.

My running for the year will hopefully take me back to this place many times. As for goals, other than keep this feeling — I want to run at least 6 marathons with one of those being an ultra (50K). And on top of that I plan to do four sprint triathlons in Clermont Florida over the summer.