I’m training for a half marathon on 3/31. Running is not my strength. I’m a bad, bad runner. But pushing comfort zones is how we get better in life, so I persist.
Every Friday, I publish an update on my training. This is the final update (#12).
Holy crap, the half marathon is tomorrow. Before I told you how I wrapped up my training, I’ll show you what I did in Portland this week.
Portlandia
I like Portland a lot. The people are friendly and the city is big enough to be interesting.
On Tuesday, we went to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry where we learned about robots:
We also went to Blue Star Donuts which is AMAZING:
After careful scientific research which involved eating many donuts, I have come to the conclusion that Blue Star is better than Voodoo. It was close though and I’ll have to do follow-up studies to confirm my results.
On Wednesday, we went to a waterpark with a 747 on the roof:
On Thursday, we went to see Mt. St. Helens:
Later that day, the dinosaurs terrorized Portlandia at the world’s smallest park:
This morning, we went to Screen Door which may be the best breakfast place in the world:
Of course, I ate the above because I need the calories for the race tomorrow. That’s what I tell myself anyway…
Running Update
I’m feeling good about my running, even though I failed at some of my goals:
Weight below 150 (FAIL: Actual weight: 155): I lost a lot of weight recently, but it was before I started the half-marathon training. I found it much easier to lose weight when I was walking fast. I think it’s because walking put me in the fat-burning zone and running put me out of it. More here: https://www.verywellfit.com/are-you-walking-in-the-fat-burning-zone-3436869
Resting heart rate below 60 (FAIL: 61 was my lowest): This is a worthy goal and I’ll continue to work on getting into the 50s. A low heart rate means that you have a strong heart.
Run 150 miles (SUCCESS: 163 miles): Running got easier for me, but not until the very end of my training. I would have been better off with 4 months of training instead of 3.
Run at least 3 miles for every beer consumed(SUCCESS: 3.02 miles per beer): Drinking less is more. I plan to cut back further in the months to come.
Run the half-marathon in under 2 hours (To Be Determined): I run the race tomorrow and have no idea what my time will. Up until recently, I felt like this goal was silly. However, I’ve been running better lately. Update in a couple weeks…
And this week, I ran a grand total of 0 miles. I had two runs planned, but time got away from me. Maybe it was better this way since my leg pain finally disappeared this morning (Friday).
This Week In Running
- Runs: 0
- Miles: 0
- Longest run: 0 miles
This Year In Running
- Runs: 40
- Miles per run: 4.07
- Miles: 163 (goal is > 150)
- Days until half marathon: 1 (TOMORROW!)
2018 Activity (walking included)
- Total steps: 1,415,111
- Total miles: 670.21
Weight, Heart, Beer
- Weight: 155 (goal was < 150)
- Low resting heart rate for the week: 61 (goal was < 60)
- Beers consumed this week: 5
- Beers consumed this year: 54
- Beer ratio: 3.02:1 (3.02 miles ran per beer). Goal is > 3:1
This is my last half-marathon training update. Next Friday, I’ll tell you how I did and what my new fitness goal is.
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Wade says
March 30, 2018 at 12:10 pmGood luck!
Start off conservatively. You will feel strong and the pack will be running fast to start. It is easy to run a couple miles and realize your pace is way to fast. Dying in the last 2 miles will cost you way more time than running the first two miles 1 minute too fast.
Don’t change your morning routine tomorrow. Sip a sports drink. Light breakfast. Nibble on a granola bar.
Consider a gu pack 1/2 way through. They might hand them out or you can carry one.
Take a sip of water/sports drink at every water stop. Even a splash will help. Prepare to use the restroom 1 time during the run. Shouldn’t have to if you go right before the run. Watch out for long bathroom lines.
Go time! You will have a blast.
Mr. 1500 Days says
March 30, 2018 at 2:13 pmThanks so much for the tips! I picked up some of that Gu stuff with extra caffeine (I need all the help I can get).
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
March 30, 2018 at 12:40 pmGood luck!! I look forward to the post-race update!
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…I Lived on an Average of $31,000 for 7 Years in Los Angeles
Mr. 1500 Days says
March 30, 2018 at 2:13 pmThanks!!
Mr. Tako says
March 30, 2018 at 12:59 pmMay The Force Be With You.
Mr. Tako recently posted…The Differences Between Us
Andrea says
March 30, 2018 at 1:54 pmBlue Star is *DEFINITELY* better than Voodoo – no contest! Also, you can get Voodoo in Denver now – so all Portland-based donut-related calories should absolutely be saved for Blue Star.
Mr. 1500 Days says
March 30, 2018 at 2:14 pmYeah, holy hell, Blue Star is amazing. I’m glad that it’s not close to me!
Joe says
March 30, 2018 at 10:26 pmYeap, I vote for Blue Star too. I don’t think local people go to Voodoo anymore. There are many more choices now. I heard Coco Donuts is really good too. You should check it out as another test point…
Joe recently posted…My Unglamorous Early Retirement Lifestyle
Mrs. Picky Pincher says
March 30, 2018 at 2:15 pmI know the half-marathon is tomorrow, but congrats on all the hard work and grit you’ve put in for this! I can’t tell you how many fitness goals I’ve let fall to the wayside, so you’re an inspiration for us chubbly peeps.
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MrWow says
March 30, 2018 at 2:19 pmOn our way. We’re ready… We’re excited. Did an 10 miler last Saturday. Then a 2 and a 3 this week.
Legs feel good… I think we’re ready to rock and roll.
We’re in the cab to the airport… see you in a bit!
kathryn coleman says
March 30, 2018 at 3:10 pmI like this stat: ‘3.02 beers per mile’ – but maybe you meant 3.02 miles per beer? The first stat is more like mine – apart from bottles of wine. and the decimal place moved two to the right…….
…. Run like the wind tomorrow!
Kara says
March 30, 2018 at 4:55 pmNo donut follow-up studies needed. As a former Portland dweller and donut consumer, I confirm your findings that Blue Star is indeed superior to Voodoo. Now, go enjoy another carb-loaded delight to fuel your marathon. Good luck tomorrow!
Russell @RisdomFI says
March 30, 2018 at 6:14 pmGood luck tomorrow!
My buddy just challenged me to a Strava running competition for next week. We’ll have to see how it goes but it may be a fun way to involve more of it in my life? Current = 0. But biking > 0, and boxing = 1.5+/wk
Matt Spillar @ Spills Spot says
March 30, 2018 at 9:29 pmGood luck Mr.1500! Been fun following along your fitness journey and all the training you’ve been doing. Give JD and Mr. WoW a run for their money!
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Aaron says
April 1, 2018 at 12:37 amGood luck on the race! Glad to see you managed to carb load with donuts and waffles! The gel’s will definitely help you — just don’t take them too late!
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Mr. 1500 Days says
April 1, 2018 at 3:56 pmThanks! The half-marathon went off OK, but holy crap, I’m sore today! I should have had more donuts!!
Team CF says
April 2, 2018 at 1:29 amGreat progress really! Think you can be proud of what you have achieved in the last few month. Any plans to continue with another race?
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Mr. 1500 Days says
April 2, 2018 at 1:45 pmYep, I’ll do a 5K at Berkshire and then attempt another half-marathon at the end of the year.