Sunday, February 24, 2008

PB Legs



As I recall from my chemistry classes PB is the symbol for the element Lead. I think my shoes were lined with about three pounds of lead each during this run. My "A" plan was to run a 50K. I had to settle for my "B" plan which was to run 26.2 miles. With my dead lead legs that would have to do.
It's not like I didn't understand the concept of a six hour run. It's just that it took me 4:03:51 to run a marathon and I'd had enough. I averaged a 9:00 min./mile pace with a couple of 7:30 miles in the mix due to long transition times at the start/finish aid station.
Cat, Michelle, Rob, Steve, and I all carpooled in Cat's Expedition. The course was run on the Centennial Trail near Snohomish WA. It was an out and back on a paved trail. We enjoyed pastures and wetlands along the course as we made our way up and down the trail. Rob and Steve went out fast and were running with the front runners. I started out with the very back of the pack and slowly started rolling up to speed. This allowed for some good banter between the Rob and Steve team and me when we passed each other on the out and backs. The best was when we heard what sounded like someone target shooting up in the woods above the trail. As Rob ran toward me he looked up and yelled "I think they are shooting at us." I quipped back that I was pretty small but that he would make a good target. It was my best "zinger" of the day.
Rob and Steve were able to finish out a 50K. Cat, Michelle, and I all completed the marathon. We stopped at the Clearview Plaza Starbucks off Hwy 9 on our way home. I left coffee just a bit early and purchased a 24oz Bud Beer to share as a ceremonial post run celebration. We drank from some cups I took from the race aid station in an outdoor gazebo that was set up for smokers near the Starbucks. It had really nice glider-rocker Adirondack chairs and benches that were made from recycled plastic. This made it difficult to load up the Expedition and head home. Sorry no pictures - my camera batteries were dead when I tried to fire it up. My fault for not putting the battery in the charger.
Rob was scheduled to run a 50K today in his quest for 13 marathon or above races in 12 weeks. He and I talked the crazy talk of going out at midnight to start the run. After getting home my eyes felt so gritty (post lasik) I decided that I shouldn't get too crazy and called Rob to let him know he was on his own. As far as I know he ran the Yours Truly 50K on the Cedar River Trail this morning.
I'm thinking about another 6 hour trail run that is offered near Seattle next weekend. Looks like a nice loop course and will be good training.
Until next time, run happy, and be happy.
Eric

11 comments:

shawn said...

I'm laughing out loud at your blog right now..."It's not like I didn't understand the concept of a six hour run." Way to get in another 50k!

I was sort of surprised not to see more zingers relating to Orcas Island and the whole "rolling back into the ocean" joke. Ah well. I'm sure that you meant that Rob, with all his stars, would now be a big target.

Can't believe you even contemplated going back out at midnight...could have been a fun story though. The moon was bright, my eyes were blurry, out of nowhere a mighty rattler appeared...

Unknown said...

It would have been a crazy thing to do, but I enjoyed sleeping last night instead. I think we made the right call. Another one in the books. Shall we do it again next week? You know where to find me.

Sarah Elaine said...

Heard you had eye surgery last week. I guess it didn't affect your brain. You're still a crazy-assed Welshman. Rock on.

Steve S said...

After an ice bath last night and a good nights rest I felt pretty good this morning. Sydnee even talked me into running 8 with her today so we ran over to Bradley for a couple loops and finished just after dark. I'm beginning to really doubt my sanity after hanging around you and Rattler for the last couple years. It seems to be fun but I worry it's just a long shroom trip.

Olga said...

Darn good after a lasic surgery, my man! And tell me about Pb legs...I had those for 3 weeks straight! I think it is something oxydizing and converting the normal elements into lead, don't you? Now the solving would be to find what exactly causes it...

runningtwig said...

Great run after the surgery...your description of the surgery freaked me out!

And a big bud beer? Sounds like a good post race celebration.

Keep it up!

Laura H said...

Seems pretty normal for your eyes post lasik. I think the body takes a toll too when we do something like that (the surgery) - even though we know you are made of steel and not lead! Good for you listening to it and resting. Nice...Bud...mmmm....

Gotta Run..... said...

Big Bud Beer... what a great way to end a run. I normally go for the ice cold Mountain Dew but now you have me thinking :)

Adelyn said...

Great job on the marathon after your surgery :) And nice way to finish it out with the beer :D

Jon said...

Eric-aholic! :-P

I'm impressed that you were able to put on the miles at Kendall's run post-surgery so quickly. I wonder how many other ultrarunners have gone under the laser and jumped back into the running routine?

Meghan said...

Heh. This is a funny entry. Well, kind of. I'm glad your eyes survived all you put them through!

Meghan