Ready for the Final Voyage of the Gasparilla Marathon

Pretty much ready to go for the Gasparilla Marathon in the morning. Got back a little while ago from an easy 15 minute jog to get the blood flowing, stretch, and roll out my legs with my Stick. Put a little Shoe Goo on the lugs of my Newton Running shoes so they don't wear down any further. Jenny is in the kitchen making everybody's favorite pre-race spaghetti dinner.

For some reason, I don't think I have been this excited to go run a marathon (this only being my third). My training and racing has gone really well so I am feeling pretty confident I can run the time I want.

Here it is laid out for everyone the race goals. The main goal is to run under 3H:16M to qualify to run in the Boston Marathon. The time goal is 3:08-3:10 (7:15/mile)which will maybe give me a chance to place in my age group. I would love to place with this being the last marathon for Gasparilla.

The race starts at 6Am so we will be getting up at 3AM to get some food in the stomach. I slept in until about noon today figuring won't be getting much tonight.

I am on Facebook and Twitter

I finally broke down and created accounts on Facebook and Twitter. I did so since most people are using them now. So, I have it setup so that anything I post here will also post there. If you would like to follow me on either Facebook or Twitter, you can do so by clicking the appropriate button over on the left side of the page. Hopefully, they will work right, I think I set them up correctly!

Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Expo

What an absolutely beautiful day to not go to work!!  After dropping the kids off at school this morning, Jenny and I headed to Tampa to pickup my race packet for the Gasparilla Marathon this Sunday. Was nice going to the expo on a Friday for a change because we actually was able to walk around the expo. In past marathons, we pickup my packet the day before the race. I try not to do much the day before, so I don't waste time or energy walking around the expo.

The expo was great with a lot of good booths. I went in with two missions...To see if I could find a new pair of training shorts and get a short sleeve shirt for the race since the race shirts are long sleeve. The race shirt was easy. I got an awesome looking Nike shirt with the race logo in blue. We found a running shop that was having an unbelievable sale on New Balance gear. I bought two pairs of shorts that I can use for training or racing. They look like running shorts, but aren't as short as my racing shorts. The shorts  feel great, have a lot of reflective material and a large pocket on the side that is big enough to carry at least five gel packets. I am going to test the shorts with the gels in the pocket to see if I want to use them Sunday.

After we left the expo, we walked around downtown a bit then drove a little bit of the race course and I showed Jenny where the best spots to see me and where buses will be going out on the course. This is a great course, the only "hills" are the small bridges that cross the river and over to Davis Islands.

[caption id="attachment_259" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Jose Gaspar pirate ship. Used during Gasparilla invasion."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_260" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Arrrrr, pirate flag on the Jose Gaspar."][/caption]

After driving around downtown, I rewarded Jenny by taking her to Starbucks to get her favorite Strawberries and Creme Frappuccino.

[caption id="attachment_263" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Colorful Florida Fall color at Starbucks."][/caption]

Fall (Winter) Color in Florida??

There had already been more color on the trees this winter than there ever has meaning the color was actually noticeable. The weather warmed up yesterday and we noticed that trees all over town were relatively bursting with color. I have never seen Oak Trees leaves change color before. For Central Florida, it is quite an amazing site next to snow!

Nike Essentials Singlet Review

I ordered the Nike Essentials Singlet in sprinter green with the intention of  wearing it in the Gasparilla Marathon. I have a singlet under the same name in red that I got a couple years ago and figured this one should be pretty much the same.

I wore the singlet on a five kilometer run at 7:15 marathon pace to make sure I wouldn't have any issues on race day with any king of rubbing or chaffing.

The singlet is comfortable, lightweight, good price of $25 and it looks good! I noticed that there are quite a few seams compared to my red singlet which had me a little worried. The singlet felt fine up until the completion of mile two. With a bit of a sweat going, the seam that runs right across the shoulder blades started to get a little irritating. The last thing I want to do is run 26.2 miles with that so this singlet is out for using during the marathon or really any race. Whoever designed this thing should go run in it!

So, I give the new Nike Essentials Singlet a big thumbs down due to the seam irritation on the shoulders.

[caption id="attachment_236" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="Seam across the shoulder is a deal breaker."][/caption]

Gasparilla Weather Watch is On!

As a lot of runners know, your marathon performance can depend much on what the weather does. Ideal weather is said to be about 50 degrees with humidity on the lower side. Weather is one reason planning to run a marathon in Florida is so iffy becuase the temperature could be freezing one day and beach weather the next. With the Gasparilla Marathon seven short days away, it is time to pay attention to the likely weather and plan accordingly. As of now, weather looks great with temps just below 50 for the low on Sunday and no rain.

Now then, lets see and test some national and local weather outlets to see who can most closely predict Sunday's weather seven days out!

www.intellicast.com - High 59 Low 48 Sunny

www.weather.com - High 59 Low 48 Sunny

www.accuweather.com - High 69 Low 53 Sunny

www.tbo.com (WFLA Channel 8 ) - High 69 Low 48 Sunny

www.wfts.com (WFTS Channel 28) - High 69 Low 49 Sunny

www.wtvt.com (WTVT Channel 13) - High 69 Low 46 Sunny

www.wtsp.com (WTSP Channel 10) - High 67 Low 49 Sunny

All look like great forecasts. Give me 50 degrees at race time and it just may be a good day!

Gasparilla Jr. Distance Classic

In conjunction with Gasparilla weekend, this morning was the 20th annual Gasparilla Jr. Distance Classic at the University of Tampa track. The event is really cool, is great fun for kids and parents, plus it is free!. The event is for kids 10 and under so Chris and Emily got to participate. The event is well run and they do a great job at the end of the races by corralling the kids into an enclosed area where the only way for the kids to get out is through a guarded exit. Chris ran the mile and Emily half mile. Chris did an awesome job placing 2nd overall with a PR time of 7:45. The time would have been better, but to keep track of laps, bands were handed to the kids after each lap complete. Emily did well and kept running the whole time with a big smile on her face and finished her half mile in about 4:15.

[caption id="attachment_224" align="aligncenter" width="333" caption="Chris, running strong on 2nd lap."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_225" align="aligncenter" width="333" caption="3rd lap, feeling it!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_226" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Happy finisher with a new PR!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_227" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Emily the fun girl."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_228" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Another happy finisher!"][/caption]

I Got My Road ID

After a longer period of time than I should have, I finally ordered and received my Road ID bracelet. The Road ID is something that all runners or anybody should have. Like a medic alert bracelet, the Road ID tells first responders who you are, where you're from, emergency phone numbers, and medical info like blood type or allergy info. I got the Elite version which runs $30. The Elite has a comfortable band made of a rubber material that is easy to adjust and put on. They come in many colors. I got my favorite color, red!

I highly recommend everyone gets a Road ID, you can get one at www.roadid.com. You can save $1 by entering my thank-you code ThanksNeil618868. This code is good for the next 30 days.

[caption id="attachment_215" align="aligncenter" width="333" caption="Me with my new Road ID"][/caption]

How to Fight the Runs When Running!

I frequent the running site of coaches Joe English and Dean Hebert. I watched a new video they posted about getting the runs on the run. The video is both hillarious and informative. Check their site out at www.running-advice.com

Thankfully, I have never had a case of the squirts during a race (knock on wood). But, I do highly advocate the PRD (Pre-Race Dump). One nugget of good advice if you are prone to problems is try taking some Metamucil the night before your race to get some fiber. Odds are, if you have this issue, you need some more fiber in your diet to help absorb your liquids, drinking too much liquid, too much sugar, or dehydrated.

Without further ado, here's the video...Enjoy!!



Season 2 - Episode 13 -- The Runs on the Run from Joe English on Vimeo.

Stewart Middle School Band at Pasco County Fair Parade

Stewart Middle School at Pasco County Fair Parade from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

[caption id="attachment_195" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Stewart Middle School Band at Pasco County Fair"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_196" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Tommy at Pasco County Fair Parade"][/caption]

Tommy competes at FBA Solo Ensemble

Tommy's FBA Solo Ensemble Performance - "Danish Dance" from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Tommy did a great job at FBA Solo Ensemble earning a superior rating while performing the song "Danish Dance".

Joined Zephyrhills First Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Had a wonderful morning! We finally answered the call to join the Zephyrhills First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. The church members are really great people and have always made us feel welcome. They always treated us as though we were members.

Dr. George and Martha have been trying to have us out for lunch for weeks and we were finally able to get out with them today. It was so nice of them to take us out to Golden Corral. We had dinner with Dr. Hamilton and his Wife Betty earlier in the week also. It has been nice to be able to get to know all of them a bit better outside of church.

Last long run before Gasparilla

Did my last long run in preparation for the Gasparilla Marathon last night. I used it sort-of as dress rehearsal and time trial to see what I should be capable of. The plan was to do a 16 mile fast finish run where I run the first 10 miles around planned marathon pace or slower and the last 6 miles increasing the speed closer to 10K pace. I really surprised myself and gained a ton of confidence. I ran 16.3 mile total in 1 hour 54 minutes at an average pace of 7minute miles. That was much better than expected and planned. I ran the first 10 mile much quicker than I expect around 7:10/mile. I upped the pace to 6:45 and finished the last mile about 6:30. During the way, I set an unofficial half-marathon PR. The run was a good opportunity to practice my marathon nutrition plan. I didn't carry any water with me, so I worked it so that I would be at a water fountain at 6, 10, and 14 miles. I carried three strawberry/banana GU packets eating one on the run before getting to water. Stopped to wash down with water for about a minute at all three stops. The temperature was in the low 40s, I am hoping raceday temp will be at least in the low 50s so I don't have to adjust my pace for the weather.

As of now, my marathon plan will be a starting pace of 7:15 and keeping my heart rate in the 150s for the first half of the race. From there, just see how everything feels, play it by ear, and hope my legs don't cramp at any point.

The nutrition plan will be water to thirst only with a Gu at 6, 10, 14, 18, and 22 miles. Gatorade in between if I have a craving for it. I will also carry a couple SaltStick caplets in case I do start to cramp and am desperate to do anything to get it to stop.

Time for full taper mode and try to keep from running too hard in training runs. Looking forward to getting this race started!!

Countdown to Gasparilla Marathon

The 10th and last Gasparilla Marathon is just over two weeks away on February 28th and I am looking forward to the challenge. It always starts to get a little nervy when the marathon date starts to get into the range of weather forecast dates. I am checking the 15 day forecast at www.accuweather.com - The weather looks promising and will be a huge factor in how I approach the race with running the Kentucky Marathon in April. If the temps in Tampa are mid-50s or lower than I will give it a go and see if I can get my qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. Otherwise, I am going to take it as a long trial run for Kentucky. As of now, the weather for Friday the 26th is rain and a low of 45. Hopefuly, that 45 hangs on through Sunday race time which would mean game on!

I am thinking about doing a 16 mile pace run tomorrow. That would be run at 7:20/mile pace. That should give me a pretty good indication that I can hold it for the full 26 miles if it feels somewhat easy. I may opt for a fast finish run instead where you start slower, build speed, and finish fast. The average pace of this workout gives a pretty good indication of marathon pace. Then it is full taper mode, which kind-of blows because training miles and intensity gets cut. Sometimes it is hard to not cruise when the legs feel good.

Strawberry Distance Classic 5K Race Report

This morning was the last race of three straight weekends and last before the Gasparilla Marathon in three weeks.  I didn't altar my training at all this week, so I was feeling the two hill workouts and the 16 miler in between.  Luckily, the wind held off and was not a factor. Temperature was good, but pretty humid. The course was dead flat which is good and bad. Sometimes, little hills help change up which muscles are used. Course was well marked and length was spot on. The was a lot of races in the area today, so they had a pretty good turnout. Seemed mostly locals though.

Ran 18:53, placed 3rd overall and 1st in my age group. Started faster than I should have with a 5:39. Slowed to 6:07 in the second. The sides of my thigh above the knees have been bugging me during races and were burning pretty good in the third mile. Slowed way down to 6:28. Going to have to start races going out feeling like I am jogging again to get the mile splits more even.

[caption id="attachment_169" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Slow down hoser...Started too fast!!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_170" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="What a pretty finishing stretch."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_171" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Legs burning, kinda glad to get this one over with."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_172" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Another first place medal for the collection!"][/caption]

Just capped off the day with a 10 miler to shake the legs out. Now I can feel better about taking Sunday off.

Pasco All-County Band Performance

Saturday was Tommy's big all-county band performance. The band is made up of the best Middle School band students in the county. The kids did an awesome job playing five songs during a half-hour concert. We are so proud of Tommy for what he has accomplished with the band in such a short time!!

[caption id="attachment_121" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Tommy getting ready for the performance."][/caption]

Pasco All-County Band-"Quintus" from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Pasco All-County Band - Music of "Cars" from Neil Clements on Vimeo.

Dade City Kumquat 5K Race Report

Great day and race today. Took a short trip down U.S. 301 to Dade City for the the Kumquat 5K and Festival.

[caption id="attachment_102" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Sunrise driving down U.S. 301"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_103" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Lining up at the start with my friend Lamonte Singletary."][/caption]

Had a fantastic race. Ran the whole race at a fairly even effort. The course at Kumquat is one of the better courses. There isn't hardly a flat spot on the course, but the hills aren't too much that they will wipe you out. All of mile two is a slight uphill. I was shocked to see my finishing time of 18:00. I was thinking that the course was short since my Garmin only showed 2.94 miles. I measured the course at www.mapmyrun.com and the course measured out to 3.15 and the mile markers showed the same as they were on the course.  So, I am not sure what to think. I still find it hard to believe that I could pull off an 18 minute 5K. Overall, I placed 5th and was first in my age group. Next race is this Saturday in Plant City for the Strawberry Distance Challenge 5K being held at Walden Lakes.

[caption id="attachment_104" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Finishing strong and easy!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_105" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="Getting picture taken with the Kumquat Queen at the awards."][/caption]

One of the great things about the Kumquat race is that after, you walk across the street to enjoy the Kumquat Festival.

[caption id="attachment_107" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Mickey and Minnie Mouse plant sculpture from Epcot."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_106" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Old Pasco County Courthouse."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_108" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Emily getting a kitty cat painted on her face."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_101" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="The happy finished product!"][/caption]

Kids get surprise with David Reutimann

[caption id="attachment_94" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Kids getting a garage tour from Buzzie."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_95" align="aligncenter" width="400" caption="Kids hanging out with David Reutimann."][/caption]

The kids got a major surprise when they got to have a private garage tourwith NASCAR driver David Reutimann today.

Jenny's Grandmother did good! Before Christmas, she went to Reutimann's garage to buy a model car for the boys. They only had one car, so she would have to come back another day. The next time she went in, she talked with Buzzie Reutimann (David's Dad). Since she was buying two cars, Buzzie gave her a signed car and told her to bring the other one back to trade out for another signed car. Nice deal, but it got better. They kept talking and he took an interest in hearing about the kids. Told her David was going to be in town for a couple days and to bring in the kids to meet him. Sneaky as we are, we didn't tell the kids about any of it. Before we even had a chance to tell them that we would take them into the garage, they came up with the idea to make Buzzie a thank-you card. Perfect!! We told them that we would take them in to give it to him personally, we just had to find out when a good time would be.

Jenny's Grandmother called the shop yesterday to talk to Buzzie to see when David would be there. He wasn't there so she left her number. She heard back from Buzzie later in the day and told her David would be in the shop and he would call her when we could take the kids in.

We met Buzzie in the office and he took us back into the garage, the kids thought that was so cool in itself. Then, they noticed that there stood David Reutimann working on a car. The kids got to talk to David for a couple minutes and Buzzie was great showing the kids their newest car and some other racing memorabilia.

A huge thank-you to the Reutimann's for taking the time with kids. All of them are super nice, down to earth and easy to talk to. They are the kind of people that you immediatley feel comfortable around.