Running Man

The Race, Part II

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-31T11:01:07-08:00

Getting over the bridge and onto the Quebec City side of the St. Lawrence River was paramount to finishing the race. A local runner whom was on the bus to the starting line told me it was 13 kilometers to the finish once I got over the bridge. So I knew after that it would be about nine miles.
Helping break that up was knowing my support group would be at mile 22 to cheer me on. I figured once I got over the bridge, I had five miles before seeing them, and then just four to the finish line.

The Race, Part I

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-30T07:55:12-08:00

The Quebec City marathon was more than I expected, on many levels, but I am so proud to have finished it.
From having to go to the ER 13 months ago, to losing 20 pounds while I wondered what was wrong, to Rebecca and I having our first child, it has been a long 15 months. I proved to myself that I could recover from last summer and do another marathon, which is what this whole experience was about.

Yes, I finished

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-28T07:53:39-08:00

Just a quick note. I finished in about 4 hours, 50 minutes. It was a grueling marathon because of hills, but I did it, and am very proud. I'm tired and getting read to leave, so check back Wednesday for last blog entry.

Almost Race Time

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-26T17:17:13-08:00

It is just about 12 hours to race time, and the butterflies have started. I’ve chowed down on my pasta dinner, after having pasta for lunch the last two days, and feel ready. In fact, I haven’t felt this ready to run this marathon than I do right now.
But let me say, this isn’t just a race trip. It’s a trip to take in Quebec City, and it is gorgeous. Someone compared Quebec City to Paris, which is my favorite city.

In Quebec City

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-25T18:12:42-08:00

One of the best parts of a marathon, other than finishing and having that medal draped around my neck, is bib pick up. Whether the event is big or small, there's always excitement in the room when all the other runners are picking up their bibs.
This was the case again Friday. Although I was tired from the drive from Boston (it took a little bit longer than I hoped), the nice thing was the hotel for the bib pick up was right across the street.
Therefore, we made the quick jaunt over, and picked up my packet, which includes a champion-chip. That's what you wear on your shoe so your time can be registered. Also in the packet are some runner's goodies, some advertisements and a marathon t-shirt. And don't forget the bib. I am bib No. 93.
We also took a quick walk through a central part of the city, and it was packed. Shops, restuarants, bars and tons of people. It is absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, I'm exhausted and starving, so we headed back to our hotel for a quick bit to each, and then some shut eye.
Saturday I'll do a more expanded blog in preparations for Sunday's race.

On the right coast

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-24T19:42:14-08:00

Not much new, other than the 3 mile walk I was supposed to do today never happened. Why?
Well, we flew to Boston to meet some family members, but by the time we got to the hotel and had dinner, it was too late. No big deal, though, since I figured I must have walked three miles in the airport, getting to baggage claim and then the shuttle to the hotel. Plus, we walked to dinner, so I am counting it all as three miles.
Kyan was great on the flight, and I was pleased to see Delta leaving bottles of water at the back of the plane for people to get. You know, with not being allowed to bring beverages on the plane and all, I wondered how the airlines would work it. Delta did a nice job with it, all of which doesn't make up for them ruining one of our pieces of luggage.
Sorry, nothing too exciting. Fridayit's on to Quebec City for Sunday's race. Maybe if we pull in soon enough, I will drop by to pick up my runner's packet instead of waiting until Saturday.

Last Run Done

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-23T19:32:32-08:00

My last training run is in the books. I knocked it out early Wednesday morning, a three-mile jaunt with Kyan before the heat and before UCLA practice. I still have a three mile walk Thursday, but my running is done with.
It’s strange, though, because I didn’t experience the same type of euphoria when I finished this training session as my others.
Instead, I felt content, at ease, and eager for the race. The key for the next few days is rest and proper hydration. I’m excited for the race to be here, but not anxious.
Certainly, I curtailed my training during the last month, partly because of heat and becoming tired, but also because of my leg injury (which still feels fine, thankfully, after two straight days of running). I haven’t done the calculations, but I still believed I ran approximately 450 miles in the four months of training.
The end of my training runs also give me a type of inner peace, and sense of achievement, but more on that later this week.
Thursday, it is on to the East Coast, before a Friday drive to Quebec City.

Training Fun Again

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-22T20:39:38-08:00

I’m not sure what exactly happened, but about 4 p.m. today I got the itch for the race to be here. I wasn’t doing anything special, other than picking Kyan up, but suddenly I got a great rush of excitement and was ready for race day.

Back in Training

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-21T19:18:55-08:00

I was back out and running Sunday, and although my leg didn’t feel perfect, I was able to complete two miles without pain. There was some soreness in the calf area, but not enough to slow me down. In fact, it didn’t hamper my running at all.
But once I stopped running, there was only slight soreness in the area between the calf and the bone on the inside of my right leg. It wasn’t worse than it has been, which keeps me optimistic for Sunday’s marathon.
My plan for this week is to run either two or three miles Tuesday and Wednesday, and then walk three miles Thursday.
Check back each day for updates between now and the race.

Race forecast

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-19T17:04:02-08:00

I'm sure the forecast for the race will change several times between now and race day, but the preliminary forecast is out and it doesn't seem bad. Of course, when I looked at it a day earlier, the chance of rain was 60 percent, and now it is down to 10 percent. In case I didn't mention this in the past, I would love it rain for the race.

Good news from Doc

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-18T20:43:05-08:00

My doctor called and told me x-rays were negative (which I expected) and I would be ok to run, as long as I stay in tune with my body and listen to my leg if it barks at me. It eased my mind. Also, my leg felt good again today. I can still feel a tiny tinge in it once in a while, and I decided I would run with a sleeve on that part of my leg. Now, it is on to Sunday's test run.

Tentative sked

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-18T07:18:32-08:00

Another good day for my ailing right leg, which has just a morsel of soreness in it. I feel confident things will be ok, and Sunday my plan is to run 2 or 3 miles. I thought of trying two miles Friday, but I promised myself I wouldn't run until Sunday, so I am sticking to it.

A leg up

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-16T16:38:43-08:00

I'm trying to stay off my feet as much as possible, which is difficult with UCLA football practicing and my attendance mandatory, but I am feeling better and better about my leg. I had one sore spot today, about halfway up my right leg between the calf and bone. It was only tender when I planted my foot, and with the ingesting of Tylenol 8-hour to reduce inflammation, the soreness/tenderness/pain is gone.
My plan is to rest for a few more days, then take a short run this weekend to see how the leg feels. No, it's not the ideal way to lead into a marathon, but I've done four months of hard training. I don't believe two weeks off before the race will be that damaging, because my base is built pretty strong.

Feeling better

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-15T13:05:59-08:00

I have decided to rest my right leg at least until the end of the week, but it is getting better. A trip to the doctor's office eased my fears a bit, and I at least know I will start the marathon. How far I go will depend largely on how I feel.
But I have a preliminary diagnosis that makes me feel better.

An injury hope

Brian Dohn — 2006-08-13T21:24:20-08:00

After a few days of pain, I wrapped up my lower leg very tightly for the day and it felt good. Not perfect, but much better than it had been feeling. It has given me hope that I can sit and rest it for a week and still get in a run or three before the race on Aug. 27.