I thought it was pretty cool to see Bart Yasso showing support for Gasparilla. The following is reposted from an email that Gasparilla sent to me…

Runner’s World Chief “Running Officer”
Bart Yasso To Speak During
8 On Your Side Health & Fitness Expo

Dubbed the “Mayor of Running,” Bart Yasso is one of the best-known figures in the sport, but few people know why he started running competitively, how it changed his life, or how his brush with a crippling illness nearly ended his career a decade ago.

With insight and humor, Bart’s latest book, My Life on the Run chronicles his life and what he’s experienced while competing in more than 1,000 competitive races during his nearly 30 years with Runner’s World magazine.

Bart will be available for Book Signings and will host two Seminars over Race Weekend. Join Bart on Friday, February 26th at 6:30pm and Saturday, February 27th at 1:00pm. Bart will also run the Final Voyage of the Gasparilla Marathon on Sunday, February 28th. To learn more about Bart, click here!

Many runners tell me quite simply I have the greatest job in the world. I get to travel to races around the world and meet runners of all abilities. Let me reiterate I get to meet thousands of runners with some amazing stories. For me running has also been a vehicle of introduction to people, places, cultures, and animals. I have run on all seven continents, but it’s not the details of the races I recall it’s the people I meet.
Bart Yasso

So I have a Marathon to run next weekend. Great. I ran 11.2 miles today at about an 8:05 pace. Which felt pretty good despite having a rich meal last night (at Double Crown on Bleecker/Bowery) with a few dark and stormies (rum + ginger beer) and a crappy night’s sleep (thanks to our insomniac dog Charlie).

I have finalized my goal time for the marathon, which will be 3:50 (8:47 splits). If there was a pace group with a 3:55 finish time, I would have prefered that. But theres not and I refuse to run with a 4:00 pace team. So 3:50 it is. That’s about 25 minutes slower than I was hoping for.

Hard to believe I ever had such an ambitious goal in mind for a marathon with a training season that falls square in the middle of the christmas holidays, dead of winter and flu season. All 3 of these things set me back in their own way… so I will just be happy to finish better than my first marathon time of 3:57! Anyway, here’s a map of my route today. After that, there’s some info about the Gasparilla pace teams.

Gasparilla Pace Team FAQ

Where do the Pacers come from?
All of our Pacers were chosen because of their years of competing in several marathons around the country. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon.

What Pace Groups are offered?
We will have groups for goal times: 3:20 (7:38/mile), 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, and 5:00 (11:27/mile). Additional times may be offered so check with us at the Expo.

What pace group should I be in?
The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult the Race Prediction charts at www.MarathonGuide.com. There you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you’ve completed this season. It’s very important not to start out to fast in the marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.

What does it cost to run with the Pace Team?
The Pace Team is sponsored by the marathon and doesn’t cost you anything!

Can half marathoners run with the Pace Team?
Absolutely! This year the Half Marathon is adding Pacers just for the half marathoners. We will have the following half marathon goal times: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, and 2:30. Half marathoners can also run the first ten miles of their race with any of the full marathon pacers if they would prefer one of those pace times. Just stop by our booth at the expo and meet your pace leader. On race morning just fall in with the group.

How will the Pacers be running the race?
Every pace leader will be holding a steady pace throughout the marathon. These “even splits” are the best way to achieve your peak performance in the race.

Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly? How do they do that!?
The guys and gals serving as Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well. Sometimes at the start it’s crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly, they won’t take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.

Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
About 30 minutes before the start we’ll be assembling in the starting area. Each Pacer will be holding up their pace sign so when you see it go and join up with the group. About 15 minutes before the start the Pacer will give you some last minute instructions about running with the group. They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops. We will be wearing our bright Pace Team uniforms. Now is the time to ask any last minute questions you may have.

What will the Pace Leader do at the water stations?
The Pacer will usually slow down or walk through the water stops. Listen for this information during the pre-race talk.

Will there be Pace Leaders for me if I’ve trained using the Galloway method?
You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if you’re using the run-walk method. You will be meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout the marathon, running ahead and then walking behind.

If I join a Pace group do I have to stay with them for the whole marathon?
No you don’t. However, if you feel great at the start of the race that’s normal and you should stay with the group through the halfway point. Then you can consult with the group leader on an appropriate strategy for the second half of the race. If you’re not having a great day then slow down, take some walking breaks and work your way to the finish line. If you’re trying to hit a PR the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your pace leader for the whole race.

Will each group have the same Pace Leader for the entire marathon?
Yes. Each pace group will have one leader and they will run the entire 26.2 miles. You won’t be abandoned or handed off to a newcomer in the middle of the race. We’ll stick with you from start to finish.

What should I do after the race?
Stay on your feet, walk around for 15-30 minutes, and eat and drink to replenish your exhausted body. When stopped at the airport metal detector exclaim, “Oh that must be my Marathon medal.” After you’re home, sit down and email your race story to me at PacerJim@hotmail.com. Begin planning for your next marathon. Wear your medal to bed.

Wear my medal to bed? If I actually finish, I just might!

Thanks for reading, make sure to bookmark my site and come back often. Feel free to email me at Jason@nycin310.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NYCin310.

Jason

So we’re officially 10 days away from the Gasparilla Marathon, which means weather.com starts forecasting the conditions for Sunday, Feb 28th. And as of this moment, they are absolutely perfect for marathon running… 62 degrees, sunny, 0% chance of precipitation and a breeze of 9mph from the NW. Let’s hope that holds up! Because on Saturday they’re saying 40% chance of rain…

Thanks for reading, make sure to bookmark my site and come back often. Feel free to email me at Jason@nycin310.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NYCin310.

Jason

As of Saturday, I am proud to report that I’m done with my long runs and couldn’t possibly be any happier about it! I started off with 11 miles outdoors (battery park, up to west 70th and back) and then finished off with 9 miles on the treadmill in our basement gym. Overall I found this 20 miler to be much easier than last week’s, but by the final few miles I was dragging so I’m still concerned about the final 10k.

I absolutely hate long runs in the winter.

So if nothing else, I will walk away from this experience knowing that I will NEVER train for a winter marathon again. Multi-layered clothes, freezing rain, wind, snow and dodging patches of ice on the pavement… not for me. Hopefully the weather in Tampa will be favorable by the end of February. I know it’s been unseasonably cold down there so far. Weather.com shows it warming up to 70 degrees on Feb 24th, just 4 days from raceday.

I can’t remember where I saw this, but it’s a great marathon strategy…

- Run the first 10 miles with your head
- Run the next 10 miles with your legs
- Run the final 10k with your heart

I have a feeling I’m going to need alot of heart.

J

I found a new t-shirt to wear next time I attempt a 20 miler on the treadmill…

Fucking boring. That’s about the only way to describe spending 172 minutes on the treadmill. But you know what, I am so tired of doing winter long runs in the outdoors, that it was worth it. Just to run and not have to worry about layering 10 different items of clothing, hats, gloves and all that nonsense. Plus I can add that to my running resume. How many people can say they’ve put in 20 miles on a treadmill, right? (who the hell would want to say that)

It wasn’t just hard because it was boring though. I am not exactly well prepared to take on the marathon distance, as was evidenced by my crash into the wall at about mile 18. Don’t tell anyone, but I even walked for the 0.1 mile interval between 18.9 and 19.0… but at the end of the day, I knocked out 20 miles at an 8:38 pace, so I guess it could have gone worse.

Since I’ve already decided the Gasparilla marathon is no longer the record shattering race I’d hoped it would be, I think it would be neat to try running with a pace group this time around… leaving my one man wolf pack in exchange for many of us wolves, running around Tampa Bay together. Maybe try to stick with a 3:50 group or something like that. Since my motivation has been in the toilet, it may be smart to try to leverage off of the strength of others.

Anyway, we’re really in the homestretch now. This Sunday will be 2 weeks until race day. Given the case of the weather outdoors today, I might even try… gasp… fitting in another 20 miler on the treadmill on Saturday. I know that kind of distance 2 weeks out is kind of dumb, but its on a treadmill so the impact of doing a 20 miler won’t be as substantial as an outdoors run. I just need that confidence booster that 20 miles is completely doable, and 26.2 isn’t thaaaat much further (even though it is).

J

Runner’s World sends me a Quote of the Day in my inbox each morning. Here are my favorites from the last 2 months. You can get the 101 Kicks in the Butt here: http://www.runnersworld.com/newsletter/0,7127,,00.html

This is not about instant gratification. You have to work hard for it, sweat for it, give up sleeping in on Sunday mornings.
- Lauren Fessenden, marathoner

Marathons are about tenacity as much as talent.
- John “the Penguin” Bingham

When they’re out there running, for that little slice of time, they’re not free, but they have a little bit of mental release.
- Laura Bowman, who is in charge of a running club for prisoners

That is why athletes are important, why records are important. Because they demonstrate the scope of human possibility, which is unlimited. The inconceivable is conceived, and then it is accomplished.
- Brian Ganville, “The Olympian”

Consistency requires discipline. Force yourself out the door.
- Bob Glover and Shelly–Lynn Florence Glover

Experienced runners learn to respect the changing needs of their bodies. That’s the wisdom that comes with time, and – for good or bad – with age.
- Fred Lebow, founder of the New York City Marathon

I ran to be free; I ran to avoid pain; I ran to feel pain; I ran out of love and hate and anger and joy.
- Dagny Scott, Runner’s World Complete Book of Women’s Running

I think there is no better way to invite a human being to view their body differently than by inviting them to be an athlete, by revering one’s body as an instrument rather than just an ornament. It’s a really great way to reorient how you see your body so you can see it as this incredible, awe-inspiring machine that you need to fuel well in order for it to function.
- Alanis Morissette, Singer/Actress

Nothing hurts more, but is so rewarding at the same time.
- Runner Sandy Zanchi on the Marathon

Running is my private time, my therapy, my religion.
- Gail W. Kislevitz, writer

When you have the enthusiasm and the passion, you end up figuring how to excel.
- Deena Kastor, U.S. Olympic Marathoner

Experience has taught me how important it is to just keep going, focusing on running fast and relaxed. Eventually pain passes and the flow returns. It’s part of racing.
- Frank Shorter

We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort.
- Jesse Owens

I used to run to school, 10k every day.
- Haile Gebrselassie

I run with my head, my heart and my guts, because physically, I don’t think I’ve got a great deal of talent or ability. I started at the bottom and worked up.
- Steve Jones, former marathon world record holder

Do quality workouts year-round, including during the winter. You’re less likely to get injured because you won’t hurry the training process, and you’ll race better because you build fitness on a solid foundation.
- Brad Hudson, elite coach

If one has determination, then things will get done.
- Chinese Proverb

They say you can’t run away from your troubles. I say that you can.
- John Bingham, The Courage to Start

Dwell on the positive, but have controlled, passionate anger.
- Pat Tyson, running coach

A change of pace in terms of your running pace will give you strength psychologically.
- Bill Rodgers

Thanks for reading, make sure to bookmark my site and come back often. Feel free to email me at Jason@nycin310.com. You can also follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/NYCin310.

J

My long run yesterday was pretty awful. I set out to knock off a 20 miler and packed it in after only 13 and a half. Now, to be fair I ran 19 last weekend, so this theoretically should have been my weekend to drop back anyway. But I made an ill-informed decision to try to cram in milage. And it was bitter cold yesterday. And I apparently am still in recovery mode from the flu, as I am still struggling with stiff neck/achey back and general tiredness.

However, my confidence was shot by the abbreviated distance. When I got back, I immediately sent a note to the Gasparilla Distance Classic event organizers (again, this is embarassing, but I figure who really reads my blog anymore anyway!):

From: Jason
To: Gasparilla
Sent: Sun 1/31/2010 1:51pm
Subject: Dropping back from marathon to half-marathon

I hope its not too late to officially drop back from the full marathon down to the half marathon. I know the site mentions a deadline of Jan 27th but hoping there’s a few days of flexibility. I came down with a bad flu mid-january. On top of that I live in NYC and this has been a particularly frigid winter so the long runs have been extra tough! I am flying down and have already purchased airfare, so I still would like to compete, but know racing the full marathon is not in my best interest. Thanks!

Then I followed up with…

From: Jason
To: Gasparilla
Sent: Sun 1/31/2010 3:16pm
Subject: Just to be clear

Hi, I just sent an email asking about switching from the full marathon to the half. Just wanted to be clear. I wanted to know if its still possible to switch. Once I find out if its possible I can let you know promptly if that’s what I intend to do. Thank you! Jason

From: Gasparilla
To: Jason
Sent: Mon 2/1/2010 9:27am
Subject: RE: Just to be clear

Yes we can switch you from the marathon to the 1/2 marathon please let us know.

And I promptly responded…

From: Jason
To: Gasparilla
Sent: Mon 2/1/2010 9:27am
Subject: RE: Just to be clear

Thank you so much for getting back to me promptly. I believe I was suffering a momentary lapse in self confidence after turning home early from my long run on Sunday. I will continue along with my plan to run in the full marathon. Sorry for the firedrill!
……………………..
So there you have it. I’ve devoted too much time and energy to training for this marathon to just drop back to the half. I really don’t need another half on my list, I am happy with my mastery of that distance. At the same time there’s no way I’m making my goal time of 3:25, and even PR-ing with a sub 3:40 is probably a long-shot at this point. The goal is now to do better than my marathon debut time of 3:57. And at the end of the day, at least I’ll be able to say I’m a 3-time marathoner!

J