2009, what a fun year

It's December 31st and like many other people I've taken the day to think, ponder and reflect back on what was the year 2009. Call it cliche, but I'm going to take a moment and look back.

I always feel bad for the month of January because it seems that people forget so easily what happens in this month. I mean, Christmas just ends, then New Years, and the next thing you know it's March. However, January 2009 was different. I distinctly remember where I was when President Obama was sworn in and regardless of your political affiliation I bet you remember where you were as well. I was in the basement at Volunteer Ministry Center (a homeless service provider) at their old location on the corner of Gay St. and Jackson Ave. in downtown Knoxville. I watched on a fuzzy TV screen along with some other coworkers and several individuals who were presently homeless. It was a special moment and one that I will not soon forget.

2009 was a fun year. I feel very fortunate to be able to type that last sentence and actually mean it. The year was marked with several highlights: At the end of March, I climbed the tallest mountain in the lower 48 (Mt. Whitney); In May, Rachel graduated from the University of Tennessee and received her doctorate degree in Audiology, I spent the summer (2 months) in Calgary, AB where I did lots of sight seeing with my host family from Belgium; And I started this running thing.

I remember that I started running when I got home from Calgary, which was back in mid-July. I've surprised myself by actually continuing to run. I not usually one for New Year's resolutions, but I think for 2010 my resolution will be to stick with my training schedule and finish the Marathon without any catastrophes. I believe my run today was an indication of good things to come.

After I ran 4 miles today, my knee felt better than it has in the past couple of weeks. Today's weather was like what I imagine the Puget Sound to be like. Misty, cold (not too cold), and the overpowering smell of earth. It was a cleansing run. I hope this run propels me into 2010. Well, have fantastic New Year. And for 2010, put your Good Foot Forward.

All I want for Christmas is spandex

Rachel and I had a great Christmas back in Arkansas. I have to admit my running schedule did not go as planned (i.e. I did not attempt my long run of 14 miles on Saturday). Although, this is not a bad thing, since my right knee is giving me some problems. I thought that by taking a break it might help my knee-situation. We shall see for this week.

Back to Christmas. Like I was saying, we had a great Christmas and I got lots of cool running thingy's. I thought I could use this post to show you what I got for Christmas. A show-and-tell of sorts.

The Stick. This guy is pretty neat and it comes at a good time given the current situation with my knee. It acts sort of like a deep tissue massage. I've only used it on my legs, but it can be used for almost any part of your body.

Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Running gloves. I've owned a lot of gloves in my life, but these gloves have really impressed me. Brooks knows what runners want in a glove: warm breathable materials with places on the index finger and thumb to wipe away snot. Another cool feature is the magnets that keep the gloves together so you don't lose them in the big glove box.


Asics Performance 2-N-1 short. I have not had a chance to use this short, since it is intended to be worn in warmer weather. They fit great and feel great.

Asics Men's compression short 7". This spandex blows my old pair out of the water. Although I've only completed one run with these, it is amazing how warm and comfortable they are. I especially like how the leg comes down a bit further than other pairs of spandex I've owned in the past, because it keeps my thigh muscles a bit more stabilized.

Amphipod's Full Tilt Veloicity water carrier. This will be a life saver on the long runs. I have been thinking for a while what will I do for water on my longer runs. Well, that was my problem. I was just thinking and not doing anything about my lack of H2O. So I've been running waterless. Not any more with this handy-dandy device. Tested it out yesterday on a 3 mile run and it works great. Very little bounce and very easy to access.


I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in this endeavor. I never expected any of these gifts and I am very grateful for them. They will undoubtedly help me with my training. Again, I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and I hope you have a great New Year. Running is a great New Year's resolution. I'm just sayin'.

A Sensitive Topic

The topic that I'm about to write about has been on my mind since I started this blog. However, I haven't been able to figure out how exactly to write about such a topic. I mean, it's gross. Yet everyone who has been (or is) a runner knows exactly what I'm talking about, so it shouldn't be that big of a deal to write about it because these are the pains every runner goes through and experiences. The topic I'm delicately trying to describe is chaffing. Yes, raw nipples and monkey-butt. These have often been the headliners of running horror stories.

Don't worry, there will not be any photos for this post. I think our minds can paint a clear enough picture as it is. So what exactly causes chaffing? About.Com's Christine Luff has this to say,"Chafing is caused by repeated motion -- specifically, skin rubbing against loose fabric or other skin. Chafing most often occurs around the bra line (women), nipples (men), inner thighs, and under the arms. Moisture, either from sweat or rain, can worsen chafing. It can also be caused by a poorly fitted bra." I had always known about this problem but I never experienced it until I started running 5 or more miles at a single time. And if you don't take proper precautions it can ruin a run and be quite serious. If it gets to the point where blood is present on your nipples or inner thighs, no matter what the quantity, it's serious.

I don't remember the exact date when it first hit me, but I have since taken it upon myself to do some preventative measures where I'll be less likely to become the victim of raw nipples and monkey-butt. Step one is to use some personal lubricant, like Vaseline or petroleum jelly, I personally use Bag Balm, and apply it to the sensitive regions of your body. Step two, Band-Aids. Specifically, two of them on your chest. These little guys act as a force field. I forgot to use them on a 8 mile run and that will be the last time I ever forget. In addition, spandex shorts are always a good idea, but they're not full proof. I've also tried a variety of t-shirts to wear without any luck.

So there you have it. If you were to type "runner chaffing" into a search engine, you'll find a plethora of other helpful materials.

Week 5 Training

Here it comes and there it goes:

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: off
Saturday: 12 miles
Sunday: off

Long over due

On Tuesday December 8th, 2009 I officially completed my second to last semester of graduate school. I took the liberty of taking a week long siesta. Thus, I also neglected this blog, but I knew it was only a matter of time before that happened. "I'm back on the wagon," as they say. Much has happened since my last post, so I thought I would break down my runs. I know this isn't creative but I hope it will get me, and those of you that follow, back on track and up to speed in the wacky world of Chad's Marathon Training.

By far my biggest highlight of week 3 came on Saturday December 6th when it snowed. Saturday was my long run day of 10 miles. 10 miles was the furthest I have ever ran continuously, so I was apprehensive and excited about the challenge all at the same time. That morning when I woke up the trees were covered with big fluffy wet snow, the kind that can stick to anything. This was the type of snow that it would stick to anything but pavement or blacktop, because the ground temperature isn't cold enough. So my paths were free of any snow except on the occasional bridge that crossed a stream. So many memories were evoked as I was running. One of those memories was playing hockey back in Minnesota on the frozen pond behind my house. The snow continued for most of my run, except for the last 2 miles. This run was a big confidence booster because afterwards my mind and body felt great.


Week 4 was also marked by interesting weather patterns. Early in the week there were highs of 60 degrees and as the week progressed the temperature plummeted to a low of 20 degrees. I didn't update the blog in time to show you my training schedule so here it is

Week 4 Training Schedule
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 4 miles
Thursday: off
Friday: off
Saturday: 12 miles
Sunday: off

The run on Wednesday and Saturday are worth mentioning. Wednesday's run was interesting because Knoxville experienced 40 mph plus winds (I think this was also the same time that a major storm system swept across the Midwest). The winds were brutal. My route kept me mostly in the downtown area and when I would pass alley-ways in between buildings the gusts would cause me to stagger. When I arrived back on campus, with less than a mile to go, I had to run under very old oak trees. I could hear the branches cracking and popping. I pictured myself in Harrison Ford's shoes in the movie Indian Jones and the Last Crusade where he navigates the final obstacles to reach the cup of life. Nonetheless, I made it home safely.


If I was apprehensive about running 10 miles, I was even more jarred with the thought of running 12 miles in temperatures hovering around 25 degrees. Before my fellow Minnesotans comment about that last statement, let me just say that after living in the South for nearly 5 years one becomes accustomed to things, temperature being one of those things. So, this run was my longest and coldest so far. During the first 2-3 miles I felt really stiff and tight. By mile 7 I could feel my right big toe becoming hot (indication of a blister). The sensation wasn't great enough to cause me to stop, it was just irritating. I finished in about 1hr 45min. Despite me thinking my body can handle whatever I throw at it, this run taught me that there is still a lot of training that I need to do.


OK we're up to speed. Again, sorry I haven't been posting that much.

Updates & Week 3 Training

As of 10 minutes ago, I turned in my second to last assignment for the semester. The end is near. One more semester until I graduate. In the meantime, my training has been going pretty well. I wasn't sure how I would manage to fit my runs in last week, with Thanksgiving and all.

I surprised myself and ran on Thanksgiving. The 30 minute run with my brother on Turkey-Day at our cabin in the foothills of the Smokeys was a great way burn calories in preparation for what was about to come (although it didn't matter, not after what I ate). It was by far the steepest run I have done in my training regiment. Halfway through my gluteus maximus had flashbacks of my climbing Mt. Whitney.

The rest of my body has been holding up nicely; however, I could feel the effects of eating too much turkey this past Sunday during my 9 mile run. During my long run, I wore an iPod for the first time while running ever. And I liked it a lot. My brother gave me an iPod shuffle as a belated birthday gift. I know I'll be agonizing over the perfect playlist to create while running in the coming weeks. Well, I'm going to go for a run on this last day of November and the fist day of Week 3 training.

Here's what I'm up against this week:

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 4 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: off
Saturday: 10 miles
Sunday: off

Week 2 Training

The first week is in the books. Despite lots of late nights, heinous quantities of frosty beverages, and a diet that consisted of meat and cheese, my body feels pretty good. Here's the agenda for this week.

Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday (Turkey Day): 4 miles
Friday: off
Saturday or Sunday: 9 miles

Preparing for my first Long Run

I'm surprised at how tech savvy I feel right now. I embedded Html text or something to get that map. I'll try to post my long runs this way.

The end of the semester is aproaching fast and as a result I've had to focus on school stuff. I will say that running is going great. I've hit all my runs for the first week. I'll be doing my long run on Sunday mid-morning-ish. The forecast is calling for rain, fantastic. I promise once the school stuff cools down some, I'll be able to lay down some fresh material. Onward!!!

Week 1 Training

Day 1, of the 19-week training schedule, has come and gone. All went well. I'll try and post my training schedule each week. So here's Week 1's:

Monday 3 miles

Tuesday 4 miles

Wednesday Off

Thursday 3 miles

Friday Off

Saturday or Sunday 8 miles

With company coming in for the TN and Vanderbilt football game, I'll most likely run on Sunday. I'm also trying to figure out how to post some maps of my runs.

Food, Get In My Belly!

Fall is one of those seasons when all the elements are right like abundant sunshine, cool to warm temperatures, and beautiful foliage is an unstopable force like Pete Rose's Big Red Machine, the orignial Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Cansaco, John Wooden's UCLA Bruins, or Herb Brooks' Mircle on Ice. If you were in the 100-mile radius of Knoxivlle, TN this past weekend, then you surely understand my abundant sports analogies. What made it even better was having the family branch that extends into Deep Central Arkansas, be present with us.

Rachel's family made a brief vist of 38hrs to Knoxville to partake in a long standing tradition that is College Football Tailgating here in E. TN. All involved had a great time. About an hour west of Knoxville, there was a different family gathering taking place. On Saturday, Rachel and I paid our last respects to a dear friend who passed last week. Lot's of her family was in attendance and it was a somber reminder of how precious life truly is at times. Marty, I'm not sure if you're able to read blogs where ever you are, but I will always remember how you graciously opened your home and welcomed Rachel and I. We will miss you.

Often times when I think about family I can't help but think of food. We made baby-back ribs, cornbread, fresh cheese dip, a bean casserole of sorts, and plenty of frosty beverages for Rachel's family. I think I consumed enough calories for 2.78 marathons. I've read that when you train for a marathon your diet sort of works its way out. What does that mean "works its way out"?

This has been bugging me, and something that I've chosen to ignore, since I started running this summer. You see, I love food. I come from a long line of healthy eaters and I take great pride in my genetic predisposition of enjoying food. My father, in his younger days, is infamous at the Minnesota State Fair where he single handily ate over 15 foot-long hot dogs AND managed to eat an array of other deep fried objects in one day! My mother's family has a long standing tradition of making Klub which is a Norwegian dish and basically a mass of potatoes with onions and bacon pressed into it and for good measure doused in bacon fat and then topped with butter. My own story of eating conquests happen this past summer in what is known as The Ludicrous Burger incident. To start: make a grill-cheese with two strips of bacon, then place a hamburger patty on top with cheese and two more strips of bacon, then top with another grill cheese sandwich ... yes with two strips of bacon in it. Bliss, insanity, utopia, no its just plain ludicrous.

The Holidays are approaching and more family gatherings are already on our calendar. And also approaching is my start date for the Real Training. I'm not a believer in quitting cold turkey; rather, I like to think of warm turkey when it comes to my diet and running. My long runs will most likely be on Saturday mornings, so eating my weight in pizza on Friday nights will have to change, and probably should stop. I'm also a realist, and know that if I drastically alter my diet that it will not last and the experts agree and say that this is bad to do anyways. I'm really trying right now to get enough liquids into my diet and eating more meals spread out longer over the course of the day.

Well, its dinner time at the Sievers household and I really should get going and tonight it's leftovers: ribs, cornbread, cheese dip, and probably a frosty beverage...I know, I know. Lastly, if you do have some tips or ideas about good snacks to eat during the course of the day I would love to hear about them. Cheers.

Making My Bed

Rain was coming down at a steady pace and there was mud all around. On Halloween I participated in the 12 Hours of the Hill of Truth Mountain Bike Race. I know what you're thinking, how's this realted to the marathon. Trust me, it is (more on this later).

Rain is not ideal for a bike race. It makes for a muddy slippery mess. The race course this year was an estimated 7.5 mile loop with about 1,200 ft of elevation gain (this means lots of ups and downs). The race lasts 12 hours. It's a "who can turn the most laps wins," sort of thing. A participant has the option of racing by themselves or on a 4-person team. I raced on a 4-man team. Our team name was "Every Day is a Holiday", taken from our friends at Glitterville. Here are some pictures from the race:

Before I go any-further, my dog Rosie, pictured here,

decided to go on a 10 hour spirt quest at the start of the race (i.e. we lost her). Rachel and I were a worried sick, but thankfully a fellow biker found her in a bush and she is safe and sound. Ever since Saturday, she has been sleeping soundly.

In marathoning lots of people talk about hitting a "wall". So far I have not experienced this "wall" while running. But during the bike race, I didn't hit the "wall" I smacked the "wall" and that's when the marathon entered my mind. "How would I cope or handle this during the marathon?" The simplest way I can describe how I felt during the bike race was defeated, I just wanted to go home. At the time I still hadn't found my dog and that made it difficult to choke down any groceries and get the needed calories for such an event. Meanwhile, on the race course I was now pushing my mud-caked bike up FLAT ground and during my night lap, my head light went out on two crucial down-hills forcing me to slide down the hill and walk my bike a great distance. I have never cheated during a race, but if there was a time that race was it. I'm sure that thought crossed a number of other riders as well.

When I came in on my final lap and I saw Rachel holding Rosie in a dark navy-blue blanket, my sprits were lifted. And when I stop and think about it, no one forced me into this race where I new the conditions would be horrendous and misserable. I guess you can say that I made my own bed, or however the saying goes. I'll be thinking about that saying in the next coming months as I'm training. Because in reality no one has force me to run a marathon, it's been my choice all this time. I've made my bed.

Rise and Shine

I'm not typically a morning person (excluding Christmas and leaving on vacations), but yesterday gave me a reason to envy those who are.

As I was coaxing my body to get up out of bed, I began the task of problem solving. How in the world I was going to fit my run into a very crammed schedule? My dinner plans complicated the matter further. You see, I had a meeting at one of Knoxville's great institutions, Chandler's Deli. If you are ever in Knoxville you really should try this place out. After eating a pice of fried chicken that was 2 pounds, plus a side of homemade mac & cheese, plus a side of fried okra, plus a fresh cornbread muffin, I didn't want to find out what would happen even if I could run after such a meal. So, the morning was my only other option.

I went for a run around campus at about 8 o'clock. I decided to take my predetermined 3-mile route that passes many campus landmarks including Neyland Stadium and The Rock. It was such a nice morning. The temperature was just cold enough to see your own breath and this was refreshing in a lot of ways. I felt as if I could play the staring role in a Ricola commercial. It was difficult to get started. The cold air prevented my muscles from warming up how their accustomed to doing. Thus, my pace was off and it took me a second to lock down my breathing. But once all that fell into place, brilliant. If there is a zone, I was in it that morning.

Despite all the overwhelming evidence to pursue running in the morning, it has not and probably never will convert me. However, when the opportunity rises, I should think hard about my decision. And after I'm done thinking, I'll close my eyes, go back to sleep and envy those morning folks.

The Big Decision

So why am I doing this, running a marathon? A better question is how did I get to the point of asking such a question. Well, last year I climbed Mt. Whitney (14,497 ft) that experience was one of the most difficult things I have ever done physically. I loved the process that was involved in training for Whitney. I started to eat healthier, exercise more often, and felt better mentally.

After the adventure was over, I was glad not to go to the gym. I was even happier not hiking in my plastic boots anymore. But after some time, I was ready for another adventure. As some of you know, I spent two months in Calgary and while living there I decided when I returned I would begin training for Knoxville's Marathon. I remember sharing this news with my wife, Rachel, and I think her response was "Ah, ok , that's great". She's always been supportive at what I'm doing. In fact, she was a major reason I was even able to climb Mt. Whitney.

My plane touched down in Knoxville and shortly there after we began to run together. Yes we. Rachel's caught the bug as well and is training for a half marathon. We've been running since mid July of this year and we are both going strong.

I feel like the past couple of months has groomed me for what is about to come. My training schedule will start on November 16th, that's about 19 weeks before the actual marathon. There have been days where the last thing I want to do is run. I know there will be more days like that to come. But, more often than not a day when I run is wonderful. It'll be interesting to see how this blog thing holds up in the coming weeks. I hope it does. And I hope you all enjoy reading it.

Warning to my readers

Before I write my first post into cyberspace, I want to warn my fellow readers that I am not a professional writer. So, please excuse the occasional misspellings, typos, and grammatical errors. My intention of starting a blog is to reflect upon this experience. I've never really kept a journal of any kind. But, I've always envied those who did. There have been several friends that blogged about such experiences in their lives (you know who you are) and it has been a pleasure to read them. So, onto the blogging and here's to putting my best foot forward.