Inconsistent Garmins

For Grandma’s, I opted to wear my 305 on my right wrist and my 405 on my left. I commenced each watch just as I crossed the starting line. While I refrained from recording mile splits, I did manage to record a split at the halfway point. The 305 recorded a 13.1-mile time of 2:46:18, while the 405 achieved a 13.1-mile split of 2:44:56 (a mere two seconds less than the reported actual race time). Notably, both watches indicated my finishing time within two seconds, matching the start time.

The 305: The 405                       .

Distance 26.37 miles Distance 26.22 miles

Started at 7:35:21 AM Started at 7:35:19 AM

Half Marathon 2:46:18          Half Marathon 2:44:56

Finish time was 6:04:40          Finish time was 6:04:42

Total ascent of 3,056 feet Total ascent of 3,285 feet

Total descent of 3,162 feet Total descent of 3,395 feet

Heart rate readings were the same

Consequently, the course on the right side is longer and features more hills than the left side. Is the 405 more accurate than the older 305? Is the reception on the left superior to that on the right?

Nevertheless, I will assume that this is a scientific phenomenon, and scientific knowledge is inherently imperfect, regardless of our efforts or expectations for perfection.

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Beth

At least the course was just 26.2. One of the marathons I ran was 0.7 longer. Ugh! I'm surprised the watches didn't come out to the same distance.  Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 10:02:26 PM CDT

Scott Mark

The 405 antenna is advertised as being better than the 3xx, but GPS elevation is NOTORIOUSLY bad, and I think it generally exaggerates high. Back in the www.motionbased.com days (before it was bought out and became Garmin Connect), one of the options they had was "elevation correction," where they traced your route and based elevation on topo data. I don't know if GC does that or not.  Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 11:41:10 AM CDT

25 done - none to go?

A poster I created for my wall is displayed to the right. I am seeking assistance in locating it and inquiring about the possibility of a 1985 medal.

UPDATE: The race conditions were exceptionally challenging, resulting in 37 hospitalizations and requiring medical attention for 7% of the participants.

In detail, I have successfully completed my 25th consecutive year at Grandma’s Marathon. The determination behind this achievement remains a subject of ongoing reflection. This year’s race was characterized by extreme heat, which posed significant obstacles. Despite the hardships, I managed to overcome them and achieve my goal.

Upon crossing the finish line, I experienced an overwhelming emotional response, shedding tears on numerous occasions. My emotional state was so intense that it may have appeared unusual to others. Upon meeting Shelley at the finish, I embraced and wept together, symbolizing the culmination of my journey.

To provide a concise summary, I would like to reflect on the events of 1985, my inaugural participation in Grandma’s Marathon. During that year, I set a resolute goal of completing 25 consecutive marathons.

• I could not find a place to stay, so I stayed at the Best Western in Hinkley.
• Michael Jordan (Basketball) was a rookie in the NBA!!!!
• New Coke/Old Coke fiasco
• We celebrated the Dow Jones breaking 1,500!
• VH1 started
• Wade Wilson replaced Tommy Kramer as Viking quarterback.
• Dukes of Hazard was canceled - Yes, I watched it
• Billy Joel married Christy Brinkley - I had a crush on her
• But Moonlighting started - I always liked Cybill Shepherd
• This is the first time I heard Al Jarreau
• This is also MacGyver's first year - I loved that show as well
• I purchased my first computer – A Macintosh 512K – I PAID $2,100 OUCH!

In Between

• I lived in 4 states (North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Illinois)
• Went through 5 US Presidents (Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walker Bush, William Clinton, George Walker Bush, Barack Obama)
• Three so-called stock market crashes
• Nine Jobs - From a cook, waiter, and manufacturer to my current job as a City Planner
• Lived in 12 different homes
• Went through 10 cars – Including ex-wife and son's cars Chevy Malibu, Ford Mustang, Honda 600 Sedan, Chevy Station Wagon, Dodge Daytona, Mitsubishi Expo, Ford Fiesta, Kia Sephia, Mazda Millennia, VW Passat.
• Went through 5 girlfriends and one wife
• Son was born, raised him - he is now 20
• A couple finishes in the 3:20's
• A couple of 6-hour finishes, many times in-between

 Now for the report. I have been so obsessed with the race. I had worked hard for 24 years and did not want to lose the goal in the last race. I left Minneapolis, and it was an easy drive. We arrived at the expo at 8:30, and I picked up my number. Bittersweet, as it was my last time.

When we left the expo, we saw the vendor making unique racing bibs. See the picture to the right for what I purchased. I had to have it

We took a stroll and then headed to the expo to enjoy the food I packed and check my bag for the morning. Everything seemed promising. We parked our car in the DECC parking lot and settled in for a cozy nap. Things were looking great! I woke up at 4:30 AM, feeling refreshed with a temperature of 62 degrees. As I slept in the car, I was treated to a breathtaking view of the moon over the nearby building. It was absolutely magical! And then, I got up and started my day.

I went to the bathroom three times, and I was super nervous. As I was getting ready, I remembered that I had to take my number. Then, at 5:15 AM, my biggest supporter asked, “What about your chip?” We had no idea what to do! Two of us looked everywhere, but it was nowhere to be found. I quickly realized that I might have left it on the table when we ate Friday night! What a goofball! I ran all over trying to get into the DECC, but no one could help me. At 5:40 AM, I returned to the car, feeling all nervous and stressed. I dumped my bag onto the asphalt parking lot and looked down, and there it was! Two of us went through that bag and missed it. I was about to have a full-on breakdown. But luckily, I found it! I was so relieved. I made it to the buses at 5:50 AM, 10 minutes to spare. This was the first time ever that I didn’t have a school bus! Instead, I had a plush tour bus. Things were looking up!

The ride could not have been more uneventful. I got to the start, went to the biffs, and my stomach was settled. I packed toilet paper in my bag anyway. But the sun was hot. The forecast was 80 degrees for the day, and at 7 AM, the temperature was 72 degrees. I knew that I needed to run smart, not fast.

I followed my heart rate monitor and was doing great, getting lots of compliments on my streak. But then, I heard a voice, “Are you Londell from Chippewa?” It was Janine Knutson, Carl Gammon’s friend. She looked amazing! I managed to get a picture of her. Thanks to Mike, I brought a camera. Soon after, there was Greg Allen. Greg is on #26 consecutive Grandma’s, which is incredible! He knows what it’s like to make it through so many years, both good and bad.

I maintained a heart rate between 120 and 135 until I reached about 15 miles. For instance, a few years ago, my heart rate surged above 155 at Afton, and I couldn’t bring it down. I was aware that the heat was taking its toll. Additionally, I knew that running 15-minute miles would enable me to complete the run in less than 6 hours. Consequently, I decided to walk, consume ice, and apply ice to my body. After 20 minutes, I could initiate a walk/run pattern, alternating between walking for 3 minutes and running for 6 minutes. During this journey, I encountered Katie Altrichter from Bloomington, Illinois. She was in pain, and I felt compelled to offer her my support. We mutually assisted each other throughout the remaining part of the run. She is certain that I helped her, but if she were aware of my assistance, she would also be significantly helping me. It’s remarkable how supportive running buddies can make the experience more enjoyable!

This walk/run plan, coupled with Katie’s companionship, managed to keep my pace below the 15-minute mile mark until mile 23.5. However, I began to experience cramps, and Katie was visibly exhausted. Consequently, we decided to walk more as permitted and finish the run, which we successfully accomplished. Shortly after reaching mile 24, I received a much-needed boost. Wayne arrived and prepared to join me for the rest of the walk. This was a significant lift for me, and I realized that I was close enough to continue running.

Katie in purple, me and Wayne on the left

I witnessed a chaotic scene on the side of the road, where numerous individuals were being treated for what I presumed were heat-related ailments. The sight of more ambulances than I had ever encountered in my 25 years was overwhelming, and people seemed to be succumbing to the heat at an alarming rate. It was a war zone, far from the peaceful end I had envisioned for my grandmother’s passing. However, if you truly believe you can maintain a 25-year streak of uninterrupted running, you must be prepared for any eventuality.

Fortunately, I had anticipated such a scenario. This is an emotionally charged time, and I find myself shedding tears as I write this. Now, it is time to rest and seek out the next challenge that awaits me. Whatever that may be! But first, I must prioritize my knee’s recovery and bask in the satisfaction of accomplishing a goal I had set so long ago. What a rewarding feeling!

Thanks to all who supported my effort. It meant more than you can imagine!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Mike W.

Congrats, well done. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures. Now, Rest up and savor your accomplishment, and then worry about the knee and your next adventure.  Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 10:55:30 PM CDT

Julie B

Wow, Londell, 25 Grandmas! Congratulations..that is REALLY an achievement. Another hot Grandmas, too, is that many in the recent past have been warm. Congratulations on your finish. Maybe for the 26 Shelly will be running at your side :)  Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 10:46:28 AM CDT

Helen

Nice job Londell!! I saw Wayne out there also - always nice to see friendly faces esp when things are hurting! An amazing feat to do 25 in a row.  Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:25:47 PM CDT

Wayne

Congrats, Londell!! And you finished well... smiling, up-beat, chatting it up with those around you. Way to go!! An incredible accomplishment!  Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 8:43:50 AM CDT

Kel

Awesome job Londell! I can't imagine setting a 25 year long running goal and pulling it off through thick and thin. Wow!  Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 9:00:37 AM CDT

Beth

Yeah!! Congratulations times 25. I am so happy for you. I loved how you recounted what it was like 25 years ago and all that has transpired. You stuck with your goal throughout all the ups and down and now you can celebrate.  Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 10:50:34 AM CDT

SteveQ

Great job - I for one can't imagine being injury-free on a given weekend every year for 25 years... or, as you did, running even if injured.  Now, rest up and start wondering what the next goal might be.  Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 12:08:27 PM CDT

Carl Gammon

Very cool poster, Londell. Congratulations.  Monday, June 22, 2009 at 8:12:43 AM CDT

Scott

Great job! That is quite an accomplishment, something to really be proud of. Monday, June 22, 2009 at 2:26:17 PM CDT

I was looking for motivation for my upcoming Grandma's venture. What do I need to get me through this challenging 25th year? I found it (or at least one should work great!) A fellow runner wrote in his blog about a recent marathon where he wanted to quit several times.  Then he (Mike) wrote:

"Then two things popped into my head - they have a 7-hour time limit, and what would Steve do? The bottom line is I knew I had enough time to walk it in, and I knew what Steve would do; he would finish."

I have seen Steve running like he had cerebral palsy from massive fatigue and still finished. He usually goes out way too fast on longer races and crashes into a brick wall, but he keeps running into the wall until it falls over, out of the way, and finishes! He finishes with broken bones, bloody messes, and many other "mishaps." If I have trouble, the first thing I will think is W.W.S.D.--- FINISH.

Thanks, Mike! Thanks, Steve!

Carry on my friends!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Wayne

That's the spirit, Londell!! :).  I'll be up there spectating and watching for you to finish.  Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 9:31:26 PM CDT

SteveQ

I... for once... have nothing to say! Best of luck at G'ma's.  Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:09:05 AM CDT

Mike W.

Best of luck, Londell; enjoy the day.   Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 6:05:19 PM CDT

Beth

Well, Steve is a fantastic role model, but let's try to finish without the broken bones, okay? I'm sending all my good vibes your way. I know you'll do great!  Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 10:27:28 PM CDT

Quiet on purpose

This weekend, I attended the Nature Valley Grand Prix bike race. I watched the men’s race in Uptown on Friday and the women’s race in Stillwater on Sunday. I took pictures. The female Armstrong dominated the competition. She’s an inspiration, especially given her history.

It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve been stressed about Grandma’s. It may seem trivial, but it’s the end of a 25-year goal. My knee is still painful, even after the HGH injection. Two weeks of easy training (10-12 miles per week) and care have improved my PF, but the knee has shown some improvement. I’ll casually bike and work in the pool this week.

I had an MRI on my knee and decided to wait until after Grandma’s to get the results. As a worrywart, I’ll try to relax and hope I can still run the race. I plan to leave at 6:00 PM on Friday, sleep in the car, run the race, and then head home. I’ll go easy, aiming for a 12-minute mile pace, and then do what I need to finish.

For those joining me, I wish you well. It looks like rain, which I don’t mind. But then again, the race is five days away, and if weathermen were carmakers, we wouldn’t even get out of town, let alone make it to the race.

Carry on my friends!

Comments from my original blog - I merged the blogs.

Wayne

25 years in a row is amazing, Londell! Try to enjoy it!! :) [are you sure you don't want to go for 30 years?] I think you'll get it done with no real problems... shoot, it'll be way easier than your 24 miles at Sawtooth last Sept. I'll see you out there...
-Wayne - Monday, June 15, 2009 at 8:22:23 AM CDT

Kel

Hang in there Londell - power walk it if you have to. I have a feeling you'll get it done :). Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:15:22 AM CDT

SteveQ

You're in a lot better shape than most of the people who'll finish up there. Hang in there; you'll be fine.  Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:26:51 AM CDT

Helen

Hope the knee holds up Londell. You can definitely do it. 25 years is an awesome streak. Hope to see you up there.  Monday, June 15, 2009 at 12:52:59 PM CDT

Mike W.

You will do it, make sure you take in the sights, take a camera and capture the moments. Enjoy it. You never know, Wayne may have it right, you just might want to add in 5 more :-)

Best of luck.   Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:06:09 PM CDT

Anonymous

My family was at Stillwater on Sunday for Women's and Men's race - it was awesome! Have fun at Grandmas!

Molly. Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 4:20:13 PM CDT

Beth

I'm sending all of my positive vibes your way for Grandma's. 25 years is amazing and you'll get it done. I hope your knee behaves itself and enjoy your awsome achievement!  Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 10:21:30 PM CDT

Karen G

Good luck at Grandma's. Things will get better.   Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 5:39:45 PM CDT