Patrick O'Connell

Saturday Morning Run And A Promise

I just got back from a fairly easy 6 mile run with Tony and Ben. We start out early (6:30AM) and with the sun rising, hit the trails.

Dawn is simply the best time of day.

We kept a good pace (just about 8 minute miles). The grass was covered in dew; the trees were blooming; birds were singing.

Ben made an observation that Spring is evidence of God's promise. The world comes back to life--just as God planned it. Tony and I agreed, the abundance of that promise all around us.

After the run, we stretched and prayed before heading home.

It's hard--really hard--getting up early on Saturdays, but I never regret it. I think of all the benefits of an early start: The whole day is before me and I've got a good work out in. I've spent time with friends, and I've been reminded that God always fulfills his promises. Now, if only every day could begin this way.

Kingdom 5K

The Community Christian Kingdom 5K is this Saturday. There's still time to register. The weather forecast calls for clear skies and warm temperatures. Besides, the proceeds from the race go to help my friends plant a church in Kansas City!

Still Unable to Run

I am still unable to run.

My Achilles injury is more tenacious than originally diagnosed and therefore I continue to seek physical therapy for it. (It's really painful by the way.)

Last Friday I saw the therapist and she suggested I do no aerobic exercise for at least three weeks. She said swimming is fine--problem is I am terrible swimmer--but that I should stay away from the elliptical, the bikes, and the treadmills. I am really bummed about this but resolved to do what she says to reduce the inflammation. If this sounds like whining--it is.

Running Update

Saw the podiatrist the other day and after examining the X-Rays of my ankle she determined there was nothing broken. My diagnosis is Achilles Tendinitis. The Dr. recommended some physical therapy and lots and lots of cross-training. She said that with the therapy and continued rest I should be able to get back to running in 3 to 4 weeks.

Oh yes, she gave me these heel inserts for my shoes so I am taller now!

Injured--

Saw the Doctor on Monday about my Achilles/ankle/calf pain. Unfortunately he suspects that I've got a good case of achilles tendinitis and a micro-fracture in my right ankle. He referred me to see a podiatrist and wear a night splint while sleeping. I am to take some muscle relaxers in the meantime.

Now here's the bad news: He recommended no running for at least a month. It could be longer depending on the what the podiatrist says. This reduces me to the elliptical machine for my cardio workout. Trouble is that this will force me to literally start my training over when/if I want to run any races in the spring...

Turkey Trot

On Thanksgiving morning I ran the 8K Turkey Trot in Lincoln Park. It's a race some friends and I have done for several years. The weather was perfect for a run: Sunny and warm.

I ran very well, but not well enough to beat my friends who managed to come in nearly 30 seconds before me. (My friend Brian happened to improve his time from last year by nearly 10 minutes!)

Race participants bring canned goods that are donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Besides being a good cause, it's a great way to spend the morning with friends, and of course gives me a great excuse to eat all I want during dinner.

Running Again

The marathon is over but I am still running. I am keeping the mileage low and the pace easy. What has been of particular inspiration is the fact that I now meeting with a group of runners on Saturday mornings at Springbrook. There are between 5 and 8 of us showing up each morning and we run approximately 6 miles at a steady pace. They've indicated they run throughout the winter so now I'll have a reason to get out there in mid-January when the snow is falling and the wind is blowing.

Dean Karnazes Is Almost Finished!

If you are a marathoner, you know that Dean Karnazes started running a marathon a day 49 days ago. Tomorrow, he will finish number 50 at the New York Marathon. This is his blog. It's a fascinating account of a man who has pushed to the edge of human endurance.

I know a runner who ran with Dean and his crew in Green Bay several weeks back. My friend said that although it wasn't his fastest marathon, it was his best because he got to run with Dean and be a part of the experience.

Sandy Qualifies for Boston

Congratulations to our friend Sandy who qualified for the Boston Marathon Sunday morning. Her qualifying time at the Marine Corp. Marathon in Washington D.C. was 3:38:06. It's a great accomplishment, one that required hard work and diligent training. We are very happy for her!

2006 Chicago Marathon Part Two

Part 2 of 2

About mile 19 or 20 I found myself starting to walk through some of the water stations.  As much as I didn't want to do this, I thought it would be beneficial. (It's remarkable how much energy you regain after walking and hydrating).

Still, it was getting more and more difficult to keep going. My stomach was really upset and my feet were swelling.  I attempted to grin and bear it as I sensed my chance of breaking 4 hours was slipping away.

By mile 23 I had all but given up on 4 hours. I said a few prayers and decided that I would simply do my best and not worry about my time.

Then about mile 24 I spotted the 4 hour pacers.  There was a group of them and they were running hard (they actually passed me up from behind). I heard other runners ask if they were on target which they affirmed. So here was my chance.

At mile 25 I was exhausted and really felt like I was going to be sick, but I kept going. It was sometime after the 25th mile marker that I heard someone from the crowd yell, "less than a mile to go". I glanced at my watch and saw that it read something like 3:52. That was all I needed. There would be no stopping and I gave it everything I had. 800 meters became 400 meters and then I spotted the finish line. 100 meters and I was sprinting.

Finished! I glanced at my watch and saw that it read 3:59:17. I could not believe it. At 23 miles I thought I didn't have a chance at 4 hours and now here I was, shaking the race off having finished just at my goal.

I reunited with my wife's sisters and my daughter and waited for my wife to finish. After we received notification that she was nearing the finish, my daughter and I made our way to the finish. We eventually found her, exhausted, aching and hurting in too many places to list, but she finished. We had done it together! By the way, her time was 5:40:15 (I'll explain why it took her so long later).I am very proud of her.

We arrived home and were delighted to find a huge sign in our front yard: Good Job Patrick and Nancy Chicago Marathon 2006 placed there by some awesome friends of ours.

In the evening we were invited to the house of two more awesome friends for dinner and relaxation. We ate pizza and cake and told them all about our arduous day. It was wonderful to spend time with them and gorge on junk food.

The question I've been asked most often in the last 24 hours is, will I run another marathon? I honestly don't know, but I think 3:45 isn't all that unreasonable of a goal?