UNDEFEATABLE!

More details to come later but I will say this there is two goals for Chicago this fall.

#1 - 2:45 or better!!! 

#2 - Raise as much money for Imerman Angel's. Yep for the first time in the 10 years that I have been running I'm raising money for this charity. 

http://www.crowdrise.com/martinaschumacherjr

For the first time in my 10 years of running I have decied to give back and run my 10th Chicago Marathon this fall for a charity. With so many great charities and causes out there, I thought the choice would be hard and than I realized that there was one that really stood out and was different then many of them. 

I chose Imerman Angels because their focus is on providing one on one help to those that are both currently fighthing their battle with cancer and with those that have overcome this great battle. Not only do their mentors give support to those with cancer but also the caregiviers that are caring for these people. I believe that just like in a race having support, belief that you can fight someting and overcome it is just as important in the battle of beating cancer. The more that people know that there are people that have won this battle and that they can ask them questions and recieve support from them can help make the difference in that person winning their battle over cancer. It's one thing to hear that someone has won this battle but to actually be able to talk to these people to ask them questions and lean on them for support just takes the hope and belief to a higher level. 

I'm running in honor of all who have been affected by cancer. I'm running for my family members that have lost thier lives to cancer (Aunt Cindy, Uncle Mark, Aunt Nancy my wife's Grandpa Smith). I'm running for friends that have beaten their battle with cancer like our dear friend, Kristen and I'm running for friends and family members that are currently figthing the battle against cancer like my cousin Fred.

So, please help me raise as much money as possible for this AMAZING charity. Let's help give the gift of hope to those that are fighting cancer and that they CAN win their battle and to those that have overcome it. I truly belive with your help, we can make the love and support of this charity reach out and touch so many lives. 



UNDEFEATABLE!!

Welcome back Schuey, I mean focus on marathoning. 

Jerry wrote:Welcome back Schuey, I mean focus on marathoning. 

Thanks Jerry! I can tell you with 100% my focus is on the marathon! You are about to see an old fashion Schuey training cycle with a whole lot of whip ass going on this coming Chicago and Boston 15!


UNDEFEATABLE!

CHRIS MCKEE!!!!! Thank you so so so so much, I mean I'm speechless!!!!!!!! You and your family have been so kind to mine and I thank you for that.  Looking so forward to seeing you in a week and running together! Chicago 2014 let's do it buddy!!


UNDEFEATABLE!

Toni and I appreciate your efforts to help families affected by cancer, cheers!

As I continue to gear myself up for Chicago, which I do promise much more details as I get them all together. Along with a debriefing of what went right in the last training cycle for Boston and what went wrong, along with what really needs to be improve on.

I do have to admit I have been very surprised for how long it has taken me to get back on track. To be able to get my mind wrapped around being focused to run competitively (speaking with myself). I have always been really good at keeping my focus and being mentally strong, determined and motivated. Some where along the way I let a lot of outside thing distract me (I'm not speaking of my daughter, she will never be a distraction in my life). Again the past year and start of this year has seen a lot of ups and downs for me and it sure has been draining. 

I give myself a "A" for the effort I have put in and not at all disappointed in myself but you could say that I'm not satisfied. The hunger, drive, motivation, the wanting to be my best for myself as a runner is back. It is great to have that feeling and I also believe that I have finally found the inner peace with outside influences that have detracted me from achieving my running goals. It's funny how when you are not really paying close attention how things in life can just creep up on you. Bam the next thing you know you find the train running of the track going the wrong direction. 

It is safe to say the train is back on the right trace and heading in the write direction!! Really really excited and looking for to this training cycle for my 10th Chicago and 20th marathon!!! Time to start counting stars!

I'm excited that you have recommitted to training for Chicago and I see great things in the future.  It is tough not to be distracted and let life just get in the way - why do you think I ran my fastest time since 2001? this year.  I look forward to following along with your training as it is always inspiring and I know things will go well in October.

Now you just need to get Chris McKee back on the band wagon.  I believe he has a BQ for 2015.....

This is a good turn of events, Schuey.  I'm looking forward to seeing the plan and watching you execute it.  Fair winds and towing runners, this cycle.

A great plan and a great cause. It doesn't get much better than that.

I can't wait to root for Chicago's Bull.

fostever wrote:Toni and I appreciate your efforts to help families affected by cancer, cheers!

Steve no problem buddy. I felt like it was the least I could do this year. As I sat back and thought about my own family members and friends it only seem like the right thing to do this year. I hope things are going well with Toni, let's try and catch a run together soon.

UNDEFEATABLE!

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:I'm excited that you have recommitted to training for Chicago and I see great things in the future.  It is tough not to be distracted and let life just get in the way - why do you think I ran my fastest time since 2001? this year.  I look forward to following along with your training as it is always inspiring and I know things will go well in October.

Now you just need to get Chris McKee back on the band wagon.  I believe he has a BQ for 2015.....

Thanks Michele, I'm also excited to be recommitted to put in the level of training that I need to have a chance to be successful on race day. Your not kidding that it is tough not to get distracted!

As for Mr. Mckee, I do believe that young man is getting back on the right track himself. I do believe he will be just fine. 

ounce wrote:This is a good turn of events, Schuey.  I'm looking forward to seeing the plan and watching you execute it.  Fair winds and towing runners, this cycle.

Ounce, it's a great turn of events. I have to admit that it has been good that the events that took place before these has help me become a better person and runner and will only help yield good results in the end. 

Mark B wrote:A great plan and a great cause. It doesn't get much better than that.

I can't wait to root for Chicago's Bull.

Thanks Mark, I would say it doesn't get much better than this but it does. More to come on that in the future! Thanks for rootting for me, it is very much appreciated!


UNDEFEATABLE!

I'm going to start this entry by saying if you are easily offended or don't like certain words, then now is your time to exit and not read this post.

As stated earlier there are times and moments when the the light comes on for us and the picture seems much clearer to what needs to be done to achieve what you want. Well at least the idea of what we want to do and how to get there is clearer, not only does this happen in day to day life events but it also happens in sports. There are also days when out on a run that you have that moment that just makes the day or race just feel great. It is these moments were you feel like a runner and you understand the purpose to why you are there doing what you do. For me I call these types of days "FUCK YEAH", and yes yesterday was one of those days after the crazy Thursday that I had. 

Yesterday was one of those days that just got me fired up about running and I felt as if I was one with my body and the road as I just worked like a machine that was on auto pilot. "THE BREEZE WOULD PAUSE AND LISTEN IN"! I felt like my old self yesterday as I just easily ran a nice steady effort and over and over just said to myself "FUCK YEHA"! 

As, I ran and I listen to the tunes come across my ears and I focused on my form, breathing there was one tune that just put it all into line for me yesterday.





The first week of training for Chicago has gone pretty well so far with one missed day of running. I ended up not running on Thursday due to spending the whole day at the Northwesterns Children's hospital with my lovely daughter. Yep, Kristina received her first two stitches in her upper lip. She was a real trooper and the only thing she didn't like was when they basically had her tied down. She didn't want any part of that at all and she let everyone know by her loud high pitch screaming. 

I have to admit that being a dad it broke my heart watching my little girl get her first stitches. Although I have the feeling that it won't be the last time I there since she is a lot like me. The kid has no fear, and that reminds of myself and is also one of the things that has help get me back on track with my running. It's amazing if you really watch and pay attention your own kid or kids can help teach you a lesson or two. I have learned that I learn just as much from her as she learns from me.


With taking Thursday off I will most likely come in a little lower mileage wise then what I was planning but that is ok.


Monday 6.44 miles (45:00) avg. pace 6:59

Tuesday 8.02 miles (58:05) avg. pace 7:15

Wednesday 6.20 miles (45:00) avg. pace 7:16

Thursday off (took Kristina in for her first two stitches)

Friday 15 miles total 14.01 (1:34:11) avg. pace 6:44, cool down mile home 7:19

More details of the run yesterday.

mile 1   6:51
mile 2   6:45
mile 3   6:50
mile 4   6:49
mile 5   6:48
mile 6   6:40
mile 7   6:44
mile 8   6:42
mile 9   6:42
mile 10 6:42 
mile 11 6:41
mile 12 6:44
mile 13 6:41
mile 14 6:31

Total so far for the week: 35.66

Aw, poor Kristina! Is she okay? She's a brave little girl.

Totally get embracing the F-bomb. Those times when everything flows and you feel connected to the universe are so amazing. Just a little taste of perfection. Good on you for recognizing it for what it was!

Mark B wrote:Aw, poor Kristina! Is she okay? She's a brave little girl.

Yes, she was a very brave girl and she is doing great. They will be removing the stitches on Monday, she is healing perfectly. Thanks for asking.

Those first stitches are tough for everyone.  Our grandson got his first stitches last week and I don't know which was harder...seeing Owen so frightened or seeing his Dad, our son Kevin, so worried and concerned. 

Good to hear that Kristina is healing nicely.

Well glad that Kristina is ok - must have been a bit of a scare.  Funny, my daughter will be 21 in June and has never had stitches.  I dread that day now since she is such a wimp around doctors.

nkrichards wrote:Those first stitches are tough for everyone.  Our grandson got his first stitches last week and I don't know which was harder...seeing Owen so frightened or seeing his Dad, our son Kevin, so worried and concerned. 

Good to hear that Kristina is healing nicely.

Yep it was tough to watch but at the same time kinda cool! Thanks for your concern for Kristina Nancy!

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:Well glad that Kristina is ok - must have been a bit of a scare.  Funny, my daughter will be 21 in June and has never had stitches.  I dread that day now since she is such a wimp around doctors.

You know it Michele, the girl is tough stubborn cookie like dad! Wow you got lucky with her never having to get them, Kristina got hers taken out today and again she was a trooper! 

They did a great job with them and her lip looks really god!! Awesome!!

Looking to have a more aggressive week as far as mileage goes this week. I felt that last week was a good week and good way to get back into the swing of training again. It's really strange but really cool at the same time to where my motivation, focus level is at right now. I'm liking it and I know it's a long road to October but I really feel like I'm ready to put in the work. Time get it done!

Today was a nice Fartlek run to kick off the week. 10.05 miles (1:08:10) avg. pace 6:46, with 8 x 30 seconds w/30 seconds between reps at 6:40 pace. 


#1 - 5:40
#2 - 5:40
#3 - 5:27
#4 - 5:27
#5 - 5:27
#6 - 5:27
#7 - 5:13
#8 - 5:13

Felt really good on this run, which is a good sign. Let's see and hope I still feel this good in a month to month 1/2.


Something new here where I'm going to post what I have planned for the week. So, here is what I'm thinking for the rest of the week.

Tuesday - 11 miles Easy
Wednesday - AM 5 miles Easy, PM 6 miles Easy w/4 x 8 second hill sprints
Thursday - AM 5 miles Easy, PM 10 mile Progression run
Friday- AM 6 miles Easy, PM 8 miles Easy
Saturday - AM 14 miles Progression run (mostly likely will do this on Trails), PM 4 miles Easy 
Sunday - AM 6 miles Easy, PM 5 miles Easy

Total for the week 90 miles.

UNDEFEATABLE!

Can you make sure to talk about nutrition in this blog, Martin?  That would be much appreciated - thanks.

It's a pretty helpless feeling when your child is in the hands of others...even if they are professionals.  Glad it wasn't any worse than stitches, although that is traumatic obviously.

Wish you the best in your new training mode for Chicago.  I'm going to attempt to follow some of these blogs this summer.  So I hope things go smoothly for you.

Oh, and Go Hawks!

Schuey wrote:

Jerry wrote:Welcome back Schuey, I mean focus on marathoning. 

Thanks Jerry! I can tell you with 100% my focus is on the marathon! You are about to see an old fashion Schuey training cycle with a whole lot of whip ass going on this coming Chicago and Boston 15!


UNDEFEATABLE!

The Bull is back and for a great cause/reason. I can't wait to watch it all unfold.

I have to admit that being motivated and having purpose to train sure does make a huge difference. Along with having a outline of what I want to accomplish day to day in training.

Tuesday - 11 miles (1:19:45) avg. pace 7:15

Wednesday - do to time crunch (Lisa had to go into the office for a meeting and got home later the. Planned) I choose to combine my double of 5 and 6 miles into one run today. Results

11 miles (1:15:55) avg. pace 6:54. At the conclusion of this run I also did 4x8 second hill sprints on a 8% grade hill.

The week is off a running in the right direction!

Michele, yes I do plan on touching on the subject of nutrition as it relates to "sports nutrition". I know there are all kinds of nutrition advice and how it relates to overall Heath and fitness in general. My purpose will again be more to touch on the subject from the standpoint of sport nutrition. Which to me is a lot different from the others, although from time to time I may add some background of nutrition and how it was viewed in the past from the government and the general population.

Today we know a lot more about how nutrition affects performance and how it differs from the general population. With this athlete's must put the practice of nutrition to use  correctly. Through the years there seems to be a misconception that there is magic food solution. Therefore, there are a lot of so called nutrition myths and a lot of  controversy within the world of sports nutrition. We must be reminded that nutrition for sports is a involving science and there are many factors to consider to achieve our highest goals. 

Again, today we know so much more about improving athletic performance through nutrition then we could imagine, and more lots more then 20 years ago. Even with that it's still amazing how many athletes still believe in misguided information that is spreader from word of mouth or in magazines. I have been surprised to learn from reading scientific surveys that they have reveled that the majority of athletes, coaches, trainers and others helping athletes don't really have a working knowledge of what constitutes a good sports nutrition program.

Let me also add a disclaimer that I'm not a know it all and not saying that my findings our studying of sports nutrition is the absolute or the best. Again, sports nutrition is a envolving thing and new findings our always coming out. My focus is to learn more and more and to put these concepts to practice to help not only myself but others reach their maxium protental. Along with trying to help myself and others to come out of the dark age and misconceptions of performance nutrition and to see and learn more about the scientifically new age of performance nutrition. Also, let it be known that not all past practices in this area are bad or can't help one to achieve their goals.

What do you think of my diet question ...


http://www.365runners.com/t2732-no-regular-food-for-dinner-diet

Michele \"1L" Keane wrote:Can you make sure to talk about nutrition in this blog, Martin?  That would be much appreciated - thanks.

+1

It would be fantastic if you would share your nutrition knowledge!