The Prevea Training Runs take place every Saturday, whether it’s hot and humid or cold and snowy. To kick off the video series, here are a few tips from Dr. Jeremy Metzler, your Cellcom Green Bay Marathon Medical Director and Prevea Primary Care Sports Medicine physician, to make sure you are prepared for running in the Wisconsin cold.

If you missed out, get a  taste of Sarah’s message from this interview on WBAY, entitled “The Harder the Goal, the Greater the Glory”.

Prevea Training Runs have also started for the year. These training runs follow the beginners training schedules available here.  The runs are free to the public, however donations to the marathon charities are appreciated. Each week includes:

• Weekly event updates, inspirational quotes and stretching
• Route reels that clip to your tights or shorts listing each turn on that week’s route
• Water and Gatorade every 2 – 3 miles provided by marathon staff and charity partner volunteers
• Free coffee at the finish of runs located at Bay Park Square

2012 Meeting Places and Times:
January 7, 14, 21, 28:   Bay Park Square Mall food court @ 8:00 am
February 4, 11, 18, 25: Bay Park Square Mall food court @ 7:00 am
March 3, 10, 17, 24: West De Pere High School (665 Grant Street, De Pere) parking lot @ 7:00 am
March 31:  Dick Lytie Spring Classic (half marathon, 15K and 5K) at Shorewood Golf Course @ 10:00 am  - Visit www.incompetition.com to register.
April 7, 14, 21, 28:  West De Pere High School (665 Grant Street, De Pere) parking lot @ 7:00 am
May 5, 12:  West De Pere High School (665 Grant Street, De Pere) parking lot @ 7:00 am

Continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and this blog for more information and updates throughout the marathon season!

I made it to the starting line and got as close to the 2:15 pace leader as possible. I was running with my sister-in-law, Dawn, and we both felt that the 2:15 group would be our Plan A, the 2:30 group would be our Plan B. The race started, and within the first few miles I came to the realization that pinning my bib number to my jacket — across my zipper — was probably not the brightest idea. Dawn was keeping up with a great pace, so while I stopped to repin my bib, she asked if I would mind if she kept going without me.  I didn’t. This was her first half marathon and she was owning it! I got the bib pinned to my shirt, which then gave the option to unzip my jacket all the way when I got too warm, or zip it up when the wind was just too much.

I had some problems with my right foot during the race, but I did my best to run through it. It felt as if I had grabbed my old pair of running shoes, but I hadn’t. At one point, I had to stop and stretch out my hamstrings, they seemed really tight, I think it helped.

Let’s talk about that wind, shall we? I’ve never run in the winds that strong before. Sometimes I gave into it and walked, rather than exert the extra energy it took to run.

I’ve got a lot of races under my belt, most of them are 5K’s, but this was by far the largest race I’ve ever run in. That was nice, I enjoyed having other runners around me at all times — their energy carried me to the finish line. The water stations and the volunteers were amazing! I loved that every 1.5 miles there was a water stop, sometimes I was surprised that another 1.5 miles had already passed and I used them as a way to measure my progress. Thank you to all of the volunteers! You were so very much appreciated.

The crowds were awesome! Thank you!!

Was it just me, or was running through the tunnel at Lambeau Field kind of like entering a fire pit? It felt so hot in there! I’m sure the amount of time I was actually in the tunnel was small, but it seemed like forever. A very HOT forever. I finally crossed the finish line and had a PR of 12 minutes! Woohoo! A 12 minute personal record on a course with 25-40 mph winds, an outside temp that was unseasonably cold, a bib re-pinning situation, and an unplanned hamstring stretch.

I will definitely be back for another Cellcom race! Maybe the weather will be better for 2012?

What’s next for me? Well I’ve joined a Ragnar Relay team, the race is only two weeks away, starting in Madison and ending in Chicago. I’m excited! Check out my personal blog to see how it goes.

Oh wait, one more thing, the Saturday before the race I had lunch at Caffe Naturally, it was delicious! Thank you Chef Rachelle!

-Kim Laczniak

Every marathoner remembers their first. We take away fond memories. For most it is the triumph of crossing that line. We lift our arms up in the air and we are officially marathon finishers. It separates us from 99% of the population. We have a new self confidence that only 1% can understand. I know that it has changed me. Finishing a marathon has given me the self confidence to speak out in an industry that needs change. I am a trucker. Our health is not good. Estimates say that an over the road trucker has a life expectancy of about 15 years less than the average American. Now, I write a monthly column in “Truckers News” magazine encouraging truckers to exercise. I hope that I am making a difference.

What I remember most though is entering Lambeau Field through the players’ tunnel and the pain leaving my body. My first one, I was suffering from iliotipial band syndrome. It felt like someone was shoving pins into the sides of my knees. For the last ten miles I had to walk until it felt better. Then I would run until the pain was unbearable and walk. I repeated this process over and over. I was determined to finish running. Back then we didn’t finish in the parking lot. We finished down across from the Brown County Arena.

I passed the parrot heads at the 25 mile point and began my run up the parking lot towards Lambeau. When you get inside the building it feels warmer. Then when you reach the tunnel itself runners are coming out and smiling. We slapped hands as we passed. As you come up through the tunnel you see the light. It gets more prominent the closer you get to the field.  Then you enter into the field and circle around it. You notice the numbers of the great who have played there, Starr, Hornung, Taylor, Hutson, and the rest. I realized that I was running and my knees no longer hurt. The pain had vanished.  I ran out of Lambeau and slapped hands with the runners behind me. Then I finished running.

Last year I didn’t make it. At about the 8 mile marker I was way too tired. I was exhausted. Something was wrong. I walked it in. Even though I did finish the half route I did not feel right going into Lambeau. I had not run the 26.2 that I was signed up for. My wife (an EMT) saw me. She immediately said we’re going to the hospital. There I heard a phrase that broke my heart. “Mr. Clark, you’ve had a heart attack and you can never run again.” I cried.

We have worked hard at recovery. It was troponin leakage, a sign of a possible heart attack, but not a heart attack. That is where blood flow gets constricted and actual muscle from your hear breaks off and enters your blood stream. I am running again. Though my recovery is not far enough along to allow me to run a marathon, I am going to do the half. That allows me plenty of time to walk. My hope is that the healing powers of Lambeau Field (plus diet, exercise, and medication) will heal me completely and next year I will once again run 26.2.

Considering the weather we all dealt with during our training, it seems appropriate.

I didn’t hit my goal times (2:15; 2:20) – instead I came in at 2:33. 

Disappointed? A tad. Only because I know I am capable of doing so much better. But I’m happy to say that there will be other half marathons in my future so I can prove that out. Not sure which one will be next, but I can only hope that it will be as great as an environment as it was in Green Bay. I heard good things about the volunteers and the supporters, and I was not disappointed. And the way in which the race director so quickly and professionally addressed the course measurement issue shows the event to be top-notch.

It just didn’t happen this time, but it was still a great experience and I take away many lessons learned about pacing, where to look for mileage when the main markers get blown away and how to persevere in less an ideal conditions.

More importantly, I take away an amazing level of appreciation for my family and friends. Because although I trained and ran for what were quite selfish reasons – because I wanted to prove something to me – I am overwhelmed by everyone’s reaction to what I did. The text messages, emails and Facebook postings of support and congratulations were incredible and uplifting. You quickly realize that although it was you who logged the 13 plus miles that day in the wind, you weren’t out their battling your nemesis all alone.

So yes, on Sunday I ran for me, because the idea scared me. I ran to quiet the little voices inside my head that said that I couldn’t because deep down inside I knew the voices were mistaken. I ran to calm the pre-arthritic knees, the painful hip, the foot scars, and all the other physical reminders of a soon to be 50 year old body.

I ran, prepared, by the encouragement and experience of coaches and friends Amy Friese and Dave Jesse. Two peas in a pod who either tells fibs really well, or really believe in me.

Yes, I ran so I could I see the fabulous Lambeau tundra up-close and personal, but also so I could get back in time to see my best friend and love Sue finish her first marathon. So proud, HB, and mega thanks for all your support and encouragement through all of this.

I ran, inspired by Kim and Lori who when I turned left towards the stadium made that right turn to head towards the river. You guys rocked your first marathon! Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement along the way. So glad we were able to train together.

And always, a nod to my friend Sally who pushed me through that first tough mile almost 2 years ago. That was a big first step that I appreciate more than you will ever know.

On Sunday I ran a half marathon (plus!). And although I didn’t hit my goals, I exceeded my expectations. See ya next year, Green Bay.

Deb Reiser,

Milwaukee, WI

We did it!

Well, what can I say? The journey of this first-timer has come to an end. On Sunday, over the course of five plus hours and twenty-six point two wind blown miles we did it. We all know what the conditions were like, forever to be known as “The Fight on the Fox River Trail.” Every mile felt like a lifetime, every foot a battle. Mother nature threw us a mighty punch and not only did we take it, we hit her right back, much harder!

On Monday I was asked by a friend “Did you ever consider quitting?” Without hesitation I answered; NO! Never! To which my friend responded; “I don’t think I could have made it, I would have stopped.” From the outside I could see his logic. After all he was not the one running, not the one who had been training since January, having given up so much for this one day. I’m not going to lie to you. On Sunday, knee deep in the “Fight on the Fox” I was forced to deal with many moments of self-doubt. A long way from home, the stadium on the other side of the river. The finish line seemed like a lifetime away. So what drove me home? All of you. I knew at that moment that if I’d quit I would not only be letting myself down, but all of you. So many have given so much for this one day. Surrender was not an option.

First I thought of my wife Sarah. She is my champion, my love, and my number one support. She has made so many sacrifices for me to be able to get there. So many nights in, too tired to go out. Next, my friends. You guys are the greatest group of friends a guy could have. I missed you so much over the past months. So many nights I’d wanted to be out but training had precedence. Then, I though of all my training friends who would be crossing the finish line. I knew they were not going to quit. Joe, Sarah, Erin, Deb, Brian, the countless others, and of course my fellow first timers Mike and Teresa. Too many Saturday mornings, freezing cold, there is no quit in them, so there would be none in me. Finally, I thought of the Desert Veterans. I went to them with an idea and they put their faith in me sight unseen. So many area businesses came on board to support the cause as well. We are all well aware of the personal sacrifices it takes to run a marathon, but it turns out there is so much more. So many had given so much for this one day. There would be no quitting.

I am not going to lie. As I fought my way down the trail, all these thoughts running through my head a miracle did not happen. My legs suddenly did not turn into lightning bolts. I did not suddenly pick up the pace and run with ease.  I was in pain, and lots of it. What did happen is my sense of resolve had been filled. I was able to shut out the self-doubt and push through. I knew there was no way I would meet my goal time, or make pace, and I no longer cared because I had already won. I was going to finish. I was going to complete a marathon! When this whole thing started the very first thing I said was “just finish” and that is what we did. We finished, and we are marathoners!

So, thank you, it has been a privilege to be able to share the story of my journey with all of you. God Bless!

We’ve been through,

Some things together,

With trunks of memories still to come,

We found things to do in stormy weather,

Long may you run…

Long may you run.

-          Neil Young –

-Mike Meyer

The nutrient profile of lowfat chocolate milk is what makes it effective as a post-exercise recovery beverage. It’s a natural source of high-quality protein to build and repair muscles, has the right mix of protein and carbs to refuel exhausted muscles plus fluids and is a natural source of electrolytes – like calcium, potassium and magnesium – to rehydrate and help replenish what’s lost in sweat.

“The more sports drink companies innovate new technologies for post-exercise nutrition, the closer they get to a nutrient mix and vitamin-mineral profile that has always existed in lowfat chocolate milk,” said Vivien Godfrey, CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program. “We’re thrilled that the local milk processors across the country will deliver the refueling benefits of lowfat chocolate milk directly into the hands of athletes as they cross the finish line.”

Why Chocolate Milk?

Chocolate milk’s combination of carbohydrates and natural high-quality protein first made researchers take notice of a potential exercise benefit. The combination of carbs and protein already in chocolate milk matched the ratio found to be most beneficial for recovery.  A growing body of evidence suggests lowfat chocolate milk can be just as effective as some commercial sports drinks in helping athletes refuel and recover.  

When it comes to recovery, many people don’t think beyond rehydrating with water or sports drinks after a tough workout, but in reality the body needs to rehydrate and replenish with electrolytes and the right mix of protein and carbohydrates for muscle recovery. Lowfat chocolate milk provides those benefits, plus it has the nine essential nutrients not found in most recovery drinks, like calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones and reduce the risk for stress fractures.  

Read the science supporting “nature’s recovery drink” and learn more about the benefits of refueling with chocolate milk and the iconic National Milk Mustache “got milk?”®Campaign by visiting www.RefuelwithChocolateMilk.com, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ChocolateMilkRefuel and Twitter @ChocMilkRefuel.

Tuesday, May 17
4 – 6 p.m.
No appointment needed
Prevea Ashwaubenon Health Center
760 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay

Part of me doesn’t want to get too caught up worrying about race goals, but I can’t discount their importance. I didn’t spend the last 5 months running hills, laps and out and backs in rain, wind, cold (and sometimes nice temps) just so I could get to the race and say, “Whatever happens, happens. It’s just another Sunday.” I’ve worked too hard to just leave it to chance. 

But I like the approach of having some flexibility so I don’t fall into a “putting all your eggs in one basket” scenario and find myself disappointed because I set myself up for fall. So with that in mind I’m going into the weekend with 3 goals:

Base Goal (The minimum I’ll be satisfied with. This takes into account the wheels falling off the bus – otherwise known as a bad day, unfavorable weather, etc.): Have fun and enjoy the experience. Take in the crowd and those I’m running with. Finish strong with head-up, eyes forward and good kick knowing I prepared correctly and gave it my all that day.

Realistic Goal (what I know I can do based on my training runs): 2:20. This time betters the “practice” half I did in April and hits a target I didn’t think was possible when I first started my training. 

Aggressive Goal (everything goes right): 2:14.59. This time is what I know in my heart of hearts I am capable of doing. It may make for an uncomfortable race, but with my head in the right place, I can do it.

I may make some modifications as the day gets closer, but that’s where I stand for now.

When the marathon organizer’s first asked for volunteers to blog about their training experience (for me, it was as a “first-timer), I wasn’t sure how the process would play out. Would I have enough to write about? Would I have enough time to write? Would I want to write about how my training was going or not going? After all, it’s easy to share successes, but would I want to admit to failure or things that weren’t going as planned?

In the course of submitting posts, I found this experience to be very helpful. Instead of just going through the training motions, I was very conscious of my process and progress because I knew at the end of the week I was going to have to sit down and write about it. I look back through my posts and see I had a mix of good and bad days and see I learned from each one. So thank-you, Green Bay race organizers, for allowing me this forum and the opportunity to share my first-timer experience. It helped make me that much more accountable. It has been fun but now I’m really looking forward to race day.

See you at the start!

Deb Reiser

Milwaukee, WI

It was 2001, early in the years of the Green Bay Cellcom Marathon.  I was 39 and had participated in what I called distance running for years.  For me that meant three or four mile runs and an occasional 10K race.  I had this belief that anyone could run any distance that they set their mind to.  I was intrigued by a marathon right in Green Bay and I thought it would be great to fulfill the marathon quest before I turned 40.

There were a couple of potential problems with this plan.  At this time, the Cellcom was after the Bellin Run.  I had been training for the Bellin Run but unfortunately for this year, that wasn’t much.  I had recently started a new job and was working a lot of hours.  Therefore, Bellin training involved running about once a week, maybe twice….and get this, my long run that year was four miles before the Bellin.  The good news was that I was running with my 9 year old son in the Bellin that year.  So on June 9, the two of us turned in a 58 minute Bellin Run, pretty impressive for a 9 year old.

So if I remember correctly, it was after the Bellin that I signed up for the Cellcom.  At that time, the marathon was not selling out as fast as it does now.  So here I am, now with a six mile run under my belt and thinking I was running a marathon in a couple of weeks.  Almost as bad, I had done no research about running a marathon.  I had no plan for hydrating, carbs during the race, race pace, etc.  I was going with the theory that you just showed up and ran until you got to the end.  Luckily, I did decide I should take a PowerBar with me during the race.

Race day really was a great day, especially considering we were running in mid to late June, the weather was cool, really perfect.  We started at the Port Plaza Mall and the excitement was fantastic.  For some reason, I thought 10 minutes per mile was a pretty reasonable goal and I settled in at that pace.  I ran with a half marathon participant for about 6 or 7 miles; the half marathon split off earlier that year. 

After I lost that running partner, I stuck with a group that was walking the first minute every mile and then running about 10 minutes/mile after that.  I had never tried Gatorade when running before but tried the Sobe on the course that year and snacked on little pieces of my PowerBar.  Amazingly, things really went well until about mile 15.  Up until then I had run almost exactly 10 minutes per mile but at mile 15 I actually had taken in so many fluids that I needed to use the rest room.  Unfortunately, after the porta-potty break, I attempted to speed up and catch my new running buddies in the walk/run group.  That took basically the last of my energy and in mile 17, I officially hit the wall.

Knowing what I know now, I assume I basically had completely exhausted my stored carbs and energy.  I went to 13 then 14 then 15 then 16 minutes per mile.  Basically at this point a lot of walking was involved.  Somehow mile 22 was a 13 minute mile, I’m not sure what happened there.  I remember that year there were cyclists keeping an eye on runners and offering the free use of Cellcom cell phones.  So at about mile 20, while on the Fox River Trail, I called my wife and told her that I loved her and hoped to see her again.  I actually was kidding.  I was going slow but really wasn’t in any terrible pain or soreness.

By mile 25 and 26, I was walking 100% of the time.  Though it was a fast walk, I mean it was more than 3 mph, I was rocking.  My last memory of the race is that I thought I really should try to run the last block of the race and I discovered that all my muscles and joints had already decided that walking really was a better idea.  So I kind of hopped/ran the last 50 yards.  I bet a lot of runners know what I mean.

I finished in 5 hours and 28 minutes.  But I had finished a marathon.  I never apologize for that time.  The medal hangs proudly on the basement wall because my wife won’t allow silly stuff like that to clutter up the living areas of the house…but trust me, it is hanging proudly.  Amazingly, that afternoon and the next day and week, I really felt great.  I don’t know why but I never was that sore, even going up and down stairs.

So my message is please do not ever try to train for a marathon like I did in 2001.  But trust me, if I could make it 26.2 miles after that little training but apparently with a pretty stubborn approach to running, then you can finish on May 15.  Just assume there is no other option; your mind is a powerful ally.

Have a great race!  And have a lot of fun doing it!  (And this year I think I run more in one week than I ran the entire year of 2001 before the Cellcom….we do get smarter with age….)

-Kyle Hoops