Smoking Jason Smoker...

Recently I sat down to virtually interview a local athlete who has worked himself into one of the better marathon runners in the Northeast Indiana region. Luckily enough between all his training, caring for twins, and working a full time job he was able to budget his time to answer my questions. Hopefully you enjoy learning
about the legend that is Jason Smoker.

Gillette Running: Every runner has a story as to why they started training and eventually competing. How did the idea of becoming a runner come about for you?

Jason: My running days begin in high school where I started to dabble around with distances between two to five miles. I tried to make it a point each year to train for and run in the Red Rose Run, a five mile run through the city of Lancaster, however, this only required a month of semi-serious training (three miles every other day). I didn’t run much in college but after graduating I was fortunate enough to be included in a small group of runners who met three mornings a week to run about five miles. The main reasons for running at this point were camaraderie and to help keep off a few pounds. One of the runners in that group was already a marathon runner and for the other it was simply a matter of time before he would give it a try. I also had a couple older uncles from Pennsylvania that were beginning their running journeys and probably pushed me the most to try out a marathon. Even with having a somewhat consistent schedule, I wouldn’t really have called myself a serious distance runner until the summer of 2006 when I began training for the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA. Except for a couple very brief periods, I have been in “marathon-ready” shape ever since that race.

Gillette Running: Do you tend to focus your training on racing a particular distance? Or are you like a good Fireman, ready for anything anytime?

Jason: Most of my running reflects a mentality of being ready for anything anytime; however, the five weeks prior to a marathon is usually very disciplined with specific distance goals leading up to the race. Naturally, if I am running a marathon for time or for a PR, I will focus on distances even further ahead of the race.

Gillette Running: Currently we are in another “Running Boom” which is increasing the number of marathon finishers, but overall a small part of the population has completed a marathon. With the bad economic situation the country, it seems that it is easy to know someone who has lost their job. You have a full time job and have finished many marathons…do you feel like a minority or just lucky?

Jason: In my mind it all comes down to priorities and choices. I think anyone with even below average health can choose to exercise and run as much as I do. A big pet peeve of mine is when people say they are so busy and don’t have time for things like running. There is always time and if something is important enough to us, we make time for it. As far as spending money goes, the same rule applies. I would probably spend the same amount of money on running and apparel regardless of earnings because of the benefits I receive in return. The value I experience in running includes: health, time for reflection and meditation, stress relief, therapy, the thrill of competition, accomplishing goals, success, companionship, seeing new places, and being able to eat as much as I want. Of course this may be easier for me to say because I already don’t have much of a running budget and I try to stretch the money invested as far as I can. For example, I definitely get my money’s worth in a pair of
shoes since I don’t retire them until they’ve reached at least six to seven hundred miles or more.

Gillette Running: Up until this point what would you say is the highlight of your running career? What are your PR’s? Best race experience?

Jason: I’ve had a lot of highlights and am probably forgetting some, but one that would rank up at the top is running rim-to-rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon this past May. As far as PR’s go, my current PR in a marathon came in 2009 at Sunburst in South Bend, IN where I finished at 3:08:25. The best part about that race was the way I felt at the end of the race. I didn’t feel completely trashed as usual and instead for some reason had a lot of energy left. I hope to someday figure out what that reason was!

Gillette Running: An old saying says, “It is not the destination but the journey” Using this logic what is more thrilling qualifying for the Boston Marathon or running the Boston Marathon?

Jason: I would like to be able to say that the journey that came before Boston was great. After a little more than two years of training and somewhere around ten character-building marathons, I learned much about myself. However, the Boston running experience was one of the most thrilling things I have ever been through. My advice to those who are able to qualify and go to Boston is to slow down when you’re there and take the time to enjoy the whole experience instead of run through as hard and fast as they can.

Gillette Running: How has your training and racing changed when your family expanded with the twins being born? What is a typical daily schedule?

Jason: In all honesty, training hasn’t changed very drastically. Around ninety-five percent of my training happens early in the morning and is over before seven o’clock. The first eight weeks at home were a bit rough since the twins were on a three hour eating schedule. I had to keep myself (and my running partners) to a very strict schedule and didn’t have the luxury of standing around and chatting after a good run.

Gillette Running: You just finished the Drake Well Marathon pushing your twins and running with other family members. Did the twins earn a finisher medal too? Was it hard to find a marathon that allowed strollers? Did you train long runs pushing them too?

Jason: Unfortunately I wasn’t able to push the kids through the entire marathon. The night before the marathon was full of strong storms with lightning. At four in the morning I checked the radar and, after seeing what was on its way, began to prepare myself mentally for a big let-down that day. I figured we’d be fortunate if the entire marathon wasn’t cancelled. Nevertheless, at 6:40 we found ourselves at the starting line with overcast skies, no rain, and kids in stroller. This weather lasted for about six miles before a sudden downpour forced me to hand the kids off to their mother, who was waiting anxiously amidst rain and thunder for the twins to arrive.
The twins were waiting at mile twenty-five when we came back into view and were able to finish that last mile with me. I’m sure they didn’t get their medals because they hadn’t gone the entire 26.2 miles. As far as finding a marathon that allowed strollers, we pretty well lucked out at the Drake Well. On their web site the guidelines specify that no strollers are allowed. Before we registered we inquired anyway and Jaime, the race director, said that she would allow it as long as we respected the other runners and their space. This wasn’t a problem for us and we started at the back of the pack. In training for the race I found it difficult to find time during the mid-day hours to go on long runs, with all the activities and things that needed to get done during the day. I was only able to get in three long runs with the twins, the longest being thirteen miles.

Gillette Running: Truthfully, here is your chance to come clean; did the stroller have a motor on it during the race? Did you sit in it going down hills?

Jason: No motor was present in the stroller, although some of the other runners did at least ask to make certain. Justin Gillette had to check “under the hood,” probably because he felt that his attempt at a course record would be threatened.

Gillette Running: What are your goals for the rest of 2011 and beyond with your running?

Jason: My long-term goals are to continue to run marathons on a fairly regular basis (maybe two to three a year)and to use marathon running as an excuse to travel to new places. Although at times it feels good to be competitive, I think overall maintaining physical fitness is important to me. I enjoy pushing the limits of my body, mentally and physically. With that in mind I have found myself the past several years to be somewhat intrigued by ultra distances. In September I am registered in and will run the Vermont 50 miler with two of my uncles. I would like to think that someday I may get to the 100 mile mark. For the rest of 2011 I plan to run a marathon in Wichita, KS in October and then in Columbia City, IN in
November.

Gillette Running: Have you ever out sprinted someone to a finish line, then turned to yell, “You just got Smoked by Smoker!!”

Jason: I’ve never done that, although I can probably think of a couple of people that I might do that to.

Drake Well Marathon recap

Leading up to the Drake Well Marathon, in Titusville, PA, I was a little nervous. I have never ran an August marathon, and surely never done one during a 120 mile week. A coin flip could have been used to determine the odds of my legs feeling good during the race. Also the course layout also was a bit of a concern. The first 8 miles consisted of rolling hills, with 2 inclines that went up over 300 feet. Then just past mile 9 the course went onto a bike path, where runners ran out to mile 17.5, turned around and came back to the finish. I expressed concern to my wife about how "bored" I will be running the bike path if there are not runners around me.

Little did I realize that my minor worries were already taken care of by the race committee. The hills did come early, but we were rewarded with 17 miles of flat running later in the marathon. The bike path was out an back, but it truly was a beautiful tree lined stretch to run on. The organizers planned for the half marathon to run a seperate course than the marathon. The half marathon runners just ran out and back on the bike path. This meant once I reached the bike path there were other runners to see!! Perfect course layout for a small town marathon.

As for my race, I felt pressure to do well. Some of this pressure was internally, while some came from expectations placed on me to succeed. One truly nice guy, Super Joe, ate with me at the pasta meal. He kept stating I was his inspiration and that he has changed his life because of me. Seriously?? I am a nobody....but anyway I could not let Super Joe down. I had to put forth my best effort. This was the 3rd marathon where I have crossed paths with Super Joe, so far he has yet to see me lose....maybe Super Joe is my lucky charm??

The first 5 miles of the marathon was the hardest part of the entire race. I reached mile 5 in 31:40, which is 6:20 pace, or 3 minutes slower than my normal first 5 miles. By mile 7 I was prepared to drop out and quit running forever! It was annoying to keep running slower miles than normal. BUT soon enough we were out of the hills and back into the beautiful town of Titusville, PA. A quick pass through main street, which consists of some HUGE houses, and we were off to the bike path.

I have run marathons before that go on bike paths, but none as tree lined as this one. I am a tree guy, so looking at the young oaks, straight cherry trees, and 5 wild turkeys made for extra entertainment. After the turn around at mile 17.5, I kept pushing hard, knowing that soon I would see Super Joe headed out to the turn around himself. Sure enough he cheered me on. Not far behind Super Joe was my friend Jason Smoker. He trains with me some, and was running this marathon pushing his twins. Well even at my pace I could tell that he was no longer pushing a stroller. Apparently his wife decided pushing twins during a rainy marathon was a bad idea. Us husbands and dads need logical thinking wives in our lives to keep us from doing crazy things.

The first half of the marathon I ran in 1:19:30, the second half I ran in 1:14:58, for a final finish time of 2:34:28. Not my best time, but it was good enough to break the course record. I have now won 30 marathons and have 6 course records. Another great addition to this race was the finish line tape, yes this small marathon had an actual finish tape to break! Out of the 30 marathon wins I have, very few events have held up a finish tape to break. The joy of feeling that acrossed your chest is a better feeling then having a medal draped around your neck. I am not sure why every marathon does not hold up a finish line tape for its male and female winners to break. Oh well, must be hard to find 2 volunteers to hold something up.

Anyway, after breaking the tape, I ran back out onto the course to the mile 23 aid station. I stayed there a while handing out gatorade and water while waiting for some friends to come by. Once they showed up I ran the rest of the course with them. It added another 5 miles to my day, but was well worth it. Overall this is a great small town marathon that will challenge you with hills, but well worth doing.

Chariot Carriers...new sponsor

Today we were finally able to start using our Cougar Jog Stroller, made by a quality company out of Canada, Chariot Carriers. The Chariot Carriers produce elite level jog strollers, and have decided to start sponsoring us. Joining with them and using their jog strollers will aid us in becoming elite caliber athletes. This is a huge upgrade from the bulky jog stroller that we currently use. Not only are the Chariot Carriers built for speed and long runs, but they are also provide a safe, comfortable ride for the children being pushed. The attachable weather shield will keep Miles dry during the spring rains and the Bunting Bag will provide him warmth during winter workouts. Miles fits comfortably in the Cougar jog stroller, that comes with a padded seat. He can now sit back and enjoy a 9 MPH tour of the local running paths everyday.

Since Melissa and I both run between 12-20 miles per day, being able to comfortably run together for parts of the run have been vital for family time. We will now be using the Cougar 1 model during our training runs. The Cougar model, like other models that Chariot Carriers produce, can easily be converted to attach to bicycles, the big front wheel comes off in order to install smaller stroller wheels for walking around, and after taking the rear wheels off skis can be attached for use during the winter. I am almost excited for the first snow...testing out the skis and the Bunting Bag in the winter will make running a lot easier.

One aspect of training that I struggle with is pushing Miles in a jog stroller after running several marathons. Usually running one marathon does not bother me too much, but when I do 3 or 4 straight weekends of racing a marathon then try to push a jog stroller, it causes a lot of pains in my hips and achilles tendons. The Cougar model is light weight, has higher handle bars, and is easy to push which will prevent the forward leaning, hunched over running form that causes my legs to ache so much after multiple marathons.

Using the Chariot Carriers has created one problem... now Miles wants to stay in the jog stroller longer, which means I must train longer.

We are very greatful to have Chariot Carriers as a new sponsor. If you are interested in a jog stroller be sure to look them up on the internet. http://www.chariotcarriers.com/.

Middlebury Summer Festival Races

Middlebury Summer Festival Races August 12 and 13

August 12

How fast can you run a mile?

That is exactly what Laura and I were trying to figure out. We are not milers. In high school I had a best time of 4:34 in the 1600 meter race. Laura had ran a 5:40 in high school. Neither of those times are that impressive. We did a nice warm-up, and stretched. We were ready to run.

The gun goes off, and immediately I get up to speed, my lungs and legs feel like they are in shock. I hit the turn point at 2:18. Then it was pretty much all downhill from there. I finished in 4:35 and 2nd overall. Laura was first female in     a time of 5:29. We did a nice cool down, and then I ran home (6 more miles).

August 13

10k

Saturday Laura and I did the 10k. However, I was going to be pushing Natalie in our jogging stroller. I have put many miles on the old-used jogging stroller with Natalie, so I was well prepared. Laura's plan was to be first female, and be under 40 minutes for the hilly course.  My plan was to not let Laura beat me, and try to maintain 6 minute mile pace. The gun goes off and it takes my body a few minutes to get going. By the first mile I was sitting 3rd overall, and hit 6:00. I continued to hit 6 minute mile pace even during the hillier sections. At times it was a struggle, but I felt I would be letting my daughter down if I didn't put my best effort forward. So, I would always surge up the hills, and utilize the downhills. The last 2 miles were flat, which was a relief. I finished in 37:26, and was 3rd overall in the race.

As soon as I finished Natalie wanted out of the stroller, which I don't blame her. We waited for a few minutes then Laura came in. She was 4th overall in 10k race with a time of 40:57. She was upset that she wasn't under 40 minutes, but was glad she won. We did a cool down, than Laura ran home (6 more miles).

140 mile week??

Two years ago, the first week of August 2009, my friend and new sponsor, Kevin Pollock owner of Pollock Landscaping, set off for what was our hardest athletic endeavor ever. The mission was simple, the plans were hazy, but we would not be denied. The goal was to ride bicycles from our home town of Ironton, MO to my wife, Melissa Gillette's, hometown of Berne, IN, but as Kevin said, "Since we have gone that far we might as well ride clear to Ohio." Just like that we had a destination, but of course we did not own any bicycles, so we had to borrow some. This also meant we were unable to put in any training, but training for this mission would have only diminished the challenge that starred us in the face.

Fast forward two years later. I decided to take my running to another level. The mission was simple, the plans were hazy, but I would not be denied...or would I? My goal was to run my first ever 140 mile week. Now unlike the bicycle trip, I have been training by doing a lot of running. It seemed that reaching the 140 mile mark would not be that difficult since I have previously ran 122 miles in a week. So it begins...

Monday started off with a bang. Miles, my two year old son, and I worked together to complete a 21 mile run. Now I do not want to brag or create a family feud, but my prospective is that I did most of the work on that run, while Miles just sat in his jog stroller.

Tuesday brought about a great deal of heat, but Miles and I managed to get in a decent 12 mile run in the early afternoon. So far the week was off to a decent start. Tuesday night is the Reith 5k races not far from my house. Once Melissa got home she watched Miles while I headed off to the race. A three mile warmup and a 3.1 mile race later, which I ran in 17:11, my daily miles were up to 18.1. Now just for a cool down...which is simple right?

This is where the hazy plans got a little complicated. My body decided to experience an economic breakdown. I tried to go, but there was no response in my leg. The only option was to eat a piece of humble pie and walk the two miles home. This brought back memories of the bike trip. My body breaking down was no different then my bicycle pedal falling off outside of Lafayette, IN. The slow walk home was similar to having to carry our bikes up hill through a muddy construction zone.

Wednesday brought about new opportunities and luckily renewed legs. I decided to take it easy today, I just ran 14.75 miles at roughly 7 minutes per mile pace. At this point my goal of hitting 140 miles for the week was vanishing fairly quickly. Kevin and I had these same demons to overcome on our bike trip, especially following my leg injury due to a heckler chucking a nearly full bottle of sports drink at me from his speeding car.

Thursday morning I woke up feeling annoyed at my training for the week so far, but then I saw on Facebook that my friend Benny just completed a nice run that morning. He is battling the tough Texas heat and running some solid workouts, this inspired me to push harder today. What started out as a planned easy 14 mile run ended up being my second fastest time ever for that route, I averaged 6:18 minutes per mile, including a five mile stretch from miles 7-12 at 5:33 pace. Tuesdays struggles seemed far behind me. Thursday night I was able to run another 4 miles with Chris Conley, which brought the days total up to 18 miles.

Friday ended up being an easier day, due to the harder pace on Thursday. Miles and I took his jog stroller out for an easy 12 mile run. This was the last run for Miles in this jog stroller as it is falling apart. During the run it ripped even more. It is now bad enough that even I do not think it is safe, which is saying a lot!

Saturday was a ho-hum 20 mile run. Nothing exciting, just putting in miles. Kind of like pedaling across Illinois when we were surrounded by corn fields for hours on end. No spectators, no fans, no media, and quite frankly as Kevin and I learned nobody cares about your goals as much as you will. We could have quit our bike trip and family would have still invited us over, well some of them would have. Likewise I could have ducked out of this boring 20 mile run and nobody would have noticed, but the thoughts of being lazy would have ate away at my conscience. My weekly miles were now up to 111 miles, so the goal of hitting 140 miles was out of reach, but I could still be able to set a new high mileage week for myself.

Sunday's plan was to run my longest workout ever. I tried to find some suckers to join me for this endeavor, but only got one bite, my brother Jake Gillette. I wonder if Kevin felt obligated to bike with me like Jake felt obligated to run with me...hmm? The workout was simple, atleast on paper! It included an 18 mile warmup at 6:45 pace, followed by 10 miles of alternating sprinting for a half mile and jogging for a half mile, followed by a 2 mile cooldown. This added up to 30 miles. The workout went surprisingly well considering the struggles I experienced earlier in the week. The 10 hard half mile segments were run at an average time of 2:34, which is 5:08 mile pace. This workout brought my weekly mileage up to 134.9, which was short of my 140 mile goal, but better than my previous high week or 122.

One final comparision to the bike trip and this week of training. I was tired and grouchy after both of them!! My goal now is to pedal across the country and instead of hitting 140 miles for a week I aim to average 20 miles per day for an entire month this year.

Craig Kolb Interview

I recently interviewed my uncle Craig Kolb. Craig is one of the most dynamic master athletes in Jefferson City, MO.  He competes locally in road races, race walks, biathlons, and track and field events.  Craig has a history of competing in the Show-Me State games. This year he competed in 10 events in the 2 day track and field competition at the Show- Me-State games, call it the Craig Kolb version of a decathlon.

For those unfamiliar with the Show-Me-State games, they are an Olympic-style sports festival with more than 40 sports for all ages and ability levels. It is one of the biggest state games around in 2010, 28,009 people participated in the Show-Me-State games. When July rolls around in Missouri you know it is Show-Me-State games time.

Jake: What were the 10 different events that you did?

Craig: 200, 800, 1500 meter race walk, steeplecase, 4 x100, 4x 400, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and javelin.

Jake: What were your placings in your age group for each event?

Craig: 200 3rd place, 800 3rd place, 1500 meter race walk 1st place, steeplecase 2nd place, 4 x100 (1st, and a new state games record), 4x400 (1st, and a new state games record), high jump 4th place, long jump 3rd place, triple jump 3rd place, and javelin 3rd place. I medaled in 9 out of the 10 events I did. Would of loved to have done better in the high jump, but I didn't have time to practice it enough before the games.

Jake: Did you have extended amount of break in between your events?

Craig: The track and field events are on a rolling schedule in the 2 days of competition. Some guys would show up fresh, right before the start. Whereas, I may have just finished an event 15-30 minutes ago.

Jake: Why do you punish your body and do so many events?

Craig: I would love to run 1 or 2 races, but it's like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and getting 1 plate. I'm all for challenging my body, and seeing how well I respond. This year it was extremely hot and humid, so my times were slower than usually. My last race was the 4 x400, my team was so wiped out after 2 days, plus it was 105 outside, but we still broke the record.

Jake: Any goals for future events?

Craig: I am going to try for Masters All-American in 100m and 400m hurdles next year. Also, I would love to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

We wish Craig Kolb all the best luck in his training to prepare him for his future events.

Jog Stroller

A good majority of the miles I run are taking place while pushing my son Miles in the jog stroller. Miles weighs in at a modest 29 pounds, which is about average for a 22 month old boy. The jog stroller we currently are using was given to us...well...used. It is a larger model not particularly built for speed or long distances. It weighs 31.2 pounds...so adding Miles to this makes a combined weight of 60.2 pounds, or the average size of a Hollywood Model.

Currently our jog stroller has started to tear really bad, to the point that Miles is about to fall out of his seat. The right side of the seat has roughly an 8 inch tear, and the right side has a 3-4 inch rip in it. These did not occur due to any mistreatment, but rather from multiple years of use, remember we were given this jog stroller used. Melissa and I have started shopping for new jog strollers and hope to have another one rather soon. It will be the only new "Ride" we ever buy Miles.

It is just a matter of time until Miles falls out of the stroller while we are out on a run, I just hope that occurs near the play area along the Millrace canal trail. :)