- Site:
- http://www.matthewlofton.com
- Miles:
- 9194 total / 284 in 2012
- Goal:
sub 16:00 5k, 3660 running miles for 2012
Matthew Lofton ran: 31 miles on my 31st b...
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- 31 miles
- 0:00 time
- 0:00 pace
- 3424 calories
- details
31 miles on my 31st birthday!
(WARNING! book ahead)
total run time: 3:56
total time including bathroom breaks, 5 bottle swaps with food and getting photographed by the local newspaper: 4:20.
History:
At the end of last year, I thought of doing this run but since it was going to be a few weeks out from the Boston Marathon, I figured it probably wouldn't be a good idea as it might hurt my training. Since slacker me waited too long to register for said marathon, it sold out. So that just sealed the deal.
I've been slowly working up my mileage but the main intention of this run was to treat it like a normal long run. The last thing I wanted to do was get injured from this and ruin the upcoming racing season. I also tried to keep the run on the down low as it was more a personal battle and perhaps I didn't want to make a big deal about it in case I failed.
My mother dropped me off 31 miles from the edge of town with the intention to run back to a predetermined landmark. Weather was mid 40's, no wind with a beautiful rising sun.
The route would be a divided highway, Rt. 11, that runs parallel to the local interstate, I-81, for the whole 31 miles. My mother would drive ahead and I would meet her certain points as she carried the extra water, fuel and other necessities that might be needed.
8:17am and armed with a handheld bottle of Propel mixed with chia seeds, I was off on my journey. Since it was a bit chilly, I wore a shirt over my singlet and arm sleeves. I wish I would have brought gloves as my hands froze for the first few miles. I met up with mom a little after 10 miles (Toms Brook) and was making good time with my splits ranging from 7:22 to 7:38 with a bathroom break somewhere in the woods before then. I consumed (3 ea) PowerBar Gel Blasts at both miles 5 and 10.
(mile 10.5) At the pit stop, I stripped to my singlet, grabbed a second bottle containing the same fluids and was once again on my way. Next stop was 7 miles down the road (Strasburg) and they were some tough miles. MIle 14, heading into town, was downhill for the whole mile and I felt that in my quads like they were target practice for a paintball gun. But, what went down, had to go back up and I was kinda of looking forward to it to take the pain away from the front of my legs. After climbing up to the other side of town, that was the sight of the next stop.
(mile 17.5) Once again, I grabbed a new bottle plus I ate 1/2 of a pb&j sandwich and took a handful of pretzels with me on my way out. Also at this stop, I decided to grab my iPod and a hat as the sun was now blazing down on my head. I was feeling really good when I left which helped to make that mile (split up by the stop) the fastest mile of the run. (7:19) After seeing that, I knew I had to slow it back down as I still had over 13 miles to go. It probably wasn't even 2 miles later that I flagged my mom down as she drove by and I gave her the aforementioned iPod and hat. This may sound weird, but I felt as though they were weighing me down. I guess after 17 miles, adding in new things just doesn't feel right.
On my way to the next stop, a photographer from the local paper pulled up to get some pictures of me. Although I was really starting to feel some pain, I tried to put it behind me so I could look strong for the camera. It was a nice distraction as he photographed me for about 3 miles. This stretch, while going uphill at mile 20, would be the first time that I walked. I only allowed myself 1:00 of walking but it seemed to do the trick. (mile was still 7:56)
I met up with mom 4.5 miles after the last point, (22, Middletown) grabbed another bottle, some mini Snickers and did a few stretches. Just as I was getting ready to head out again, the photographer met back up with me so he could grab some still/portrait shots. As much as I didn't want to do them, I actually enjoyed the little rest.
By now, the temp is nearing 60, the sky is cloudless, the road is still unshaded (as it was for the whole route) and the sun seemed like it was out to get me. We had planed to meet ~5 miles down the road, the other side of Stephens City, at the local driving range/go cart track. The closer I got to town, the closer it got to 5 miles, and the more I realized that I had misjudged the distance when I mapped it out this morning. I was starting to get nervous as a bottle of water in that heat was barely lasting me 5 miles. I consumed another serving (3) of the Gel Blasts and tried to conserve my remaining fluids in case I had a few more miles to go. Luckily for me, my mother was watching her odometer, noticed the same thing, and had stopped just on the edge of town at an empty parking lot. Weirdly enough, it was exactly 26.2 miles from when I started. My marathon time was 3:18 running and 3:30 with the stops. (not too bad)
At this stop (26.2) I ate the other half of my pb&j and grabbed another bottle of Propel with chia seeds that my mother had been preparing for me the whole time. I once again did a few stretches and was headed off to tackle the remaining <5 miles with every step being farther than I have ever run before - every step of which was just a little more painful both mentally and physically.
I knew the last miles would be brutal so we planned to meet again about halfway to the finish. It turned out to be almost at the end of mile 29 (my slowest mile at 8:26) which was great as I was almost out of liquids. This time, I just grabbed a bottle of plain water and headed to the final destination. "Only 2 miles" I kept telling myself as I put my head down and pushed like the little engine that could. I knocked out a 7:39 mile with only 1 mile to go. I tried to finish strong for that last mile but I just didn't have it in me.
Fighting back all kinds of emotions, I walked a bit before making the final run to the parking that I could just barely see in the distance. Coming into the lot, I was greeted by my mother, my grandfather and Genevieve all yelling and cheering me on. As much as I wanted to stop there, I still had .17 miles to run. After making a quick loop around the parking lot, my watch beeped as I passed in front of the screaming pack of 3. I immediately dropped to the ground at let loose all of the emotions that had been building up inside of me for not only the last 31 miles, but probably since the last time I had a good cry. I was finally done.
I'd like to thank my mom for all her support, encouragement, and motivation. She single handedly made this run smooth, easy and painless.
What I haven't mentioned yet, is something that caught my eye shortly into the run. I caught a glimpse of this neon sign that had my name on it, a few other words, and was signed "-Thomas N." It turns out, Julia-Faye K. had emailed friends on here, asked them for some motivational quotes for me and wrote them out on poster boards. Her and Ryan Q. went out along the route last night and posted the 22 signs in places where there wasn't going to be much scenery to give me that extra little boost. Ryan also wrote on the ground with sidewalk chalk. Let me tell you, it worked. Each time I saw one in the distance, I would get a smile on my face and couldn't wait to read what was written. So thanks to all of you that mailed her with quotes and positive messages. It really made a difference.
Also, thanks to Mike L for not only making his own posters, but for also making the challenge to run 3.1 miles for me today. I'm blessed to have such wonderful friends on here and locally.
- Gear
Congrats!! That is very awesome!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Matthew, first Happy Birthday to you buddy. And I just want to say how amazing I think you are for doing this. Really incredible. And your mom is pretty awesome herself. Congrats to you!!! Very inspirational!!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Awesome! Nice post.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Fantastic writeup, and many congrats to you - what a way to celebrate a birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy Birthday -That is awesome - quite a birthday present! Most people would relax. Today you celebrated your health!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Incredible!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Matt, that's one HELL of a run. Amazing pace. Happy 31st!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Nice run and happy birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
That is an awesome run today!!! Glad you did it, and the road signs sound brilliant !!! A birthday you will never forget!!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Truly amazing! Great story Matt and a very impressive time too. Any plans for next year? :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy birthday and congratulations. Very motivating!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Incredible, Matthew! Happy birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Steve - I actually wanted to do 32 today so i wouldn't have to next year. ;) I might run my age next year but it all depends if I want to run Boston or not.
almost 2 years ago • Like
happy bday matt! way to achieve your goal (very impressive time)...best wishes!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy Bday- I turned 31 last October... I'm older than you! lol. Nice Run! I didnt run 31 on my birthday though... Hell, I didnt even run mor than 20 miles in one week until January of this year...
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy Birthday Matthew! That's an incredible run and an awesome way to celebrate. Here's to another great year!
almost 2 years ago • Like
What a great story, congratulations... you're an inspiration!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Awesome dude. Way to commit.
almost 2 years ago • Like
wow, what a great life accomplishment. Are you going to continue this tradition in the years to come, thus becoming an ultramarathoner
almost 2 years ago • Like
What a great story! Happy Birthday, and congrats on the run!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow I saw the before and after first now it all makes sense...you rock way to go!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow! So proud of your accomplishment. What a workout. Joshua and I put the signs out in the dark this morning around 7:00a.m. Sorry you missed them this time. When you ran by them, you could have reached down and touched them. They were within a couple feet from where you were running. You must have been really focused on the goal!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Thanks for sharing your "book" with us. I enjoyed reading it. What a great birthday gift to yourself! Glad you made it through with no injuries!
almost 2 years ago • Like
what a great run -- and kudos to mom, the one-woman support crew.
almost 2 years ago • Like
unbelievable matthew!! congratulations!
almost 2 years ago • Like
So cool! Enjoyed the read... Happy Birthday! Will you post a link to the article and pics from the newspaper when done? Congrats on such an achievement!
almost 2 years ago • Like
What an awesome run, Matt! Congrats on a memorable day! Super pace too!
almost 2 years ago • Like
WOW! That's an amazing accomplishment and a great story. Thanks so much for the write up and the story. Please - PLEASE take some time to rest up for the remainder of the season.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy Birthday Matthew! Congrats on your day, way to set a goal, go for it and kill it! That is truly awesome!
almost 2 years ago • Like
What a great story! Congratulations on another successful circuit of the sun and a terrific birthday run. Quite an set of achievements.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Great story. You are an inspiration to many. Also, thanks for the "challenge" to get me to do my 3.1 today! Right on!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Congrats! Great run!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy Birthday and many happy re-runs of the day!
almost 2 years ago • Like
You have told me before that I inspire you. I hope you know that works both ways! Love you man! Most excellent work! Most excellent birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
great run and a wonderful story matthew! i can't believe your pace.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Now THAT's inspiration!
almost 2 years ago • Like
AMAZING! Congrats and happy birthday Matthew. I will do my very best to run 25 miles in a couple of months, definitely won't compare though!
almost 2 years ago • Like
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! AND HAPPY 31 MILES! Awesome job!
almost 2 years ago • Like
It's 1:30AM and I just read this. I was waiting all day to read this & I just couldn't wait until the morning to read all about your adventure. Thank you for sharing the details of your journey in a very honest & real way. You will always have this feeling of accomplishment inside. So totally elated for you buddy!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Well done! Happy birthday! :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Not a bad way to spend your birthday... Great run and a happy bday to ya...inspirational...
almost 2 years ago • Like
love it!!! love the 50k birthday celebration, and way to rip it up!
almost 2 years ago • Like
You rule! Awesome run and I really loved reading this. :) Happy birthday
almost 2 years ago • Like
Photographed for the Star?? How cool is that? Let me know when they print it! Kudos...congrats!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Amazing! If you don't already have an I heart mom tattoo you should get one. Congrats and happy birthday rockstar! You are an inspiration.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow, absolutely amazing, and what an inspiration you are!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wonderful story about your birthday run. Hardcore effort - amazing. And I love the proof that Dailymilers are some of the coolest people on the planet!
almost 2 years ago • Like
You are amazing....I really can't add more to that statement as I think it sums up both your character and your running ability.
almost 2 years ago • Like
what an amazing run and amazing story.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Never thought I'd think about running 33 miles on my next birthday--but you've at least made the thought cross my mind! Well done!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy birthday and so inspirational... maybe I'll start this "run your age" thing as tradition!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Amazing. Happy birthday, Matthew!
almost 2 years ago • Like
I didn't get a chance to read through your write-up until today, but I'll say again what I said on Twitter - incredibly impressive! What a great thing to do for yourself, and in the long run to inspire others. I wonder if we're going to start seeing a wave of people running their age on their birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Your strong and inspiring . Im in awe and loved your right up. PLease share with us your newspaper article when it comes out . Hope you had a great birthday and that your are recovering well. Some awesome friends and family you have , long distance high five to them!
almost 2 years ago • Like
I'm amazed. Hope you had a wonderful brithday! And the write-up made me choke up a little :-)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow...congrats and Happy Belated Birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
BTW, I LOVE that your mom did this journey with you. How freaking awesome. What a killer birthday. I'm totally gonna do that someday. I only wish my next birthday would be my 26th, or something, rather than my 29th. Also that my birthday wasn't in February. In Wisconsin. Brrrr.
almost 2 years ago • Like
what a great way to celebrate your birthday and inspire others in the process! totally teared up reading this. your strength and determination really came across in this recap. congratulations and happy birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
What a great story to share with other Daily Milers Matt. You have such a great support system and you totally deserve it. Your Mom is unbelieveable! Happy B-day!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Amazing and inspiring. Thank you for sharing the story of your awesome run. Happy birthday!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Absolutely amazing, I'm all teared up just reading this. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment, hope you have plenty of time to sit back and reflect and enjoy :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
What an amazing birthday journey! Thank for sharing this story.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Happy belated birthday.....congrats and awesome job! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience with us.
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow! Way to kick off another year :) Happy Birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
I'm so proud of you. Good job! Reading it all got me all choked up. You're a real inspiration. A little outta my league but your heart is right out there. Nice push!
almost 2 years ago • Like
That is just awesome! Congrats to you ... and happy birthday! What an amazing accomplishment... and what amazing people on DM! :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
Congratulations Matt! Your story is an inspiration to all of us. And, happy birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Very powerful and inspirational! Happy birthday and congrats on this amazing accomplishment!
almost 2 years ago • Like
WOW. I'm speechless from the amazing support from everyone on here. I had no idea that running my age in miles would be so motivational to so many people; but I'm thrilled to see that it was. It was an overwhelming moment in my life and one that will go down in the books as one of my best days and favorite accomplishments. I couldn't have done it without all of the great support from the Dailymile family!!!! Thanks again!
almost 2 years ago • Like
Wow, that is truly incredible. Congrats and happy birthday!! It's gonna suck when you turn 50!
almost 2 years ago • Like
WOW! Congrats and happy birthday! That is super cool. Congrats. Now, go take an ice bath. :)
almost 2 years ago • Like
omg! congratulations on the accomplishment!! happy birthday!
almost 2 years ago • Like
OMG! this is a wonderful write up and an incredible feat! and the whole signs along the route thing kinda mad me cry! amazing!
loves to you!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
That was beautiful.
almost 2 years ago • Like
OMG, what a great post and a great run! Happy birthday and thank you for such an inspirational post and such and incredible run!!
almost 2 years ago • Like
wow!!fantastic post and happy birthday!! You truly are an inspiration to us all!
almost 2 years ago • Like