Strass Marathon
Training 2004

26.2 MILES TO GO!!! The challenge is pure and simple: complete the 26.2 mile course before passing out. Since I am also the new father of Jack, my other main challenge lies in not letting the training consume my entire life. I am very much a family man who loves spending my free time with Suzy, Jack, Sydney and Buster. That will not change. This is simply a way to continue to increase my fitness level, by working toward a new goal. By viewing my journal you will see that I am taking a somewhat level-headed approach to my training. I know that I will continue to look and feel great.

October 10, 2004 - A date that will be repeated, remembered and relived forever. A date that will be passed down in stories, included in pictures, emblazoned on a medal and engraved in my memory. But more than that, a date that forever adds a line to my list of life accomplishments: MARATHON RUNNER.

HERE IS MY JOURNAL ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

July 18th
Happy 7 Year Wedding Anniversary!!!
I was disapointed to not be in the Ballwin Tri today. I thought about doing the Touring Cyclist 4.5/20 Biathlon in Fairview Heights but decided against it. Weather was beautiful - we took Jack out to Mt. Pleasant Winery for lunch and then went swimming at Ricks. Needless to say, I did not exercise today.

July 17th
With some of our group out of town, everyone ran solo today. I slept in and decided to run in the afternoon. Ran the Forest Park loop and then hit the history museum and back for a total of 8 miles. It is much nicer when you have a group to run with. It is also much better to run first thing in the morning so that it is not hanging out there for the rest of the day. I can really notic a big difference with the 1/2 size bigger shoes.

July 16th
Once again planned on getting some swimming in today but it never materialized. This turned into an off day.

July 15th
Cool wave moved in - beautiful morning in the low 80s. Once again did the 6 mile Wellbridge - History Museum loop at 6am. Ran with Gerard, Vic and Mona. New shoes performed well. Happy to have the extra room in the toes.

July 14th
I planned on swimming today but it was not meant to be. This turned into a day off. Disappointed to learn that the Ballwin Triathlon was filled and that I would not be able to defend my title. Looking at doing the Touring Cyclist Biathlon instead.

July 13th
Did the 6 mile Wellbridge - History Museum loop at 6am. TPR is on vacation but ran with Gerard, Vic, Mona and crew. Incredibly hot and humid today. Heat index hit 110 in the late afternoon. Was very humid even at 6am. Went to the Running Center after lunch and bought a new pair of Asics. After much consultation I decided to go with a larger size - 9 1/2.

July 12th
13 weeks to go until the Marathon!!!
This is a lighter week but make no mistake - the training gets tougher after this week. Long run this Saturday is slated for 7 miles. Since I swam yesterday, I decided to use today as a rest day.



E-Mail John Strassner Contact John..... We Conquered Chicago!!! Welcome To Strass Training Thanks for checking out my training journal. I am training for the 2004 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 10th. If you want to join me and my teammates in Chicago then visit The Chicago Marathon Site. Why Am I Doing This? Thats a good question. I am looking for a major challenge and think that I have found one in Chicago. I love doing Triathlons but think that completing a marathon is a great accomplishment. After seeking counseling from fellow triathalete, Tommy Rosenthal and fellow marathoner/sister, Blair, I said "what the heck and signed up for Chicago." Contact Coach Blair..... Contact Tommy..... Training Program I am using the Hal Higdon training program as a guide. Of course, since we are in the middle of a very busy triathlon season, this will only be a guide. I plan to incorporate many triathlons into the overall training program. As long as I focus on getting the long runs in each week I think I will be okay. Hal Higdon's Training Program Archive May 2004 June 2004 July 2004 August 2004 September 2004 Strass Training Web Links The Chicago Marathon St. Louis Marathon Swim Bike Run St. Louis StrassTraining Active.com Nike.com Training Forecast Thanks For Your Support Strass Marathon Training has welcomed visitors to the site!!! Sponsor	Strass Marathon Training 2004 26.2 MILES TO GO!!! The challenge is pure and simple: complete the 26.2 mile course before passing out. Since I am also the new father of Jack, my other main challenge lies in not letting the training consume my entire life. I am very much a family man who loves spending my free time with Suzy, Jack, Sydney and Buster. That will not change. This is simply a way to continue to increase my fitness level, by working toward a new goal. By viewing my journal you will see that I am taking a somewhat level-headed approach to my training. I know that I will continue to look and feel great. October 10, 2004 - A date that will be repeated, remembered and relived forever. A date that will be passed down in stories, included in pictures, emblazoned on a medal and engraved in my memory. But more than that, a date that forever adds a line to my list of life accomplishments: MARATHON RUNNER. HERE IS MY JOURNAL ANY COMMENTS, QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!! July 18th Happy 7 Year Wedding Anniversary!!! I was disapointed to not be in the Ballwin Tri today. I thought about doing the Touring Cyclist 4.5/20 Biathlon in Fairview Heights but decided against it. Weather was beautiful - we took Jack out to Mt. Pleasant Winery for lunch and then went swimming at Ricks. Needless to say, I did not exercise today. July 17th With some of our group out of town, everyone ran solo today. I slept in and decided to run in the afternoon. Ran the Forest Park loop and then hit the history museum and back for a total of 8 miles. It is much nicer when you have a group to run with. It is also much better to run first thing in the morning so that it is not hanging out there for the rest of the day. I can really notic a big difference with the 1/2 size bigger shoes. July 16th Once again planned on getting some swimming in today but it never materialized. This turned into an off day. July 15th Cool wave moved in - beautiful morning in the low 80s. Once again did the 6 mile Wellbridge - History Museum loop at 6am. Ran with Gerard, Vic and Mona. New shoes performed well. Happy to have the extra room in the toes. July 14th I planned on swimming today but it was not meant to be. This turned into a day off. Disappointed to learn that the Ballwin Triathlon was filled and that I would not be able to defend my title. Looking at doing the Touring Cyclist Biathlon instead. July 13th Did the 6 mile Wellbridge - History Museum loop at 6am. TPR is on vacation but ran with Gerard, Vic, Mona and crew. Incredibly hot and humid today. Heat index hit 110 in the late afternoon. Was very humid even at 6am. Went to the Running Center after lunch and bought a new pair of Asics. After much consultation I decided to go with a larger size - 9 1/2. July 12th 13 weeks to go until the Marathon!!! This is a lighter week but make no mistake - the training gets tougher after this week. Long run this Saturday is slated for 7 miles. Since I swam yesterday, I decided to use today as a rest day.

Strass Marathon Training 2004

Strass Marathon
Training 2004