Who knew I would one day work an Aerosmith quote into a running blog?
But the message rings true, whether it's life or training for a marathon. The race is just one part...the destination...of the journey. It started when I trained for Disney to qualify for Boston. It continued through the last 3 months, through rain and snow and ice. Up hills and along routes that were becoming way too familiar. There were favorite routes and trails and runs of varying distances. There was the constant tug of my right hamstring and the occasional knee, back or foot issue which seemed to resolve themselves. There were days I felt like I could run forever, and days when I could barely get loose.
But ultimately, that's all part of the marathon experience. And if the journey is the true adventure, then I can't be disappointed that I won't get a chance to reach the destination. This past Tuesday will go down as one of the worst days imagineable. It started with the news that my brother in-law's father Jeno had been struck by a car the night before. The day continued to spiral downward from there.
On Monday instead of lining up in Hopkington, I'll be at a funeral in Suffern celebrating his life. For someone who enjoyed the journey so much, his destination came way too soon.
As for me, I'll just have to go out and qualify again. The journey continues...NYC marathon is only 6 months away...
Celebrating my Boston qualifier with Stitch at 2010 Disney Marathon...
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
One Week to Go!
At this point, it's become less about the training and more about the logistics. Who's coming next weekend? How are we getting there? What do we do with the kids? How hard will it be to get around the course by the T? Come to think of it, how am I getting to the finish line??? Heh, meant to type "how am I getting to the start line???"...
In any case, tapering continued with a 10 miler on Friday in Sunken Meadow, taking the usual route from the main parking lot, along the boardwalk, then out to Kings Park. Saturday I started putting myself in race mode by volunteering at the Doug Wood race across the street, working with the local scouts to set up a water stop in the middle of the woods.
The next morning I took advantage of the well groomed race course and set out for a quick 5 miler. Unfortunately, due to some time constraints, I had to cut it short by a mile or so. Still I felt quick for this brief run.
This morning, I did not feel quite so quick as I ran the Cow Harbor course. About the best I could come up with was "at least it's not race day." For whatever reason, I felt slow. It took me at least 3 or 4 miles before I started to warm up. Felt OK at the end, but usually at this point in a taper, I feel like I need to hold myself back. I figured I would just chalk it up to the lack of speedwork and not worry about it. Some runs are just like that...
437 miles down, 63 to go...
In any case, tapering continued with a 10 miler on Friday in Sunken Meadow, taking the usual route from the main parking lot, along the boardwalk, then out to Kings Park. Saturday I started putting myself in race mode by volunteering at the Doug Wood race across the street, working with the local scouts to set up a water stop in the middle of the woods.
The next morning I took advantage of the well groomed race course and set out for a quick 5 miler. Unfortunately, due to some time constraints, I had to cut it short by a mile or so. Still I felt quick for this brief run.
This morning, I did not feel quite so quick as I ran the Cow Harbor course. About the best I could come up with was "at least it's not race day." For whatever reason, I felt slow. It took me at least 3 or 4 miles before I started to warm up. Felt OK at the end, but usually at this point in a taper, I feel like I need to hold myself back. I figured I would just chalk it up to the lack of speedwork and not worry about it. Some runs are just like that...
437 miles down, 63 to go...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Taper Time
Feeling pretty good as I started tapering down this week.
I took Monday off which seemed to solve any residual knee issues. And my foot was fine when I woke up, so that luckily has gone away. All things considered, I'd say I'm ready to go.
On Tuesday I set out in a cold drizzle for a Cow Harbor loop. Saw Kathy Martin out on the road as I was coming down Norwood to Waterside. I thought about running over to say hello, but 50 yards later she was 100 yards ahead of me. Not a chance I was going to catch her during a tempo run. I did get a chance to say high as she turned around on Waterside, barely out of breath. The rest of the run was routine. Wet, but routine.
On Wednesday I met up with Larry to do a loop through Makamah Woods. As usual I was a step behind, but kept up a good pace. We added a trip down and back to the beach along Makamah Road. This run made me realize just how much I missed doing faster runs over the past few months. I'm content to taking my time at Boston and not worrying about pace or finish. I'll figure out how to deal with my hamstring once and for all after the race. But still I finished this run wondering if maybe I do care about my time??? I know I was happy to learn I was in the 1st corral, which means a good start and opportunity to run fast. And this is my one shot at Boston. Well, maybe I'll decide that day...
416 miles down, 84 to go...
I took Monday off which seemed to solve any residual knee issues. And my foot was fine when I woke up, so that luckily has gone away. All things considered, I'd say I'm ready to go.
On Tuesday I set out in a cold drizzle for a Cow Harbor loop. Saw Kathy Martin out on the road as I was coming down Norwood to Waterside. I thought about running over to say hello, but 50 yards later she was 100 yards ahead of me. Not a chance I was going to catch her during a tempo run. I did get a chance to say high as she turned around on Waterside, barely out of breath. The rest of the run was routine. Wet, but routine.
On Wednesday I met up with Larry to do a loop through Makamah Woods. As usual I was a step behind, but kept up a good pace. We added a trip down and back to the beach along Makamah Road. This run made me realize just how much I missed doing faster runs over the past few months. I'm content to taking my time at Boston and not worrying about pace or finish. I'll figure out how to deal with my hamstring once and for all after the race. But still I finished this run wondering if maybe I do care about my time??? I know I was happy to learn I was in the 1st corral, which means a good start and opportunity to run fast. And this is my one shot at Boston. Well, maybe I'll decide that day...
416 miles down, 84 to go...
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Two Weeks to Go...
Two weeks to go, and like most times at this point in marathon training, I feel like I'm held together with baling wire and duct tape in a desparate race to get my trining in before my body falls apart. If I can get to the two week to go taper point injury free, well, that's half the battle. This year I came up one week short.
Two weeks ago went as planned. I knocked off a 9 miler around the Cow Harbor course and down to Crab Meadow Beach. I took the next day, Thursday, off and got geared up for the weekend.
On Friday I set off for my first 13 miler of the weekend. Headed to Sunken Meadow, parking out at the golf course for a change of pace. Funny how different it feels when you change the start point. Did an out and back to Kings Park and felt good.
On Saturday, I met up with Rick at Connetequot for 13 miler #2. Went out past the pine forest, almost all the way to Hecksher Park before turning around and coming back. Once again, feeling good.
On Sunday, I was on my own for 13 miler #3, back on the familiar paths of Eisenhower prior to a swim meet. Dropped James off for JOs, leaving me with a solid 3 hour block before he would race. Did four of my usual loops around the park. Started slow, legs were a bit tight, but picked it up as I warmed up. Felt great afterwards. I started planning my runs for the week, setting up some big miles before I would taper. My 500 mile goal was in sight.
Later that night, as I was standing in Julia's room saying goodnight, I took a step and felt a sharp "twang" in my knee. That's it. Wasn't jumping, fooling around, playing basketball, or rescuing a box of kittens from a burning building. I was just standing there. Bring on the ice and Advil...
Over the next few days I walked around tentatively, afraid of doing more damage. The only time I really felt it was going up and down the steps. I resisted the "temptation" of seeing what would happen if I ran. By Wednesday I thought it might finally be going away, but a few trips up the stairs ended that dream. On Thursday, it felt reasonably good, so I set up an easy run Friday with Larry.
Running with Larry was always my "faster" run of the week. It's been awhile since we've run together but as usual, I found myself working to keep up with him. Not only was it a good test of my knee, but it was a good reminder that my right hamstring was still bugging me. Cue the duct tape and baling wire...
We kept it short, 4 miles down to Crab Meadow and back. My knee was achy all over but not altogether unusable. I gave it a good icing down and took Saturday off to make sure not to do more damage. Now is really not the time I wanted to go AWOL on training, but I didn't have much of a choice.
Today I met up with Rick in Sunken Meadow for 10 miles. After wandering around aimlessly trying to find each other we headed out to Kings Park to explore the old Psych Center. This place gives me the heebie-jeebies...well, it would if I was there at night. There would be no doubt it was haunted and Jack Nicholson would probably be chasing me through the maze of buildings shouting "Here's Johnny!".
We followed along the Cyclocross trail that Rick had raced on last fall, taking the occasional detour to explore a path or run by an abandoned building. We ran back to Sunken Meadow, adding an extra stretch along the moat path to make sure we hit 10. Knee was reasonably good, so I think that's not going to be an issue. With two weeks to go, I normally wouldn't run back to back days anyway as I tapered. Knee should be fine by race day.
Later this morning I knelt on the floor to read the paper. As I stood up I couldn't put any weight on my left foot. Yep, foot. Somehow the position I was kneeling in, as I have so many times before without incident, screwed up something in my foot. Right across the top it felt like someone whacked it with a 2 x 4. I masaged it a bit and was eventually able to walk on it. But c'mon...really? Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Time for another handful of Advil...
403 miles down, 97 to go...
Two weeks ago went as planned. I knocked off a 9 miler around the Cow Harbor course and down to Crab Meadow Beach. I took the next day, Thursday, off and got geared up for the weekend.
On Friday I set off for my first 13 miler of the weekend. Headed to Sunken Meadow, parking out at the golf course for a change of pace. Funny how different it feels when you change the start point. Did an out and back to Kings Park and felt good.
On Saturday, I met up with Rick at Connetequot for 13 miler #2. Went out past the pine forest, almost all the way to Hecksher Park before turning around and coming back. Once again, feeling good.
On Sunday, I was on my own for 13 miler #3, back on the familiar paths of Eisenhower prior to a swim meet. Dropped James off for JOs, leaving me with a solid 3 hour block before he would race. Did four of my usual loops around the park. Started slow, legs were a bit tight, but picked it up as I warmed up. Felt great afterwards. I started planning my runs for the week, setting up some big miles before I would taper. My 500 mile goal was in sight.
Later that night, as I was standing in Julia's room saying goodnight, I took a step and felt a sharp "twang" in my knee. That's it. Wasn't jumping, fooling around, playing basketball, or rescuing a box of kittens from a burning building. I was just standing there. Bring on the ice and Advil...
Over the next few days I walked around tentatively, afraid of doing more damage. The only time I really felt it was going up and down the steps. I resisted the "temptation" of seeing what would happen if I ran. By Wednesday I thought it might finally be going away, but a few trips up the stairs ended that dream. On Thursday, it felt reasonably good, so I set up an easy run Friday with Larry.
Running with Larry was always my "faster" run of the week. It's been awhile since we've run together but as usual, I found myself working to keep up with him. Not only was it a good test of my knee, but it was a good reminder that my right hamstring was still bugging me. Cue the duct tape and baling wire...
We kept it short, 4 miles down to Crab Meadow and back. My knee was achy all over but not altogether unusable. I gave it a good icing down and took Saturday off to make sure not to do more damage. Now is really not the time I wanted to go AWOL on training, but I didn't have much of a choice.
Today I met up with Rick in Sunken Meadow for 10 miles. After wandering around aimlessly trying to find each other we headed out to Kings Park to explore the old Psych Center. This place gives me the heebie-jeebies...well, it would if I was there at night. There would be no doubt it was haunted and Jack Nicholson would probably be chasing me through the maze of buildings shouting "Here's Johnny!".
We followed along the Cyclocross trail that Rick had raced on last fall, taking the occasional detour to explore a path or run by an abandoned building. We ran back to Sunken Meadow, adding an extra stretch along the moat path to make sure we hit 10. Knee was reasonably good, so I think that's not going to be an issue. With two weeks to go, I normally wouldn't run back to back days anyway as I tapered. Knee should be fine by race day.
Later this morning I knelt on the floor to read the paper. As I stood up I couldn't put any weight on my left foot. Yep, foot. Somehow the position I was kneeling in, as I have so many times before without incident, screwed up something in my foot. Right across the top it felt like someone whacked it with a 2 x 4. I masaged it a bit and was eventually able to walk on it. But c'mon...really? Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Time for another handful of Advil...
403 miles down, 97 to go...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Fire Island 20
Fueled up on corned beef and cabbage and half a loaf of Irish soda bread from the night before, I set out for Robert Moses last Friday morning for what has become one of my "standard" marathon-training 20 milers, a scenic out and back through Fire Island.
It's been years since I've been to Fire Island in the summer...probably some time when I was very young. I really have no memory of it. But during the off season, I've found it a great way to knock off what is usually a rather long and dull training run. From the parking lot at Robert Moses, I set off along the sand and gravel road past the light house to the westernmost end of FI. From there the path meanders, varying from concrete roads to wooden sidewalks to soft sand trails. I love running from village to village, checking out the homes along the way and wondering what it would be like living there full time. I always get a kick running past the school, with its two mini buses parked outside. Can't be more than a dozen students in all the grades from the year-rounders. For the most part I saw nothing but deer and contractors.
I turned around in Cherry Grove, at about the 1:25.00 minute mark or about 10 miles. It's my usual turnaround location. Despite the wind in my face for the return trip, I ran a negative split going back, probably more a result of running into fewer deadends. By the time I got back to Robert Moses I was happy to be done, but could have gone another six if needed...a good sign one month out.
My legs felt fine on Saturday, but I gave them a day to recover anyway. Most of this weekend was spent at Eisenhower for James' state champs, so I took the opportunity after dropping him off Sunday morning to do a couple of easy loops around the 5k course.
Monday was a time crunch, so no way to get out. This morning I went across to Makamah Woods and did a hilly 7 through the woods and out to Makamah Rd. Everything felt good, even my right hamstring seemed to be bothering me a bit less.
My plan right now is a 9 miler tomorrow, rest up Thursday, and then do another one of my long runs, a back to back to back 13 miler on the weekend. It's going to be tight with the taper, but I might just get my 500 in after all.
341 miles down, 159 to go...
It's been years since I've been to Fire Island in the summer...probably some time when I was very young. I really have no memory of it. But during the off season, I've found it a great way to knock off what is usually a rather long and dull training run. From the parking lot at Robert Moses, I set off along the sand and gravel road past the light house to the westernmost end of FI. From there the path meanders, varying from concrete roads to wooden sidewalks to soft sand trails. I love running from village to village, checking out the homes along the way and wondering what it would be like living there full time. I always get a kick running past the school, with its two mini buses parked outside. Can't be more than a dozen students in all the grades from the year-rounders. For the most part I saw nothing but deer and contractors.
I turned around in Cherry Grove, at about the 1:25.00 minute mark or about 10 miles. It's my usual turnaround location. Despite the wind in my face for the return trip, I ran a negative split going back, probably more a result of running into fewer deadends. By the time I got back to Robert Moses I was happy to be done, but could have gone another six if needed...a good sign one month out.
My legs felt fine on Saturday, but I gave them a day to recover anyway. Most of this weekend was spent at Eisenhower for James' state champs, so I took the opportunity after dropping him off Sunday morning to do a couple of easy loops around the 5k course.
Monday was a time crunch, so no way to get out. This morning I went across to Makamah Woods and did a hilly 7 through the woods and out to Makamah Rd. Everything felt good, even my right hamstring seemed to be bothering me a bit less.
My plan right now is a 9 miler tomorrow, rest up Thursday, and then do another one of my long runs, a back to back to back 13 miler on the weekend. It's going to be tight with the taper, but I might just get my 500 in after all.
341 miles down, 159 to go...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Feeling Good
Another good stretch of runs over the past few days.
I took the day off after my 16 miler and followed that up with a Cow Harbor loop on Thursday. It was relatively uneventful and my legs felt pretty good after my previous long run. I kept it short since I had a train to catch for a lunch in the city. Unbelievably good Steak Frites at Les Halles was my reward. Friday was a mess weather wise in the morning so I wasn't able to get out which was disappointing.
On Saturday I dragged my nephew Craig out with me. He hasn't been running much of late, so I took him into Makamah for a 5 mile loop. As we ran up the access hill, we passed a woman who was bent over, brushing the ground with a towel. Figuring she lost something, we stopped to offer our help only to learn she was looking for arrowheads. Now, a friend of mine once told me these woods were filled with arrowheads, and to find them, you simply need to "think like an indian". I'm not so sure what the indians would have found appealing along that particular stretch of pathway, but we found ourselves staring at the ground for the rest of the run. Alas, no arrowheads.
On Sunday, I met Rick for one of our favorite long runs in Connetequot Park, out and back to the pine forest. It's a great destination run as the old pines line up like soldiers in a field standing tall, with a soft cushion of needles underfoot that have built up over the years. This winter must have been paticularly brutal for them as a number were uprooted and strewn about. On our way back we held off a pack of high school runners, contemplating the excuses we would use if they did in fact pass us. Fortunately, we were fast. More likely, they took a different route.
On Monday I mixed things up a bit and did an evening run. I dropped James off at swim practice and headed to Caumsett and took full advantage of the time change and extra daylight. I had just enough time for 2 loops around, staying on the roadway the whole time. Actually saw some familiar faces out running.
This morning was back to Makamah for another run (still no arrowheads!) with a sidetrip down to the beach on Makamah Road.
I'll do one more run tomorrow, probably Cow Harbor, followed by a day off on Thursday. My plan right now is a 20 miler on Fire Island on Friday as running will be difficult this weekend with Y-States going all weekend long. I figure I will take Saturday off, followed by an easy Eisenhower on Sunday prior to the start of the meet.
308 miles down, 192 to go...
I took the day off after my 16 miler and followed that up with a Cow Harbor loop on Thursday. It was relatively uneventful and my legs felt pretty good after my previous long run. I kept it short since I had a train to catch for a lunch in the city. Unbelievably good Steak Frites at Les Halles was my reward. Friday was a mess weather wise in the morning so I wasn't able to get out which was disappointing.
On Saturday I dragged my nephew Craig out with me. He hasn't been running much of late, so I took him into Makamah for a 5 mile loop. As we ran up the access hill, we passed a woman who was bent over, brushing the ground with a towel. Figuring she lost something, we stopped to offer our help only to learn she was looking for arrowheads. Now, a friend of mine once told me these woods were filled with arrowheads, and to find them, you simply need to "think like an indian". I'm not so sure what the indians would have found appealing along that particular stretch of pathway, but we found ourselves staring at the ground for the rest of the run. Alas, no arrowheads.
On Sunday, I met Rick for one of our favorite long runs in Connetequot Park, out and back to the pine forest. It's a great destination run as the old pines line up like soldiers in a field standing tall, with a soft cushion of needles underfoot that have built up over the years. This winter must have been paticularly brutal for them as a number were uprooted and strewn about. On our way back we held off a pack of high school runners, contemplating the excuses we would use if they did in fact pass us. Fortunately, we were fast. More likely, they took a different route.
On Monday I mixed things up a bit and did an evening run. I dropped James off at swim practice and headed to Caumsett and took full advantage of the time change and extra daylight. I had just enough time for 2 loops around, staying on the roadway the whole time. Actually saw some familiar faces out running.
This morning was back to Makamah for another run (still no arrowheads!) with a sidetrip down to the beach on Makamah Road.
I'll do one more run tomorrow, probably Cow Harbor, followed by a day off on Thursday. My plan right now is a 20 miler on Fire Island on Friday as running will be difficult this weekend with Y-States going all weekend long. I figure I will take Saturday off, followed by an easy Eisenhower on Sunday prior to the start of the meet.
308 miles down, 192 to go...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Going Longer
A fairly productive last week or so, culminating in a 16 miler yesterday.
On Thursday I set off to do a Cow Harbor loop. Since I want/need to start stretching out my runs, my plan was to add in a side excursion down to Crab Meadow Beach. As is often the case when I run, my mind started to wander and while running in a comfortable groove while pondering some minor work related crisis, I blew right past the turnoff for Crab Meadow, not realizing it until I was a half mile from home. Still good for a 7 miler though.
On Friday I went across the street and back into Makamah Woods for the first time in over a month. By now it is about 99% clear of snow...a welcome sight. I'm clearly happiest when I'm running on trails. I popped out on Makamah Road and added in an extra 4 or 5 miles of road...down to the beach, around the golf course and then back down to the beach on the other side. Plenty of hills, including Hayes, to keep it interesting. About 9 miles total.
Over the weekend, James swam out at Ward Melville. I took advantage of his warm-up time to hop on the track for a few miles, managing to work a tempo run into the process. I started out in lane 1, moving over one lane after each lap, eventually working my way out to lane 6 for laps 6 and 7 then back down again. I pushed this middle mile (lane 5, lane 6, lane 6, lane 5) at what I felt was my current 5k pace. My hamstring stayed tight, but hung in there. On Sunday I came back and did the same workout. Timing was perfect as I was able to finish and get back to the pool for James's first races.
Monday was too chaotic to get any running in, but Tuesday I made sure to get out of the house early. I headed over Sunken Meadow for one of my standard longer training runs...SM to Kings Park to Sunken Meadow Road and out to where the Greenbelt trail continues in the woods in Smithtown. It's about 12 miles. I felt good at the turnaround point and decided when I got back into Sunken Meadow I would add in an extra loop out to the golf course. Mentally I think it's always easier to do a long run when you set out for a shorter one. At some point I usually reach the point of "well, I feel good. Why not just tack on a few extra miles at this point? I've run this far already, might as well knock off a long run". About half way back to SM, I decide after the golf course, I would also add in a loop up to the toll booth, brining the total to 16 miles. On my way back from the toll booth I toyed with the idea of doing another 4 and checking off a 20 miler, but decided against it. I felt good, but didn't want to make too big a jump in my long run miles. With the excepetion of my hamstring, I've been injury free and would just as soon remain that way.
271 miles down...229 to go...
On Thursday I set off to do a Cow Harbor loop. Since I want/need to start stretching out my runs, my plan was to add in a side excursion down to Crab Meadow Beach. As is often the case when I run, my mind started to wander and while running in a comfortable groove while pondering some minor work related crisis, I blew right past the turnoff for Crab Meadow, not realizing it until I was a half mile from home. Still good for a 7 miler though.
On Friday I went across the street and back into Makamah Woods for the first time in over a month. By now it is about 99% clear of snow...a welcome sight. I'm clearly happiest when I'm running on trails. I popped out on Makamah Road and added in an extra 4 or 5 miles of road...down to the beach, around the golf course and then back down to the beach on the other side. Plenty of hills, including Hayes, to keep it interesting. About 9 miles total.
Over the weekend, James swam out at Ward Melville. I took advantage of his warm-up time to hop on the track for a few miles, managing to work a tempo run into the process. I started out in lane 1, moving over one lane after each lap, eventually working my way out to lane 6 for laps 6 and 7 then back down again. I pushed this middle mile (lane 5, lane 6, lane 6, lane 5) at what I felt was my current 5k pace. My hamstring stayed tight, but hung in there. On Sunday I came back and did the same workout. Timing was perfect as I was able to finish and get back to the pool for James's first races.
Monday was too chaotic to get any running in, but Tuesday I made sure to get out of the house early. I headed over Sunken Meadow for one of my standard longer training runs...SM to Kings Park to Sunken Meadow Road and out to where the Greenbelt trail continues in the woods in Smithtown. It's about 12 miles. I felt good at the turnaround point and decided when I got back into Sunken Meadow I would add in an extra loop out to the golf course. Mentally I think it's always easier to do a long run when you set out for a shorter one. At some point I usually reach the point of "well, I feel good. Why not just tack on a few extra miles at this point? I've run this far already, might as well knock off a long run". About half way back to SM, I decide after the golf course, I would also add in a loop up to the toll booth, brining the total to 16 miles. On my way back from the toll booth I toyed with the idea of doing another 4 and checking off a 20 miler, but decided against it. I felt good, but didn't want to make too big a jump in my long run miles. With the excepetion of my hamstring, I've been injury free and would just as soon remain that way.
271 miles down...229 to go...
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