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...
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Eaton's Neck
Yesterday I woke up to rain...yeah, better than snow...so I hopped on the spinbike for an indoor cross training session. I tuned in a VH1 Classic on-demand...an early 1980s U2 concert. Bono had a mullett. It was pretty funny. This morning I woke up with fresh legs and decided to head out to Eaton's Neck for a 13 miler.
This is another one of my favorite runs, although considerably more enjoyable in the summertime when the sun and heat allow you to enjoy the beach views a bit more. Years ago, before 9/11, I used to be able to run to the lighthouse at the Coast Guard station. Now the road to the lighthouse is plastered with "no trespassing" and warning signs. I've thought about running there anyway and pleading ignorance "oh, I thought you meant cars..." if I should get stopped, but figured better safe than sorry. In any case, a run out to Eaton's Neck now ends at its farthest point, Sand City beach. Having spent an afternoon at this beach - once - it would actually be better named Rocky No Sign of Sand City beach. But as a turnaround point for a run, it fits the bill.
It's an easy, breezy, hilly out and back course and today I felt pretty good on it. Still no sign of speed, but when I finished, I felt like I could have gone back and done it again...a good sign. I'm starting to settle into the longer runs and have reached a point where a shorter, say, a five or six miler, would feel too easy. With another 5 weeks or so before I have to taper I'm feeling good about the race. I've resigned myself that I will have to run it as a tourist since it's unlikely my hamstring will be better before, but I'm OK with that. I'm happy to slow down and take in the scenery.
232 miles down, 268 miles to go...
This is another one of my favorite runs, although considerably more enjoyable in the summertime when the sun and heat allow you to enjoy the beach views a bit more. Years ago, before 9/11, I used to be able to run to the lighthouse at the Coast Guard station. Now the road to the lighthouse is plastered with "no trespassing" and warning signs. I've thought about running there anyway and pleading ignorance "oh, I thought you meant cars..." if I should get stopped, but figured better safe than sorry. In any case, a run out to Eaton's Neck now ends at its farthest point, Sand City beach. Having spent an afternoon at this beach - once - it would actually be better named Rocky No Sign of Sand City beach. But as a turnaround point for a run, it fits the bill.
It's an easy, breezy, hilly out and back course and today I felt pretty good on it. Still no sign of speed, but when I finished, I felt like I could have gone back and done it again...a good sign. I'm starting to settle into the longer runs and have reached a point where a shorter, say, a five or six miler, would feel too easy. With another 5 weeks or so before I have to taper I'm feeling good about the race. I've resigned myself that I will have to run it as a tourist since it's unlikely my hamstring will be better before, but I'm OK with that. I'm happy to slow down and take in the scenery.
232 miles down, 268 miles to go...
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Two All-time Favorite Runs in 1 Week
Once again, I find myself playing catch up here...
Not to say I haven't been running. In fact, I managed to complete what are arguably my two favorite training runs, especially when it comes to marathon training.
Two weeks ago I ended up in Los Angeles for a couple of days which gave me the opportunity to finish favorite run number 1. I flew out early in the morning and due to some unfortunate meeting cancellations, found myself with the afternoon free. I set off around 4:30 or so from Redondo Beach for a long run along the Strand, a strip that stretches through Manhattan Beach and ends, well, I don't really know, somewhere past LAX where I ended up. But on this occasion I found myself in El Segundo, having passed through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach to get there. I turned around and set back along the water, thinking I would run a mile or so on the beach. I ended up making the complete return trip in the sand. It was perfect...I felt good, the ocean was calming and the sun was setting just so. 13 miles passed in virtually no time. And, I finally got to run in shorts again.
A week later we headed to the Adirondacks for a few days of skiing and favorite run number 2. The irony of this run is that it includes a 10k race course that I truly hate. For years I ran this race which includes a significant uphill in each of its 6 miles. After each race I was determined to never run it again, yet the following summer I would find myself at the start line thinking "well, it really can't be bad as I remember...". Yes. Yes it can be that bad. And yet, as part of a 14 mile training run around the lake, I love it. Go figure. I suspect it has something to do with views like this...
In any case, we skied Oak - the mountain in the background - on Tuesday. The next morning I got up early and ran, stopping about halfway to take this pic. Went back to Oak that afternoon and my nightfall, my legs were fried. Oreos helped to ease the pain enough that I was able to ski Gore the next day.
Mixed into these two runs, I managed to get in some decent miles. I'm focusing now on longer less frequent runs in an effort to minimize the problem with my right hamstring. I ran 8 with Rick before James' swim meet at Hauppauge HS. We made an attempt to head into the woods but gave up as the trails were still too snowy and icy. Yesterday I dropped James off for an early swim practice in Huntington and went over to Caumsett. The paths were in great condition, the trails less so, despite the warmer weather and rain. I did a couple of loops with some side trips - good enough for 10 miles. This morning Rick and I met up in Kings Park and ran into Sunken Meadow. The trails were manageable - clear in some spots, icy in others. But nice to be back in the woods again. We ran into Sunken Meadow and out to the golf course, passing a number of groups of soldiers humping around heavy packs on their backs. As we ran back to KP up Cardiac Hill, we passed a couple of them walking up. It's hard enough running up Cardiac...can't imagine what it would be like hauling a pack up it. We shared some quick words of encouragement and ran steady back to KP.
219 miles down, 281 to go...
Not to say I haven't been running. In fact, I managed to complete what are arguably my two favorite training runs, especially when it comes to marathon training.
Two weeks ago I ended up in Los Angeles for a couple of days which gave me the opportunity to finish favorite run number 1. I flew out early in the morning and due to some unfortunate meeting cancellations, found myself with the afternoon free. I set off around 4:30 or so from Redondo Beach for a long run along the Strand, a strip that stretches through Manhattan Beach and ends, well, I don't really know, somewhere past LAX where I ended up. But on this occasion I found myself in El Segundo, having passed through Hermosa and Manhattan Beach to get there. I turned around and set back along the water, thinking I would run a mile or so on the beach. I ended up making the complete return trip in the sand. It was perfect...I felt good, the ocean was calming and the sun was setting just so. 13 miles passed in virtually no time. And, I finally got to run in shorts again.
A week later we headed to the Adirondacks for a few days of skiing and favorite run number 2. The irony of this run is that it includes a 10k race course that I truly hate. For years I ran this race which includes a significant uphill in each of its 6 miles. After each race I was determined to never run it again, yet the following summer I would find myself at the start line thinking "well, it really can't be bad as I remember...". Yes. Yes it can be that bad. And yet, as part of a 14 mile training run around the lake, I love it. Go figure. I suspect it has something to do with views like this...
In any case, we skied Oak - the mountain in the background - on Tuesday. The next morning I got up early and ran, stopping about halfway to take this pic. Went back to Oak that afternoon and my nightfall, my legs were fried. Oreos helped to ease the pain enough that I was able to ski Gore the next day.
Mixed into these two runs, I managed to get in some decent miles. I'm focusing now on longer less frequent runs in an effort to minimize the problem with my right hamstring. I ran 8 with Rick before James' swim meet at Hauppauge HS. We made an attempt to head into the woods but gave up as the trails were still too snowy and icy. Yesterday I dropped James off for an early swim practice in Huntington and went over to Caumsett. The paths were in great condition, the trails less so, despite the warmer weather and rain. I did a couple of loops with some side trips - good enough for 10 miles. This morning Rick and I met up in Kings Park and ran into Sunken Meadow. The trails were manageable - clear in some spots, icy in others. But nice to be back in the woods again. We ran into Sunken Meadow and out to the golf course, passing a number of groups of soldiers humping around heavy packs on their backs. As we ran back to KP up Cardiac Hill, we passed a couple of them walking up. It's hard enough running up Cardiac...can't imagine what it would be like hauling a pack up it. We shared some quick words of encouragement and ran steady back to KP.
219 miles down, 281 to go...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
Between work, CMSAA and the HS swim championship this past weekend I haven't had much time to breathe let alone run. But I did manage to shoehorn in some good ones. And a spin workout or two.
Last Friday I did my 7 mile loop around Sunken Meadow, complete with boardwalk, golf course and toll booth. On Saturday, I did a rare afternoon run at Eisenhower. I dropped off James for his meet and found myself with a nice chunk of time. I managed to squeeze in three 5k loops before doing my superman impression and getting changed in my car and heading in to catch the first race. The Eisenhower paths were clearing up nicely...there were just a few areas where snow and ice were a challenge. Alas, this was probably my last run in Eisenhower for awhile as I no longer have to drive to Chaminade on Saturday mornings. Still, I'm glad to have had a second option to Sunken Meadow to protect my sanity.
Yesterday I took a shot on the roads around town and did a Cow Harbor loop. It was a bit dicey in spots, mostly with the search to find a safe perch when cars would approach, but overall quite runnable. Barring no more snow I'll work that back into rotation.
This week I will be doing one of my all time favorite runs - The Strand in Los Angeles, from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach and back. It's my first 13 mile+ run of training and one that, given the horrible running conditions around here, I've been looking forward to. The weather forecast? Cold and rainy. I just can't win...
166 miles down, 334 to go...
Last Friday I did my 7 mile loop around Sunken Meadow, complete with boardwalk, golf course and toll booth. On Saturday, I did a rare afternoon run at Eisenhower. I dropped off James for his meet and found myself with a nice chunk of time. I managed to squeeze in three 5k loops before doing my superman impression and getting changed in my car and heading in to catch the first race. The Eisenhower paths were clearing up nicely...there were just a few areas where snow and ice were a challenge. Alas, this was probably my last run in Eisenhower for awhile as I no longer have to drive to Chaminade on Saturday mornings. Still, I'm glad to have had a second option to Sunken Meadow to protect my sanity.
Yesterday I took a shot on the roads around town and did a Cow Harbor loop. It was a bit dicey in spots, mostly with the search to find a safe perch when cars would approach, but overall quite runnable. Barring no more snow I'll work that back into rotation.
This week I will be doing one of my all time favorite runs - The Strand in Los Angeles, from Redondo Beach to Manhattan Beach and back. It's my first 13 mile+ run of training and one that, given the horrible running conditions around here, I've been looking forward to. The weather forecast? Cold and rainy. I just can't win...
166 miles down, 334 to go...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
My Back is Back
Seems like whenever I'm in training for a significant race, my back spontaneously combusts. Usually it happens when I'm doing something uneventful - putting something in the back of the car or bending over to pick something up. Once it freezes, I'm screwed. It happened the day before the Mighty Man tri a few years back yet I somehow managed to make it to the startline the next morning, thanks to alternating bags of motel ice and hot showers. And Advil. Lots of Advil. More recently it went south a few weeks before the LI Half Marathon. This one took over a month to shake. I still went to the park on race day in some quixotic attempt to run. The warm up jog in the parking lot lasted 10 yards before I turned around, got back in the car, and drove home. It had been my first attempt to run in three weeks. It would be another week before I tried again.
Last Wednesday's ice storm forced me inside onto the spinbike. "Forced" may be too strong a word as I like spinning as cross-training. At some point during my spin, I leaned over to get a dropped towel. That was just enough to tweak things...not so bad that I stopped, but enough that I noticed something had happened. Two hours later I was sitting at my desk with a stiff back. Game over.
Luckily it only lasted a few days and on Sunday I felt well enough to try it out. I headed over to Sunken Meadow and did a 9 mile loop out to the golf course and a few trips to the toll booth. Felt ok afterwards, so it's back to training. Monday was a 6 miler on the boardwalk and out to the golf course. I was grateful to see that the boardwalk was virtually clear, giving me another option in Sunken Meadow. Today I went back - only had time for 5 miles - but ran mile #4 as a tempo back from the golf course. I've found that the PITA bothers me mostly when I pick up the pace. I may be heading towards running Boston at my training pace which makes it a little less bothersome. Not sure if I like the idea of not doing any real speed training, but it may all be moot if I only have one gear I'm comfortable running in.
143 miles down, 357 to go...
Last Wednesday's ice storm forced me inside onto the spinbike. "Forced" may be too strong a word as I like spinning as cross-training. At some point during my spin, I leaned over to get a dropped towel. That was just enough to tweak things...not so bad that I stopped, but enough that I noticed something had happened. Two hours later I was sitting at my desk with a stiff back. Game over.
Luckily it only lasted a few days and on Sunday I felt well enough to try it out. I headed over to Sunken Meadow and did a 9 mile loop out to the golf course and a few trips to the toll booth. Felt ok afterwards, so it's back to training. Monday was a 6 miler on the boardwalk and out to the golf course. I was grateful to see that the boardwalk was virtually clear, giving me another option in Sunken Meadow. Today I went back - only had time for 5 miles - but ran mile #4 as a tempo back from the golf course. I've found that the PITA bothers me mostly when I pick up the pace. I may be heading towards running Boston at my training pace which makes it a little less bothersome. Not sure if I like the idea of not doing any real speed training, but it may all be moot if I only have one gear I'm comfortable running in.
143 miles down, 357 to go...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em!
Sunday was a day to quit complaining about the snow and take advantage of it. I met Rick in the morning to go cross-country skiing. We had planned on going to Blydenburgh, but about half-way there I realized I had forgotten my XC ski boots and had to turn around to go get them...amateur mistake. While I went home to correct the error of my ways, Rick investigated the trails, only to determine that not only was there no plowed out areas to park, there were no trails either. We'd have to bushwack the whole thing...not the carefree skate we were going for.
Conditions were pretty good. The tracks were in reasonably good shape and there were plenty of spots where we could get up to speed. An hour and a half later, we emerged from the park. No running today, but some nice cross training. And for once, I felt like the snow wasn't working against me.On Monday, it was back to Sunken Meadow. By now the the eastern lot had been plowed and I was able to park at the far end. Someone had taken a snowblower and cut a path across the bridge, so I set out around the lot and across the moat, jumping a drift or two to get out to the road and then up to the toll booth. From there it was my now routine loop out to the golf course and festive dance to avoid the patches of ice that dotted the road. Heading back into the park, I did a second loop up to the toll booth, heading back the same way I set out. Overall, I felt pretty good, with the exception of the now permanent PITA/hamstring combo.
Tuesday was rain and ice and a ton of work. I did manage to get a workout in tonight at Chaminade, making sure I added in a few extra sets to make up for the lack of running.
123 miles down, 377 to go...
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Eisenhower = Eisnowhower
Well, this being Saturday means an early morning wake-up and drive to Chaminade to get James to swim practice by 7 am. I dropped him off and headed to Eisenhower with the hope that maybe the fitness trail was plowed out.
I pulled into the deserted lot right around 7 and was glad to see the plow piles along the path by Lot 1. I did a quick stretch, noting that the PITA has now located itself squarely in my right hamstring. I set off at an easy pace along the path, hoping to be able to do the 5k loop -- actually, determined to do the 5k loop. The bottom half was manageable, and I kept my fingers crossed as I followed the path north of the aquatic center. Unfortunately, in the lot by the ampitheater the path ended in an abrupt low pile of snow. I imagine sometime in the last few days a plow driver said to himself "well, that's far enough. I think I'll just stop here and go back."
Undeterred, I continued on through the knee-deep snow. It was absolutely pristine...no footsteps, XC ski trails or anything that might make the going a tad easier. Against my better judgement (again!) I turned right and went down to the duck pond. It was about this point that I really began missing the red blood cells I dropped off yesterday. I had gone from running to doing some sort of highstepping quick march. It was like trying to run through the ball pit at Chucky Cheese, only colder and without small children that might provide some sort of traction (kidding!). By the time I got to the 9/11 memorial I was cooked. I somehow made it up the hill to the driving range and back onto the plowed road. I continued on and had to make a few detours to avoid the snowed over areas. The loop was still about a 5k. I adjusted my route for the rest of my run, opting to stay on the plowed path even though I mostly ran in circles through ice and slush.
By the time I got back to the car, there were a group of beginning runners milling about, waiting for a training program to begin. I wished them well, told them where it was sorta clear and silently wondered how many of them would hate running after today. Hopefully they all managed ok!
115 miles down, 385 to go...
I pulled into the deserted lot right around 7 and was glad to see the plow piles along the path by Lot 1. I did a quick stretch, noting that the PITA has now located itself squarely in my right hamstring. I set off at an easy pace along the path, hoping to be able to do the 5k loop -- actually, determined to do the 5k loop. The bottom half was manageable, and I kept my fingers crossed as I followed the path north of the aquatic center. Unfortunately, in the lot by the ampitheater the path ended in an abrupt low pile of snow. I imagine sometime in the last few days a plow driver said to himself "well, that's far enough. I think I'll just stop here and go back."
Undeterred, I continued on through the knee-deep snow. It was absolutely pristine...no footsteps, XC ski trails or anything that might make the going a tad easier. Against my better judgement (again!) I turned right and went down to the duck pond. It was about this point that I really began missing the red blood cells I dropped off yesterday. I had gone from running to doing some sort of highstepping quick march. It was like trying to run through the ball pit at Chucky Cheese, only colder and without small children that might provide some sort of traction (kidding!). By the time I got to the 9/11 memorial I was cooked. I somehow made it up the hill to the driving range and back onto the plowed road. I continued on and had to make a few detours to avoid the snowed over areas. The loop was still about a 5k. I adjusted my route for the rest of my run, opting to stay on the plowed path even though I mostly ran in circles through ice and slush.
By the time I got back to the car, there were a group of beginning runners milling about, waiting for a training program to begin. I wished them well, told them where it was sorta clear and silently wondered how many of them would hate running after today. Hopefully they all managed ok!
115 miles down, 385 to go...
Friday, January 28, 2011
6 More Miles and a Pint of Blood
With Thursday's snow behind me, I went back to Sunken Meadow to do a loop out to the golf course and up to the toll booth. I set out hoping maybe the boardwalk was clear (ha!) and instead turned around and cut across the unplowed parking lot. Snow was about up to my knees and as I was nearing the main road I was huffing and puffing pretty good. I hit the snowplow pile along the road and immediately sank up to my waist. I fell forward, landed in the road, rolled up onto my feet and kept on going. It was truely graceful.
At lunchtime today, I dropped off a pint of blood at the donor center in Melville. Actually ran into a fellow runner friend doing the same thing and we joked to see who could fill up a pint faster. No idea who won as he was still waiting as I was leaving. Not sure why I'm donating in the middle of marathon training, but he had a theory it makes your body recover stronger over the coming weeks. Sure, why not...I'll go with that.
108 miles down, 392 to go...
At lunchtime today, I dropped off a pint of blood at the donor center in Melville. Actually ran into a fellow runner friend doing the same thing and we joked to see who could fill up a pint faster. No idea who won as he was still waiting as I was leaving. Not sure why I'm donating in the middle of marathon training, but he had a theory it makes your body recover stronger over the coming weeks. Sure, why not...I'll go with that.
108 miles down, 392 to go...
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Busy Day Ahead
Lots going on today between work, swim meets, and yeah, more snow.
I did manage to get out for a quick 4 miler down to Crab Meadow Beach and back. I've mostly been avoiding the roads since shoulders are few and far between with all the snow piled up. The run was a bit dicey on the main roads, but otherwise ok. Most significant point of this run was it put me over my first 100 miles...later than I had hoped...but with enough days left in January that I hope I can make a dent in the next hundred.
102 miles down, 398 to go...
I did manage to get out for a quick 4 miler down to Crab Meadow Beach and back. I've mostly been avoiding the roads since shoulders are few and far between with all the snow piled up. The run was a bit dicey on the main roads, but otherwise ok. Most significant point of this run was it put me over my first 100 miles...later than I had hoped...but with enough days left in January that I hope I can make a dent in the next hundred.
102 miles down, 398 to go...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Oh Gee...More Snow...
What a surprise. The snow was falling again this morning, with a forecast of anywhere from freezing rain to another foot and half of snow over the next 36 hours.
I toyed with the idea of heading back to Makamah Woods, but opted instead to return to Sunken Meadow, figuring Makamah would be just too big of a pain to run. With more bad weather forecasted, I also wanted to get in a few extra miles, and Sunken Meadow offers plenty of options.
I parked in the main lot and set out along the boardwalk. I was surprised to see a fair number of people out...I must have passed at least a dozen or so. I headed east to the far parking lot, figuring I would do a loop around there and set off for the toll booth. Just for kicks I decided to take the moat trail instead of the road. "C'mon," I said. "How bad can it be?" It was pretty snowy, slippy and slidey, but I managed to survive. I headed up the trail to the toll booth. The path was finally cleared all the way to the top so a minimum amount of running in the road was required. I came down the other side and turned at the bottom to set off for the golf course.
You know those cartoons where the character slips on ice (or a banana peel) and his arms and legs start flailing wildly? Yeah, that was me as I made the turn. The only think missing was the drum roll soundtrack. Somehow I managed to keep my balance, but that still didn't deter the "you're an idiot for running on this" look from the walker passing from the other direction at the same time.
Made the loop around the golf course and came back to the park. Headed up the hill to the tollbooth one more time and then back to the parking lot, skipping the moat trail this time.
I felt good. Right hammie was tight from the PITA but I'm pretty much just dealing with that at this point. But over all felt strong, with plenty of legs left to keep on going.
Headed to Chaminade early for a quick leg weight workout before James was done swimming. All in all, a good day.
98 miles down, 402 to go...
I toyed with the idea of heading back to Makamah Woods, but opted instead to return to Sunken Meadow, figuring Makamah would be just too big of a pain to run. With more bad weather forecasted, I also wanted to get in a few extra miles, and Sunken Meadow offers plenty of options.
I parked in the main lot and set out along the boardwalk. I was surprised to see a fair number of people out...I must have passed at least a dozen or so. I headed east to the far parking lot, figuring I would do a loop around there and set off for the toll booth. Just for kicks I decided to take the moat trail instead of the road. "C'mon," I said. "How bad can it be?" It was pretty snowy, slippy and slidey, but I managed to survive. I headed up the trail to the toll booth. The path was finally cleared all the way to the top so a minimum amount of running in the road was required. I came down the other side and turned at the bottom to set off for the golf course.
You know those cartoons where the character slips on ice (or a banana peel) and his arms and legs start flailing wildly? Yeah, that was me as I made the turn. The only think missing was the drum roll soundtrack. Somehow I managed to keep my balance, but that still didn't deter the "you're an idiot for running on this" look from the walker passing from the other direction at the same time.
Made the loop around the golf course and came back to the park. Headed up the hill to the tollbooth one more time and then back to the parking lot, skipping the moat trail this time.
I felt good. Right hammie was tight from the PITA but I'm pretty much just dealing with that at this point. But over all felt strong, with plenty of legs left to keep on going.
Headed to Chaminade early for a quick leg weight workout before James was done swimming. All in all, a good day.
98 miles down, 402 to go...
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Finally a Longer Run
Since today was Saturday, I woke up early to take James to swimming, then headed over to Eisenhower Park. I figured there would be some way of navigating around the 5k loop there...even hoping that perhaps by some miracle the park workers felt obliged to plow the paths. I planned on doing 4 loops, leaving me just enough time to get there and back from Chaminade.
Well, it could best be described as a mixed bag. Some parts were clear, some parts were packed down, some were ice, and some were drifts of a foot or more. The first loop took nearly half and hour, so I knew there was no way to get 4 done. I ran three loops total, then a couple of extra laps around the first mile of it, part of which runs along the parking lot.
I stopped at the 1:45 minute mark, good enough for 11 or 12 miles. While less than what I had hoped for in mileage for the day, a 1:45 minute run hit the spot for extending my effort level.
89 miles down, 411 to go...
Well, it could best be described as a mixed bag. Some parts were clear, some parts were packed down, some were ice, and some were drifts of a foot or more. The first loop took nearly half and hour, so I knew there was no way to get 4 done. I ran three loops total, then a couple of extra laps around the first mile of it, part of which runs along the parking lot.
I stopped at the 1:45 minute mark, good enough for 11 or 12 miles. While less than what I had hoped for in mileage for the day, a 1:45 minute run hit the spot for extending my effort level.
89 miles down, 411 to go...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snow??? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Snow!
Well, actually I did take advantage of the snow. But then it took advantage of me.
On Tuesday, I had one of those "hate this, but glad I did it workouts." Instead of working against the snow, I decided to work with it. Went to Sunken Meadow for a "Snow Duathlon". I figured I would get a run in on my snow shoes before setting out on what was quickly becoming "yet another" loop out to the golf course.
A freezing rain was falling as I set out from the east parking lot through snow that could be best described as wet mashed potatoes. By the time I had gone 200 yds, my lungs were burning, my thighs were barking and every step felt like I had a 10 pound weight attached to my foot. Luckily, by the time I hit the moat trail, the snow was a bit more packed down and I was able to settle into a rhythm. I did a loop into the picnic area, up Cardiac Hill and then took the longer back trail around to the picnic area and back along the moat trail again. By the time I got back to my car - through 200 yards of mashed potatoes again - I felt as though I had run 10 miles. Total time was 25 minutes.
I offloaded the snow shoes into the trunk of my car and set off for the golf course. Talk about a difference! Felt like I had shed my heavy snow boots for bedroom slippers. Conditions were still miserable...by this time I was pretty soaked through. But I finished the loop and hopped back into the warmth of my car. I thought about taking a detour up to the tollbooth, but figured I would come back Wednesday and do repeats and try to keep from getting burned out on Sunken Meadow three weeks into training.
So Wednesday came and I headed back to Sunken Meadow to do those repeats. I planned on doing 4 of them...that's about 6 miles in total, half up a steep climb. It's another one of those "hate it/love it" workouts. Turns out, I'll do anything to get out of doing it, including inflicting $800 of damage to my car. The Jetta started sliding on the ice on the little-used entrance ramp to SM, and my left wheels smacked against the curb. I tried to drive it away, but it was a little like driving a bumper car. You can turn the wheel and maybe the car would turn. Or maybe it wouldn't. My left front wheel was clearly out of alignment. I called for a tow and spent the time waiting by doing a quick run down into Sunken Meadow and back up again. By the time I got back, it was only another 5 minutes until the tow came, and Samantha, taking pity on me, met me with a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. Got a tow to the service station, got the front wheel fixed, only to learn there's damage to the rear - "It's OK to drive if you don't mind the noise". Yeah I mind it, need a new bearing. Bit of a bust when it comes to running for the day too.
Today, without reliable transportation, I was forced to stay home. The roads are still a bit dicey, not so much the surface, but the narrowness and ability to dodge oncoming traffic. I figured I would go across the street into Makamah and see what the trail was like. I figured it was probably trampled and hopefully runnable.
And it was. Sure it was clunky and chunky and frozen into a morass of divots and wrinkles and ankle-twisting bumps and ridges. But I was able to get around Ok and I was back in the woods where I am happiest. I took the sidetrip out to Makamah Road, down to the beach and then back via Hayes Hill Rd. Didn't pass a single car. Back into the woods again for my return trip home. Successfully avoided falling or twisting my ankle and very happy to have this option available to me.
Tonight's snow could have something to say about that though...here we go again!
78 miles down, 422 to go...
On Tuesday, I had one of those "hate this, but glad I did it workouts." Instead of working against the snow, I decided to work with it. Went to Sunken Meadow for a "Snow Duathlon". I figured I would get a run in on my snow shoes before setting out on what was quickly becoming "yet another" loop out to the golf course.
A freezing rain was falling as I set out from the east parking lot through snow that could be best described as wet mashed potatoes. By the time I had gone 200 yds, my lungs were burning, my thighs were barking and every step felt like I had a 10 pound weight attached to my foot. Luckily, by the time I hit the moat trail, the snow was a bit more packed down and I was able to settle into a rhythm. I did a loop into the picnic area, up Cardiac Hill and then took the longer back trail around to the picnic area and back along the moat trail again. By the time I got back to my car - through 200 yards of mashed potatoes again - I felt as though I had run 10 miles. Total time was 25 minutes.
I offloaded the snow shoes into the trunk of my car and set off for the golf course. Talk about a difference! Felt like I had shed my heavy snow boots for bedroom slippers. Conditions were still miserable...by this time I was pretty soaked through. But I finished the loop and hopped back into the warmth of my car. I thought about taking a detour up to the tollbooth, but figured I would come back Wednesday and do repeats and try to keep from getting burned out on Sunken Meadow three weeks into training.
So Wednesday came and I headed back to Sunken Meadow to do those repeats. I planned on doing 4 of them...that's about 6 miles in total, half up a steep climb. It's another one of those "hate it/love it" workouts. Turns out, I'll do anything to get out of doing it, including inflicting $800 of damage to my car. The Jetta started sliding on the ice on the little-used entrance ramp to SM, and my left wheels smacked against the curb. I tried to drive it away, but it was a little like driving a bumper car. You can turn the wheel and maybe the car would turn. Or maybe it wouldn't. My left front wheel was clearly out of alignment. I called for a tow and spent the time waiting by doing a quick run down into Sunken Meadow and back up again. By the time I got back, it was only another 5 minutes until the tow came, and Samantha, taking pity on me, met me with a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. Got a tow to the service station, got the front wheel fixed, only to learn there's damage to the rear - "It's OK to drive if you don't mind the noise". Yeah I mind it, need a new bearing. Bit of a bust when it comes to running for the day too.
Today, without reliable transportation, I was forced to stay home. The roads are still a bit dicey, not so much the surface, but the narrowness and ability to dodge oncoming traffic. I figured I would go across the street into Makamah and see what the trail was like. I figured it was probably trampled and hopefully runnable.
And it was. Sure it was clunky and chunky and frozen into a morass of divots and wrinkles and ankle-twisting bumps and ridges. But I was able to get around Ok and I was back in the woods where I am happiest. I took the sidetrip out to Makamah Road, down to the beach and then back via Hayes Hill Rd. Didn't pass a single car. Back into the woods again for my return trip home. Successfully avoided falling or twisting my ankle and very happy to have this option available to me.
Tonight's snow could have something to say about that though...here we go again!
78 miles down, 422 to go...
Monday, January 17, 2011
Whole lotta catch-up. And cross-training.
Turns out Wednesday's snow not only goofed up my running, but my posting too.
We got about 15" - 18" of snow last week, pretty much as expected. I took Wednesday off to dig out my driveway and take the kids sledding for a bit late afternoon. Working from home means no "snow days". Oh well.
On Thursday, with the roads still a mess I pulled out the spin bike and began cross training. Did a fairly intense 45 minutes, but seeing as it was my first time back in the saddle, so to speak, after several months, I figured I would ease back into it.
Friday found me back in Sunken Meadow for a fairly ridiculous 6 mile run. The roads in the park were clear, but I was determined to run the boardwalk first. I set out through the ankle to knee deep snow in the western parking lot in an attempt to get to the end of the boardwalk. About half way across I gave up, and shot up an access ramp to the boardwalk, only to find myself in snow up to my thighs. I eventually climbed out on to the boardwalk which varied from perfectly clear to two foot drifts. Like I said, it was fairly ridiculous. I eventually got to the end and proceeded from there to do a toll booth/golf course loop that was windy but routine.
Saturday was a day for enjoying the snow and some cross-country skiing cross-training. I met Rick over at Caleb Smith park for a one hour skate through the park. Conditions were great, the trail was in reasonably good shape, and if it wasn't so bloody cold that our fingers were falling off, we probably would have stayed out longer. Still incredibly enjoyable.
On Sunday, I headed back to Sunken Meadow, where I'm now concerned I'm getting burned out on Sunken Meadow quickly. But with the roads still clogged with snow, I have little choice. I mixed it up a bit by parking in the eastern parking lot, did another tollbooth/golf course loop and running the last mile back from the course in 5k pace. Not too bad. Felt a bit of life in my legs.
This morning was another spin morning since I need to be home. Hopefully I'll get out this afternoon - figured I would check out the roads with a conservative four-miler down to Crab Meadow Beach.
Light miles these past few days, but good cross-training. I'll be OK...
62 miles down, 438 to go
We got about 15" - 18" of snow last week, pretty much as expected. I took Wednesday off to dig out my driveway and take the kids sledding for a bit late afternoon. Working from home means no "snow days". Oh well.
On Thursday, with the roads still a mess I pulled out the spin bike and began cross training. Did a fairly intense 45 minutes, but seeing as it was my first time back in the saddle, so to speak, after several months, I figured I would ease back into it.
Friday found me back in Sunken Meadow for a fairly ridiculous 6 mile run. The roads in the park were clear, but I was determined to run the boardwalk first. I set out through the ankle to knee deep snow in the western parking lot in an attempt to get to the end of the boardwalk. About half way across I gave up, and shot up an access ramp to the boardwalk, only to find myself in snow up to my thighs. I eventually climbed out on to the boardwalk which varied from perfectly clear to two foot drifts. Like I said, it was fairly ridiculous. I eventually got to the end and proceeded from there to do a toll booth/golf course loop that was windy but routine.
Saturday was a day for enjoying the snow and some cross-country skiing cross-training. I met Rick over at Caleb Smith park for a one hour skate through the park. Conditions were great, the trail was in reasonably good shape, and if it wasn't so bloody cold that our fingers were falling off, we probably would have stayed out longer. Still incredibly enjoyable.
On Sunday, I headed back to Sunken Meadow, where I'm now concerned I'm getting burned out on Sunken Meadow quickly. But with the roads still clogged with snow, I have little choice. I mixed it up a bit by parking in the eastern parking lot, did another tollbooth/golf course loop and running the last mile back from the course in 5k pace. Not too bad. Felt a bit of life in my legs.
This morning was another spin morning since I need to be home. Hopefully I'll get out this afternoon - figured I would check out the roads with a conservative four-miler down to Crab Meadow Beach.
Light miles these past few days, but good cross-training. I'll be OK...
62 miles down, 438 to go
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
I Have a Back Like Marty Feldman
One of the recurring bits in "Young Frankenstein" involves Igor's hump. At various points in the movie it inexplicably moves from one side to the other, confounding Dr. Frankenstein. Igor's reactions are great.
I have knots in my back that come and go on a regular basis. On Tuesday's run I set out with a humdinger of a one in my left side. I couldn't take a deep breathe without feeling like someone was poking me in the back with a pokey thing. By the time I was done it had miraculously relocated itself to my right side. Same pain, same effect, but it had somehow managed to navigate across my spine like it was a French border. Today? Nothing. Back to normal.
Maybe it had something to do with the clam stink?
Since I knew Wednesday's run would be snowed out, I set out for a slightly longer run Tuesday. I did my usual loop around Cow Harbor, tacking on a couple of miles down to Crab Meadow Beach and back. I have a few pairs of running gloves that I keep in rotation, and when those are dirty, I have a light weight fleece pair I'll use as my emergency option. The last time I used these gloves was right after New Years. While certainly not their primary purpose in life, the left one had served me well protecting my hand as I shucked a few dozen clams. Shockingly, the 2.5 second rinse I gave it afterwards failed to rid it of all its new found clam goodness. I realized this as I was running and wiping my face with my gloved hand. Each pass by my nose resulted in an audible "ugh!" as I inhaled all its "dry aged" clam splendor. The sad thing is, it happened more than once. In fact, it happened half a dozen times before self-preservation kicked in and I switched to my right hand.
When I came home, I threw them into the wash. When they come out, I'm throwing them in again...
50 miles down, 450 to go...
Monday, January 10, 2011
Back to Sunken Meadow
With all the snow and ice still on the roads, I figured I would head back to Sunken Meadow this morning.
If nothing else, I know I can always run on the roads in there, whether out to the golf course or up to the toll booth. Today's run was a bit of a mish-mash. I enjoyed a wind aided first mile along the boardwalk, before turning around and attempting a 3/4 mile tempo run back, into the wind. Winter winds at Sunken Meadow tend to be of the cold, stiff, stand-you-straight-up-and-smack-your-face variety. Rick and I developed the philosophy awhile back that all tempo/fartlek runs should be done into the wind to make them "extra" hard. I hate this philosophy...
Back at the other end, I cruised out to the golf course. It's a slow rising, subtle uphill stretch. I toyed with the idea of peeling off and heading down the trail to the Christmas tree in the middle of the woods - seeing as I hadn't made it out there in December - but the trail was a mess and I opted for roads.
Coming back I did a loop up to the tollbooth. Later on I'll do repeats up this 3/4 mile hill, but for today I was content for a leisurely run up and back. Felt good, and outside of the lingering PITA, everything is still holding together nicely.
41 miles down, 459 to go...
If nothing else, I know I can always run on the roads in there, whether out to the golf course or up to the toll booth. Today's run was a bit of a mish-mash. I enjoyed a wind aided first mile along the boardwalk, before turning around and attempting a 3/4 mile tempo run back, into the wind. Winter winds at Sunken Meadow tend to be of the cold, stiff, stand-you-straight-up-and-smack-your-face variety. Rick and I developed the philosophy awhile back that all tempo/fartlek runs should be done into the wind to make them "extra" hard. I hate this philosophy...
Back at the other end, I cruised out to the golf course. It's a slow rising, subtle uphill stretch. I toyed with the idea of peeling off and heading down the trail to the Christmas tree in the middle of the woods - seeing as I hadn't made it out there in December - but the trail was a mess and I opted for roads.
Coming back I did a loop up to the tollbooth. Later on I'll do repeats up this 3/4 mile hill, but for today I was content for a leisurely run up and back. Felt good, and outside of the lingering PITA, everything is still holding together nicely.
41 miles down, 459 to go...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturdays with Mikey
On most Saturdays I find myself doing 5k loops through Eisenhower Park. I've gotten in the habit of dropping James off for his 7 AM swim practice at Chaminade and heading to the park, a short 10 minute drive away. I like going back to Chaminade, having spent 4 years in winter and spring track running around its 5 lap to a mile loop. I can't help but notice the similarity between his sport, swimming and my old track days. Unlike other sports where you at least get to play when you practice, competitive swimming and running require you to basically push your body to the brink of exhaustion, until you're ready to collapse, puke or on those most memorable occasions, both. The harder you push, the faster you get. Rarely is practice fun, but you do it for the thrill of racing and to see just how fast you can get. Meets were ALWAYS fun...
What makes these practices bearable are the people around you. James has his friends to commiserate with in the pool. I was lucky enough to share the track with some of my best friends at Chaminade. We'd run mile after mile, interval after interval, ladders, sprints, you name it. As distance guys we would stare longly at the sprinters doing 100 yard strides while we were in the middle of a half dozen 3/4 mile repeats. One of those guys who would languish alongside me - actually, usually a step of two ahead of me - was Mike Cahill. He was, like most of us back then, a carefree, happy go-lucky guy. He was the type of kid who made track practice fun, and delivered a great balance to the insane workouts. In addition to our individual races, we usually ended up together on the 4x880 relay, where we were all business. Unfortunately Mike found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time on 9/11.
At about the halfway mark of the Eisenhower 5k loop is a memorial to Nassau County residents who perished that day. I always make a point of running by to stop and say "hello".
35 miles down, 465 to go...
What makes these practices bearable are the people around you. James has his friends to commiserate with in the pool. I was lucky enough to share the track with some of my best friends at Chaminade. We'd run mile after mile, interval after interval, ladders, sprints, you name it. As distance guys we would stare longly at the sprinters doing 100 yard strides while we were in the middle of a half dozen 3/4 mile repeats. One of those guys who would languish alongside me - actually, usually a step of two ahead of me - was Mike Cahill. He was, like most of us back then, a carefree, happy go-lucky guy. He was the type of kid who made track practice fun, and delivered a great balance to the insane workouts. In addition to our individual races, we usually ended up together on the 4x880 relay, where we were all business. Unfortunately Mike found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time on 9/11.
At about the halfway mark of the Eisenhower 5k loop is a memorial to Nassau County residents who perished that day. I always make a point of running by to stop and say "hello".
I hadn't seen or heard from him in years, but I'm glad I'm able to find a way to keep him involved in my running. Besides, I like routine.
On Saturday, I ran 3 loops, good for 9+ miles. It was right after Friday's snow, so the paths were still pretty messy. And the bathrooms? Well, they were downright freezing. Next time I head to the warm, familiar confines of the pool building.
Spent Sunday in the poolside bleachers at the University of Maryland, watching James qualify for JOs in the 500 free. Like I said, racing and meets are fun, especially when the hard work pays off...
35 miles down, 465 to go...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Makamah Woods
If I feel like running trails but don't feel like heading to Sunken Meadow, I usually end up across the street in the Makamah Preserve. It has a nice three mile loop with plenty of hills to keep them interesting. It's easy to tack on more miles - about halfway through there's a path out to Makamah Road which provides a few different options.
I took off the last few days due to a lingering pain in my ass, that is, literally, a pain in my ass. I've had a muscle knot since October that is more annoying than anything else. My plan was to take off November and December to get rid of it, but succeeded only in taking off enough runs to lose conditioning while still running enough to prevent it from getting the rest it needed - a double fail, if you will.
In any case, this morning I set out through the woods on a mostly peaceful, somewhat icy run. I took a detour down Makamah Road to the beach, coming back via Hayes Hill Road, a moderately steep, sweeping climb. It's not quite as long as James Street and has an added bonus of a nice downhill on the other side, heading right back into the woods.
Dogs and walkers are not uncommon to pass in Makamah and today was no exception. I normally say a friendly hello to the pups and their owners as well as an occasional scratch behind the ears. The latter I typically reserve for the dogs...
This morning I came across a Great Dane and two women walking him. Now, I don't actually speak dog, but I believe the conversation went like this:
Me: "Good morning!"
In dog language, apparently this means:
"I am a juicy slab of meat, with rich, delicious gravy running through my veins."
Dog: "Woof!"
"Oh good...I'm feeling a bit peckish."
I chose not to stick around for breakfast and hightailed it on my way as his owner reigned him in. I really do need to work on my speed...
26 miles down, 474 to go...
I took off the last few days due to a lingering pain in my ass, that is, literally, a pain in my ass. I've had a muscle knot since October that is more annoying than anything else. My plan was to take off November and December to get rid of it, but succeeded only in taking off enough runs to lose conditioning while still running enough to prevent it from getting the rest it needed - a double fail, if you will.
In any case, this morning I set out through the woods on a mostly peaceful, somewhat icy run. I took a detour down Makamah Road to the beach, coming back via Hayes Hill Road, a moderately steep, sweeping climb. It's not quite as long as James Street and has an added bonus of a nice downhill on the other side, heading right back into the woods.
Dogs and walkers are not uncommon to pass in Makamah and today was no exception. I normally say a friendly hello to the pups and their owners as well as an occasional scratch behind the ears. The latter I typically reserve for the dogs...
This morning I came across a Great Dane and two women walking him. Now, I don't actually speak dog, but I believe the conversation went like this:
Me: "Good morning!"
In dog language, apparently this means:
"I am a juicy slab of meat, with rich, delicious gravy running through my veins."
Dog: "Woof!"
"Oh good...I'm feeling a bit peckish."
I chose not to stick around for breakfast and hightailed it on my way as his owner reigned him in. I really do need to work on my speed...
26 miles down, 474 to go...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Running Around Northport
Spent the last two days running local streets.
One of the things I like best about living in Northport is the Great Cow Harbor 10k course that winds around town. With top runners from around the country flocking here every September to challenge each other and the James Street hill, it's an opportunity to race and train on the same course they do. I haven't raced it in years but volunteer instead...sorta creating good running karma for all the races I do that rely on volunteers.
On Monday I did one of my favorite short runs down to Crab Meadow Beach. It's laid out perfectly for a tempo run...one mile warm up, one mile tempo, short recovery around the beach and parking lot, then reverse, ending with an uphill back to my house. I've been mostly taking it easy in November and December so this was my first effort at finding some speed. Apparently it was not to be found on this run...oof!
Today I ran the Cow Harbor course, something I'll do at least once a week, adding in excursions down side streets, into the woods and out to beaches to lenghten them as my runs get longer. Over the years I've run this course 300+ times. It never gets boring and I'm still noticing different things on every run. One thing I don't notice though are names of streets. For the life of me, I can't tell you all the roads I run on, nor the cross streets. Not sure what this means...
Sidewalks were pretty sloppy with snow. But all in all, a routine trip around town.
19 miles down, 481 to go...
One of the things I like best about living in Northport is the Great Cow Harbor 10k course that winds around town. With top runners from around the country flocking here every September to challenge each other and the James Street hill, it's an opportunity to race and train on the same course they do. I haven't raced it in years but volunteer instead...sorta creating good running karma for all the races I do that rely on volunteers.
On Monday I did one of my favorite short runs down to Crab Meadow Beach. It's laid out perfectly for a tempo run...one mile warm up, one mile tempo, short recovery around the beach and parking lot, then reverse, ending with an uphill back to my house. I've been mostly taking it easy in November and December so this was my first effort at finding some speed. Apparently it was not to be found on this run...oof!
Today I ran the Cow Harbor course, something I'll do at least once a week, adding in excursions down side streets, into the woods and out to beaches to lenghten them as my runs get longer. Over the years I've run this course 300+ times. It never gets boring and I'm still noticing different things on every run. One thing I don't notice though are names of streets. For the life of me, I can't tell you all the roads I run on, nor the cross streets. Not sure what this means...
Sidewalks were pretty sloppy with snow. But all in all, a routine trip around town.
19 miles down, 481 to go...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sunken Meadow
Without a doubt, Sunken Meadow is one of my favorite places to run on Long Island. The miles of trails offer unlimited training possibilities. Long flat stretches? Check. Lung bursting hills? Got 'em. Twisty trails with spectacular views? Yep...all that, plus access to the Greenbelt Trail for the inevitable 20 milers. Oh yeah, there's also a Christmas Tree tucked away in the middle of the woods - a particularly festive offering this time of year.
This morning I met Rick at the Kings Park boat launch for a reverse run into the park. We were a tad optimistic, throwing the snow shoes into the back of the car hoping for a snow run, but it quickly became clear that 40 degrees and rain really don't support that habit. We did find ourselves running through snow drifts for a fair amount of the run, however. Took the backtrails to the boardwalk and then out to the golf course. Passed a group of Rolling Thunder kids on their way back from the course...good to see them out on a foggy morning. Went straight to Cardiac from the golf course where I nearly had one of my own running up the hill, then back to Kings Park.
All in all, a sloggy start to my 500 mile quest, but a good run never-the-less, made even better by the homemade waffles when I got home.
8 miles down, 492 to go...
This morning I met Rick at the Kings Park boat launch for a reverse run into the park. We were a tad optimistic, throwing the snow shoes into the back of the car hoping for a snow run, but it quickly became clear that 40 degrees and rain really don't support that habit. We did find ourselves running through snow drifts for a fair amount of the run, however. Took the backtrails to the boardwalk and then out to the golf course. Passed a group of Rolling Thunder kids on their way back from the course...good to see them out on a foggy morning. Went straight to Cardiac from the golf course where I nearly had one of my own running up the hill, then back to Kings Park.
All in all, a sloggy start to my 500 mile quest, but a good run never-the-less, made even better by the homemade waffles when I got home.
8 miles down, 492 to go...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
"Don't screw this up!"
The voice in my head was firm in its convictions.
"You're on target...don't do anything stupid!"
I had come through the half way point at the Disney Marathon at about the 1:40 mark. Less than an hour later, the 20 mile marker went by at 2:34. With just over 6 miles to go and nearly an hour to run them, I felt pretty good about my chances of finally qualifying for Boston. Sure it had helped that by turning 45 I had gained an extra 10 minutes cushioning, moving my QT from 3:20 to 3:30, but as the last few miles dwindled by, my energy level was good, my legs felt strong and my pace was consistent. And I was on track for a PR....
Still that voice in my head was pretty convincing. So I listened. For the last few miles I pulled back my pace, determined not to do anything stupid - like bonking, struggling to finish and missing the cutoff. I became a tourist, noticing the scenery at the Hollywood Studio Park and the crowds along the riverside run through the resorts to the back entrance of Epcot. Sure enough, they went by pretty easily and I enjoyed every minute of it. I finished in a non-PR of 3:25 but didn't really worry about what could have been. I had finally qualified for Boston, and had energy to spare to spend the rest of the day walking the parks with Samantha, James and Julia...stopping at Mexico first for a quick caloric reload.
In the moments after the race, my plan for Boston was simple...I had qualified. My plan was to run it for fun. Not worry about the time. Put in just enough training to finish. Heck, I was tired...it all made perfect sense at the time.
One year later, naturally all this has changed. I figure if I'm going to run Boston - and was one of the lucky few that managed to register that fateful Monday - I might as well throw fun to the wind and turn this into the torturous experience it was meant to be. Which means instead of plodding casually up Heartbreak Hill, I'll be head down, doing my best to keep up my pace and hopefully hearing those same voices telling me not to screw up. Afterall, I can't imagine a better course to call my PR...
January 1 is day one of my training. Over the next 3+ months my plan is to knock off 500 miles in preparation for April 18. I'm hoping they are entertaining enough to write about here. If not, well, maybe it will at least keep me on track. Either way I'm heading to the start line in Hopkinton. It will be interesting to look back and see how I got there.
The voice in my head was firm in its convictions.
"You're on target...don't do anything stupid!"
I had come through the half way point at the Disney Marathon at about the 1:40 mark. Less than an hour later, the 20 mile marker went by at 2:34. With just over 6 miles to go and nearly an hour to run them, I felt pretty good about my chances of finally qualifying for Boston. Sure it had helped that by turning 45 I had gained an extra 10 minutes cushioning, moving my QT from 3:20 to 3:30, but as the last few miles dwindled by, my energy level was good, my legs felt strong and my pace was consistent. And I was on track for a PR....
Still that voice in my head was pretty convincing. So I listened. For the last few miles I pulled back my pace, determined not to do anything stupid - like bonking, struggling to finish and missing the cutoff. I became a tourist, noticing the scenery at the Hollywood Studio Park and the crowds along the riverside run through the resorts to the back entrance of Epcot. Sure enough, they went by pretty easily and I enjoyed every minute of it. I finished in a non-PR of 3:25 but didn't really worry about what could have been. I had finally qualified for Boston, and had energy to spare to spend the rest of the day walking the parks with Samantha, James and Julia...stopping at Mexico first for a quick caloric reload.
In the moments after the race, my plan for Boston was simple...I had qualified. My plan was to run it for fun. Not worry about the time. Put in just enough training to finish. Heck, I was tired...it all made perfect sense at the time.
One year later, naturally all this has changed. I figure if I'm going to run Boston - and was one of the lucky few that managed to register that fateful Monday - I might as well throw fun to the wind and turn this into the torturous experience it was meant to be. Which means instead of plodding casually up Heartbreak Hill, I'll be head down, doing my best to keep up my pace and hopefully hearing those same voices telling me not to screw up. Afterall, I can't imagine a better course to call my PR...
January 1 is day one of my training. Over the next 3+ months my plan is to knock off 500 miles in preparation for April 18. I'm hoping they are entertaining enough to write about here. If not, well, maybe it will at least keep me on track. Either way I'm heading to the start line in Hopkinton. It will be interesting to look back and see how I got there.
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