After a Merry Christmas My First Run Outside

I was able to run 2 more times at the gym last week. I tried the new Mizuno Wave Rider 15 and the aSTAR by Adidas. I like the Wave Rider but the aSTAR were heavy. I'll try both outside in the next few weeks.
Today I ran 10.2 miles outside dressed in an Ice Breaker Merino wool shirt and Nike wind relector pants and top. A bit warm but there was considerable wind at times. 1:30:43 an 8:53/mi. pace. I ran the first 2 miles with my daughter Kelly and then she turned to run just 5 miles. I felt faster and stronger after 7.2 miles and both of my ankles/Achilles feel OK right now. I hope the weather holds but I did get snow shoes yesterday for Christmas so I will be doing some cross training this winter in the snow.

After the Break

I took off six days and started running on Saturday. 4 miles in 36:49. I took Sunday off and ran today after work  5.2 miles in 47:19. My left ankle is stiff but feels better after running. I hope to run 4 days in a row. I was so excited after Rehoboth that I signed up for the Hyannis Marathon at the end of February. I thought that since I ran the Colchester 1/2 last year before Boston and ran OK that running a full would help me even more in 2012. Also I have thought about running Hyannis for about 4 years and I'm always too late; they usually meet their limit by the time I decide to go for it!
I just got 2 new shoes from Fleet Feet (free) and I will give a review to compare them to the Brooks' Glycerin.
I know there is a lot of discussion about minimal shoes but they did not do my Achilles any good. I love the Kinvara 2 but I need to be careful and not use it as much as I did. I also just tried the Brooks' Flow (4mm drop); I love the feel and hope to run some 3-6 milers outside to see if it has enough cushioning for me.

Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon

Nick, who I work with at Fleet Feet, and I ran the marathon yesterday. It was the perfect weather and we stayed at the Atlantic Sands Hotel, about 1 minute from the start line. Nick ran a 3:23 (PR) for his second marathon, taking about 3 minutes off his Hartford time.
I started slow and my Achilles seemed fine; at about mile 7 it turned into a trail run which was great. Finally back on the road after about 4 miles of mixed trail and road, I started talking to a guy from Maryland. We talked for about 10 miles; it helped to keep my mind off of my aches and pains. I forgot my Garmin but he had one so I knew my pace. I picked it up at mile 20 and ran faster until mile 25 when my left calf started cramping. It got so it was cramping every step so I had to slow down. It felt OK for the last 50 feet so I tried to step it up at the end. I still feel good today.I ran 3:51:30, in 234/641 place, 8:50/mi. and 6/27 in my age group M55-59.
I did receive a free massage after the race, this is the first time I took advantage of the massage after a race.
It was a fun weekend and the Dogfish Head  pub is there too!

Come and See Fleet Feet West Hartford Transformed!

I worked yesterday during the transformation of Fleet Feet. It is a beautiful space and will help even more people in the joy of running. I'm just getting over a clod and had to drive the bus today (and run after work) so I could not help any more tonight (made supper too for Annemarie and grandkids). I work all day tomorrow so I'm sure to be busy!
I have run 3x's since Thanksgiving; I did not do myself any favor running as fast as I did in Manchester. My 35:01 official time will put me back a corral too. I ran 6.2, 4.5 and 6.3 miles. Today my Achilles is finally feeling a little better. I hope it gets back to where it was before Thanksgiving. The elliptical seemed to help before but I started off with 3 miles on Wednesday before the 4.5 miles and it did not seem to help.

75th Manchester Road Race

I did run 11 miles on Sunday and swam 40 laps on Monday before taking 2 days off in preparation for Manchester. I have been in the U-35 corral for several years but I was not so hopeful this year.
I warmed up about 1.5 miles and then walked about .75 miles to the start (after a break to used the DD bathroom). It was a great day to run and my Achilles felt OK but not great at the start. Mile 1: 7:10; which I felt was a little fast but then we go up hill for almost 3/4 of a mile. My form was good and I hit the downhill at 6:20/mi. But at mile 4 I had to slow some; it seems like my Achilles loosens between mile 4-5 on every run and going a little slower helps it come back. I hit the last downhill on Main street and I tried to sprint to the finish, about 0.4 of a mile. Here, the twelfth person ran into me, I'm not sure but this had to be a record for me in Manchester. It started 0.25 miles into the race where people pushed into me to go past. Most of the runners in the corrals are experienced runners and usually polite. I did not find this to be so today. At 59 with a weakened Achilles it probably slowed me some during the race.
Results: Unofficially 35:05, I missed staying in the U-35 corral by 6 seconds. I'm happy with the race, though, especially since my 3 daughters who ran all said they hoped to start closer to the front because they all want to run faster.
2 ran their first half marathon this year and all plan to run  at least 2 halfs in 2012. Maybe I be able to run with them in their first full marathon in the near future if they want me to run with them.

32.1 Miles so Far

It's been a good week. I have run 4 days so far (one day left to the week) and no pain. I want to run another longer run Sunday so I'm not sure what I will do tomorrow.
This weekend is the first Brooklyn Marathon, https://www.nycruns.com/index.php?option=com_dtregister&Itemid=361&eventId=32&controller=event&task=individualRegister
This is a small race but I'm sure it will grow. Don't wait too long to run it or you may be running with 1000's.
I just received my new Brooks Glycerin's http://www.brooksrunning.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BrooksRunning-Site/default/Default-Start?src=pgooaw100&gclid=CKOx15GzwawCFYUbQgodbjytpg for the Rehoboth Marathon.
Thanksgiving will be my 22th or 23rd Manchester Road Race (Manchester CT). Even with my bum Achilles I hope to run sub-40 to keep a card; right now I am in the U-35 corral.

Running Consistently

I'm trying to run more again since I'm feeling better. Tweaked my back today lifting tree stumps; my brother came up from Waterford to help clear out some of the downed trees.
I ran 5.2 miles yesterday and 4.4 miles today. I hope to run and swim tomorrow.

Cross Training

I ran 3 miles on the 10th and biked 17 miles on the 11th. After a day off I ran 19.3 miles on Sunday in 3:03:26. It was a little slow but I felt good after. Baby steps. Monday I started my swimming program; I want to be able to swim a mile twice a week. I started by swimming 32 laps in about 28 minutes. I have a ways to go but I really haven't swam much in over a year. I took today off and had an acupuncture session; both the swimming and acupuncture helped my Achilles.
I scheduled my appointment for the driving portion to obtain my commercial license today (waited 40 minutes to talk to someone at CT DMV) for Dec. 14.

Raleigh Half Marathon

Yes I ran the half. The course was very hilly and my son kept saying it was nothing compared to the full. So I was happy with my decision. I ran about 8:10/mi. after the first mile for a while. I would slow down on the hills until about mile 8. They gave out Accelerade as the sport drink which was very good. I ran with Keith from mile 3.5 to 5 and then he took off. He was running the 10k. The 1/2 and full ran together for about 9+ miles and then the 1/2 looped back to the finish. I felt strong and kicked by about 15 people the last 2+ miles. Finished strong at 1:48:13, 6/40 in my age group, 55-59.
Today my Achilles doesn't hurt at all. It's actually a little scary; I have had at least some pain now since July. I have a lot of yard work to do today but I will work out later.
Last night I signed up for the Rohoboth Beach Seashore Marathon on December 10. I just want to get back to running marathons. I will take it easy; a 3:50-4:00 would be OK.

To Run the Full or the Half?

Well last Friday I ran a 7 miler on the treadmill. Sunday I went out to see how far I could go and still feel good, no Achilles pain. I made it 15.1 miles; I probably could have gone 18. I ran slow and my quads were tired before any Achilles pain. Too little to late? That's what I was thinking. After 7 miles on the elliptical yesterday I ran 4.5 miles today on the treadmill in 40:12, 8:56/mi., as fast as 7.3/mi.
I'm wondering if I should use the Galloway Method and try the full. I'll have to see how my Achilles feels.

Tiffany's First 1/2 Marathon

It was a fabulous day and my Achilles cooperated. Tiffany was strong throughout and sprinted at the finished, surprising me and I had to catch up just in time to finish next to her. Time: 2:09:02. She was 175/316 in her age group F2024, 9:51/mi. Awesome job!
I had to run up the hills a little faster and wait for Tiff to keep my Achilles quiet but it worked fine. I had fun and I wasn't sore after. Sunday I was able to run 2 miles and go 2 miles on the elliptical.
Pictures to come.

Hartford 1/2 Tomorrow

Well I'm ready, I just hope my Achilles and sciatica are ready ;)
I have run 12 miles, used the elliptical for 22.5 miles and biked 20 miles since I last wrote. I have have had 4 acupuncture treatments. I'm not sure I'm picking the right shoes or running in the right shorts/compression socks but tomorrow I'll find out. I hope Tiffany has a great run!

Elliptical Training

I have run only a few of times in the past 15 days. I have found lately my Achilles doesn't hurt while running but it does hurt for about a day afterwards. So I started to use the elliptical trainer at my gym. I go for about an hour, one mile forward and the next backwards. I repeat this for 6-8 miles at a time. Then I row, bike or use the treadmill. After getting up this morning my Achilles does not hurt to the touch and yesterday it didn't hurt while I was at work. So there is improvement, just not at a very fast rate. I am going to a Chiropractor on Monday who I have heard good things about who I hope will improve it further using acupuncture.

Hope

I hope I will be able to run with my oldest daughter Julie on September 24 in the Cole Brook 1/2. On the 5th I ran 6.5 miles on an artificial track and grass (about 50:50). I ran through the park on the 8th with my dog, 2.8 miles. I was feeling OK but my right knee was bothering me. I bought a CEP knee support when I felt like I couldn't stand at work all day. I felt fine then and I used it to run 11.4 miles on grass at one of our town's high schools on Sunday. I worn the Ghost 4 and stopped when both legs felt tired. Yesterday the right achilles was sore but today I was able to cycle 26 miles and I have been wearing Zensah calf sleeves all day which seemed to help.
I will try to run again tomorrow, on grass, and then take the Brooks Glycerin out on the road on Thursday.

Rehab

My right achilles has been a mess. I have done a fair amount of biking/cycling for a month. What is it about people who bike that they need for me to say cycling? I find it boring. I go about 15-18 miles per hour and I enjoy listening to music the whole time in contrast to running where I never listen to music.
I just started to run again on July 31; 3.2 miles on a treadmill. I tried 2 miles the next day and I had to stop. I am going to PT and as I had therapy the next day I said I felt I was back to square 1.
Yesterday I woke with the thought that I should take my dog for a run in the park next door. We went for a 5.8 mile run and I wore Saucony Kinvara's over grass, trails, rocky paths and asphalt. 5.8 miles and my legs are good today. I ran 2 miles before church and work and my legs still feel fine tonight. My achilles is OK.
What am I to do? I am going to try to run with Julie tomorrow on the roads to see if the Kinvara's are working more than the Ghost.
I will have cancel the full in Erie but I hope I can run the 2 halfs with my daughter Julie and Tiffany at the end of September and the middle of October.

What Running Life?

Well I was doing well and on my way back to running well then my right achilles tendon has done me in. I ran twice this week but today I used my bike. I had planned to bike more in August to keep from getting hurt I guess I should have started in mid July ;) I did run 18.2 miles on Sunday July 17, 2:35:55; 8:34/mi. in the Ghost 4. I don't know if my achilles pain is from the minimal shoes, the lower orthotics or over use. I was planning on running the Kelly race in New London next Saturday but I'm not sure now. I know I need to rest and ice the tendon and I have been but I'm getting tired of this happening each August (4 bad months of August in the past 6 years). I ran 115.2 miles in July so it wasn't from running too much!!!

Family

Well the whole family is running and even my wife is talking about doing a 5k. My youngest daughter just got back from a run as did I (10.1 mile in 1:24:38) and my son who is visiting, is going out right now.
My daughter Julie ran a 5k yesterday, the Enfield Twilight 5K.

Busy Two Weeks

I can't believe I haven't written for almost 2 weeks. The rest of last week went well but I did have some leg pain. total for the week: 30.7 miles. I was talking to 2 women I work with who are getting a Doctor of Physical Therapy and they gave me 3 exercises to strengthen my back and one, Liz, made me realize that some of my daily routine was doing more harm than good. I started doing the exercises the next day and after 5 days my back and right leg feel better.
I ran 15.4 miles on Sunday and felt good (2:13:55; 8:41/mi.). I have run with Tiffany (on  Monday 4 miles) and the past 2 days 6 and 6.1 miles. All outside. I am making sure my gait is short (84-88 x2 strides /min.) and I am going slower. So far so good and I have already run 31.5 miles this week.
I signed up to run the Hartford Half with my daughter Tiffany in October and the Colebrook Half with my daughter Julie in September (one week after my Presque Isle Marathon).
I'm also signed up to run the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh in November.

Increasing Miles and Good Long Runs

I ran a total of 32.4 miles last week increasing my miles again over the previous week. My mileage is much lower this year but today I ran 10 miles at 8:07/mi. and felt great for the entire run. I have had double digit Sundays for the past 3 weeks and I hope to run 18-20 miles next Sunday. The Brooks Ghost is a great training shoe; it's even a great base for running on a cantered surface.

Perfect Long Run on Father's Day

So I finished up last week with a 4.7 mile run at 8:19/mi. 29 miles total for the week; building back to 40/week.
Sunday I ran 14.5 miles in 2:00:12, 8:17/mi. and I could have done more (18-20) but I had to get ready for church. Although my bunion on my left foot hurt most of the run, my sciatica did not hurt and I had only one sharp pain since.
Today I started training with my daughter Tiffany for her first 1/2 marathon in October. She is very determined  but lacks some confidence which I hope to work on as much as her physical training. Running long becomes mostly mental if you have put in the time and I believe she will come to this conclusion on her own by September.

Sticking to the Plan

I had planned to run inside for 7 miles twice this week and did Tuesday and today. I hope to run a 14 miler on Sunday since I have Father's Day off. My bunion on my left foot continues to hurt while running and sometimes after for awhile. Hopefully, this will not slow me down. I really wanted to run outside this morning since I had a rare morning off but worked in the garden instead. Next month I will post some garden pictures if the animals don't eat everything. I now have rabbits besides turkeys, deer, etc. and others trying to get in. One of Annemarie's uncles said he electrifys his garden fence.

10 Miler

I was laying in bed this morning thinking of all the things I had to do this week; I work every day, run most, and work in the garden besides all the everyday things to help with around the house. There just doesn't seem to be enough time.
It was raining when I started this morning and continued through most of the run. It was nice and cool and the traffic was light. I had to use a port-a-potty after mile 7 but I was able to pick my speed back up and finished with an 8:20/mi. pace. Everything felt good. We had a trigger point discussion after work at Fleet Feet on Friday.
I have since started to use some of what I learned and I believe it is helping.

2011 KeyBank Vermont City Marathon

I LOVE this marathon! My running is not up to speed yet after all the problems I have had in the past year but it felt great running here again for my sixth time. My family is making big plans to run the 2-person and 5-person relays and the marathon next year. I hope the lottery works in our favor.
Some thoughts on the marathon:
I started at about 8:30/mi. but kept going faster and I tried to slow some. I got my picture taken with my Marathon Manics peeps several times which was cool. I got to cheer for several in the out and back portion from 4-9 miles. Unfortunately, I was just in front of the 3:45 pace group and I think I lost some energy there which I didn't make up. I did go faster to get away from them and it cost more energy. But it happens and I did not let it spoil my run. I started with a Vibram runner in front of me at the start and I passed him at mile 17. I also passed a bare foot runner between 17-18. I drank a lot and by the end 17+ I drank both Gatorade and water almost every station. I joked with the runners and spectators on the 4+ mile bike path. I did go slower but I did feel strong and my legs don't really hurt much today. The HUMIDITY was just too much for me.
My results:
591/2405 top 25%
15/94 M5559 top 15%
3:50:19 net time
Over the final 6 miles I passed 61 runners and 17 passed me.
This was the first time I can remember a breeze at times helping to cool us. It was wonderful.
I look forward to running again next year.

A Lot has Happened Since May 1

First, Mom Smith died. Even though I knew it was coming it was a shock. I didn't really have anyone to share my feelings with; my wife and best friend, needed her family who were all here at home. It is strange not to see Mom next door anymore; I still expect to see her coming out of her house to tie up her dog.
I work 2 jobs and I am a little tired. My body seems to be revolting at times from all the running I want to do.
Since May 1 I have run a 10.5 and a 10.0 outside and my left ankle feels worse than my nerve problem in my right leg. I have no idea how I will do in Vermont; I hope to run better than Boston. # of us at Fleet Feet are running in Vermont; Steph, Liz and myself. I hope we all have great runs and finish strong!

Busy Times

First, my wife's mom had a massive stroke and is not going to recover. So it is a sad time for the family. Anne always treated me like a son, she was a great mother-in law and I always felt lucky like I had 2 moms.
My running is coming back slow, I was able to run 4Xs last week for 22 miles and I ran 10.3 miles today in 1:27:22, 8:29/mi. My right leg has hurt some but no stabbing pain just a dull pain around the right knee. I do not have my speed back but I only ran inside on the treadmill one time last week (6.7 miles) so I do feel good about that and I think more outside runs will help my speed in Vermont.

Random Thoughts While Not Running

I usually take time off after a marathon until my leg soreness is gone. It will probably be Sunday although I feel 100% better today than yesterday.
My age-graded equivalent time for the Boston Marathon is 3:06:51. I'm sure this is only significant to people that are older and runners 18-40 would dismiss this but I believe this this is more significant than the younger runners think. I did run 15-20 miles 3 times a week in the Summer after my senior year in college and I felt strong all Summer and ran 7:30-8:00 per mile for at least 15 weeks. I wasn't training for anything and did not run any races since there were few to run and I didn't think of myself as a runner.  
If I read the qualifying times correctly, I am 13:07 faster than the qualifying time foe 60 year olds for Boston next year (I'll be 60 in January). I think this is correct. If I'm reading this wrong PLEASE let me know.
My peeps at Fleet Feet made me feel so good yesterday when I walked in for work. They cheered my Boston results and one person even said I inspired him to run a marathon. I felt so bad at the end of the marathon and felt my time was so slow that I hoped that this was not going to be the time I was now going to aim for as a result. I am better than this. I need to run more and get back to where I was when I was runnig doublr digit miles at least 3x's a week.
This is my 2011 goal. I hope to take a step toward that goal in Vermont. 3:39+ would show me I can do this. That is the time I am aiming for now. Then in September who knows?

Boston: Reality but Disappointment

I should have known what the outcome would be but I held out hope that I could rise to the occasion and run a 3:30 something. I knew my average of 31+ miles per week this year was way below what I usually run for my best times in marathon (40-45 mile/week). But I was hopeful.
I started off too fast. 7:35 for the first mile. I tried to cut back but I was carried along by the crowd. I thought I could keep up if I stayed mentally tough. My first 5 miles were about 8:05/mi. Too fast! At mile 7 I thought I would not make 26.2. It lasted until mile 10 when I felt much better. Let me digress.
I ate pizza for my supper the night before. I hadn't had much beer and I didn't drink enough water. I woke up at 3 AM and ate some oatmeal/granola mix for breakfast. I never usually eat. I had a banana at 8 and a Powerbar and by the time the race started I felt full, just like in Miami.
I was OK from mile 10-17 but as the Newton hills piled up I felt my calves weaken. By Heartbreak both calves were cramping. My left continued to cramp every few steps until mile 25 and then it was almost every step.  When I got to the 23 mile marker I had to steel myself because I felt I had little left.
I ran down under the last overpass and up and around the corner and turned to see the finish line. I kept my eyes down just trying to put one foot in front of the other to make the finish. The final straightaway took 4 minutes.
I finished ans as I moved through the line to the metal and food my calves cramped up and I couldn't move. One of the medical folks came over and asked if I was OK. I said I couldn't move. She stayed with me and my calves loosened up so I left for the Back Bay Hotel where the Hartford Track Club had our rooms. I got inside and put one foot on the stairs and my leg locked up again. A women behind me asked if I needed help; I said I couldn't move for the moment but I'd be OK. I finally made it upstairs and after showering I was OK.
On the bus I sat next to Marc who had #191. I said wow that's a low number and I wondered how fast he ran per mile. Ha said 4:45-5/mi. I thought I had misunderstood him. He finished #88 in 2:31. He ran 5:46/mi. I think he had said 5:45/mi after I thought about it. Impressive he ran almost exactly the pace he said he would. He is 36 years old. Marc Robaczynski.
Today my legs are sore and I do have some nerve pain behind my knee. I think it will go away and I am looking forward to Vermont.

Boston

Well I didn't have any beer for about 2 weeks but I had some today because I felt tired and out of sort. I do feel better now. I only ran 3 times this week, I was tired today and wanted to run but felt it was best for the race not to run. Since last Thursday I ran 19.3 miles, I will go to the Expo tomorrow with my daughter Tiffany. My wife's mom had a stroke on Wednesday and so with a heavier heart than usual I will run and celebrate the Boston Marathon. I hope I will qualify for next year but at 59 you just don't know. My right leg gives me a shock every once in awhile; what it is trying to tell me, right now I am trying to ignore. I do understand the new qualifying standards but I have come to think of Boston as my race and it will definitely leave an empty feeling if I can not run next year. Hopefully, my leg will be OK and I will be able to run a qualifying time in Vermont.

A Good Week and a Shoe Decision

I was able to run Monday on the treadmill, 5.4 miles. After taking Tuesday off I was able to run during the day on Wednesday. I ran outside 10.6 miles, 1:28:17, 8:18/mi. in Adidas Boston. My legs feel so good in them that I really want to try to run the marathon in them. Today I ran outside in the Adidas Aegis 5.3 miles. They have more cushioning but don't really seem as right for my feet. They do have more stability which I may not need but they feel good too. After over 27 miles outside this week my legs feel tired tonight but no nerve pain.

Weekend

Well the big news is the UConn men are in the NCAA Final. A very exciting game against Kentucky which they won by 1 point.
Saturday I ran 4 miles before work. Today I just got back from an 11.3 mile run. I felt slow at the beginning and I find if I run on a treadmill that my legs take some time getting use to running outside. I felt good between mile 8-12 but my big toe on my left foot hurt by the time I finished. I'm still uncertain how I will feel in Boston. I hope I have made the right choice in orthotics and footwear.
The Adidas rep Michael was at Fleet Feet (with AJ) and he gave me an official Boston Marathon jacket. It was such a nice surprise!

Happy April Fools Day

I haven't written for awhile, I have been really busy but still focused on Boston. I ran a hard 10 last Sunday and felt great. I feel like finally I have fixed my right leg/back problems. I don't run as much per week that I have in the past but I do feel prepared for Boston. It may be my slowest but I'll give it a 100% and try to be smart in my race strategy. Hopefully, I can break 3:40. That's my goal. I do think I will run better in Vermont in May with Boston behind me. I will go out at Hopkinton with the aim to have fun all the way to Boston. It'll be fun riding the Hartford Track Club bus to and from the race.

Over the Injury?

I felt good today after running 5.2 miles in 46:38 and working the afternoon. I feel like I might be over my injury after 8 months. I guess it just takes a lot more time as you get older. I am determined to qualify for Boston next year and be able to run. It's funny how the 2 are separate and not, for the first time, equal. I realize that many people did qualify for Boston last year and will not be able to run in 2011 but 2012 will be different. I know that people don't want to hear this but some were fast enough to qualify but not fast enough to register. I have heard some complaints from these runners. They should have taken a Monday off and signed up. I had Monday off and it took me 2 1/2 hours to be accepted. I knew something was up but most of the runners I know who qualified are faster than me and probably would not have listened to me if I told them they better sign up now.
They will be taking my place in Boston in the near future. I hope they feel the race is as special as I have felt.But I have my doubts. There are other marathons at this time of year but since I have qualified I never thought of running any other than Boston. I had hoped to run at least 10 in a row. So I need to get better at 59 to qualify.

End of Week and Turning Point

I took several days off last week; I still haven't been able to balance my 2 jobs after working at them for weeks. Maybe it's my age I don't really know. I did run 7.0 miles in 1:00:31 on last Friday and took Saturday off in anticipation of a 20 on Sunday.
Sunday I started running the 20 miler around 11:30; it was cool in the mid to upper 40's. I ran to the Fermi HS track about 4.3. I then ran almost 11 miles around the artificial track. My thinking was that I had had some left foot arch problems in the 1/2 in Colchester and I wanted to take it as easy as I could to see if I didn't break down trying to run 20. I felt strong at the end of the track run; I had taken 2 porta-potty breaks of about 1 minute each and stopped to drink out of a quart Gatorade bottle 3 X's (2/3 water, 1/3 Gatorade). I then took off for home.
I felt strong all the way home, even hitting 7:50 at one point. The totals 20.1 miles, 2:52:53, 8:36/mi. and a 13.1 of 1:52:30.
I have felt no pain in my right leg at all, even after 48 hours. Today I ran 3.1 miles on a treadmill in 29:13. My right leg felt a little weak twice but NO PAIN! I have recovered well. I will be somewhat conservative this week in the length and speed of my workouts but I am very pleased with my preparation for Boston.

Running Problems and the Larger Picture

My left arch and my nerve problems in my right leg have popped up again this week. But with the problems in the world they seem insignificant and if I have learned anything from all the miles I have run, it's to remain positive and hopeful. I ran 5.2 (outside), 6.5 and 6.3 the past 3 days but I'm so tired today after starting work earlier that I will take today off. The nerve pain in my right leg is back I think because of 2 days in a row outside. That is really sad. But after no pain after the 1/2 I am hopeful for the run in Boston.
I wish they would have 3 waves next year of 10K each. Or give people 1 minute for each year they have run ie if you ran Boston for 10 years you would get in 10 minutes below your qualifying time. I really wanted to run 10 years in a row and I think about it every day all year long. I know this is crazy but I do. I think this will probably be my last year though if stick to their plan. I will enjoy this year regardless of the time I run the marathon. I have taken the whole weekend off so it will be special.

Finally Outside

Well  I have worked every day except one in the past 13 and I only get a day off on the 20th. I am trying to fit my running in at different times. I still don't know which shoes I'm running Boston in because I have some arch issues. I ran 31.8 miles last week and 5.2 today. 11.2 miles outside in the past 2 days even with work. I hope to run a 20 miler outside next week.

Better and Better

The past 2 days my running has been better. 5.2 miles yesterday and 6.9 miles today in 59:56. I felt good.
I went to my friends funeral Mass today; it was crowded, nice to see so many people paying their respect to Mark LePak. I'll take tomorrow off; it's been an easy week trying to recover from the 1/2; just 16.3 miles total. I have found that as I get older it is best to listen to my body and not over due the miles.

Perspective

I've been sore this week after running the half. Monday I ran 1 mile on the treadmill and did 1.5 miles on the elliptical. I was more sore after but used both "The Stick" and the Trigger Point foam roller and felt better. After work today I ran 3.2 miles, 29:48, and used the elliptical for 1.25 miles. I'm feeling better; I'm about 1/2 way back.
I have a second part-time job, I am a Dial-a-ride driver. It's tough to see the elderly who were once good athletes reduced to using walkers or in dialysis. I must say I have been very appreciative of  my ability and even my speed which is consistent if not really fast. I saw in the paper today that a friend who I had recently seen at the gym died from ALS, he was 57. He was another person who was always active and I thought was in good health.
Appreciate every run and every race. Never be disappointed if you give your best that day or if you just enjoy the moment.
I love working at Fleet Feet if I just help one person a day be able to run better and enjoy running more than they did before they came to us. I'm lucky that most days I help several people run better.

Colchester Half Marathon

I hadn't run a 1/2 marathon since 2004. This was a hilly course and since I hadn't been able to get out much this winter I thought it would be perfect. I saw many people I knew and since I run alone most of the time it was a lot of fun running with so many people. They had a record crowd today and I got to talk to a lot of runners. One of my cousins' husband was there, Bob, and I got to talk to him before and after. I passed him at one point and was ahead for about 5 miles but he beat me by 1 second. I was happy with my time, 1:42:39 in 112 place. The winning time was 1:14 something; really fast for such a hilly course. I got to talk to the 3rd place finisher; Chris is a tri athlete in grad school at Yale. he came in in 1:17 something so you can see the times were fast. In fact, many of the top 200 runners are running the Boston Marathon or have run it in the past.

1/2 Tomorrow

Well my left ankle has been hurting for 3 weeks. It's ironic since my right leg has been my problem since August.
Hopefully, everything will be OK tomorrow.

Adidas Adizero Aegis

I really like the Aegis. I ran 6 miles and my legs felt great. Some posting but still fairly light weight. I didn't push myself but still ran 8:42/mi. I felt less tired after running than before running. I really like working at Fleet Feet. I was thinking of all the people I helped this past weekend; it's a great feeling helping people have the opportunity to improve their running plus I get to make new friends.

Yesterday and Today

Before work yesterday I ran 4 miles in 34:53 and 1 mile on the elliptical. Today I hope to do the same only after work. They gave me a pair of Adidas Adizero Aegis yesterday. It was a great surprise. I can't wait to try them out today. They might be beefy enough to run Boston. I'll have to take them out on the road in the next 2 weeks.

February is My Favorite Month

Both my son and my wife were born in February so I guess it's my favorite month since 2 of the family were born then. But my body never feels too good right now. I ran Tuesday through Thursday  4.5, 4.5, and 3.2 miles and then took 2 days off due to work. 32.2 miles for the week. Today I ran 7.0 miles early then I was bust until almost 5:30. Next weekend is the half and I hope to have a good race. Saturday we has a presentation from Nike at work and then received some great swag. I will wear it on next Saturday.

20 Miler Yesterday

After taking Saturday off, I decided not to wait until later in the week to run a 20 miler. I didn't know if running 62 miles in 8 days would be smart but I felt good yesterday and I thought if I wasn't feeling my best that I would run less. I ran the 20 on a treadmill, I don't want to go outside until the 1/2 on the 26th, 20.0 miles, 2:52:58 at 8:38.9/mi. I felt good after but it was a struggle from mile 11-16 and I had thoughts of not going the full 20. But I got a second wind at 17 and knew I could go as long as I stayed mentally tough. When I got home and was eating I lost part of a tooth which had a lot of fillings and my ankles were sore but I feel OK this morning.

Continuing a Good Week

4.2 miles Wednesday, 7.0 miles yesterday in 59:37, first time under 1 hour in a long time, and 6.0 miles today in 53:08. I signed up for the Colchester 1/2 and the Hartford Track Club bus to the Boston Marathon yesterday. I did feel a little pain in my right knee this morning and my back didn't feel right after work last night. I had picked up a bench at work before I left and I should have bent my legs more. I'm sure I can work through this. 42.2 miles for the week. I will probably take tomorrow off since it's been a week without a day off. I'm listening to NPR and their coverage of Egypt.

I'm Feeling Faster

I feel like I'm getting a little faster; today I ran 7.0 miles in 1:00:35 and actually I was taking it easy. This was on the treadmill which is harder for me to run as fast as on the road. I feel good now hours later too.

A Simple Problem

I have been thinking that my leg problem should be easier to fix. I am getting stronger and I have a lot less pain but still it seems to be lingering. For the past 7 days I have been busy and the snow stopped me from running one day but I have run a total of 27 miles with a high of 12 miles on Sunday. I fit someone yesterday from Colchester and he ran the 1/2 there last year. He said it is hilly and they put on a great spread after the race. I'm looking forward to running it and I hope to sign-up today.

Last Day of the Month

4 miles today to see how well my legs recovered from yesterday. 1 mile on the elliptical. I had lunch with a friend today who needs to get some exercise. I suggested snowshoes or just getting out and walking; he feels that running right now would be too much on his legs. I feel fortunate that I am able and that I like to run. Although my back and right leg did not feel as good this afternoon as I would have liked them to feel.

Long Run

I took 2 days off so I could have a long run yesterday. 17.3 miles, 2:25:32 total at 8:24.7/mi. I ran all the miles on the treadmill in the Adizero Boston. I took 1 gel and about 10 oz. of Gatorade and about 40 oz. of water. I didn't have any right hip or leg pain and I still don't have any today. This was my longest run since July; I hope to run at least 2 longer runs before Boston plus the 1/2 marathon at the end of next month. For now, I see a lot of treadmill running which will hopefully keep the pain away. I think that all the strengthening exercises are working.
I don't feel quite so back running inside this winter since we have so much snow it would be very difficult trying to run outside near my house right now. The snow mounds are over my head everywhere and the cars cannot see people running at every corner.

Felt Good After Shoveling

Snow, snow and more snow. We have set a 1 month record in CT for snow fall. The old record was from 1945. This is the most snow we have had on the ground since we moved to Enfield in 1988.
I ran well this afternoon at the gym; 7.0 miles 1:00:07, 8:35.3/mi. my fastest 7 miler on the treadmill in the past 6 months. No pain tonight and I feel good. All this treadmill work is paying off. I turned 59 on Tuesday and I am hopeful that Boston will be a good day.

Tired Today

I went to the gym and intended to run a few miles; finished with 4.2 miles and 2 miles on the elliptical. My legs have been tired the past 10 days but no sharp pain in the right leg. I feel like this is not a good time to push oneself. Winter always seems like a time to relax just go with how you feel. I'm sure I will feel like running longer in a few days. I guess you should always listen to your body it's just that in the warmer weather I can usually run through it.

Another Snowy Day

I might go snow shoeing today if I can get down to my brothers house. He has a few pairs and there is always fresh snow this winter. I ran 7 and 6.8 miles the past 2 days and a total of 4 miles on the elliptical trainer. I was really tired and cold yesterday and so I didn't run until 3:30. I sitting here watching it snow; we;ll probably get another 2-3 inches with more on the way Wednesday night and all day Thursday.

Another Low Energy Week

I've had some high mileage the past 3 weeks so I guess I was due for a lower energy/mileage week. I've been tired and my right leg has hurt some. I did not work as much as I was suppose to due to the snow so I did get more sleep. After 4.5 miles on Wednesday I took Thursday off and felt better today; 6.8 miles in 59:54 plus 3 miles on the elliptical. Only 25.3 miles so far this week and 7 miles on the elliptical but I do find that every 4 weeks I need a lower mileage week regardless of what my high mileage weeks total. Hopefully, I will rebound next week. I got my work schedule for next and I will be able to run the Colchester 1/2 in February. I will fill out the application next week.

Snow!

I ran inside again yesterday, 6.8 miles in 1:00:08 and 2 miles on the elliptical. I was going to do more but I felt a sharp pain in my right leg so I figured it was time to stop.
Today it snowed and right now it's freezing rain; I had planned to run out in the snow but it is so nasty right now I may take the day off.
I ordered 4 more things for Ice Breaker yesterday, including some short sleeve shirts which I didn't order last time. I wore the gloves out shoveling today. Very nice.

The Previous Week *

Well, I can't believe I didn't write anything all week. My totals were 40.5 miles running and 11 miles on the elliptical. Wednesday in the snow, I ran 4 miles in my YakTrax, http://www.yaktrax.com/. Today I ran 7.2 miles and 2 miles on the elliptical. I took Friday off and I had no pain in my right leg. I believe the elliptical and the cumulative effect of all the leg strengthening exercises have finally worked. In fact, I haven't felt any pain in the right leg since last Sunday. I got some Ice Breaker, http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html  running clothes this week; they are the best! 100% Merino wool soft and comfortable.

Thoughts on the Beginning of a New Week

Well yesterday there was a slight pain in my right leg. Today I felt it a couple of times.
I went to the gym to watch the football game and workout. Totals: 10 miles running and 4 miles on the elliptical. My right leg did bother me at first when I started to run but it went away and feels OK now. I hope to have a high mileage week. I'm going to have supper one night with my best friend from high school and next Sunday is my youngest daughters 20th birthday. I'm not working as many hours for a couple of months so I'm thinking of trying to find a part-time job to fill in the missed hours. I hope it won't interfere with working out and I hope it won't fatigue my legs more than they already are from work and play.

First Day Off This Year

I have been doing well with little or no pain in my right leg but I had to work all day today and I wanted to work out hard for the next 2 days so I took a day off. Thursday I ran 7.2 miles outside, 8:33/mi., 1:01:34 and Friday 4 miles in 35:44 and 1 mile on the elliptical. 9 miles on the elliptical and 38 miles running for the week. I'm feeling good and I feel stronger this week. I have the mind set that I have had in previous years. Adidas gave Fleet Feet a number of free articles of apparel and I got a fleece sweat shirt from the 2008 Boston Marathon since I was the only person at my store that ran it in 2008. Sweet! we get apparel and shoes from various manufacturers that we sell from 3point5 and I got a 100% wool shirt and wool socks from Smartwool which are great.

Feeling Like My Old Self

Yesterday and today I ran 6.8 miles on the treadmill. Yesterday I went 4 miles on the elliptical and today 2 miles. I have been able to do extra stretching and strengthening exercises too and have had little pain in my right leg.I have also taken only one day off since Christmas. I'm feeling stronger and my legs feel like I can run nearly everyday again. I had run inside in the winter for the majority of the past 15 years, running outside only on weekends, and I'm beginning to think that this helped save my legs. Also I find using the elliptical seems to help my legs too. In the years 2000-2003 when I had problems running I did use the elliptical extensively to rehab and I always felt stronger coming back to full time running. January seems to be a good training month for me over the past 7 years and this may also have to do with more inside miles.

Solid Beginning for 2011

Yesterday I went out and ran 6.2 miles in 52:29, 8:28/mi. I had kept my speed down from Saturday and realized that if I keep my speed a little slower that I should be able to go more miles with less pain in my right leg.
Today I went back to the gym; 7.0 miles in 1:01:21 and 2 miles on the elliptical. I'm using the Brooks Ghost outside and the Adidas Boston inside. I will still run some miles outside in the Boston but I'm thinking right now that I need a little more support for the marathon than the Boston will give me over 26.2 miles.
I read an article on running empty in the NY Times and I have been doing this most mornings. So far I feel good doing it with no lack of energy. I do drink 1/2 a cup of coffee and I bring a Gatorade/water mixture just in case.

Happy New Year 2011

It seems like I was just celebrating the year 2000. Time flys even when you run a lot.
I just signed up for a RoadID (http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx); we were given them at work as a gift from Fleet Feet.
Yesterday I ran outside 7.2 miles, 8:12/mi., 59:03 7.3 mph. I was surprised by my speed since I was trying to take it easy. I got the Brooks Ghost 3 and tried it for the first time yesterday. It seems like a perfect shoe for me, firm heel, fairly light with plenty of mid sole cushioning. I was thinking about going out again today. It's warm in the mid to upper 40's here and overcast. I just need to take it a bit slower so my right leg won't hurt later.
I'm thinking about running the Colchester CT 1/2 at the end of February. I would have to get the day off from work but I'm sure they won't mind since it's February.