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.