2013 Year in Review

I had a great running year and I am very thankful. I ran the most miles since 2010 and ran 6 marathons after running 8 last year. I qualified for Boston again, it will be my 9th in a row and I ran a faster time, by 5 seconds, in Rehoboth than VT. I earned 2 **s and then 4****s with the Marathon Maniacs. Very happy with this achievement. Orthotics again that are working and a massage every week have been a great help along with Addaday Ultra roller and a stable job situation.
My goals for 2014 is to run sub-3:50 in some marathon and qualify for my 10th Boston in a row.

Thanksgiving and Beyond

I ran a 36:13 (7:38/mi.) in the Manchester RR. My grandson Sam ran his first with my daughters, Kyle and Zach. I felt the best I have felt at the end, not out of breathe at all. Legs felt good. Few miles last week and I am only running 3 days this week before the marathon on Saturday. I'm looking forward to running, 2 hour massage on Wednesday. I bought a new pair of CW-X tights and ran 4.4 miles last night in them. Felt fast but I am wondering if over 26.2 miles it might impact my sciatica. Will run again tonight in them to help me decide. If there is any doubt in my mind I guess I will wait for Baton Rouge.

Last 2 Weeks

I'm running well, doing a lot of fast, shorter miles. Tomorrow, hopefully, about 16 miles BUT I am tapering so I will not push the pace. I should easily be under 40 minutes for the Manchester RR. Great massage from Karla this week! Almost 68 miles total in past 2 weeks.

20 on the Rail Trail

I ran 20.2 on the Rail Trail in Vernon CT this morning. Great day and a great run. Sub 8:00 for the last 6 miles. I am ready for Manchester and with God's help I will break 3:50 in Rohoboth. I'm running well and fast (for me) right now. Massage, new orthotics, needles and Addaday Ultra roller all helping to keep me at the top of my game. Saucony Ride the perfect shoe too. I feel blessed! My running is a blessing from God. I thank him every day. I Love to Run!!!

Onward to Rohoboth

I have run a couple of 10.1 mile runs my second one under 1:24 and I am training for the 77th Manchester RR, http://www.manchesterroadrace.com/ too. I'm feeling great and I hope to run a sub 3:50 and get another card in Manchester.
NY Times had a great article in the Well, http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/keep-repeating-this-workout-feels-good/?ref=health about mind over matter. Take it to heart!

Hartford Marathon 2013

It was a great day if a little too warm. I started slow since I had run only 12.2 miles in the orthotics. I felt good at 13.1 (1:57:31) so I kept pushing and thinking about the hill after mile 25. I kept it together until 0.3 miles to go and finished 739/2630, 8/62 in age group in 3:53:19. Cramped up bad after the finish but with a little time I was OK. I had some sciatic pain Thursday/Friday and tight calves but all was OK in the race.

Tapering Once Again

Well my left big toe finally hurt last Thursday. Too many days on the road in a row. I'm taking it easy this week with acupuncture and a double massage.  The Addaday is awesome but not a miracle stick, I could run anywhere from 3:47 to 4:10 in Hartford, it all depends on my left leg. I hope for the faster times and will take it easy as I can for the first half with 3:40 and 3:50 mileage taped to wrist.

Legs Feel Great!

I ran 6 days in a row on the road this week in my new Saucony Ride and my new orthotics. I ran 12.2 miles today and then I resealed my driveway. Next Saturday will probably be an 8-10 miler but I am going to take it easier as I taper. I have painting, sill replacement and deck staining to do in the next 3 weeks.

Two 20's in 2 Weeks

OK it was 2 weeks and a day and I only went 19.4 miles but close enough! The 19.4 miles yesterday felt great! I still feel good tonight.
I put my name in for my ninth Boston in a row today. I was on the computer at 10:02 and I'm just waiting for my confirmation. There shouldn't be a problem but I won't get excited until the confirmation comes in the email.

Great Week in Review

I was able to run 20 on Monday last week and finished on Saturday with a 7.6 mi. run. Legs are feeling good and the temperature has come down for cooler running. Hopefully, this will be an excellent running week for all.
Boston sign-ups start today for those faster than 20 minutes or more under their qualifying times. I have to wait until next Monday to apply. I hope there is room left for me then. 

Low Mileage Week this Past Week

Another humid week and I hope to run long (20???) tomorrow so I ran just over 16 miles last week. Keith and Jalen here visiting and worked 7 days so hoping for big week. Bought Addaday rollers today. They are advertized as ultra rollers and they come closest to a massage of any roller I have tried. 2 thumbs up!

Week in Review

I worked last Sunday so I started my running on Monday. I ran in the NB 870 V3 on Monday and they are fun shoes but they really stress my Achilles. Tuesday and Wednesday lower legs were sore BUT my massage on Wednesday night, THANK YOU Selena!, was great and my legs felt so good that I ran a fast 12.1 late yesterday afternoon on the Rail Trail. I hope to run a 2 miler in about 6-10 days for my long run before Hartford.
I can say enough about how much getting a weekly massage helps me keep running injury free. That and acupuncture are definitely under utilized by the running community.

The Week that Wasn't

I ran 17.1 miles on Sunday in 2:33 and felt good after; so good I wish I had run 20.
Took Monday off and ran 4.2 Tuesday and 3.1 Wednesday. My legs were a wreck after that even with needles Tuesday and a great massage on Wednesday. I think my inserts are worn out, the ones I use every day. My shoes may be beyond use as well. I worn compression socks all day today and my legs feel better. I hope to run 10 tomorrow. Work tomorrow and Sunday.

Training for Hartford Now

I ran 12.2 miles last Sunday in 1:46:10 and felt good, mostly ran on the road with a few miles on a cinder track. I ran Monday and yesterday and had my weekly massage last night. The massage was great! I can't say enough for the students at the Massage School in Easthampton, MA.
I hope to run more than 12 miles Sunday, my second Sunday in a row that I have off from Fleet Feet.

Finally!

Finally I feel like my old self. I ran 6.2 miles yesterday and today and I feel great. The massage last night really helped. Thanks Sarah!
Today is National IPA Day, drink at least one or try a double IPA ;)
I hope to run 8-10 miles on Sunday, I have the day off from Fleet Feet.
New pictures posted from Washington, Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

My wife and I stayed in Sea Tac so we would be close to the airport when we had to leave early this morning. It turned out to be a good move.
We went out Saturday to see North Bend WA which was also a good move since my phone did not work right away on Sunday so we could not use the GPS to find our way.
Annemarie dropped me off to catch the bus for the marathon at the finish line. 1 out of every 4 runners was a Marathon Maniac which was very cool!
The race started at about 3600' and dropped to 1200' at the finish. I wasn't able to run much the week before because of my bunion and the altitude probably did me in at the end but the views were incredible.
I came in at 4:04:17 186 overall 7/14 in my age group  186/395. The pebbles did get to me by mile 21 but a great race, one I would recommend to everyone! Hopefully not too many people read this so I can sign up again next year. The limit is 500 runners.

Julie's First Marathon Training Officially Underway

My daughter Julie signed up for the Hartford Marathon in October. My son Keith and I are going to run with her. Yesterday we kicked off her training. I gave her a 15 week plan to follow and we ran an hour on the Rail Trail in Vernon. 6.0 miles in 1:02:07. I need to get her down to about a 4:20 marathon pace or my left ankle will hurt during the run. But for a first day it was a good start. Because of work Julie had not run for a week.
3 weeks to the Light at the End of the Tunnel Marathon. I'm excited! 12.1 miles last Saturday on Rail Trail, last miles 7:55/mi. Last 5 miles gentle down hill.

Rainy Thursday

Well in all fairness it could have been rainy Monday, Tuesday, etc. (except Wednesday). I had to take yesterday off because I did not have enough time to run unless I got up at 4:30 AM. I was laying in bed thinking about it but I had a long day ahead and it just wasn't hot enough. My Grandson Sam got 3 awards at the after school program and then I raced off to get a massage. Today's 5.3 miles felt great but I need to run long on Saturday so I did not push the mileage today. Feeling good but my right knee is not tracking over my foot, so i am working on stretching right hip/quad.
Excited about Washington and the Tunnel Marathon.

Back at it!

I had a good week last week. Ran 23.3 miles with a 7.1 mile run on Saturday in 1:00:07. I am back to working in the garden, running, with acupuncture and massage weekly. I hope to increase my miles this week and do a long trail run.

The 25th Keybank Vermont City Marathon

It was another great year for the Vermont Marathon. My kids ran the 1/2 relay once again; another boy friend and a sub but they all finished strong!
The weather was GREAT! Rainy and cold. I am getting older and I do not like to be too hot. Winter marathons seem best for me now. So that said, I felt great at the beginning. I had a pace band for 8:40 and 8:50 per mile and I knew one of the pacers for the 8:45/mile. I wanted to run below my pace for 3-5 miles and the hit it. At mile 7 I was on the 8:50 pace and held it to the end. I kept telling myself BOSTON!!! I felt like I should have qualified in Boston and I was determined to do it here, MY MOST FAVORITE MARATHON! The rain, puddles, pacers and other runners just spurred me on. A 3:51:09 should get me in to Boston, my qualifying time is 3:55. It will be my ninth in a row. I can not think of not running Boston. My house looks like a little kids room with all the posters!
6 gels and 3 salt tablets; Gator Aide 3 times too. I feel like I can run even faster since my bunion on my left foot did not hurt for the first time in 11 marathons.

Heading to Vermont For my Eighth Vermont City Marathon

I am very happy with the cool weather. I need to run faster than I have run in about 17 months. My goal is 3:50. If I didn't have to use the porta potty 3 times in Boston I would have come close to 3:53 so it isn't a huge stretch and I do have my PR here in Vermont.
I want to have fun and do the best I can. Heady Topper after the race.

Two Weeks to the KeyBank VT City Marathon

I only took 4 days off after Boston. I felt like I did not run fast enough. I know if my left ankle does not limit me I can run a sub 3:50 marathon. I have been running trail and cinder track workouts and I am running faster again. 5 or 6 days a week since I am still working 6-7 days a week, running and trying to get the garden going. I hope the weather and my digestion are in my favor in VT.

Boston

What can I say that hasn't been said the past few days?
I was in the finishing area when the bombs went off. I ran great from Heartbreak hill I didn't realize I was over it until I saw the road and knew. The Hill was nothing this year. Not always the case.
I was running strong and passing a lot of people until 25. I toughed it out until the turn in front of the Citgo sign. The last 4/10s were tough.
I was stiff after the finish. Water. Wrap. METAL! At the food I got a Cookies Powerbar and then POW! We all turned and saw the smoke. All were quiet. Then the second bomb. Smoke and flames. Lots of Volunteers and First Responders running to the smoke. We all knew they were bombs. The Volunteers and First Responders were great. Calm and many running to the smoke. They kept us moving.
Two of my daughters, Julie and Kelly, and two of my grandkids, Sam and Katie, were there to see me run. Kelly and Sam were across from the explosions.
I went to my phone but I couldn't get a call out. No dial tone. I was really worried. God worries about your soul... I texted them and finally got a text back from Kelly.
It was an hour until I hugged them all. It was like I held my breathe. I had to use the porta potties 3 times in the race and finished in 3:56:34. 3 times, set a PR for porta pottie use and gels (9).
I have to run another race to qualify.
I hope I can run 9 in a row. Stay tuned ;)

Training Went Well; Boston in 3 Days

My training was spot on and my tapper has been good too. I have run 3 times this week and I may/may not run today. Boston Expo tomorrow. I had an excellent massage from Sarah and a great massage from Abby on Wednesday. Some of my problems have melted away since. I feel truly blessed to be running Boston for the eighth time in a row and I hope this is only the next step in continuing to run it in the future.

Less than a Month to Boston

I ran 20 miles Friday at 8:42/mi., still below the 3:45 I need to run a 8:45 in Boston. I have run a 14, 16 and 20 miler in preparation and I feel good except for a stiff neck. I will need to stay mentally tough in Boston.

40.2 Miles This Week

Finally ran over 40 for the week with a 16.1 mile run yesterday and 3.4 miles today. My hip popped out of place on Thursday morning but it hasn't stopped me from running. I'm having it worked on and if I get a more experienced massage therapist this week they may be able to pop it back.

No Long Run This Past Week

I had to work over time at work this week so my short day turned long. I did run 6 days in a row again and I do feel good so , hopefully, I will get to run long the end of this week. I need at least a 15 miler. I am foam rolling 2-3 X's per day and using the trigger point tools more and I'm within 100 miles of wearing out my present shoes. It has turned cold and windy today. I hope it warms up again soon.

Sunday Off

Right now I take Sunday as my only day off. I almost ran this Sunday since I didn't have to work at Fleet Feet, but I decided I needed a day off. I have felt better running this week and need a long run on Friday.

4 Miles after Nor'easter

Yes I do have the gear to run in snow and wind thanks to Fleet Feet Hartford and Nike. I ran only 4 miles and had one older guy say "bless you" and one younger guy say " what the hell". No cars came close and I ran 32.3 miles for the week. I had hoped for 38 but the snow killed the last 2 days. Next week I'll run more!

Snow Friday

I had to run inside on the tread mill today after work since the roads seem dangerous. I could only manage to run 7.0 miles in 1:00:31. 28+ miles so far this week but I'm not sure what the storm will bring as far as my ability to run outside tomorrow. Run more!

Doubles

In order to run 40 or more miles a week I felt I needed to run twice a day. I run at lunch, 10-11 and then after work. However, between my 2 hour massage last night and all the miles I have run the past 3 weeks I am only running 6+ miles per day. Now we are suppose to get 20-30 inches of snow in the next 2 days. I'm not sure how much I am going to be able to run this week.

Massage is Essential

I received a massage last night from someone I know, not always the case at the school, and felt great today on my 10.4 mile run. So far 26.5 miles for the week. 118.4 miles for the month. I feel great. I am running 6/7 days and hope to run 7/7 this week.
I hope to get 3 massages each month from one of the students when they get licensed and still go to the school 3 weeks out of 4. I always feel good and never get an injury when I get regular massages. Of course the cost will matter but I hope to have the money.

I Ran Every day This Week

30.5 miles total for the week, with speed work 2 days. Today I ran 5.3 miles with the last mile and hald at about 7:35/mi. Ankle bothered me some but overall I felt great!

Strength Training

I ran 5 days in a row; my plan is to run at least 6/7 days a week. I am doing more strength training and more balance exercises in the hope that I will recover faster and run better for Boston. 7.1 miles yesterday in 1:01.

Running More

Although I loved running a marathon a month, it did not allow me to run as much as I wanted to run.
Since Sunday I have only taken 1 day off and I hope to run tomorrow and run long at least once a week to prepare for Boston. I would love to run a 3:49 in Boston and that is my goal.
I had a great massage last night at the Massage School in Easthampton Ma but I may have pulled a muscle today. Hope not but I don't feel right. I may not do a lot tomorrow.

Mississippi Blues and Beyond

It was a cool day for the race, 34-50 degrees F. I wore a light Ice Breaker shirt (150) and compression shorts and socks. I ran as slow as I could for 5 miles and held back for 12 miles. Everything was fine! I picked it up at mile 16 and pushed at mile 18. But I ran out of sugar (even though I took 7 Gu's) by mile 24.
I finished 4:12:13 and felt good with my calves burning. Blues CDs, Red beans and rice, great metal and shirt. Rolling hills did make it a tough marathon.
Went to Vicksburg the next day and Bravo! for supper. Great day after the marathon. Mississippi gets 2 thumbs up!!!
New Orleans with my niece Gina, Keith, Annemarie and I was great too.
Big plans for southern marathons next year.
8.1 miles yesterday and feeling OK today.

Mississippi Blues Saturday

Well it was in the teens while running again today. 3.3 miles yesterday and 3.1 today. I'll take tomorrow off for the marathon which starts at 7 AM Saturday. We are staying less than a half a mile from the start so it should be a good warm-up and we won't be in a rush.
Legs are tired tonight; I hope they feel good tomorrow. No knee pain since Rehoboth.