Sunny Saturday

Simone and I ran 7.3 miles in 1:05:50 for a 6.7 mph pace. She wasn't able to run this week so we tried to maintain her training without injury and with a positive attitude. Attitude and mental strength are very important to a successful marathon. She continues the push-ups and crunches.

I ran about 32 miles for the week. 

I saw Shannon today for acupuncture and massage. The psoas muscle is part of my problem. The nerves have contributed to my numbness. Here is a link to exercises if you have these same symptoms, http://www.touchpoint.dk/UK_artikler_psoas.htm

Here is a good link on when to replace your running shoes from the Greater Boston Run Co. (I follow them on Twitter), http://running.about.com/od/shoesapparelandgear/f/replaceshoes.htm

Sciatica Comes and Goes

I'm having some problems with sciatica in my left leg. I use to have it in my right leg but that hasn't happened in over a year. 

I ran 6.2 miles today on the treadmill in just over an hour. I alternated running 6.0 and 6.2 mph after warming up at 5.8 mph for 2 miles.

It's funny but the sciatica does not bother me when I am running or walking. It especially hurts when I sit in a stuffed chair. I've been using wooden chairs and laid on the floor 1/2 the night and it seems to have helped; the pain is almost gone again like Monday.

I'll take tomorrow off except I need to roto-till the garden some.

A Day Off

My sciatica had me up at 3 AM sooo I decided that it was probably a good day to not run to help my running. I got the bike out, pumped up the tires and rode 33+ miles in 2:28:00 at 13.1 mph. I'm not sure if this is good or not but it did help. 

I'll see how my night is before deciding if and how far I will run tomorrow.

Tuesday

I'm back in the gym. 5.1 miles. It's hot now in the gym, I seem to sweat more than outside. My right knee hurt today. I'm glad I didn't run outside I needed a change in surface. I have been running in older shoes inside and worn an older pair outside yesterday too. I think that may be why my knee hurt. 18.3 miles so far this week. I should be tappering again this week and next for VT City.

Following all the runners on Twitter is good. I enjoy reading about their daily routines.

An interesting article and an idea which I am using with Simone training for Hartford is http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-0510-marathonmay10,0,7182820.column titled "Run Faster. Run Less? For marathon training less can be more. Experts say." A book on the subject has been published by the Furman Institute of Running, http://www.furman.edu/first/

Monday

I only ran 4.1 miles today but I ran in 32:42, 7.5 mph.

My son went home this morning so I didn't want to be off running. I ran in older Nike Max Moto 6 and they felt fine for the distance.

Moved my daughter Kelly back home today from UConn. She'll get over her boy friend; it'll just take a little time. His loss!!!

The garden is really dry; tomorrow I may have to water it.

I hope this recession ends soon so I can get a job. Had my meeting with the DOL today and will receive $ this week. A job offer would be better :-)

My sciatica is just about gone. The stretching and the slower running helped get rid of it. Also it just takes a little time.

Latest Musings

The sciatic nerve in my left leg has been giving me trouble. It's been hard to sit or lie down in bed for 4 days. It doesn't hurt to run but most of the day is spent sitting.

On Thursday I ran 6.1 miles on the treadmill and I took Friday off as usual.

Saturday I ran with Simone 7.1 miles in 1:02:10 for a 6.7 mph pace. Another mile at the same pace as last week. Good progress. She will not be able to run much this week so we'll see  if 8 miles is too much on Saturday.

After running we went to my daughter Kelly's commencement for her Masters in Education at UConn. The whole family is very proud of her accomplishments.

Today her boy friend of 4+ years broke up with her. The highs and lows of being 20 something. We all feel bad but hope this does not dampen her spirits. We love her soooo much!

Today I ran 9.1 miles thinking of Kelly most of the run. My sciatica seems better tonight. It was a good run in 1:15:15 at a 7.2 mph pace.

Hopefully, I'll get a good night sleep and be 100% tomorrow.

My son came from Raleigh for the weekend which made it extra special. As I mentioned earlier, we will run the Marine Corp Marathon in October.

It's Wednesday

I woke up with a stiff right shoulder/neck so I decided that the treadmill was best today.

I took it easy and ran 5.2 miles.  

I get a Google alert on marathons and found 2 interesting links especially if you are a first time marathoner. The links are http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-238-244-255-0,00.html (45 articles from Runners World) and http://www.marathonandbeyond.com/choices/emmett.htm (from Marathon and Beyond). I subscribe to both magazines. Every month they have excellent articles.

May Showers?

Today it rain or drizzled most of the day. I was laying in bed not wanting to run on the treadmill when my son called. We talked a while and when I hung up I thought I would run outside. I have been wanting to run in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8's again and since I talked to Simone on Saturday I have been thinking that the firmer shoes might help my hips. I ran 8 miles in 1:07:10 a 7.1 mph pace. My lower legs hurt more with the Brooks shoes but I feel like I can go faster.

However, I ran 10.8 miles on Sunday and 5.1 yesterday so my legs feel a bit beat up.

I have a good lead on a job. I'll send my resume out tomorrow.

Unemployment gives me almost too much time to run. I need to be careful. Over 24 miles in 3 days is a little too much especially since most of the miles have been on the road. The changing surfaces do really help my legs.

Sorry about the pictures; I'll enlarge them so you can actually see me :-)

Started Training Simone for Hartford

It was a beautiful morning to run. Simone came at 7:30.

I had to convince her to run the full marathon not the 1/2 but she is more than ready to give the full a try. I think she can run a sub-3:45 but we'll see as training progresses.

I suggested she buy the following: Amphipod hydration belt, http://www.amphipod.com/ a second pair of shoes and get use to taking gels as soon as we run over 7 miles.

I've used other belts and this brand seems like it might last the longest.

I suggested too that she go to a professional running store and see what they felt were the best type of shoes for her. Lastly, I said incorporating Pilates in her exercise and stretching would help her running. Here are some good workouts on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdMptxZv4hQ

We ran 6.1 miles at 6.7 mph in 54:38. I thought it was a great beginning.

I ran an additional 5.4 miles at 7.0 mph for a total of 11.5 miles and 44.3 miles for the week.

My back feels a lot better today after taking yesterday off.

Week in Review

I ran well this week despite a pain in my lower left back. It doesn't hurt to run but I feel it when I start out. Miles since Monday: Tuesday 5.5, Wednesday 6.2 and Thursday 10.4. Ran every other day outside. Off today and tomorrow I'll run with a friend, Simone, who I'm helping prepare for the Hartford Marathon, http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/marathonnew.htm in October. This is a very fast Boston qualifier; one everyone should consider if you want to qualify.

I'll post a couple of pictures from Boston soon.

I'm Back Running

Yesterday I ran 6.2 miles in 50 minutes. It was about 90 degrees. Yes it's April and about 25 degrees above normal.

Today I ran at the gym; 4.5 miles. My legs feel really good. I didn't have any of the soreness I usually have after the first day back after a marathon.

I was in the garden a lot last week and I used a foam roller on my legs twice a day.

I think the warm weather yesterday actually helped my legs. I iced them last night watching the Red Sox.

Resting

I haven't run since the race on Monday but I wanted to write since one of the people I follow on Twitter, @theanarunner, had a link to a good article on advice for running a marathon. The link is herehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/apr/24/london-marathon-professional-tips

The London Marathon is tomorrow. You can read about it at http://www.marathonguide.com/index.cfm?

I'll probably start running again tomorrow or Monday when most of the soreness leaves my legs.

Boston Marathon

This was my 4th and my second fastest.

My daughter Kelly and my friend Ruth brought me to Hopkinton.

I sat on the bus with Mark from Toronto. He ran a 3:10 last year and hoped to run faster and qualify for New York. I asked him about the Toronto Marathon and he said the Toronto Waterfront Marathon was very fast and a beautiful course.

Corral 12 was next to the last in the first wave. My bib # was 12780.

It was a great day weather-wise. I tried to be conservative on the down hills and ran slower through mile 12. My legs felt good.

It was awesome having my name on my shirt; 1000s of people yelled my name and twice at the colleges 15-20 people were shouting Keith, Keith, Keith again and again. Very inspiring!

I ran with my cousin Candi's husband Bob for parts of the first 9 miles. He came in at 3:32:01 and I came in at 3:38:04. Both were great times considering he is 50 and I am 57.

But in comparison, I have a 28 year old friend who is a great runner and he ran a 2:37:59 which I think is the fastest marathon ever for him, a PR in Boston Nice!!!, 143 overall and a 6:02 pace.

Very special. I don't think you have to be a runner to appreciate the speed at which he ran 26.2 miles. In my book he is an elite runner and certainly a very special individual.

After Kelly, Ruth and I ate at Legal Seafood. 

Then we took the Green Line back to Riverside in Newton (exit 22).

Tomorrow... Tomorrow

I ran 3.1 miles Friday so I would only have 2 days off.

TOMORROW my 4th Boston. I'm as excited this year as I was in 2006.

My legs ache a little; I think it's because I took 2 days off in a row. The last time I did that was after the Houston Marathon in January.

28.6 miles for the week after 40.4 last week.

The weather is suppose to be good until about 3. I hope the winds are calm until then for everyone.

At the Expo I met people from LA, Alaska, and Tennessee. Good times and the best Expo of any marathon. My daughter Julie went with me and it was fun talking and walking around Boston.

I just wish I could go to sleep now and wake up and it would be time to go to the race.

I read in the Globe the story about the 2 guys that have run 41 and 42 consecutive Bostons. Amazing!

Until tomorrow. Cheers!!!

Tapering II

The last 3 days I've run 5.1, 4.1 and 5.4 miles. 

Today I ran outside instead of on the treadmill because I felt I needed one more day on the road. I will run tomorrow since I am taking Sat/Sun off for Boston on Monday.

The latest forecast was for rain later in the day. Hopefully, most everyone will be done before it starts.

I like running in the rain but I don't like standing around before the race, cold and wet.

I'm SOOO excited to feel good and to be able to run another Boston.

I am truly blessed.

Really Tapering

4 days to lay-off. 7 days til the marathon. 

Today I went to Asnuntuck CC and I think I am going to sign up for a certificate program for web design. At least it's a plan. I must admit that Boston is on my mind all the time right now.

It's funny how non-marathon runners just don't understand.

So tapering...Sunday I ran 6.3 miles in 48:47 a 7.6 mph pace. Today I ran on the treadmill for 4.6 miles. I'll take it easy this week but since I don't run more than 50 miles my legs are in good shape. This is my 4th Boston in a row and I am beginning to understand what I need to do for my best run. I just hope I listen to myself and don't get carried away by the crowd. This definitely happened last year. The Globe marathon blog today was very helpful.

Tapering?

Well I ran 40.4 miles this week which doesn't seem like I'm tapering since I average somewhere in the 40's most weeks. But I did take it easy and I have found since I don't beat myself up I need to keep going until the week before the race so my legs will take the 26.2 miles well.

I had another massage today which was great as usual. Shannon never disappoints.

Tuesday - Thursday I ran 5.4, 4.1, and 6.0 miles respectively. After taking Friday off I ran 10.6 miles in 1:23:10 at 7.5 mph for a 7:50.8/mi. pace.

I had a few pains in my legs and gluts this week and my intestines were slightly painful to the touch. I'm not sure why but none of it seemed to effect my running.

I'm aiming for 8:00 minutes per mile in Boston; I have gone below this in my 3 of my last 4 longer runs of 11.2, 10.3 and 10.6 miles but my 14.6 mile run was at 8:18/mile.                                                 I think on race day I could fall somewhere in between 3:30 and 3:37 BUT Boston is tough.

I'm aiming for about 30 miles this week and then off on Saturday and Sunday. I hope to run on Friday which I usually take off but I don't want to take 3 days off in a row unless I'm hurting.

I posted a few links on Twitter  about advice on marathon dayhttp://www.salemnews.com/pusports/local_story_099002455.html?keyword=topstory, news/video on Kara Goucher (Flocasts) and news/video on Ryan Hall (WBZ). Twitter me @keithal2.

Rainy Days

I can't believe I haven't written anything in almost 2 weeks.

I ran well on Wednesday and Thursday BUT on Saturday I ran 11.2 miles at 7:30.4 mile pace.

That's the fastest I've run in over a year. I felt GREAT!!!

I got a massage after; only the 2nd time in over 2 months.

Last week I ran well, my usual 5-6 miles per day during the week.

This weekend I ran 14.6 miles at 7.3 mph in 2:01:10 on Saturday. Then I spent the day at St. Joe's college in West Hartford. My youngest daughter will be a student there in the Fall. The people were amazing; my wife and I get very good feeling about the school and we both feel Tiffany will love it there.

Sunday I didn't feel like running right away so after Mass my oldest daughter and I went to Panera's and I had a few cups of 1/2 decaf and 1/2 reg black coffee.

I went out for an easy 7 miler and enede up running 10.3 miles at 7.6 mph in 1:20:10 for a 7:47 pace. I didn't drink anything for about 6 miles. I would like to incorporate some caffeine in my pre-race drink; I feel I could run faster throughout the race.

After I rototilled the garden for about 1 1/2 hours. At that point I was done in.

My legs were tired. I took a cold water bath for 10 minutes and later used ice on my legs.

I felt better this morning and race an easy 4.0 miles.

I've been reading the latest Runner's World about Kara Goucher and the Boston Marathon.

There is a video of Kara running a 20 mile training run on the marathon course at http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/234839-2009-boston-marathon/166451-kara-on-the-boston-course

Feeling Great

I feel really great after ruuning this weekend.

The last 2 marathons and the last 2 long runs over 20 miles I have felt stronger after the 13 mile mark.

I hope this happens in Boston.

I'm getting a massage this Saturday. It has been so long since the last one I don't even remember when it I received it. This will only be the second one in the last 2 months +.

As for running this week: 

3/23 4.0 miles

3/24 5.4 miles

3/25 7.3 miles.

I have a job interview on Friday and I got confirmation and a request for additional info for another job. So things are looking OK right now.

What's Up?

I'm going to get a massage next Saturday!

I don't have the money but I will find a way to pay for it.

Massage is only for people who are well off!

Running marathons used to be for the masses but now it is for the well to do just like college!

I can run local marathons but I can't run 50 states without a much better job.

The last few days I ran the following in preparation for Boston:

March 16 6.3 miles

March 17 5.2 miles

March 18 4.0 miles 

March 19 5.2 miles 

March 20 OFF

March 21 21.3 miles

March 22 OFF

I ran 21.3 miles in 2:59:19 yesterday at 7.1 mph. I felt good and the last 2 training runs and the last 2 marathons I have felt stronger after 14 miles. Running over 20 miles at least once a month is definitely good for me.

This last week I ran 52.6 miles the most of any week in 2009.

I'm on course to run at least 190 miles this month.

Less than 4 weeks before I'm unemployed ;-( I applied for 2 jobs last week and I have leads for about 7 jobs to apply for this week.

If you know of any jobs, that I can apply for let me know. Thanks!

Tough Week

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I ran 4.2, 5.0 and 5.1 miles. I took Friday off and I had to run 11.0 miles on the treadmill on Saturday. 

My right big toe hurts; it feels like it is out of joint. Actually, my whole right leg is too tight. 

I did run 43.3 miles last week after running 47.0 miles the week before. Those are good totals for me.

Sunday I ran 10.6 miles at 7.0 mph outside on the roads. I do miss running outside.

I know if I could see Shannon she would fix my problems in 2 weeks :-(

Today I ran 6.3 miles on the treadmill; the way my right foot is I'm not sure I can run 26.2 miles.

I need help.

Boston Preparation

On Wednesday and Thursday I ran 7.4 and 5.5 miles. After taking Friday off I was ready for a great weekend.

On Saturday the weather was beautiful and I was able to run 16.1 miles. My left ankle bothered me some but I ran it in 2:10:00 at a 7.4 mph pace. I had to keep myself from running and further.

On Sunday I went out at 11:45 and I ran 12.5 miles in 1:41:30 for a 7.4 mph pace again.

That was the best weekend in months. 

On Saturday afternoon I worked on my legs on and off and they felt great by the time I started to run on Sunday.

I use a lot of tips that Shannon has taught me and even my left hamstring is feeling better.

Today I was back on the treadmill. 

After running in the 2 different pairs of Nike Air Max Moto 6 on the weekend I switched back to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8s. The combination seems to distribute the tightness in my legs so I can keep running every day but Friday.

Winter is Still Holding On

Saturday I ran 11.0 miles outside. I have been able to run outside again on weekends.

After finding out a lay-off is in my future I needed to get out and run.

Sunday I ran 10.8 miles; I figured I would take Monday off since it was going to snow all day.

Today I was back I the gym but since I work from 12-4 now I ran 7.2 miles on the treadmill.

I will have to make sure I don't ramp up my miles too fast with more time to run.

My legs feel OK.

Deja Vu

The week started off OK. I ran 3.3, 5.2 and 4.2 miles Monday thru Wednesday after taking Sunday off.

I probably neede more time off because my legs don't feel great today, although I took today off.

Thursday I ran 5.0 miles and felt great running fast on the treadmill. 

At 3 O'Clock my boss wanted to talk to me in one of our conference rooms. YEH I know I was thinking the same thing!

My last day will be April 17 unless the housing industry takes a DRAMATIC turnaround!!!

Boston Marathon weekend. Well at least I lasted until April this year.

The WORST thing is I won't be able to see Shannon any more. 

I really need her advice and a MASSAGE :-(

I have been feeling good so I guess I'll take it somewhat easy tomorrow; I know that would be best.

A Rare Sunday Off

Yesterday I ran 22.2 miles in 3:09:40 at 7.0 mph for a pace of 8:32.6/mi.

I felt good and had to stop myself from running further.

A good strategy for me is to run at least 20+ miles once a month. It helps to keep my legs marathon ready.

Today I took OFF.

Hopefully tomorrow my legs will feel good enough to run 4-5 miles.

A Beautiful Weekend in Connnecticut

I was Off on Friday.

Today I ran 22.2 miles in 3:09:40

I find that running at least 20 miles each month helps me to stay in marathon fitness.

It was sunny, windy but I ran 7.0 mph for the entire run.

Shannon had an accident on Thursday and she left a brief message for me on Friday BUT I haven't talked to her about. I was told she is OK. I have called several times but now her mailbox is full.

I hope to see her next Saturday but I am having a problem with my cash flow ;-)

I have learned a lot from Shannon. I incorporate it in my daily routine. At 57 I feel blessed that she has helped me SO much! I'm not sure if she ever reads this BUT if she does I need to acknowledge that I would have not run any marathons without her and I would not run as well without her help.

I wish that she could help more potential runners! I could list everything she has done for me here but it would not reach many runners.

There were over 30 folks from Nerac on Friday. I had a great time; I felt that it was a family at Nerac which doesn't happen often at a company and I am genuinely interested in their families now; one of my friend's son is running the State Open relay in the 1600 today; he is an excellent runner and passionate about running; he will some day achieve national recognition; his Uncle was a sub-3:00 marathoner for years and he his has followed in his footsteps. His grandfather ran strong races into his 60's. I LOVE RUNNERS AND RUNNING. 

I hope David is back to running and setting his sights on a PR!!!!

I find YOU inspirational!

  

Winter is Passing, the Snow is Going

I ran inside on the 11th and 12th, 5.4 miles and 4.2 miles. I usually wake up between 4-5 AM and get up stretch and do push-ups and crunches. I then go to the gym. After taking Firday OFF,  I ran 15.0 miles in 2:04:45 on Saturday and 7.2 miles on Sunday outside. It felt like old times; I know what I'm missing running on the treadmill. I LOVE the freedom of running outside.

The rest of the week went like this:

Feb 16 4.0 miles 40:15

Feb 17 4.1 miles 39:48

Feb 18 4.0 miles 39:15

Feb 19 4.1 miles 38:58

My legs were tight and hurt at the beginning of the week, but today they felt GREAT!

I'll take tomorrow off and I hope to run over 20 miles on Saturday. I'm going out with old friends from Nerac on Friday.

I'll write again this weekend.

HAPPY RUNNING!!!

February is Flying Bye Bye

So far this month I have run the following:

Feb 1   7.2   miles  1:10:40

Feb 2   4.6  miles      44:40

Feb 3   4.3  miles      40:26

Feb 4   5.4  miles      50:39

Feb 5   5.1  miles      46:28

Feb 6   OFF

Feb 7  10.0 miles  1:30:10

Feb 8   8.6  miles  1:22:32

Feb 9   4.4  miles     42:30

Feb 10 4.4  miles     40:27

All the miles were run on the treadmill. I really have a hard time running faster and running longer (over 10 miles) on a treadmill. But my legs feel better running a little slower and on a softer surface. It might help me run better outside in the Spring. I hope to run 3-4 marathons in the Spring and then another 3-4 in the Fall. The ice is finally melting; I hope to run outside on the weekend. My son Keith and my grandson Jalen will be here over the weekend.

Since the Marathon

I only took 5 days off to recover from the marathon. I felt REALLY good and ran the following in the last week:

4.0   miles  Jan 24

5.2   miles  Jan 25

4.0   miles  Jan 26

5.5   miles  Jan 27

3.2   miles  Jan 28

4.4   miles  Jan 29

OFF            Jan 30

10.3 miles  Jan 31

32.6 miles for he week and 135.5 miles for the month of January.

My left ankle is not feeling as good as I would like even though I did see Shannon yesterday and she worked on me for over 11/2 hours.

I am going to go to the gym now to see how it feels.

Chevron Houston Marathon

I have never run a good January marathon. In Phoenix and Miami I had problems with my left ankle and cramps in my left calf.

I was trying to decide which shoes to wear for a week - Nike Air Max Moto or Brooks Adrenaline GTS8. I was picturing the elite women at the 2008 NYC marathon and so many worn Nikes. The roads in Houston are concrete so I went with the shoe with the most cushioning, the Nikes.

I woke up at 2, 3, and 4 AM the morning of the race. I got up at 4:20, stretched and dressed.

We left at 5 for Houston, Annemarie, Tiffany, Nancy, and me. I was excited; not nervous at all.

At the Expo center we waited inside. It was probably in the upper 40's. My digestion had not been too good since the flight but last night before Mass I had a lot of whole wheat pasta. It helped so much that morning. I stopped drinking water by 6:15.

I used the porta potties a second time and off to the start at 6:35. It took a while to get to the start (12 minutes?) so it was about 10-12 minutes before the race. I felt like I was back a little too far but OK. When the gun went off I felt good.

The first mile was a little slow with a city smell which lasted until mile 3. My speed went up from 6.6 to 7.2 mph. Then to 7.6 by mile 5-6. I finally peaked at 8.0 mph on my watch. I did have to stop and use the porta potty for about a minute.

I then fell off to 7.8 mph from about mile 9 to the end.

They were calling out our pace; I was at 8:06 for most of the race; 8:07 at mile 20 and 8:08 at mile 24.

They had our names printed on the bib; hundreds of people called my name!

The last 8 miles I passed several people; at one point I went past 5-7 people at once. Only 2 younger guys passed me in all that time up to the finish.

I felt strong until the end; I was talking and clapping to the music at times; the bands were second only to the ING NYC Marathon.

Afterwards, they had us go back inside for breakfast; this is the first time I had eggs and sausage after a race. They gave you the metal, finishers tee shirt and mug.

I had the best time and met up with Annemarie and Tiffany after eating.

I wish I lived closer, I would run this every year. The course is almost as flat as advertised.

Gold's Gym

I'm not a fan of running inside on a treadmill. BUT my feet, ankles and legs do not hurt unless I go and run twice in a day. I did get outside on Saturday the 3rd for a long run. Here is my runs for January so far:

Jan 1 OFF

Jan 2 3.2 miles 28:43

Jan 3 14.2 miles 1:57:10 (outside)

Jan 4 7.1 miles 1:03:08

Jan 5 5.3 miles 47:31

Jan 6 OFF

Jan 7 4.0 miles 35:29 AM 5.0 miles 45:04 PM total 9.0 miles 1:20:33

Jan 8 5.4 miles 48:46

I just haven't run the really long runs I needed to have a great race in Houston. At least 2 runs over 20 miles would have done it. On the bright side my legs feel great. On the 14.2 mile run my ankles didn't hurt until near the end. If Texas has concrete roads I will need to run in the Nike Air Max to help my ankles; if not, I would like to run in the Brooks GTS 8's.

It's great just to be running another marathon and friends and family will be there to cheer me on. I have never been to Texas so that will be cool too!

Year in Review

Since the 16th I took 4 days off and ran the following:

5.3   miles 19th

6.5   miles 20th

6.0   miles 21st

5.2   miles 23rd

3.65 miles 24th

11.1 miles 25th

7.0  miles  27th

3.1  miles 28th

3.1  miles 29th

6.0  miles 30th

10.1 miles today

The last 5 days in the list I ran on a treadmill. We joined Gold's Gym because the weather has been awful. It's been hard to run on the roads. Snow and cars.

The treadmill did my neck in. My ankles and legs feel fine. The treadmill hurts my back and neck; the road hurts my feet, ankles and legs. A mix of both would be good. We just got 7 more inches of snow today. I was hoping to start the new year off with at least a 6 mile run.

I ran 1992 miles in 2008; 6 marathons and had a lot of fun. My new job is terrific and I look forward to helping AWH have a great year inspite of the recession.

Peace and Happy New Year and another year of marathoning in 2009.

Awesome Day!

I had the best run today. It all started last night when I used a foam roller on both of my legs. I would roll until there was a tightness/pain and I would hold it until it went away.

10.3 miles in 1:25:10 for a 8:16.1/mi. pace and I still feel good after using the foam roller after the run.

Off to get our Christmas tree with 2 of my daughters.

The Cold has Taken its Toll

I ran only 3 days last week. 6.3 miles on Sunday and I couldn't run Monday. The bottom of my right foot hurt. I ran Tuesday 5.1 miles and then took Wednesday through Friday off. 

I bought Lance Armstrong Nike's on Thursday, they are much more cushioned in the toes, and I was told by the person at Dick's that they are for people with high arches too. It was only the second time that someone at Dick's seemed knowledgeable. She and her husband are runners and she suggested the Nikes.

I ran 18.2 miles on Saturday; I ran 4 miles to the artificial track at the high school, 10.2 miles on the track and 4 miles home. I felt really good. 

Shannon had me make the Dragon's Blood into a paste and I put it on both achilles. I also used the foam roller on both achilles/calfs.

Sunday I ran 8.2 miles at 7.1 mph in 1:08:55. I felt good all day. I didn't want to over do it so I took today off. 

I have run over 1900 miles; I hope to get close to 2000.

Into December

I had to take 3 days off. My legs are too tight from running on the frozen roads.

I was able to run on Wednesday the 3rd and Thursday the 4th.

5.2 miles each day. 8:16 and 8:06 per mile. I had to stretch a lot to keep my legs loose.

Today I ran 10.5 miles in 1:27:10 at 7.2 mph for a pace of 8:18.1/mi.

I had a massage today and Shannon worked on me for almost 2 hours. My legs feel very good NOW but I will take it easy tomorrow. Without Shannon's help I would not have been able to run all the marathons and feel as good as I do.

I have told her she should find a forum to write a help column; she has great advice which I am sure could help a number of athletes. Maybe you will see her advice soon :-) 

Manchester and Beyond

I took off the 21st and 22nd. I almost never take Saturday off; I love running long on Saturdays. I was tired and my legs hurt. I am always hopeful that an extra day off will help. 

Sunday the 23rd I was able to run 14.4 miles; 13.1 in 1:47:55 an excellent time for me. 

Monday I ran 4.1 miles in 33:52 at 7.3 mph for 8:15.6/mi. My legs HURT! 

I took Tuesday and Wednesday OFF.

The 72nd Manchester Road Race and my 19th was a beautiful day. I got there early enough to warm up. I felt good the whole race and came in 824th out of about 11,000 in 34:06; a little slower than last year. I got to run with a friend, Linda Yamamoto and I got to see a friend, Simone Warner, after the race.

I ran Friday and Saturday; 6.2 miles on Friday and 11.0 miles on Saturday. My left ankle stopped me from running 3 times on Saturday. I feel fine and my ankle is OK but I need to take some time off AGAIN! 126 miles for the month is kinda low. But I'm on pace to run 1950 miles for the year.

Down Time

My legs are tired.

I have been running OK but this cold weather and wearing crummy dress shoes to work have taken a toll on my legs. Here is what I have done since the 11th:

Nov 12   6.2  miles      49:56   7.4 mph  8:03.2/mi.  

Nov 13   4.1  miles      33:47   7.3 mph  8:14.4/mi.

Nov 14   OFF

Nov 15  10.4 miles  1:23:30   7.4 mph  8:01.7/mi.

Nov 16  10.0 miles  1:24:00  7.1 mph  8:24.0/mi. legs tired

Nov 17   5.2  miles     42: 40  7.3 mph  8:12.3/mi.

Nov 18   OFF Too tired right knee and left calf hurt

Nov 19   5.2 miles     41:15    7.5 mph  7:56.0/mi. legs felt GOOD!

Nov 20  4.2 miles     33:58    7.4 mph  8:05.2/mi. tired

This has been a tough week. I'm going to ramble here a bit. I know I will have to cut back on my massages. I just don't have enough money. I'll miss talking to Shannon too; my legs really feel so much better after getting massages and I love her advice! Shannon has been good to me. She has given me more time than I have paid for which has been a blessing. Before I met her I had not run any marathons. Now Houston will be my 18th in less than 5 years. I am still amazed! If I had the money I would get 2 massages a week. It seems like my wife and I have lived our whole lives together with little extra money for things that help make life enjoyable.  Although I have enjoyed a lot of good quality beers. ;-)

I have run so many marathons in the last year because I feel that time is running out for me. You only have so many marathons in your legs, especially if you run as fast as you can. I try to run fast but I always have in my mind that too fast will limit the number I can run. Usually I hold back some to see how I feel until the last 6-10 miles and see how I am doing. I'll go for it then! I'll certainly miss the speed that I have so I want to run as much as I can while I feel good. Well enough of that. 

The Manchester Road Race is on Thanksgiving Day. The 72nd running. This is my 19th year. This is my speed race for the year since I don't run many short races in the year. 

I'm listening to the UConn Men's soccer team play Fairfield so I'll end this so I can concentrate on the game. Cheers. TGIF

Back at IT!

I took last week off. 3 marathons in 9 weeks. That is the most I have ever done in that amount of time. Taking a week off seems to be the right amount of time for me. I have read that you can take as much as 2 weeks off and I have also read that you should take a week off even when you don't run a race but just after a certain amount of time of hard training. I prefer to run a race then take time off. 

My bunyon on my left foot has changed my foot. You probably only have so many marathons in you and definitely only so many at a faster speed. This year I have found that the second day I start running again I have thoughts that I may not be able to run the same or my future plans may have to change. BUT my feet today seem OK. I did run too fast yesterday. I don't set a certain speed I just go out and run. Here is what I did the last 3 days:

11/09   4.2 miles in 34:04  at 7.4 mph for a pace of 8:06.7/mi.

11/10   5.3 miles in 40:49  at 7.8 mph for a pace of 7:42.1/mi.

11/11   4.2 miles in 34:21   at 7.3 mph for a pace of 8:10.7/mi.

The 7:42 per mile was too fast. My legs bothered me all day. I ran slower and shorter today and felt OK. My thighs hurt some today and my right ankle BUT after I stopped running everything was OK.

No matter what time I go to bed I wake up between 4 and 5 AM. Tomorrow I hope to run a slow 6 miler.   

 

Manchester City Results

Here are the results from the Manchester City Marathon; I was 122 out of 434:

122 Keith Almeida             56    138 M   2/27    Enfield CT              3:38:37   8:21

The day started cold (30 F) and windy.

My left ankle "popped " at mile 9. I stopped and tied my left shoe tighter and ran a little slow for a while. At mile 12 I started to talk to a guy, Andy from Columbus OH and continued to talk nonstop until almost mile 22. It helped get through all those miles.

I actually had a kick at the end and ran past someone in my age group about 50 feet from the finish. I felt great afterwards!

Manchester City Marathon Sunday

I haven't written since last Thursday. Saturday 10.4 miles in 1:24:00 7.4 mph but I didn't feel great after; my left side was way too tight. I had a massage and went to a Cub Scout outing from 3-8 so I decided that it was best to take Sunday off.

On Monday I had a pinched nerve in my left leg. Monday and Tuesday I didn't sleep well.

For the next 3 days I ran:

10/28 4.1 miles  7.4 mph 33:30 8:10.2/mi.

10/29 7.1 miles  7.3 mph 58:28 8:14.1/mi.

10/30 5.3 miles 7.4 mph 42:44 8:03.8/mi.

Last week I was much faster. My leg finally felt OK last night after I used a tennis ball to loosen the nerve in my upper left leg. Today I got out of work at 12 because I originally planned to drive up to Manchester and pick up my number/chip today but my plans have changed. I going up tomorrow and staying over night. BUT today I was riding around town and realized that the old car (20 years old next month) which I am driving since my car died did not have enough cushion in the seat and my back/spine hurt.

I have never run 6 marathons in 7 months. I feel like I am OK because in the past I have run long miles a lot between races and frankly, after being laid off in January, I felt I was very fortunate to find a job at a company which seemed to like it that I liked to exercise. I just have this feeling that with the economy the way it is, I should run as many marathons I can because if I have to find another job, I may not be so blessed AND it is really cool to be part of the Marathon Maniacs.

Tomorrow off to Manchester. I love running marathons!!!

My son Keith is running the full marathon in Raleigh, Sony Ericsson City of Oaks Marathon.

I hope he runs a conservative race; I think he can run a sub 4:00 if he does.

Of course NYC has a marathon this weekend too! That was great fun last year. I'll run it again before I'm done.

Surprise!

I take the week off after marathons now. It really helps me to recover.

So I was off from October 12 through the 17th. I know it wasn't a full week but I listen to my body and my  legs started to hurt from not running. Also I was getting a massage and I felt running was the right thing to do.

So here is what I have done since the 17th:

Oct 18  5.2   miles  at   43:43    7.1 mph    at a pace of 8:24.4/mi.

Oct 19  7.1   miles  at   58:08    7.3 mph    at a pace of 8:11.3/mi.

Oct 20 4.25 miles  at   32:21    7.9 mph  at a pace of 7:36.7/mi. 

Oct 21 8.1    miles  at 1:04:45   7.5 mph    at a pace of 7:59.6/mi.

Oct 22 4.4   miles  at   33:50    7.8 mph  at a pace of 7:41.4/mi.

Oct 23 6.1   miles  at   48:07    7.6 mph     at a pace of 7:53.3/mi.

Oct 24 OFF

Last weekend one of my cousins husband ran the RI Breakers marathon in 3:28. We may be in the same corral in Boston this year. THAT would be so cool!!!

My car died again yesterday; it may be over for my SL2. The best car I have ever had.

My son Keith is running in Raleigh NC on Nov 2. I think he can run the full but he may opt for the half. He should have FUN; that's what it is all about.

The long term forecast for Manchester city is for snow. I have never run a marathon in snow.

I'm not sure how to wear the "Maniac" shirt.

6 marathons in one year and I had some good times and GOOD TIMES!

I'll see Shannon for a tune up Saturday. Then I am camping with the Cub Scouts that night.

It is suppose to RAIN :-(

Hopefully, it won't effect my legs. It's going to be cold too. 

ING Greater Hartford Marathon

What a day. The weather was perfect and I got to say hi to about 20 fellow Maniacs. The marathon is an out and back on a beautiful road in East Hartford and South Windsor.

I got in the porta potty line at 7:40 with layers of clothes on. I thought I would get through in 20 minutes. I finished at about 7:52, 8 minutes before the race. I ran back to my car took off the outer clothes and put my sunglasses on and ran to the start. I had to squeeze down the outside behind the barrier. A young lady just behind the Elites said she was looking for the 4 hour pacer. As she moved over to the side I was able to get in just behind the first mat.

I gun went off and I was up very close to the front. The half starts with the full so I was running too fast at first. My first 2 miles were at an 8.2 mph pace. I slowed over the next 2 miles to 7.8 mph and bounced between 7.8 and 7.7 for most of the race. The very end has 3 hills and before the hills I was on a 3:29+ pace. 

I finished in 3:31:26 for 344 overall and 5th (5/75) in my age group M55-59. I missed 3rd by 2:41.It was a great day and I will use this time to run Boston next year.  

Update: Harford Marathon This Weekend

Since I last wrote I have run the following:

Sept 30  7.0 miles in    56:04  at 7.5 mph for a pace of 8:00.6/mi.

Oct     1  6.1 miles  in    48:30  at 7.5 mph for a pace of 7:57.0/mi.

Oct     2  6.1 miles  in    49:24  at 7.4 mph for a pace of 8:05.9/mi.

Oct     3  OFF

Oct     4  11.1 miles in 1:27:00 at 7.6 mph for a pace of 7:50.3/mi.

Oct     5   7.2 miles  in    58:28 at 7.4 mph for a pace of 8:07.2/mi.

Oct     6   5.1 miles  in   41:24  at 7.4 mph for a pace of 8:07.1/mi.

For the Adirondack Marathon I couldn't run much the week before; it was due to worn out shoes. I just ordered 2 more pairs but I have been running in the same Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8's since Sept 30. I feel good and received a massage on Saturday. I am scheduled for one on Thursday but I'm not sure if I should get one so close to the marathon on Saturday.  

Adirondack Marathon

Since my left achilles was really tight all week I took it easy for the first 3 miles.  Then it got hilly from 3 to mile 11. Up and up. It was a beautiful course BUT more hills than any marathon I have run. The first 13.1 were short 3 and 4 part hills; the last 13.1 were long sweeping hills.

I came in 49th in 3:45:34; 2nd in my age group M55-59. I received a large maple leaf glass container full of maple syrup. That was cool. The top runners received large bear statues which was also very cool.

On Friday I still didn't know if I could make it all the way through so I was thrilled with my time and felt OK most of the run.

Now I have less than 2 weeks until Hartford. I hope to run between 3:29 and 3:39.

Today I ran 4 miles today after Biking the Berkshires on Saturday, a charity ride for MS. I rode 51 miles in 3:45. It was fun biking until some guy ran by me and I was wishing I was able to run ;-) 

Boston AMA Marketing Conference

I ran on Thursday September 11, 6.1 miles at 7.5 mph. Felt good. Saturday I ran 10.4 miles at 7.8 mph. I got a massage at 11 AM. My legs felt OK but they did not recover by Sunday.

I usually try to follow a plan so I ran 10.0 miles in 1:20:00 at 7.5 mph. My legs were tired!!

I had to get up at 4:20 AM omn Monday to get to Boston. My car died in the toll booth getting onto the Masspike. I got help and finally got home to get one of my daughter's car. I got to Boston in time but was tired.

Tuesday I ran on a treadmill 6.3 miles but my left leg/ankle was hurting. I tried to sprint to the elevator after and my ankle gave out. SO I have taken the last 4 days off.

I saw one of my massage therapists on Wednesday night and had my back ajusted.

Today I took Tylenol and I do feel OK now. A good nights rest and I should be ready to run on Sunday.

I hope the Adirondack Marathon is not as steep as it sounds;-)

I'll write on Monday how I did and what I thought of the race.

Fall is Here

It was cool to run in a tank top today. My arms were cold at the end of the run.

Yesterday I ran 7.1 miles in 55:30 at 7.7 mph for a pace of 7:49.0/mi.

Today I ran about as fast as I ever run; 6.2 miles in 46:45 at 8.0 mph for a pace of 7:32.4/mi.

I ran in Asics 2102's. I find they are great up to 10 miles but a little soft for me on longer runs.

I felt great this morning!

2 Weeks Til the Adirondack Marathon

My last post was on August 29th. Here is what I have been running since:

Date Distance Time MPH Pace/mi.
30-Aug 15 1:55:05 7.8 07:40.3
31-Aug 8.1 1:03:00 7.7 07:46.7
1-Sep OFF
2-Sep 7.3 57:01:00 7.7 07:48.6
3-Sep 5.4 41:17:00 7.8 07:38.7
4-Sep 7.2 57:09:00 7.6 08:03.2
5-Sep 7.1 57:11:00 7.5 08:03.2
6-Sep 10.2 1:20:00 7.5 07:50.6
7-Sep 10.0 1:20:00 7.4 08:00.0
8-Sep OFF

I finally got a massage on Saturday; I hadn't had one for a few weeks. I use foam rollers, pro stretch, "The Stick", tennis balls, etc. for my feet/legs and stretch a lot but nothing really helps as much as getting a massage. It works out all the kinks in an hour.

I am excited about the Fall marathons. I hope to have pictures to post too.

Faster All Week

After cutting my leg on Saturday, I didn't know how I would run this week. The Oxy socks have helped. I did take Tuesday off but my legs were just tired. Here are my times for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday:
August 25 6.0 miles 47:02 at 7.2 mph 7:50.3/mi.
August 27 8.1 miles 1:04:10 at 7.6 mph 7:55.3/mi.
August 28 10.4 miles 1:19:45 at 7.9 mph 7:31.4/mi.

I took off Wednesday morning and all day Thursday. I felt more rested and my times got better all week. I just sent for a new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8's.

Musing About August

First, I have gotten faster this month and with less than a month til my first of three Fall marathons I'm feeling good. Yesterday while cutting the grass I sliced the top of my left leg on a metal post. It hurt today when I ran and bleed a little but I think it's OK. Below is a summary of what I have done since the 5th:

August 6 4.0 mi. 32:31 7.4 mph 8:07.8/mi.
7 4.1 mi. 32:25 7.6 mph 7:54.4/mi.
8 OFF
9 16.4 mi. 2:14:45 7.3 mph 8:13.0/mi.
10 OFF
11 7.0 mi. 59:14 7.1 mph 8:20.6/mi.
12 7.1 mi. 59:07 7.2 mph 8:19.6/mi.
13 OFF
14 7.1 mi. 57:51 7.4 mph 8:08.9/mi.
15 OFF
16 20.4 mi. 2:48:30 7.2 mph 8:15.6/mi.
17 OFF
18 7.2 mi. 1:08:00 6.3 mph 9:26.7/mi. (I ran with my son Keith)
19 7.0 mi. 57:53 7.2 mph 8:16.1/mi.
20 5.1 mi. 41:47 7.3 mph 8:11.6/mi.
21 7.2 mi. 56:58 7.6 mph 7:54.7/mi.
22 OFF
23 13.3 mi. 1:45:00 7.6 mph 7:53.7/mi.
24 7.0 mi. 56:28 7.4 mph 8:04.0/mi.

Where Does the time go?

The weekend of the 26th I ran 10.2 miles (7:32/mi.) and 10.0 miles (8:05/mi.)
Lately, with cutting the grass and working in the garden on Sunday, my legs are dead on Monday so I took Monday off.
I was tired this week so after running 6.0 miles (8:04.7/mi.) I took Wednesday off too.
Thursday I ran 7.2 miles (8:06.1/mi.) Off on Friday;-)
Saturday I ran the John & Jessie Kelly 46th New London road race. I came in 88th in 1:27:26.3 a 7:32/mi. pace for 11.6 miles. It was about 13 seconds faster than last year so I was happy:-)
I don't usually run far on Sunday but I felt great so I went 10.5 miles in 1:26:00 (7.2 mph) at a pace of 8:11.4/mi.
Monday I took it easy, 4.1 miles at a pace of 8:10.7.mi.
Today I felt really good and went 7.1 miles (7.5 mph) at a pace of 7:58.3/mi.
After the race on Saturday I felt like I could still run a pace of 7:30 for a marathon. I hope to run Hartford in the 3:30's and Houston in 3:20 something. Hey right after that I turn 57 so if I don't do it now...

I Ran Twice Today

I ran this morning at 6:20 before it rained. I only went 5.3 miles in 41:52, 7.6 mph, at 7:54.0/mi. pace.
I then ran after work at 5:30; 6.2 miles in 51:20, 7.4 mph, at 8:16.8/mi. pace.
I felt I needed to get more miles in if I am going to run 3 marathons in the Fall.

I'm Still Running

I can't believe I haven't written since the 9th:-)
I took the next 2 days off; my legs were tired.
Here is an update of my running til today:

July 12 10.4 miles in 1:21:20 7.6 mph at 7:49.2/mi.
July 13 13.1 miles in 1:46:55 7.3 mph at 8:09.7/mi.
July 14 OFF
July 15 7.0 miles in 57:55 7.2 mph at 8:16.4/mi.
July 16 5.9 miles in 45:09 7.8 mph at 7:39.2/mi.
July 17 5.3 miles in 40:59 7.8 mph at 7:44.0/mi.
July 18 OFF
July 19 18.0 miles in 2:26:30 7.4 mph at 8:08.3/mi.
July 20 7.0 miles in 56:31 7.4 mph at 8:04.4/mi.
July 21 OFF
July 22 7.2 miles in 56:20 7.7 mph at 7:49.4/mi.
July 23 6.3 miles in 48:38 7.7 mph at 7:43.2/mi.

Some random thoughts: I have only gotten 1 massage for the month and I need more to run more distance in a week. I wake up most days between 4:50 and 5:10 and I get up between 5:40 and 5:55. I run all week in the morning. It's a little tough getting going but you can see by my times that I feel good. My legs seem to like early morning this time of year and I have been taking 2 days off a week for the last 4 weeks.
I took 3 powerade "gu's" on the 18 miler this weekend and I had to call my wife to bring me water just after mile 15 because it was hot 88 degrees and humid 85 percent.
I have been switching each other day from Asics 2120's to Brooks adenaline GTS 7's.
My totals for each week since the Lake Placid Marathon are:

June 22-June 28 43.6 miles
June 29-July 05 37.7 miles
July 06-July 12 36.3 miles
July 13-July 19 49.3 miles

This is an average of just over 41 miles/week but I would like to be over 40 miles every week.

End of June the Beginning of July

I'm on the computer all day at work. So I don't always feel like writing after I check my email at night, the weather is just too nice or the Sox are on TV. Here is a summary of what I have done since June 23rd:

June 24 6.1 miles in 50:42 7.2 mph at 8:18.7/mi.
June 25 4.0 miles in 32:39 7.3 mph at 9:09.8/mi.
June 26 7.0 miles in 57:34 7.3 mph at 8:13.4/mi.
June 27 OFF
June 28 14.4 miles in 1:53:00 7.5 mph at 7:54.1/mi.
June 29 10.1 miles in 1:23:00 7.2 mph at 8:13.1 mph
June 30 OFF Total for June 153 miles
July 1 5.1 miles in 42:19 7.2 mph at 8:17.8/mi.
July 2 OFF my calfs were really tight for the past 3 days
July 3 6.1 miles in 50:50 7.2 mph at 8:20.0/mi.
July 4 5.3 miles in 48:05 6.6 mph (ran with Simone) 9:04.3/mi.
July 5 11.1 miles in 1:30:30 7.3 mph at 8:09.2/mi.
July 6 10.7 mlies in 1:28:50 7.2 mph at 8:18.1/mi.
July 7 4.1 miles in 35:50 7.3 mph at :44.4/mi.
July 8 7.0 miles in 58:08 7.5 mph (this doesn't seem right) 8:18.3/mi.
July 9 4.1 miles in 31:37 7.8 mph at 7:42.7/mi.

I'm switching between Asics 2120's and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 7's enery other day. This has helped my legs.
I just ordered a new pair of Brooks GTS 8's.
Well I gota go eat. That's all for now.

Sunday/Monday

Yesterday I ran 8.1 miles in 1:06:00 (7.4 mph) at a pace of 8:08.9/mi. I felt good, my first 1.3 miles was at a 8.4 mph pace. My legs have recovered well. I didn't even have a massage since the race; I normally have one within 5 days.
Today I ran early; 4.1 miles in 32:00 (7.7 mph) at a pace of 7:48.3/mi.
I am trying a new sunscreen, aqua block SPF 50 by Nature's Gate.
Also I am trying arnica plus by Peaceful Mountain which says it is for pre and post exercise support.

It's Official

I am an official Marathon Maniac #1015, check it out at http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/ I'm at the bottom of the InSane AsyLum. I started running today. My left quad was a little tight but I was able to go 5.1 miles in 44:36 (6.9 mph) at a pace of 8:44.7/mi.

Lake Placid Marathon

I had a good week leading up to the marathon. I ran Monday through Thursday a total of 28 miles for the week.
It was a different marathon than I am use to. I went by myself; it took about 4 hours to drive there. The trip went well, the Google directions were perfect.
I didn't have to show ID to get my number. The people were friendly and very low key.
I stayed in Elizabethtown about 24 miles away. After I ate a late lunch I drove toward Elizabethtown to find a church. I was lost and just happened upon Holy Family at 3:57 and saw everyone going in for 4 o'clock mass. This was a good sign. After I asked directions to Elizabethtown.
My motel was a throw back to the 60's but it was nice and inexpensive. I was quoted over $200 in Lake Placid. My total bill was $65.
I left at 5:30 for the race. A deer ran in front of me about 5 miles down the road so I slowed down some. Another deer ran in front of me about 15 minutes later. But I arrived in one piece.
There was plenty of parking. Not a lot of people at first.
When we lined up the runners seemed reluctant to move to the line. I was about 10 feet back.
It started by going around a small lake. Very pretty.
Then out and back twice. When we turned at the ski jump the mountains were in the background. BEAUTIFUL! Everyone was encouraging and very friendly. I felt good but I started taking Gu at 5.5 miles and took 5 total at about 5.5, 10, 15, 19, 23. I also remembered to take Tylenol. There was a 12 year old that ran the 1/2 in 1:51.
It was great fun. I felt strong the whole time and ran past about 25 people in the last 10 miles.
I finished in 3:36:35 for 28th place overall and 3rd in my age group, 50 - 59.
I stayed around after to get my plaque and relax before driving back. I got home and my wife had a great supper for me on Father's Day. It was a great weekend.
I can now join the Marathon Maniacs!!! 3 marathons in 3 months was what I needed to accomplish. I did 3 in less than 2 months.

Less Than a Week to Lake Placid

Yesterday I ran 10.3 miles in 1:23:00 (7.4 mph) at a pace of 8:03.5/mi. It was incredably hot!!!
I haven't sweat so much in years. It hit 98 degrees today. I ran at 6:30 this morning so it was OK. 4.1 miles in 32:15 (7.6 mph) for a pace of 7:52.0/mi. It's going to be just as hot tomorrow. I have to stop writing to go cool off. We don't have air conditioning.

First Week on a New Job

The people at A.W. Hastings were very nice to me all week. What a wonderful company!!!
I ran in the morning before work and felt energizer each day.
Wednesday I ran 6.1 miles in 50:24 (7.3 mph) a pace of 8:15.7/mi. and on Thursday I ran 4.1 miles in 32:58 (7.4 mph) at a pace of 8:02.4/mi. I took Friday off to be consistent with my previous regiment.
Today I ran in 3 segment: 5.5 miles in 44:05 (7.5 mph) a pace of 8:00.9/mi. I finished at home so I could run with my friend Simone. We took off in a couple of minutes and ran 5.2 miles in 47:09 (6.6 mph) a pace of 9:04.0/mi. I left her after about 5 minutes and ran 4.3 miles in 32:07 (7.7 mph) a pace of 7:41.4/mi. 15 total mile. I felt good.
I then left to have a massage. Shannon did a great job!!! I feel great tonight even though I put in fence posts for my garden (90+ temperature) and cut part of the lawn (2 hours, I have a big lawn).
Hopefully tomorrow I can run 10 to start the week leading up to the marathon next Sunday.

June is Getting Hot

I know I reused a title from last June.
I will post some pictures from the Vermont marathon soon.
I had 2 massages last week and didn't start running again until Saturday. I ran 4.1 miles in 35:10 (7.0 mph) for a pace of 8:34.6/mi.
Sunday I ran with Simone. She is not back to where she was last October. She has 2 little ones to watch over. We ran 5.75 miles in 52:29 (6.6 mph) for a pace of 9:07.7/mi. It was OK because my hips have taken a beating lately.
I signed up to run the Lake Placid Marathon on Father's Day. It sounds REALLY hilly.
On Monday I started my new job. I ran at 6:35 AM 4.1 miles in 31:26 (7.8 mph) for a pace of 7:40.0/mi. It was the excitement of the first day. I felt like I was flying although it's not that fast.
Today I ran 4.7 miles in 39:12 (7.2 mph) for a pace of 8:20.4/mi. more in tune with how I have been feeling.
I hope to run at least 40 this week but it's only the second week after the marathon so I don't want to over do it.
Total miles for the month: 155. Total mile this year through today: 916.55

Key Bank Vermont City Marathon

My family loves the Burlington VT area. We stayed at 2 different Marriott motels. The first the TowneSuites. We had ajoining rooms. The staff was very helpful. It was nice. 4 stars.
On Sunday night we stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn which was even nicer and the staff were equally as nice.
The first night, Friday, 3 of us ate at the 3 Tomatoes next to the theater. The Switchback beer was excellent, bartender not so much and the calamere was salty.
Shaws has a great selection of natural foods which is in walking distance of the restaurant in Williston. But onto the race.
I had a banana and a power bar, Clif Builder, the morning of the race and I remembered the Tylenol. The night before Keith and I had whole wheat pasta, I had a couple of beers.
The weather was perfect. We started with the 9:00/mile group. This is a great race because the family gets to see you at the start, 3.3 miles, 8.7 miles, 15.1 miles, and the finish. Keith was high fiving everyone as we went by.
Keith was on pace for a sub 4 hour until his IT band acted up at mile 14. He had to stretch it at every drink stop from 15 miles on. But he hung in there and he finished in 7:25:12 taking 30 minutes off his Chicago time. A new PR!!! I finished 1 second back. I may write more later. It was a wonderful experience to run the whole race with my son. Not many people get the chance. I'll always remember it.

Saturday May17th

I ran with Steve Warner for the first time in months. We ran 4 miles at a 6.5 mph pace. Steve hasn't been running much we started out taking it easy and 4 miles was enough.
I ran a total of 10.5 miles in 1:34:40 (6.7 mph) at a 9:01.0/mi. pace. This is exactly what I hope I can get my son to run in the Vermont City Marathon on Sunday. We would come in at 3:56 for 26.2 I try JOTT today for my up date. I'll see if I did it right and if it does up date correctly.

Running This Week

I took Sunday off and ran Monday through Thursday. Here is a summary for the week:
Monday 10.0 miles (6.9 mph) at a 8:37.0/mi. pace
Tuesday 7.1 miles (7.2 mph) at a 8:16.8/mi. pace
Wednesday 10.4 miles (7.2 mph) at a 8:14.7/mi. pace
Thursday 4.2 miles (7.5 mph) at a 7:59.8/mi. pace
I have been busy going to interviews but no job yet.
I have also added a few links.
Tomorrow I'll take the day off and get a massage.

2 Weeks Til Vermont

On Thursday I ran 10.1 miles in 1:25:10 (7.1 mph) at a pace of 8:25.9/mi.
I took Friday off and got a massage. My legs felt a little tired.
I read that article on Slogging and Jogging in Running Times and I thought I might try it this Summer.
Today I ran 4.1 miles with a friend, Simone, and then ran another 10.3 miles. In total I ran 14.4 miles in 2:02:00 (7.1 mph) at a pace of 8:28.3/mi. With Simone we ran a 6.7 mph pace. That was good because I will try to pace my son in Vermont and he runs closer to 6.7 mph.
I just signed up for JOTT to try and post using my cell phone.
I'll see if it works later today.

...Update

Wow! it's been a week since I wrote. I guess since I'm probably the only one who reads this it doesn't really matter.
I ran last Thursday 7.1 miles at 7.5 mph in 56:38 a 7:58.6/mi. pace. I had gotten a phone interview and felt very good. However, I took Saturday and Sunday off because my legs still did not feel right.
Saturday My daughter Kelly presented her Honors Thesis and received her metal along with her boyfriend Tom. It was a great day as good as a great run!
I called Shannon on Sunday because I felt sooo bad. She didn't call me back but I thought of all the advice she always gives me and then I ran 7.4 miles in an hour (7.4 mph) at an 8:06.5/mi. pace. My legs felt better after the run. Monday 10.4 in 1:26:25 at 7.2 mph in 8:18.6/mi. I felt good but I was hoping to run at a slower pace one my son would run.
Tuesday I ran 6.2 miles in 51:58 (7.1 mph) at a 8:22.9/mi. pace. My legs are a little tired today.
So now it's Wednesday and I actually took the day off to garden. I t was a beautiful day. Really beautiful. I got a new plot done, Bob A helped with the hops, and I got some flowers and vegetables planted. I even applied for a couple of jobs!
Bridget our Beagle got loose 6 times today. It was so funny at one point I was in the garden with Bob and Bridget was next to the fence between us and the park and I said had the dog is loose. It took us about 5 minutes to get her but she was running free and I thought it was so great!!! She is so fast. She loves to just run and follow a scent.

A Great Day

Today was a great day!!! I got several job applications filled out and all kinds of things done around the house.
I ran 6 miles in 50:10 (7.1 mph) at a 8:21.7/mi. and my legs felt great compared to yesterday.
It was cool but sunny. It was a very positive day.
Bridget is doing great. It's nice having a dog you can pal around with.
139 miles for the month. January was 213, February 176 and March 219. Any month I run a marathon the mileage is reduced because of the easy week before and after. The week after is always tough to get the mileage back up. Next week I'll feel better.

Tuesday in the Rain

I ran 7.1 miles today in 1:01:40 (6.9 mph) at 8:41.1/mi. My legs are still dead from the race. My left ankle hurt from the 4-5 mile mark. I slowed down. It rained the whole run but it was nice. I haven't been able to run that far for over a week. I feel so alive running.
I filled in one application today and 1/2 of another.
It sucks not having a job. I was always interested in doing a good job; the best I could and being on time every day.
2 days of rain doesn't help your disposition with the dog wanting to go out but not wanting to get wet.
I should have a picture of the finish in Boston soon.

Back After Boston

Today was the first time I ran since Monday's marathon. My left quad hurt some at 1 mile but it seemed OK to run. I ran 4.3 miles in 34:58 (7.4 mph) at 8:07.9/mi. pace.
I'm not sure why I forgot but I didn't take TYLENOL before I ran Boston. It helped in NYC and I thought I had remembered everything. Oh well at least I remembered my shorts this time.
I was taking ADVIL but someone at the NY marathon said TYLENOL was better. It really helps my legs not to be so beat up.

Boston Marathon 2008

It was a fabulous day. The weather was perfect.
I had some problems getting to the start. My daughter Julie was driving us and the car lost power. The EVC sensor light was on the dash. Tiffany and Sam and Katie also came to see me run. They spent most of the day at a VW dealer in Worcester and didn't see me run.
I rode the bus for about an hour with Carl from Pennsylvania who was running his 22 Boston. He started in 1974 and had also run 7 NY marathons.
I found a friend in the village, Karen Farnum. WE had worked together a while back. She was running more miles in a week Than me (about 56 on average) and I encouraged her to run some longer races. She qualified for Boston by running the Hartford Marathon in 2007. WE talked and went to the corrals together.
The race was OK. I felt good and started at 7.0 mph. I was at 7.2 mph by mile 5 and slowly went to 7.4 by mile 9. I stayed there until mile 21 when my GPS stopped reading.
The end result was a 3:40:00 8:24/mi. 9294 overall. I was a little disappointed because I really felt I could run between 3:32 and 3:36. But I did qualify for Boston next year. After I got sick 3 weeks ago I really lower my expectations and my goal became qualifying for Boston with my Boston time.
I guess I'm getting old. I enjoyed the race and although I think I could have run faster I was happy to run well and enjoy the people and the fans.
There really is no race I would rather run than Boston.

4 Days to Go

I didn't run today. I was tired. Maybe the race is heavy on my mind but my legs didn't recover from yesterday so I didn't run today.
Tuesday I ran 4 miles in 34:38 (6.9 mph) at 8:39.5/mi. Yesterday I ran 10.2 miles in 1:24:40 (7.2 mph) in 8:18.0/mi.
A lot of things are going through my mind. I'm concerned that if I don't qualify for next year with this race I may not qualify. I have run all my marathons with the help of Shannon Kuzel my massage therapist and I may not be able to keep seeing her if I don't get a job which pays enough. I'll miss seeing her. She is such a great friend. She helped me reach my full potential in running at 54. But even more I found a friend as an adult which is difficult to do. My last really good friend I made as an adult died suddenly of a heart attack.
Running marathons after 50 seems to be a white collar thing. I may be wrong but if you don't have a desk job it takes a lot out of your legs to try and train all the miles to put in a good effort in the marathon. I'm afraid with the economy the way it is that I may not get the kind of job I need to keep running.
I may not be a great marathoner but I really enjoy the challenge of running 26.2 miles.
I''l give my all on Monday. I can run between 3:25 and 3:45. Any of those times will qualify me for next year. Last year was the only time I thought of stopping in a marathon. It was very tough. I don't know why but it made me appreciate even more Chicago and New York and the 3:18 I ran in Vermont.
Ruth said she may go and watch on Monday. I hope I feel good if she sees me. You just never know how you are going to feel during the marathon.

One Week Til Boston

It's finally almost here. Even though last year was a very tough marathon for me I love running Boston.
Saturday I ran 10.6 miles in 1:22:20 (7.7 mph) at 7:46.0/mi. The temperature was between 54 degrees F and 64 degrees F. I felt good right on the edge of some pain and I ran at that speed the entire way. I was coughing some after but not too bad.
Sunday I was tired. I ran 7.1 miles in 1:00:50 (7.0 mph) at 8:34.1/mi. 51 degrees F when I finished.
I'm looking back to see what I ran for the week before NY and I will try to mimic it this week. I'm going out in about 1/2 hour for a run.

Still Congested

Well yesterday I felt pretty good; I went 10 miles in 1:22:35 (7.3 mph fastest for the week) at a 8:15.5/mi. pace. I'm still coughing a lot at the end for 2-3 minutes.
Today my legs felt tired. I was able to turn it on in the last 11/2 miles. I ran 7.1 miles in 1:00:05 (7.1 mph) at 8:27.7/mi. pace. Tomorrow I'll take off and get a massage. I hope to run about 10 on Saturday and Sunday.
The long term forecast is for high 50's and sunny on Patriot's Day.

Struggling

It's good to be back running but I am struggling this week. I don't feel like my old self. Today I ran 11.1 miles in 1:33:00 (7.1 mph) at a 8:22.7/mi. Every step seems to be a struggle. I didn't cough as much until I stopped running. Yesterday I fell asleep for 2 hours after running. That time off last week is killing my time right now.
One nice thing about being unemployed is I got to see the ring ceremony at Fenway today. That was very cool.

Coughing Up a Lung

Well after Tuesday I couldn't run the rest of the week. I'm not sure how this will effect my run in Boston I hope it has no effect. I was congested and TIRED all week. I've read where it isn't good to run if the "cold" is in your chest and with further advice from Shannon K I took the week off. I did start to feel Ok on Saturday but I was still coughing so I waited until Sunday to try and get my legs back.
Sunday afternoon I ran 6.1 miles in 54:02 (6.8 mph) at a 8:51.5/mi. pace. I ran slow and I felt slow after 4 days off. It was really windy at times during the run.
Today I ran from 1:50 until almost 3:00. 8.1 miles in 1:07:20 (7.2 mph) at 8:18.8/mi. pace. I felt better but I nearly coughed up a lung after the run.

Ups and Downs of an Unemployed Runner

I haven't written since last Wednesday. My job hunting is frustrating. I think I have a good lead and then something falls through.
On Thursday I ran 6.1 miles in 48:38 (7.4 mph) at a 7:58.4/mi. pace. I felt good and I have picked up the pace this week which feels good. Off on Friday so I can run long on Saturday.
Saturday I ran 20.4 miles in 2:49:03 (7.2 mph) at 8:17.2/mi. pace. I felt good took 4 drinks and 2 packs of Gu. This was a little faster than 2 weeks ago, so I'm heading in the right direction for Boston. Three weeks to go. Over 60 miles for the week.
I took Sunday off and cleaned. I breathed in so much dust that I had a hard time breathing on Monday. I had to take Monday off too. I was exhausted and just studied for my CDL permit most of the day.
Today I'm feeling much better. I'll run this morning.
I ran from 10:15 to 10:45 this morning, 10.1 miles in 1:25 (7.0 mph) at 8:25.0/mi. pace.
My left ankle was stiff for 1.20 miles and my legs felt a little tired after 7.5 miles but overall it was a good run. I had a meeting at unemployment at 1:00 which gave a few ideas to pursue. I have an application to fill in this afternoon so I'll end for now.

A Day Like No Other

So after running last evening I thought I wouldn't be as fresh today. I got up to see the Red Sox early and they lost 5-1 to Oakland.
I went out at 10:00 to run and I felt a little stressed. I thought I was running slow but when I checked at 3+ miles I was running at 7.8 mph. WOW I have run so fast so quick ion a run in a while. At 4.66 miles I was at 7.9 mph. I had a hill with a bad road surface and some head winds and feel to 7.7 mph but I felt strong. I kept pushing and in the end ran 10.5 miles in 1:18:10 (7.9 mph) at 7:26.7/mi. pace. I wore the 2120's.
I haven't run like this since March of 2006. My legs feel fine right now and with 5 days left to the month I am over 190 miles already for March.
A lot of meat at supper (4:00) on Monday, a lot of Carbs (breakfast, lunch, ww pasta with some chicken for supper) yesterday seemed to help. I ate only a power bar this morning before going for the run as usual. I like to feel light when I run.

The Sox Win Their First Game

Go Red Sox!!!
I got up earlier than usual to see the game from Japan. One nice thing about being unemployed right now. I finished another book I was reading too.
I was about to go for a run when my wife said several relatives were going to lunch. I went and had a bigger lunch than normal. I put off running until 5:00 PM. I went 7.2 miles in 59:07 (7.3 mph) at a 8:12.6/mi. pace. I wore my Brooks GTS 7 shoes. I always feel like my step is lighter with these shoes. My legs feel back to normal but I felt a little full for the first 2 miles. I usually try to feel somewhat empty for a run no matter how far I go. I'll take things like apple juice/water (50:50) or Gu to boost my energy.

Spring is Here

After 2 days off I ran on Holy Thursday 10.3 miles in 1:24:50 (7.2 mph) at 8:14.2/mi. My left ankle and leg still are bothering me.
I took Good Friday off and had a massage. I talked to Shannon K my massage therapist about how I was feeling. She made some suggestions and did a great job on my legs.
Saturday I was able to run 11.8 miles in 1:34:50 (7.4 mph) in 8:02.2/mi. I felt good all day.
Easter Sunday I didn't have a lot of time so I decided to do a fast 4. I ran 4.3 miles in 32:55 (7.8 mph) at a 7:39.3/mi. pace.
I sat around a lot during the day and traveled by car for over 31/2 hours so my legs and feet were a little stiff but today I feel OK. My wife and daughters and 2 of my grandkids went to Waterford to visit my brother and his wife and daughter. We had a nice time catching up and then we got to see Shannon's new condo. Very nice!!! It's near the water with a great view of the shore.
Back home we were able to visit with many relatives including my wife Annemarie's sister from MD and brother from DE.
I was just thinking this may be the most miles I have run in a month in several years. It may be why my ankles hurt. But I feel in great shape.
Today I ran 12.1 miles in 1:34:55 (7.4 mph) at 7:50.7/mi. pace. I worn my asics 2120's RP.

Off for Two Days

Well, all the miles last week did my legs in. After Monday my left foot hurt. I decided yesterday that since I usually take a week off after a marathon that I needed to take at least 2 days off after the 23.6 miles on Saturday.  I thought I would be OK but my legs are telling me DON'T RUN.

Tomorrow, tomorrow...

Back At It

I took yesterday off. My legs felt OK but I have been stupid in the past and run too soon after a long run.
I did consider running 10 miles today but my legs were tired when I started out so I just ran with no mileage goal in mind. I ran 7.8 miles in 1:07:10 6.9 mph in 8:36.7/mi. It was a little windy at times but it was bright and sunny. A little cooler than it has been winter is becoming just a memory as Spring begins later this week.
My left leg is not a 100% yet from the Saturday run but hopefully it will be by Thursday. I'm going to ice it now and use heat later after I use the wall to stretch things out.
Marathonguide.com had a post today on a New Feature: Best/Biggest Boston Marathon Qualifying Races. Check it out.

Thoughts for the Week

Wednesday was my oldest grandson's birthday. Sam was 9. We had 2 party's for him one on Sunday with some of his friends and one on Tuesday. When my wife's Mom was going home from the party she fell. My wife and her oldest brother went with her to the hospital. They came home at 3 AM. The prognosis: Fractured left shoulder in 2 places.
I had to stay over her house on Thursday night so I didn't get much sleep. Friday my youngest daughter, Tiffany, went to the Junior Prom. I was in a daze on Friday. My plans to run over 20 miles on Saturday seemed to be in jeopardy. Tiffany looked beautiful. I was in the process of changing my plans for running this weekend. But my wife said I did not have to stay over Mom's house Friday night.
Friday's I usually get a massage. I saw Shannon at noon. I felt better but very tired.
Friday night I had to watch 2 of my grandkids, Sam and Katie, until one of my daughters came home. I feel asleep about 10:30. At 2:15 I had to get up when Tiffany came home. She had a great time.
At 6:15 Julie, my oldest daughter (Sam and Katie's Mom) came over. She was taking a test to be qualified to teach in CT. I got up briefly.
I laid in bed until about 10 trying to rest my legs as much as possible.
I went out at 10:45 for my run. My left in-step hurt on and off for much of the run. But I was able to go 23.6 miles in 3:20:00 at 7.1 mph. A little slower than I wanted but I felt strong.
After 3 straight days of 10+ miles and over 20 miles after one day of "rest" I felt good about my progress this week. 5 weeks til Boston!!! Over 61 miles for the week.

Windy March

I've had good runs the last 6 days. The following is a summary since the 7th:
8th 12.1 miles 1:38:00 8:06.0/mi.
9th 7.0 miles 59:10 8:26.4/mi.
10th Off; legs have been tired for 2 days
11th 10.2 miles 1:21:00 7:56.5/mi.
12th 10.0 miles 1:23:10 8:19:00/mi.
13th 10.3 miles 1:21:55 7:57.2/mi.

Sunday, Wednesday and today a lot of wind. I've gone over a 100 miles for the month already and my legs feel OK. REST is so important and I have been able to rest my legs most of the month. I have already run double digits for 7 days this month. I haven't had any more sleep (about 6-6.5 hours) but I have been able to fall back to sleep and have kept my feet elevated, with alternating cold/heat on various parts of my legs/ankles/feet to reduce the pain.
Off tomorrow and hopefully 22 on Saturday. 5 weeks til Boston.

Day Off Reflections

I took the day off from running to get a massage and to rest.
A few thoughts on running this week.
People shouldn't drive and talk on their cell phones. Twice this week cars came very close to hitting me and each time the person was on the phone.
If I have an obstacle (e.g. drain, puddle, snow drift) a vehicle matches my speed and we meet at the obstacle.
Runners are treated as a target; people throw things and toot or yell right when they are next to you running.

WOW!!!

I came back from filling out forms at FedEx. I hope I get the job. It seems like a great place to work. I felt so good that I ran 10.3 miles in 1:18:40 (7.8mph) at a 7:38.3/mi. pace. This is the fastest that I have run at that distance in about 18 months.
I took 2 drinks and I don't stop to drink. I use to take Gu every 6-7 miles but since I am unemployed I only take it when I run over 14 miles.
The Brooks GTS 7 shoes are AMAZING!!! The weather was beautiful.
I have run 48 miles so far this week.

Winters End?

Since February 27th I have run the following:
28th 6.1 miles 8:19.5/mi.
29th 4.2 miles 7:51.0/mi.
1st 7.1 miles 8:18.6/mi.
2nd 14.3 miles 8:00.4/mi.
3rd 6.1 miles 8:28.9/mi.
4th 10.2 miles 8:26.9/mi.
5th 7.1 miles 8:22.4/mi.

I have alternated between new Asics 2120's and the Brooks GTS 7's I in an earlier post. The weather has been ideal the last few days 45-55 degrees with only occasional wind. I have been getting more rest since I don't have a job, which has helped my running. My legs feel fresher each day. I have been using a castor oil wrap on my ankles and cold gel packs on my knees and legs which also have helped a lot.

It Must Be Wednesday

7.1 miles in 59:32 today. Since I'm unemployed I found the best times to run are 10-11:30 and 1-2:30. Drivers are so polite; they move over so I don't have to run through the snow and ice. I saw friends from my former job this morning which was nice; one friend who was a runner but had stopped now runs at least 20 miles a week. Nice. I worn new shoes today. Brooks GTS 7. I have never run in a Brooks shoe but I found them to be an excellent light weight and supportive shoe (nice around corners). Since I have worn orthotics I feel like I have a moderate pronation and this shoe was recommended. On the first run they were great.
I'm not sure why but I don't seem to get more than 250 miles from a shoe before I need a replacement.
My bunion is bothering me a lot this week. I'm not sure if all the outdoor running on the road works for me. I have used a bike on rollers in the past but I JUST WANT TO RUN!!! I have taken more days off this month than I want to to help my feet.

I wish someone who had even more experience than me would read this blog.

Snow, snow go away...

Last week was tough. I took 4 days off because of the snow. I am now running in Adidas Adistar 4, Adidas SuperNova, and Asics 2120s. So far 220-230 miles per pair. Only 26.4 miles last week after 53.6 miles the week before.
Yesterday I ran 13.1 miles in 1:47:00 (7.3 mph/8:10.1/mi.) Today 10.1 miles in 1:22:00 (7.3 mph/8:07.1/mi.) I'm feeling good with just under 2 months before Boston.
I have been getting only one massage per week now with one or two days off per week.
It may snow again tomorrow...oh joy!!!

It's Been a Long Time Coming...

I haven't written for a while. I've been busy getting laid-off from work and looking for a new job. One of my old colleagues said I need a job not a career. But life is exciting and the prospect of doing something new or the same work in a new setting does give me chills somewhat like I get when I run a marathon.
2007 came and went. 4 marathons: Miami, Boston, Chicago, and New York. WOW!!! I had a great time. I ran Chicago with my son. I will never forget that. Just the 2 of us in Chicago. It was great. I could have stayed forever. The people and the experience was amazing.
1925 plus miles for 2007.
January of 2008 I ran over 213 miles. Nine times over 9 miles.
February 16th I ran 20.6 miles in 2:48:15 for a 7.3mph pace in 8:10/mi. Connecticut is tough in February: snow tomorrow may limit my running for a couple of days. No more treadmills. The Gym is gone.
So far the lay off has not effected my running. I hope I can always say this. At 56 my health and my running is very important to me.

New York Marathon

NY was very nice. I stayed in Jersey City. Subways were a little confusing but on race day found 2 people who helped me get to the Staten Island ferry. The ride over was fun. We wait a short time for the bus and off to the park to wait for the race.
I met people from the UK, Denmark, Germany, and Italy. They made the announcements in about 20 different languages. That was really cool. I'm glad I had several plastic bags with me to keep warm. I got a space to lay down on the grass.
The race was a little frustrating; it took 18 minutes to get to the start and I ran past people the whole race. But it was FUN the entire way. The bands were awesome!!! The Verrazano-Narrows bridge was cool; a great start to the race.
Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and then back to Manhattan to finish in the park. Running into the Bronx I talked to a guy from New Zealand. Very cool.
When I got to the Park I was running strong and ran past 100's of people. The picture is of me in Central Park. I finished in 3:48 which was a little slow but overall a great time. We ate at Virgil's after the race. Great food and reasonable prices. It was recommended by 2 friends.

Chicago Marathon

Chicago was great! Everyone was sooo nice. From the minute we met up at the airport. A women who worked for the MTA helped us buy a pass and wished us well in the race. We got into town and I was confused where to go to get to our hotel. My son realized we had to go down to the subway. I asked a young women directions and she gave us a map. She said she was flying to Miami and she helped us find our exit point. We came up from the subway and took the bus to our hotel. We arrived at the Marriott and was informed it was the wrong Marriott. There are at least 7 in Chicago. The young women who helped us said not to worry our hotel was just a few blocks away. She also wished us good luck in the marathon.
We got to our hotel and settled in out room. We went out to eat next door at a bar. Many TVs lots of sports and some good beers. The patrons were into the jukebox; a lot of good tunes. We told them we were running the marathon and I asked if they knew of any place we could get whole wheat pasta for dinner Saturday night. The waitress said you would like whole wheat? She came back a little while later and said they had ordered it and they would have it for us tomorrow. They had flyers made and several of the runners from our hotel were there to eat on Saturday night. That was so nice of them.

My son ran his first marathon here. It was extremely hot. It hit 91 by mile 13. My legs stared to cramp at mile 17 even though I took water/Gatorade at every stop. 1/2 of a banana 3x's too! The picture is of Chinatown. My legs were totally cramped by then, but I was having a great time. Finished in 3:42 with both legs cramped up to the waist. Fabulous metal.
Both my son and I had a great time running and a great time in the city.

Update.....

Since no one reads this I write it as a running log so... here is my update for the last month.
6/30 12 miles 1:10 at 8:45/mi. for 8 miles last 4 in 7:45/mi. Simone 1:11 8 miles 8:52.5/mi.
7/1 17.9 miles 2:43:10 9:06.9/mi. Steve 13.1 2:05:40 at 9:35.6/mi. Total for week 43 miles
Next week total 46 miles ending Saturday 7/7
Next week total 40 miles (on vacation in Virginia at Williamsburg GREAT time!!!)
7/2 20.1 miles 7:51.6/mi YEA!!!!!!!!! Gel Nimbus 7 Total for week 55 miles
7/3 10.4 1:31:00 at 8:45/mi. Steve 10.1 1:32:00 at 9:00.6/mi.
7/28 14 miles 1:54:00 at 8:08.6/mi. Total for the week 44 miles
7/29 10.5 miles 1:29:00 at 8:28.6/mi. Gel Fortitude 2 seem heavier than Gel Nimbus. The other shoe I'm running in right now is Asics 2100 (I kept a pair around) which seem to be the lightest of the 3. I will run the Kelly race in New London next Saturday. I have also decided to run both the Chicago and New York marathons this year since my company has sponsored me for both. Hopefully, Chicago will be fast (under 3:30) to keep me in the Boston and New York for a few years.
During the week at work I am running with several people and I run between 3 and 10 miles.

June is Getting Hot

I ran Sunday (11.5 mi.) and Monday (6.7 mi.) but I took the rest of the week off. I walked about 4 miles Tuesday and Wednesday and biked over 16 miles on Thursday. Took Friday off so I would be fresh for the weekend. Saturday ran 11 miles for just 29 miles for the week. But Sunday I ran 16 miles in 8:14/mi. I felt great!!! M-Th 6.26, 5.32, walked 4, and 3.15. Off on Friday. Saturday I ran 23.6 miles in 8:20/mi. 13.1 was in 1:50:00 and I actually got faster for the last 10 miles. No left calf cramping!!! I drank at 4mi, 7 mi. (Gu), 10 mi. 14mi. (Gu) 17 mi. (16oz. water) 19 mi.(Gu) and 22mi. This week it is really HOT, 85-90F at lunch. Sunday I ran 10 miles in 8:45/mi. great for me after running so much the day before. Monday 5 miles. Tuesday too hot, ran 6.2 miles but not enough to drink. Wednesday I walked 5.66 miles. Today I hope to run about 9. Stay tuned.

Keep You Posted

I have been running outside near work for 2 weeks. LOTS OF HILLS!!! I bought a pair of Asic Gel Nimbus awhile ago and found they were too bouncy for the treadmill. BUT the are perfect on the road. I continue to get 2 massages a week and I am feeling good. Here is a summary of my last few weeks with highlights:
5/20 - 5/26 44 miles (7 mi. in 8:31, 8 mi. in 8:27, 11.6 mi. in 8:37)
5/27 - 6/2 43 miles (6.2 in 7:48, 5 mi in 8:36)
6/3 - 6/9 47 miles (8.3 in 8:26, 9.56 in 8:44, 11 in 8:43.2/mi., 1:35:55)
One hill is just over 1.8 miles but it rolls up and up and up and up so it helps my overall fitness.
I'm still running with my 2 friends; Steve has run 8:58.7/mi. for over 8 miles and Simone has run 7.2 mile in 9:16.9/mi. Both are doing a great job getting ready for the Hartford 1/2 marathon.

Update Since Boston

I took the week off after Boston. I now take a week off after each marathon. I usually gain a little weight too. I think it's good for me. I run in Asics Gel Fortitude 2 outside. It gives my toes more room than the Ascis 2100 or the 2120. I have been getting 2 one hour massages each week also.
Here is a summary of my weekly miles since Boston:

4/22 - 4/28 24 miles
4/29 - 5/5 33 miles
5/6 - 5/12 44 miles (hilly 7 miler on 5/13 in 8:31.7/mi.)
5/13 - 5/19 41 miles (10 miles on 5/19 in 7:46.0/mi.)

This is the first time since last July I was able to run consistently under 8:00 minutes per mile.
My first mile was 7:56, second 15:51. It was drizzling and 48 degrees F when I left. I really do run well in the rain. I felt great, strong and able to go the speed I wanted to run.
Today I'm taking off. My legs are a little tired and I don't want to keep pushing and then have to take a few days off in a row.

Boston Marathon

Wow what a day! I was dropped off in Hopkinton around 8:30. I stood in line awhile and finally got on the bus to take me to the runners village. They took a different route this year and I finally got to the village by 9:38. I ran to the bus to drop off my bag and raced down to the porta -potties near the start. I made it into the corral as the announcer said 1 minute to the race. Off we went 5 minutes later (my #7771).
On the bus I met Helmut from Vienna Austria. He told me about some of his 25 marathons. This was his first Boston. He is running Stockholm in June and said Italy (Rome, Florence) was a great place to run marathons.
The race went well through 25K then my left leg was hurting. My left calf cramped at the top of heartbreak and then from mile 25 to 25.5. It went away at the top of a small hill. When I saw the finish I just told myself to keep going and it would be over soon. I was really at my end. I glad it wasn't another mile I'm not sure if I could have kept running.
My legs hurt a lot standing in line after finishing, more than any of my last 4 marathons. This was much harder than Boston last year.
On reflection it felt good to finish in 3:39:08 although I was looking to finish faster.

Update!!!!!!!!!

It's been a long time since I added to this blog. January I ran a total of 165 miles including the ING Miami Marathon. I ran a 3:50:46. I was 425 overall. It poured at the start and I was standing in 2 inches of water at the beginning. Temperature 76 degrees and 76% humidity. Not ideal conditions. Miami may not be the best place to run for a PR. I drank too much beer (my son and I stayed next door to the Gordon Biersch brewpub) and felt full the next morning when I got up at 4:30. I was 13th in my age group just like in Vermont in 2006 where I ran a 3:18. BUT Miami was great!!!
In February I ran 138 miles total not as much as I had hoped to run but Connecticut can be a tricky place to run in the winter.
March was a good month I just broke in a new pair of orthotics which help me recover unlike my old orthotics which seemed to drain my legs of energy. Total miles for the month of March: 181.
April Boston Marathon in 9 days. I can not describe how great it is to run Boston. I hope everyone who runs marathons gets the opportunity to qualify and run. I hope I finally got my speed back; I ran 53:46 for 7 miles this morning (7:40.9/mi.) I have been tapering for 2 weeks and will take it easy for the next week.