Stepping up

In the past 5 days I have run 42.2 miles, 4 double digit days this month already. Yes I am trying to step up my mileage to prepare for the 50k and 50 miler. I take Tuesday off to give myself an extra day for the massage to take effect and I run longer on Wednesday. 68 miles total so far this month.

Week After Revel Rockies

Very hot and humid week! 21.0 miles with a few miles on treadmill since yesterday it was lightening when I got home from work. 103.7 miles for month, a little low but it did take a lot of days to recover from Colorado. Hopefully, back to mid 30's next week.

REVEL Rockies 2015

It was my first time in CO. I loved the course but the downhill was tough and the altitude was tough for at least the first 10 miles. I had a lot of fun talked to a lot of people and I feel good 2 days after. I am using this as a long run for my 50k next month but take nothing from the race it was great.
Unfortunately, they did have a bus problem and the half did not take place. I'm not sure how people will take this I hope it does not negatively impact this race. There are way more pluses than minuses.
My only problem besides the road canter was the gels were introduced later in the run than they has said they would be handed out. I did carry 4 so I was OK. 3 stars out of 5.

Week to Go

The Revel Marathon is in 1 week and I ran 10.2 miles today in mid to upper 80's to help prepare for the heat next weekend. Annemarie and I are excited to take our first trip to Colorado.

Speed Work Redux #1

Speed work tonight on a track for the first time in years. New Saucony Ride 8.

Warm up 1.2 mi. 12:37:33

400 #1   1:46:49  7:13/
       #2   1:49:99  7:32/
       #3   1:45:12  7:02/
       #4   1:37:81  6:29/
       #5   1:39:35  6:43/
       #6   1:38:91  6:34/

Cool down 1.3 mi. 12:50:24

I feel good and I feel like this will help going forward.

Back to the Hoka Conquest

Well last week I had to take a lot of time off because my left ankle was too tight causing pain inside my ankle between my my Achilles and ankle bone. 2 massages/week plus 3 acupuncture sessions and I was able to run 21.1 miles today pain-free!
This was a runners weekend with Western States 100, won by Rob Krar and the Ragnar MA Trail run. Kudos to all taking part!

Steamy Weather

Wednesday and today were hot and humid! 17.8 miles between the 2 days and off yesterday for a total of 40.3 miles this week. I am having some problems with my left big toe, heel and hamstring. I have not had any acupuncture foe 3 and a half weeks and I do need to address this before it becomes a problem. Hopefully another long run Sunday.

Long Run

Awesome day today and I took advantage and ran a 19 miler on the roads. I ran out of Nuun/water at mile 16+; I needed 10oz./5 miles and I carried only 30oz.

Back at it Going for 200 Miles this Month

I have tomorrow off from Fleet Feet and I hope to run 15-20 miles.

Vermont City Marathon

This was a great race again this year. Although there were glitches, they ran out of hats and metals for the later finishers, I love this race. My 2 pet peeves were not so bad and I do think there were adequate number of porta potties this year. The pacers are still somewhat annoying.  The 4 hour pacer was energizer and energizing. A great choice as a pacer. I hope he is back next year. I had a lot of fun this year and felt strong throughout. The weather was great and the fans and runners were the best. I had one of my strongest finishes and in the Hoka Clifton my feet/legs felt perfect at the end and after.  

My 10th Vermont City

I so look forward to this marathon. My kids, spouses and grandkids come with my wife, Annemarie and I and we have family time together. The race is my time but the weekend is always great to be with the family. I get to see my brother and his wife Jan and his kids and grandkids too sometimes. Just a special time.
This year I have run 2 races longer than a marathon and I loved them and had a great time running both. So even though I am not 100% it is only 26.2 and I will have a fun time despite the pace groups.

Rock the Ridge 50 Endurance Challenge

I had a blast at Rock the Ridge! I met so many nice people and talked to several at length while we were running. I ran with a local women for probably about 20+ miles of the race which definitely helped get me through to the finish.
My wife, daughter Kelly and I stayed in Poughkeepsie for the night about 25 minutes from the start. They had coffee at the start which I couldn't get before and was thankful they had plenty.
I packed too much stuff in my drop bag and I used a white garbage bag which was distinctive but I would have been better off with a gym bag.
The start was delayed about 20 minutes which helped and we went off down the hill at about 6:20.
Lots of hills which I walked for the most part and lots of down hills which I tried to take fast to makeup for the walking. I probably walked a little more than I had to but since it was my first 50 miler I really just wanted to finish w/o injuries.
The metal is awesome! The food was good and plentiful. I ran the last 5 miles with people I had seen throughout but really by myself. Had to walk a lot in the last 2 miles but ran up hill to the finish.
Definitely would run another 50! Hoka Clifton life saver because the ground was rough on the feet. 10 gels taken during run along with cookies and the baked potatoes at one stop were awesome! Chocolate chip Clif bar helped ease my stomach near end.

Boston 2015

It was an entirely different day than any other Boston Marathon. First, I drove myself to Hopkinton. I parked where the family use to drop me off at the South lot. The weather was cold, rainy and windy. I talked to a lot of people about marathons in general, it was nice to be talking just about running once again.
The race went well, I took my time and enjoyed every minute of it. The crowd was huge for such weather; I saw blind runners, people with one or 2 artificial legs, wheel chairs, autistic runners, charity runners and even a guy with a broken leg on 2 crutches going down the middle of the road.
The Hoka Clifton's helped my feet. I had no foot pain after and felt fine at the finish. I do think I would have finished faster in the Saucony Ride but my feet would have been more beat up. I did stop at 3 porta-potties which had to add at least 7 minutes to my time.
The bus back to Hopkinton was great and the people I sat near all were about my age and had run several Bostons. It was fun to talk to them about hopefully coming back to run again.

Boston!

Yes it's one day to go.
I am driving myself to Hopkinton and catching the school bus back after the race, something I have never done in the 10 years running Boston.
The weather is suppose to be cool, 45-50 F, and  mostly rain with 20-30 mph E winds.I'm still not sure how to dress but this is better weather for me than 90F.
I'm thrilled to be here once again!

One Week to Boston

As always I am excited to run Boston. I have been working a lot lately and I am a little tired. I did not get a massage last week but I am not sure I need one every week.
Alli, who I work with at Fleet Feet, has a stress fracture but is going to give it a go. I hope she will be pain free. Michelle, is running her first Boston. I'm sure she will run well I just hope she has fun and takes it all in.
I hope all the runners have fun and enjoy the day. The weather is warming but it should be a fairly cool day.

Coming Back, Looking Forward

I feel great right now. The book "Ready to Run",  http://www.readytorunbook.com/ has been a great read. I would highly recommend it. Low miles last week but I am going over 40 again this week. Monday was beautiful followed by high winds for 3 days and snow yesterday and today. So much for the first day of Spring. I am definitely done with this Winter and ready for Spring-like weather.

Green Jewel 2015

My first 50k is in the books. I had a great time. Getting to Cleveland was fine and my new phone's GPS worked well.
Big thanks to the owner of the running store, Vertical Runner, in Brecksville, to steering to buy the LA Sportiva individual spikes you can screw into any shoe. The first 8 miles of the course was all ice and several patches after that as well. I met Ethan, 25,  on the bus who was running a 100 miler in a few weeks and Jeff a local guy who actually ran with me for the last 15 miles.
What got me through it was the chocolate chip cookies, lots of chips, the were handing out at the stops along with the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
I came in 33, 5:24:52, walked up some of the hills to help with the 50 mile training, 7th in my age group, M 50-99. Yes 50-99!

A Week to Go!

I am excited about my first 50K but I feel I am taking it in stride. I ran 169 miles so far this month but I have to be at work early tomorrow so I probably have closed the book on February. 341 miles so far this year and I feel good. Started running in my new Hoka Clifton's today, 7.7 miles. Still lots of snow and some ice but after running a few days indoors, I ran all week again outside. I just don't feel as good on a treadmill. The temperature is going to be 20-35 F in Oak Grove OH and partly cloudy for the race. Seems good, no rain or snow.

Lessons to be Learned no Matter How many Miles

I got to the bus this morning around 6:20; had to clear roof of snow and it was -4 degrees so I had to make sure the bus was warm by 7:00. I tell you this because I hit my left ankle getting into the bus to pull away. Tonight after work I only ran 4 miles because I hurt my right ankle slipping on snow and ice with the cantered road lower on the right. I am use to having the road higher on the right and i rolled my ankle slightly. I don't remember a tougher day on my ankles. The lesson could be too many miles in snow/ice, too many miles period or more rolling out the legs and more liquids. I chose the ladder. I feel better but I will take it a little easier the rest of the week since I have already run over 110 miles for the month.

Tough Week of Running

I took last Sunday off since I worked and its was cold, dark and snowing when I got home from work. Averaged a 10K all week except yesterday; I was tired to start the run and I didn't feel any better so I stopped at 3.4 miles. I am trying to have 2 week cycles since I am still working 6-7 days/week.
Hal Koerner's Ultrarunning has been a great resource book for both my 50k and 50 mile race. Science of Running, Ready to Run and Anatomy of Running also have helped me prepare for the long runs and hopefully, run better marathons. I would suggest all of these for all levels of runners. Run injury free!

Another Great Week of Running!

I started the week with a 24.4 mile run and ended it with a 16.8 mile run. Total miles: 62.2. The most weekly miles in at least 6 years. All in Hoka Clifton. I love the shoe and I will probably run the Green Jewel in the Clifton. Great massage this week too. Thank you Julia!

January is Almost Over

It's been a great month with a 172.2 mile total combined with last month's total of 347 miles in 2 months.
I hope to run long (25?) miles on Sunday. A lot of my miles lately have been run in Hoka Clifton and Conquest. All miles outside in insulated CW-X tights. I'm reading 4 books on running, 2 on ultra marathons.
I'll talk more about the books in the next few days.
Go PATS!

Great January!

I'm having a great time running right now. A new goal can do wonders for your motivation! I have run 137.2 miles so far this month with 174.8 last month. I ran in the Hoka Clifton for the past 4 days and and am loving them again. I hope to run at least 10 before the snow stops me tomorrow. Jury Duty today so I got to rest up some and with less stress from not driving the bus I feel great right now.
I got a new book on the Kindle, "Ready to Run" another excellent book I would highly recommend.

Cold Day

I ran 10.5 miles today in temperatures ranging from 6-16. Aquaphor on my exposed face kept me from any discomfort. Thermal CW-X tights, Ice Breaker Tube, hat and base layer. Also Brooks' Heater Hog and Saucony mittens with Nike shell. So warm! I would have run longer but the frozen asphalt did my left big toe (bunion) no good. Bright sun, fun run. I'm not sure if I'll hit 50 this week, it will depend on weather.

End of 2014 and Beginning 2015

22.3 miles on Saturday and a total of 53.7 miles last week. I'm feeling great!
I hope everyone has a high mileage new year! Run more.

Looking Back on 2014

Wow! 8 marathons and hopefully, another Boston qualifier with the Rehoboth time (80 seconds to the good).
174.8 miles this month, the most miles in a month in over 5 years. The most total miles since 2010.
I had fun and I am in the best running shape I have been in many years. Thanks to massage http://themassageschool.org/, Roll Recovery http://www.rollrecovery.com/R8/ , Rumble foam roller http://rumbleroller.com/, Anatomy for Runners http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Runners-Unlocking-Potential-Prevention/dp/1620871599 and extra time off from Fleet Feet http://www.fleetfeethartford.com/ . Thank you Nancy (and Steph and Carrie).
Happy New Year! I hope to accomplish a 50K and a 50 miler.
What are your goals?

Updates

I ran 42.5 last week and 42.9 this week. I'm on schedule to run more miles this month than any month this year. Massage once a week, the Roll Recovery and the Rumble roller are helping me and the "Anatomy for Runners" is awesome! 50+ for at least 2 weeks next month!

I Feel Great!

I took 3 days off and then started running again after Rohoboth. 11 miles last week and so far 14.7 miles in 2 days this week. I am trying to make 20 miles feel short in my mind so that 31+ and 50 feel natural to run long. This is the most miles I have run in one year since 2010. 8 marathons run and I feel stronger now than I did in January.

Rohoboth Marathon

First, I had a great time again!
I started off by talking to a couple of Maniacs, I think #36 and 25??.
The day was cool and I worn Ice Breaker long sleeve. My bottles of Nuun/orange juice slipped right away and I had to carry the bottles in my hands for 6 miles. But I was determined to run under 3:55.
I talked to several people and ran with a women running her second marathon, her first in Hartford 2014.
We ran together until about mile 16 and then she pulled away. I had to use the porta potty but I knew if I did my chances of running sub 3:55 were slim at best. I kept going. At mile 23 I was trying not to slow down. At mile 25 I was trying to keep it under 10:00/mi. pace. I succeeded. I was totally spent at 26 but pushed to the end for a 3:53:40. A Boston qualifier but I know I can do better.

A Lot Going Forward

Ran the 78th Manchester Road Race in Manchester CT on Thanksgiving. 4.787 in 36:57, 21st in my age group (M60-64). Very crowded for the first 1.25 miles. I had to run close to 7:10/mi. for the last 1.5 miles to keep my U40 place. Nice day, nice race and I had fun!
Saturday is the Rohoboth Beach Marathon. I'm ready and I think I can run a Boston qualifier. But
I also signed-up for the Rock The Ridge 50-Mile Endurance Challenge, http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/rock-the-ridge
I need to fund raise $250 so if you would like to donate, https://www.crowdrise.com/-individualparticipants/fundraiser/keithalmeida
I have never run 50 miles so it will be a new challenge for me.

Rainy and Cold

I bought a Nike light rain cover or something like that about 7 years ago and I felt hot when I ran and it seemed to cause me to sweat more so I hung it up until today. I worn an Ice Breaker top under it and it was perfect! I was dry and warm but not hot and I did not sweat! 8.2 miles and I felt great! I feel much better running since I have increased my mileage, but I have to run in the dark a lot more. 40+ miles 3/4 weeks.

Colder but nice Weather

6.2 miles today after 13.1 yesterday. It was colder but I felt good and i ran well. Over 1200 miles for the year and I just purchased the AFX ankle foot maximizer. I've read it will help stabilize and strengthen my foot/ankle and it was only $99 so I will take the chance. I'll let you know in the next 2 weeks how it it is in helping my stability.

Increasing Mileage

I ran 40.9 miles last week and 29.6 so far this week. I ran 14.3 miles on Sunday but I was tired from working on Saturday so it took 2:10:50. Monday 2.2 miles with an off day yesterday, I was exhausted! Today I had off from work and I stayed in bed until after 8:00. Felt better and ran 13.1 miles in 1:53:56. 9:09/mi. Sunday in Saucony Ride and 8:41.8/mi. today in Hoka Conquest. Walking around today in Saucony Cortana.

NU Hartford Marathon Part II

They did correct my time for Hartford. I am happy that it is probably spot on now. I pushed so hard to be under 4:00 and I had accomplished it just to have it taken away. It almost seemed that the 3 was dropped for my start time when I saw that my daughters time was 8:03:25 vs. my time of 8:00:24. We had all stood together before the start gun. It was not a Boston qualifying time but a time to build on for Boston. This is my local marathon and I want to run it forever so it would have left a tough feeling in me if it had not been corrected. It just shows how great the people of the Hartford Marathon Foundation are to go the extra mile to understand the runners feelings.

Update: Hartford Marathon Understanding

They listened to me and gave me a time which I feel I earned. It did move me up to 15/63 in age group (up 1 place) but otherwise it did nothing but give me the time I deserved. No Boston qualifier time so no controversy there. This is my hometown marathon and I will now feel happy running it as long as I can. Thank you NU Hartford Marathon!

Hartford Marathon

First, the metal and shirt are great. I had a shirt on that said "Father of the Bride" for my daughter Kelly's wedding next month to Zach Glazer. Along with my daughter Tiffany, one of her maids of honor, they all ran the half.
I liked running in the rain and the temperature was cool and perfect except for my hands.
I started way back because I wanted to go slow at first and finish strong. I started behind the 4:30 pacer.
I was on a 3:55 pace and  I noticed the the 13.1 mark reflected the the gun time which it should.
But my official results now reflect the gun time only for all splits and the finish. I hit my watch after crossing the finish and it showed 3:57:58.
I am certiainlyglad I did not shoot for a Boston qualifying time. Again I had to use the porta potty at about mile 22.
Overall, a fun day.

Random Thoughts

The rolling registration is over for the 2015 Boston Marathon, and this year it appears you needed to beat your qualifying time by 62 seconds to get one of the 23,546 qualified runner entry slots. This is slightly closer than last year, when the cutoff occurred at 1:38 below the qualifying time.
Runner's World had an article which discusses "Runners with More Training Miles Finish Marathons Faster."
No surprise, I always felt I needed to run at least 40 miles to qualify for Boston and the article substantiates this thinking.
Hoka Clifton's are helping me get to 40/wk.

Awesome Day to Run

I got out of work at 2:30 today so I was out running just after 3. 8.1 miles in Hoka Clifton in 1:11 about 8:46/mi. just what I need for 26.2 to definitely qualify for Boston even if they go back to 25k entrants.
I signed up today for Boston and was #25845 at 10:40 this morning. So maybe if I got on-line at 10 I might have been under 25k but it would have been close.

Back to Running

I took only 4 days to recover from the LVHN Via Marathon. I ran 2.7 miles yesterday and 4.1 today. I ran in the Hoka Clifton today. I had them on before the marathon but decided at the last minute not to wear them. I hope to qualify soon for Boston 2016 so I can run in the Clifton's in a marathon without worrying how fast I run. No massage this week student was sick but acupuncture (needles) and lots of Roll Recovery and Rumble Roller. I feel great!

Via Marathon

So OK I missed posting in August. I seem to have 6 things left to do at the end of my day, every day! I have so much to do and running is not always #1 ;(
The Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon was fun. It had it's positives and a few negatives but overall I accomplished what I wanted to in running it. I did not like the long down hill near thew beginning but I loved the trails! I felt good after recovering from the hill (mile 6) and I felt strong at the finish, no cramping. I took 4 salt capsules, S!Caps before mile 7, 14, and 21. 6 gels and OJ w/o Nuun (ran out); mostly water Gatorade just 2Xs.
Finished in 4:01:19 because I had to use the Porta-potty at mile 18 for about 3 minutes :( I find it tough traveling and finding the right food to set myself up for the race.
Hoping for a 3:50 in Hartford October 11.

163.4 miles Later

Yes, I almost missed writing in  the month of July. Many Roll Recovery http://www.rollrecovery.com/ , Rumble roller foam roller, http://www.rumbleroller.com/ and massages later I ran 131.2 miles in July which was my best total miles in July in 5 years. Thanks to all the students at The Massage School, http://themassageschool.org/?gclid=CNTDp_C58L8CFSsSMwodm0IAEA I could not run as well as I do without your help. It's funny but most of the students don't really know what their massage does for me. I am so blessed that there is such a quality massage school so close to me. Thanks Tika and Robin for all the great appointments!
I have three marathons in the Fall, the first is the Lehigh Valley Health Network Via Marathon in early September. Another marathon in PA. The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle is still on my list too.
A 8.0, 10.2, 16.3 and a 20 miler this month.

Update June 2014

The Vermont Marathon went well but I ran out of gas between mile 21 and 22. I finished in 4:05 when I was on a 3:55 pace most of the race.
It has been tough coming back but running in the Hokas I have gotten back to over 25 miles and I have increased every week since VT. Hopefully, I will break 35 this week. I have only had 2 days off in past 24 so I am a little tired.

Nutmeg State Marathon

Running around a park 12 times? Surprisingly a very enjoyable marathon which I will run again. I ran with a friend, Nick Platsis, for the first 14 miles which went by fast. Even after Nick too off the park itself was very pleasant despite the increasing humidity. 4:16:45 was a little slower than I wanted to run but VT City is 10 days away so I'll take it! There was a hill which of course repeated 12 times which did slow a lot of people down. Also this was the 4th day of 5 marathons in a row for several of the runners. God bless them! I believe they are crazy, but this was my 4th marathon this year which probably would have several people saying the same thing about me. Shirt and metal were nice and the volunteers! WOW!

Thursday Marathon

The Nutmeg Marathon this Thursday is my first Thursday marathon. My legs are tired from Boston. I came back too fast after Boston and I need to take it easy in Goodwin Park because I am running the VT City Marathon on the 25th. It is a day off from work, only the second day off since Boston. I had needles Monday with massage on Wednesday and Friday since I am "running" a 5K, the Pineapple run, for charity on Saturday.

118th Boston Marathon

I had a good time riding the Hartford Track Club bus. Sat next to Mitch and met several people who have been on the bus before but I never got a chance to talk to in the past.
The village had tight security and the staging areas had smaller sets of corrals to control people at the start.
I ran as slow as I could the first 4 miles and then I set a good pace. At the 15 mile mark the people were again grilling next to the road ;)
I took the hills in Newton at a good pace; I had carried orange juice/Nuun mixture and since it was hot (my Wave went off @ 11:00) I started drinking it @ mile 10. I drank Gatorade only once and took 5 gels.
After Heartbreak I felt good and pushed a little harder. I realized at 22 that I could break 4:00 if I kept pushing. I finished in 3:59:15. People on my bus came in 3:03 and 3:13 but many had slower times than they expected.
I saw a survivor from the bombing at mile 23 with one high tech leg she looked strong but tired. Several blind runners and other amputees and a few wheel chair racers. It was inspirational with more music than in previous years.

Holy Thursday

The last time I ran the Boston Marathon the day after Easter Sunday, I ran a PR, my first Boston. This time I hope to have an uneventful race and just have fun. It will be very emotional starting on Saturday at the Expo. I hope they do not make it difficult on the runners. I feel the history when I run Boston and I feel a small part of it. There are not a lot of things you can do in life and feel that way with all the stress and emotion of a marathon. You never know but it could be my last Boston even though I have a qualifying time already for next year. I hope to run about 3:52 but I hope to capture the awe I had in my first Boston.

Two Rivers Marathon

First, Mark, the director did a great job! I ran well and came in third in my age group, 60-69. The person finishing just in front of me was second. I was 48th overall  in 3:46:52.
This is a great course, although not closed to traffic, with the last 7 miles a gentle down hill.

Update a Long Time Coming

I worked every day since the marathon until last Saturday so I have been a little tired and busy. Two of my daughters have just gotten engaged and I have had to add more activities to my calendar.
I'm looking forward to the Two Rivers Marathon and I hae tried to increase my mileage. I have been reading the Hansons' training and I realize that I ran much better when I ran 45-55 miles/week.
I tried the Boost Glide but it is a little too soft for me.
I tried the Hoka Conquest and even though it is 4 mm it works for me and I hope to be able to increase my weekly mileage by 10-15 miles. I hope to run a full marathon in them in May.
My Sciatica flared up for about 2.5 weeks but I used heat, a firm seat in the bus, and holding some stretches for 2 minutes to hold it at bay.

Louisiana Marathon

Awesome!
I had a great time, my son and niece Gina ran the half. A little too warm but warm and sunny in January!!!
Had to use the porta potty and I stopped to tie one shoe but the heat got to me at mile 24-25 and I had to walk up one concrete overpass. Still my 3:58:50 was nice and the the Food and Bands and the VIP Marathon Maniac tent, WOW!
I ran with about 6 Maniacs throughout the race and saw some awesome wildlife. Definitely one to run. Only drawback is the concrete roads but you get them throughout the South and you just have to suck it up.
Roll Recovery, http://www.rollrecovery.com/ helped after the race and the past two days. My legs definitely feel better than usual.
New Orleans was amazing too. Red Slipper and Bull Dog just two of the great places we went to to eat and have a brew. Hopefully, I will run it again. Loved Baton Rouge and the River Road back to New Orleans.

Six Days to Go!

Looking forward to the Louisiana Marathon. My legs feel a little tired today so I took the day off. I would like to run between 3:55 and 4:05 in the race and have a lot of fun and just enjoy running in Louisiana. I feel I am prepared with needles last night and a 2 hour massage tomorrow. Looking forward to a long run, my legs usually feel better after the long run (marathon). I'll be running 5 marathons in 5 months with 2 in May 10 days apart. I should be fine, I just want to have fun in 2014 and I hope to run as many marathons as I feel good physically and that fit the family's schedule.

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.

Nine Days to Mississippi

I took a few days off since I was on my feet all day. Sunday I ran 12 miles on the rail trail and 6.2 miles on Christmas on the road. I felt great with no knee pain. PT, acupuncture and massage are all helping but it feels like some nerve pain in my left leg.
Still, all in all, I feel good and I'm ready to run a better marathon. I will take it slow at first without running too slow which seems to aggravate my pain.

Since Rehoboth

I have received 2 massages, acupuncture twice, seen an orthopedic ( my knees are as good as a 20 year old, no arthritis) and I'm now in PT to try and fix my left leg.
I ran 10.8 miles last Saturday, one week after the marathon in Saucony Hurricanes with Sole inserts. No knee pain. I have since run 3.6 and 4.1 miles since with no knee pain. Left IT band still too tight but I am feeling better about my chances of running better in Mississippi.

Rehoboth Beach Aftermath

It started well. A cool, cloudy day. I felt good at first but my knee hurt by mile 6. It went downhill after that. I felt like I couldn't run by mile 12. At 16 I started walking as much as running and then mostly walked from 19 on. I did run over the finish ;)
I really need to find some combination which will not effect my left knee. When I am not running it doesn't hurt at all.
After I received advice from one of the massage therapists and he said what I knew that it was where my IT band connected to the knee.
I see an orthopedic tomorrow and hopefully he my have a suggestion. If not I am going back to my podiatrist.

Final Week Before Taper

I ran three times this week 7.1, 6.1 and 6.0 miles and I will run again tomorrow. I have felt good; my weekly massage was great and it has helped me stay focused on next weekend. Hopefully, Rohoboth will be my fastest marathon of the year.

Manchester Road Race 2012

I warmed up for 10 minutes, went to the bathroom at DD and walked to the start. I was in the Under 40 this year for the first time. I was determined to go faster than last year, 39:02. There were a lot of young kids in my corral but they 12-16 year olds have been beating me for years in this race.
The gun went off and I kept up with the crowd. As we turned the corner I had to slow some but the pace was good for me. Hit mile one at sub 8 and I felt great. After rolling up the hill I came down fast and kept it up on the flat. I was never out of breath. My clock time was about 36:10 but my chip time was 35:47 beating last year by over 3 minutes. Right calf hurt some so I didn't push too hard at the end.
A very satisfying  run.
I'm ready for Rohoboth!

Thai Massage

Today I'm getting my first Thai massage. This is suppose to lengthen my muscles. It was recommended to me by Abby a massage student at the Easthampton Massage School. I'm excited, I hope that some of my tightness disappears. My official time for OBX was a little lower, 4:07:59.6 still 3rd in age group.

OBX Marathon

Keith picked me up at my Hotel at 5:10 AM and we drove to Mentao HS to catch our buses, mine to the full and Keith to the half. Plenty of potties at start but a little cool for the garbage bag. I wore a singlet with Saucony sleeves and CEP compression socks. I started and my left leg hurt after about 0.5 miles. I ran on the grass as much as possible. There was plenty of grass. Then we hit a trail for about 2.5 miles. Very nice. I met 3 people running the Richmond/OBX double. I also met a couple who ran a marathon/month. They told me of a trail marathon in Seattle area which I am checking out.
After 15 there was little grass to run on so I slowed some. But by mile 20 I was OK as long as I kept my shoulders way back and had my right leg land more toward my center. I was trying to get my right leg to do more work and I was reasonably successful. I had a strong finish with a long up hill over one of the many bridges in OBX. Overall I was happy with a 3/26 finish in age group and a 4:08:21 time, 356/1189 overall.
4 in 4 months; I didn't think I would make to this point but I only have 2 to go to get my second star in the Maniacs.
This was my 15th state.

Outer Banks

I have taken a lot of days off from running since Hartford. But the massage and acupuncture have helped get me back on track. If only the bunion would give me a break. I tapered well this week and I'm ready to run! Hopefully, I'll have a picture to post next week. Here comes number seven. I have never run this many in one year but I feel good and will take it easy.

Since Hartford

I have spent a lot of time resting, getting acupuncture and massage and lately have gone about 30 miles on the elliptical. Since Hartford I have run only 27 miles. My bunion and left IT band have hurt and kept me from running more. I received the Sole orthotic at work on this past Friday and it feels great but does not stop over pronation. I ran 4.6 miles yesterday with the Sole and felt great. Today I ran 4 miles in my old custom orthotics and I still feel fine tonight. I am getting 2 hours of massage tomorrow and needles (acupuncture) Friday and I will decide on the flight to Raleigh whether to switch to the half in the Outer Banks. Today I feel great but I want to run well in the Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving, it'll be my 22 or 23 Manchester race and right now I get a card to be near the front. I'm not sure if my body can take a 7th marathon so soon after Hartford.

Tomorrow the Hartford Marathon

Well this is my sixth marathon this year and second in three weeks. My sciatica has flared up and so I have rested a lot this week after 24.8 miles last week. Legs are a little tired and I would like to increase my mileage between marathons so I need a different strategy for the rest of the year. I hope for healthful results tomorrow, under 4:00 would be nice.

Rochester Marathon

Nick and I had a blast in Rochester. Nice small city and a lot to do. Went to church at St. Mary's Catholic Church, wonderful music.
The start of the marathon was low key and one small hill with a lot of down at first. Then rolling hills. My bunion started to hurt and then we reached the trail next to the Erie Canal. This was great my speed picked up and I felt much better. It lasted until mile 15 and then I was able to run on the grass next to the bike trail for a lot of the race until about mile 23+. My feet held up and I pushed the last 3 miles. I came in 204/564, 3/7 in age group at 9.00/mi. pace. 3:55:54 my fastest marathon this year. My feet were fine after the race and they feel good today. I will definitely come back to Rochester, it is now in my top 5 marathons.

8 Days Until Rochester Marathon

I've had to take a few days off since my legs were too tight. The Saucony Ride 5 do compress too much and I'm trying to decide on the Glycerin vs. Vomero. Overall I feel good. I just signed up for the Rehoboth Marathon December 8 this morning so I am set to run a marathon a moth through January.