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.