Time to reflect back on running highs and lows from 2010.
Here are some of this year's highs:
-total mileage: 3,221 miles = 61.7 mpw - my highest total ever.
-49 races - highest race total ever
-New mile p.r. - 4:20.07 - BU mini meet
-New 3000m p.r. - 8:56 - URI Blue / White meet
-New 5k p.r. - 15:37 - Pie and Glove 5k, Corning, NY
-New 4mile p.r. - 20:29 - 4 on the 4th, Keene, NH
-New 5mile p.r. - 26:24 - Clamdigger 5mi, Westerly, RI
-New 12K p.r. - 40:01 - Bedford 12K
-New 8 mile p.r. - 43:39 - Stowe 8mi
-New 10 mile p.r. - 54:07 - DH Jones, Amherst, MA
-New half marathon p.r. - 1:11:00 - New Bedford half
-New marathon p.r. - 2:34:33 - Baystate Marathon
-New 50k trail p.r. - 4:04 - Pisgah 50K
Obviously, I had a great year with p.r.'s at almost every distance. Some other high lights include:
-going sub 2:00 in the 800m at the Valentine Classic and winning the heat with a big kick
-winning Lil Rhody for the 4th time in a new course p.r. for me in 45:03
-coming in 2nd to Fyffe at Northfield S.S. race in an epic battle
-winning the Northern Nipmuck 16mile trail race in 1:59:41, beating a very strong field and missing Ferenc's record by 16 seconds.
-winning the Pinnacle Challenge with team Four Runners (Fyffe, Miller, Ferenc, and Myself), I came back from a 3 min. deficit and we set the course record.
Some lows were Rhody 5k and the Pisgah 50k. Honestly though, I don't dwell on the negative and these were valuable learning experiences. I learned at Rhody to heed my own advice and go out slower in hot weather. I learned at Pisgah that I need more long trail runs if I want to win that race against 50k specialists, and race more on the trails.
In summary, I think the biggest reason for my success this year was Wednesday workouts with the Keenyans. Not just the actual speed sessions, but hanging out and training with an awesome group of people that inspire me to get out the door and keep running. We had some epic long runs and great times hanging out after runs playing guitars, singing, and dreaming about times we have yet to run. Also, dating Jen has been very good for me. She's always in a great mood and fun to be around. She keeps me very strong with her healthy meals. She supports my running and I'm proud of her running achievements. Thanks to my CMS teammates who motivate me with their blogs and are just fun to race with. New Bedford and Staches for Stowe were great team moments. I'm excited to see Jonny and Bentley so pumped about running and M.C. staying healthy and continuing to coach and encourage me. Thanks everyone who inspires me!
Goals for 2011:
-Stay healthy
-have fun!!
-p.r. at every distance from 800m-50K
-train optimally, emphasizing quality at the right intensity - not too fast!!
-lift 3 x week
Friday, December 31, 2010
Week of December 27th-January 2nd
Monday: 8mi / 58 min on Putney Rds w/Fyffe and Ferenc. We were going to go longer but we got hit by some crazy wind and white out conditions on the high exposed roads. Slipping on the snow covered roads made for slow going. lifted upper x 3
Tuesday: 10mi s.s. / 72min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. It was beautiful in the woods with the foot of fresh snow.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 60min - 8 x 200 (31,30,30,29,28,28,28,28) w/Fyffe, Andy, George, and Brad. Good workout, kept it relaxed. Sharpening workout for Millenium Mile. In the am I did a nice s.s. hike w/Glenn, Jimmy, and Griffin.
Thursday: 10mi / 67min on Gilsum Rds. w/George and Fyffe. Another nice s.s. hike in the am w/Jen and Griffin.
Friday: 0mi - No energy today. Feel like I'm getting sick. Tomorrow is the M.M. I hope I have some energy.
Saturday: 7mi* / 46min. Millenium Mile - 4:13, 8th place*
Sunday: 18mi* / 1:54 on Putney Rds. w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Wilson, Goupil, and George. Good run. My body was beat up from the hard downhill race. I pushed some of the climbs and we finished up with a 5:35 mile.
Total: 62mi
Tuesday: 10mi s.s. / 72min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. It was beautiful in the woods with the foot of fresh snow.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 60min - 8 x 200 (31,30,30,29,28,28,28,28) w/Fyffe, Andy, George, and Brad. Good workout, kept it relaxed. Sharpening workout for Millenium Mile. In the am I did a nice s.s. hike w/Glenn, Jimmy, and Griffin.
Thursday: 10mi / 67min on Gilsum Rds. w/George and Fyffe. Another nice s.s. hike in the am w/Jen and Griffin.
Friday: 0mi - No energy today. Feel like I'm getting sick. Tomorrow is the M.M. I hope I have some energy.
Saturday: 7mi* / 46min. Millenium Mile - 4:13, 8th place*
Sunday: 18mi* / 1:54 on Putney Rds. w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Wilson, Goupil, and George. Good run. My body was beat up from the hard downhill race. I pushed some of the climbs and we finished up with a 5:35 mile.
Total: 62mi
Sunday, December 26, 2010
December 20th-26th
Monday: 6mi / 43min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy. Trails are in rough shape. Lot's of ice and frost heaves. If we get a dusting to 2 inches of snow, it's going to be treacherous out there.
Tuesday: 3mi / 18:30 on Ashuelot rail trail w/Griffin. Had to run early, reffed two games.
Wednesday: 11mi* / 72min. Baker St. Track Workout - 4 x800m (2:23,2:22,2:21,2:18) 400 rest + 2 x200m (31,30). Tough workout. It was snowing and the road conditions were getting progressively worse the longer we were there. I felt like I was really working hard to hit the times. We cut it short to avoid pulling something from slipping on the roads. Good long bonk-inducing cool down. Andy and Fyffe saved the day with their powerbars and healthy cookies.
Thursday: 8mi / 53min in Pisgah w/Griffin. 1/2" of snow covered the ice making for dangerous conditions. Legs a little tired.
Friday: 5mi / 29:30 on Ashuelot rail trai w/Griffin. Felt smooth and easy. Was gonna run again later in the day but had to start and finish my Christmas shopping. Enjoyed hanging with the family.
Saturday: 9mi / 59min in Burlingame State Park w/Griffin. Ran on the very technical and cool Sammy C. trail.
Sunday: 9mi* / 53min on Ashuelot rail trail. Tempo 7mi in 38:30. Feel great. I was going to race at BU but the blizzard would have stranded me in Rhode Island. I wanted to get home, so I skipped the meet. I really wanted to race.
Total: 51mi - O.K. week. I need to get my mileage up a little bit. I guess I'll be snowshoeing next week. I'm excited for Millenium Mile next week.
Tuesday: 3mi / 18:30 on Ashuelot rail trail w/Griffin. Had to run early, reffed two games.
Wednesday: 11mi* / 72min. Baker St. Track Workout - 4 x800m (2:23,2:22,2:21,2:18) 400 rest + 2 x200m (31,30). Tough workout. It was snowing and the road conditions were getting progressively worse the longer we were there. I felt like I was really working hard to hit the times. We cut it short to avoid pulling something from slipping on the roads. Good long bonk-inducing cool down. Andy and Fyffe saved the day with their powerbars and healthy cookies.
Thursday: 8mi / 53min in Pisgah w/Griffin. 1/2" of snow covered the ice making for dangerous conditions. Legs a little tired.
Friday: 5mi / 29:30 on Ashuelot rail trai w/Griffin. Felt smooth and easy. Was gonna run again later in the day but had to start and finish my Christmas shopping. Enjoyed hanging with the family.
Saturday: 9mi / 59min in Burlingame State Park w/Griffin. Ran on the very technical and cool Sammy C. trail.
Sunday: 9mi* / 53min on Ashuelot rail trail. Tempo 7mi in 38:30. Feel great. I was going to race at BU but the blizzard would have stranded me in Rhode Island. I wanted to get home, so I skipped the meet. I really wanted to race.
Total: 51mi - O.K. week. I need to get my mileage up a little bit. I guess I'll be snowshoeing next week. I'm excited for Millenium Mile next week.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Week of December 13th-19th
Monday: 8mi* / 48min in Pisgah w/Griffin. M.P. run*. I felt great out there. I was slowed a bit by the flooded trail and raging streams. It was dark and drizzly. Saw a racoon.
Tuesday: 3mi / 19min in Pisgah w/Griffin. 1" of snow on trails makes everything pretty.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 52min Baker Street workout - 3 x 2-2-4 w/full rest (32,31,66,30,30,64,29,27,62) Great workout! Felt pretty smooth. Fun running fast again.
Thursday: 0 mi - Christmas party. Ho Ho Ho
Friday: 10mi / 68min Putney Rds. w/Fyffe. Legs feel like crap. I guess that workout was a wee too fast on Wednesday. Saw a barred owl.
Saturday: 11mi* / 73min B.U. Mini Meet - mile - 4:20 -4th. I went into this with sore legs from Wednesday's z-line destroying workout. I miss timed my warm-up and kept having to run more to stay warm. I ended up with about a 4.5 mile warm-up. I saw I was in heat one with some pretty big guns seeded at 4:13. Crap. I was seeded with a 4:30. At least the pressure to win the heat was off, now I just had to run smart. I stood on the starting line thinking I might run 4:35. The gun went off and I felt o.k. I hit the 800m and heard 2:12,2:13. I thought,"well if I don't fade too badly I can run 4:28". I didn't fade. I picked it up and moved through the field. I hit the bell lap and dug down. I hit the line and looked left and was shocked to see 4:20.
I'm pumped! I didn't think I would run that fast for my first mile of the indoor season. The funny thing is, last January I had a goal of running 4:20 for the 2010 indoor season. I didn't do it but I was still happy with my 4:23. Well, it's still 2010, goal reached! It was awesome seeing so many CMS teammates at the meet. The Keenyans all ran great. Haley ran two p.r.'s, Fyffe ran a fast 3000m and finished with a blazing kick, and Goupil ran the smartest races I've ever seen him run. He negative splitted in both races and moved up through the field. I predict good things to come for the rest of indoors for our training group.
Update: I just looked at the results and I got screwed!! They switched my name with the 5th place guy. I know for a fact I was 4th and I was very close to running 4:19. There were 3 guys way ahead of me. I ran 4:20.07 according to the results for Ben O. There was no way in hell that I was 5th or that I ran 4:21.xx!! I'm kind of pissed. Oh well, I know what I ran.
Sunday: 18mi / 1:59 in Putney w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Wilson, and George. Nice run, feeling good.
Total: 58mi -I'm very happy with this week. I got 4 quality runs with a tempo run, workout, race, and long run. I'm racing the 3k and 800m next week at B.U.
Tuesday: 3mi / 19min in Pisgah w/Griffin. 1" of snow on trails makes everything pretty.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 52min Baker Street workout - 3 x 2-2-4 w/full rest (32,31,66,30,30,64,29,27,62) Great workout! Felt pretty smooth. Fun running fast again.
Thursday: 0 mi - Christmas party. Ho Ho Ho
Friday: 10mi / 68min Putney Rds. w/Fyffe. Legs feel like crap. I guess that workout was a wee too fast on Wednesday. Saw a barred owl.
Saturday: 11mi* / 73min B.U. Mini Meet - mile - 4:20 -4th. I went into this with sore legs from Wednesday's z-line destroying workout. I miss timed my warm-up and kept having to run more to stay warm. I ended up with about a 4.5 mile warm-up. I saw I was in heat one with some pretty big guns seeded at 4:13. Crap. I was seeded with a 4:30. At least the pressure to win the heat was off, now I just had to run smart. I stood on the starting line thinking I might run 4:35. The gun went off and I felt o.k. I hit the 800m and heard 2:12,2:13. I thought,"well if I don't fade too badly I can run 4:28". I didn't fade. I picked it up and moved through the field. I hit the bell lap and dug down. I hit the line and looked left and was shocked to see 4:20.
I'm pumped! I didn't think I would run that fast for my first mile of the indoor season. The funny thing is, last January I had a goal of running 4:20 for the 2010 indoor season. I didn't do it but I was still happy with my 4:23. Well, it's still 2010, goal reached! It was awesome seeing so many CMS teammates at the meet. The Keenyans all ran great. Haley ran two p.r.'s, Fyffe ran a fast 3000m and finished with a blazing kick, and Goupil ran the smartest races I've ever seen him run. He negative splitted in both races and moved up through the field. I predict good things to come for the rest of indoors for our training group.
Update: I just looked at the results and I got screwed!! They switched my name with the 5th place guy. I know for a fact I was 4th and I was very close to running 4:19. There were 3 guys way ahead of me. I ran 4:20.07 according to the results for Ben O. There was no way in hell that I was 5th or that I ran 4:21.xx!! I'm kind of pissed. Oh well, I know what I ran.
Sunday: 18mi / 1:59 in Putney w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Wilson, and George. Nice run, feeling good.
Total: 58mi -I'm very happy with this week. I got 4 quality runs with a tempo run, workout, race, and long run. I'm racing the 3k and 800m next week at B.U.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Week of December 6th-12th
Monday: 7mi / 47min in Pisgah w/Jimmy and Griffin. Nice cold winter day.
Tuesday: 10mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the Girls. Great run. It's always fun running with the guys and hanging out after. Life is good.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 60mi - Track Workout - 2-2-8-8-4-4-4-4 -w/half rest. Result:(34, 33, 2:18, 2:16, 68, 67, 66, 67) This was a great workout for me and a big confidence booster. Last week I didn't feel warmed up enough for my workout and suffered in the mile. This week I did the 200's first and then hit the 800's. I was originally planning for 2:22-2:24.for the 8's. I was surprised to see how easy and relaxed I felt. It was fun having everyone doing the same workout for once, that rarely happens. Feeling great!
Thursday: 3mi / 19min on roads at night w/Griffin
Friday: 8mi / 58min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Boj, and the Girls
Saturday: 10mi* / 66min URI Alumni Track Meet 3ooom -8:56 1st. 1500m -4:19 5th. Good race in the 3k. I've never run a 3k before, so it's a p.r. I took the lead after the mile. They weren't yelling out splits and I wasn't wearing a watch, so I was clueless to how fast I was running. One URI kid went with me(Mike). He surged hard w/300m to go. He got a gap of about 3 seconds. I thought that was it. At the bell lap I ran hard and caught him on the final turn and put 3 seconds on him for the win. It felt great to win my first race in Mackal Field House. I only had about 25 minutes to get ready for the 1500 and my legs were cooked. Time to switch into workout mode. This was gonna hurt. I had no fight at all and let the top 3 guys go at the gun.(They were fresh) The winner ran 4:05. I was not thrilled but not upset with my 4:19. It was a fun meet, but it was a little disappointing that I was the only alumnus running from my college years. After the meet, Jen and I went and watched her niece perform in a play. It was a great day.
3000m laps/splits
1. 34.15
2. 35.31/1:09.46
3. 36.53/1:45.99
4. 36.64/2:22.63
5. 36.85/2:59.48-1000m
6. 37.24/3:36.72
7. 37.11/4:13.83
8. 36.88/4:50.71-1600m
9. 36.14/5:26.85
10. 35.51/6:02.36-2000m
11. 35.11/6:38.05
12. 36.12/7:14.36
13. 36.85/7:51.21
14. 34.69/8:25.90
15. 29.90/8:55.80-3000m-nice kick!
Sunday: 8mi / Untimed - Ran in Pisgah w/Jen, Griffin, and Jimmy. Wet rainy day, trail and dirt roads were pretty icy in spots. Legs a little tired.
Total: 55mi - Good week. Nice workout and race. I needed a long run and to lift. Next week I'm gonna lift, race at BU (probably the mile and 800), and do a long run.
Tuesday: 10mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the Girls. Great run. It's always fun running with the guys and hanging out after. Life is good.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 60mi - Track Workout - 2-2-8-8-4-4-4-4 -w/half rest. Result:(34, 33, 2:18, 2:16, 68, 67, 66, 67) This was a great workout for me and a big confidence booster. Last week I didn't feel warmed up enough for my workout and suffered in the mile. This week I did the 200's first and then hit the 800's. I was originally planning for 2:22-2:24.for the 8's. I was surprised to see how easy and relaxed I felt. It was fun having everyone doing the same workout for once, that rarely happens. Feeling great!
Thursday: 3mi / 19min on roads at night w/Griffin
Friday: 8mi / 58min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Boj, and the Girls
Saturday: 10mi* / 66min URI Alumni Track Meet 3ooom -8:56 1st. 1500m -4:19 5th. Good race in the 3k. I've never run a 3k before, so it's a p.r. I took the lead after the mile. They weren't yelling out splits and I wasn't wearing a watch, so I was clueless to how fast I was running. One URI kid went with me(Mike). He surged hard w/300m to go. He got a gap of about 3 seconds. I thought that was it. At the bell lap I ran hard and caught him on the final turn and put 3 seconds on him for the win. It felt great to win my first race in Mackal Field House. I only had about 25 minutes to get ready for the 1500 and my legs were cooked. Time to switch into workout mode. This was gonna hurt. I had no fight at all and let the top 3 guys go at the gun.(They were fresh) The winner ran 4:05. I was not thrilled but not upset with my 4:19. It was a fun meet, but it was a little disappointing that I was the only alumnus running from my college years. After the meet, Jen and I went and watched her niece perform in a play. It was a great day.
3000m laps/splits
1. 34.15
2. 35.31/1:09.46
3. 36.53/1:45.99
4. 36.64/2:22.63
5. 36.85/2:59.48-1000m
6. 37.24/3:36.72
7. 37.11/4:13.83
8. 36.88/4:50.71-1600m
9. 36.14/5:26.85
10. 35.51/6:02.36-2000m
11. 35.11/6:38.05
12. 36.12/7:14.36
13. 36.85/7:51.21
14. 34.69/8:25.90
15. 29.90/8:55.80-3000m-nice kick!
Sunday: 8mi / Untimed - Ran in Pisgah w/Jen, Griffin, and Jimmy. Wet rainy day, trail and dirt roads were pretty icy in spots. Legs a little tired.
Total: 55mi - Good week. Nice workout and race. I needed a long run and to lift. Next week I'm gonna lift, race at BU (probably the mile and 800), and do a long run.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
November 29th-December 5th
Monday: 0mi - had a dentist appointment. No cavities, no fitness gained.
Tuesday: 10mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. Nice run. Feeling good.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 58min Track Workout - (1mile-4:49, 4x400m-70,70,69,64) w/ half rest. This was a decent workout. It was very windy and raining. I struggled a bit with the mile, but I felt great during the 400's. I think I need to make sure I do more strides before starting the workout.
Thursday: 0mi - Meeting at work. Got home just in time to see Wilson and Ferenc finishing their run in the dark with the dogs. Griffin got 17miles today. Maybe she can race for me! I did do a light lifting routine and I ran 4 hill strides with Wilson, Ferenc, and the Girls.
Friday: 10mi / 65min in Pisgah. Nice run.
Saturday: 11mi*/ 67min Jingle Bell 5K - 15:44(5:04) 1st. I was hoping to run a p.r. I had raced here twice and I knew this was a flat, fast course. Well, they changed the course. There now is a good-sized hill in the 2nd mile. It was also pretty freakin' windy today. I figured I was looking at a 16 flat. I was really happy with my race. I put in a solid effort and had a strong kick. No one challenged me and I lead from wire-to-wire. My laps were: 4:58, 5:13, 5:04, 26. Jen ran a 6 second p.r.
Sunday: 14mi* / 1:33 in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Fyffe, Boj, George, Goupil, Wilson, McKnight, and the Girls. It was a lot of fun getting out and running with such a big group. Things got a little serious when a few of us decided to hammer up to the ridge. I felt really good. We kept it nice and easy for the last half an hour. We stopped a couple times to enjoy the views. We had some good grub and beverages waiting for us at my house thanks to Jen. It was a fun day.
Total: 54mi - Decent week. Happy with my race and the long run was great. I'm really looking forward to going down to Rhody next week and racing the Blue/White Meet at URI.
Tuesday: 10mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. Nice run. Feeling good.
Wednesday: 9mi* / 58min Track Workout - (1mile-4:49, 4x400m-70,70,69,64) w/ half rest. This was a decent workout. It was very windy and raining. I struggled a bit with the mile, but I felt great during the 400's. I think I need to make sure I do more strides before starting the workout.
Thursday: 0mi - Meeting at work. Got home just in time to see Wilson and Ferenc finishing their run in the dark with the dogs. Griffin got 17miles today. Maybe she can race for me! I did do a light lifting routine and I ran 4 hill strides with Wilson, Ferenc, and the Girls.
Friday: 10mi / 65min in Pisgah. Nice run.
Saturday: 11mi*/ 67min Jingle Bell 5K - 15:44(5:04) 1st. I was hoping to run a p.r. I had raced here twice and I knew this was a flat, fast course. Well, they changed the course. There now is a good-sized hill in the 2nd mile. It was also pretty freakin' windy today. I figured I was looking at a 16 flat. I was really happy with my race. I put in a solid effort and had a strong kick. No one challenged me and I lead from wire-to-wire. My laps were: 4:58, 5:13, 5:04, 26. Jen ran a 6 second p.r.
Sunday: 14mi* / 1:33 in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Fyffe, Boj, George, Goupil, Wilson, McKnight, and the Girls. It was a lot of fun getting out and running with such a big group. Things got a little serious when a few of us decided to hammer up to the ridge. I felt really good. We kept it nice and easy for the last half an hour. We stopped a couple times to enjoy the views. We had some good grub and beverages waiting for us at my house thanks to Jen. It was a fun day.
Total: 54mi - Decent week. Happy with my race and the long run was great. I'm really looking forward to going down to Rhody next week and racing the Blue/White Meet at URI.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Week of November 22nd-28th
Monday: 8mi / 1:01 in Saxton's River w/Boj, Ferenc, and the Girls. Very slow going due to my sore legs and dark conditions. Finished with our headlamps on.
Tuesday: 10mi / 64min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Good run. Saw a deer and a hunter, luckily for the deer they were miles apart.
Wednesday: 5mi / 40min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Jen and Griffin.
Thursday: 10mi* / 62min Pie and Glove 5K - 15:37(5:02) 2nd. Good race. New P.R.! I went back and forth with a kid that runs for Dartmouth. I got 2 seconds on him at 2miles, but he caught back up and made a really strong move at 4k. That was it. I couldn't match it. He won in 15:31. It was really windy and snowing. This was a flat course with lots of twisty turns. Jen and Katie ran well. Had a nice meal at Jen's parents house in Horseheads, NY.
Friday: 0mi - Long drive home. Body stiff.
Saturday: 7mi / 46min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Nice run.
Sunday: 24mi / 3:20. Arcadia Run w/Bentley, Jonny, and Boj. Great run. This idea was all Jonny's. He got the maps and figured out a cool route. I have to admit, after driving back from NY on Friday night, I really didn't want to drive 3hrs to Rhody. I'm glad I did. It was a lot of fun. Jonny and I hit Dunkin at 6am, and headed to the trail head. We met Bentley and Boj who were also sipping DD coffee. At 645 we were off. The weather was cold 25 degrees, but sunny with no wind. We saw a few hunters that no doubt were pissed at us for scaring all the deer. We climbed some snow capped peaks in the clouds at 400ft above sea level. O.K. there was no snow or clouds. We hit a lot of great single track and ran over some pretty technical stuff. Mt. Tom was pretty sweet. After 3 hrs, I was tired and ready to be done. At 320, we were back in the parking lot, tired but happy. The company was good and we laughed a lot on this run.
Total: 64mi - Good week. I'm happy to get a new 5K p.r. Now, I just need to avg sub 5min per mile. I'd like to lift some next week and possibly race another 5K.
Tuesday: 10mi / 64min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Good run. Saw a deer and a hunter, luckily for the deer they were miles apart.
Wednesday: 5mi / 40min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Jen and Griffin.
Thursday: 10mi* / 62min Pie and Glove 5K - 15:37(5:02) 2nd. Good race. New P.R.! I went back and forth with a kid that runs for Dartmouth. I got 2 seconds on him at 2miles, but he caught back up and made a really strong move at 4k. That was it. I couldn't match it. He won in 15:31. It was really windy and snowing. This was a flat course with lots of twisty turns. Jen and Katie ran well. Had a nice meal at Jen's parents house in Horseheads, NY.
Friday: 0mi - Long drive home. Body stiff.
Saturday: 7mi / 46min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Nice run.
Sunday: 24mi / 3:20. Arcadia Run w/Bentley, Jonny, and Boj. Great run. This idea was all Jonny's. He got the maps and figured out a cool route. I have to admit, after driving back from NY on Friday night, I really didn't want to drive 3hrs to Rhody. I'm glad I did. It was a lot of fun. Jonny and I hit Dunkin at 6am, and headed to the trail head. We met Bentley and Boj who were also sipping DD coffee. At 645 we were off. The weather was cold 25 degrees, but sunny with no wind. We saw a few hunters that no doubt were pissed at us for scaring all the deer. We climbed some snow capped peaks in the clouds at 400ft above sea level. O.K. there was no snow or clouds. We hit a lot of great single track and ran over some pretty technical stuff. Mt. Tom was pretty sweet. After 3 hrs, I was tired and ready to be done. At 320, we were back in the parking lot, tired but happy. The company was good and we laughed a lot on this run.
Total: 64mi - Good week. I'm happy to get a new 5K p.r. Now, I just need to avg sub 5min per mile. I'd like to lift some next week and possibly race another 5K.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Week of November 15th-21st
Monday: 10mi /68min on Keene Rail Trail w/George and Griffin. Nice and easy. Ran into Boj. He was doing a tempo run. Drizzly and dark. lifted upper body
Tuesday: 0mi -had C.P.R. training for 4 hours after school. leg routine, no weight
Wednesday: am -3mi /22min w/Griffin in the rain
pm- 11mi* / 67min Track workout @ I pace -1200-800-400-1200-800-400-1200 w/ half rest. (3:52, 2:35, 76, 3:47, 2:26, 75, 3:48) Not a great workout. It was very windy at the track and my body was tight and stiff. Just one of those weird days where everyone was in some sort of funk. Had a blast at Armadillos. Too funny!
Thursday: 13mi* / 1:18:47 in Pisgah w/Griffin. M.P.* run. Felt really good. I set my new record to the ridge (48:45). Kind of shut it down after the ridge. Talked with a hiker at the top that had 2 dogs. He was a cool older guy. There was an awesome moon right over Mt. Monadnock. What a beautiful day and a fantastic run.
Friday: 8mi / 56min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the Girls. Nice easy run. Legs fatigued.
Saturday: 5mi / 36min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin and Jen. Beautiful, chilly morning run. I haven't run with Jen in a while. It was fun. I'm getting excited for Lil Rhody tomorrow. I really want to break 45 minutes. My right piriformis is pretty sore right now. I'm used to that, I'll be fine!
Sunday: 14mi* / 1:26 - Lil Rhody Runaround 8mile trail race - 45:03(5:38) 1st. My right piriformis was miserably sore before the start of this race. After a good warm-up with Ben Nephew and Boj, I was feeling a little bit looser. I didn't want to complain after seeing how bad Glenn's back was, and he was still racing. The race went well. I took off at the gun and that was pretty much it. It was a solo time trial against the clock. Ben was coming off a 50miler and I figured his leg speed would be a little compromised. I felt great and knew I was running my best Lil Rhody ever. The only problem was the slippery leaves. It seems like in years past, the oaks were still hanging onto their leaves making the course faster. Not this year. Not a leaf on any tree, just on the ground causing me to slip on every uphill and turn. I got to the final road section and really hammered, running this last section the strongest I've ever run it. I felt like I was running a low 44 but figured I was slower because of the leaves. I wasn't wearing a watch and when I came into the finish I saw the clock at 45:00. I was a little discouraged to see that, but oh well, I ran fast and won for the 4th time. My official time was 45:03, which is a p.r. for me. I cheered for all my friends and family running the race. It was great to see Bentley and Jonny run big p.r.'s, Jen run a good first Rhody, Pard win his age group, Big Dave finish strong, and M.C. battle through the pain to finish for the first time in many years. I cooled down with Boj and started bonking due to the late start and early breakfast. Luckily, I had an awesome Thanksgiving meal waiting for me at my parent's house. It was great spending time with family and friends and I'm thankful for my health and the health of everyone around me. Winning is fun, but I'm happy to just be out there running in the woods with like minded people.
Total: 64mi
Tuesday: 0mi -had C.P.R. training for 4 hours after school. leg routine, no weight
Wednesday: am -3mi /22min w/Griffin in the rain
pm- 11mi* / 67min Track workout @ I pace -1200-800-400-1200-800-400-1200 w/ half rest. (3:52, 2:35, 76, 3:47, 2:26, 75, 3:48) Not a great workout. It was very windy at the track and my body was tight and stiff. Just one of those weird days where everyone was in some sort of funk. Had a blast at Armadillos. Too funny!
Thursday: 13mi* / 1:18:47 in Pisgah w/Griffin. M.P.* run. Felt really good. I set my new record to the ridge (48:45). Kind of shut it down after the ridge. Talked with a hiker at the top that had 2 dogs. He was a cool older guy. There was an awesome moon right over Mt. Monadnock. What a beautiful day and a fantastic run.
Friday: 8mi / 56min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the Girls. Nice easy run. Legs fatigued.
Saturday: 5mi / 36min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin and Jen. Beautiful, chilly morning run. I haven't run with Jen in a while. It was fun. I'm getting excited for Lil Rhody tomorrow. I really want to break 45 minutes. My right piriformis is pretty sore right now. I'm used to that, I'll be fine!
Sunday: 14mi* / 1:26 - Lil Rhody Runaround 8mile trail race - 45:03(5:38) 1st. My right piriformis was miserably sore before the start of this race. After a good warm-up with Ben Nephew and Boj, I was feeling a little bit looser. I didn't want to complain after seeing how bad Glenn's back was, and he was still racing. The race went well. I took off at the gun and that was pretty much it. It was a solo time trial against the clock. Ben was coming off a 50miler and I figured his leg speed would be a little compromised. I felt great and knew I was running my best Lil Rhody ever. The only problem was the slippery leaves. It seems like in years past, the oaks were still hanging onto their leaves making the course faster. Not this year. Not a leaf on any tree, just on the ground causing me to slip on every uphill and turn. I got to the final road section and really hammered, running this last section the strongest I've ever run it. I felt like I was running a low 44 but figured I was slower because of the leaves. I wasn't wearing a watch and when I came into the finish I saw the clock at 45:00. I was a little discouraged to see that, but oh well, I ran fast and won for the 4th time. My official time was 45:03, which is a p.r. for me. I cheered for all my friends and family running the race. It was great to see Bentley and Jonny run big p.r.'s, Jen run a good first Rhody, Pard win his age group, Big Dave finish strong, and M.C. battle through the pain to finish for the first time in many years. I cooled down with Boj and started bonking due to the late start and early breakfast. Luckily, I had an awesome Thanksgiving meal waiting for me at my parent's house. It was great spending time with family and friends and I'm thankful for my health and the health of everyone around me. Winning is fun, but I'm happy to just be out there running in the woods with like minded people.
Total: 64mi
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Week of November 8th-14th
Monday: 7mi / 45min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy. Cold and blustery with freezing rain. Quite a few trees down in the woods. Feeling good. Lifted total body.
Tuesday: 7mi / 46min in Pisgah w/Griffin. A little stiff and sore today.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 52min. Track workout 8 x 400m @67 avg w/200m rest. w/Andy, Mark, and Fyffe(last 2). Tough workout for me. The rest was too short for an R workout, and the repeats were too fast for an I workout, I guess I was kind of training in no man's land. I hate when I do that! I need to stick to the Daniel's formula, it works for me. It's fun to run with other people, but I need to be smart. It was nice to have such a large group of people at the track this week.
Thursday: 6mi / 43min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Boj, M.C., and 5 wolves. We were gonna run 10 miles, but a porcupine changed our plans. Ellie and Lena both got quilled. Ellie looked bad. She had about 50 quills in her muzzle, gums, and the roof of her mouth. She was bleeding quite badly. Fyffe and Boj ran a world record time back to my house to get pliers and a head lamp, while Ferenc and I worked on the quills with our hands. The damn porcupine sat there and watched the whole thing! I learned a few things on this run: Boj can hammer with adrenaline(just ask Fyffe!), Ferenc is a good surgeon, and Ellie is hard to kill. We all made it back alive and enjoyed some good eats courtesy of Jen back at my house. Even Ellie ate which was a good sign that her mouth was already feeling a bit better.
Friday: 10mi / 71min in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Goup, Boj and the Girls. Got dark out there. My legs felt like crap. That porcupine was in the same spot, sitting in a tree!
Saturday: 8mi / 52min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. Good run. Legs feeling great. Ran into M.C. and Jimmy. Earlier in the day, I watched the DIII regionals xc meet w/Goup, Boj, and Lynn. It was great to see Pipp, MacKnight, and Paige have such awesome races. It looked like a really sweet xc course.
Sunday: 11mi* / 67min. Magic Mtn. 5mile road race - 27:17(5:27) 2nd. I wanted to run a fast 5miler and try to crack 26 minutes. I picked the wrong course for that! On the warm-up with Boj, Ferenc, and Goup we all decided to ditch our watches and run on feel. This was gonna be slow! It was a very tough hilly course. I went out pretty fast w/Ferenc. On the big climb at 1.5mi I pulled away. I questioned myself, wondering if it was a good idea to try to pull away from a great climber this early in the race. Hey, I was feeling pretty good. I hit the rolling uphills at 3 miles and I slowed down big time. Yikes. I could hear Josh reeling me in. He caught me at 3.5, I tried to hang with him, but he dropped me at 4miles and that was it. He crossed the line 11 seconds ahead. I'm pretty pleased with how I ran, maybe I should have saved more on the climb. It was a good effort.
Total: 57mi - O.K. week. I need to get my mileage back up next week. I had fun at the race. I need to lift more and make sure I get a decent long run next week. I also want to kick some butt at Lil Rhody and break 45min.
Tuesday: 7mi / 46min in Pisgah w/Griffin. A little stiff and sore today.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 52min. Track workout 8 x 400m @67 avg w/200m rest. w/Andy, Mark, and Fyffe(last 2). Tough workout for me. The rest was too short for an R workout, and the repeats were too fast for an I workout, I guess I was kind of training in no man's land. I hate when I do that! I need to stick to the Daniel's formula, it works for me. It's fun to run with other people, but I need to be smart. It was nice to have such a large group of people at the track this week.
Thursday: 6mi / 43min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, Boj, M.C., and 5 wolves. We were gonna run 10 miles, but a porcupine changed our plans. Ellie and Lena both got quilled. Ellie looked bad. She had about 50 quills in her muzzle, gums, and the roof of her mouth. She was bleeding quite badly. Fyffe and Boj ran a world record time back to my house to get pliers and a head lamp, while Ferenc and I worked on the quills with our hands. The damn porcupine sat there and watched the whole thing! I learned a few things on this run: Boj can hammer with adrenaline(just ask Fyffe!), Ferenc is a good surgeon, and Ellie is hard to kill. We all made it back alive and enjoyed some good eats courtesy of Jen back at my house. Even Ellie ate which was a good sign that her mouth was already feeling a bit better.
Friday: 10mi / 71min in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Goup, Boj and the Girls. Got dark out there. My legs felt like crap. That porcupine was in the same spot, sitting in a tree!
Saturday: 8mi / 52min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. Good run. Legs feeling great. Ran into M.C. and Jimmy. Earlier in the day, I watched the DIII regionals xc meet w/Goup, Boj, and Lynn. It was great to see Pipp, MacKnight, and Paige have such awesome races. It looked like a really sweet xc course.
Sunday: 11mi* / 67min. Magic Mtn. 5mile road race - 27:17(5:27) 2nd. I wanted to run a fast 5miler and try to crack 26 minutes. I picked the wrong course for that! On the warm-up with Boj, Ferenc, and Goup we all decided to ditch our watches and run on feel. This was gonna be slow! It was a very tough hilly course. I went out pretty fast w/Ferenc. On the big climb at 1.5mi I pulled away. I questioned myself, wondering if it was a good idea to try to pull away from a great climber this early in the race. Hey, I was feeling pretty good. I hit the rolling uphills at 3 miles and I slowed down big time. Yikes. I could hear Josh reeling me in. He caught me at 3.5, I tried to hang with him, but he dropped me at 4miles and that was it. He crossed the line 11 seconds ahead. I'm pretty pleased with how I ran, maybe I should have saved more on the climb. It was a good effort.
Total: 57mi - O.K. week. I need to get my mileage back up next week. I had fun at the race. I need to lift more and make sure I get a decent long run next week. I also want to kick some butt at Lil Rhody and break 45min.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Week of November 1st-7th
Monday: am- 3mi /24min w/health class
pm- 4mi / 31min in Pisgah w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy. Good run.
Tuesday: 8mi / 52min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the girls.
Wednesday: 7mi* / 46min. Track workout: 4x400-200 w/200 rest @ R pace 67/32. Felt great to get back on the track again. I haven't done a track workout since September 1st. This was a very easy workout and I kept it smooth. I was impressed that Glenn showed up and ran some 400's.
Thursday: lifted total body.
Friday: 13mi / 1:22 in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, Fyffe, the Girls and Whistle. Great run, body a little bit stiff and sore.
Saturday: 9mi* / 59min - March for Mikey 2.5mile race - 12:40(5:04) 2nd. Decent race. I knew it wasn't going to be a 5k when I hit the turn around at 6:20. My motivation was lacking during the tough parts of the race. Still a solid effort, that I could have carried for another 1k at that pace. I need to continue to do speed workouts. Fyffe ran 4:36 pace which was pretty awe inspiring. It was fun watching Glenn and James push each other.
Sunday: 20mi / 2:30 -Saxton's River Trails to Putney Mtn. w/Ferenc, Fyffe, and Double J. Great run. Enjoyed the beautiful weather, nice views, scary witchcraft, and funny conversations.
Total: 64mi - Good week. Next week get in another good speed workout and long run. Make sure I lift 3 times.
pm- 4mi / 31min in Pisgah w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy. Good run.
Tuesday: 8mi / 52min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the girls.
Wednesday: 7mi* / 46min. Track workout: 4x400-200 w/200 rest @ R pace 67/32. Felt great to get back on the track again. I haven't done a track workout since September 1st. This was a very easy workout and I kept it smooth. I was impressed that Glenn showed up and ran some 400's.
Thursday: lifted total body.
Friday: 13mi / 1:22 in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, Fyffe, the Girls and Whistle. Great run, body a little bit stiff and sore.
Saturday: 9mi* / 59min - March for Mikey 2.5mile race - 12:40(5:04) 2nd. Decent race. I knew it wasn't going to be a 5k when I hit the turn around at 6:20. My motivation was lacking during the tough parts of the race. Still a solid effort, that I could have carried for another 1k at that pace. I need to continue to do speed workouts. Fyffe ran 4:36 pace which was pretty awe inspiring. It was fun watching Glenn and James push each other.
Sunday: 20mi / 2:30 -Saxton's River Trails to Putney Mtn. w/Ferenc, Fyffe, and Double J. Great run. Enjoyed the beautiful weather, nice views, scary witchcraft, and funny conversations.
Total: 64mi - Good week. Next week get in another good speed workout and long run. Make sure I lift 3 times.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Week of Oct. 25th-31st
Monday: 1mi / 8min w/health class.
Tuesday: omi - lifted upper body. Walked w/Griffin
Wednesday: omi - lifted chest and back. Walked w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy
Thursday: 8mi */ 45:35 in Pisgah w/Griffin. New P.R. for me on my 8 miler! I said I was going to take this week off from running, but I miss it too much and feel ready to go. 3 days off is plenty of rest.
Friday: 9mi / 62min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and The Girls. Good run, legs a wee tired.
Saturday: 13mi / 1:29 in Pisgah w/Griffin. Good run, beautiful crisp morning. Lifted upper body.
Sunday: 12mi* / 1:15 - 7mile Trail Race in Madame Sherie Forest. Ran with Fyffe and Ferenc. Those guys were killing me on the climbs. We decided to stick together to avoid getting lost. The course was really tough to follow and it was rugged! Ran back out on the course to try to find Goupil. He was out there a while.
Total: 43mi - Not a bad week, considering I took the first 3 days off. I'm glad I lifted 3 times, I want to do that again next week and get a speed workout.
Tuesday: omi - lifted upper body. Walked w/Griffin
Wednesday: omi - lifted chest and back. Walked w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy
Thursday: 8mi */ 45:35 in Pisgah w/Griffin. New P.R. for me on my 8 miler! I said I was going to take this week off from running, but I miss it too much and feel ready to go. 3 days off is plenty of rest.
Friday: 9mi / 62min in Pisgah w/Ferenc and The Girls. Good run, legs a wee tired.
Saturday: 13mi / 1:29 in Pisgah w/Griffin. Good run, beautiful crisp morning. Lifted upper body.
Sunday: 12mi* / 1:15 - 7mile Trail Race in Madame Sherie Forest. Ran with Fyffe and Ferenc. Those guys were killing me on the climbs. We decided to stick together to avoid getting lost. The course was really tough to follow and it was rugged! Ran back out on the course to try to find Goupil. He was out there a while.
Total: 43mi - Not a bad week, considering I took the first 3 days off. I'm glad I lifted 3 times, I want to do that again next week and get a speed workout.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week of October 18th-24th
Monday: Very sore today. I walked 1 hour today trying for a little active recovery. Seemed to help.
Tuesday:am- 3mi / 30min w/health class. Nice and slow, feeling a little better.
pm- 3mi / 22min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Still some soreness, but not too bad.
Wednesday: 2mi / 16min w/health class. Had an xc meet. Josh and Ashleigh won. States on Saturday, I'm excited.
Thursday: am- 2mi / 16min w/health class.
pm- 10mi / 67min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Saw a barred owl and a porcupine. Legs really tired, I guess I'm not recovered from the marathon yet. Nice chilly day.
Friday: am- 3mi / 24min. w/health class
pm- 13mi / 1:25 in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Boj, Fyffe, and the girls. Tough run. My legs are toast. Started to bonk a bit at the end.
Saturday:am- 3mi / 21min in Friedsam Forest w/Griffin and Jimmy, legs felt dead.
pm- 2mi / 15min at xc meet.
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:21 - Groton Forest 9.5mi trail race - 60:04 2nd place. Crappy race. My legs clearly have not recovered from the marathon. They were hurting early. I had trouble with the downhills and twisty turns on this course. Usually, I really enjoy this course and have fun on the roller coaster terrain. Not today! The winner hammered a new course record. He was flying!
Total: 54mi - Not a great week. I really should have taken more days off, or just not raced on Sunday. My legs are pretty fried. I'm gonna take next week off from running. My goal is to get in the gym 3 times and lift. This will be a nice break for my legs and mind. I'm gonna start training for indoors after my rest. The goal will be to break 4:20 in the mile. I'd also like to break 2min again in the 800m and run a sub 9min. 3000m.
Tuesday:am- 3mi / 30min w/health class. Nice and slow, feeling a little better.
pm- 3mi / 22min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Still some soreness, but not too bad.
Wednesday: 2mi / 16min w/health class. Had an xc meet. Josh and Ashleigh won. States on Saturday, I'm excited.
Thursday: am- 2mi / 16min w/health class.
pm- 10mi / 67min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Saw a barred owl and a porcupine. Legs really tired, I guess I'm not recovered from the marathon yet. Nice chilly day.
Friday: am- 3mi / 24min. w/health class
pm- 13mi / 1:25 in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Boj, Fyffe, and the girls. Tough run. My legs are toast. Started to bonk a bit at the end.
Saturday:am- 3mi / 21min in Friedsam Forest w/Griffin and Jimmy, legs felt dead.
pm- 2mi / 15min at xc meet.
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:21 - Groton Forest 9.5mi trail race - 60:04 2nd place. Crappy race. My legs clearly have not recovered from the marathon. They were hurting early. I had trouble with the downhills and twisty turns on this course. Usually, I really enjoy this course and have fun on the roller coaster terrain. Not today! The winner hammered a new course record. He was flying!
Total: 54mi - Not a great week. I really should have taken more days off, or just not raced on Sunday. My legs are pretty fried. I'm gonna take next week off from running. My goal is to get in the gym 3 times and lift. This will be a nice break for my legs and mind. I'm gonna start training for indoors after my rest. The goal will be to break 4:20 in the mile. I'd also like to break 2min again in the 800m and run a sub 9min. 3000m.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Baystate Marathon
Road marathons suck. I always thought they did anyway, that's why I waited 33 years to try one. It was never the distance that I was afraid of. It was the distance on roads pounding the crap out of my skeleton. I love running on trails. I don't even mind running far on trails, though I'm definitely better at the short stuff. I like the softness and scenery of the trails. I like that at a trail race, I don't need to wait in a long line to poop in a nasty port-o-potty, I can squat behind a tree and dig a hole. I like the ease of parking, and that trail races are never held in crowded cities. I also kind of liked telling nonrunners that I've never run a road marathon, they usually get silent and you can see their brains thinking, "Oh, he's not a real runner." That always gave me a silent self chuckle. I also like that at trail races, there is no fanfare. No screaming cheering crowds, just trees and wildlife. I really was convinced that road marathons sucked and I never wanted to do one.
Well, I did one. I ran Baystate today. I drove with Jen, George, and Justin down to Lowell, Mass. We got stuck in traffic on the way to the city. Road marathons suck. We had a hard time finding a place to park. Road marathons suck. We didn't know if we could come back to our car, before the race to change clothes. Road marathons suck. We had to wait in long lines to take our prerace dumps. Road marathons suck. When I got to the extremely crowded starting line, I suddenly had to pee really bad. Not a problem at a trail race, find a tall tree. Not here, in the city. I held it for 26.2miles. Road marathons suck.
Then things started to change. Things stopped sucking. We were asked to remove our hats, for the playing of the national anthem. They had technical difficulties. No anthem. Road marathons suck. Until, all 4,000 runners belted out the Star Spangled Banner loud and proud. That was cool. That didn't suck.
The race itself was awesome. I ran with Fyffe for a couple miles. He pulled away after 3 miles. I didn't go, because I knew it was too fast for me. I ran with 2 BAA guys for 13 miles. I was feeling great. I hit the half marathon at 1:16:22. I was ready to do another one. I pulled away from the guys I was running with and the road ahead was pretty desolate looking. No marathoners in sight. Jason Porter caught me around 15.5 miles and we ran together for a while. I felt great and was rolling. I was surprised to see my miles were still under 6 minutes. 22 miles into the race. Jason started to pull away from to chase down Titus Mutinda. A big blister popped on my toe at around 23 miles. I was getting tired but I didn't slow down too much. Mile 26 was tough. It felt great coming into the stadium and seeing Jen cheering like mad. I crossed the line in 2:34:32. I was pumped! I felt good. I had a ton of fun. I enjoyed the experience. I liked the measured miles and the water stations. I smiled at the screaming crowds and gave some thumbs up late in the race. It was really fun. I signed up saying it would be my first and last road marathon. I told people it was gonna suck. I had visions of my legs exploding from the pavement pounding at 20 miles. I was convinced I would drag my body the last 6 miles, limping home in 8 minute miles. It didn't happen. It was great. I can't wait to do another one. Here are my splits:
5:41, 5:46, 5:50, 5:46, 5:46, 5:48, 5:54, 5:44, 5:49, 5:50 - 58:01 10 mile split
5:53, 5:56, 5:54, 5:55, 5:56, 6:01, 5:54, 5:49, 5:54, 5:59 - 1:57:18 20 mile split
5:54, 5:52, 5:51, 5:58, 6:01, 6:20, 1:17 - 2:34:32 17th (5:54 pace)
Well, I did one. I ran Baystate today. I drove with Jen, George, and Justin down to Lowell, Mass. We got stuck in traffic on the way to the city. Road marathons suck. We had a hard time finding a place to park. Road marathons suck. We didn't know if we could come back to our car, before the race to change clothes. Road marathons suck. We had to wait in long lines to take our prerace dumps. Road marathons suck. When I got to the extremely crowded starting line, I suddenly had to pee really bad. Not a problem at a trail race, find a tall tree. Not here, in the city. I held it for 26.2miles. Road marathons suck.
Then things started to change. Things stopped sucking. We were asked to remove our hats, for the playing of the national anthem. They had technical difficulties. No anthem. Road marathons suck. Until, all 4,000 runners belted out the Star Spangled Banner loud and proud. That was cool. That didn't suck.
The race itself was awesome. I ran with Fyffe for a couple miles. He pulled away after 3 miles. I didn't go, because I knew it was too fast for me. I ran with 2 BAA guys for 13 miles. I was feeling great. I hit the half marathon at 1:16:22. I was ready to do another one. I pulled away from the guys I was running with and the road ahead was pretty desolate looking. No marathoners in sight. Jason Porter caught me around 15.5 miles and we ran together for a while. I felt great and was rolling. I was surprised to see my miles were still under 6 minutes. 22 miles into the race. Jason started to pull away from to chase down Titus Mutinda. A big blister popped on my toe at around 23 miles. I was getting tired but I didn't slow down too much. Mile 26 was tough. It felt great coming into the stadium and seeing Jen cheering like mad. I crossed the line in 2:34:32. I was pumped! I felt good. I had a ton of fun. I enjoyed the experience. I liked the measured miles and the water stations. I smiled at the screaming crowds and gave some thumbs up late in the race. It was really fun. I signed up saying it would be my first and last road marathon. I told people it was gonna suck. I had visions of my legs exploding from the pavement pounding at 20 miles. I was convinced I would drag my body the last 6 miles, limping home in 8 minute miles. It didn't happen. It was great. I can't wait to do another one. Here are my splits:
5:41, 5:46, 5:50, 5:46, 5:46, 5:48, 5:54, 5:44, 5:49, 5:50 - 58:01 10 mile split
5:53, 5:56, 5:54, 5:55, 5:56, 6:01, 5:54, 5:49, 5:54, 5:59 - 1:57:18 20 mile split
5:54, 5:52, 5:51, 5:58, 6:01, 6:20, 1:17 - 2:34:32 17th (5:54 pace)
On the way out of the stadium, we had trouble finding our car and the traffic was bad. I guess they still kind of suck...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Week of October 11th-17th
Monday: 5mi / 33min on Ashuelot rail trail w/Griffin. Feel good.
Tuesday: 11mi / 15min w/xc team + 56min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy.
Wednesday: 9mi / 32min w/xc health class + 32 min on Ashuelot rail trai w/Griffin. Legs kind of feel like crap.
Thursday: 3mi / 24min w/health class. Had an xc meet. Josh won again!
Friday: am 2mi w/circuits
pm 8mi / 53min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Feel great. Had fun running in the cold rain. The streams were raging!
Saturday: 5mi / 36min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Beautiful chilly morning run. Ready for Baystate tomorrow.
Sunday: 27mi* / 2:41 - Baystate Marathon - 2:34:32 (5:54) 17th.
Total: 70mi - Good week. I had a lot of fun at the marathon. Time to rest and recover. Finish out the fall with some fun trail races and get some speed for indoors. I want to get back to the gym, I haven't been in forever.
Tuesday: 11mi / 15min w/xc team + 56min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy.
Wednesday: 9mi / 32min w/xc health class + 32 min on Ashuelot rail trai w/Griffin. Legs kind of feel like crap.
Thursday: 3mi / 24min w/health class. Had an xc meet. Josh won again!
Friday: am 2mi w/circuits
pm 8mi / 53min in Pisgah w/Griffin. Feel great. Had fun running in the cold rain. The streams were raging!
Saturday: 5mi / 36min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin. Beautiful chilly morning run. Ready for Baystate tomorrow.
Sunday: 27mi* / 2:41 - Baystate Marathon - 2:34:32 (5:54) 17th.
Total: 70mi - Good week. I had a lot of fun at the marathon. Time to rest and recover. Finish out the fall with some fun trail races and get some speed for indoors. I want to get back to the gym, I haven't been in forever.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week of Oct. 4th-10th
Monday: 0 mi - watched Josh and Ashleigh win their xc races. I was a little sore from my active weekend of racing.
Tuesday: am - 6mi / 45min - Ran to school, at school, and xc practice - did striders
pm - 8mi* / 46:34 in Pisgah w/Griffin. New record for my 8 miler! Felt smooth and relaxed, worked the last 3 miles. Feel confident and fit right now.
Wednesday: 1mi / 8 min. + strides. Ran at school w/kids. Played football w/kids.
Thursday: am - 5mi /39min - xc team
pm - 8mi / 51min in Pisgah w/Griffin. (r) piriformis extremely sore. Oh well, I've delt with this before. Tweaked it playing soccer at school.
Friday: 10mi / 67min in Pisgah w/Boj and Griffin. O.K. run. (r) piriformis sore and legs tired but the weather was beautiful.
Saturday: 0mi - felt sick today. Watched Josh win another xc meet. It was an awesome race.
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:23 - Monroe 10.5mi trail race - 1:15:34 -1st.
I was really hoping to break the course record which is 1:14:16, set by Kent Lemme back in 2008. We had a great battle that year, but he beat me in the end by about 19 seconds.
I felt going into this that I could definitely run 1:13. This is a very tough course with 5 miles of steady climbing, followed by 5.5 miles of technical ankle breaking downhill with a few flats mixed in. Oh yeah, there are also two, shin deep stream crossings just to add to the fun. The weather was perfect and the course was dry and in great shape. I went out fairly hard with Ross Krause with Brian Rusiecki and Chris Hayhurst trailing us a little back. Climbing the first very steep switch back section, I went off trail because of all the leaves that were down. Ross pointed me the right way, and he took the lead. Brian and Chris caught back up to us. Ross set a very good pace up the steep climb and we quickly pulled away from those two. I have to admit I was a little surprised at how fit Ross was. I haven't seen him this strong, ever. When we topped out on the really steep stuff, the trail opens up on some double track that's all uphill but very runable. I retook the lead and Ross stuck right with me. We turned left onto the fire road and I kicked the pace up a notch, again Ross handled that well and stayed with me. We turned at the first aid station, not taking any fuel, and continued to climb up some good single track to the top of the small mountain. The trail steadily climbs on this section with some runable ups mixed with some pretty steep stuff. After about 37 minutes into the race, most of which was climbing, I finally pulled away from Ross. I hit the top, around 41 minutes, I can't remember exactly and I have no idea where this ranks with me in past years, but it felt like the best I've ever climbed on this course.
Hitting the downhill is where I really excel on this course. Not to sound cocky, but I figured that if I got to the top in sight of the leaders, even if I was behind, I would still win the race because of my downhilling ability. I let it fly. I was really hammering and just having a blast doing it. At one point on a not very technical section, I lost my focus and rolled my right ankle and went sliding 15 feet on my stomach. I got up limping, but was able to slowly run on. After about 30 seconds I was able to run fast again, though I may have been a bit more cautious. I was still thinking course record. At some point after the first stream crossing I got off course. I followed old pink ribbons off the trail and up an old stream bed. This eventually came to a road and I knew this wasn't the course. I let out a swear or two and then turned around. I eventually got back on track and lost around a minute, maybe even more. Getting close to the finish, I knew I wasn't gonna break the record. I lost too much time and the record is pretty damn fast! I ran hard and crossed the line in 1:15:34, not too shabby.
I enjoyed a coke and chili as I watched the rest of the top guys come in. Ross said that Chris had passed him, but he got lost. A lot of finishers said they took wrong turns and quite a few did the same thing I did(following the old pink ribbons to the road). Jen finished in 1:58. I was worried she was gonna get lost out there, but she kept on course. She looked pretty worked after the race. It is one tough course, but a lot of fun. It's also in an absolutely beautiful spot and the post race grub was good. Jen and I enjoyed doing meatball grinder belches the whole car ride home. It was a great day, and I'll be back next year.
Total: 51mi - Not a great week, basically had 3 days off. Next week is Baystate. Keep it cool and easy.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Week of Sept 27th-Oct 3rd
Monday: 5mi / 33min in Pisgah w/Griffin
Tuesday 14mi* / 1:28 in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy. Great run, felt fast and worked the climbs. Very muggy but the rain showers kept me cool. Wore my new Mudrock 290's. They are awesome. Saw a porcupine.
Wednesday: 1mi / 8min. w/Health class. Had an xc meet. Josh won again. Lifted upper body.
Thursday: 12mi / 1:19 in Pisgah w/Griffin. Decent run, muggy and raining. Saw a deer.
Friday: 10mi / 68min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Griffin, and Bailey. Nice romp in the rain.
Saturday: 13mi* / 1:25 Ran the Chesterfield 5K w/Josh, then zipped over to the KSC Invite and registered with 20 minutes to spare. Ran 27:00 finishing in 14th. Felt good, went out slow and kept moving up through the pack. I had a really good kick to hold off a KSC runner. Picture perfect fall weather.
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:25 - Ran the Pinnacle Challenge with Fyffe, Miller, and Ferenc. We got 1st place as a team in 2:00:17. I ran 22:07 on the 3.5mi trail run. It was a blast.
Total: 68mi - Great week. Had an awesome weekend with two great races. I'm pleased with Tuesday's run as well. Starting to feel very good and the 50K is definitely behind me and out of my legs. Looking forward to another good week of running. I can't wait to run at Monroe, I love that course!
Tuesday 14mi* / 1:28 in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jimmy. Great run, felt fast and worked the climbs. Very muggy but the rain showers kept me cool. Wore my new Mudrock 290's. They are awesome. Saw a porcupine.
Wednesday: 1mi / 8min. w/Health class. Had an xc meet. Josh won again. Lifted upper body.
Thursday: 12mi / 1:19 in Pisgah w/Griffin. Decent run, muggy and raining. Saw a deer.
Friday: 10mi / 68min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Griffin, and Bailey. Nice romp in the rain.
Saturday: 13mi* / 1:25 Ran the Chesterfield 5K w/Josh, then zipped over to the KSC Invite and registered with 20 minutes to spare. Ran 27:00 finishing in 14th. Felt good, went out slow and kept moving up through the pack. I had a really good kick to hold off a KSC runner. Picture perfect fall weather.
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:25 - Ran the Pinnacle Challenge with Fyffe, Miller, and Ferenc. We got 1st place as a team in 2:00:17. I ran 22:07 on the 3.5mi trail run. It was a blast.
Total: 68mi - Great week. Had an awesome weekend with two great races. I'm pleased with Tuesday's run as well. Starting to feel very good and the 50K is definitely behind me and out of my legs. Looking forward to another good week of running. I can't wait to run at Monroe, I love that course!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Week of Sept. 20th-26th
Monday: 5mi / 38 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - very sore quads
Tuesday: 0mi - extremely sore today and have a nasty cold.
Wednesday: 5mi / 35 min. in Pisgah w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy - Good run, have a cold and legs are still a wee sore.
Thursday: 2mi / 15 min w/XC team - feelin sick and crappy today
Friday: 12mi/ 1:23 in Gilsum Woods w/George, Griffin, and Seben. Good run, I wasn't sure if Seben was gonna make it. He was toast! Too hot and too far for the little guy. We hosed him down after, I think he's alright.
Saturday: 9mi / 67min in Pisgah w/Glenn, Griffin, and Jimmy. Hot and humid in morning. We went for a swim in Baker Pond. I couldn't believe how cold it was already, it felt very refreshing.
Sunday:18mi / 2:00 in Putney w/Fyffe and Ferenc. Great run, feeling good. Perfect fall weather. pm - Hiked Dublin Trail up Mt. Monadnock w/Jen, Mark, and Mary. We had a fantastic hike. We made pretty good time up (1 hr). The clouds rolled in while we were on the summit but the views were excellent just above tree-line. The fall foliage is at peak near the mountain. Had a nice chat about Sasquatch on the descent. He lives!!
Total: 51mi - Recovery week. I had a great day on Sunday. Climbing Monadnock always makes me think about doing more epic runs on the trails. I love autumn, it really gets me excited about trail running. Next week, I want to get my mileage in the 80's and get back to the track.
Tuesday: 0mi - extremely sore today and have a nasty cold.
Wednesday: 5mi / 35 min. in Pisgah w/M.C., Griffin, and Jimmy - Good run, have a cold and legs are still a wee sore.
Thursday: 2mi / 15 min w/XC team - feelin sick and crappy today
Friday: 12mi/ 1:23 in Gilsum Woods w/George, Griffin, and Seben. Good run, I wasn't sure if Seben was gonna make it. He was toast! Too hot and too far for the little guy. We hosed him down after, I think he's alright.
Saturday: 9mi / 67min in Pisgah w/Glenn, Griffin, and Jimmy. Hot and humid in morning. We went for a swim in Baker Pond. I couldn't believe how cold it was already, it felt very refreshing.
Sunday:18mi / 2:00 in Putney w/Fyffe and Ferenc. Great run, feeling good. Perfect fall weather. pm - Hiked Dublin Trail up Mt. Monadnock w/Jen, Mark, and Mary. We had a fantastic hike. We made pretty good time up (1 hr). The clouds rolled in while we were on the summit but the views were excellent just above tree-line. The fall foliage is at peak near the mountain. Had a nice chat about Sasquatch on the descent. He lives!!
Total: 51mi - Recovery week. I had a great day on Sunday. Climbing Monadnock always makes me think about doing more epic runs on the trails. I love autumn, it really gets me excited about trail running. Next week, I want to get my mileage in the 80's and get back to the track.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Pisgah 50K
Sunday was the Pisgah race. This was my 3rd attempt. The 50K field was really deep this year with 4 past champions (David Herr, Ben Nephew, Brian Rusieki,me) two past runners' up (Boj-short course, and George) and Jim Johnson who has been running great lately and is always a threat to win. With so much fire power in the race, I decided to run conservatively and stay behind the leaders. I ran with George for the first 20 miles, and we were about 45 seconds back from the lead pack of Ben, David, Brian, and JJ. When we hit the Kilburn aid station for the first time I was feeling pretty good, a little fatigued, but not too bad. I pulled away from George on the downhill of the Kilburn Loop. As soon as I turned and started the climb out of Kilburn I started getting mini cramps in my quads. This was at about mile 23. I had been running almost 3 hrs, which was longer than any of my long runs. Yikes. I still had 8 miles to go and the daunting challenge of Davis Hill lingered ahead. George passed me after only a couple minutes of uphill running. He looked strong and I tried to stay with him, but my legs were pretty shot and I kept getting tiny cramps shooting through my quads. He told me to keep plugging away that anything could happen. I knew this was true, that people can blow up on this course, but it was doubtful that all 5 of the people ahead of me would. I did keep running on. When I came to the Kilburn parking lot I saw Jen and asked her nicely how her race went. O.K. maybe I shouted at her, but I was hurting and was trying to get my mind off the hill I was about to climb. 3 minutes into the climb up Davis Hill my quads cramped severly. They stayed contracted for at least 2 minutes straight. It was excruciatingly painful. I tried everything from massage, to walking backwards, to bargaining with the devil to get rid of the cramps. Eventually, they did subside. I managed a slow death jog and maintained this all the way to the finish. I did walk again going up Hubbard. I finished in 6th place, 4:04:07. It was a p.r. for me, but the weather was absolutely perfect and the course was dry and fast. David Herr won in 3:42 setting a new course record, followed by Brian-3:46, JJ-3:47, Ben-3:53, George-3:53. A guy that looked familiar finished right behind me in 4:04, also. I think his name is Chris. Boj was 8th in 4:22. What a deep 50K field! After the race we hung out at Glenn and Gina's and watched the rest of the runners finish.
Looking back at my training this summer, I just didn't do enough long runs. I also was doubling alot, which meant that I really wasn't doing alot of medium long runs (13-16mi). I feel like I could have run a very good 23k this year, maybe even having a chance to crack the record. Next year, I will train smarter and hopefully have a stronger 50K.
Looking back at my training this summer, I just didn't do enough long runs. I also was doubling alot, which meant that I really wasn't doing alot of medium long runs (13-16mi). I feel like I could have run a very good 23k this year, maybe even having a chance to crack the record. Next year, I will train smarter and hopefully have a stronger 50K.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Week of Sept. 13th-19th
Monday: 5mi/ 43 min. in Friedsam w/xc team + run to school and back.
Tuesday: 10mi / 66 min. in Pisgah w/ Griffin. Great run. Feeling light and fast.
Wednesday: 0mi - Had an xc meet. Fun watching Josh win. I'm tapering and don't mind a day off. Lot's of dunking at school today on 9'. Legs feel fresh and snappy.
Thursday: 2mi / 15min w/xc team. Feel good. Griffin got sprayed by a skunk this morning. God my house stinks! I bathed her using special skunk shampoo and put vinegar all over my house. Hopefully, it will work!
Friday: omi - another xc meet, watched Josh win again. Did some more dunking on 9'. Got a couple nice two handed, self alley oop, off the glass, reverse monster jams down. Still working on the 360. Legs feel great!
Saturday: 8mi / 55min in Pisgah w/Griffin the skunky one. Feel good ready to battle tomorrow. I hope I can get some sleep tonight!
Sunday: 35mi* / 4:04 - Pisgah 50k, 6th place
Total: 60mi
Tuesday: 10mi / 66 min. in Pisgah w/ Griffin. Great run. Feeling light and fast.
Wednesday: 0mi - Had an xc meet. Fun watching Josh win. I'm tapering and don't mind a day off. Lot's of dunking at school today on 9'. Legs feel fresh and snappy.
Thursday: 2mi / 15min w/xc team. Feel good. Griffin got sprayed by a skunk this morning. God my house stinks! I bathed her using special skunk shampoo and put vinegar all over my house. Hopefully, it will work!
Friday: omi - another xc meet, watched Josh win again. Did some more dunking on 9'. Got a couple nice two handed, self alley oop, off the glass, reverse monster jams down. Still working on the 360. Legs feel great!
Saturday: 8mi / 55min in Pisgah w/Griffin the skunky one. Feel good ready to battle tomorrow. I hope I can get some sleep tonight!
Sunday: 35mi* / 4:04 - Pisgah 50k, 6th place
Total: 60mi
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Week of Sept. 6th-12th
Monday: 7mi /56 min in Pisgah w/Jen and Griffin
Tuesday: am 3mi / 21 min in Friedsam w/Griffin
pm 10mi / 72 min in Pisgah w/George and Griffin - legs tired, crappy run
Wednesday: 4 mi / 32 min w/XC team + run home
10mi / 70 min in Pisgah w/Boj and Griffin - legs still fatigued. Nice cool weather
Thursday: 2mi* / 15min in Pisgah w/M.C., Jimmy, and Griffin - 6 x 20 second ballistic sprints w/form work. Feel great.
Friday: 13mi / 1:26 in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the Girls, Bailey too - Great run. The weather was awesome. Pushed the climb up to the ridge.
Saturday: 7mi / 59 min. in Pisgah w/Hinsdale XC team and Jimmy, and Griffin - very slow run, but a fun day.
Sunday: 12mi* / 1:20 Josh Billings 6mi race - 32:20 (3rd) - 5th place team, 1st in division. Happy w/race. Nice cool conditions. Fyffe went by me just before the 2mi mark. Was wimpy on a couple climbs, but ended the race with a good push up the last long climb. Had a good kick. Good post race refreshments and conversations.
Total: 68mi - Decent week. Pisgah is next week. Try not to go crazy thinking about it and enjoy the cooler weather.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Week of Aug 30th-Sept 5th
Monday: 0 mi
Tuesday: 8mi / 51 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - hot miserable weather, but feeling good.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 54 min. 9 x 200m w/200 rest (36,36,38,34,33,33,31,31,30) w/Clint and Sam. Very easy workout. I got this workout from Running Times. It's a 5k sharpening workout. I'm pulling a double j this weekend(racing 2 x) so I wanted to go easy.
Thursday: 9mi/ 65 min in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Glenn, and the Girls. Slow and easy, very hot and humid. Saw a porcupine and lost my watch swimming in Kilburn Pond.
Friday: 0 mi - woke up very early (2:30 am) went and lifted upper body at 5 am, then was gonna run, but went back to bed. Watched Hinsdale XC meet. Wish I ran, oh well. This is gonna be a very low mileage week. Tomorrow race at KSC Alumni Meet.
Saturday: 14mi* / 1:30 - KSC Alumni 5k-16:33 (5:20) 7th. Felt pretty good, I faded at 2 miles and rallied a little at 2 3/4mi. Slow times because of the thick grass and hot weather. Alumni won. I had a lot of fun and am glad that the Keene Staters have accepted me as one of their own. Good long cool down w/Fyffe, Najem, Ferenc, Bridgewater, Gavs, and Wilson. Tomorrow Wapack.
Sunday: 21mi* / 2:45 - Wapack Trail Race-2:36 5th. Tough race. My climbing legs were fried going into this from the race yesterday. I could feel my lack of power on the very first climbs. Despite this, I went out with the heavy weights: Double J, Brian Rusieki, and David Herr. I was able to hang with them until the turn around, but figured my race was done, time to survive. I hiked up Mt. Watatick and watched them run off into the distance. I was able to run well on the downhills and the flats, but I had to hike every climb. I got passed at around 2 hrs. I was very happy to finally see the finish line. I enjoyed the beautiful views, perfect weather, good post-race food, and the great conversations with the other runners. Hats off to David Herr who won in a blazing 2:23. I think I got what I wanted out of this race: a good hard effort for Pisgah on tired legs. Pisgah is gonna be tough, since the top 3 guys at Wapack will be there running the 50k. I'm sure I'll do better on fresh legs. It should be epic.
Total: 60mi - Not a great week training wise. I need to get out the door before school next week and get my mileage back up. I had fun running both races, but it's tough to race twice in a weekend! Next week racing the Josh Billings Runaground Tri as part of a team. I'm gonna train through this one, shhhh, don't tell my teammates.
Tuesday: 8mi / 51 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - hot miserable weather, but feeling good.
Wednesday: 8mi* / 54 min. 9 x 200m w/200 rest (36,36,38,34,33,33,31,31,30) w/Clint and Sam. Very easy workout. I got this workout from Running Times. It's a 5k sharpening workout. I'm pulling a double j this weekend(racing 2 x) so I wanted to go easy.
Thursday: 9mi/ 65 min in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Glenn, and the Girls. Slow and easy, very hot and humid. Saw a porcupine and lost my watch swimming in Kilburn Pond.
Friday: 0 mi - woke up very early (2:30 am) went and lifted upper body at 5 am, then was gonna run, but went back to bed. Watched Hinsdale XC meet. Wish I ran, oh well. This is gonna be a very low mileage week. Tomorrow race at KSC Alumni Meet.
Saturday: 14mi* / 1:30 - KSC Alumni 5k-16:33 (5:20) 7th. Felt pretty good, I faded at 2 miles and rallied a little at 2 3/4mi. Slow times because of the thick grass and hot weather. Alumni won. I had a lot of fun and am glad that the Keene Staters have accepted me as one of their own. Good long cool down w/Fyffe, Najem, Ferenc, Bridgewater, Gavs, and Wilson. Tomorrow Wapack.
Sunday: 21mi* / 2:45 - Wapack Trail Race-2:36 5th. Tough race. My climbing legs were fried going into this from the race yesterday. I could feel my lack of power on the very first climbs. Despite this, I went out with the heavy weights: Double J, Brian Rusieki, and David Herr. I was able to hang with them until the turn around, but figured my race was done, time to survive. I hiked up Mt. Watatick and watched them run off into the distance. I was able to run well on the downhills and the flats, but I had to hike every climb. I got passed at around 2 hrs. I was very happy to finally see the finish line. I enjoyed the beautiful views, perfect weather, good post-race food, and the great conversations with the other runners. Hats off to David Herr who won in a blazing 2:23. I think I got what I wanted out of this race: a good hard effort for Pisgah on tired legs. Pisgah is gonna be tough, since the top 3 guys at Wapack will be there running the 50k. I'm sure I'll do better on fresh legs. It should be epic.
Total: 60mi - Not a great week training wise. I need to get out the door before school next week and get my mileage back up. I had fun running both races, but it's tough to race twice in a weekend! Next week racing the Josh Billings Runaground Tri as part of a team. I'm gonna train through this one, shhhh, don't tell my teammates.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Week of Aug 23rd-29th
Monday: 0 mi - feeling lazy
Tuesday: 9mi / 61 min. in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, the Girls, and Whistle
Wednesday: am 8mi / 67 min. in Pisgah w/Jen and Griffin
pm 11mi* / 66 min. track workout @ T pace 3miles 15:55 -400 rest- 2 mi 10:38 -pit stop- 1mi 5:03. Good workout. I felt relaxed and it was comfortably hard. It was fun running the 3 miles w/Fyffe and the mile w/George.
Thursday: 8mi / 53 min. in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls. Great run, my legs feel awesome. Looked at some very large bear scat and moose tracks. Lifted upper body.
Friday: am 6mi / 39 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - beautiful weather
pm 9mi / 62 min. in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, Fyffe, Boj, the Girls, and Whistle
Saturday: 14mi / 1:38 Swanzey Covered Bridge Course w/Fyffe and Andy - nice run, another beautiful day.
Sunday: 18mi* / 1:50 Clarence Demar Course - 13 miles @ m.p. 5:50 -1:16:11 - I went into this run thinking it would be easy, it was tough. Next time I'll make sure I'm well rested and hydrated and give it a better effort. Thanks to Fyffe for being my crew. It was great having him out there reading splits, handing me fluids, and giving me encouragement.
Jen and Boj had big runs too. Jen ran the Pisgah short course and Boj did an epic 3:41 trail run out in Pisgah. They'll both be ready to have good races in a couple weeks.
Total: 83 miles - Good week. Summer is over. Back to school next week. Keep getting some doubles and two races next week: KSC Alumni meet and Wapack.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Let the Good Times Roll
I'm sipping a chromium replacement beverage, recovering from today's long run in Burlingame State Park in Charlestown, RI. It was a great run. I had the song "Let the Good Times Roll" stuck in my head for 2 hrs. I think it's by the Cars. It poured the whole time I was out there, which meant I had the trails completely to my self. I did see a lot of people when I ran through the campground. I got a few cheers on my 3rd lap through passing the same campsite. The run went flawlessly and I was able to run even splits clicking off 57 minutes per lap. There were only two negatives things about the whole run. First, when I came to my truck after the first lap, I unwrapped my Milkyway Bar to find that the chocolate was streaked with white, which meant it was probably 5 years old. I decided not to eat it and threw it in the bushes. I kept my fingers crossed the last lap, fearing that I might bonk, but I was o.k. Second, because of the relentless rain, my groin is chafed beyond oblivion. I even put on lube before my run, but it didn't help. Oh well.
I'm conflicted with the Pisgah race. Part of me wants to run the 50k because it's awesome and epic. The other part of me wants to go after Ferenc's record on the short course because I think I can do it. I'm gonna keep doing long runs to get ready for the 50k, but I might do the 23k. I'm heading to a birthday party today for my nephew and niece. Let the Good Times Roll...
I'm conflicted with the Pisgah race. Part of me wants to run the 50k because it's awesome and epic. The other part of me wants to go after Ferenc's record on the short course because I think I can do it. I'm gonna keep doing long runs to get ready for the 50k, but I might do the 23k. I'm heading to a birthday party today for my nephew and niece. Let the Good Times Roll...
Monday, August 16, 2010
Week of August 16th-22nd
Monday: am 5mi / 32min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin - Griffin chased a coyote. Knee feels o.k.
pm 10mi / 63 min. in Swanzey w/XC Camp - Great run
Tuesday: am 6mi / 45 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - quads and calves sore, knee much better
pm 7mi*/ 44 min. - 4-3-2-1 fartlek run w/XC Camp - felt controlled and smooth, easy workout
Wednesday: 10mi / 72 min. in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls - swim after
Thursday: 9mi* / 60 min. - 10 x golf course hills @ 74 sec avg w/XC Camp - good workout, it was hot out and I felt worked from the heat. Some of the HS kids have wheels!
Friday: 0 mi - Needed a rest day. Lifted weights - upper body
Saturday: 13mi / 1:25 in Pisgah w/Boj and Griffin - worked the climb up the ridge, felt great.
Sunday: 24mi* / 2:51 in Burlingame - 3 x Lil Rhody course (57 per lap) in the pouring rain. Great run happy, to run even splits, felt good the whole way. Saw 3 deer.
Total: 84 miles - Great week. I really enjoyed running with the HS kids at the camp. I'm glad I got two speed workouts and a nice long run in on Sunday. The best part of the week was hanging out w/ Dion and Coach Haberek. I'm sure my nephew and niece's bday party will be fun too.
pm 10mi / 63 min. in Swanzey w/XC Camp - Great run
Tuesday: am 6mi / 45 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - quads and calves sore, knee much better
pm 7mi*/ 44 min. - 4-3-2-1 fartlek run w/XC Camp - felt controlled and smooth, easy workout
Wednesday: 10mi / 72 min. in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the Girls - swim after
Thursday: 9mi* / 60 min. - 10 x golf course hills @ 74 sec avg w/XC Camp - good workout, it was hot out and I felt worked from the heat. Some of the HS kids have wheels!
Friday: 0 mi - Needed a rest day. Lifted weights - upper body
Saturday: 13mi / 1:25 in Pisgah w/Boj and Griffin - worked the climb up the ridge, felt great.
Sunday: 24mi* / 2:51 in Burlingame - 3 x Lil Rhody course (57 per lap) in the pouring rain. Great run happy, to run even splits, felt good the whole way. Saw 3 deer.
Total: 84 miles - Great week. I really enjoyed running with the HS kids at the camp. I'm glad I got two speed workouts and a nice long run in on Sunday. The best part of the week was hanging out w/ Dion and Coach Haberek. I'm sure my nephew and niece's bday party will be fun too.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Week of August 9th-15th
Monday: 8 mi / 53 min. in Pisgah w/the Girls
Tuesday: 12 mi* / 1:20 ran 4 in Pisgah w/Pard, Jen, and Girls, then immediately ran w/George and did a track workout: 8 x 200m @ 32-30 seconds w/200 rest - easy, just wanted to shake the rust out.
Wednesday: 12mi / 1:27 in Keene w/ KHS XC Camp - right knee inflamed, bug bite?? back of leg swollen, limited mobility-can't bring heel to butt, iced
Thursday: 9 mi* / 59 min. - Cigna 5K-15:55 (5:08), 18th place - I just didn't feel good out there. Pretty disappointed. I knew it was gonna be bad during the warm-up. The only good news is that if I had a bad race last year it would have been 16:25. I am fit this year. Oh well. I'm happy for everyone that had good races. Jim Johnson ran awesome. On a good day, maybe I could have latched on to him and run 15:20 or so. That's what I was thinking going into this race. Time to lick my wounds and run well at Bridge of Flowers. My knee has more mobility today and some of the swelling is down, still have some strange bump/ bug bite thing on the back of it.
Friday:am 8 mi / 65 min in Pisgah w/Jen and the Girls.
pm 6 mi / 40 min in Pisgah w/the Girls
Saturday: 11 mi* / 70 min. - Bridge of Flowers 10k-34:25 (5:33) 27th. Tough day! I ran o.k. My legs just don't have much zip. I know when I'm slow on downhills that I'm not myself. I probably shouldn't have done 14 yesterday, but I'm trying to get ready for a tough 50k. I need some mileage! Upon finishing the race, I was ready to give up doubles and higher mileage. Screw that! I'm gonna stick with it for a few more weeks, it will pay off. I'm glad Ben passed me, we got 2nd because of him. If we used my time, Whirlaway would have beaten us by 5 seconds. That's why we're a great team, good depth! It was great seeing Fyffe and KG out there cheering. True teammates and good people. It will be awesome when they're out there racing hard again. Easy run tomorrow, but I'll still get the miles in.
Sunday: 0 mi - knee is swollen, this is not a running injury but it's affecting my stride. I'll try tomorrow.
Total: 66 mi - O.K. week, got to get my knee healthy and get my mileage back up. Need to lift a couple times next week, too. Want to do an ultra long run next week of 3+ hours.
Tuesday: 12 mi* / 1:20 ran 4 in Pisgah w/Pard, Jen, and Girls, then immediately ran w/George and did a track workout: 8 x 200m @ 32-30 seconds w/200 rest - easy, just wanted to shake the rust out.
Wednesday: 12mi / 1:27 in Keene w/ KHS XC Camp - right knee inflamed, bug bite?? back of leg swollen, limited mobility-can't bring heel to butt, iced
Thursday: 9 mi* / 59 min. - Cigna 5K-15:55 (5:08), 18th place - I just didn't feel good out there. Pretty disappointed. I knew it was gonna be bad during the warm-up. The only good news is that if I had a bad race last year it would have been 16:25. I am fit this year. Oh well. I'm happy for everyone that had good races. Jim Johnson ran awesome. On a good day, maybe I could have latched on to him and run 15:20 or so. That's what I was thinking going into this race. Time to lick my wounds and run well at Bridge of Flowers. My knee has more mobility today and some of the swelling is down, still have some strange bump/ bug bite thing on the back of it.
Friday:am 8 mi / 65 min in Pisgah w/Jen and the Girls.
pm 6 mi / 40 min in Pisgah w/the Girls
Saturday: 11 mi* / 70 min. - Bridge of Flowers 10k-34:25 (5:33) 27th. Tough day! I ran o.k. My legs just don't have much zip. I know when I'm slow on downhills that I'm not myself. I probably shouldn't have done 14 yesterday, but I'm trying to get ready for a tough 50k. I need some mileage! Upon finishing the race, I was ready to give up doubles and higher mileage. Screw that! I'm gonna stick with it for a few more weeks, it will pay off. I'm glad Ben passed me, we got 2nd because of him. If we used my time, Whirlaway would have beaten us by 5 seconds. That's why we're a great team, good depth! It was great seeing Fyffe and KG out there cheering. True teammates and good people. It will be awesome when they're out there racing hard again. Easy run tomorrow, but I'll still get the miles in.
Sunday: 0 mi - knee is swollen, this is not a running injury but it's affecting my stride. I'll try tomorrow.
Total: 66 mi - O.K. week, got to get my knee healthy and get my mileage back up. Need to lift a couple times next week, too. Want to do an ultra long run next week of 3+ hours.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Week of Aug 2nd-8th
Monday: 5 mi / 44 min. in Maine on the roads w/Jen and Griffin
1:45 Hiked Pleasant Mtn. w/Jen and Griffin- It was very pleasant!!
Tuesday: 0 mi - 3:45 hiked Speckle Mtn. in Maine w/Jen, Griffin, and Boomer- fun, easy hike. Saw Boreal Chickadees, moose poop, and lot's of clouds and rain!
Wednesday: 10 mi* / 65 min. track workout w/Andy -12 x 400m@ 74sec avg. w/200m jog recovery @ 45 sec. - very tough workout! The 6 min. pace recovery made this tough, that and the 88 degree heat and humidity, and the 4.5 hr ride from Maine. Took a slow 400 jog after 6, then took a pit stop after 8. Almost died in the port-a-potty! It must have been 120 degrees in there. Finished the last 4 on target. I want to try more of these types of workouts with fast recovery.
Thursday: am 8mi / 52 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - pouring rain, thunderstorm - lifted upper body, Jen and Glenn ran in the other direction
pm 8 mi / 56 min. in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, Lena, Ellie, Griffin, and Whistle
Friday: am 9 mi / 61 min. in Pisgah w/the girls
1:45 Hiked Pleasant Mtn. w/Jen and Griffin- It was very pleasant!!
Tuesday: 0 mi - 3:45 hiked Speckle Mtn. in Maine w/Jen, Griffin, and Boomer- fun, easy hike. Saw Boreal Chickadees, moose poop, and lot's of clouds and rain!
Wednesday: 10 mi* / 65 min. track workout w/Andy -12 x 400m@ 74sec avg. w/200m jog recovery @ 45 sec. - very tough workout! The 6 min. pace recovery made this tough, that and the 88 degree heat and humidity, and the 4.5 hr ride from Maine. Took a slow 400 jog after 6, then took a pit stop after 8. Almost died in the port-a-potty! It must have been 120 degrees in there. Finished the last 4 on target. I want to try more of these types of workouts with fast recovery.
Thursday: am 8mi / 52 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin - pouring rain, thunderstorm - lifted upper body, Jen and Glenn ran in the other direction
pm 8 mi / 56 min. in Saxton's River w/Ferenc, Lena, Ellie, Griffin, and Whistle
Friday: am 9 mi / 61 min. in Pisgah w/the girls
pm 5 mi* / 29 min. on the Keene Rail Trail - pickup for 2.5 miles @5:25 pace
Saturday: 20 mi / 2:20 in Pisgah w/Goupil, Boj, and the girls - great run, awesome weather
Sunday: 6mi / 46 min. in Pisgah w/the girls
Total: 71 miles - O.K. week, didn't hit my mileage goal, but had fun in Maine and got some good time on feet which will help for the 50k.
Saturday: 20 mi / 2:20 in Pisgah w/Goupil, Boj, and the girls - great run, awesome weather
Sunday: 6mi / 46 min. in Pisgah w/the girls
Total: 71 miles - O.K. week, didn't hit my mileage goal, but had fun in Maine and got some good time on feet which will help for the 50k.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Bumpin it Up
I've had 3 weeks in a row now in the 80's. I'm bumpin it up to get ready for the Pisgah 50k and beyond. I've committed to running the Baystate Marathon on October 17th which will be my first road marathon. I have 7 weeks until Pisgah and 11 weeks until Baystate. I want to keep cranking out 80's and 90's. My legs felt a little fried today during the 20 miler, but I suspect that was more from 3 races last week, rather than due to the mileage this week. I realized I need to keep doing what I'm doing but make sure I get in some "real" long runs. I'm talking 3+ hour runs to get ready for Pisgah. I'd like to make sure I get some long runs on the roads so my body is ready for the pounding during Baystate. My goal for Pisgah is to win. Time is not important. For Baystate, I have an A goal and a B goal. A goal is 2:30 or faster, B goal is sub 2:37. I've got some work to do. Time to get after it!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Week of July 26th-August 1st
Monday: 0 miles - hike on Mt. Grace w/Jen and Griffin - have a nasty cold
Tuesday: am 5 mi / 34 min. in Friedsam w/Griffin
pm 16mi / 1:50 in Drummer/Goose Pond Maze w/ Goupil got lost, hot, tired, thirsty and we saw a huge black bear!
Wednesday: am 8mi / 66 min. in Pisgah w/Jen, Glenn, and Griffin-swim in Kilburn after
pm 9mi* / 62 min. track workout 8 x 400m @ R pace (66-65 seconds) w/400 recovery w/Andy-good workout! Feeling strong.
Thursday: am 5mi / 37 min. on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Jen and Griffin -lifted upper body
pm 10mi / 63 min. on Keene Rail Trail - tired legs
Friday: 5mi / 34 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin
Saturday: 9mi / 58 min in Pisgah w/Griffin-lifted arms
Sunday: 20mi / 2:20 in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the girls(Lena, Ellie, and Griffin)
Total: 87 miles - Good Week. Happy to get a good long run in and some good mileage.
Tuesday: am 5 mi / 34 min. in Friedsam w/Griffin
pm 16mi / 1:50 in Drummer/Goose Pond Maze w/ Goupil got lost, hot, tired, thirsty and we saw a huge black bear!
Wednesday: am 8mi / 66 min. in Pisgah w/Jen, Glenn, and Griffin-swim in Kilburn after
pm 9mi* / 62 min. track workout 8 x 400m @ R pace (66-65 seconds) w/400 recovery w/Andy-good workout! Feeling strong.
Thursday: am 5mi / 37 min. on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Jen and Griffin -lifted upper body
pm 10mi / 63 min. on Keene Rail Trail - tired legs
Friday: 5mi / 34 min. in Pisgah w/Griffin
Saturday: 9mi / 58 min in Pisgah w/Griffin-lifted arms
Sunday: 20mi / 2:20 in Pisgah w/Ferenc and the girls(Lena, Ellie, and Griffin)
Total: 87 miles - Good Week. Happy to get a good long run in and some good mileage.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Mt. Grace
Today Jen, Griffin, and I decided to hike up Mt. Grace in nearby Warwick, Mass. The weather was absolutely beautiful: 80 degrees with very low humidity. We decided to take the summit trail which is 1.4 miles.
It started out in the woods with a nice wide, well-groomed trail. The incline was moderate which made for very easy hiking. So easy in fact, I walked in sandals. After hiking for 10 minutes the trail merges with a fire road to the summit. We followed the dirt road to the summit and there was a fire tower. 
There was another hiker on the top and we had a nice chat with him and climbed the tower. There were fantastic 360 degree views. Mt. Monadnock looked so clear and close, we could also see Mt. Greylock, the Green Mtns, Brattleboro, and the Quabbin Reservoir. We took the same trail down and ran into a little garter snake crossing our path. 
We finished our little adventure with a pizza and a pepsi. What a great trip, I'm looking forward to going there again with some more friends.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Tornadoes, Monsoons, and Humidity
Jen, Griffin, and I headed down to Rhode Island on Wednesday morning. The goal was to have some fun at the beach, hang with my family, and run the Blessing of the Fleet 10 mile road race on Friday the 23rd. Oh, I also had the goal of running the Westerly Fun Run on Wednesday night. Secretly, I cared more about this fun run with 40 people, than I did about the Blessing with 3,000 people. Why? This race has had a long tradition of really fast collegians running some pretty sweet times. Only a handful of people had run sub 15min on the course. I wanted to add my name to the list. I knew that I would be the oldest guy on the list, with everyone else doing it under the age of 23. That was my goal: 14:59 or bust.
I spent a great day with Jen at the beach body surfing huge waves. I even enjoyed a delicious adult beverage with my lunch at Paddy's. I got home from the beach sunburned, dehydrated, and a little tired from being thrashed in the ocean. I hydrated, changed into running clothes, and headed to the fun run with my father and Jen. I did a good 3 mile warm-up, running the course. My body felt pretty good, no lingering soreness from Stowe on Sunday. The biggest problem was gonna be the weather. The sky was completely dark with clouds and thunder rolling in the distance. I hate lightning! As the race started I noticed Andrew Springer at the starting line. He was the fastest highschool miler in 2009 running 4:02, currently racing for Georgetown. I thought I might have some company to help me reach my goal. As the race started, I realized quickly that I was running solo, Andrew was doing a tempo run. Oh well. I hit the mile in 4:57 as the lightning was coming down around me. I started the 2nd mile running into a stiff head wind and the sky looked very frightening. The weather forecast said there could be tornadoes in the area! I wasn't sure if I should keep running or hide in one of the neighborhood houses. I pushed on hitting the only hill on the course and running into the wind. My 2nd mile was 5:18. Yikes, I figured my chances were over, but pushed on. It started pouring my last mile with instant puddles on the course. I gritted my teeth and hit the line in 15:16. My last mile was 5:00. Not too shabby. The weather really didn't help my cause. Next time!
The Blessing of the Fleet was on Friday. I really couldn't get excited for this race. The best part was hanging w/Jen, Bentley, Jonny, and the Motts. My legs were sore from the 3 miler. I lined up hoping to p.r. for 10 miles(sub 53:45) I knew though, that this wasn't very realistic. I just wanted to go sub 55. I worked with 4 guys in the 2nd chase pack and ended up neg. splitting: 27:30/27:10. There was an absolute monsoon for the last mile and a half. It was fun running in it, because there was no lightning and it was cool. My final time was 54:40 a new p.r. for that course. The last time I ran it was 2001 in 57:02. We had a fun dinner afterwords, exchanging race stories and laughs.
Saturday morning Jen, Griffin, and I ran one of the most miserable runs I've ever done. It was 200% humidity with tons of deer flies. My legs were pretty destroyed and the pace was a shuffle. Tomorrow, I hope to get a good long run in, back in New Hampshire. It was a fun week in Rhody with some memorable weather.
I spent a great day with Jen at the beach body surfing huge waves. I even enjoyed a delicious adult beverage with my lunch at Paddy's. I got home from the beach sunburned, dehydrated, and a little tired from being thrashed in the ocean. I hydrated, changed into running clothes, and headed to the fun run with my father and Jen. I did a good 3 mile warm-up, running the course. My body felt pretty good, no lingering soreness from Stowe on Sunday. The biggest problem was gonna be the weather. The sky was completely dark with clouds and thunder rolling in the distance. I hate lightning! As the race started I noticed Andrew Springer at the starting line. He was the fastest highschool miler in 2009 running 4:02, currently racing for Georgetown. I thought I might have some company to help me reach my goal. As the race started, I realized quickly that I was running solo, Andrew was doing a tempo run. Oh well. I hit the mile in 4:57 as the lightning was coming down around me. I started the 2nd mile running into a stiff head wind and the sky looked very frightening. The weather forecast said there could be tornadoes in the area! I wasn't sure if I should keep running or hide in one of the neighborhood houses. I pushed on hitting the only hill on the course and running into the wind. My 2nd mile was 5:18. Yikes, I figured my chances were over, but pushed on. It started pouring my last mile with instant puddles on the course. I gritted my teeth and hit the line in 15:16. My last mile was 5:00. Not too shabby. The weather really didn't help my cause. Next time!
The Blessing of the Fleet was on Friday. I really couldn't get excited for this race. The best part was hanging w/Jen, Bentley, Jonny, and the Motts. My legs were sore from the 3 miler. I lined up hoping to p.r. for 10 miles(sub 53:45) I knew though, that this wasn't very realistic. I just wanted to go sub 55. I worked with 4 guys in the 2nd chase pack and ended up neg. splitting: 27:30/27:10. There was an absolute monsoon for the last mile and a half. It was fun running in it, because there was no lightning and it was cool. My final time was 54:40 a new p.r. for that course. The last time I ran it was 2001 in 57:02. We had a fun dinner afterwords, exchanging race stories and laughs.
Saturday morning Jen, Griffin, and I ran one of the most miserable runs I've ever done. It was 200% humidity with tons of deer flies. My legs were pretty destroyed and the pace was a shuffle. Tomorrow, I hope to get a good long run in, back in New Hampshire. It was a fun week in Rhody with some memorable weather.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Week of July 19th-25th
Monday: am 5mi / 41 min. Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Jen and Griffin-saw a red fox
pm 9mi / 64 min. in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Boj, and the girls(Lena, Ellie, Griffin) swim after in Kilburn Pond
Tuesday: 12mi / 1:25 in the Gilsum Woods w/George and Griffin
Wednesday: am 2.5mi / 18 min. in Friedsam Forest w/Griffin
pm 7.5mi / 46min Westerly 3mi* Fun Run: 15:16 (5:05) 1st place, splits(4:57,5:18,5:00)
body surfing huge waves at Misquamicut
Thursday: am 5mi / 45 min. in Burlingame State Park w/Jen and Griffin
pm 9mi / 60min. in Burlingame (Sammy C. Trail) w/deer flies
beach day, smaller waves today
Friday: 12 mi* / 70 min. Blessing of the Fleet 10 mile road race: 54:39 (5:28) 8th place
swim at Charlestown Beach
Saturday: 5mi / 45 min. in Burlingame w/Jen, Griffin, 10,000 deer flies, very sore legs, and 200% humidity
Sunday: 14mi / 1:38 Keene Rail Trail w/Goupil, Wilson, and McKnight-have a cold, felt wiped out
Total: 81 miles
pm 9mi / 64 min. in Pisgah w/Ferenc, Boj, and the girls(Lena, Ellie, Griffin) swim after in Kilburn Pond
Tuesday: 12mi / 1:25 in the Gilsum Woods w/George and Griffin
Wednesday: am 2.5mi / 18 min. in Friedsam Forest w/Griffin
pm 7.5mi / 46min Westerly 3mi* Fun Run: 15:16 (5:05) 1st place, splits(4:57,5:18,5:00)
body surfing huge waves at Misquamicut
Thursday: am 5mi / 45 min. in Burlingame State Park w/Jen and Griffin
pm 9mi / 60min. in Burlingame (Sammy C. Trail) w/deer flies
beach day, smaller waves today
Friday: 12 mi* / 70 min. Blessing of the Fleet 10 mile road race: 54:39 (5:28) 8th place
swim at Charlestown Beach
Saturday: 5mi / 45 min. in Burlingame w/Jen, Griffin, 10,000 deer flies, very sore legs, and 200% humidity
Sunday: 14mi / 1:38 Keene Rail Trail w/Goupil, Wilson, and McKnight-have a cold, felt wiped out
Total: 81 miles
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Staches for Stowe 8 mile road race
Today was the Stowe, VT 8 miler. It was a fun day. Jen, Goupil, and I arrived at around 7:45 and grabbed our race numbers. It was nice to warm-up with the CMS boys and compare our sweet mustaches that most of us grew. I would put my mustache in the top 3 for CMS, it is unfair though since I have a goatee all the time, most of the guys were starting from scratch. Dave Dunham probably had the most manly stache, looking like a guy in a biker gang. The rest of the crew looked like skinny cops, adult movie stars, or 15 year old boys with peach fuzz.
At race time we lined up in box #4, xc style. I noticed all the other teams looked completely intimidated by the shirtless CMS team with our hairy upper lips. We looked tough!! As the gun went off, I settled right next to Double J, behind Andy. I hit the mile in 5:16 and was feeling fine. I figured that might have been a little too fast, but I felt o.k. I don't have all my splits (because I cleared my watch) but I know I hit 4 miles in 21:20. My 4th, downhill mile was 5:05. After that, the course got a lot tougher. I tried to work hard to catch Andy the whole 2nd half of the race. At about 6miles, Mike Q. went flying by me. I went with him and we caught Andy at 7 miles. I was hurting badly now and had a pretty miserable last mile. I ran mile 8 in 5:45, which was my slowest of the day. I crossed the line in 43:39 for 22nd place. I really thought going into the race that I would run around 42:30. Oh well. I can't be upset it was a good race. CMS wound up 2nd overall. After the race, I found Glenn and Gina, who were there watching. We cheered for Jen as she finished. The best part of the day was the cool down swim and blueberries courtesy TiVO. I had some good icecream post race and I completed the trifecta eating all 3 flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and black raspberry. It was a long ride home, broken up with a Big Mac, large fries, and a Coke at Mickey D's... delicious: the food of champions. I'm looking forward to heading down to Rhode Island next week and running the Blessing of the Fleet. Below is a picture of Jen and me with my mustache.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Week of July 12- 18
Monday: 13mi / 1:31 in Pisgah w/Griffin
Tuesday: 11mi / 1:07 in Gilsum Woods w/George and Griffin
Wednesday: am 9mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jen(1.5mi)
pm 9mi* track workout: 6x800m @ I pace w/400 rest w/Andy
(2:22, 2:23, 2:22, 2:22, 2:22, 2:18)
I was really pleased with this workout and the total day's effort. It was hot and humid at the track. I'm starting to feel strong and I stayed relaxed until the last 800m when I let it fly. Great day, I need more doubles, I always feel good with doubles.
Thursday: 9mi / 59 min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the girls: Griffin, Ellie, Lena
lifted upper body 3 sets in am w/MC
Friday: am 5mi / 35min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin
pm 8mi / 51min on Keene Rail Trail
Saturday: 5mi / 34min in Friedsam Town Forest
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:20 Stowe 8mile road race
22nd 43:39 / 5:28pace
Total: 82 miles
Tuesday: 11mi / 1:07 in Gilsum Woods w/George and Griffin
Wednesday: am 9mi / 66min in Pisgah w/Griffin and Jen(1.5mi)
pm 9mi* track workout: 6x800m @ I pace w/400 rest w/Andy
(2:22, 2:23, 2:22, 2:22, 2:22, 2:18)
I was really pleased with this workout and the total day's effort. It was hot and humid at the track. I'm starting to feel strong and I stayed relaxed until the last 800m when I let it fly. Great day, I need more doubles, I always feel good with doubles.
Thursday: 9mi / 59 min in Pisgah w/Fyffe, Ferenc, and the girls: Griffin, Ellie, Lena
lifted upper body 3 sets in am w/MC
Friday: am 5mi / 35min on Ashuelot Rail Trail w/Griffin
pm 8mi / 51min on Keene Rail Trail
Saturday: 5mi / 34min in Friedsam Town Forest
Sunday: 13mi* / 1:20 Stowe 8mile road race
22nd 43:39 / 5:28pace
Total: 82 miles
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