sorry, i forgot about you.
alright. i'll quit being lazy- i'll starting using caps in the right places.
Hey! I've been running. I've been putting in my time. I haven't slacked too much. I ran a marathon 6 weeks ago so whatever. But I did about a 25 mile backpacking trip two weeks later and started running again August 5th. F U if that isn't enough, fictional judgmental hardcore running audience, FU!
Here's what I ran between then and today:
8/5- 3.43 @ 9:43 pace run
8/13- 4 mi @ 9:14 pace run
8/15- 20 mins of speedwork- sprint treadmill intervals- 5 x :30
8/16- 5 mi @ 9:13 "long" run
8/20- 4 mi @ 8:37 pace run
8/22- 7 mi @ 9:37 long run
8/23- 22 mins of speedwork- 4 x 100 yard track intervals
So that's a good way to ease back into a fairly rough but flexible schedule. I could be more Nazi but why should I? This will work just fine and I'm having fun.
With that said, I have two more pace runs and 3 more speed workouts at the track before my 10k on 9/18 and just a few easy runs after that before the 10/2 1/2 marathon.
At this point, I'm going to need some adrenaline and optimism race day. Fortunately for me, I have that, and if I don't, at least I'm in good shape for ski season.
Here is my (flexible) running schedule through the Oct 1/2:
8/26- 5 mi pace @ 8:25
8/29- Speedwork- 6 x 100 yard intervals
8/31- 9 mi long run
9/1- 6 mi easy run
9/2-9/3- Backpacking/Hiking Trip
9/7- 8 mi long run
9/8- 5 mi pace @ 8:10
9/11- easy bike ride
9/12- Speedwork- 8 x 100 yard intervals
9/14- 10 mi long run
9/18- 10k race
9/20- 3 mi easy
9/21- 6 mi easy
9/22- 4 mi easy
9/27- 4 mi easy
9/28- 2 mi easy
10/2- 1/2 marathon
Goals again are:
10k: 50 min
1/2 Marathon: 1:50
"Probably won't get them?"
Watch me!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Running Withdrawls
I haven't run now for 10 days, and I can't take it. Running has become such a big part of my life, it is almost part of my daily routine. I feel like I haven't brushed my teeth!
There are different philosophies out there on proper race/marathon recovery, but I made a decision beforehand that I (or rather, my joints) needed a good chance to heal up before I begin the highest intensity training I've done yet. After all, I started training for my first 1/2 in March 2010, and haven't given myself more than a week rest at any point since then, not even in the winter.
My knees still hurt when I walk up and down stairs. I need to stick with my plan.
The funny thing is that I've been doing other types of workouts plenty. I've been lifting weights and hiking, and will be going on a nice, long, 4 day hike starting this sunday. Its not like I'm going to get out of shape. But it just doesn't feel right. Running is such an efficient and easy way for me to burn tons of calories, that I've come to rely on it.
Like all addicts, I'll just have to survive through this until the next fix.
There are different philosophies out there on proper race/marathon recovery, but I made a decision beforehand that I (or rather, my joints) needed a good chance to heal up before I begin the highest intensity training I've done yet. After all, I started training for my first 1/2 in March 2010, and haven't given myself more than a week rest at any point since then, not even in the winter.
My knees still hurt when I walk up and down stairs. I need to stick with my plan.
The funny thing is that I've been doing other types of workouts plenty. I've been lifting weights and hiking, and will be going on a nice, long, 4 day hike starting this sunday. Its not like I'm going to get out of shape. But it just doesn't feel right. Running is such an efficient and easy way for me to burn tons of calories, that I've come to rely on it.
Like all addicts, I'll just have to survive through this until the next fix.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
VICTORY!
26.2- Conquered! Here are my thoughts:
#1- Miles 20-26 were not that much different than 18-20. It just lasted longer. I am certain that this is because I did everything mostly right, specifically during the race. I took it nice and slow, like I did during my training, ate constantly after mile 9, took ibuprofen, and stopped at every water stop after mile 6. This race was not, "hilly" it was "mountainy," so I eventually started walking every hill, even though I never did so during my training. I never ran hills that steep though, either.
#2- I can do that again. At times during my training, I thought this might be my last. I had the same conversations with myself when first training for the 1/2, and felt the same way after completing my first one. I should have known myself better.
#3- I'll probably never run a race that difficult again. Not because I don't want to, which I don't, but more because even the "50 state club" runners all around me were in awe at the difficulty of the course.
#4- I can improve a lot. Next time I train, I can set a goal for a P.R. and likely beat it. If you're a runner, you know that this is half the fun.
#5- I already have a goal! Boston 2013. The saga continues.
In the meantime, I'll keep this active. Right now, I'm resting for the rest of the month to give my body a chance to heal. Then I'll switch gears to my remaining two goals for the year:
sub-50 minute 10k
sub 1:50 1/2
To accomplish these goals in the condition I'm in and for my own sanity, I'm giving myself a pretty lax training plan. Since I know I will be fine with the distances, training is all about speed. I've never done much speedwork, so I'm sure even just a little will get me the 3 minutes I need in the 10k and 4 in the 1/2. When it gets closer, I'll update my current training plan to reflect changes.
#1- Miles 20-26 were not that much different than 18-20. It just lasted longer. I am certain that this is because I did everything mostly right, specifically during the race. I took it nice and slow, like I did during my training, ate constantly after mile 9, took ibuprofen, and stopped at every water stop after mile 6. This race was not, "hilly" it was "mountainy," so I eventually started walking every hill, even though I never did so during my training. I never ran hills that steep though, either.
#2- I can do that again. At times during my training, I thought this might be my last. I had the same conversations with myself when first training for the 1/2, and felt the same way after completing my first one. I should have known myself better.
#3- I'll probably never run a race that difficult again. Not because I don't want to, which I don't, but more because even the "50 state club" runners all around me were in awe at the difficulty of the course.
#4- I can improve a lot. Next time I train, I can set a goal for a P.R. and likely beat it. If you're a runner, you know that this is half the fun.
#5- I already have a goal! Boston 2013. The saga continues.
In the meantime, I'll keep this active. Right now, I'm resting for the rest of the month to give my body a chance to heal. Then I'll switch gears to my remaining two goals for the year:
sub-50 minute 10k
sub 1:50 1/2
To accomplish these goals in the condition I'm in and for my own sanity, I'm giving myself a pretty lax training plan. Since I know I will be fine with the distances, training is all about speed. I've never done much speedwork, so I'm sure even just a little will get me the 3 minutes I need in the 10k and 4 in the 1/2. When it gets closer, I'll update my current training plan to reflect changes.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Change of Plans
A few weeks back, one of the two friends that I have been planning on running the marathon with called me up and said that he wouldn't be running due to an ongoing hip injury. He said that he would still come up to Nova Scotia and cheer us on, but that there was definitely no way he could run.
The first thing I did was ask him to RICE it for a week or two and try and run and see if it got any better. I had just come off of a very similar type of issue and this strategy worked well enough for me return to training relatively hard.
He rested up and ran 20 a week ago today. He gave me a call right after to thank me for gently pushing him to give this a try before making a rash decision. We were back on!
However, we had decided on Nova Scotia primarily because of his interest in attempting to qualify for Boston. Most marathons are either in the spring or fall and the timing just worked well for a summer vacation. Plus, its cooler in Nova Scotia. But now, after not being able to properly train, he believed he had no chance to put up a qualifying time in 3 weeks.
So, I did some research, and found this:
www.madmarathon.com
It is two weeks sooner, but also 600 miles (4 times) closer. No offense to Nova Scotia, and road trips are badass, but we're going to be running a marathon. The following two days, I imagine, are going to be lost in a haze anyway.
Plus now we can plan an even more badass trip on the week that we are already scheduled vacation. We'll probably backpack the White Mountains, but those details are for a different blog.
So, here we are. I just finished my first and last 20 mile run. I only ran over 30 miles maybe three times. I am banged up and starting to question my ability to have a long career as a distance runner.
All this is true, but I am confident that I will accomplish my one and only goal here: finish and survive a marathon. And at that point, I will probably reflect on all the pain and suffering, all the hard work, and all the trash I talked about distance running and realize that in fact I loved every minute of it.
The first thing I did was ask him to RICE it for a week or two and try and run and see if it got any better. I had just come off of a very similar type of issue and this strategy worked well enough for me return to training relatively hard.
He rested up and ran 20 a week ago today. He gave me a call right after to thank me for gently pushing him to give this a try before making a rash decision. We were back on!
However, we had decided on Nova Scotia primarily because of his interest in attempting to qualify for Boston. Most marathons are either in the spring or fall and the timing just worked well for a summer vacation. Plus, its cooler in Nova Scotia. But now, after not being able to properly train, he believed he had no chance to put up a qualifying time in 3 weeks.
So, I did some research, and found this:
www.madmarathon.com
It is two weeks sooner, but also 600 miles (4 times) closer. No offense to Nova Scotia, and road trips are badass, but we're going to be running a marathon. The following two days, I imagine, are going to be lost in a haze anyway.
Plus now we can plan an even more badass trip on the week that we are already scheduled vacation. We'll probably backpack the White Mountains, but those details are for a different blog.
So, here we are. I just finished my first and last 20 mile run. I only ran over 30 miles maybe three times. I am banged up and starting to question my ability to have a long career as a distance runner.
All this is true, but I am confident that I will accomplish my one and only goal here: finish and survive a marathon. And at that point, I will probably reflect on all the pain and suffering, all the hard work, and all the trash I talked about distance running and realize that in fact I loved every minute of it.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
1:54:21
I would do that. I would PR after feeling like junk for several weeks before. Actually, this proves two things to me:
1. Tapering is just as important as anything else. It allows your body adequate time to recover/repair/rejuvenate and makes you feel great on race day.
2. Experience is power. I knew exactly how I would feel if I kept up with the pace I was at. I had a pretty good feel for when my knees would start to nag. I also knew exactly what to do pre-race to stack the odds in my favor.
This just proves that I have so much more in me in terms of lowering my finish times. Imagine if I had done speed work!
I'm excited to see what I can do in my next one in October.
1. Tapering is just as important as anything else. It allows your body adequate time to recover/repair/rejuvenate and makes you feel great on race day.
2. Experience is power. I knew exactly how I would feel if I kept up with the pace I was at. I had a pretty good feel for when my knees would start to nag. I also knew exactly what to do pre-race to stack the odds in my favor.
This just proves that I have so much more in me in terms of lowering my finish times. Imagine if I had done speed work!
I'm excited to see what I can do in my next one in October.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Uncle!
OK. I get it. I'll stop. I'll listen now. I'm a beginner marathoner and I should be doing beginner marathoner training.
I got hurt again on my long run last week. Yea, the one below. Actually, I think I hurt myself the prior week, but thought it was just innocent soreness, so I just ran through it. I did feel like junk all week so we had actually already decided to cut it down to 13.5.
Its pain in the back of my knee, on both of the tendons on the outside. About 10 miles into the 13.5, I started feeling a shooting pain on every third step. It continued until eventually all 3 of the friends I was running with demanded we stop because my form was all screwed up and I was yelping every few seconds.
Since then it has gotten a bit better but it is still bad enough that I have needed to take Ibuprofen to help with the pain even when I'm not running.
The best part is that I'm now 1 week away from a 1/2 marathon and I'm junk. All my friends are peaking right now and I'm junk. I hate it.
But I'll get through it. All you can do is RICE constantly, reassess your training, and give it your best without making things worse. Thats a fine line and much easier said than done.
I got hurt again on my long run last week. Yea, the one below. Actually, I think I hurt myself the prior week, but thought it was just innocent soreness, so I just ran through it. I did feel like junk all week so we had actually already decided to cut it down to 13.5.
Its pain in the back of my knee, on both of the tendons on the outside. About 10 miles into the 13.5, I started feeling a shooting pain on every third step. It continued until eventually all 3 of the friends I was running with demanded we stop because my form was all screwed up and I was yelping every few seconds.
Since then it has gotten a bit better but it is still bad enough that I have needed to take Ibuprofen to help with the pain even when I'm not running.
The best part is that I'm now 1 week away from a 1/2 marathon and I'm junk. All my friends are peaking right now and I'm junk. I hate it.
But I'll get through it. All you can do is RICE constantly, reassess your training, and give it your best without making things worse. Thats a fine line and much easier said than done.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Great Info about Hitting the Wall
Taken from Wikipedia
Athletes engaged in exercise over a long period of time produce energy via two mechanisms, both facilitated by oxygen:
via fat metabolism and
via breakdown of glycogen into glucose, followed by glycolysis.
How much energy comes from either source depends on the intensity of the exercise. During intense exercise that approaches one's VO2 max, most of the energy comes from glycogen.
A typical untrained individual on an average diet is able to store about 380 grams of glycogen, or 1500 kcal, in the body, though much of that amount is spread throughout the muscular system and may not be available for any specific type of exercise.[2] Intense cycling or running can easily consume 600-800 or more kcal per hour. Unless glycogen stores are replenished during exercise, glycogen stores in such an individual will be depleted after less than 2 hours of continuous cycling or 15 miles (24 km) of running. Training and carbohydrate loading can raise these reserves as high as 880 g (3600 kcal), correspondingly raising the potential for uninterrupted exercise.
Athletes engaged in exercise over a long period of time produce energy via two mechanisms, both facilitated by oxygen:
via fat metabolism and
via breakdown of glycogen into glucose, followed by glycolysis.
How much energy comes from either source depends on the intensity of the exercise. During intense exercise that approaches one's VO2 max, most of the energy comes from glycogen.
A typical untrained individual on an average diet is able to store about 380 grams of glycogen, or 1500 kcal, in the body, though much of that amount is spread throughout the muscular system and may not be available for any specific type of exercise.[2] Intense cycling or running can easily consume 600-800 or more kcal per hour. Unless glycogen stores are replenished during exercise, glycogen stores in such an individual will be depleted after less than 2 hours of continuous cycling or 15 miles (24 km) of running. Training and carbohydrate loading can raise these reserves as high as 880 g (3600 kcal), correspondingly raising the potential for uninterrupted exercise.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Tips for Novice Runners, from a Barely-Intermediate Runner
1. The faster you run, the faster you get hurt.
2. The faster you increase your miles, the faster you get hurt.
3. Frozen veggies make great cheap ice packs. Wrap them tight with an ace bandage as often as possible.
4. Long runs are not negotiable.
5. Mid-week long runs are crucial for progress- both physical and mental.
6. Buy expensive, well-cushioned shoes.
7. Fellas- band aids work fine for avoiding nipple chafing. Under Armour does the same for avoiding thigh chafing.
8. Look up and follow a reputable training plan. Make little tweaks here and there, but try to stick as close to the plan as possible. I personally buy in to Hal Higdon's plans.
9. Don't over-carb-load. Definitely eat carbs, but if you eat too much, you'll feel bloated all day. Eat the same the night before a race as you do before all long runs. Also, carb-loading is pretty much unnecessary for anything less than a half marathon.
10. Do your long runs in the morning. having to do a 3 hour run sucks if you start at 2pm. And you spend all day beforehand groaning over the impending doom. I always do it that way, but it sucks.
Bonus:
2. The faster you increase your miles, the faster you get hurt.
3. Frozen veggies make great cheap ice packs. Wrap them tight with an ace bandage as often as possible.
4. Long runs are not negotiable.
5. Mid-week long runs are crucial for progress- both physical and mental.
6. Buy expensive, well-cushioned shoes.
7. Fellas- band aids work fine for avoiding nipple chafing. Under Armour does the same for avoiding thigh chafing.
8. Look up and follow a reputable training plan. Make little tweaks here and there, but try to stick as close to the plan as possible. I personally buy in to Hal Higdon's plans.
9. Don't over-carb-load. Definitely eat carbs, but if you eat too much, you'll feel bloated all day. Eat the same the night before a race as you do before all long runs. Also, carb-loading is pretty much unnecessary for anything less than a half marathon.
10. Do your long runs in the morning. having to do a 3 hour run sucks if you start at 2pm. And you spend all day beforehand groaning over the impending doom. I always do it that way, but it sucks.
Bonus:
Friday, April 15, 2011
Bill Rodgers' favorite places to run in New England
Bill Rodgers, if you don't know, won the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon four times each. He is a legend.
Reading Boston.com this week has been great. With Marathon Monday just days away, they've done a great job of including all sorts of interesting running related stories.
Today, there was a feature on Bill Rodgers' favorite places to run in New England. I found it of particular interest. And since this blog serves more as a personal diary that only myself and two of my best friends and running buddies read, its not out of bounds for me to include regional-only information. Can't wait to try some of these.
Farm Pond Loop in Sherborn
I lived in Sherborn for about twenty-three years and have logged many miles on the rolling roads of the town. The lanes are beautiful and shady and the scenery ranges from fields to farms to forests. In any season the place is so varied and interesting that it often helped make the sometimes long miles of training there much more enjoyable. My favorite course we called the Farm Pond Loop. You can park anywhere in the center of town and head East on Route 16 for about a mile until you reach Lake Street. The road then winds through the woods and farms with beautiful views of the water of Farm Pond. Circling Farm Pond and back to town is a 9 to 10 mile run. Friends from Arizona. once described this course as “a religious experience”. I’d have to agree.
Boston Common
I started running when I was fifteen and one of my favorite experiences then was to run around my neighborhood of Newington Connecticut in December with my brother and my friends and look at all the Christmas lights and decorations. It was this memory that started the Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run years ago with the intent to look at the Christmas lights of Boston, especially Boston Common, have some fun and maybe raise some money for a good cause.. We started with just a few friends and would go jog around the Common to see the lights and sing carols and in few short years, our numbers grew into the many hundreds but the joyful spirit still remained the same. I still love to run around the Common and see the lights of the city, the greenery, the Swan Boats. I don’t know the exact distance around the park, but I do know it encompasses fifty acres. Perfect for an easy and uplifiting scenic run.
New Hampshire Seacoast
Until recently, I didn’t even know New Hampshire had a seacoast. In eighteen beautiful miles between Massachusetts and Maine, it provides not only fantastic ocean views and breezes, winding un-crowded paths and walkways, but even a few public “pitstop” places, (in summer anyway); an invaluable asset for a long training run. You can park at either end of this course: Odiorne Park in Portsmouth on the Northern end or North Hampton Beach toward the Southern end. Little Boars Head in North Hampton has sweeping views across the Atlantic out to the Isles of Shoals as you ascend the high cliff walkway above the ocean. You can run any distance out and back on the eighteen mile stretch and soak in the beauty with the ocean air.
Mount Washington Hotel/Bretton Woods New Hampshire
A list of great New England running would be sorely lacking if it did not include any of the fantastic trails we have. One of my favorite things about New England is its abundance of nature. A stunning example of this is the Mount Washington area in New Hampshire; where the trees seem to go on forever. Of course, the skyline isn’t bad either – a spectacular vista of snow-capped mountains seems, to me, the very definition of “scenic”. I have had the pleasure of running some of these trails, ones that began at the very backdoor of the Mt. Washington Hotel and wound their way into the expansive greenery of the mountainside. This trail features some excellent sights, including a rushing river, high stone cliffs and quiet moss-covered vales. My brother, Charlie, used to call it “The Lord of the Rings” run which always seemed appropriate. There is no real set distance to these trails so you can make your loop as long or short as you like – just be sure not to get lost!
Lake Champlain, Vermont
I was first introduced to this area via the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since. The course starts in Battery Park, in Burlington which is a great, friendly city and runs up the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. It’s a beautiful route, having views of both the Green mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York State. Lake Champlain itself is also quite a sight, especially in the summer when people come out in droves to relax, walk and run along it’s edge. You can go as far as you like, even to Canada if you’re feeling ambitious! All in all it’s a great spot for sightseeing, meeting new people and of course, running.
Ocean Avenue Loop, Newport, RI
I’ve made several visits to Newport and I always follow some version of the Ocean State Marathon course which starts going south along Bellevue Avenue. This is an interesting course, not only because of the nearness of the ocean but also because of the rows of unbelievable mansions lining the street. From there I take Ocean Avenue along the coast, which is wonderful in the summer because it supplies a steady cool breeze, and keep going past the Benton Point State Park onto Castle Hill Avenue and finally, Harrison Avenue. Harrison Avenue will bring you back to Bellevue for a solid 9 1/2 mile loop of very enjoyable running. This might seem like a lengthier jog, but the terrain here is so flat and smooth that it’s a real pleasure to do.
Bar Harbor, Maine/Acadia National Park
Running camps are a great way to explore new training territory and that’s how I discovered this awesome place to run. Bar Harbor Maine and Acadia National Park contain 127 miles of trails with 57 miles of gravel roads originally designed for horse-drawn carriages. This affords a great off-road experience without the usual sprained ankles that often come with the rockier hiking trails. If you’re anything like me though, you’ll want to bring some friends with a good sense of direction or a really good GPS system. It’s not quite as beautiful when you’re hopelessly lost.
Bushnell Park, Connecticut
Running is one of the best ways to explore any city. You get a feel for the layout, the people, the architecture and the culture of the place. In Hartford, where I was born, is a jewel of a park that is within sight of Mark Twain’s mansion where my great-grandfather worked as his gardener. Obviously I’m rather connected to this place! I re-discovered this connection through my association with the Hartford Marathon which begins at Bushnell Park. A few times around the 1.27-mile loop provides a pleasant little training run.
Jamaica Pond/The Emerald Necklace, Boston
Contrary to popular belief Jamaica Pond is nowhere near Jamaica and “The Emerald Necklace” is not a Dharma station. It is, however, a great place to run. Hardly a day went by in the 70’s and 80’s when I did not run some variation of this course. My training partners and I would start at my old store at Cleveland Circle, wind our way through the Chestnut Hill neighborhoods and through the Greenway designed by Frederick Law Olmsted until we reached Jamaica Pond. The 1.7 mile loop around the pond is filled with a never-ending stream of walkers, runners and those out just enjoying the day. Thanks to Olmsted’s environmentally-forward thinking, we have a true oasis in the middle of our city, one that everyone, runner and otherwise, can enjoy forever.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
My experience here began with an invitation from Joan Benoit Samuelson to run the Beach to Beacon 10K. It’s a great road race with a fantastic course that I enjoy running in training as well. The route begins near Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth and moves toward Fort Williams before finally finishing at the Portland Head Lighthouse. The rolling course varies from oceanfront to shaded neighborhoods to the spectacular lighthouse on the bluff. It’s only too bad that the training runs don’t end the same way as the race itself: with a big, New England clambake.
Reading Boston.com this week has been great. With Marathon Monday just days away, they've done a great job of including all sorts of interesting running related stories.
Today, there was a feature on Bill Rodgers' favorite places to run in New England. I found it of particular interest. And since this blog serves more as a personal diary that only myself and two of my best friends and running buddies read, its not out of bounds for me to include regional-only information. Can't wait to try some of these.
Farm Pond Loop in Sherborn
I lived in Sherborn for about twenty-three years and have logged many miles on the rolling roads of the town. The lanes are beautiful and shady and the scenery ranges from fields to farms to forests. In any season the place is so varied and interesting that it often helped make the sometimes long miles of training there much more enjoyable. My favorite course we called the Farm Pond Loop. You can park anywhere in the center of town and head East on Route 16 for about a mile until you reach Lake Street. The road then winds through the woods and farms with beautiful views of the water of Farm Pond. Circling Farm Pond and back to town is a 9 to 10 mile run. Friends from Arizona. once described this course as “a religious experience”. I’d have to agree.
Boston Common
I started running when I was fifteen and one of my favorite experiences then was to run around my neighborhood of Newington Connecticut in December with my brother and my friends and look at all the Christmas lights and decorations. It was this memory that started the Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run years ago with the intent to look at the Christmas lights of Boston, especially Boston Common, have some fun and maybe raise some money for a good cause.. We started with just a few friends and would go jog around the Common to see the lights and sing carols and in few short years, our numbers grew into the many hundreds but the joyful spirit still remained the same. I still love to run around the Common and see the lights of the city, the greenery, the Swan Boats. I don’t know the exact distance around the park, but I do know it encompasses fifty acres. Perfect for an easy and uplifiting scenic run.
New Hampshire Seacoast
Until recently, I didn’t even know New Hampshire had a seacoast. In eighteen beautiful miles between Massachusetts and Maine, it provides not only fantastic ocean views and breezes, winding un-crowded paths and walkways, but even a few public “pitstop” places, (in summer anyway); an invaluable asset for a long training run. You can park at either end of this course: Odiorne Park in Portsmouth on the Northern end or North Hampton Beach toward the Southern end. Little Boars Head in North Hampton has sweeping views across the Atlantic out to the Isles of Shoals as you ascend the high cliff walkway above the ocean. You can run any distance out and back on the eighteen mile stretch and soak in the beauty with the ocean air.
Mount Washington Hotel/Bretton Woods New Hampshire
A list of great New England running would be sorely lacking if it did not include any of the fantastic trails we have. One of my favorite things about New England is its abundance of nature. A stunning example of this is the Mount Washington area in New Hampshire; where the trees seem to go on forever. Of course, the skyline isn’t bad either – a spectacular vista of snow-capped mountains seems, to me, the very definition of “scenic”. I have had the pleasure of running some of these trails, ones that began at the very backdoor of the Mt. Washington Hotel and wound their way into the expansive greenery of the mountainside. This trail features some excellent sights, including a rushing river, high stone cliffs and quiet moss-covered vales. My brother, Charlie, used to call it “The Lord of the Rings” run which always seemed appropriate. There is no real set distance to these trails so you can make your loop as long or short as you like – just be sure not to get lost!
Lake Champlain, Vermont
I was first introduced to this area via the Key Bank Vermont City Marathon and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since. The course starts in Battery Park, in Burlington which is a great, friendly city and runs up the Vermont side of Lake Champlain. It’s a beautiful route, having views of both the Green mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York State. Lake Champlain itself is also quite a sight, especially in the summer when people come out in droves to relax, walk and run along it’s edge. You can go as far as you like, even to Canada if you’re feeling ambitious! All in all it’s a great spot for sightseeing, meeting new people and of course, running.
Ocean Avenue Loop, Newport, RI
I’ve made several visits to Newport and I always follow some version of the Ocean State Marathon course which starts going south along Bellevue Avenue. This is an interesting course, not only because of the nearness of the ocean but also because of the rows of unbelievable mansions lining the street. From there I take Ocean Avenue along the coast, which is wonderful in the summer because it supplies a steady cool breeze, and keep going past the Benton Point State Park onto Castle Hill Avenue and finally, Harrison Avenue. Harrison Avenue will bring you back to Bellevue for a solid 9 1/2 mile loop of very enjoyable running. This might seem like a lengthier jog, but the terrain here is so flat and smooth that it’s a real pleasure to do.
Bar Harbor, Maine/Acadia National Park
Running camps are a great way to explore new training territory and that’s how I discovered this awesome place to run. Bar Harbor Maine and Acadia National Park contain 127 miles of trails with 57 miles of gravel roads originally designed for horse-drawn carriages. This affords a great off-road experience without the usual sprained ankles that often come with the rockier hiking trails. If you’re anything like me though, you’ll want to bring some friends with a good sense of direction or a really good GPS system. It’s not quite as beautiful when you’re hopelessly lost.
Bushnell Park, Connecticut
Running is one of the best ways to explore any city. You get a feel for the layout, the people, the architecture and the culture of the place. In Hartford, where I was born, is a jewel of a park that is within sight of Mark Twain’s mansion where my great-grandfather worked as his gardener. Obviously I’m rather connected to this place! I re-discovered this connection through my association with the Hartford Marathon which begins at Bushnell Park. A few times around the 1.27-mile loop provides a pleasant little training run.
Jamaica Pond/The Emerald Necklace, Boston
Contrary to popular belief Jamaica Pond is nowhere near Jamaica and “The Emerald Necklace” is not a Dharma station. It is, however, a great place to run. Hardly a day went by in the 70’s and 80’s when I did not run some variation of this course. My training partners and I would start at my old store at Cleveland Circle, wind our way through the Chestnut Hill neighborhoods and through the Greenway designed by Frederick Law Olmsted until we reached Jamaica Pond. The 1.7 mile loop around the pond is filled with a never-ending stream of walkers, runners and those out just enjoying the day. Thanks to Olmsted’s environmentally-forward thinking, we have a true oasis in the middle of our city, one that everyone, runner and otherwise, can enjoy forever.
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
My experience here began with an invitation from Joan Benoit Samuelson to run the Beach to Beacon 10K. It’s a great road race with a fantastic course that I enjoy running in training as well. The route begins near Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth and moves toward Fort Williams before finally finishing at the Portland Head Lighthouse. The rolling course varies from oceanfront to shaded neighborhoods to the spectacular lighthouse on the bluff. It’s only too bad that the training runs don’t end the same way as the race itself: with a big, New England clambake.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Cross Training
Good news! I had my Physical Therapist friend take a look (and a poke, and a twist, and a bend) at my ankle, and he's confident that there is nothing seriously wrong with it. The pain I am experiencing is not a stress fracture or what Curt Schilling had or anything of the sort.
However, that doesn't mean I can stop doing all the right things. (i.e. increasing mileage and speed gradually, icing it, and staying away from uneven surfaces)
One thing I know I can do is add some cross training. Especially if I cut back a bit on mileage as I do that. But my ankle is not going to get worse if I play tennis or hike.
Fortunately for me, it just got wicked nice out this week. And I just purchased a rowing machine. And i just finished a rest week and feel great. Perfect combination for me to have a very productive week of working out.
Here is the training I've scheduled for myself this week.
Monday- lift + rowing machine
Tuesday- 3 mi + lift
Wednesday- 3 mi + 6 mi elliptical
Thursday- 3 mi + mountain biking
Friday- rest
Saturday- hiking/ trail running
Sunday- 13 mi long run
I'm going to burn hella calories this week. And I have no plans to throw out any of that work with binge drinking or eating either!
However, that doesn't mean I can stop doing all the right things. (i.e. increasing mileage and speed gradually, icing it, and staying away from uneven surfaces)
One thing I know I can do is add some cross training. Especially if I cut back a bit on mileage as I do that. But my ankle is not going to get worse if I play tennis or hike.
Fortunately for me, it just got wicked nice out this week. And I just purchased a rowing machine. And i just finished a rest week and feel great. Perfect combination for me to have a very productive week of working out.
Here is the training I've scheduled for myself this week.
Monday- lift + rowing machine
Tuesday- 3 mi + lift
Wednesday- 3 mi + 6 mi elliptical
Thursday- 3 mi + mountain biking
Friday- rest
Saturday- hiking/ trail running
Sunday- 13 mi long run
I'm going to burn hella calories this week. And I have no plans to throw out any of that work with binge drinking or eating either!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
It's April!
Can you believe it? Its already April. April means running outside, probably the entire month! Since I have never been a serious runner at this point in April, (I probably started my memorial day 1/2 marathon training last year 6 weeks out, around the 15th) I am going through a few things that are new to me, just like I did with winter running.
Specifically, rain. And, actually, here in Massachusetts, the snow. Yeah it snowed 5 inches between Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1. But by now I'm used to snow. Snow usually has an easy solution- get your ass to the gym and try not to go insane on the treadmill.
Rain, though, makes for a more difficult decision. If its a light rain, its no problem. If its completely pouring, probably not. If its in between, wing it and hope you don't get too wet? I guess?
Thats what I've been doing. Last week I ran inside when I could've run outside because it looked like it was about to come down hard. Today the rain stopped a few hours before my lunch break, and it seemed like it might hold off at least an hour so I went for it, and came back drenched. I was unprepared too- I wore my white basketball pants which could win me some wet t contests. And I wore my running shoes to work, so I had to slosh around in wet shoes for the rest of the day.
Another problem I've had to deal with is dressing appropriately for the temperature. I am starting to hone in on the right combinations of layers, etc, but it is truly an art. I'm good below 35 and above 55 but its all the stuff in between I'm not sure of. And it seems like I'm both too hot and too cold when it is around 45.
These are some of the things you learn by doing. Now I know why runners buy running pants. Recently I learned why runners ease into a new routine, even if it seems pretty harmless to run a few more miles. I know why runners are so fussy about their shoes, and why, unlike body builders, they're not scared of carbs.
Early spring running is what seems to separate the men from the boys. Not as extreme as winter running but I have to say that anyone who starts a training program right now (not just running when its nice out) is probably for real.
Specifically, rain. And, actually, here in Massachusetts, the snow. Yeah it snowed 5 inches between Thursday, March 31 and Friday, April 1. But by now I'm used to snow. Snow usually has an easy solution- get your ass to the gym and try not to go insane on the treadmill.
Rain, though, makes for a more difficult decision. If its a light rain, its no problem. If its completely pouring, probably not. If its in between, wing it and hope you don't get too wet? I guess?
Thats what I've been doing. Last week I ran inside when I could've run outside because it looked like it was about to come down hard. Today the rain stopped a few hours before my lunch break, and it seemed like it might hold off at least an hour so I went for it, and came back drenched. I was unprepared too- I wore my white basketball pants which could win me some wet t contests. And I wore my running shoes to work, so I had to slosh around in wet shoes for the rest of the day.
Another problem I've had to deal with is dressing appropriately for the temperature. I am starting to hone in on the right combinations of layers, etc, but it is truly an art. I'm good below 35 and above 55 but its all the stuff in between I'm not sure of. And it seems like I'm both too hot and too cold when it is around 45.
These are some of the things you learn by doing. Now I know why runners buy running pants. Recently I learned why runners ease into a new routine, even if it seems pretty harmless to run a few more miles. I know why runners are so fussy about their shoes, and why, unlike body builders, they're not scared of carbs.
Early spring running is what seems to separate the men from the boys. Not as extreme as winter running but I have to say that anyone who starts a training program right now (not just running when its nice out) is probably for real.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
got my 3 in
I finally got back out there and ran 3 today. It felt great to be out. My ankle was still a little tender but I'd say its mostly healed at this point. I did keep it slow and tried to stay on flat roads, so we'll see as time goes on. I'm off to ice it. We'll see how Friday's 5 mi and Saturday's 10+ go.
Monday, March 28, 2011
more rest
I'm not sure if running right now would make my ankle worse or not, but I do know this: rest is certainly not going to hurt any. I planned to run 7 yesterday, but after stretching, I noticed that little nagging pain emerging just a bit. I had that voice in the back of my head calling me a lazy ass but at the same time I had a voice of reason coming out. Plus I had a hungover lazy ass body that agreed with the latter right away.
Today was my wife's birthday and to be honest I needed to take care of a few things relating to that, so once again, I decided that rest isn't going to kill me.
With that said, I have to get my ass on an elliptical and start logging some serious time asap. And soon, I need to at least get out there and see what a few miles does to me.
So my contingency plan for this week is as follows:
Tuesday: run 3ish + strength. stop running if I feel any pain.
Wednesday: 7 miles on the elliptical
Thursday: 3 miles + strength
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 12, or as many as possible
Sunday: rest
Monday: rest
Next Tuesday: back to schedule
Today was my wife's birthday and to be honest I needed to take care of a few things relating to that, so once again, I decided that rest isn't going to kill me.
With that said, I have to get my ass on an elliptical and start logging some serious time asap. And soon, I need to at least get out there and see what a few miles does to me.
So my contingency plan for this week is as follows:
Tuesday: run 3ish + strength. stop running if I feel any pain.
Wednesday: 7 miles on the elliptical
Thursday: 3 miles + strength
Friday: 5 miles
Saturday: 12, or as many as possible
Sunday: rest
Monday: rest
Next Tuesday: back to schedule
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Training Plan Modified
One thing I've heard from all experienced runners and fitness people is to be flexible in your training. You must be willing to modify your plan up or down based on your experiences. You never know what is going to come up, whether it be an injury, race cancellation, who knows...
I'm still not sure I have a real injury, but I don't want to screw with it and I have the advantage of planning ahead. So I've modified my training based on the time I project I'll need to rest to avoid making it worse and the time I have left. It just so happens that we're exactly 18 weeks away from the race. It just so happens that most of Hal Higdon's stuff is 18 weeks long.
I had originally wanted to start a few weeks in, as my mileage had been built up high enough to support that. But I need a week or two and then I'll be rusty, so this works out perfectly.
My new training plan can be found here.
Once again, you'll notice I've modified it to my specific needs. I'm running a half right in the middle of training, so I moved the 19 mile long run from week 10 to the week before. I should be able to handle that, but if I'm not feeling up to it, I'll cut it back that day.
I'm still not sure I have a real injury, but I don't want to screw with it and I have the advantage of planning ahead. So I've modified my training based on the time I project I'll need to rest to avoid making it worse and the time I have left. It just so happens that we're exactly 18 weeks away from the race. It just so happens that most of Hal Higdon's stuff is 18 weeks long.
I had originally wanted to start a few weeks in, as my mileage had been built up high enough to support that. But I need a week or two and then I'll be rusty, so this works out perfectly.
My new training plan can be found here.
Once again, you'll notice I've modified it to my specific needs. I'm running a half right in the middle of training, so I moved the 19 mile long run from week 10 to the week before. I should be able to handle that, but if I'm not feeling up to it, I'll cut it back that day.
Monday, March 21, 2011
52:49
What a race! That was without a doubt the most fun race I have been a part of. Oh, I have some complaints. But you can't beat a run where you have people cheering you on the entire race. There were kids handing out gatorade and water literally everywhere and people encouraging you constantly. Plus the block party at the end far surpassed anything I've ever seen at a run. Beer and food, bands, people all ready to have a great time. This is the type of race to invite your friends and family to watch since you know they'll have a great time too.
My ankle preparations worked beautifully- not a problem at all there. I felt great throughout physically.
My complaints are really more about my ignorance going in rather than about the race itself. I wanted to make this the race I'd get my PR under 50. However, the first four miles were consistently uphill. Not opressive, and I trained for hills, but by mile 3, I just had to slow down. The last 2 miles were sharp downhill which was awesome, but I wasn't able to cut my pace down enough to hit my goal.
Another challenge related to my goal was the number of people. The helicopter (yes, helicopter) that was giving us directions at the beginning of the race was saying to line up by pace, but on the ground it was way past the point where that was possible. The line was literally a mile long. According to the results, the difference between the gun and my start time was about 5 minutes, but I am pretty sure it was even more than that. It felt like 20. Either way, I started with so many people that there was just no way to get to and stay at my pace. Instead, I was playing the sprint and pace game for the first 4 miles. That took a lot out of me both physically and mentally.
Next year, I'll do this one as a fun, get back into shape for spring run. Even if its just an excuse to join the party afterwards.
My ankle preparations worked beautifully- not a problem at all there. I felt great throughout physically.
My complaints are really more about my ignorance going in rather than about the race itself. I wanted to make this the race I'd get my PR under 50. However, the first four miles were consistently uphill. Not opressive, and I trained for hills, but by mile 3, I just had to slow down. The last 2 miles were sharp downhill which was awesome, but I wasn't able to cut my pace down enough to hit my goal.
Another challenge related to my goal was the number of people. The helicopter (yes, helicopter) that was giving us directions at the beginning of the race was saying to line up by pace, but on the ground it was way past the point where that was possible. The line was literally a mile long. According to the results, the difference between the gun and my start time was about 5 minutes, but I am pretty sure it was even more than that. It felt like 20. Either way, I started with so many people that there was just no way to get to and stay at my pace. Instead, I was playing the sprint and pace game for the first 4 miles. That took a lot out of me both physically and mentally.
Next year, I'll do this one as a fun, get back into shape for spring run. Even if its just an excuse to join the party afterwards.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Race Preparation
I happen to have the benefit of being very good friends with a sports-focused physical therapist. He related my injury to Curt Schilling's bloody sock thing. Check this wikipedia article out to learn more.
I don't think it's torn yet but the pain is the same. What my buddy Mike says is that it could turn into a tear if I continue to run the same way. I may not be running exactly right even though I'm a pretty functional runner. I'll deal with that after the race tomorrow.
Anyway, he gave me some comforting race preparation advice. Ice it and warm it and ice it again, both tonight and just before the race, take four ibuprofens, tape it up (one tip he gave me there was to avoid wrapping around my foot, as this will be bulky and affect performance) then run right through the pain. And stretch my calves a lot.
So I'm doing everything he says and we'll see how it works tomorrow. My plan is to go hard in the mutha f'n paint. But if I can't, I can't, and just finish. But go hard...
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Injury 4 days before 10k
Of course it happens like this. I was just over a mile into my 8 mile tempo run, just started picking it up on this 1000 foot incline. I felt alright but not as awesome as I did with my tempo run last week. Anyway I felt fine enough, when all of a sudden I just felt this sharp pain in my ankle every time my left foot struck the ground.
There was no snap or tear or roll or anything like that. It just came. This has happened to me before about a half a dozen to a dozen times. Just never this close to a race and never this bad.
I have no idea what it is and have never asked anyone about it, because generally I just run it off and be a man and stuff. In fact, I tried to do that a few times today and the pain persisted for awhile. My old high school track happened to be nearby so I was able to just get myself up the hill and to the track where I could run until I couldn't handle it anymore.
I went easy and it slowly started to go away. By the end, I was running at near pace for short spurts, maybe 200 to 400 meters at a time.
After thinking it over, I decided to cut my run short. I could use the rest anyway after the condensed week I had last week.
I am not running tomorrow and I'll see how I feel on Thursday, but I certainly won't be pushing it at all. I think that formula adds up to doing everything right to have a great race on Saturday.
There was no snap or tear or roll or anything like that. It just came. This has happened to me before about a half a dozen to a dozen times. Just never this close to a race and never this bad.
I have no idea what it is and have never asked anyone about it, because generally I just run it off and be a man and stuff. In fact, I tried to do that a few times today and the pain persisted for awhile. My old high school track happened to be nearby so I was able to just get myself up the hill and to the track where I could run until I couldn't handle it anymore.
I went easy and it slowly started to go away. By the end, I was running at near pace for short spurts, maybe 200 to 400 meters at a time.
After thinking it over, I decided to cut my run short. I could use the rest anyway after the condensed week I had last week.
I am not running tomorrow and I'll see how I feel on Thursday, but I certainly won't be pushing it at all. I think that formula adds up to doing everything right to have a great race on Saturday.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Is it the Shoes?
I have been running for about a year and a half and never gave much thought to footwear until recently. For my first pair of shoes back in 2009, I knew footwear was important and that you shouldn't go cheap, so I went to sports authority and tried on shoes in the $100 range. These ones looked pretty sexy so I gave them a try.
Under Armour Proto Speed II's
They felt good enough so I bought them. They never caused me any pain or discomfort so I bought another pair, then another.
But once I increased my mileage and started running 10+ long runs week after week, I developed some nagging pain in the tendon behind my knee as well as my achilles tendons. I knew it was the shoes 'cause I was doing everything right.
And so I did basically the same thing as before. I did a little more research online and it seemed like people really liked these new barefoot inspired Nike Frees, so I went and tried them on. They felt great- like a glove.
With these shoes, you have to break them in much more gradually than normal shoes. They really are closer to barefoot running, meaning there is no support, so you have to allow certain muscles time to repair and all that.
Well, I love wearing these shoes. They are unbelievably comfortable no matter what you're doing. And I run fast in them. But I still have the same problem: pain after long runs.
Now that things are getting serious with this training, I knew I had to get some real shoes. I'm 200 lbs and going to run a marathon. Time to get real and get myself some good shoes.
Once again I did some research. But this time instead of just reading a few reviews, I looked at tons of reviews from multiple sites, took shoe finder quizzes, and read running shoe FAQs. I realized that I am one of the bigger runners out there and need a shoe that can handle my weight.
What I came up with was a need for max cushioning. I have no issues with pronation or flat feet or anything like that.
So I was able to narrow down the field quite a bit. There were 3 shoes that kept coming up:
Nike Vomero $130 retail
Asics Gel Nimbus $130 retail
Brooks Glycerine $130 retail
I trust Nike and couldn't find a bad review so I figured lets do it. I shopped and called around and found that the only place that had them was my local running store. I asked them to put them on hold and said I'd be in later that evening to pick them up.
When I arrived, I decided I might as well try them on, even though I was pretty sure I would like them. Well, when I put them on my feet, I wasn't actually crazy about them. There were certain places on my feet that were crowded and the stride didn't feel natural to me.
So I tried on the others. I had similar problems with the Asics. Perhaps a few runs would've broken them in more. But when I tried on the Brooks, they just felt right. Similar to the feeling I had when I first put on the frees.
Winner= Brooks!
As of today I have only 11 miles in them so I can't report much other than that I can see how cushioning can make a big difference- striking is was considerably less painful on my 5 and 6 mile runs.
Also, they're bad ass. I'm riding in the Cadillac of running shoes, or as close as it gets.
Under Armour Proto Speed II's
They felt good enough so I bought them. They never caused me any pain or discomfort so I bought another pair, then another.
But once I increased my mileage and started running 10+ long runs week after week, I developed some nagging pain in the tendon behind my knee as well as my achilles tendons. I knew it was the shoes 'cause I was doing everything right.
And so I did basically the same thing as before. I did a little more research online and it seemed like people really liked these new barefoot inspired Nike Frees, so I went and tried them on. They felt great- like a glove.
With these shoes, you have to break them in much more gradually than normal shoes. They really are closer to barefoot running, meaning there is no support, so you have to allow certain muscles time to repair and all that.
Well, I love wearing these shoes. They are unbelievably comfortable no matter what you're doing. And I run fast in them. But I still have the same problem: pain after long runs.
Now that things are getting serious with this training, I knew I had to get some real shoes. I'm 200 lbs and going to run a marathon. Time to get real and get myself some good shoes.
Once again I did some research. But this time instead of just reading a few reviews, I looked at tons of reviews from multiple sites, took shoe finder quizzes, and read running shoe FAQs. I realized that I am one of the bigger runners out there and need a shoe that can handle my weight.
What I came up with was a need for max cushioning. I have no issues with pronation or flat feet or anything like that.
So I was able to narrow down the field quite a bit. There were 3 shoes that kept coming up:
Nike Vomero $130 retail
Asics Gel Nimbus $130 retail
Brooks Glycerine $130 retail
I trust Nike and couldn't find a bad review so I figured lets do it. I shopped and called around and found that the only place that had them was my local running store. I asked them to put them on hold and said I'd be in later that evening to pick them up.
When I arrived, I decided I might as well try them on, even though I was pretty sure I would like them. Well, when I put them on my feet, I wasn't actually crazy about them. There were certain places on my feet that were crowded and the stride didn't feel natural to me.
So I tried on the others. I had similar problems with the Asics. Perhaps a few runs would've broken them in more. But when I tried on the Brooks, they just felt right. Similar to the feeling I had when I first put on the frees.
Winner= Brooks!
As of today I have only 11 miles in them so I can't report much other than that I can see how cushioning can make a big difference- striking is was considerably less painful on my 5 and 6 mile runs.
Also, they're bad ass. I'm riding in the Cadillac of running shoes, or as close as it gets.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Training Starts Now!
Actually, it started about 4 days ago. I finished the 1/2 now almost two weeks ago and originally planned to calm the running down and focus on lifting for a few months. My plan was to sort of periodize my training. Alternate cycles between lifting and running, and just try to maintain a minimum "maintenance" level for whichever cycle I wasn't focused on.
But then I gave myself a week off to allow my body some rest after the 1/2. I like to do that if I can after every event or training cycle.
Well, I spent that week reflecting on my most recent victory. No, I didn't win the race. I didn't place in my age group, or even the Clydesdale division. In fact, I finished with my worst results (both time and pace) of any race I had previously run.
My victory was finishing another freaking 1/2 marathon. It was doing so while training in the middle of one of the worst New England winters of my life. I ran 13.1 miles in February! Bi-Winning.
So, I figured, screw it. Running feels good and I'm already halfway there. Why not just start marathon training now.
I already knew where to go. I had loosely followed both the beginner and intermediate Hal Higdon 1/2 training for previous races and seen great results. Before that, my wife Jessica inspired me with her dedication to Hal's training when she ran her first 1/2, the Lowell Sun 1/2 in October 2009.
I'm sold. His shit works.
With that said, my goals are just slightly different from the cookie-cutter runner Hal has in mind. I have a little bit of muscle mass on my body and I'd like to keep it that way. I believe having an all around athletic, muscular physique is beneficial to one's health in more ways than one. Muscle looks good. It keeps you safe and prevents injuries. And, you burn more calories with every step you take. Yes, it will make me a slower runner. But thats a trade off I'm willing to work with at this point. My buddy Steve has a higher BMI than I and will likely qualify for Boston this summer.
Hal's marathon training also starts with long runs of 10, 11, 8, and then 13. I'm so ready to do more than that right now.
So, I modified his training just a bit. I basically just skipped the entire first 4 weeks of the Advanced Marathon-1 plan and tacked on the first 5 weeks of his Advanced Spring Training program with extended long runs in its place.
Check it out here.
But then I gave myself a week off to allow my body some rest after the 1/2. I like to do that if I can after every event or training cycle.
Well, I spent that week reflecting on my most recent victory. No, I didn't win the race. I didn't place in my age group, or even the Clydesdale division. In fact, I finished with my worst results (both time and pace) of any race I had previously run.
My victory was finishing another freaking 1/2 marathon. It was doing so while training in the middle of one of the worst New England winters of my life. I ran 13.1 miles in February! Bi-Winning.
So, I figured, screw it. Running feels good and I'm already halfway there. Why not just start marathon training now.
I already knew where to go. I had loosely followed both the beginner and intermediate Hal Higdon 1/2 training for previous races and seen great results. Before that, my wife Jessica inspired me with her dedication to Hal's training when she ran her first 1/2, the Lowell Sun 1/2 in October 2009.
I'm sold. His shit works.
With that said, my goals are just slightly different from the cookie-cutter runner Hal has in mind. I have a little bit of muscle mass on my body and I'd like to keep it that way. I believe having an all around athletic, muscular physique is beneficial to one's health in more ways than one. Muscle looks good. It keeps you safe and prevents injuries. And, you burn more calories with every step you take. Yes, it will make me a slower runner. But thats a trade off I'm willing to work with at this point. My buddy Steve has a higher BMI than I and will likely qualify for Boston this summer.
Hal's marathon training also starts with long runs of 10, 11, 8, and then 13. I'm so ready to do more than that right now.
So, I modified his training just a bit. I basically just skipped the entire first 4 weeks of the Advanced Marathon-1 plan and tacked on the first 5 weeks of his Advanced Spring Training program with extended long runs in its place.
Check it out here.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
First Running Blog Post
A good first post for a running blog includes a synopsis of the runner's history and goals. I'll get right on with it so you can move on with your life.
I've been interested in fitness in one form or another for most of my life. As a kid I played a lot of basketball and spent a lot of time roaming the town on my bike. As soon as I was able, I joined sports teams and stuck with them for a long time.
But between my sophomore year in high school and two years after I graduated from college, I somehow lost interest. I was more concerned with other things. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll...Money, power respect...That sort of stuff.
One day, my big sister told me I looked really big. At first I was flattered. I was used to being a skinny kid my whole life and hadn't thought about my weight to that point.
(me at 245 lbs. with the sister in question on the very date of my epiphany)
But then I realized what she said. It was shocking. I went home, took my shirt off, and looked at my huge gut in the mirror for about five minutes. She was right! I was really big. I freaked out. At that point I realized that I had to change my lifestyle.
I did so immediately. I bought some fitness books and started a combination of weight lifting, cross training, and running short distances on a treadmill.
More or less, I stuck with that plan until the late fall of 2009, when I was invited to run my first 5k race that December. Since a number of my friends and family agreed, I figured what the hell.
Since then, I have found myself increasingly afflicted by an indulgence in running. After the December 5k, I ran another in May 2010, then a Half at the end of that month, a 10k in October 2010, and most recently another Half last month in Hyannis, Ma.
(47 lbs. lighter at my 3rd Half Marathon- the Hyannis Half Marathon- 3/27/11)
This blog marks the beginning of my next running adventure: the marathon. I hope other runners find it interesting and useful, but to be honest, I would be happiest if it helps me grow as a runner. Training for a marathon is going to take a lot of commitment, and having something like this might provide just the amount of accountability and narcissistic massaging I need to keep motivated over the next 20 weeks.
Goal: Nova Scotia Marathon in Barrington, NS on July 24, 2011
I've been interested in fitness in one form or another for most of my life. As a kid I played a lot of basketball and spent a lot of time roaming the town on my bike. As soon as I was able, I joined sports teams and stuck with them for a long time.
But between my sophomore year in high school and two years after I graduated from college, I somehow lost interest. I was more concerned with other things. Sex, drugs, and rock and roll...Money, power respect...That sort of stuff.
One day, my big sister told me I looked really big. At first I was flattered. I was used to being a skinny kid my whole life and hadn't thought about my weight to that point.
(me at 245 lbs. with the sister in question on the very date of my epiphany)
But then I realized what she said. It was shocking. I went home, took my shirt off, and looked at my huge gut in the mirror for about five minutes. She was right! I was really big. I freaked out. At that point I realized that I had to change my lifestyle.
I did so immediately. I bought some fitness books and started a combination of weight lifting, cross training, and running short distances on a treadmill.
More or less, I stuck with that plan until the late fall of 2009, when I was invited to run my first 5k race that December. Since a number of my friends and family agreed, I figured what the hell.
Since then, I have found myself increasingly afflicted by an indulgence in running. After the December 5k, I ran another in May 2010, then a Half at the end of that month, a 10k in October 2010, and most recently another Half last month in Hyannis, Ma.
(47 lbs. lighter at my 3rd Half Marathon- the Hyannis Half Marathon- 3/27/11)
This blog marks the beginning of my next running adventure: the marathon. I hope other runners find it interesting and useful, but to be honest, I would be happiest if it helps me grow as a runner. Training for a marathon is going to take a lot of commitment, and having something like this might provide just the amount of accountability and narcissistic massaging I need to keep motivated over the next 20 weeks.
Goal: Nova Scotia Marathon in Barrington, NS on July 24, 2011
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