July 30th, 2010 - Training - Lowell > Tyngsboro > Lowell - 13.5

Day 210 - With a busy weekend of race timing and packing, for the move to Tewksbury (to be closer to the Fudgicle Series), I had to figure something out for a long run for the week. I currently need to consistently stay at 45 miles per week for the next few weeks before pushing up the mileage. The end goal is to get to about 60-70 per week leading up to the JFK 50.

The only running window ("that must be why they call it window pane") of opportunity that I could see was going to be this morning, before work!

I can't even remember the last time I got up early for a run before work, let alone a long run. I wanted to do 14 so that I would just need about 6 on Saturday to hit 45. A 14 miler meant that I would need to get up by 5:30AM to go through my morning routine (S & S & S), take care of the boys' needs, pack my stuff for work, pack my stuff for race timing, and then spend 20 minutes trying to convince Rachel that running at 6:30AM during morning traffic is a good idea.

I was out the door by 6:21AM (only spent 11 minutes sweet talking Rachel - a new PR).

The only route that I had planned, close to 14, would be from my apt, to my parents' place in Tyngsboro, and back home. Goal pace was going to be about 7:30 for the first half, and whatever I felt like running on the second half, depending on how I felt.

I got to my parents' place 46 minutes later, running a 7:31 pace. I also managed to scare the crap out of my mom who was getting ready for work, and not expecting her favorite son to be banging on her door, pleading to use the bathroom....

After my fuel dump at 6.25, I tucked tail and headed back home.

There's nothing like being late for work to kick your ass into a higher gear. I managed negative splits for every mile heading back home.

I ended up averaging about a sub-7 pace for the 7.25 mile run home to give myself a 7:10 overall average for the 13.5 miles.

And now I still had to drag my late ass to work....

(I love the smell of negative splits in the morning)

July 29th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 4.2

Day 210 - Met up with Military Matt and Cody, and went for a run with the boys in the state forest.

First time for both running in these parts of the woods. Not as humid as prior weeks, and fewer bugs due to the recent dry conditions.

Matt's made a lot of progress since I first ran with him on Monday night, but he still has a ways to go and little time to do it. Hoping to get out on the track with him this weekend to start working on some speed.

Coach should be able to take over the rest starting next Thursday when GLRR track starts up again at Chelmsford High at 6PM!

(Somebody missing a pair of sneakers?)

July 28th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.7

Day 209 - Met up with Cody and Andy after an impromptu meeting with the finance boys of GLRR. Working on the budget.

Wow! You say. Already working on the 2011 budget?!

No. I say. We're still ironing out the 2010 budget....

(Let's vote on it!)

July 27th, 2010 - Race - Newburyport, MA - 10

Day 208 - For the past 7 years I've had the last Tuesday of July blocked off on my calendar. Why? For one race. The Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport, MA.

For the previous 6 years I had always helped out with the timing of the race with Bay State Race Services. Last year, I told John, the co-owner of BSRS, that I think it's time that I run the race. The only stipulation was that I couldn't win the race or else people would think something was up, like I was on steroids. With that, I agreed not to win the 10 mile race in 2010 if he allowed me to run it.

This year was going to be the first year in awhile that the 10 mile race was not going to be a grand prix race, so I didn't expect it to be as competitive as it was during the GP years. That expectation was thrown out the window when I arrived at the race site with Fil, Cody, Andy, and a few other GLRR's.

There were the CMS boys, the Kenyans, a couple lot of hot looking chicks, Reno, etc.

(Even the girls from Nantucket were here!)

Crowd-wise, it looked just as chaotic (controlled), as it always has: 1,900+ for the 5K!! 1,300+ for the 10 miler!!

In that crowd were a few of my running buddies, including, Rick Brown (and his dad), Bob Strout, Bob Randall (volunteering), Joe Donnelly, Johnathan Morris, and a lot of hot chicks (see above and below - but eyes right here, buddy!).

I'm usually sitting inside the A/C'ed high school doing data entry before the races begin, so to be able to see the start of the 5K at 6:25PM was pretty cool. It literally looked like a march/protest was underway with the sea of people going down High Street.

10 minutes later, it was my turn to be a part of running history.

Since there was no start mat, I tried to get as close as possible to the front without getting in the way of the faster runners. I ended up dead center, right behind Double J from CMS. Jose Ortiz and the rest of the Whirlaway gang were to my right. Kenyans were to my left in the front row. Cody lined up to the far left, but in the front row. You really can't miss him.

I shot out of the start with the rest of the runners at around 6:37PM, and there was no looking back for the rest of the way.

My goal was to run about a 1:03-04, and at a pace below my half marathon best of 6:22 per mile.

I had debated at the start whether or not to ditch my GLRR singlet since I knew I would get wet, one way or another, during this run. Based on past experience, I knew that the new green singlets could get extremely heavy when wet. I felt too much GLRR pride to not wear it during the run though, so I kept it on.

The first two miles of the course is a steady downhill, so that gave me a chance to pick up some speed without killing myself. I went through miles 1 and 2 averaging a 6:06 pace, but more importantly, I felt comfortable. The long runs of the previous two weeks were really starting to show its value. My legs didn't feel tired or heavy. The rest from constantly racing every weekend for the past 7 months also might have had something to do with my freshness.

I quickly lost sight of Cody (you really can't miss him) and the lead pack by mile 3 (6:20), and I couldn't pick out any familiar faces in the handful of people that were passing me at this point. I was starting to drift into no man's land where you're running alone.

I was running only about a minute off of my typical 5K time at that split, which was surprising to me given the conditions. It was hot, but not oppressively humid, and running through the neighborhood sprinkler systems helped with the cooling. I was warned about the chlorinated-hose water, but didn't realize how bad the water tasted until I took my first gulp (and spit) of NBPT water.

Around 3.5 is where you get your first big crowd of spectators, and a lot of hot chicks, by Cashman Park. It's a nice and convenient vantage point for the crowds, and for me, as it's only a two block walk northeast of the start/finish area.

(Just in case you missed them the first four times)

The course steadily climbs back up to the starting elevation from miles 4 through 6 as you leave the congestion of the town. My splits are a good indication of the climbing that had to be done to get to the outskirts of town:

- Mile 4: 6:19
- Mile 5: 6:24
- Mile 6: 6:35

The climbs took a lot out of me, and my back started to tighten up. I continuously had to tell myself to just relax my face and hands in order to relax my back. It took a couple of tries, but it finally took hold and my back finally let go of its death grip on me.

It wasn't until about 6.5 that I got my legs back under me with the help of a few steep downhills, with the steepest being around Mile 7, out by the Maudslay State Park section.

I think I was running alongside the mayor of NBPT because this guy knew everybody (or everybody knew him)! All I know is that his name is Joe and he's really popular with the locals!

The pleasantly surprising shade cover on the course also helped with the heat of the evening. I love running in heat (insert sex joke here), but that wasn't the case tonight. In fact, it was something else altogether, but still sun related. I was forced to take off my shades at certain points because it was too dark in the shaded spots! At other points, where you're running directly into the setting sun, you couldn't see more than 5 feet in front of you! I couldn't imagine running those parts without the aid of sunglasses. I've never experienced such blinding light like this during a race.

I was starting to feel the mild effects of drinking pool water for 8 miles, where I clocked a split of 6:30. The second slowest split of the day was mainly due to the climb over the 95 overpass (I hate overpass hills!). My mouth was dry, but I couldn't handle any more of the chlorinated water. I started dumping cup after cup of water onto my head, letting it somehow seep into my digestive system without going down my mouth. I don't think it worked.

I just told myself to hang in there for two more miles.

At the bottom of the overpass at mile 8.5 was Mike Giberti, a runner that I've raced against numerous times this year, and he's always kicked my ass, easily. He was limping when I came up on him and I asked him if it was a muscle. I just heard him say, tight, shoes, blisters.

Ah, good ole Nike Lunar Racers. I was wearing the same pair tonight, so I knew what he was talking about. 10 miles are my limits with these great racing sneakers, anything more than that, is just uncivilized. I suffered the same fate as Mike on a 21 mile Boston training run a few months prior, but fortunately, that was just a training run, and not a race. Mike ended up DNF'ing because of the blisters.

By the home straight away stretch of mile 9 (6:17), I was actually thinking about ditching my two lbs of a soakin' wet singlet. I decided against that since I didn't think I could manage even a cool down (to retrieve the singlet) after this run was over with.

It was gut check time, literally. To my utter amazement, I came up on Cody at about 9.5 (you really, really can't miss him), and he was grabbing his stomach! He was ready to sit down by the side of the road in agony, but I screamed at him to WALK! I thought it must have been because of the NBPT water, but I later learned the opposite. He didn't drink any water on the course! He took my pre-race chlorinated water warning to heart and avoided ingesting any. I don't blame him, but a little bit would have helped.

The last thing I heard before leaving Cody behind was a loud BANG! Sounded like a fist hitting a street sign. Poor street sign.

(Whoops)

I managed to pass about three other runners with a quarter mile-to-go, two of them on the last stretch which included the dastard hill leading up onto the field finish. Think of the crowds lining the streets at the Tour de France and you'll get an idea of what it is like on the final climb towards the finish. I just remember closing my eyes and taking in the noise from the excited crowd, giving it my all.

I crossed the finish in 1:02:51! Well below my upper goal limit of 1:04. It was a great feeling to finally hit my A goal for the first time in a long time at a race. Glenn Stewart is right, there is something to be said about resting.

My left foot felt great and there was no lingering pains anywhere.

Cody was only a minute behind me and was a trooper about finishing strong. Live and learn my friend. You're only getting stronger.

The rest of the GLRR crew came in steady and strong as always (I'm pretty sure I'm missing some GLRR folks, below, that didn't get entered in under the GLRR banner. Please post a comment below if you ran the race for GLRR and I did not include you!):

Place    Name                         Time        Pace
56        Jason Bui                    1:02:51    6:18
67        Cody Freihofer           1:03:57    6:24
107      Fil Faria                      1:08:10    6:49
168      Andrew Pupa              1:11:30    7:09
170      Ken Goodin                1:11:33    7:10
314      David Pecchia             1:16:42    7:41
327      Kathy Burley               1:17:13    7:44 (2nd in AG!)
492      Marli Piccolo               1:22:24    8:15
843      John Ducharme           1:30:56     9:06
1010    Jonathan MacKenzie   1:35:57     9:36 (1st in AG!)
1372    Deborah White            1:59:26    11:57

Results

GLRR didn't do too shabby in the team standings either, with the Male Open and Male Masters team both finishing in 7th place (out of 14 and 9 teams, respectively).

I finally felt the full effect of drinking hose water, during the race, when I tried to go for a cool down. My stomach just screamed at me and I came to a screeching stop.

We all hung out for a bit after the race, sharing our war stories, hitting the showers, and forming cavities in our eyes as a result of all of the eye candy at this race.

(No need for words...DOH!)

Footnote: I spent the rest of the evening tossing and turning in bed, dry heaving and detoxing all of the chlorine and bacteria out of my system...and I'd do it all over again for this race.

July 26th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 6.50

Day 207 - I don't know what's scarier, people wanting to train with me or people referring others to train with me.

I got a quick text from New Mexico Festus last night saying that there was a local kid trying to run under 12 minutes for a 2 mile workout/tryout.

The kid's name is Matt and he's trying to get on the soccer team at Norwich Military Academy in Vermont (not CT). He has to run under 12 minutes for the 2 mile workout to even get a glimpse from the coach.

He ran 14 and change at the recent Carson 2 Mile race. Matt has about three weeks to cut off at least 2 minutes from his current pace. I also found out that he's a recent graduate of my alma mater of Lowell Catholic, so I knew he was a good kid right away!

I met up with Matt by Hookslide's and we headed out for an easy 4-5 miler just so that I could gauge his level of fitness. He was in good shape, even though he only plays soccer. We'll forgive him, right Fil?

Our first mile was a little too fast for him (7's), so he spent the next 2 miles trying to catch his breath. We finally eased into an 8 minute pace where he felt comfortable.

I told him to come to GLRR track on Thursday night at Chelmsford High, since that was probably going to be the most beneficial type of workout for him at this point in the game. It should also give me a better idea (and get Coach's input) if it will be possible for him to run under 12 in 3 weeks.

We finished the 4+ mile run up Christian Hill where Matt lives (I need to come out here more often!). We ended up with a 8:10 pace with a tough last mile. Matt definitely has the determination to do this, so it should be a piece of cake.

This should make my own training interesting as I now have someone else's interest in mind....

July 25th, 2010 - Race - Hudson, NH - 3.1

Day 206 - One of my first races in close to a month not named Good Times. Greater Lowell made their presence known at the 1st Annual Nate's Race in Fil's back yard of Hudson, NH.

I didn't plan to run this race until late last night when Fil got a beer in me at the Lowell Folk Festival (I'm a cheap date). My goal for the race now was to not let Fil win the whole thing.

I met up at Fil's place at 8AM for the 9AM start. Deric and Ryan were also running this race in memory of their fallen classmate at Alvirne High.

We met up with Cody in the parking lot of the high school at about 8:30, and went out for a quick warm up. My legs felt a little heavy after yesterday's 11 miler. Cody and Fil were also feeling the same effects as they did the same mileage the day before.

Today's weather was going to be the same as it's been all summer long, warm and muggy! Fortunately, the sun went into hiding behind some clouds as the race got under way a little after 9AM, after a pretty dang good live rendition of the Star Spangled banner by a youngin'.

Speaking of yougins, this was going to be my first official race as a 30 year old!

The four members of GLRR lined up at the front of the pack, to the far right as the G-O signal was given.

Like most races that attract a younger crowd, you will always be guaranteed a very fast start. I took note of the ones wearing basketball sneakers and Superman capes (in honor of Nate), and didn't worry about trying to keep up with them at the start. I had a feeling that they were going to fall back into pack later in the race.

Cody pulled ahead with the lead pack of six or so about a mile into the race. I found myself in no man's lead between packs and a steady headwind. Some respite was had at the first turn on the course, but that just lead to a steady hill climb that lasted more than half a mile. I went through mile 1 in 5:56.

Cody was still pacing the lead pack (now just three runners) while I started to make my move on the rest of them on the uphills. I slowly reeled in one runner after another until I found myself in 4th overall with about a mile to go. Went through mile 2 in a slower than expected 6:06.

3rd place was about 20 seconds in front of me at this point, and I could see that he was slowing down and I was able to pick up some speed. The back half of the course is a nice steady downhill with some steep drops in elevation.

I continued to close the gap and kicked it into my final gear at mile 3. I managed to pass 3rd place guy with about .05 to go, but unfortunately, there was still .05 to go! I could hear him make his move a second after I passed him and he caught me flat footed! I felt like a car with a flat tire as I tried to keep up through the finish, but he had me by a second!

This was the second race in the past month where I got out-kicked at the finish (the other being Patriot Place). I definitely need to work on my finishing strategy to prevent this from happening again. Only sour note on an otherwise great race!

I am pretty ecstactic about the fact that I managed to catch another runner that late into a 5K. I haven't felt that fresh near the end of a tough race in a long time. I managed a 5:41 last mile and hit an average pace of 4:30 over the final .10.

I quickly found out at the finish that Cody finished about 10 seconds behind the winner. Cody had taken a wrong turn about 2.5 miles into the race and that probably cost him the victory, or at least a shot at a closer finish. We'll get them next time, Cody! Nice job out there!

Fil was only a little more than a minute behind me to round out the top 10 finishers.

The GLRR runners, with the exception of Deric's great effort, placed in our age groups. Cody took second overall (only went two deep - go figure). Fill got first for 41-54. And I am currently undefeated in my new age group, but I still got first in the 19-32 AG (strange AG's at this race). It's like they knew I just turned 30!

Results

Big props also go out to to future GLRR members, Tatum O'Sullivan and Ryan Faria!

Overall, a great race on a great course. Good tune up for the Yankee 10 Mile race on Tuesday night! Can't wait to run on the sun!

July 24th, 2010 - Training - Lowell > Chelmsford via Tyngsboro - 11

Day 205 - I love cookouts and I love running! Today was going to incorporate both of those facts at the GLRR Family Outing at El President's casa and resort.

I left the apt in Lowell a little before 9AM with plans to meet Fil at the intersection of 3A and Tyng Rd at around 10AM. Fil was running down from Hudson, NH. It was already a muggy day with the temps in the 70's.

I had my Camelbak, phone, Ipod, and $3k worth of GLRR funds for deposit at the nearest OPEN Lowell Five within running distance. FYI, it's not the smartest thing to do in Lowell, running around with money in your bag during the Folk Festival.

I had to cut through downtown and the folk festival to get to the nearest supposedly open Lowell Five on John St. Hey, Lowell Five downtown branch! Next time, put up a sign if you don't plan to be open!!

After waiting around for 10 minutes with a couple of other irate customers, I decided to continue on my way into Chelmsford by way of Tyngsboro where I would meet Fil at about Mile 7, before heading together to Glenn's place in Chelmsford. The entire run would end up being about 10-12 miles.

I quickly made a detour to the Wood St Lowell Five branch 3 miles and 20 minutes later, still carrying the funds in my Camelbak. These things are handy for long runs AND bank robberies!

I probably scared the teller half to death, all sweaty and out of breath when I got up to her window. It's a good thing I remembered to take off my sunglasses and hat! I handed her the ransom note funds and it took her about 15 minutes to count it all up and make the deposit. Cha-Ching!

I left the bank and figured I had about 25 minutes to get to where Fil would be 4 miles down the road. I was wrong, I had 40 minutes!

I got to our meeting point and waited around only to find out that Fil didn't know what I meant when I said, meet on Tyng Rd! He went by the intersection of 3A and Tyng Rd and continued down 3A hoping to run into me. Fil, you mapped it out!

We eventually met up and exchanged less than nice pleasantries. We ran together for the rest of the 4 miles to Glenn's place without getting lost. Along the way, we also ran into the other GLRR folks out on their pre-cookout run. We're such a bunch of running geeks!

It ended up being an awesome day of running, eating, drinking, and drinking! Thanks for hosting Glenn!

(New PR for Deric)

(This is why we run)

July 23rd, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 204 - Heavy rain as I drove home from work. I expected to be on the treadmill tonight, but decided to wait it out and see what happens.

The rain stopped by 7PM, so I went out onto the blocked off streets of Lowell (for the Folk Festival this weekend) and had a blast skipping through the puddles.

I can't remember the last time that it rained while I was either A) awake B) not at work. The air was so refreshing and I felt an extra bounce in my step.

Fellow Masssoles runner, Katy Agule put it best on how I felt tonight, running in the semi-rain, on her blog.

Plan is to put in at least 10 miles total tomorrow to bring my week's total to about 60+ miles (highest weekly mileage in over 2 months). Running from the apt to Glenn's place for the GLRR family outing, and then probably join the group for the 5 mile run.

For the first time in my life, I have to say that I am actually enjoying the training. Must be the fact that I've run over 50 races to start the first half of the year!

July 22nd, 2010 - Training - Chelmsford, MA - 13.1

Day 203 - Half marathon with Fil after work around Chelmsford/Billerica. Temps were in the 80's, and I decided not to bring along any water or money. This was going to be a test of my conditioning and mental focus.

The goal for today was to learn how to block everything out and just focus on the run. This was made doubly hard running with Fil :)

I will need this mental toughness come November.

We started out at my ultra goal pace of about 8:30's for the first 7-8 miles and then picked it up on the home stretch. Knees were bothering me a little about half-way into the run as I was not use to running this "slow". I opened up my stride a bit, but kept the same pace, which corrected the knee issues.

I felt great over the final 5 miles and managed close to 6's for the final two miles. Fil was right behind me by about 3 minutes.

Finished the 13.1 averaging 7:56. Surprising part was that we were able to drop the pace down from about 8:20's with only 2-3 miles left in the run.

A successful training run overall, and hardly any pain in my left foot. I would say that it's at about 85% healed right now. Can't wait to test it out at Yankee next Tuesday!

July 21st, 2010 - Training - Lowell State Forest - 3.5

Day 202 - Explored some virgin forest tonight with Teddy and Scooter.

Plan for tomorrow is to put in at least 12 miles with Fil after work. Most likely meeting up with Fil at Zoll for a jaunt around the parking lots. Fun.

For those who still check out this blog and the 365 Day mileage, you may have noticed that I added Reno Stirrat to the running. His mileage should start to sky rocket shortly as he is also training for the JFK 50.

Will he beat Jim Rhoades? We'll see.

July 20th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 7

Day 201 - Met up with the rest of the Good Times runners going through withdrawal, as GT5K takes a 2 week hiatus to celebrate summer, at Hookslide's.

Partnered up with El Presidente as we powered through 6.5 miles over the river and down the boulevarde on a wonderful evening and run.

Love not racing!

Recovering from a crazy first half of the year, and now making time and energy for serious training. Done with new races for the rest of the year except for GT5K, Yankee 10 Miler, Bridge of Flower 10K, RTB Ultra, Baystate Marathon, and then the run of the year to top it off, JFK 50.

July 19th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.3

Day 200 - On the eve of Day 200 I did my typical 5K around the river. That's all.

July 18th, 2010 - Training - Winchendon, MA - 4

Day 199 - While I was asleep, nice and cozy in my warm bed, at 4AM on Saturday morning, Dane "Rain Man" Leblanc and Ranger Dave were toeing the line up near Windsor, VT for the start of the Vermont 100 Miler.

While I was finishing up my mere mortal 15 mile training run with GLRR at around 10AM, the dynamic duo were more than a marathon into the 100 miler.

Some time between lunch and bedtime for most of us, Ranger Dave opted to drop out (probably dragged off the course by ninjas), and Rain Man continued on alone into the night, 12+ hrs into his ordeal.

When I finally awoke early this morning around 5AM to get ready to time the Winchendon Tri, Dane was close to the finish line! By the time I finished my tri gig and put in my own run 6 hrs later, Dane had crossed the finish line somewhere in the green mountains of Vermont...and lived to tell about it!

Here is Dane, in his own words, describing part of the "experience" of moving forward for 26+ hrs:

One huge thing that Dave and I learned from this race: Electrolyte balance is key. At mile 70, I was experiencing the same symptoms that Ranger Dave was feeling at about mile 45: nausea, disorientation, inability to eat or drink. At mile 72, one of the pacers suggested that I take more electrolytes. I took 2 tabs (in addition to the tab I took at mile 70), and the symptoms went away after a couple of miles. (The low electrolyte symptoms that is… not the ripped quads and sore feet, unfortunately).

I had lowered my electrolyte and food intake after mile 47, since I weighed in 5 pounds heavier than I weighed at the start, and I was afraid I’d get DQ’d for gaining too much weight (weight gain could be a sign of kidney failure, I think, esp. if you’re not peeing) This helped with the weight (I lost 6 pounds in those 23 miles), but my electrolytes were hosed.

Continuing in a state of low electrolytes would have been a disaster, since the body won’t take any more water (you would just heave it), and then eventually dehydration would kick in.

There was an unbelievable amount of carnage at this race. There were 112 DNF’s out of the 265 who started. This was a much higher percentage than for 2009, probably because of the heat (high of 90 deg).

The organization and the volunteers at this race are phenomenal. For the last 30 miles, I had a volunteer pacer named Ken, who stayed with me OVERNIGHT for over 10 hours (8:30 PM Saturday through 6:42 AM Sunday). Ken was supposed to pace the last 30 miles for a friend of his, but his friend dropped out, so he decided to stay and volunteer for pacing for any runner who needed on. Before I got to mile 70, I didn’t think I’d need a pacer, but when I got to mile 70 in a confused and nauseated state, I figured it was a good idea to have someone watch the trail markers for me.

It just amazes me that someone would volunteer to “run” (more of a speed walk, actually) with someone they never met for 30 miles overnight!!!

I was also surprised at how freakin’ hilly 14,000 feet of elevation gain represents. Who would have thought that a state named after mountains could be so hilly???

(DL & RD - left side - Part of the first Masssoles Ultra Team at RTB)

July 17th, 2010 - Training - Lowell > Tyngsboro > Lowell - 15

Day 198 - Today was the official kick-off of my JFK 50 training with a 15 miler in about 80-85 degree temps.

This was going to be my longest run since Sugarloaf over 2 months ago.

I left the apt around 8AM, with my water-filled Camelbak, and met up with the GLRR group run already heading out. I quickly found out from Glenn that Alex was going to be the only one going long (14 miles as he's getting ready for the Baystate Marathon).

Glenn was only doing 5 as he's running the Stowe 8 Miler tomorrow morning. I also noticed a heavily bandaged elbow on Glenn due to a recent fall. I'll have to get more gory details on Monday at the GLRR board meeting. Stay tuned.

Alex and I cruised through the first 8 miles (7:44 pace) right behind Andy C. and Mike S, with Andy and Mike turning back home around the Rourke Bridge. We continued on with the first half of the marathon course into Chelmsford, and then a detour onto my parents' house in Tyngsboro for a bathroom and water break.

My plan for the JFK 50 is to average sub 9's, so I have to start getting use to slower training runs. Even 7:40's would probably be too fast for me to sustain over 50 miles, so I'll have to wake up some more slow twitch muscles.

It was getting quite warm when we headed back home, and our goal was to shoot for an overall average of sub 8's.

I felt great through Mile 12 where Alex and I stopped at CVS for some Gatorade. The water was just not cutting it anymore at this point. I was sweating too much and not recovering any electrolytes. Thanks for buying the drinks, Alex!

We went our separate ways at around Mile 13.5 at the School St bridge crossing. My legs felt a little dead over the last mile, but still managed a strong kick for the final half mile.

Ended up averaging a 7:46 under very tough conditions. I'm pretty sure Alex finished around the same pace. Very nice run, Alex!

Running with Alex at his marathon goal pace will be a great tool for me to use in my training for the 50 miler. I plan on putting in at least two long runs per week going forward.

Foot felt fine throughout today's run, but still a little cautious. Waiting for a second opinion from a Dr. Dolittle.

Sunday plan is to run the 10K run course after timing the Winchendon Tri.

GOOD LUCK TO DANE AND RANGER DAVE AT THE VERMONT 100 MILER! YOU CRAZY MOFO'S!

July 16th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 197 - Met up with Fil, Jill, Dan, and Rachel at Casa Blanca's in Billerica for a belated birthday bash.

("The White House")

(Photo courtesy of our waitress, Alejandra, the Selma Hayek-lookalike from the neck up)

I showed up fashionably late to my own birthday party like the diva that I am.

(Check out my bling!)

Thanks for coming and waiting around for me! Had a blast!

(Viva La Mexico!)

Fil and I followed that up with a slightly drunken run through the wet streets of Lowell. Lots of thunder and lightning, but not much rain. Ran into Mike O'Connor as he was heading to the Boarding House Park for a concert.

(...and many more.)

July 15th, 2010 - Training - Lowell State Forest - 3.2

Day 196 - Another hot and humid run in the state forest with the boys. Went out later than I had wanted, so it was pretty dark on the thickly covered trails. Had to stay extra focus to avoid taking a spill.

Foot is recovering well and it appears the sharp pain of the past few days have subsided.

July 14th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.75

Day 195 - Thankfully, an uneventful day. Need to catch up on sleep and finish off the work week strong. Heading into the weekend with a couple of really long runs planned.

Felt strong on the run today. Haven't ran pissed off in awhile. Feels good.

Let the JFK 50 begin this Saturday.

30th Birfday - Race - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 10,957 - Getting old sucks. Things begin to break and they take longer to heal.

My first race as a 30 year old was tonight at Good Times. Technically, I am still running in the 29 year old age group due to the Good Times super computer's inability to change your age group in mid-stride.

Some old, familiar faces came out tonight (I'm convinced it's for my birthday) like Ricky Brown, Bob Strout, Tim Burke, and Matt Story.

I gave it my best shot tonight at a new PR, and managed to hang with Cody and Titus for 1.5 miles with a 5:36 first mile. Titus did everything to keep me in the lead pack, but I couldn't go with Cody when he turned up the heat (like it wasn't hot enough). I tried surging at a couple of points during the first 1.5, but nothing phased him. I just told Titus to take the win after we went through the downhill section on the VFW.

Like what always happens when I start out too fast, I ended up dying even faster. Got passed by a pack of three including EJ and Tim Burke around Mile 2, where I went through in 6:01. I wasn't really going that slow, they were just going  that fast!

Finished Mile 3 in 6:07.

Congrats to EJ on breaking 18 for the first time at Good Times! Your prize? I'll kick your ass next week.

Jim Rhoades put it best when he said I fell back like a rock during the race. You're too kind to me, Jim.

Been running about the same pace and effort for the past 3 weeks (18:01; 18:18; 18:17). Not sure when I'll be able to snap out of this funk, but I hope to set a new Good Times PR at least one more time before the summer is out.

My left foot is officially fractured after kicking Fil's ass for the past 193 days. Starting to favor my right side when I run, which will lead to other injuries if I I'm not careful. Need to take it easy for a couple of weeks before I start on JFK 50 training.

Looking forward to running something longer (Yankee Home Coming 10 Miler) in a couple of weeks.

July 12th, 2010 - Training - Lowell State Forest - 3.1

Day 193 - If there's such a thing as 110% of anything, then there was 110% humidity tonight inside the forest.

High temps + recent thunderstorm + forest = 110% hunidity.

What's normally a fun, enjoyable run turned into the run from suana hell. I was completely drenched in humidity by the time the 3.1 run was over with. Teddy and Scooter also had enough and jumped right into the AC'ed car.

Got my invite in the mail today:

(No turning back now)

July 11th, 2010 - Training - Mattapoisett, MA - 4.3

Day 192 - Another day, another tri. A much lower key event today in Mattapoisett, but a great race nonetheless.

It was sweltering in the high 80's when Nathan and I went out looking for the run course, but we could only manage to find our own run course.

Went out for 2.2 before heading back to the car at the beach for a total of a 4.3 run, and then heading home for good.

It's been a fun, but tiring weekend. Looking forward to get home to Rachel to spend some time with the family and unwind before another week of work.

Nothing on the race schedule in the upcoming weeks other than Good Times.

Legs and left foot feeling better after some decent runs this weekend. If the weather cooperates, then I plan on trying to set a new Good Times PR on Tuesday.

July 10th, 2010 - Training - Nantucket, MA - 4.5

Day 191 - Farewell run on Nantucket after wrapping up the timing gig for the Nantucket Tri. Great race, great weather, and great people made for an awesome day.

(You can't spell tri without tired)

Had only an hour to get in my run before heading back on the boat for the mainland. I made sure I gave myself enough time to visit the Juice Bar one last time before I left Nantucket. Strawberry Bliss smoothie after a 4 miler on a 90 degree day...Yum!

(Back into the belly of the beast)

Next up is the Mattapoisett Tri tomorrow morning....

July 9th, 2010 - Training - Nantucket, MA - 4.4

Day 190 - There's no better place to run during the summer than on Nantucket, especially when you're there on someone else's dime and you get paid to be there!

Got over to the island by 5PM and the weather was gorgeous, and so was the eye candy. There was so much eye candy that I think my eyes now have a cavity.

(Tough day at work)

Nathan and I went out for an easy 4+ miler on Madaket Road shortly before dinner. Good thing Nathan brought his headlamp. Brought back memories of the night runs during RTB.

July 8th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.3

Day 189 - Last training run in the area for a couple of days.

Spending the weekend away on Nantucket, and near the Cape, timing triathlons for John at Baystate. Should be a fun weekend, but tiring work weekend.

Met up with the GLRR boys at Hookslides after they finished setting up and breaking down the all women's race in Lowell. Wanted to get out there for that, but the woman in my life wanted to spend some time together before I disappeared for the weekend. Don't blame her.

Had a nice dinner at Cobblestones. A little pricey, but the food and atmosphere is nice.

Our new goal for the year is to try a new restaurant at least once a week. Plenty of them now in a revitalized Lowell.

July 7th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 188 - Dropped off Festus at the airport this morning. I ended up going into work early and came home late. Nothing like a 12-hr day in your coffin to make you feel like not doing anything. I almost gave up on the running streak toniight as it's just getting too busy.

I decided against it around 10PM when I couldn't sleep.

Starting to focus on slow runs to try to wake up the slow twitch muscles in preparation for the JFK 50 Miler.

85 degrees during my almost midnight run.
Weather has been unbelievable this summer and it's expected to continue throughout next week. Poor Glenn, though, can't grow his grass seeds.

Legs feeling a little tired after 3 straight days of racing. Glad to see that my race calendar is pretty much clear for the next month or so, and I don't plan on signing up for any more races, other than the Yankee Home Coming at the end of July. Besides, I won't have to sign up for this race. I'm getting in for free!!

July 6th, 2010 - Race - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 187 - Ahhh, nothing like running 3 races in 3 days to keep up my level of fitness, and risk of injury in the dangerously high category.

Tonight was hot times at Good Times: 101 friggin degrees at race time!!!

I don't care, tonight was going to be a PR for no matter what. Anyone who runs in 100+ plus temps deserves a PR and a psych eval.

To add to the fun, tonight was also Reverse the Course, which means a tough hill at around mile 1.5 as we ran UP the VFW.

EJ and I ran together again for most of the race, but I was able to bury him around mile 2.5 (he says I cheated by cutting the corner. I don't remember seeing that corner). He's going to be my nemesis for the rest of the season.

Finished strong and with a time of 18:18.

Results

Cody is pulling further and further away from me in the overall point standing. I'll need to Tonya Harding him before the series is over if I want to take the overall title.

Tonight was also Festus' last night in Lowell, and he was nice enough to help out at the water station, and also come back to my apt half drunk at 1AM. He probably still doesn't know how or who drove him to the airport the next morning.

Bon Voyage, Mi Amigo! See you in the fall!

July 5th, 2010 - Race - Chelmsford, MA - 9 Miles

Day 186 - The newly minted holiday of the 5th of July brings a day off, and my first running of the world famous Carson 2 Miler.

I've always heard about this race, but never ran it personally, even though it's right in my back yard.

I got up nice and early on race morning and ran the 3 miles from my apartment to Hannaford's in Chelmsford/Drum Hill to sign up.

One thing that I noticed was that there were a lot of youngins and new faces at this race, some lookin' pretty fast. I figure that this is a common distance for the high schoolers and collegiates, home for the summer. This was a race for me to set a new distance PR, and I didn't expect to place in my age group.

The reason for the new faces was most likely due to the fact that this race pays out $1,000 to whoever breaks the course record (8:50 for the men's...or is it 8:57?), thus attracting speedsters from all over.

The Farias were all here today after a long day yesterday of throwing frisbies, breaking frisbies, taping frisbies, breaking up dog fights, swimming in the pool, cookouts, and, of course, drinking.

The heat of the morning was already draining whatever motivation I had to run the race, but it's only 2 miles...

My legs were still a little heavy from the prior day 10K race, but the 3 mile warmup definitely helped loosen things up.

I was warned before the race that this race would be similar to the start of the Hollis Fast 5K where you can quickly be overwhelmed by the kids running in the race. I was told to start up as close as possible to the starting line.

I've always felt that the short distance races, like the mile, is always the most difficult. If you're not in discomfort for the entire run, then you're not trying.

The same is true of this very difficult 2 miler. Glenn agrees that this is one of the toughest races of his season.

The course is deceptively uphill, and the time of year typically means that it can be brutally hot and humid like today.

My race goal was to try to get close to 11's, and beat Frank Georges.

I only managed an 11:32 run, but did beat Frank, around the half-way mark where he caught me and then faded.

I tried to catch Kara Haas throughout the race, but Wonder Woman is back and she just pulled away the further we got into the race.

Cody led the way for GLRR with an impressive 10:32 run.

A great race overall and I would definitely try again next year to see if I can get under 11's.

I ended up running home on the Freeman Trail for an additional 4 miles on the day. Very hot!

Results

(Photo Courtesy of the Lowell Sun)

4th of July, 2010 - Race - Foxboro, MA - 6.2

Day 185 - What better way to celebrate the Birth of a Nation than to run a 10K race at the home of the New England Patriots.

Glenn, Liane, Cullen, Fil, and myself got down to Patriot Place nice and early for the 9:30AM race.

This race would kick off a crazy week of racing for us GLRR's:

Glenn: Patriot Place 10K, Carson 2 Miler, Good Times 5K

Fil: Patriot Place 10K, Carson 2 Miler, Mine Falls 5K, Good Times 5K, Great Legs 5K

Cullen: Patriot Place 10K, Carson 2 Miler, Mine Falls 5K, Good Times 5K

Liane: Patriot Place 10K, Carson 2 Miler, Good Times 5K, Great Legs 5K

Jason: Patriot Place 10K, Carson 2 Miler, Mine Falls 5 Miler, Good Times 5K, Danvers 5K, Lowell
General ER 5K, McDonough Funeral Home 5K, St. Patrick's Cemetery 5K

Fil, Cullen, and myself carpooled together, while Glenn and Liane played Dukes of Hazards and got down to Gillette in about 15 minutes from Chelmsford.

I had instant flashbacks of the Rhody 5K the moment we pulled into Gillette Stadium's parking lot. The 1st year course itself would be similar to Rhody, a quick loop around the parking lot, and then out and into the surrounding residential streets.

Very warm morning as we all lined up after a rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The corrals were broken up by pace, starting with 5's, which is always nice to see.

Nothing spectacular to report about my run during this race, other than the fact that I felt OK, and it was nice to run a new race for the very first time.

Splits:

(First race in awhile where my VO2 Max was below 55)

Close to 3,000 runners finished the very well managed race.

The race results would prove to be very fruitful for Glenn and Liane, both placing in their age groups.

Place    Div/Tot Div       Guntime   Nettime     Pace    Name

16        5/148 M2529    38:05      38:03         6:08    Jason Bui

80        5/178 M4549    41:58      41:55         6:45    Fil Faria

141      3/31   M6064    44:24      44:22         7:09    Glenn Stewart

171      2/102 F5054     45:14      45:14         7:17     Liane Pancoast

847      35/78 M2024    56:04      54:38         8:48    Cullen Madden

(Stop being so god damn cheap and buy a photo!)

Results

(Fil, always has to be different!)

July 3rd, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 8

Day 184 - Group run with GLRR under beautiful conditions. Although summer is just getting underway, I would have to say that the weather so far has got to be one of the best stretches of weather that this area has seen in awhile! That's just based on my 28 years of living in the area.

Met up with Glenn, Andy, Jim, Paul, Paula, Scott, Zach, Moe, Cherie, Erin, Alex, and Kim at HQ.

(Family Photo)

Paul had sent me some running advice earlier in the week regarding the benefits of "slow" training runs, and I wanted to give it a shot today. Perfect timing too as it was time to start waking up the slow twitch muscles as I prepare to train for the JFK 50. Sent in my application before I got to the group run.

Ran most of the run with Glenn, Paul, and Alex averaging 8's over the 8. Alex is prepping for the Baystate Marathon and went out with Glenn for a total of 13. Glenn is preparing for hell week with the Patriots 10K tomorrow, Carson 2 Miler on Monday, and The Good Times race on Tuesday (see weather conditions below).

Today ended up being one of my slower training runs so far this year and it felt fantastic! Trying to get my mind to shift gears will be tough, but I will need it come November.

Weather report for the upcoming week:

(Then again, this is New England...)

July 2nd, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 5.5

Day 183 - Festus said he wanted to start running 6's on our training runs. What I didn't realize was that he meant in about 6 months.

We headed out on the tempo run at about 7's with the temps in the 80's. Festus struggled through the first mile and called it a day. He's probably going to shut it down for awhile in order to let his leg fully heal. We'll get them in the fall!

I don't know what it was, the long weekend, the beautiful weather, or my renewed love for running, but I completed the training run averaging 6:40's and feeling awesome! It's fun again!

Looking forward to the celebration of the Birth of Our Nation this weekend.

Patriots 10K at Gillette Stadium on the 4th (finish is on the 50 yard line!) with Fil, Cullen, Glenn, and Liane.

(Score!)

Halfway Mark of the 365 Day Race - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.75

Day 182 @ 12PM - Not much fan fare as we crossed the halfway mark for the year and the 365 Day Race.

Jim Rhoades still kicking ass, with Glenn and EJ right behind him...

I have never been in better shape than I am now, and I attribute most of it to the consistency of my runs and the company that I've been a part of so far on this journey. I've met some of the greatest people through my running and cannot wait to see who I'll meet over the next 182.5 days.

What started out as a little challenge between Fil and I to run 365 days in-a-row, have turned into an even smaller challenge between Fil and I: First one to whine more than the other, loses. So far, I'm winning. Fil, it's been a blast!

Life has recently gotten in the way and have made things a lot more difficult for me to continue blogging and running on a daily basis.

I said that I would stop running when things were no longer fun. It's starting to reach that point. Hopefully things will get better.

We'll see what the next 182.5 days will hold.

Running events in store for the remainder of the year:

- Reach The Beach Relay: Looking to be the first Masssoles team to cross the finish line in about 25 hrs.
- JFK 50: First ultra with the Masssoles gang, and Reno will be there. Hoping to finish in under 8 hrs.
- Bay State Marathon: First time on this course. Looking to finish in about 2 hrs 50 mins.
- And whatever the hells happens when you sign up for every race and try to run every day.

Happy Halfway!

June 30th, 2010 - Training - Lowell State Forest - 4.2

Day 181 - Festus and I needed a rabbit for our training run tonight so we invited Fast Fil Faria to the Lowell State Forest. Teddy and Scooter also tagged along.

Festus knew the forest pretty well and took us on a gnarly trail that zigged and zagged. It felt like we were going around in circles, but in the end, we made a lot of progress during the great workout.

Finish order of the run:

Jason
Teddy
Scooter
Festus
Fil

(No, we were not drunk)

June 29th, 2010 - Race - Lowell, MA - 3.1

Day 180 - Nice to be back home after a hectic weekend of being away for most of it. Foot still a little tender from Sunday's bare foot experiment. Ass is definitely still sore from yesterday's 8 hr drive to and from NYC. Stopping at the rest stop on the way home did not help the soreness.

Good Times Summer race #2 tonight with the usual suspects. This race and series is getting out of hand with the unbelievable talent showing up every week. Tonight featured the return of Titus and his winning ways.

I ended up in 6th, still behind Cody, and right in front of a surging EJ (Bad Dawg), who finished with a PR.

It was in the low 80's at race time, and it didn't get much cooler 18 minutes later at the finish line. In fact, this was probably the most painful Good Times race that I've run in two years. I received a side stitch around Mile 1 after taking an ill-advised deep breathe, and it stayed with me for the entire run.

Speaking of staying with me for the entire run, EJ was on my tail by the 1.5 mile mark and he pushed me the rest of the way without reprieve. I tried to break him, but he had none of it. It took a dead out quarter mile kick for me to stay and finish in front of him.

Bad Dawg, you scary.

Results

Here's Ted Tyler's take on the finish:

(I) 

(hate) 

(you)

(E)

(J)

June 28th, 2010 - Training - NYC - 101 degrees

Day 179 - It was a hot one in Hell's Kitchen.

(It reached 103 shortly after this pic was taken)

I was in NYC for reasons that I cannot share for something that I cannot talk about.

It wasn't quite as hot as the pic above indicates, but it was a little hazy and a little humid as I got out by the Hudson around 6PM. The last time I was in NYC was back in early March, but could only get a run in on a hotel treadmill.

I always enjoy exploring cities on foot and nothing beats exploring a city like NYC on a run. A lot of scenery and I got my fill of eye candy over the course of my 5K run. The natives were all dressed up in skimpy running outfits given the temps.

Now I had to drive the four hours back to Lowell, all nice and sweaty.

Unfortunately, I'll have to kill anyone that reads this entry.

(I'll run around the Island one of these days)

June 27th, 2010 - Training - Cohasset, MA - 3.1

Day 178 - I am not giving up my Five Fingers just yet. Let's just say that I will not run completely bare feet ever again. Some people were just not Born To Run without something in between their feet and the ground. I am that someone.

I headed up to Cohasset to time a triathlon for Baystate. My brother was also working the race and he of course had on his Five Fingers. I think that they are permanently sewn onto his feet by this point, even though he's not a "runner".

One of my goals this year is to run the run course at the tri's (not named Iron Man) that I time. This was going to be my 3rd of the year, and it proved to be the most difficult because of my own doing.

The race was over and we were packed up by 12PM, so I asked my brother if he was still up for a run. The last time that he and I ran together was over 10 years ago for Lowell Catholic. He's been getting back into running, but still not in the best shape.

In fairness, I told him that I would run barefoot over the 5K course while he used his Five Fingers. I figure that the area was pretty well groomed and clean enough for barefoot running, considering that it's Cohasset, one of the ritziest towns in Mass.

Driving in, I remember seeing a lot of newly paved roads and a lot of McMansions. This is a town where residents buy property, demolish the current home on said property, and build their own dream home....over and over again.

The temps were in the low 80's by the time I slipped on my shorts and birthday suit.

We headed out on the course and I felt great!...until mile 1. Damn! The ground was f'n hot! There was hardly any shade and it was even worse on the newly paved roads that I was looking forward to. I ended up looking for shade anywhere I could find it, running along the shadows of power lines and overhanging trees. My brother was right behind me as we were cruising at about 8's. I was quite impressed with his level of fitness.

By Mile 2, my feet were raw and I could feel heat blisters forming on the bottom of my feet. It was definitely a lot harder to pick up speed on the uphills and downhills without shoes on.

I was ahead by about 2 minutes when we got to Mile 3, and I just wanted to get the run over with. I actually almost stepped on some glass near the end.

Took me a little more than 25 minutes to complete the run, with a lot of limping afterwards. I quickly slipped on my slippers and spent the next 2 days popping blisters on my feet.

Never again.

(This is the Before Pic!)

June 26th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 4.3

Day 177 - Early morning tempo run with Festus and Adrien as part of the GLRR Saturday morning group run.

Newly minted GLRR member, Yvette, was able to make it out for her first group run as she prepares for her first tri in August. Glenn was gentleman enough to guide her throughout the run as Yvette did not know the Lowell area.

My group basically ran the Good Times loop plus an extra mile for good measure at a 7:17 pace. Felt great, with Festsus pushing the pace over the last mile. Adrien hung in there with us up through mile 4.

Headed to Fitchburg, my hometown during my college years, to time the Police 5K. Excellent race in a revitalized area of Fitchburg.