(I feel better now)
Oct 29th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 302 - Beer before liquor before running, never been sicker...
Oct 28th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 5.25
Day 301 - With only a few races left in the year, I thought I'd take a look back at the races that I've already completed this year:
They say too much racing is detrimental to your overall performance (in bed). To that I say, they're probably right, but man, it's too much fun...the racing part that is.
So out of the 301 days so far, I've spent 60 (two double ups) of those days racing!
Some highlights and lowlights...
Toughest Race: #57 - Wapack 18 Miler
Longest Race: #58 - RTB Ultra (37 miles)
Shortest Race: #37 - Marathon Relay (1 mile)
Pooped During Race: #27 - Sugarloaf Marathon (Mile 14)
Highest Finish: #38 - Exeter Trail Race (1st Overall)
Highest Altitude: #39 - Mt Washington Road Race (6k+ feet)
Most Consecutive Days Racing: 3 (#43, #44, #45)
Longest Stretch without a Race: 21 Days (Between #18 & #19)
Races with Scooter: 2 (#32 & #35)
Only Race without a Complete Race Report: #20 - Boston Marathon (will be in the book)
Hottest Race: Any of the Good Times Summer
Coldest Race: Any of the Fudgicle Races
5K's: 35
10K's: 1
Half-Marathons: 2
Marathons: 4
Others: 20
Favorite Race: All of them
Races currently on the calendar for the remainder of the year:
Oct 30th: Trail Runner 25K - New Gloucester, ME
Nov 19th: JFK 50 - Hagerstown, MD
Dec 5th: Mill Cities Relay - Long Leg? - Nashua to Lawrence
Dec 31st: 365 Day Race Finale - 36.5 - Tewksbury to Lowell to Chelmsford to Tyngsboro to Tewksbury
Here's to another 63 days of Running/Racing.....
They say too much racing is detrimental to your overall performance (in bed). To that I say, they're probably right, but man, it's too much fun...the racing part that is.
So out of the 301 days so far, I've spent 60 (two double ups) of those days racing!
Some highlights and lowlights...
Toughest Race: #57 - Wapack 18 Miler
Longest Race: #58 - RTB Ultra (37 miles)
Shortest Race: #37 - Marathon Relay (1 mile)
Pooped During Race: #27 - Sugarloaf Marathon (Mile 14)
Highest Finish: #38 - Exeter Trail Race (1st Overall)
Highest Altitude: #39 - Mt Washington Road Race (6k+ feet)
Most Consecutive Days Racing: 3 (#43, #44, #45)
Longest Stretch without a Race: 21 Days (Between #18 & #19)
Races with Scooter: 2 (#32 & #35)
Only Race without a Complete Race Report: #20 - Boston Marathon (will be in the book)
Hottest Race: Any of the Good Times Summer
Coldest Race: Any of the Fudgicle Races
5K's: 35
10K's: 1
Half-Marathons: 2
Marathons: 4
Others: 20
Favorite Race: All of them
Races currently on the calendar for the remainder of the year:
Oct 30th: Trail Runner 25K - New Gloucester, ME
Nov 19th: JFK 50 - Hagerstown, MD
Dec 5th: Mill Cities Relay - Long Leg? - Nashua to Lawrence
Dec 31st: 365 Day Race Finale - 36.5 - Tewksbury to Lowell to Chelmsford to Tyngsboro to Tewksbury
Here's to another 63 days of Running/Racing.....
(Salute!)
Oct 26th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 5.2
Day 299 - The Tuesday Night Fun Run with GLRR lived up to its billing. It was Tuesday night. It was fun. It was a run. And it was with GLRR members.
This now weekly run is an extension of the 12-step program developed for those suffering from GT5K withdrawal.
Last night we had at least 8 people running, including Jim, Mark, Dave, Glenn, Liane, Matt, Jay, and Jeff. I apologize if I forgot someone. It was either too dark or you guys took off like a bat out of Lo-well.
We ran mainly through the ritzy neighborhood where Jim lives. I even saw a castle for sale!
It actually felt like a GT5K run, less the sunshine, with the temps in the upper 60's! Jim was ready to strip down to his underoos by the time we hit the two nasty hills near the end of the run. Let me just say that it was a good thing it was dark out.
The run was followed up with free pizza and beer at Hookslides. Oh yeah, the monthly club meeting too. It was a packed house, with everyone in attendance hooting and hollering for Glenn as he spoke. Strangely, the hooting and hollering matched up perfectly with the action at the Celtics' home opener, playing on the big screen TV next to Glenn....
Glenn did, however, manage to set a PR for longest amount of time spent trying to out-shout the rowdy crowd at Hookslides, coming close to an hour! Have another thirsty, my friend!
I'm definitely looking forward to getting out to more of these "safety in number" runs. It's a lot easier to cross the street when you know someone else will probably get hit by the on-coming traffic.
This now weekly run is an extension of the 12-step program developed for those suffering from GT5K withdrawal.
Last night we had at least 8 people running, including Jim, Mark, Dave, Glenn, Liane, Matt, Jay, and Jeff. I apologize if I forgot someone. It was either too dark or you guys took off like a bat out of Lo-well.
We ran mainly through the ritzy neighborhood where Jim lives. I even saw a castle for sale!
It actually felt like a GT5K run, less the sunshine, with the temps in the upper 60's! Jim was ready to strip down to his underoos by the time we hit the two nasty hills near the end of the run. Let me just say that it was a good thing it was dark out.
The run was followed up with free pizza and beer at Hookslides. Oh yeah, the monthly club meeting too. It was a packed house, with everyone in attendance hooting and hollering for Glenn as he spoke. Strangely, the hooting and hollering matched up perfectly with the action at the Celtics' home opener, playing on the big screen TV next to Glenn....
Glenn did, however, manage to set a PR for longest amount of time spent trying to out-shout the rowdy crowd at Hookslides, coming close to an hour! Have another thirsty, my friend!
I'm definitely looking forward to getting out to more of these "safety in number" runs. It's a lot easier to cross the street when you know someone else will probably get hit by the on-coming traffic.
(Honk if You're Horny)
Oct 25th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 298 - Since most of my running buddies from Masssoles will be away this weekend running the Marine Corp Marathon in DC (yeah, I know, I should have signed up), I've decided to head up north to Vacation Land to win me some PIE!!
Going to run a 25K trail race up at Pineland Farms on Saturday as a final (yeah, right) tune up for JFK. My only goal is to place in my AG so that I can win me some PIE!!
Good Luck to the Soles (and GLRR's) running the MCM. I hope you guys break a leg.
Going to run a 25K trail race up at Pineland Farms on Saturday as a final (yeah, right) tune up for JFK. My only goal is to place in my AG so that I can win me some PIE!!
Good Luck to the Soles (and GLRR's) running the MCM. I hope you guys break a leg.
(Ummmmm, humble pie)
Oct 24th, 2010 - Training - Lowell --> Tyngsboro - 5.5
Day 297 - What a surreal day.
Dave sent me out to time a new 5K in Lowell, and it ended up being the memorial run for the father of a friend who I went to junior high with! It was the 15th anniversary of his passing, so the daughter, who I have unknowingly crossed paths with over the past year at the GT5K series, decided to put on a 5K in his memory.
The race (Jim Martin Memorial 5K) was held at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club in the Highlands of Lowell, the area where I spent a good portion of my youth causing trouble.
Pretty much everybody I went to school with throughout the 7th and 8th grade showed up at the race. I haven't seen or spoken to some of these folks in over 15 years! It was incredible to meet up again after all of this time, and to see how much people have changed.
The event was well attended, and even some GLRR members, like Jimmy Shelton and Dave Tyler, were there to show their support.
My only regret was that I couldn't run the race myself! Maybe next year.
Dave sent me out to time a new 5K in Lowell, and it ended up being the memorial run for the father of a friend who I went to junior high with! It was the 15th anniversary of his passing, so the daughter, who I have unknowingly crossed paths with over the past year at the GT5K series, decided to put on a 5K in his memory.
The race (Jim Martin Memorial 5K) was held at the Mt. Pleasant Country Club in the Highlands of Lowell, the area where I spent a good portion of my youth causing trouble.
Pretty much everybody I went to school with throughout the 7th and 8th grade showed up at the race. I haven't seen or spoken to some of these folks in over 15 years! It was incredible to meet up again after all of this time, and to see how much people have changed.
The event was well attended, and even some GLRR members, like Jimmy Shelton and Dave Tyler, were there to show their support.
My only regret was that I couldn't run the race myself! Maybe next year.
Oct 23rd, 2010 - Training - Tyngsboro, MA - 3.1
Day 296 - Hit the hills of Tyngsboro again tonight. Picked up a pair of calf compression sleeves for cold weather running, but these damn things hurt like hell when I'm running uphill. I am hoping to wear these for JFK if the temps drop into the 40's, but the compression sleeve are too painful after a mile, nevermind 50!
I tried different sizes with only slight relief, but I think the brand that I picked up is just too thick and traps in too much heat for running. Asking around for pointers from those that have used these for races/long distance running.
I tried different sizes with only slight relief, but I think the brand that I picked up is just too thick and traps in too much heat for running. Asking around for pointers from those that have used these for races/long distance running.
(Looks a little cumbersome for running)
Oct 22nd, 2010 - Training - Tyngsboro, MA - 4.5
Day 295 - Tried to mix up the training tonight with a bunch of hills in Tyngsboro. I can't remember the last time I went out on a training run, and purposely looked for hills to run. Managed to find a couple of nice long and steady climbs near my parent's place.
Now I need to find something else to do over the next 29 days.
Hoping to put in a long run with Eric Mottram on Sunday, who's been quietly training for the Goofy Challenge in Jan. This challenge is definitely going on my running calendar in Jan 2012.
Now I need to find something else to do over the next 29 days.
Hoping to put in a long run with Eric Mottram on Sunday, who's been quietly training for the Goofy Challenge in Jan. This challenge is definitely going on my running calendar in Jan 2012.
(Let me off this ride)
Oct 21st, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 294 - With only a month before JFK 50, I have no idea what I'm going to do to stay out of trouble and from being bored to death with training runs. I don't have any races planned between now and Nov 20th. I was originally going to pace the 3:10 group at Manchester, but work beckons, and unfortunately, money talks.
I definitely regret not signing up for the Marine Corp Marathon at the end of October. Everybody I know and their grandmothers, including my own grandmother, is going to run this race. This would have been perfect since it would have been positioned three weeks before JFK, and I could have practiced pacing with SpeedyKittyKat at MCM.
Got back from GLRR board meeting tonight, and managed to get my run in at 10PM (ugh). Board meeting was interesting with a lot of discussion on the future plans for the Bay State Marathon. A lot of changes will be in store, and I think it'll make the race even better! Stay tuned!
I definitely regret not signing up for the Marine Corp Marathon at the end of October. Everybody I know and their grandmothers, including my own grandmother, is going to run this race. This would have been perfect since it would have been positioned three weeks before JFK, and I could have practiced pacing with SpeedyKittyKat at MCM.
Got back from GLRR board meeting tonight, and managed to get my run in at 10PM (ugh). Board meeting was interesting with a lot of discussion on the future plans for the Bay State Marathon. A lot of changes will be in store, and I think it'll make the race even better! Stay tuned!
(Time to solve some problems)
Oct 20th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury --> Tyngsboro, MA - 13.5
Day 293 - Recovering pretty well, and surprising quickly, since Bay State on Sunday. No pains other than a little tenderness in my left knee, but that might be because I just banged my knee into my desk a few minutes ago.
I think I've mentally gotten over the "mystique" of the marathon distance, and my body and mind have adapted in turn.
Two years ago, I never thought I could ever run a BQ, but just in the past year, I've managed to run a sub BQ time in 6 out of 7 marathons, with a poor showing at NYC 2009 being the only exception. This past run at Bay State really felt like a long training run. Nowhere along the route did I feel like I was going to cramp up or bonk, as it had so often happened in the past.
I guess It's like anything in life, you expose yourself to it enough times and your body and mind will eventually adapt.
Now if only I can get use to this damn cold!
I think I've mentally gotten over the "mystique" of the marathon distance, and my body and mind have adapted in turn.
Two years ago, I never thought I could ever run a BQ, but just in the past year, I've managed to run a sub BQ time in 6 out of 7 marathons, with a poor showing at NYC 2009 being the only exception. This past run at Bay State really felt like a long training run. Nowhere along the route did I feel like I was going to cramp up or bonk, as it had so often happened in the past.
I guess It's like anything in life, you expose yourself to it enough times and your body and mind will eventually adapt.
Now if only I can get use to this damn cold!
(Bring on the Fudgicle Series)
Oct 19th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 4
Day 292 - Well, it looks like I got in during the small window of opportunity yesterday. After Baystate on Sunday, somebody told me to wait until today to register, since Monday was going to be a cluster F on the BAA's registration servers.
They were half right.
They were half right.
(Phew...that was harder than qualifying!)
Marathon Monday - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 291 - A new PR for the Boston Marathon registration process: 8+ hours.
(Did it ever open??)
Oct 17th, 2010 - Race - Bay State Marathon - 26.2
Day 290 - Today is the day that many runners have looked forward to all year. The Bay State Marathon (hosted by the Greatest Road Runners in my hometown of Lowell) has become the Mecca for those looking for a relatively easy and well-organized BQ'er.
It's no coincidence that the BAA is opening up Boston 2011 registration the day after Bay State.
I was late leaving Tewksbury, and didn't get dropped off at Lowell High until 7:30AM for the 8AM start. I still had to check in my bag and make a quick pit stop.
Right away I ran into familiar faces from GLRR and the other running clubs in this the final grand prix race of the season.
I can't even begin to recount all of the story lines that would be going on today, but the bottom line for most of the runners was to BQ.
Justin Soucy was going for his first BQ with a sub 3 hour target. Alex Gomez had been training his butt off, religiously training on the course for the past 3+ months. Katy Agule was pacing her friend Lauren to a BQ, needing a sub 3:30. Frank Georges was out to prove that you can indeed run a sub 3:10 while writing a doctoral thesis. The same BQ story for Matt "Pooh Bear" Story who would need a 3:15 with his friend Denis.
Also, Joe Ferris and Dave Dunham were continuing their comebacks, along with Mike Brodeur. Mike Stanwyck was ready to experience his first marathon. Jill Trotter had sub 3 on her mind. Kara Haas was going to pace her hubby, Mike, to a sub 1:30 half. Reno was using this as a high tempo training run for JFK, while his wife, Susan, was going to go for the big B-Q.
Of course I can't forget GLRR members Jeff Clark, Peter Floss, Kathy Burley, Virginia Ford, Charlie Knutson, Jim Garcia, David Katz, Steve Kanaracus, and Melanie Hire on their BQ missions.
And last, but definitely not the least, is Douglas Sylvester. Doug was going to go for the much coveted Grand Prix Iron Man title with a finish at today's race.
Fil's goal was to not kill any angry motorists while providing traffic duty for the early part of the morning. Thanks to Fil and all of the volunteers that make this race possible for the rest of us!
Then there was Cody, Andy, and myself. My goal was to get them to the finish line in under 3:10. I had already hit my marathon goal for the year with a 2:55:01 (must I remind myself) at Hartford 8 days previously. That was just a warm up for this.
Pacing can be a tough job. You need to keep in mind the welfare of those you're leading, otherwise, things can turn disastrous. Running becomes a team sport when you're pacing others to a goal.
Andy and Cody had been nursing some ailments leading up to today, but they both looked ready to run when I saw them shortly after I arrived at Lowell High.
The weather couldn't have been any better for a marathon, making up for last year's hell freezes over run. The winds from the past two days finally subsided right on cue, with a little sunshine to add to the pre-race festivities.
I opted for the green sweater vest (no rain in the forecast) and shorts, along with my white (collector's edition) GLRR cap, compression shirt for the chest area, compression sleeves for the forearms, compression shorts for the family jewels, a pair of mittens for the fingers, shades, and my Newtons.
I never thought that there could be such a thing as home field advantage for a road race, but it definitely helped to be wearing the NEW slime green singlets today.
Things at the start got tight in more ways than one. Cody, Andy, and myself were still in the porta-john line when we got the call to get to the starting line. The porta-john line was on the course itself, so that meant NOW! Fortunately, Cody and I managed to unload one last time, but poor Andy didn't make the cut-off.
Like I said, the start was very tight with over 1500 marathoners squeezed into the left lane of Father Morissette Blvd. Cody and I were about four rows back from the front, mainly because we couldn't push ourselves any further back. We were shoulder-to-shoulder with all of the other shivering runners.
It was at this point that Andy Schachat announced that a recording of the Star Spangled Banner could not be played due to technical difficulties. A couple of grumbles and mumbles emanated from the crowd, and then, the moaning transformed into a chorus of live voices singing the anthem! The feeling of pride washed over all of us, warming us from head-to-toe. The shivering completely stopped.
I admit, I too often take the singing of the anthem for granted, since we hear it all of the time, but today truly showed me the power of its words. Even if I had the worse race of my life today, this inspiring moment had already made my day. If anybody reading this has this sequence on video, please post it to YouTube and provide me with the link!
It's no coincidence that the BAA is opening up Boston 2011 registration the day after Bay State.
I was late leaving Tewksbury, and didn't get dropped off at Lowell High until 7:30AM for the 8AM start. I still had to check in my bag and make a quick pit stop.
Right away I ran into familiar faces from GLRR and the other running clubs in this the final grand prix race of the season.
I can't even begin to recount all of the story lines that would be going on today, but the bottom line for most of the runners was to BQ.
Justin Soucy was going for his first BQ with a sub 3 hour target. Alex Gomez had been training his butt off, religiously training on the course for the past 3+ months. Katy Agule was pacing her friend Lauren to a BQ, needing a sub 3:30. Frank Georges was out to prove that you can indeed run a sub 3:10 while writing a doctoral thesis. The same BQ story for Matt "Pooh Bear" Story who would need a 3:15 with his friend Denis.
(Story Time with Pooh Bear)
Also, Joe Ferris and Dave Dunham were continuing their comebacks, along with Mike Brodeur. Mike Stanwyck was ready to experience his first marathon. Jill Trotter had sub 3 on her mind. Kara Haas was going to pace her hubby, Mike, to a sub 1:30 half. Reno was using this as a high tempo training run for JFK, while his wife, Susan, was going to go for the big B-Q.
Of course I can't forget GLRR members Jeff Clark, Peter Floss, Kathy Burley, Virginia Ford, Charlie Knutson, Jim Garcia, David Katz, Steve Kanaracus, and Melanie Hire on their BQ missions.
And last, but definitely not the least, is Douglas Sylvester. Doug was going to go for the much coveted Grand Prix Iron Man title with a finish at today's race.
(JT on a 3 hr Tour)
Then there was Cody, Andy, and myself. My goal was to get them to the finish line in under 3:10. I had already hit my marathon goal for the year with a 2:55:01 (must I remind myself) at Hartford 8 days previously. That was just a warm up for this.
Pacing can be a tough job. You need to keep in mind the welfare of those you're leading, otherwise, things can turn disastrous. Running becomes a team sport when you're pacing others to a goal.
Andy and Cody had been nursing some ailments leading up to today, but they both looked ready to run when I saw them shortly after I arrived at Lowell High.
The weather couldn't have been any better for a marathon, making up for last year's hell freezes over run. The winds from the past two days finally subsided right on cue, with a little sunshine to add to the pre-race festivities.
I opted for the green sweater vest (no rain in the forecast) and shorts, along with my white (collector's edition) GLRR cap, compression shirt for the chest area, compression sleeves for the forearms, compression shorts for the family jewels, a pair of mittens for the fingers, shades, and my Newtons.
I never thought that there could be such a thing as home field advantage for a road race, but it definitely helped to be wearing the NEW slime green singlets today.
Things at the start got tight in more ways than one. Cody, Andy, and myself were still in the porta-john line when we got the call to get to the starting line. The porta-john line was on the course itself, so that meant NOW! Fortunately, Cody and I managed to unload one last time, but poor Andy didn't make the cut-off.
Like I said, the start was very tight with over 1500 marathoners squeezed into the left lane of Father Morissette Blvd. Cody and I were about four rows back from the front, mainly because we couldn't push ourselves any further back. We were shoulder-to-shoulder with all of the other shivering runners.
(Like shooting runners in an alley)
It was at this point that Andy Schachat announced that a recording of the Star Spangled Banner could not be played due to technical difficulties. A couple of grumbles and mumbles emanated from the crowd, and then, the moaning transformed into a chorus of live voices singing the anthem! The feeling of pride washed over all of us, warming us from head-to-toe. The shivering completely stopped.
I admit, I too often take the singing of the anthem for granted, since we hear it all of the time, but today truly showed me the power of its words. Even if I had the worse race of my life today, this inspiring moment had already made my day. If anybody reading this has this sequence on video, please post it to YouTube and provide me with the link!
(Est. 1776)
There was not much left to do, but wait for the G-O signal.
The sardines quickly exploded out of the can a little after 8AM.
....but before we continue, I need to go back. Back 9 years....
Today was actually my second time running the Bay State Marathon course. Way back in 2001, a friend and I kicked off our running careers by jumping into that year's Bay State....without any training. This was a recurring theme early in my stop-and-go beginnings.
Here are the results of that disastrous experiment: 2001 Bay State Marathon
What? You can't find me? Maybe it's because I dropped out at the half-way mark. This was on the old course when the half and full finished at the technical high school. After one loop around the river, I had had enough and left my friend out on the course to do the death march by himself. Needless to say, we're no longer friends.
Since that fateful day 9 years ago, I've ran parts of this course at least a hundred, if not a million, times on training runs.
So here I was, 9 years later, back home again. Not much has changed, other than the start and finish. The double loop death march is still there to suck your very soul from you. Time to tackle this thing once and for all.
Cody, Andy, and myself ran three across for the early part of the race as we set off on a relatively easy 7:02 pace through the first mile. We spent a good part of the first 5K chatting it up between ourselves and others, including Tom O'Leary (There, you're on my blog!) who was doing the half. We even saw Mike Haas, and some fast chick, fly by as they worked together to a 1:26 half.
(Tres Amigos)
Frank Georges also made a quick cameo early on as he caught up to us, and then decided to run his own race. Something told me that this wasn't going to be the last time I was going to see him today....
Using my pacing strategy from my first BQ'er in Portland last year, my first goal was to get Cody and Andy to the half marathon mark somewhere between 1:32 and 1:34, with an end goal of running a 3:05-3:08. I figured that the buffer would make up for any issues we might face along the way.
(Tres Amigos Dos)
We continued to feel great going through the first 7 miles, hitting the Bouncing Bridge at around mile 8 in about 56 minutes for an overall average pace of about 7:04. My parents were out there cheering them on, and putting me down. Sorry dad, I can't run faster than the Kenyans! And this is why I run...
It was also nice to see Jim Hansen out here cheering us on. I later found out that Jim had dropped out about 3 minutes and 12 SECONDS into his marathon run. I am always in awe of runners who have the mindset to drop out when things just don't feel right. Live to race another day!
Miles 9 and 10 were uneventful as we entered the "dead zone" of the run. The most boring stretch on the course, with nothing but trees to one side and more trees on the other. Stuck in the middle again. It wasn't actually that bad once I caught sight of Keith O'Brien, and the Tyngsboro High kids, working the water stop out here.
Before I knew it, I quickly lost one of my wing men. Andy had mentioned at the start that he would probably drop back a bit, further into the run, but still try to maintain a qualifying pace. I intentionally slowed the pace down a bit at Mile 11 as to not get too far ahead of Andy. We were pacing pretty well, with a few minutes to spare, so it was worth a shot to see if Andy could regain his momentum.
By Mile 12, I had a feeling that it was probably not going to be Andy's day as I could no longer see him in the packs behind us. Cody and I continued to march on at a 7:05 pace, and we reached the half-marathon mark in 1:33:30.
Glenn Stewart was in his tree battered Baja, taking up the middle section of the Rourke, guiding the half-marathoners home. He managed to give me a quick high five from his driver side window.
(Our GL Presidente (left))
The crowds at this point (probably the largest on the course other than at the finish), before and after the Rourke Bridge, spurred us on. We were now heading outbound towards Tyngsboro once again.
(Half of the Story)
It was around this point that I caught a glimpse of a red Whirlaway singlet out of the corner of my eyes. It was Reno cheering me on from the sidelines! He shook his head "Yes", when I quickly asked him if he had dropped out. I shouted to him, "smart move", before I continued on. Once again, another veteran runner listening to his body (hamstrings). Very smart.
(Running with Reno (c))
Cody and I took our first GU packs around 14, since this appeared to be what helped me the most at Hartford a week earlier. With GU flowing through our bloodstream, Cody and I blasted through the relatively hilly Mile 15 with a 6:58 mile, our fastest yet on the day. Things were looking great!
The two of us continued back down familiar territory as we crossed the Bouncing Bridge one last time at 18.5. The next 3 miles would prove to be critical as we entered the mentally draining portion of the course once again.
I was starting to feel gassy and bloated at around 19 (God damn pasta!). I contemplated pulling into one of the porta-johns on the course to relieve myself like a gentleman, but the feeling eventually got the best of me, so I managed to rip a BIG one without sharting. Good thing nobody was running behind me at that point, but Cody did get a good laugh out of it! It felt great, but I didn't want to push my luck any further for fear of sharting in my shorts with 6 miles to go.
My original plan was to have Cody take one more GU around 22 for the final kick home.
I then started to notice that Cody was beginning to fade, and his running posture changed ever so slightly. I took a GU from under my cap and told him to take one at the next water stop around 21. At that very moment, I second guessed myself on the timing of the second GU. It should have came a little earlier, before Cody started to feel the effects of the Wall creeping up on him. I had a feeling that it was probably too late at this point if he had aleady indeed bonked.
We had about 45 minutes to get to the finish with less than 10K remaining. Hoping to get his fading spirits up, I told Cody that we could do a 45 minute 10K in our sleep! I should have farted again.
I started to slowly lose Cody as the miles ticked away. By Mile 21 I was ahead of Cody by about 25 yards and our pace inched up to 7:10. We didn't have much left in the bank to spare, so I gave it one more mile to see if Cody could recover.
I was now about 50 yards in front of Cody, so I stopped, waited, and then I did something that I thought I'd never do during a marathon. I ran the course in reverse. I got a couple of interesting looks from the other runners passing by. Yeah, I know, I'm going the wrong way.
Frank made his second cameo on the day as I was running back to Cody, and I told Frank that he had 3:10 in the bag if he kept it up!
(Frank the Tank)
I finally got back to Cody and my watch showed an overall average pace of 7:12 (really 7:14 since the course was running long by about .10 at this point). I told Cody that he could still get under 3:10 if he was able to continue on.
He just said that his knee was hurting and that he could barely walk, so I knew right away that it was over. Cody was upset for obvious reasons, and I learned first hand how difficult it can be as a pacer when things don't go as planned. I didn't know what to do or say at that moment. All I could muster was to tell him to get to the Rourke Bridge, about a mile and a half away, and that there should be someone from GLRR/medical to help him out.
The only other thing I could tell him was to hang in there as I turned around and continued my run.
Now what?
Well, both of my charges for the day had now dropped from qualifying, so I had to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of the race.
I was here for one thing today, and that was to get someone to Boston 2011!
I quickly targeted the ugly yellow Somerville singlet worn by Frank, changed gears, and hurried my ass back down the boulevard.
We're going home!
I finally managed to catch up to Frank, at around Mile 23, before we hit the Rourke one last time. Glenn and Scott Casper was still out here cheering us on. You guys rock!
(Casper the Friendly Volunteer)
Shortly after the bridge I caught a glimpse of familiar dirty blonde hair bouncing up and down. It was Jim Rhoades! He was getting ready to jump into the battle and pull us home!
(365 Day Race Leader - JR)
Mile 24 ended up being my fastest mile on the day, clocking in at 6:47. It kind of helps when you have Ben Ndaya and Jim be your pacers this late in the race.
It was finally down to the last two miles. The four us were cruising past other runners. Up and down the rolling VFW we went, arms pumping, legs kicking. I couldn't believe how much fun I was having!
We were now in very familiar territory. The last 1.5 miles of the marathon course is the 1.5 to 2.25 mile stretch of the GT5K course, which I basically lived on throughout the spring and summer.
Frank, Jim, and Ben began their final move and took off ahead of me. Frank was good to go and was on his way to a BQ. Gutsy!
At around Mile 25, I heard my name being called after I passed a runner in a blue shirt.
"Jason!"
I looked back and didn't recognize the face or form. He introduced himself as Bash, and he was a friend of EJ's, my best frenemy!
"EJ told me to find you!" said Bash, a little out of breath. "Do you mind pulling me in?"
LET'S GO!
Bash was trying to get under 3:10 to BQ, so he had about 10 minutes to run a little over a mile. He was still looking fresh, but pain was definitely attacking his body at this point. He had been having spasms in his legs and lower body late in the race.
(Having Too Much Fun!)
I gave Bash the countdown as we crossed over the Aiken St Bridge.
Three minutes!
One lap around a track!
Two minutes!
We entered the ballpark and Andy Schachet announced our arrival.
One minute!
We rounded the final stretch of the warning track, with our eyes on the prize!
Bash and I crossed the finish line together in a glorious 3:09:49!!
(This is why I run)
(Nah, this is why WE run)
Congrats, Iron Man!
Big thanks to Jessica Costa, Glenn Stewart, Mark Coddaire and all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to put on this spectacular event for the rest of us to enjoy!
Thanks to EJ, Scott Mason, and Joe Ferris (and family) for taking some kick butt photos!
Final Splits:
(Time to Taper for JFK)
(Representatives of GLRR Nation)
(Joe Ferris & Family)
(Maureen Garvey)
(Kathy Burley)
(Mike Thompson)
(Jeff Clark)
Oct 16th, 2010 - Race - Newport, RI - 3.1
Day 289 - There's windy and then there's f'n windy.
Newport, RI was f'n windy this morning at 5:30AM as we were out there to set up the finish for the Amica 5K. This race is a part of the Amica Marathon weekend.
I had no plans to run this race since I was timing it, but John (boss) managed to get me a comp'ed entry.
I said what the heck, it'll be a good warmup for tomorrow's Marathon in Lowell....
I slipped on my Five Fingers and shorts (about the only running items I brought with me), and Five Fingered (that's what she said) the line. It was a very small field of about 150 runners. That's not too shocking considering the temps were in the 40's, we were by the ocean, the wind was gusting close to 25MPH, and it was a 7:30AM start!!
There looked to be about 1 to 2 other serious runners, but the race was an expensive (if you paid) no frills (no awards) race, so I didn't expect any stiff competition, other than the wind.
I went out at a 6 minute pace and gave up the lead about a quarter-of-a-mile in, and I would remain in 2nd for the next 2.1 miles.
The course was rolling, and very scenic, passing by some very nice digs. Very nice in Newport is god damn very nice anywhere else.
The wind didn't really effect the runners until about the last half mile. I took it easy and packed it in with about a mile to go, since there was no point in pushing myself. Leader was a good minute ahead of me and 3rd place was about 2 minutes behind me.
Overall, it was a fun race and I was able to get in my 5K for the day before we had even had breakfast.
Official Results
We were done and out of the area by 9AM (PR)!
I raced back to Lowell and spent the rest of the afternoon volunteering at the Bay State expo. Very cool experience to be on the other side of the table for once.
Had a nice pasta dinner provided by the race organizers.
Did I mention that I am so sick of pasta?
Newport, RI was f'n windy this morning at 5:30AM as we were out there to set up the finish for the Amica 5K. This race is a part of the Amica Marathon weekend.
I had no plans to run this race since I was timing it, but John (boss) managed to get me a comp'ed entry.
I said what the heck, it'll be a good warmup for tomorrow's Marathon in Lowell....
I slipped on my Five Fingers and shorts (about the only running items I brought with me), and Five Fingered (that's what she said) the line. It was a very small field of about 150 runners. That's not too shocking considering the temps were in the 40's, we were by the ocean, the wind was gusting close to 25MPH, and it was a 7:30AM start!!
There looked to be about 1 to 2 other serious runners, but the race was an expensive (if you paid) no frills (no awards) race, so I didn't expect any stiff competition, other than the wind.
I went out at a 6 minute pace and gave up the lead about a quarter-of-a-mile in, and I would remain in 2nd for the next 2.1 miles.
The course was rolling, and very scenic, passing by some very nice digs. Very nice in Newport is god damn very nice anywhere else.
(This is JUST father and mother's summer home)
The wind didn't really effect the runners until about the last half mile. I took it easy and packed it in with about a mile to go, since there was no point in pushing myself. Leader was a good minute ahead of me and 3rd place was about 2 minutes behind me.
Overall, it was a fun race and I was able to get in my 5K for the day before we had even had breakfast.
Official Results
We were done and out of the area by 9AM (PR)!
I raced back to Lowell and spent the rest of the afternoon volunteering at the Bay State expo. Very cool experience to be on the other side of the table for once.
Had a nice pasta dinner provided by the race organizers.
Did I mention that I am so sick of pasta?
Oct 15th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 288 - Another marathon weekend in the forecast for this weekend. Speaking of forecast, looks like an iffy day for Sunday. I can handle anything, except for 25mph winds off of the Mighty Merrimack.
Took a half day at work to drive Rachel to the doctor's, and then managed to get home and put in a quick 3.1 on the treadmill, before packing for the weekend.
Coordinated with the parents to have them pick up Rachel as I had to drive down to Newport, RI to time the 5K on Saturday.
Managed to get down to RI in time for dinner with the Bay State folks, and a free pasta dinner.
I am so sick of pasta at this point.
Took a half day at work to drive Rachel to the doctor's, and then managed to get home and put in a quick 3.1 on the treadmill, before packing for the weekend.
Coordinated with the parents to have them pick up Rachel as I had to drive down to Newport, RI to time the 5K on Saturday.
Managed to get down to RI in time for dinner with the Bay State folks, and a free pasta dinner.
I am so sick of pasta at this point.
(I still prefer it with chicken)
Oct 14th, 2010 - Training - Tewskbury, MA - 3.1
Day 287 - Let's play a blog scavenger hunt called, Lets Find Out Where Jason Messed Up.
According to Runningahead.com, this should be Day 287 of my run streak (see below). According to my blog, this is only Day 284 (see above). Whoops.
The Hunt: Find out where I messed up on this blog over the past 284/287 days.
The Prize: Post your findings in the comment section below, along with a mailing address, and I will send you some very cool prizes.
Let the games begin!
According to Runningahead.com, this should be Day 287 of my run streak (see below). According to my blog, this is only Day 284 (see above). Whoops.
The Hunt: Find out where I messed up on this blog over the past 284/287 days.
The Prize: Post your findings in the comment section below, along with a mailing address, and I will send you some very cool prizes.
Let the games begin!
(I wouldn't have done this if I knew math was involved)
*Thanks Frank for finding my mistakes!
Oct 13th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 286 - Fil stopped by this evening to get in our run together. He was under the weather, so running was the last thing on his mind.
This was the first time that we've run together in Tewksbury since I moved here 2 months ago.
It's hard to believe that right around the corner, at the Fudgicle Series, was where a good chuck of this 365 Day Race took place about 280 days ago. It's also hard to believe that we're now less than 100 days from the finish line.
We shared a cold one over dinner at the Piccadilly Pub to talk about the coming weekend, and what we wanted to do next year.
Fil said he couldn't wait until the 365 Day Race was over with so that he could finally take a day off (wuss). I told him that the streak is going to be at least 366 days since we're both going to run the Millennium Mile and First Run 10K on Jan 1st, 2011.
I also mentioned to Fil that my big goal for next year is to run the Vietnam Ultra Marathon, and that he should join me.
He all of a sudden looked sicker.
This was the first time that we've run together in Tewksbury since I moved here 2 months ago.
It's hard to believe that right around the corner, at the Fudgicle Series, was where a good chuck of this 365 Day Race took place about 280 days ago. It's also hard to believe that we're now less than 100 days from the finish line.
We shared a cold one over dinner at the Piccadilly Pub to talk about the coming weekend, and what we wanted to do next year.
Fil said he couldn't wait until the 365 Day Race was over with so that he could finally take a day off (wuss). I told him that the streak is going to be at least 366 days since we're both going to run the Millennium Mile and First Run 10K on Jan 1st, 2011.
I also mentioned to Fil that my big goal for next year is to run the Vietnam Ultra Marathon, and that he should join me.
He all of a sudden looked sicker.
(Going Home)
Oct 12th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1
Day 285 - Weather is starting to shape up nicely, less any wind, for Bay State on Sunday. Currently projected to be about a high of 60 with 0% chance of rain. Winds in the low teens blowing out of the NW, so the outbound portion of the course will get some nice head wind.
It will probably be in the mid 40's at race start, which will be perfect once you get moving.
This time last year, a nor'easter was moving up the coast, preparing to wallop the Bay State runners with an early Christmas gift. I was down in Cancun eating, drinking, and getting fat.
I can't wait to burn off that fat on Sunday.
It will probably be in the mid 40's at race start, which will be perfect once you get moving.
This time last year, a nor'easter was moving up the coast, preparing to wallop the Bay State runners with an early Christmas gift. I was down in Cancun eating, drinking, and getting fat.
I can't wait to burn off that fat on Sunday.
(Sit, Good Boy)
Columbus Day - Training - Mine Falls - 4
Day 284 - One of those strange holidays where half the people I know have to go to work, including Rachel. Fil had today off so I joined him up at Mine Falls, along with the boys, for a great trail run. I can't remember the last time I ran a training run with Fil. It's been too long, but not long enough.
Legs are at about 90% post-Hartford, so I should be ready for Bay State in less than a week. Plan is to run comfortably, and pace Cody and Andy to a BQ with a sub 3:10:59. If the boys feel up to it, then I am also ready to go sub 3 too. Hell, I'm ready to attempt another sub 2:55.
Legs are at about 90% post-Hartford, so I should be ready for Bay State in less than a week. Plan is to run comfortably, and pace Cody and Andy to a BQ with a sub 3:10:59. If the boys feel up to it, then I am also ready to go sub 3 too. Hell, I'm ready to attempt another sub 2:55.
(Should be interesting to run under the bridge this year)
10/10/10 - Training - Lowell State Forest - 3.2
Day 283 - 2:55:01? Seriously? I'm going back to bed.
(I know the feeling)
Oct 9th, 2010 - Race - Hartford Marathon - 26.2
Day 282 - The running gods have a great sense of humor.
They first throw me in a van with Jess and EJ for our two hour ride down to Hartford, and then they make me go out to dinner with them, and THEN they make me sleep with them (get your mind out of the gutter). By the way, I discovered that spooning does not necessarily lead to forking.
We were all in dream land when the crazy drunk hotel neighbor from hell started banging on her room's door, trying to get in at some ungodly hour. She was definitely not running the marathon in the morning. At first I thought it was EJ talking in his sleep, but this voice was much more annoying.
I managed to get back to sleep after our unwanted wake up call, but I later found out that EJ didn't get much rest after that. Advantage, Jason.
We all got up at 6AM and prepped ourselves for the pre-race. Me in my parka, and EJ in his GLRR sweater vest. I opted for the GLRR whites, since it was expected to get warmer later in the race, and I expected to get plenty wet. Advantage, Jason.
It was already 60 degrees outside when we took the 5 minute walk from our hotel to the XL Center in downtown Hartford. It looked and felt like ideal conditions for a race.
We quickly got our numbers and our one-size fits Kong race shirts before heading back to the hotel. Once there, I had a bagel with peanut butter and a banana.
Thank you Jess for bringing all of the goodies. I have to say that this was the most well-prepared I had ever been before a marathon. Two days of pasta and the perfect pre-race breakfast.
I made one last pit stop, and managed to squeeze out everything I ate in the previous sentence. That's always a good sign. EJ wandered off, and I wouldn't see him again until Mile 18.
We were now ready to run this town.
I got down to the start and found Reno milling about in the elite corral, getting ready for his own half. I wished him good luck and I moved back a section to hang out with the regular humans. After a quick invocation and the anthem, we were ready to go at it at 8:05AM.
The Hartford course received a face lift this year, so it was going to be interesting to see how much faster this course could get. The race start itself was still in the same vicinity, but on a different street.
My goals for this race were as follows, in no particular order:
A) Win it all
B) Finish in 2:55:00, or less, to qualify for NYC (6:38 pace)
C) Finish under 2:58:30 to PR
D) Beat EJ who was going for sub 3 hrs
E) Don't die
F) Go to Heaven
G) Don't go to Hell
My plan of attack was to go out at about 6:30's while I was still fresh, and try to hang onto that pace for as long as possible. I expected to hit the mid 7's over the last 3 miles.
I definitely didn't want to repeat my performance from last year where I completely bonked, and never recovered, at Mile 18. Even though I did the death march over the last five miles, I still managed to BQ, so that shows you have fast this course can be.
Once the race was underway, I comfortably settled into the 6:30 pace, going through the first seven uneventful miles in 6:27, 6:26, 6:35, 6:37, 6:32, 6:29, and 6:22. I actually thought my Garmin had stopped working at one point with my average pace screen stuck at 6:31 through this entire stretch.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the race organizers had moved the bike path portion of the course to the beginning of the run, instead of having it at the end. There are a couple of "killer" hills on the bike path that really sapped me last year, so mentally, I was already on a high.
The new arrangement made for a much more enjoyable and scenic run. I was able to motor up and down the bike path hills without cursing.
Unfortunately, I started to feel a little tightness in my right hamstring, and a sharp pain in my left knee, as I went through miles 8, 9, and 10 in 6:31, 6:31, and 6:31, respectively (I guess I didn't need to say that). Seeing Dave Breeden (NE Timing), and getting a high five from him at Mile 10, gave me a really huge boost. It's always awesome to see someone from your neck of the woods this far from home.
The first official split checkpoint at Mile 10 had me running a total elapse time of 1:05:35 (6:34 pace).
The one thing that I kept in mind, throughout the race, was the fact that the course was running longer than what my Garmin was showing. Not a huge surprise since this tends to be the case with the Garmin. The course so far was at least .10 longer, so I had to remember to incorporate this into my Garmin's projected pace as I went along. That meant that my comfortable 6:31 pace was actually 6:34 on the official time-keeper.
By the second official checkpoint at the half-marathon mark, I clocked in a 1:26:08, pretty much where I wanted to be. If I were to continue on this pace (unlikely), then I would finish in about 1:52. So right now, I basically had about three minutes in the bank to withdraw later on. Hopefully, it's not like BoA and rounds up to the nearest second......
I typically have had some GI issues on all of my marathon runs, so I was amazed that I hadn't felt any urges yet. I was alternating between water and Gatorade, and began trying a new method of drinking to prevent cramping caused by ingesting air while taking liquids. This was an issue for me at Sugarloaf, and at some of the warmer races during the summer where I drank a lot of water on the course.
My strategy now was to put as much liquid as my mouth could hold, and then only swallow some after I breathed out through my noise. It takes a little coordination to get it right, but it was working. No cramping or side stitches throughout the race.
Fearing that taking GU might bring on some GI urges, I hadn't plan to take any GU until at least Mile 15, but Miles 11 (6:35) and 12 (6:35) showed that I was starting to slow a bit. I decided to take some GU a little after the half and managed to get through Mile 13 in 6:32.
As luck would have it, Mile 14 was the start of a long and steady climb before the turn around point at Mile 17. Without the GU at 13, I would have definitely bonked a bit going up this nasty climb, and I might not have recovered mentally. Instead, I motored up the hill at about the same pace as before (6:35, 6:35, 6:35, and 6:43 before the turn around at 17).
A cool aspect of this portion of the course is the opportunity for the runners to catch a glimpse of the lead runners as they head back into downtown Hartford. Patrick Tarpy was in the lead by about a minute when I saw him around my Mile 15. He was well into his mile 18-19. Titus was about five spots back and about five minutes behind. I was surprised to discover two time defending champ, Patrick Moulton, missing from the lead pack. He must have dropped out!
After the turn around at 17, I grabbed another packet of GU from the GU guys for the trip home (GU guys were riding the course, on bikes, to hand out the GU! Very cool and efficient!). I knew that Miles 18 through 21 were going to be very fast since we had just climbed up the same hill, but just on the other side of the road.
We also had the wind to our backs, so I was able to go into cruise control and make up a lot of time on this section without killing myself. Mentally, it was basically the opposite effect of miles 16-22 at Boston.
I couldn't believe how many people were still behind me as I went down the hill and saw the crowd of runners coming up. It was also very inspiring to hear a couple of GO GREATER LOWELL! from those same runners, including EJ who was about 5 minutes behind me at this point! GO EJ!!
I flew through Mile 18 in 6:24 for my second fastest mile on the day, and managed a 6:30 & 6:31 for Miles 19 & 20.
I was feeling great and couldn't believe how fast the miles were going by. This was definitely the best that I've ever felt this late in a marathon. I always love it when the miles remaining begin to fall into the low single digits.
Unfortunately, Miles 21 (6:40) & 22 became a different story. I struggled through a rolling Mile 22 in 6:44, but I did still manage to pass a couple of runners. I heard at one point someone yell out to me that I was in the top 30! I decided to take another GU for the final 5K when I started to feel the Wall begin to creep up on me.
Miles 23, 24, and 25 also became a struggle as I tried to catch one last runner. That runner, I later discovered, was a 46 year old lady. She was just motoring along and pulled away from me over the final twist and turns of downtown Hartford. Amazing!
The final bridge crossing of Founder's Bridge at around 25 was a killer. I couldn't bear to look up at the crown of the bridge ahead of me, so I just put my head down and started my silent cadence to get through it. There was also a strong headwind coming off of the water, which made the task that much harder. I remember seeing the water that I had dumped on my cap come whipping off in little droplets. I even started counting the droplets in order to get my mind off of my dying legs.
I tried to kick it back into my highest gear possible on the other side of the bridge, but just then, for a split second, my right hamstring came back to haunt me. I was actually surprised that it had held on for this long, but 25.5 miles was just too much for it to continue without screaming at me.
The hamstring locked up on me for about 2 seconds, so I did a stutter step to see if I could shake it loose. I continued to push it harder, hoping it would finally loosen up. Fortunately, the hamstring did let go of its death grip on me and I was free to go all out over the final mile.
I had about 5 minutes left to get under 2:55 over the last 3/4ths of a mile, but I knew that the course was going to be at least .20 longer than 26.2 based on what I had been seeing on my Garmin at the later mile markers, so I had to really start moving now.
I began my death sprint (eyes closed, gasping for air) down the wide avenues of State and Pearl St before coming upon the base of the finish under the landmark arches of Bushnell Park.
By the time I could see the finish clock from about .05 out, it read 2:54:55...56...57...58...59...
I was in a literal dead sprint when I hit the finish mat and saw 2:55:00 on the clock.
I felt a little dejected because I knew it shouldn't have been that close. I gave back a lot of time over the last mile when I thought I had sub 2:55 in the bag. That'll teach me.
Bitter sweet is the only way to describe the feeling.
It was now up to the running gods to decide my fate.
Reno was the first to greet me after the finish and congratulated me on the PR on a very tough day. I told him that I couldn't wait to race him next weekend in Lowell! What was I thinking? I must have been completely out of my mind!
I eventually met up with Jess and EJ shortly after EJ's finish. He managed a 3:02 (PR by 7 minutes!!), but he too was a little down, since he was so close to a sub 3. Again, bitter sweet victory.
EJ finished 49th overall and 5th (out of 215) in AG!!!!! Advantage, EJ.
I was real antsy as I waited for the official results to get posted at the race site. Jess and Fil had just gotten the text from the real-time results server, and they both said that I finished in 2:55:00!!
In the end, the official time for me ended up being an inglorious 2:55:01...basterds! I'm definitely laughing now, running gods.
It's close races like these that stick with you the longest because you begin to think about what else you could have done differently to shave off one friggin' second! I didn't stop to poop or pee or tie my shoe laces!
To put things into perspective, or make it even worse, I needed to run the marathon in 10,500 seconds in order to qualify for NYC. I ran it in 10,501 seconds. Percentage-wise, one second works out to be 0.009522903% of 10,501.
My head's going to eggsplode if I keep thinking about this.
I did, however, manage to limp away with some extra shwag for placing 3rd in my AG! At least this will help me swallow this bitter, but sweet, pill.
Well, it's time to move on and the road to JFK marches on through Bay State in 8 days!
Official Results
(Brother, can you spare a second?)
Oct 8th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 3.1
Day 281 - Here we go again. Third time's the charm:
Woke up at 6:30AM. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Got ready for work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Took the boys out. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Drove to work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Pretended to work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went to lunch. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Fell asleep at my desk. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Left work early. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Took a dump. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went for a run with the boys. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Met up with Jessica & EJ. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Drove to Hartford. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went out to dinner. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Overdosed on carbs and water. Puked. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went to bed. Rinse. Repeat.
Woke up at 6:30AM. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Got ready for work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Took the boys out. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Drove to work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Pretended to work. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went to lunch. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Fell asleep at my desk. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Left work early. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Took a dump. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went for a run with the boys. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Met up with Jessica & EJ. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Drove to Hartford. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Sat in traffic. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went out to dinner. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Overdosed on carbs and water. Puked. Drank some water. Ate some carbs. Went to bed. Rinse. Repeat.
Oct 7th, 2010 - Track - Chelmsford, MA - 3.1
Day 280 - I was looking back at my run from last year, at Hartford, to see what I could do differently this year to break 3 hours. In short, don't do what I did last year. Here were my splits from last year:
(Crash & Burn)
As you can see, I was all over the place. I had no clue what I was doing, or even what pace I needed!
I remember walking and barely running the last 5K. That sucked. Amazingly, I still managed to ALMOST break my marathon PR set 6 days prior in Portland!
These were my runs leading up to Hartford last year (note the DNF at Wapack due to a severely busted ankle):
(The JB School of Stoopid Marathon Training)
My preparation this year, over pretty much the same time period:
(The JB Graduate School of Stoopid Marathon Training)
I just need to average about 6:47 to (un)comfortably break my current PR of 2:58, and about 6:38 to hit 2:55.
My plan this year is to be disciplined enough to follow a strict pace of 6:40's early on, and then try to bring it down to about 6:30 for the middle miles, knowing that it's going to creep back up above 6:50 per mile over the final 6 miles.
I found the following on runningahead.com from a fellow runner who just ran the Wineglass Marathon (about as fast as the new Hartford course) under 2:54:
(Nice & Steady)
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