Monday, April 08, 2013
A short list!
Since my last post in 2010 I have run the Ottawa Marathon 2011, the Boston Marathon 2012, the New Jersey Marathon 2012 (3 weeks later) paced Donna Utakis at the Vermont 100 and run the Vermont 50 2012. Plus a lot of shorter races. No big races on the horizon this year. Being a student again has changed my focus for a while.
Back and not just about running. Still running though.
Still running.
I am not a greenhouse manager anymore. I am a student again attempting a major career change. More details to follow. I will still post things about running but I will mix in a bit more of my life's changing trajectory.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Cape Cod Marathon 2010
This weekend I returned to Falmouth to run a marathon. I ran Cape Cod in 1999, and now I was back to do it again. Cape Cod was my first marathon, and now it would become my 15th. A knee injury in July had me wondering if I would be running or just hanging out. My knee healed and I trained with the time that I had. I managed two 20 mile long runs. The second 20 I managed at an 8:06 pace, so I thought that a sub 3:30 pace was possible.
The course is hilly, especially through miles 15 to 23. No great hills, just a constant up and down. The weather was perfect, cloudy and 53 at the start. The wind never became an issue.
About three miles out I met up with another runner who was also aiming for a 3:30 finish. The marathon course headed out towards the beach for a little over five miles before heading inland. The next five miles were quick and it easy to believe that we would finish in under 3:30. Hilly stretches, and quiet roads greeted us as we made our way towards the beached of West Falmouth.
Twelve miles in and I felt good, but shortly after a bit of fatigue started to settle in. I got my first thought that this could turn bad if I did not adjust my pace. Over the next fifteen minutes my legs went numb. My legs had no feeling but a disconnected pain. My speed disappeared, and I faced 12 miles with nothing in the tank.
The course at this point was beautiful. As I shuffled down the road I got to take in the seashore, and the steady flow of runners whose pacing allowed them to run by me.
About a third of the runners were running the Relay. New runners would pass me quickly, but I still was able to run down most of them. After mile 15 the hills returned. One of the steepest hills begin immediately after the 20 mile marker. It can be a real let down. Running was painful and slow at this point, but the hills seemed irrelevant. I was burned out, and the hills could do little additional damage to my running form.
23 miles in and we climb the hill at Nobska Point. This is one of the most beautiful lighthouses I have ever seen. The runners are spent at this point. Another mile and the hills are done. Spectators cheer us on sandy stretch appropriately called Surf Drive. 25 plus and we turn back to the downtown. The crowds are animated and I am doing my best imitation of runner. I see my family near the finish line, they were expecting me earlier.
It's over and I am done in 3:53:11. 261/829. The showers are not far, and they are actually warm.
I finished, I had no injuries, and I will live to fight again. Next ? Ottawa in May?
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
The course is hilly, especially through miles 15 to 23. No great hills, just a constant up and down. The weather was perfect, cloudy and 53 at the start. The wind never became an issue.
About three miles out I met up with another runner who was also aiming for a 3:30 finish. The marathon course headed out towards the beach for a little over five miles before heading inland. The next five miles were quick and it easy to believe that we would finish in under 3:30. Hilly stretches, and quiet roads greeted us as we made our way towards the beached of West Falmouth.
Twelve miles in and I felt good, but shortly after a bit of fatigue started to settle in. I got my first thought that this could turn bad if I did not adjust my pace. Over the next fifteen minutes my legs went numb. My legs had no feeling but a disconnected pain. My speed disappeared, and I faced 12 miles with nothing in the tank.
The course at this point was beautiful. As I shuffled down the road I got to take in the seashore, and the steady flow of runners whose pacing allowed them to run by me.
About a third of the runners were running the Relay. New runners would pass me quickly, but I still was able to run down most of them. After mile 15 the hills returned. One of the steepest hills begin immediately after the 20 mile marker. It can be a real let down. Running was painful and slow at this point, but the hills seemed irrelevant. I was burned out, and the hills could do little additional damage to my running form.
23 miles in and we climb the hill at Nobska Point. This is one of the most beautiful lighthouses I have ever seen. The runners are spent at this point. Another mile and the hills are done. Spectators cheer us on sandy stretch appropriately called Surf Drive. 25 plus and we turn back to the downtown. The crowds are animated and I am doing my best imitation of runner. I see my family near the finish line, they were expecting me earlier.
It's over and I am done in 3:53:11. 261/829. The showers are not far, and they are actually warm.
I finished, I had no injuries, and I will live to fight again. Next ? Ottawa in May?
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Racing the Mountain Goat
If a runner falls in the woods and his friends do not see it, is it still funny?
Every morning a mountain runner wakes up and thinks that, “If I can not out run the slowest most pathetic mountain goat I may very well starve.” - Enrico Mazzola, Famous Italian mountain runner, 1858 to 1906
Every morning a pathetic old mountain goat thinks that if that Mazzola guy chases me again, and I do not laugh my ass off, I will definitely live to see another day. - Pathetic Italian mountain goat, 1891-1908.
It is a little after 9:00AM and I at the base of the Seven Sisters Trail head. I can feel the wind through my fleece top. My hands are cold. Donna and her long running crew are running away from me and I should be starting my run from Mt. Holyoke if I want to meet up with them. I head out anyway and think that I will have a great trail run. I have two hours to run, and I will be running alone.
Up to Bare mountain. Where are my lungs? Halfway up the trail I am running hard and breathing harder. I am not cold any more, but I am weezing. This is bad. I get over the top and start down the trail on the other side. The rocks are a challenge but the combination of ice and leaves makes for an interesting experience. Soon I am moving on one leg sliding down the mountain. I look like I am trying for a triple lutz, but instead I complete a quadruple klutz. Wham. I am down.
I am back up again and sliding again. Wham. Down again. I have fallen and I can't get up. Back up, and I am running with a great deal of caution. Running is stretch, but I am moving. It helps to be able to laugh at one's self when sliding down the rock formations that pass barely for a runnable trail.
The trail is beautiful in its openness. It is quiet and empty , and I am amazed that some one could run this multiple times. Scrambling over the rocks and attempting run the brief level stretches is a work out. Exactly one hour I am facing starvation, and considering eating my thumbs. But waite I have energy beans, “Thanks Carrie!” Recharged with energy beans I head back to the notch.
At one point I lose the white trail markers, and find my self on the side of hill, obviously off the trail. It seems like I should go left, but the GPS says the trail is a short distance to the right. I go right and find the trail.
The run back is as slow as the run out. One hour out, and one hour back. 5.3 miles at 23:30 pace. I feel like I ran far and hard. The thought of running the whole Seven Sisters multiple times leaves me in admiration for those who can. The leaves, ice, and extreme terrain made this an especially difficult run.
Keep your feet on the road
- Mark
Every morning a mountain runner wakes up and thinks that, “If I can not out run the slowest most pathetic mountain goat I may very well starve.” - Enrico Mazzola, Famous Italian mountain runner, 1858 to 1906
Every morning a pathetic old mountain goat thinks that if that Mazzola guy chases me again, and I do not laugh my ass off, I will definitely live to see another day. - Pathetic Italian mountain goat, 1891-1908.
It is a little after 9:00AM and I at the base of the Seven Sisters Trail head. I can feel the wind through my fleece top. My hands are cold. Donna and her long running crew are running away from me and I should be starting my run from Mt. Holyoke if I want to meet up with them. I head out anyway and think that I will have a great trail run. I have two hours to run, and I will be running alone.
Up to Bare mountain. Where are my lungs? Halfway up the trail I am running hard and breathing harder. I am not cold any more, but I am weezing. This is bad. I get over the top and start down the trail on the other side. The rocks are a challenge but the combination of ice and leaves makes for an interesting experience. Soon I am moving on one leg sliding down the mountain. I look like I am trying for a triple lutz, but instead I complete a quadruple klutz. Wham. I am down.
I am back up again and sliding again. Wham. Down again. I have fallen and I can't get up. Back up, and I am running with a great deal of caution. Running is stretch, but I am moving. It helps to be able to laugh at one's self when sliding down the rock formations that pass barely for a runnable trail.
The trail is beautiful in its openness. It is quiet and empty , and I am amazed that some one could run this multiple times. Scrambling over the rocks and attempting run the brief level stretches is a work out. Exactly one hour I am facing starvation, and considering eating my thumbs. But waite I have energy beans, “Thanks Carrie!” Recharged with energy beans I head back to the notch.
At one point I lose the white trail markers, and find my self on the side of hill, obviously off the trail. It seems like I should go left, but the GPS says the trail is a short distance to the right. I go right and find the trail.
The run back is as slow as the run out. One hour out, and one hour back. 5.3 miles at 23:30 pace. I feel like I ran far and hard. The thought of running the whole Seven Sisters multiple times leaves me in admiration for those who can. The leaves, ice, and extreme terrain made this an especially difficult run.
Keep your feet on the road
- Mark
Monday, October 20, 2008
Post Hartford Marathon
Ten days after the marathon and I am beginning a regular weekly running routine. The marathon went well even with hitting the wall and hobbling in at the end. I was not supposed to be running any marathon this fall, so my come back is reason to be happy.
My two post marathon runs last Wednesday and yesterday were about 6.3 miles at a 8:05 pace. Both runs were with my good friend Carrie. Without the encouragement and pacing my friend provided I would likely not have run a marathon this fall. Sharing a run with a friend has made it all the more meaningful.
My two post marathon runs last Wednesday and yesterday were about 6.3 miles at a 8:05 pace. Both runs were with my good friend Carrie. Without the encouragement and pacing my friend provided I would likely not have run a marathon this fall. Sharing a run with a friend has made it all the more meaningful.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Hartford Marathon
I ran the Hartford marathon for the fourth time on October 11th. The course is flatter at the end, following the river north of Hartford after returning the runners from South Windsor and East Hartford. Coming back from a winter injury I felt I had something to prove since I was not supposed to be running a marathon this year. My stated goal was a 3:17 time. I got to the starting line minutes before it began, and lined up way in the back. The first mile of the race I went out slow, and worked my way through the crowds. The following miles I settled into a sub 7:30 pace and felt very good. It was a lot of work to keep my pace down, I felt relaxed and good. The day was perfect. I got into the zone and had the run that we all work for. As I hit the half way point I felt that I would likely finish in 3:16. Bands played along the course and the crowds were enthusiastic. As I crossed the 18 and 19 mile markers I was slowing but not crashing. 3:17 was always a long shot, but the it was still possible if I could keep up the pace. 7:40's would have done it, but that is not what happened. That carbohydrate wall was looming and I could feel it in a sense of light-headedness. The around mile 21 the legs became drained. I worked for what I could into miles 22,23, and going up hill around 24 both legs cramped to the point of my almost dropping me to the ground. For a second I thought I was done. I decided that hobbling home was better than dropping out. I ran ugly wavering steps, but I ran at 9 minute to 9:30 pace. The last two miles I ran right around a 9 minute pace. Woulda, coulda shoulda's aside I had a great run. I went from dead in the water four months ago to running a marathon in 3:23:11 (chip time). I did this with the support of several friends, and owe a special debt of gratitude to Carrie Stone for encouraging me in all of our runs this summer and fall. Post race I am still excited about Saturday's run, and I am really back.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
Mount Toby 14 Mile Trail Run
Mount Toby 14 Mile Trail Run
This race falls under the category of reasons to not get hung up on race times and finishing order. This has been a year where I have not trained with the mileage and intensity of past years. I have a five year boy old who, a time demanding job, and a great spouse who I want to spend time with. Something has to give. Accepting less training requires a change of mindset when race day comes up. It is not about giving up a PR, so much as it is about going out with what you have and not worrying about the miles you did not run. If I can run a good race, I am always ecstatic. A good race for me is race at the end of which I am spent, but I have been in it mentally and physically the whole way.
I ran The Mt. Toby 14 Mile Trail Run yesterday. Conditions were near ideal during the race. It was dark overcast and gloomy. I had one my best runs of the year. Since I had no aspirations of greatness I ran the 2.5 miles from my home to the start, and headed out with a hope to break 2 hours. The terrain is all jeep trails, and the runners are an interesting mix of road runners (me) and trail runners. There are serious and not so serious competitors from both running camps banging it out.
The course is an out and back run split into 4 pieces. The first four miles have two large hills and take you to Cranberry Pond in Sunderland from the Town Park. You gain a lot of elevation in those first four miles, only to lose most of it on the descent to Cranberry Pond. From Cranberry Pond to the Summit of Mt. Toby is about three miles, and 900 vertical feet. The race boasts 1900 vertical feet over 14 miles. The last mile is the steepest, with most runners walking over the loose rocky trail. Tag the fence and the race is a mirror of what you just did.
My PR for MT. Toby set two years ago was 1:50. I finished yesterday in 1:51. I tagged the fence in 59 minutes and came off the Mountain to Cranberry Pond in 18 minutes. At the fence I thought that 2 hours was likely if I did not burn out on the last four miles. I also thought that I could run under 1:55 if the gods approved. Most of the last four miles consisted a of duel between me and another runner. The other runner (50+ male who's name I should know) after I passed him stayed on my heels for the last 3.5 miles of woods. Every time I shook him off he would beat his way back. I felt like I was flying and could not imagine that this guy could keep up his pursuit of me, but he did. I dropped him when we came out of the woods. I sprinted down the last hill and finished strong.
My friend Tom ran with a cell phone in case the new baby were arrive early. Tom just wanted to do the run, so he was happy and finished easily. Priorities change for all of us and he told me he will not likely be running over the next few months after his and his wife Julie's second child is born (likely in the next two weeks).
This race filled the bill for a successful outing. With no undue pressure to run a certain time, I ran faster than I would have imagined possible. I also enjoyed the whole affair.
I ran home after the race in the rain. That was fun in that it allowed me to chalk up another 20 mile day before the Hartford Marathon.
Today I feel like a truck hit me, so I did not go to work. My feet (unusual) really hurt today. I stayed home because I have a sore throat, and the rest of my body feels abused. While writing this I started to really feel bad. A 102+ fever totaled me all day. Around 6:00 PM I started to feel much better. My son and wife are at an ice cream social to celebrate the start of a new school year, and Ben's first day of kindergarten is Thursday. I hope they bring me an ice cream sandwitch.
Keep your feet on the trails,
Mark
This race falls under the category of reasons to not get hung up on race times and finishing order. This has been a year where I have not trained with the mileage and intensity of past years. I have a five year boy old who, a time demanding job, and a great spouse who I want to spend time with. Something has to give. Accepting less training requires a change of mindset when race day comes up. It is not about giving up a PR, so much as it is about going out with what you have and not worrying about the miles you did not run. If I can run a good race, I am always ecstatic. A good race for me is race at the end of which I am spent, but I have been in it mentally and physically the whole way.
I ran The Mt. Toby 14 Mile Trail Run yesterday. Conditions were near ideal during the race. It was dark overcast and gloomy. I had one my best runs of the year. Since I had no aspirations of greatness I ran the 2.5 miles from my home to the start, and headed out with a hope to break 2 hours. The terrain is all jeep trails, and the runners are an interesting mix of road runners (me) and trail runners. There are serious and not so serious competitors from both running camps banging it out.
The course is an out and back run split into 4 pieces. The first four miles have two large hills and take you to Cranberry Pond in Sunderland from the Town Park. You gain a lot of elevation in those first four miles, only to lose most of it on the descent to Cranberry Pond. From Cranberry Pond to the Summit of Mt. Toby is about three miles, and 900 vertical feet. The race boasts 1900 vertical feet over 14 miles. The last mile is the steepest, with most runners walking over the loose rocky trail. Tag the fence and the race is a mirror of what you just did.
My PR for MT. Toby set two years ago was 1:50. I finished yesterday in 1:51. I tagged the fence in 59 minutes and came off the Mountain to Cranberry Pond in 18 minutes. At the fence I thought that 2 hours was likely if I did not burn out on the last four miles. I also thought that I could run under 1:55 if the gods approved. Most of the last four miles consisted a of duel between me and another runner. The other runner (50+ male who's name I should know) after I passed him stayed on my heels for the last 3.5 miles of woods. Every time I shook him off he would beat his way back. I felt like I was flying and could not imagine that this guy could keep up his pursuit of me, but he did. I dropped him when we came out of the woods. I sprinted down the last hill and finished strong.
My friend Tom ran with a cell phone in case the new baby were arrive early. Tom just wanted to do the run, so he was happy and finished easily. Priorities change for all of us and he told me he will not likely be running over the next few months after his and his wife Julie's second child is born (likely in the next two weeks).
This race filled the bill for a successful outing. With no undue pressure to run a certain time, I ran faster than I would have imagined possible. I also enjoyed the whole affair.
I ran home after the race in the rain. That was fun in that it allowed me to chalk up another 20 mile day before the Hartford Marathon.
Today I feel like a truck hit me, so I did not go to work. My feet (unusual) really hurt today. I stayed home because I have a sore throat, and the rest of my body feels abused. While writing this I started to really feel bad. A 102+ fever totaled me all day. Around 6:00 PM I started to feel much better. My son and wife are at an ice cream social to celebrate the start of a new school year, and Ben's first day of kindergarten is Thursday. I hope they bring me an ice cream sandwitch.
Keep your feet on the trails,
Mark
Monday, July 31, 2006
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Out for a bike ride tonight
12:02 A.M.
I did not grow up a runner. I found myself on a bicycle. When I was 10 years old, or around that time, I road my bicycle alone to places my parents would rather not imagine their odd fourth child riding off to. I knew by the time I was 16 that I could be an athlete, because I could ride my bicycle farther and faster than any one I knew. A friend introduced me to the North East Bicycle Club's weekly critereum at the Hanscom Air Force base in Lincoln, Massachusetts. For the next 8 years riding would be my obsession. This obsession was followed by a three year fascination with Karate, and I never returned to racing. Life takes funny turns, and at 26 I was burned out on Karate, and my knees hurt when I got back on my bicycle. Oh, and I had to be an adult now.
Six years later. I am thirty two years old, over weight, and not sure I can ever get back in shape. I then remember while on a spontaneous run with friends up and down a trail I remember that for a brief period in 1978, when I was 15, I became a runner. I ran for one season indoor track at Newton North High School. My wife said okay to my idea to buy a pair of running shoes and seeing if I could become a runner again.
Eleven more years. I am a 3:09 marathoner. Running is what I am, when I am not with my son and my wife. I have been running two marathons a year since October 2003. You know what I have found out. Getting on a bicycle is still fun. Tonight I chose my 18 year old mountain bike instead of the cool loaner car to go get a quart of milk for tomorrow morning. What a great night it is, and it was felt wonderful to be riding this old bike. Earlier in the day I was out on my racing bike for the first time this year. I dropped my car off to be serviced and made the 10 mile ride home on a racing bike I bought 25 years ago. The plan was to run back, but I wanted to get a few things done around the house today. So I rode back the Toyota dealership (it was not ready, but they produced loaner with out hesitation). Running is what I love, but I really enjoyed my riding today. Wednesday I start a new job with former employer and I will have an 8 mile round trip commute instead of the 50 mile drive that I have made for the last 8 months. I can bike and run to work. Cool.
So runners, my advise: Dust off your bike and do your errands on two wheels instead of four. It is great when you can.
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
I did not grow up a runner. I found myself on a bicycle. When I was 10 years old, or around that time, I road my bicycle alone to places my parents would rather not imagine their odd fourth child riding off to. I knew by the time I was 16 that I could be an athlete, because I could ride my bicycle farther and faster than any one I knew. A friend introduced me to the North East Bicycle Club's weekly critereum at the Hanscom Air Force base in Lincoln, Massachusetts. For the next 8 years riding would be my obsession. This obsession was followed by a three year fascination with Karate, and I never returned to racing. Life takes funny turns, and at 26 I was burned out on Karate, and my knees hurt when I got back on my bicycle. Oh, and I had to be an adult now.
Six years later. I am thirty two years old, over weight, and not sure I can ever get back in shape. I then remember while on a spontaneous run with friends up and down a trail I remember that for a brief period in 1978, when I was 15, I became a runner. I ran for one season indoor track at Newton North High School. My wife said okay to my idea to buy a pair of running shoes and seeing if I could become a runner again.
Eleven more years. I am a 3:09 marathoner. Running is what I am, when I am not with my son and my wife. I have been running two marathons a year since October 2003. You know what I have found out. Getting on a bicycle is still fun. Tonight I chose my 18 year old mountain bike instead of the cool loaner car to go get a quart of milk for tomorrow morning. What a great night it is, and it was felt wonderful to be riding this old bike. Earlier in the day I was out on my racing bike for the first time this year. I dropped my car off to be serviced and made the 10 mile ride home on a racing bike I bought 25 years ago. The plan was to run back, but I wanted to get a few things done around the house today. So I rode back the Toyota dealership (it was not ready, but they produced loaner with out hesitation). Running is what I love, but I really enjoyed my riding today. Wednesday I start a new job with former employer and I will have an 8 mile round trip commute instead of the 50 mile drive that I have made for the last 8 months. I can bike and run to work. Cool.
So runners, my advise: Dust off your bike and do your errands on two wheels instead of four. It is great when you can.
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Vermont City Marathon
KeyBank Vermont City Marathon – The Race Report
The following is my account of the KBVC Marathon that I ran two weeks ago. An edited version of this will appear in a running club newsletter.
This course is one of the best for spectators, providing four opportunities to see friends and family with a short walk between each viewing. Spectators get to enjoy downtown Burlington which has a feeling to it similar to Boston's Quincy Market.
The Race.
The marathon course consists of four loops two to the north and two to the south. I did not like the Mystic Places Marathon course because it had two turns and meanders. This course has more, but I really like the course.
At 8:05 AM, May 28, 2006.
The first miles of the Vermont City Marathon bring you through a downtown neighborhood loop through the shopping district. It was warm and after my first mile I thought I might be in trouble. Settling into what I thought was a slower more sustainable pass I shocked to run a 6:32 mile. I slowed down, but I would speed up and slow down for the next 7 miles before I finally settle into a good pace.
The crowds were enthusiastic all day, but the runners leave them behind during the second loop. Heading north for three miles on Route 127 the course is suddenly on an empty highway. It is good that this part of the course is over early in the run because there is no shade to be seen. A down hill slope helps the runners make there way away from the downtown. At six miles the runners do a 180 turn around on 127 and head back towards downtown Burlington. There I got to see what 3500 runners look like. I searched for familiar SMAC faces and soon heard a call from Tom Davidson. He was running well and I was happy to see him.
Miles 7 through 9 were long upward grades that bring the runners back to the city and nearly constant crowd support. Miles 10 through 12 sent the runners south of the city through the some beautiful areas. Confidence was growing as I approached the 13 mile mark. Last fall I started to dissolve after mile 14 at the Niantic Mystic Places Marathon.. The last 12 miles of that run were some of the worst miles I have endured in any race. I really was not up for a repeat performance today.
Soon after the halfway point I passed a runner who had said earlier that she was trying to run a 7:45 pace. Her skin was now bright red and she was panting. At the time I told her that she was running about 7 minute pace. I never did see her again.
My strategy over these last five miles was to slow my pace back to about a 7:30. I knew that I had gone out too fast, but I was trying to correct my pace before the miles and the increasing heat did. The race picked up intensity from the crowds as the runner re-entered the Downtown and waterfront. The big hill of the marathon is at mile 15 at Battery Park. At this point I felt that I not likely to bonk my way out of a decent pace. The only race goal I was really committed to was qualifying for the 2007 Boston Marathon. That meant a 3:20 run today. We ran through Battery park near the start of the marathon, then out for another loop to the North.
As the miles passed from 18 to 21 I could feel that I was beginning to fade in pace, but I did not feel that I was about lose it. There were even brief periods of optimism about setting a PR, but the heat and the miles only increased. The last miles 4 ½ miles of the course are on the excellent bike path hugging the shore. Here I kept doing the math, and started to see that I would not finish in 3:10, but the I was very likely finish before 3:20. Closer in I realized that I had a chance to finish under 3:15. The final miles through to Waterfront Park were lined with cheering spectators. I heard my name called before I crossed the finish line at 3:14:52 guntime.
The Vermont City Marathon. It is a well organized, well supported event with a beautiful course. For those who think that the Spring is only about Boston I say skip Boston one year and do this marathon.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Today's Long Run, Cupcakes and Coffee.
On Saturday I a ran 30K, with a 2 mile warm up so I had my fifth 20 miler on Saturday. I set out for my 6th 20+ today with a 22 mile goal and easy pace on the agenda. I could still feel the effects of Saturday, but I did not push the pace and most of the stiff sore feeling I had disapeared after a couple of miles.
I live in a beautiful area and this morning when I finally got myself out the door it was clear, and crisp about 60 degrees. My favorite long route goes through the town of Montegue, Massachusetts. This is comfortable enclave of artsy types living in a classic old New England village. Their is a large used book store called the Book Mill in an old wooden mill building over the Mill River here. There is an attatched cafe that operates independently from the bookstore, but two coexist well together. This is 7.5 miles into my run,and I made it a goal today to make a coffee stop here.
It was so peaceful, so wonderful there. A large cup of french roast, and chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting made my all too brief stay there truelly nice. I will ride my bicycle up here one day before I go back to work (October 17th), and spend a few hours with a good book some great coffee and a wonderful knosh.
Oh yhea, I ran a lot too. After about 2o minutes I was back on the road running easy. Around 14 miles I realised that I was running late for the cable guy to come to reduce us to the most basic service. We use the internet more than the TV now for entertainment so we will keep the high speed internet (but we are going to DSL from Cable, so we will save a little there also).
I picked up the pace at 14 miles and that felt easy. I was running at about 7:45 pace for about 2 more miles, then I slowed down again. I was dragging at the end the of the run. I finished 22 miles in 3:15 of running time. Very slow at the end. I missed the cable guy by about five minutes, according to his reciept for work completed. Apparently he did not need me here.
This month is on track to be my longest month of running ever. am hoping for 240 t 250 miles for the month, then taper.
Keep your shoes on the road,
Mark
I live in a beautiful area and this morning when I finally got myself out the door it was clear, and crisp about 60 degrees. My favorite long route goes through the town of Montegue, Massachusetts. This is comfortable enclave of artsy types living in a classic old New England village. Their is a large used book store called the Book Mill in an old wooden mill building over the Mill River here. There is an attatched cafe that operates independently from the bookstore, but two coexist well together. This is 7.5 miles into my run,and I made it a goal today to make a coffee stop here.
It was so peaceful, so wonderful there. A large cup of french roast, and chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting made my all too brief stay there truelly nice. I will ride my bicycle up here one day before I go back to work (October 17th), and spend a few hours with a good book some great coffee and a wonderful knosh.
Oh yhea, I ran a lot too. After about 2o minutes I was back on the road running easy. Around 14 miles I realised that I was running late for the cable guy to come to reduce us to the most basic service. We use the internet more than the TV now for entertainment so we will keep the high speed internet (but we are going to DSL from Cable, so we will save a little there also).
I picked up the pace at 14 miles and that felt easy. I was running at about 7:45 pace for about 2 more miles, then I slowed down again. I was dragging at the end the of the run. I finished 22 miles in 3:15 of running time. Very slow at the end. I missed the cable guy by about five minutes, according to his reciept for work completed. Apparently he did not need me here.
This month is on track to be my longest month of running ever. am hoping for 240 t 250 miles for the month, then taper.
Keep your shoes on the road,
Mark
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
30 Kilometers
I took two rest days instead of one before Saturday's 30K. My legs were still wobbly Thursday so I decided to rest another day. That gave me 45 miles for the week.
Saturday morning 3:45 A.M. my alarm goes off and I roll out of bed, drag my self downstairs, hit the on button on the coffee maker, climb in to my running clothes, and toss every thing on the dining room table in to my backpack. 4:20 A.M. - I am in my car and driving. I packed the car the night before so I should have every thing I need for the today and tomorrow.
My destination is the East Coast Tune Up 30K in Lynn, Massachusetts. The directions are good and I am there in just over two hours. This race seemed to be the perfect race for me to try out my marathon strategy of running at a 6:58 pace. This course is similar to Mystic Places, mostly flat seashore, some hills, and lots of twists and turns through the neighborhoods.
The course begins and ends at the North Shore Community College in Lynn. It takes the runners out for some truelly beautiful seaside running in Nahant and Little Nahant. Hurricane Ophelia was making its way up the coast and was supposed to dump heavy rain on us, but we got lucky. The temperature was about 63, heavy overcast, and a slight spray in the air.
The runners who planned on finishing in over three hours had the option of starting the race at 7:30, the rest of the field got under way at 8:30. 313 runners finished the 18.6 mile course. Most runners were preparing for fall marathons but many were just out for a long challenging run.
The course meandered it's way south to the former Islands of Nahant and Little Nahant. It is an out and back course with some beautiful shoreside scenery. The first mile of the run is through city streets, but then the runners find them selves on the a concrete board walk for two miles. On Nahant the course is hilly with its most spectacular views on a rocky penisular owned by Northeastern University.
As a marathon tune up for me it was extremely valuable race. If I learn any thing from this race it is how difficult it still can be to pace yourself on a long fast course. Those early miles seem so easy. My goal was to head out at a 6:58 pace and to see what happens. Mile one, 6:38 (too fast). Mile 2 6:41 (too fast). The first seven miles were way too fast. I began to fade in the final miles. I finished in 2:11:41, for a 7:04 pace, and 22/313 overall.
The goal of this race for me was to set a pace for a the Mystic Places Marathon. I also know that I have to work at being in control of my pace from the beginning of the race. Had this been an actual marathon I would have been road kill by 26 miles.
Food. The food was good. Lots of cookies, banannas, yogurts, bagels, Tylenol 8 Hour...
If you have a fall marathon on your calendar next year it is worth doing this race just for the practice of running your goal pace, or setting your goal pace. I will be heading out at a 7:05 pace at Mystic Places and see what happens to me.
Saturday morning 3:45 A.M. my alarm goes off and I roll out of bed, drag my self downstairs, hit the on button on the coffee maker, climb in to my running clothes, and toss every thing on the dining room table in to my backpack. 4:20 A.M. - I am in my car and driving. I packed the car the night before so I should have every thing I need for the today and tomorrow.
My destination is the East Coast Tune Up 30K in Lynn, Massachusetts. The directions are good and I am there in just over two hours. This race seemed to be the perfect race for me to try out my marathon strategy of running at a 6:58 pace. This course is similar to Mystic Places, mostly flat seashore, some hills, and lots of twists and turns through the neighborhoods.
The course begins and ends at the North Shore Community College in Lynn. It takes the runners out for some truelly beautiful seaside running in Nahant and Little Nahant. Hurricane Ophelia was making its way up the coast and was supposed to dump heavy rain on us, but we got lucky. The temperature was about 63, heavy overcast, and a slight spray in the air.
The runners who planned on finishing in over three hours had the option of starting the race at 7:30, the rest of the field got under way at 8:30. 313 runners finished the 18.6 mile course. Most runners were preparing for fall marathons but many were just out for a long challenging run.
The course meandered it's way south to the former Islands of Nahant and Little Nahant. It is an out and back course with some beautiful shoreside scenery. The first mile of the run is through city streets, but then the runners find them selves on the a concrete board walk for two miles. On Nahant the course is hilly with its most spectacular views on a rocky penisular owned by Northeastern University.
As a marathon tune up for me it was extremely valuable race. If I learn any thing from this race it is how difficult it still can be to pace yourself on a long fast course. Those early miles seem so easy. My goal was to head out at a 6:58 pace and to see what happens. Mile one, 6:38 (too fast). Mile 2 6:41 (too fast). The first seven miles were way too fast. I began to fade in the final miles. I finished in 2:11:41, for a 7:04 pace, and 22/313 overall.
The goal of this race for me was to set a pace for a the Mystic Places Marathon. I also know that I have to work at being in control of my pace from the beginning of the race. Had this been an actual marathon I would have been road kill by 26 miles.
Food. The food was good. Lots of cookies, banannas, yogurts, bagels, Tylenol 8 Hour...
If you have a fall marathon on your calendar next year it is worth doing this race just for the practice of running your goal pace, or setting your goal pace. I will be heading out at a 7:05 pace at Mystic Places and see what happens to me.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Wobbly Feet
Yesterday's five miles were deliberately slow, following a nautilus round and some warm up time on an eliptical trainer. This morning my feet are wobbly. Too many miles last week, and I have a 30K on Saturday. I did a wobbly five miler this morning on flat ground. Very slow, sore muscles, no damage. I have back off for the next two days.
I am doing my best not to call FAF back and just accept the job, but I want to go down to Milikowski (open house, greenhouse supplier) tomorrow to talk to any growers who may be there. I just talked with my neighbor Hiedi about why I am around with so much free time. That has made me want to call FAF back also.
The training plan for tomorrow through Sunday .
Tomorrow - five more slow.
Friday - No Mileage.
Saturday - Fall Marathon Tune Up 30K - Lynne, MA- Goals - 2:09:38 (6:58 pace), 2:10:13 (7:00 pace), 2:11:08 (7:03 pace)
Sunday - Nephew Bobby's Wedding - 0 mileage, lots of food, good.
The wedding will be nice. It will be the first time in several years that the family comes together with out some one dieing.
Keep running folks, you're a harder target if you are moving.
Mark
I am doing my best not to call FAF back and just accept the job, but I want to go down to Milikowski (open house, greenhouse supplier) tomorrow to talk to any growers who may be there. I just talked with my neighbor Hiedi about why I am around with so much free time. That has made me want to call FAF back also.
The training plan for tomorrow through Sunday .
Tomorrow - five more slow.
Friday - No Mileage.
Saturday - Fall Marathon Tune Up 30K - Lynne, MA- Goals - 2:09:38 (6:58 pace), 2:10:13 (7:00 pace), 2:11:08 (7:03 pace)
Sunday - Nephew Bobby's Wedding - 0 mileage, lots of food, good.
The wedding will be nice. It will be the first time in several years that the family comes together with out some one dieing.
Keep running folks, you're a harder target if you are moving.
Mark
Running a Week Later
A week ago I was shocked to find out that I no longer had employment, but was rather relieved to know that I be getting a much needed rest. The possibilities for getting in some serious training miles did actually occur to me, almost immediately.
I have logged 71 miles in the last seven days, that may be a record. Today I managed to get in two runs for 15 miles. I ran a slow 8 miles in the morning from the Y in to Turners Falls and back. The plan was to return to the Y for seven miles in on a tread mill, and a round of nautilus. I was not able to pull off the nautilus but I did get my mileage in on the treadmill, 7.2 miles in 50 minutes. So 15 for the day.
The job hunting stuff may be coming to a quick close. I have had two interviews this week. The first job is right on in terms of what I want to do, this grower wants me to take over their perennial range growing six pacts, quarts, gallons of finished plants. I can do that. The interesting part of this job comes in their future plans to offer perennial liners (plug trays) along with their well established line of annuals. I would grow the liners and run the perennial propagation.
Should be fun.
The second interview was interesting, but I do not want to grow strawberries.
Here are my miles at this point since the great labor day sacking.
Tuesday - 25 very hilly miles to figure out what I am going to doduring this job hunting period.Wednesday - 0 milesThursday - 6 miles one good hillyFriday Night - 12 miles in the Pelham Hills after 9:00 P.M.Saturday - 0 milesSunday - 13.1 miles flatMonday morning - 8 miles slowMonday noon - Job interview, very good offer for new positionat FAFMonday Afternoon - 7.2 miles on the treadmill at the Y, a fast 50minutesTotal for 7 days = 71.3 miles
Tuesday, slow - five mile
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
I have logged 71 miles in the last seven days, that may be a record. Today I managed to get in two runs for 15 miles. I ran a slow 8 miles in the morning from the Y in to Turners Falls and back. The plan was to return to the Y for seven miles in on a tread mill, and a round of nautilus. I was not able to pull off the nautilus but I did get my mileage in on the treadmill, 7.2 miles in 50 minutes. So 15 for the day.
The job hunting stuff may be coming to a quick close. I have had two interviews this week. The first job is right on in terms of what I want to do, this grower wants me to take over their perennial range growing six pacts, quarts, gallons of finished plants. I can do that. The interesting part of this job comes in their future plans to offer perennial liners (plug trays) along with their well established line of annuals. I would grow the liners and run the perennial propagation.
Should be fun.
The second interview was interesting, but I do not want to grow strawberries.
Here are my miles at this point since the great labor day sacking.
Tuesday - 25 very hilly miles to figure out what I am going to doduring this job hunting period.Wednesday - 0 milesThursday - 6 miles one good hillyFriday Night - 12 miles in the Pelham Hills after 9:00 P.M.Saturday - 0 milesSunday - 13.1 miles flatMonday morning - 8 miles slowMonday noon - Job interview, very good offer for new positionat FAFMonday Afternoon - 7.2 miles on the treadmill at the Y, a fast 50minutesTotal for 7 days = 71.3 miles
Tuesday, slow - five mile
Keep your feet on the road,
Mark
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Later in the Week
Thursday I was up a little after 5:00AM so that I could head off to the Y. A ten minute warm up on the elliptical trainer, then I was on to the nautilus machines. I did my round on the machines and off to a weight watchers meeting. I am still within two lbs. of my 160 target so I am in good graces with watchers of weight. My goal is to drop back to my previous weight of 153 or less before my October 23rd marathon. Later in the afternoon I ran a hilly loop for 5.7 miles. I am still not doing my speed work, but it has been a week.
Thursday morning 10:30, Lisa and I meet our financial planner to go over pur finances now that I am between positions. That gets done.
The rest of the day I am calling more people who I think can help me find a new job. I call Nourse Farms because they are losing their grower to his home in the Midwest. Tim Nourse is out but the receptionist thinks that he will want to talk to me.
I get an email from Donna asking if I am interested in another late night run of 10 to 14 miles Friday. Lisa says okay since it means I will not be doing a similar run on Friday morning. Face time with the spouse is a good thing.
Friday night at 8:30 I meet Donna, and we head out to the bicycle trail parking lot on Station Road. We run up hill for most of 7 miles into the Pelham Hills while she tells me about her recent 100 miler, the Cascade Trails 100. If this were Donna's Blog tonight's entry would be much more interesting than our 12 mile run in to the Pelham Hills. Donna is a running beast (this is a compliment she pays to other distance runners). Two weeks ago while I was running the Mt. Toby 14 miler, she was finishing the Cascades 100 16 seconds under 24 hours. She took three days off from her running, I took off four days. Tuesday I cranked out 25 miles, Monday she ran 28. Beastly running, beastly.
It was a great evenning for a run. We ran on mostly empty, unlit backroads and some dirt roads. It was a circle of sorts, with steep climbs and descents. A woman walking her dog commented on our resemblance to miners with our headlamps.
This time of unemployment will be great for running, and running will get me through this time.
Keep running folks.
Thursday morning 10:30, Lisa and I meet our financial planner to go over pur finances now that I am between positions. That gets done.
The rest of the day I am calling more people who I think can help me find a new job. I call Nourse Farms because they are losing their grower to his home in the Midwest. Tim Nourse is out but the receptionist thinks that he will want to talk to me.
I get an email from Donna asking if I am interested in another late night run of 10 to 14 miles Friday. Lisa says okay since it means I will not be doing a similar run on Friday morning. Face time with the spouse is a good thing.
Friday night at 8:30 I meet Donna, and we head out to the bicycle trail parking lot on Station Road. We run up hill for most of 7 miles into the Pelham Hills while she tells me about her recent 100 miler, the Cascade Trails 100. If this were Donna's Blog tonight's entry would be much more interesting than our 12 mile run in to the Pelham Hills. Donna is a running beast (this is a compliment she pays to other distance runners). Two weeks ago while I was running the Mt. Toby 14 miler, she was finishing the Cascades 100 16 seconds under 24 hours. She took three days off from her running, I took off four days. Tuesday I cranked out 25 miles, Monday she ran 28. Beastly running, beastly.
It was a great evenning for a run. We ran on mostly empty, unlit backroads and some dirt roads. It was a circle of sorts, with steep climbs and descents. A woman walking her dog commented on our resemblance to miners with our headlamps.
This time of unemployment will be great for running, and running will get me through this time.
Keep running folks.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
25 Hilly Miles Today
So, I ran 25 miles today, maybe more. My Garmin 201 lost me under the trees that shade route 47 in Sunderland and Montegue. This unemployment thing could be great for my fall training.
I had a fantastic running day. I did a hilly 21 mile loop through the nieghboring towns of Sunderland, Montegue, Greenfield, and back to Deerfield. I added a run up a local ridge called Poet's Seat, and then headed through downtown Greenfield. I am pretty sure that this added about 4 miles to the run, the Garmin lost me again. Total running time, 3:34:50. Total time 3:55.
My wife Lisa got MP3 player so she can down load podcasts, books and music. I do not have an IPod, MP3, or 8 track tape player to run with. I do have a pretty good mental MP3. I listen to music in my head (and to the little men who tell me open fire-just kidding) while I run. The songs that are rolling through my brain these days are Wheezer's We Are All On Drugs, Green Day's Holiday, and song from Friday night services at Beit Ahavah.
Good news on the Job front. I have a number of people offering to help me search for a new job. One local nursery is likely to offer me a position, but is also likely that I won't take that job.
Too little money.
I have been getting the word out today that I am looking for work and email messages of support are coming in.
Keep running,
Mark
I had a fantastic running day. I did a hilly 21 mile loop through the nieghboring towns of Sunderland, Montegue, Greenfield, and back to Deerfield. I added a run up a local ridge called Poet's Seat, and then headed through downtown Greenfield. I am pretty sure that this added about 4 miles to the run, the Garmin lost me again. Total running time, 3:34:50. Total time 3:55.
My wife Lisa got MP3 player so she can down load podcasts, books and music. I do not have an IPod, MP3, or 8 track tape player to run with. I do have a pretty good mental MP3. I listen to music in my head (and to the little men who tell me open fire-just kidding) while I run. The songs that are rolling through my brain these days are Wheezer's We Are All On Drugs, Green Day's Holiday, and song from Friday night services at Beit Ahavah.
Good news on the Job front. I have a number of people offering to help me search for a new job. One local nursery is likely to offer me a position, but is also likely that I won't take that job.
Too little money.
I have been getting the word out today that I am looking for work and email messages of support are coming in.
Keep running,
Mark
A Labor Day Irony, or I Have More Time To Train
A funny thing happenned to me on the way to my great career today. Do to a down turn in the Northeast greenhouse industry I was sacked today at work. My former employers have always been open with me. I knew we were hurting from sagging sales and that they had gambled the farm on increasing sales this fall. I am leaving with great references. That will make it easier to get a new job.
From a runner's point of view, this month should be a great month for logging miles.
This weekend I did not go out for 20 miles on Sunday as planned. I got up at 5:00 AM instead of 4:00 AM. I had to check the greenhouses Sunday morning, get in a long run, and spend some quality time with Ben and Lisa. I shorten my run to 13 miles, checked out the greenhouses, and I was home for 9:30 AM. The new plan is to go out for about 25 miles tomorrow (this plan was made before I got sacked today, I was taking Tuesdays off as vacation time this month to get in some mileage and work on the house).
Running thirteen miles on Sunday was definitely shorter than I had planned. Lisa and I went for a 10 mile bike ride on the Norwotick RailTrail with Ben on the back of ny bicycle. We spent the rest of the afternoon in our perennial garden pulling weeds. It was a good day. I guesse my training is paying off in that I felt like I had gotten little exercise all day (13 does not do it any more).
The new plan. Find a new job, and train hard in September for the Mystic Places Marathon.
Keep running folks.
From a runner's point of view, this month should be a great month for logging miles.
This weekend I did not go out for 20 miles on Sunday as planned. I got up at 5:00 AM instead of 4:00 AM. I had to check the greenhouses Sunday morning, get in a long run, and spend some quality time with Ben and Lisa. I shorten my run to 13 miles, checked out the greenhouses, and I was home for 9:30 AM. The new plan is to go out for about 25 miles tomorrow (this plan was made before I got sacked today, I was taking Tuesdays off as vacation time this month to get in some mileage and work on the house).
Running thirteen miles on Sunday was definitely shorter than I had planned. Lisa and I went for a 10 mile bike ride on the Norwotick RailTrail with Ben on the back of ny bicycle. We spent the rest of the afternoon in our perennial garden pulling weeds. It was a good day. I guesse my training is paying off in that I felt like I had gotten little exercise all day (13 does not do it any more).
The new plan. Find a new job, and train hard in September for the Mystic Places Marathon.
Keep running folks.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
The state of things.
The end of summer is finds me reasonably prepared for the distance of a fall marathon, but I have not done the speed work that has shaped my running over the last two years. August has always been my month of incidental speed work, with the usual races putting speed at the fore front of at least 3 weeks. I have run these races again so I am not totally without some speed work. The Yankee Home Coming 10 Miler was first race of the month. I ran it 69:68, more than three and half minutes slower than last year ( I bonked this year in the 90 F heat). The Bridge of Flowers 10K was next on my race card. It was unbelieveably hot and humid for this race. Finished about four minutes slower than last year (but I finished in about the same place overall surrounded by the same runners I usually finish with). I was slow but did not bonk. I kept the speed down when I felt myself over heating. Last week I ran the Mount Toby 14 Mile Trail Run also about two minutes slower than last year. It was raining in the woods on this run. I felt great at the end of this race, but I was still a couple of minutes slower than two years ago. Was it the rain? Am I getting slower?
My goals for September include bagging three more 20 milers (that will give me six 20s for this marathon since the end of July) , and running two races. Tomorrow I am heading out for one of the 20's. The Fall Marathon 30K tune up is my next race in two weeks. I will run this at my marathon pace ( what that will be I am not sure). I would love to run out at a 7 minute pace, but 7:05 looks more likely.
The last race before my taper is the Dave Maynard Memorial Five Miler in Greenfield. This will be a fast run and it should show if my Thursday night treadmill sessions can bring my speed back in time for The Mystic Places Marathon.
No one cares if I run a 3:10 marathon or 3:03, but it matters a hell of alot to me. That is the funny thing about the people I race with. Run 14 miles through the woods, up and down a mountain, in the rain and who really cares if your time varies by a few minutes. Every one I talked with on Sunday cared a great deal how fast they ran, but they were quick to acknowledge the other runners' accomplishments. It is the great thing about this sport that we can be victorious, or feel defeated by a few ticks of the clock. The reality that after nine years of running a 100 races I will never be in danger of actually winning one does not rob me of the thrill of a victory. Nor am I shielded from the disapointment of a race that goes bad. That is a great deal of what makes this worthwhile.
Here is the plan, I have to get up early tomorrow and run 20+ miles and still be available to my family. So it is off to bed and I will be on the road before 5:30 tomorrow.
Run well everyone.
My goals for September include bagging three more 20 milers (that will give me six 20s for this marathon since the end of July) , and running two races. Tomorrow I am heading out for one of the 20's. The Fall Marathon 30K tune up is my next race in two weeks. I will run this at my marathon pace ( what that will be I am not sure). I would love to run out at a 7 minute pace, but 7:05 looks more likely.
The last race before my taper is the Dave Maynard Memorial Five Miler in Greenfield. This will be a fast run and it should show if my Thursday night treadmill sessions can bring my speed back in time for The Mystic Places Marathon.
No one cares if I run a 3:10 marathon or 3:03, but it matters a hell of alot to me. That is the funny thing about the people I race with. Run 14 miles through the woods, up and down a mountain, in the rain and who really cares if your time varies by a few minutes. Every one I talked with on Sunday cared a great deal how fast they ran, but they were quick to acknowledge the other runners' accomplishments. It is the great thing about this sport that we can be victorious, or feel defeated by a few ticks of the clock. The reality that after nine years of running a 100 races I will never be in danger of actually winning one does not rob me of the thrill of a victory. Nor am I shielded from the disapointment of a race that goes bad. That is a great deal of what makes this worthwhile.
Here is the plan, I have to get up early tomorrow and run 20+ miles and still be available to my family. So it is off to bed and I will be on the road before 5:30 tomorrow.
Run well everyone.
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