SOSH Running Dogs

[underhandtofirst]

Had my last real workout this morning, 7.5 miles with 2 at MP.

Warmup of 2.78 @ 8:07
2 miles (7:32, 7:27) perfect
Cooldown of 2.73 @ 8:32

Right foot is a little sore, but the pain went away after the warmup. After I finish running, I have to limp around. Solution: dont stop running on Sunday

I went from mile 5 to 6 and back to 5 on the marathon course and felt pretty comfortable. I can use the rest this week as I feel my legs arent totally there yet. Schedule calls for 5 mi Fri and 4 on sat. I may skip the 5 and do 3 on Saturday, we'll see.

I'm looking forward to sitting on my couch Sunday night to watch Game 7 of the ALCS.

 

[BleacherFan]

I'm looking forward to sitting on my couch Sunday night to watch Game 7 of the ALCS.

Just don't stay tempted to stay up Saturday night watching all of game 6! You'll need your rest ....

Looks like Mother Nature is acting nicely - if anything it might be a little on the cold side! If you have a throw-away long sleeve shirt that might be something to consider for the first couple of miles.....

For me, I did my 2nd MP workout of the week - 7 miles of tempo. I feel like I'm getting stronger but not necessarily faster with these workouts - but I like them too much to give them up:

6:08,5:51,5:50,5:51,5:50,5:52,5:42(81 second last 1/4)

 

[underhandtofirst]

3:19:08 on my watch

I didnt qualify, but I ran a really good race. Felt really good the entire race, I counted 5 people that passed me from mile 7 on. The reason was a 54 second potty stop at the 2 mile mark. I overdid the pre race hydration :buddy: It felt so good chugging by people the entire race and I could hear my breathing was in much better shape.

The wind from mile 11 to 13 and from mile 21 to mile 25 was unreal, a few gusts almost knocked me over. It was like running into a wall of wind. I made a big push around mile 13 to get myself into position to go sub 3:16, but at mile 21 I realized it wasnt going to happen, my hamstring was tightening because I was working so hard. I just relaxed and kept working hard, focusing on sub 3:20. At mile 24 I said to hell with the wind and gunned it. I felt like I was running a 10k.

Really excited about the time and the effort. Felt so strong the entire race and led to a PR by 12 1/2 mins.

Splits:

mile	   split   mile	split
   1	   7:35	 14	 7:24
   2	   8:28	 15	 7:28
   3	   7:26	 16	 7:24
   4	   7:37	 17	 7:27
   5	   7:28	 18	 7:25
   6	   7:44	 19	 7:26
   7	   7:33	 20	 7:25
   8	   7:28	 21	 7:37
   9	   7:25	 22	 7:43
   10	  7:21	 23	 8:01
   11	  7:27	 24	 8:19
   12	  7:29	 25	 7:48
   13	  7:42	 26	 7:27

1st half=1:39:30
2nd half=1:39:38

last mile=7:18 including last .22 at 7:00 pace
mile 2 was 7:34 without the bathroom break

 

[BleacherFan]

3:19:08 on my watch

I didnt qualify, but I ran a really good race. Felt really good the entire race, I counted 5 people that passed me from mile 7 on. The reason was a 54 second potty stop at the 2 mile mark. I overdid the pre race hydration It felt so good chugging by people the entire race and I could hear my breathing was in much better shape.

Sorry to hear you missed your BQ goal - but your self-analysis is spot on. I went for a run this morning and was hoping the wind I encountered wasn't a problem around the river :buddy: .

Hold your head high - over the last year you've accumulated a lot of knowledge, have applied it well in training, and if not for some shit weather luck you'd have hit your goal. You're fitness is very good right now and I see a BQ in the future (Hyannis, your plan B??). Keep at it you're closer than you think - and it's tough to be upset at a 12+ min PR - that's a jump in 30 sec/mile.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Sorry to hear you missed your BQ goal - but your self-analysis is spot on. I went for a run this morning and was hoping the wind I encountered wasn't a problem around the river .

Hold your head high - over the last year you've accumulated a lot of knowledge, have applied it well in training, and if not for some shit weather luck you'd have hit your goal. You're fitness is very good right now and I see a BQ in the future (Hyannis, your plan B??). Keep at it you're closer than you think - and it's tough to be upset at a 12+ min PR - that's a jump in 30 sec/mile.

I'm pretty pumped about the race actually. I gave it all I had. I was especially happy the way I was able to push it the last 13 miles, I kept thinking about workouts I had in which I was in more pain and how I was able to keep going. The time trials and races really helped build that mental toughness and tough me how hard I could go and for how long.

Even without the wind it wasnt happening today, which is ok. More than ever I know I can do it. It is just going to take time.

 

[Frisbetarian]

3:19:08.

Wow!

Congrats, hermanito, that is one outstanding run.

I'm not sure how old you are, but the BAA has historically been pretty lax with qualifying times for local runners. If you are over 35 years old then your qt would be 3:15, and I would suggest you send in your 3:19 and see what they say. You might be surprised.

No matter what, you should be very proud.

 

[underhandtofirst]

3:19:08.

Wow!

Congrats, hermanito, that is one outstanding run.

I'm not sure how old you are, but the BAA has historically been pretty lax with qualifying times for local runners. If you are over 35 years old then your qt would be 3:15, and I would suggest you send in your 3:19 and see what they say. You might be surprised.

No matter what, you should be very proud.

Thanks, I get more pumped each time I go through the race in my mind.

I'm 37 so I'll give that a shot. I was planning on sending it in if I was in the ballpark (i.e. 3:16).

 

[underhandtofirst]

For those who like graphs.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Just wanted to see if anyone had any help with blisters. I'm starting to get one on the top/inside of my foot that's starting to become a bitch. Band-aids? Tape? Extra socks? I've tied my shoes as tight as I can get them without being uncomfortable. Any tips/suggestions?

 

[underhandtofirst]

Just wanted to see if anyone had any help with blisters. I'm starting to get one on the top/inside of my foot that's starting to become a bitch. Band-aids? Tape? Extra socks? I've tied my shoes as tight as I can get them without being uncomfortable. Any tips/suggestions?

I use bodyglide before every run. It works great, I've heard other use the same. You can find it in most running stores.

BodyGlide

 

[underhandtofirst]

Took almost all of last week off mostly because of time constraints. Finally went for 6.5 on Saturday and felt really good for 3.5 miles then my right hip flexor got a little tight, no big deal. Then about 4.5 miles in my quads started to feel like someone had punched them. These werent major, but it was a little reminder that I'm still recovering, no matter how great I felt.

My shoulder soreness went away by Tuesday afternoon. Thursday was the first day I didnt feel any soreness at all in my legs. I'm glad I did the run on Sat, and I planned to do something short Sunday night but I was wiped out from camping out with my son's cub scouts group on Sat night. Yes, I was in a tent during that incredible rainstorm we had in the northeast.

This week I'll do some short slow runs. I should have started with some 3 or so mile runs last week rather than doing the 6.5 on Saturday. I'm still waiting on my entry to Boston. I sent it in last Tuesday and I havent got a rejection notice yet :rolling:

 

[BleacherFan]

This week I'll do some short slow runs. I should have started with some 3 or so mile runs last week rather than doing the 6.5 on Saturday. I'm still waiting on my entry to Boston. I sent it in last Tuesday and I havent got a rejection notice yet

Good luck on that and it's nice to see you are not feeling ill effects - that's a testament to your training.

I had a tough week - I tried in vain two tempo workouts Friday and Saturday and a long run (15+) on Sunday. I wanted to get my legs nice and tired - that worked for sure - my legs felt like concrete this morning during my 1st run.

 

[EdRalphRomero]

Hey all. Just discovered this section. I'm gearing up for my annual turkey trot. Did 5 miles this morning -- very slow, very painful. Evidently this running thing is something you need to keep doing and you can't just take a 3 month hiatus.

I'd like to make the leap and put myself in training for the NYC marathon next year. I've been doing some research and it appears that even the longest training schedules are around 36 weeks. Since I have 52, my question is this -- do I drag the 36 week schedule out over 52, or do I take one segment toward the middle and just repeat it for a month or so? I've never run a race longer than 10k, but I've recently discovered that I am getting older not younger, so I figure this is the year to make the big jump.

 

[BleacherFan]

Hey all. Just discovered this section. I'm gearing up for my annual turkey trot. Did 5 miles this morning -- very slow, very painful. Evidently this running thing is something you need to keep doing and you can't just take a 3 month hiatus.

I'd like to make the leap and put myself in training for the NYC marathon next year. I've been doing some research and it appears that even the longest training schedules are around 36 weeks. Since I have 52, my question is this -- do I drag the 36 week schedule out over 52, or do I take one segment toward the middle and just repeat it for a month or so? I've never run a race longer than 10k, but I've recently discovered that I am getting older not younger, so I figure this is the year to make the big jump.

Welcome!

I'm not a huge follower of training schedules so I'm probably not an expert BUT most of the plans have three segments: a base building period, a mileage ramp up portion and then a taper. I am going to say that having an extended base period of a certain amount of mileage before you start the mileage ramp up will help you the best.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Hey all. Just discovered this section. I'm gearing up for my annual turkey trot. Did 5 miles this morning -- very slow, very painful. Evidently this running thing is something you need to keep doing and you can't just take a 3 month hiatus.

I'd like to make the leap and put myself in training for the NYC marathon next year. I've been doing some research and it appears that even the longest training schedules are around 36 weeks. Since I have 52, my question is this -- do I drag the 36 week schedule out over 52, or do I take one segment toward the middle and just repeat it for a month or so? I've never run a race longer than 10k, but I've recently discovered that I am getting older not younger, so I figure this is the year to make the big jump.

ERR, welcome. I've completed 3 marathons and a 5-10 other races over the last few years and each one I used a program from some book or site online. I used Hal Higdon fo my first marathon, Runner's World fo my second and Pete Pfitzinger for my third marathon. I've used each of them for shorter races as well. My recommendation for you is to look for races between now and next November to give you some intermediate goals. This will give you some race experience and give you feedback on your training progress.

One example might be to train for a half marathon in the late winter. This will allow you to build up your mileage base and introduce you to some longer runs. You can train for the half with long runs as short as 10 or 11 miles. I'd recommend trying to get to 13 or 14 if you can handle it. Then train for 10k-15k in late spring using the extra miles. You'll give yourself a break from the longer weekend runs, but still be able to handle more miles each week than you can now. I think you'll be amazed how much better your time will be after adding the endurance the half requires. Also, training for the 10k-15k will give you some speed work as a change up before you being a program for the marathon. In between each race and the next program you can put in a few weeks of lower intensity running where you can build up your mileage base with reduced risk of injury.

This is just one way to get you through the year. Breaking it up into manageable chunks is probably your best chance to keep you motivated and improving over the next 52 weeks.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Starting to get back into the flow. First week after the marathon I did one run of 6.5. Last week I got 4 runs in for about 22 total. I actually ran 3 days in a row and I feel good today. The run of the week my legs felt like cement. I took a day off and ran the last 3 days in a row including a long of 8.5 and I'm getting back to normal. I was in a decent rhythm for each of the runs and was able to gradually increase to just about 30 sec slower than MP without much extra effort.

At this point I dont think I'm going to run the Hyannis Marathon. A couple things factor in to this. The race is about 16 weeks off, which means I'll be jumping back into another training program in a week or so. A break might be good for me, although I do need some race to shoot for or my motivation to get up and go outside in the dark just isnt there consistently. The other item is that we just got a new puppy yesterday. It is a 8 week old yellow lab. I have a feeling I'll be taking him on some walks at weird hours so sleep will be a little choppy. Also, I'm not sure the rest of my family will be excited if I go for a run at 5:30 and the dog wants to play with someone after I leave

 

[EdRalphRomero]

Thanks very much for the advice. Keeping with it will be the challenge for me. Glad to have a place to post about it and hear how others are doing.

 

[BleacherFan]

At this point I dont think I'm going to run the Hyannis Marathon. A couple things factor in to this. The race is about 16 weeks off, which means I'll be jumping back into another training program in a week or so. A break might be good for me, although I do need some race to shoot for or my motivation to get up and go outside in the dark just isnt there consistently.

Smart move - I ended up doing too much to my body when I did 2 marathons in 5+ months - it set me back a year after that.

I was thinking the other day, you train regularly on the Rourke --> Tyngsboro --> Rourke bridge loop right? I'm not sure if you do this but this might come in handy --- doing this little stretch in the winter of 07 got me prepared for my PR at Boston. I remember Benjamin and I banging out 6:00 pace through some of these hills (well, me struggling to stay with him :lol: ) (I did this about 6 miles into a 15.5 mile loop)

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ma/lowell/376648887066

 

[underhandtofirst]

Smart move - I ended up doing too much to my body when I did 2 marathons in 5+ months - it set me back a year after that.

I was thinking the other day, you train regularly on the Rourke --> Tyngsboro --> Rourke bridge loop right? I'm not sure if you do this but this might come in handy --- doing this little stretch in the winter of 07 got me prepared for my PR at Boston. I remember Benjamin and I banging out 6:00 pace through some of these hills (well, me struggling to stay with him ) (I did this about 6 miles into a 15.5 mile loop)

http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ma/lowell/376648887066

I have a 13.7 mile loop that includes miles 4-14 of the BSM course. I have a 19.7 mile loop that goes to the Mass/NH state line in front of the Pheasant Lane Mall that returns along miles 8-14 of the BSM course. I could do that section you indicated as part of either loop. It looks to have a few more hills.

If/When :rolling: the BAA approves my application I plan on running as many hilly runs as possible. My backup plan is to aim for the Super 5k on 2/1/09 and try and run sub 19.

I'm interested to hear from anyone that has run either of these two races:
- Providence Marathon (5/4, new course this year)
- Sugarloaf marathon on 5/18 (says it is fast and that the final 16 are downhill)

 

[BleacherFan]

I have a 13.7 mile loop that includes miles 4-14 of the BSM course. I have a 19.7 mile loop that goes to the Mass/NH state line in front of the Pheasant Lane Mall that returns along miles 8-14 of the BSM course. I could do that section you indicated as part of either loop. It looks to have a few more hills.

No elevation chart does this any justice - it's a very tough stretch and having it smack dab in the middle of a training is great. If you get the chance to try a few runs on this path I'm sure you'll love it.

If/When the BAA approves my application I plan on running as many hilly runs as possible. My backup plan is to aim for the Super 5k on 2/1/09 and try and run sub 19.

Nice! If I choose to forego Boston, I'll most likely be doing that Super 5k

I'm interested to hear from anyone that has run either of these two races:
- Sugarloaf marathon on 5/18 (says it is fast and that the final 16 are downhill)

I have no first hand knowledge on Sugarloaf but from everyone I talk to it's a fast course


I raced today in Wakefield, 5k Run for all Ages. Didn't know what to expect - coming off a head cold earlier in the week, practically zero speed work done in the last few months, just wanted to try to repeat the win. Noticed some fast guys up front so I figured it would be a tactical race....

Took control in the 1st half mile, noticed one guy from the BAA on my shoulder - went through #1 in 5:23 - wayyy too slow. At this point I decided to sit a little and set the pace a little slower - saving myself for the end of the race. At this point there were a group of four of us - I definitely felt in control at this point looking around at everyone trying to assess who was with us - I was setting the pace also.

Mile 2 comes, 5:34 - uggghh, I don't know what is going on, this pace is stuff I have been doing w/ tempo runs on the track. I make a small push at 2 and two guys drop - it's me and the BAA guy....not getting the warm and fuzzies.....between 2.25 and 2.85 I throw everything I have - I try surging a few times which didn't work. He would just pop back up next to me - with about 200 meters to go he slams the hammer down and I can't respond. Last mile being 5:18 and last .1 was like 32.....

Overall, I was 30 seconds slower than last year when I won. It was a little humid this year but the conditions were nowhere near 'complainable'. I'm frankly disappointed because I feel very fit but I can't explain the slow legs I felt. I think the big problem is a lot of my training has been geared towarded more of a distance race (a lot of MP stuff) and no fast-twitch stuff. I felt I had a good race strategy (sit and wait until 2) but I just couldn't leg him out.

I think I'm going to run the Veterans 11k in Stoneham on Tuesday and I have no doubt that my pace will be very close to what I ran for a 5k .

 

[underhandtofirst]

I think I'm going to run the Veterans 11k in Stoneham on Tuesday and I have no doubt that my pace will be very close to what I ran for a 5k .

Nice job in the 5k and good luck on Tuesday if you run. It looks to be a real nice day too.

I'll try that other route later this winter. My goal the next few weeks is to run at least 20 miles per week and hopefully closer to 30-35. Im cutting back to 4 days per week running because it is about all I can do when I'm not training for a specific race. I may still run the Super 5k even if I'm running Boston, it's a nice speed workout. I did one of the Good Times races this year and it served me well.

This weekend I ran 6 on Sat and 10 on Sunday (I missed too many days during the week). The 6 was very easy late Sat night (8:30pm). Sunday I raked leaves all day and did the 10 around 4pm, my legs were all stiff, but I was surprised when I went through the first mile in jst over 8 mins. I kept going because it didnt feel tough, just stiff. Entire run averaged 7:53.

 

[EdRalphRomero]

I run a lot while travelling for work. I'm looking for a good way to track mileage on unfamiliar routes as well as times, pace, etc. Have you guys had any luck with a pedometer?

 

[underhandtofirst]

I run a lot while travelling for work. I'm looking for a good way to track mileage on unfamiliar routes as well as times, pace, etc. Have you guys had any luck with a pedometer?

I use runningahead.com as both a running log and to measure different routes. it also allows you to get a rough idea of the elevation changes. Some other use mapmyrun.com, there are a few different ones out there.

For tracking pace I just use a regular watch with HR monitor. I believe some here use a GPS watch and can track pace at any instance.

 

[EdRalphRomero]

I use runningahead.com as both a running log and to measure different routes. it also allows you to get a rough idea of the elevation changes. Some other use mapmyrun.com, there are a few different ones out there.

For tracking pace I just use a regular watch with HR monitor. I believe some here use a GPS watch and can track pace at any instance.

Thanks. If you don't mind, what watch do you use?

 

[underhandtofirst]

Thanks. If you don't mind, what watch do you use?

It is at least years old. It's a Timex Ironman. I use the lap timer for recording splits during my run. The splits are at consistent street crossings o landmarks that I have measured out. I try to find street crossings from .5 to .75 miles. I use the HR function with the chest strap. It comes in handy because I wear it during training and during races of all lengths. It helps to evaluate my performance both during and after workouts and races.

Maybe someday I'll get a Garmin or something like that which does all the mileage calculations for me, but for now I'm sort of 'old-school'

 

[EdRalphRomero]

It is at least years old. It's a Timex Ironman. I use the lap timer for recording splits during my run. The splits are at consistent street crossings o landmarks that I have measured out. I try to find street crossings from .5 to .75 miles. I use the HR function with the chest strap. It comes in handy because I wear it during training and during races of all lengths. It helps to evaluate my performance both during and after workouts and races.

Maybe someday I'll get a Garmin or something like that which does all the mileage calculations for me, but for now I'm sort of 'old-school'

Thanks again. Good information.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

I run a lot while travelling for work. I'm looking for a good way to track mileage on unfamiliar routes as well as times, pace, etc. Have you guys had any luck with a pedometer?

I use the Nike+ shoes and iPod Nano combo which works pretty well. It breaks down times by mile, charts pace and logs the runs online. Sometimes I think I get shortchanged with the distances it tells me I did, but overall I like it. It tracks mileage, times, pace regardless of route, plus since your iPod is hooked up you have the whole music thing going on too if you wanna listen while you run.

 

[BleacherFan]

Well a bridesmaid again today.

Today was the 9th Veterans Day Road Race in Stoneham. A strange distance (11k) I was treating as a 7M race and the conditions were near perfect (a few wind bursts the only blemishs).

Gun went off and 4-5 of us go out - we get close to .75 miles and a big uphill - the leader makes a move up and I have to decide whether to stay back with the rest or go with him. I chose the latter and tried to stick for as long as I could. We went through 1 in 5:18 (I can't believe I forgot my watch again) and I was feeling it a little bit. From about 1 to 4 he had about 50 meters on me - he didn't pull away too much and I was running in 2nd in no man's land. He pulled a little further away from 4-6.5 or so and he ended up beating me by 50 seconds or so..

I felt better with this race result's over Saturdays - I'll take 5:35 pace for now for close to 7M on a course with some rolling hills. Still not back 100% yet but this was a step in the right direction.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Well a bridesmaid again today.

Today was the 9th Veterans Day Road Race in Stoneham. A strange distance (11k) I was treating as a 7M race and the conditions were near perfect (a few wind bursts the only blemishs).

Gun went off and 4-5 of us go out - we get close to .75 miles and a big uphill - the leader makes a move up and I have to decide whether to stay back with the rest or go with him. I chose the latter and tried to stick for as long as I could. We went through 1 in 5:18 (I can't believe I forgot my watch again) and I was feeling it a little bit. From about 1 to 4 he had about 50 meters on me - he didn't pull away too much and I was running in 2nd in no man's land. He pulled a little further away from 4-6.5 or so and he ended up beating me by 50 seconds or so..

I felt better with this race result's over Saturdays - I'll take 5:35 pace for now for close to 7M on a course with some rolling hills. Still not back 100% yet but this was a step in the right direction.

Another 2nd? Yawn. Just kidding. Actually, I was checking on coolrunning during the afternoon and saw your pace was close to your 5k a few days before, just like you predicted.

It seems like many of your races end up being somewhat tactical. How much do you think this affects your time? Do you find it makes a difference when you run one of the NE championship races that are filled with gazelles? In those you probably get to try and hit a certain pace and not worry about surges or who to go with. Obviously there are still guys you want to beat, but you can probably play it different.

Are you doing the Fudgicle series? Any other races in the next couple months? I think you mentioned the Super 5k. You might have a decent shot at winning that one. Well, unless Casey Moulton shows up. Eric Beauchesne ran it in the past, I think he's in the same ballpark as you. I saw him at the Chelmsford HS track in the morning a couple times. I remember him running for Chelmsford HS when I was in 9th grade at Billerica HS.

I'm barely maintaining my running. My goal is to get at least 20 miles in every week. I need to do 6 tomorrow to get there. Today I ran 11, but at 7:49 pace (about 15 sec over my marathon pace). It wasnt flat out, but I can feel my wind isnt great. It was also 65 and pouring out. Still pretty pumped about that effort. I havent been able to get in any morning runs because we have a 9 week old puppy and he thinks it is playtime at any hour. I hope in a month he'll sleep through the night.

 

[BleacherFan]

Another 2nd? Yawn. Just kidding. Actually, I was checking on coolrunning during the afternoon and saw your pace was close to your 5k a few days before, just like you predicted.

Yah, that's my M.O. these days with my training - I need to get quicker - back to the track

It seems like many of your races end up being somewhat tactical. How much do you think this affects your time? Do you find it makes a difference when you run one of the NE championship races that are filled with gazelles? In those you probably get to try and hit a certain pace and not worry about surges or who to go with. Obviously there are still guys you want to beat, but you can probably play it different.

Yah, the GP's definitely are PR's for me. You know you aren't in competition to win anything so you try to just stick to your guns and shoot for time. I think the highest place I ever finished in one was 31st...

Are you doing the Fudgicle series? Any other races in the next couple months? I think you mentioned the Super 5k. You might have a decent shot at winning that one. Well, unless Casey Moulton shows up. Eric Beauchesne ran it in the past, I think he's in the same ballpark as you. I saw him at the Chelmsford HS track in the morning a couple times. I remember him running for Chelmsford HS when I was in 9th grade at Billerica HS.

Well, as of now I probably won't be doing the Super5k. I've got tentative permission to train for Boston so I most likely will be doing the Stew Chase, just for the extra mileage. I now need to strategize my Boston training and get some semblance of a plan in writing......

I'm barely maintaining my running. My goal is to get at least 20 miles in every week. I need to do 6 tomorrow to get there. Today I ran 11, but at 7:49 pace (about 15 sec over my marathon pace). It wasnt flat out, but I can feel my wind isnt great. It was also 65 and pouring out. Still pretty pumped about that effort. I havent been able to get in any morning runs because we have a 9 week old puppy and he thinks it is playtime at any hour. I hope in a month he'll sleep through the night.

Nice, you have a newborn again

 

[underhandtofirst]

Hall in the elite field

Dave, it looks like you won't win Boston this year. Ryan Hall will be running. That will be pretty exciting to see him in the race this year.

 

[AusTexSoxFan]

Hello SOSH Running Dogs. Been a while since I last checked in.

So last Sunday was day one of my marathon training for the AT&T Austin Marathon in February. Altering my training plan a bit. Decided to eliminate the Monday run which was usually a 3-4 miler after my long distance one on Sunday. I found that I got really tired in the weeks leading up. Now that I know I can run one, I think three times a week should be ok. Also add to the fact that I have a newborn in the house (3 months), sleep does not come as easy as before!

Anyhow, the goal is to break 4 hours this year. Austin has a fairly flat course with the exception of a couple hills around mile 11. Anyone from up east thinking of coming down to run it?

 

[BleacherFan]

Hall in the elite field

Dave, it looks like you won't win Boston this year. Ryan Hall will be running. That will be pretty exciting to see him in the race this year.

Damn, oh well there's always next year :smith:

There is already speculation that Hall will switch from Asics to Adidas as a sponser since Adidas is a heavy Boston Marathon sponser

Seriously though, it might be cool to get within 50 feet of him at the start

 

[underhandtofirst]

Damn, oh well there's always next year

There is already speculation that Hall will switch from Asics to Adidas as a sponser since Adidas is a heavy Boston Marathon sponser

Seriously though, it might be cool to get within 50 feet of him at the start

Your qualifying time has to be close enough that you're almost on the starting line. The elites probably dont get shuffled in until a few mins before. You can watch them warm up for a few mins while you're packed in the corral!

 

[SoxChick13]

It's been a while since I've been in here...

Running the Hyannis Half in February...can't bring myself to do a full one at this point. It was a busy summer and fall, so my distance running is suffering a bit. And I'm also doing the Madison to Chicago Relay in June...I've run Reach the Beach in the past and had a good time, so we're heading out to Chicago. Anyone else doing this relay?

 

[BleacherFan]

It's been a while since I've been in here...

Running the Hyannis Half in February...can't bring myself to do a full one at this point. It was a busy summer and fall, so my distance running is suffering a bit. And I'm also doing the Madison to Chicago Relay in June...I've run Reach the Beach in the past and had a good time, so we're heading out to Chicago. Anyone else doing this relay?

How is RTB? I've had people nagging me for years to run it. It just strikes me as dangerous in points and I thought someone was killed this or last year. Then again, someone was killed in this year's Mt. Hood relay in Oregon I believe.

I'd love to run the Hyannis full - it's a dream I have to win a marathon some day and that one is low key enough and right before Boston that not a lot of talent heads down there for it.

For me, I'm 6 weeks into some base building for Boston (60,64,70,55,65,64) and the legs feel OK so far. Mostly doubles and 1 or 2 15 mile runs - mostly a lot of 8/4 days and stuff like that. I'm leaning towards racing on Thursday but without a taper I have no idea how I will do.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

One time visit here.

Did enough training this fall to be able to run the Manchester Road Race yesterday. About 11K ran it, and we ended up way, way at the back due to waiting in line for port-a-potties. Anyway, my goal was just to finish, and if I did, break 50 minutes, and the race went really well for me. Very slow, first mile in just over 11 (due to crowd), almost 23 through the second mile, 33 through the third, when the crowds finally started to break and the race turned back downhill, but finish the last 1.787 (the race is 4.787) in about 16 minutes, with a decent kick at the end. Ended up 48:58, and didnt' finish last.

Curious if anyone else out there ran it. It's a fun race, lots of bands playing, crowds imbibing, tossing beers to buddies running in the race. Funny, no water stations anywhere until after the finish line.

It's a good way to justify gorging later in the day, and while I've run it twice before (and 6-7 years ago), I'm pretty sure it was my best time. It felt great to do it.

My knees make funny noises, so I'll have to scale back a bit over the winter.

 

[BleacherFan]

One time visit here.

Did enough training this fall to be able to run the Manchester Road Race yesterday. About 11K ran it, and we ended up way, way at the back due to waiting in line for port-a-potties. Anyway, my goal was just to finish, and if I did, break 50 minutes, and the race went really well for me. Very slow, first mile in just over 11 (due to crowd), almost 23 through the second mile, 33 through the third, when the crowds finally started to break and the race turned back downhill, but finish the last 1.787 (the race is 4.787) in about 16 minutes, with a decent kick at the end. Ended up 48:58, and didnt' finish last.

Curious if anyone else out there ran it. It's a fun race, lots of bands playing, crowds imbibing, tossing beers to buddies running in the race. Funny, no water stations anywhere until after the finish line.

It's a good way to justify gorging later in the day, and while I've run it twice before (and 6-7 years ago), I'm pretty sure it was my best time. It felt great to do it.

My knees make funny noises, so I'll have to scale back a bit over the winter.

Sounds like fun Doug - glad you PR-ed!

I ran a 5M in Lowell yesterday - about a 30 second PR (26:52 according to the offical scorer - I had it a few seconds slower).

Anyways, it was a fitting ending to most likely the end of my 2008 racing year. My first race after the birth of my daughter was in May, a 5 miler where I embarrassed myself. I remember getting told stuff like 'stop drinking old man' towards the end of the race - I definitely underestimated my fitness going in ( I ran 27:4X). I'm glad I improved by a minute and I've been training well lately.

Now it's time to shore up and just maintain some 60+ mile weeks and get ready for January - the start of Boston training.

 

[EdRalphRomero]

Good start (by my standards) of my official training for the NYC marathon. I did my local 5 mile Turkey Trot (Madison, CT) in personal record time. I wanted to break 41 minutes and I did -- 40 minutes 59 seconds. Good thing for that last push. My knee is barking today, but I am really excited and committed to doing the full 26.2.

My goal now is to build a real strong base. In training for this last race I've really been doing only 11 or so miles a week. I know I need to get that up to 25, and keep it there before I can kick in the real 4 month training regimen. The good news is that I've got plenty of time.

Edit: Bleacher Fan, breaking 27 is amazing. I get the feeling it is routine for you, but as just a guy trying to finish in the top half of his age division, I gotta tell you it sounds superhuman.

 

[BleacherFan]

Good start (by my standards) of my official training for the NYC marathon. I did my local 5 mile Turkey Trot (Madison, CT) in personal record time. I wanted to break 41 minutes and I did -- 40 minutes 59 seconds. Good thing for that last push. My knee is barking today, but I am really excited and committed to doing the full 26.2.

My goal now is to build a real strong base. In training for this last race I've really been doing only 11 or so miles a week. I know I need to get that up to 25, and keep it there before I can kick in the real 4 month training regimen. The good news is that I've got plenty of time.

Edit: Bleacher Fan, breaking 27 is amazing. I get the feeling it is routine for you, but as just a guy trying to finish in the top half of his age division, I gotta tell you it sounds superhuman.

Good luck with the NYC training! Thanks for the kind words but it's far from routine - I feel it's 50% genes and 50% hard work.....

Capped off another 63 mile week with a 20k run - 5k warm up, 10k @ marathon pace (goal 6:00 pace) and then 5k cool down home from the track.

Felt easy but incredibly boring running 25 laps - even with an i-pod...

 

[SoxChick13]

How is RTB? I've had people nagging me for years to run it. It just strikes me as dangerous in points and I thought someone was killed this or last year. Then again, someone was killed in this year's Mt. Hood relay in Oregon I believe.

I haven't heard about anyone getting killed, and that's terrible if it happened. I never felt that I was in danger. It's dark at night (obviously...), but the only people around are people in vans for the runners and they're usually driving slowly etc. and hooting and hollering out the window at you and the other runners. The RTB organizers stagger the start times so that mostly all of the teams are converging overnight, making the streets more crowded. And with flashlights and reflective vests and blinking lights, it wasn't hard to see runners...

We had a great time. The hills are killer at the beginning (the term "rolling hills" became a joke for us....), but overall, I find that these relays are a great way to spend time together and do dumb things with your running buddies. We met a lot of great people and everyone has a sense of camaraderie (well, unless you plan on winning....which, we weren't...) and we had a lot of fun. And obviously the eating and the drinking at the end was awesome.

 

[SoxChick13]

Just signed up for this race (5K/10K...I'm in the 10K pile)-- Superbowl Sunday morning--good way to prepare for eating and drinking! I apologize ahead of time if someone has already posted it...

http://www.metlifecyclingteam.com/events/supersunday.php

 

[BleacherFan]

Hope everyone's staying healthy - this week I did a 'trial' week of training for Boston. I wanted to accomplish a few things - one making sure I can handle the eventual bump in mileage, two, make sure I can fit the training in between work and a 9 month old.

I accomplished both - sneaking in 78 miles with 4 doubles and my long run being 12 miles - everything felt easy, easier than I thought it would be actually. I guess that's a testament to the base I've maintained in the last few months. From here until mid January I will try to maintain a base of 60 miles and then pick it up for a few months.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Checking in after a bit of an absence. I've lost much of my fitness over the last few weeks. My training volume dropped off a bit during recovery and I had a hard time getting back in with the new dog. Once I got that sorted out I got in a nice push to go over the 100 mile threshold for November to keep my streak going of over a year. Then the fun started. I came down with food poisoning (Salmonella) on Thurs 12/4. I had gone for a run that morning and the 9 miles felt like 19. I was totally wiped out and the pace wasnt very quick. This may have been before or after I ate the bad food, I can't nail it down. But starting Thurs night I was in rough shape until Tues morning. A trip to the ER on Saturday didnt turn anything up. Finally on Wed morning they called to say I had salmonella. At that point I was already feeling much better. I had ended my streak of going to the bathroom at least once an hour for 80+ hours. yeah, that wasnt fun. Solid food was nice too as I lost 7 lbs over the weekend.

Went for a 5 mile run on Saturday and felt decent. Hope to go out tomorrow morning if the power comes back on. We've been out of power since Thurs night. The generator has been helpful, but its not close to full heat and hot water.

This week was supposed to be the start of my 18 week plan for Boston. I'm guessing they arent going to accept my entry. I've been graphing the entrants accepted and they are on pace to get to 25,000 by mid to late Feb. I was hoping they might lag a little and let me squeak in :rolling:

I have a tough time staying focused when I dont have a race to plan for. Just for kicks I may try and focus specifically on running a quick 5k this winter (<19 mins). Maybe I'll include a longer run on the weekend (> 10 miles) to keep the mileage base up.

 

[sass a thon]

I ran the half at the White Rock Marathon yesterday in brutal conditions. It was 67 at the start with 40 mph winds and 70% humidity, and temps rose to 75 within a couple of hours for the full marathoners. (Today it is 34 degrees with freezing rain. Ridiculous.)

Anyway, a 29 year old woman collapsed and died on mile 21. She was an experienced, fast runner and causes are still unknown. I'd be willing to bet anything it was an unknown heart ailment. So this is just a little reminder that anyone running should go have their heart checked on a regular basis.

 

[underhandtofirst]

Just got a letter from the BAA and I got a little excited when it was thicker than just one sheet of paper. Unfortunately, they said they were unable to accept my application because they are adhering to a strict qualifying standard. It was a really nice letter.

Time to get back to work on next year

 

[BleacherFan]

Just got a letter from the BAA and I got a little excited when it was thicker than just one sheet of paper. Unfortunately, they said they were unable to accept my application because they are adhering to a strict qualifying standard. It was a really nice letter.

Time to get back to work on next year

Ah, worth a shot though - sorry things didn't work out. Just more fuel for the fire!

 

[Frisbetarian]

Just got a letter from the BAA and I got a little excited when it was thicker than just one sheet of paper. Unfortunately, they said they were unable to accept my application because they are adhering to a strict qualifying standard. It was a really nice letter.

Time to get back to work on next year

Shitty news, sorry to hear it hermanito.

I really expected them to approve a local runner that close to the qualifying time. Sorry if I got your hopes up.

No matter, you still ran one hell of a marathon.

Fucking bureaucrats.

 

[BleacherFan]

Shitty news, sorry to hear it hermanito.

I really expected them to approve a local runner that close to the qualifying time. Sorry if I got your hopes up.

No matter, you still ran one hell of a marathon.

Fucking bureaucrats.

You know better than any of us Fris, but I get the sense the BAA has ruined 'the spirit' of Boston over the last 10+ years for the almighty dollar. This is just another example among other stuff like taking away numbers from the local running clubs....

I'm into week 2 of my 'lull' period before my uptick in mileage. Since my 77 mile week, I've done weeks of 54 and 51 basically due to other priorities and all the holiday stuff. Legs feel good since I got a couple of good tempo runs in last week - 10@6:35 and then 9.3 @ 6:30 pace back to back. Looking back in my logs, before my PR of 2:49 in 2007, I averaged 42 mpw from September 06 through Dec 06. This time around, I averaged (or will by the 31st) 62 mpw over the same months. Hopefully this will bode well for my upcoming training. Application is in the mail so hopefully they won't sell out

Anyone else in for Boston?

 

[rbeaud]

Hmmm, five years reading this site (or it's predecessor) nearly daily and my first post will be to the running forum. Makes sense, I can run better than I can analyze baseball. Anywho, on New Years Day I've signed up for the local 5K. Right over roads I regularly travel though not on my regular running route. Hit the gym treadmill for 3.15 with 10 sec negative splits ending with 5:50. I felt I could have either held that pace or dropped it further had I not been trying dilegently to cut back this week. So, would it be unreasonable to think in my first 5K I can break 20 minutes (6:26 pace I believe)?

I'll try the pace option on my Garmin to see if it can help me hold the required tempo. The alarms are set between 5:50 and 6:25. Should the treadmill work make me feel like I can hit 6:26, I guess I'll know soon enough...