The Turn Onto Boylston - Chapter 2

2010 Training Season: In Pictures

2010-05-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

November through April - across nearly 300 miles - in pictures:

What a difference a year makes

2010-05-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

I can say all I want to say at how this year's marathon was A LOT different than last - in that my body took more of a beating this year. But words really don't do any justice.

This side-by-side picture, from the 10.5 mile mark in Natick, says it all.

Marathon Recap

2010-04-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

After 4+ months of training, it was showtime yesterday - with the 114th running of the Boston Marathon, my second in a row.

All I will say is this year was completely different than last year. I came nowhere close to my time goal, because my body frankly failed me. Way too early. But my mind carried me the full 26.2 - and even though I'm disappointed in yesterday's performance, I'm proud and content things went the way they did

The day started around 4:30 a.m., waking up way too early and having a nice bagel and banana breakfast, before hopping on the 77 into Porter Square, then onto the Red Line with a swarm of runners, and yellow bags, for the ride into Park Street where we'd get the buses out to Hopkinton. Met up with several other teammates at 6, and didn't have to wait much in line - which I heard was an issue for others later.

After an hour trip out there, we landed in the St. John's Church in Hopkinton (the DFMC refuge) for some indoor rest, relaxation and one last time with teammates before the race. Mike and also decided to head out to the Hopkinton Town Green, which was pretty cool - given we really never have a chance to see the starting area.

After heading back to the church, and getting pep talks by Jack and Uta Pippig, it was time to go, heading down to the starting corrals just as Wave 1 was pushing through. Again, walking down there and heading onto the course: An awesome thing.

But it was at that point where I got sign #1 this wouldn't be a great day: I went to turn my iPod on, and got a sad face icon. Meaning the thing was shot. Awesome. Perfect time for that - especially since I always rely on music for running. 26.2 without it would be interesting.

Before we knew it, our wave was off - even though we never heard a gun, instead seeing just the wave of runners move up a small hill towards the green, and hearing Jack over the loud speaker. Then, down below us, that blue "Start" line appeared - and we were off.

Hopkinton: Like last year, one of the best scenes of the race is that slight downhill out of Hopkinton Center, with a stream of runners and fans lining the side. Taking off with Mike and Gerry, there were lots of people out there for high-fives. While last year it seemed like we were out of Hopkinton in a minute, this year was different. I remember asking Gerry "Are we in Ashland yet?" Sign #2 this day wasn't going to be bright.

Ashland: Love that biker bar on the the left of Rte 135 heading into town. The sun is really glaring down on us. Good thing it's sunny I think. I ask Mike what our splits are, and we're running at even 9 minute miles. They feel fast for me. Sign #3.

Framingham: I turn my head and see Mike and Gerry there. I feel really fortunate to be running this race with them. Love the crowds at the train station. And those houses blaring out music is pretty cool, given they are the only music I've got going. Two bandits almost bump into me. Really, I hate those people. The sun is really coming down, it feels like 70 degrees. Sign #4. At least my busted hip is holding up.

Natick: Really slow. Could I really be hitting a wall this early? I've been counting down the miles until I see my parents in the center of town, and it's here. My friend Whitney is on the left of the road, and I give her a thumbs down. My parents are right after, and I give them my gloves and iPod. My mom gives me a Gatorade, and I stop for a few. They ask how I'm doing, and I believe my response wasn't the most positive. The truth was I haven't been in any groove, and I feel awful - for no reason. My mom asks if I want to continue on. Really, how could I drop out of a marathon? And at mile 10? No matter how bad I feel, you can't get me down here. I tell her I'll see them in Boston.

Wellesley: This is not getting better. I hold onto that Gatorade like it's my life, and taking one of two salt pills Lauren had kindly given to be at the refuge. I notice salt on my black shirt under the singlet. Awesome, more of this salt deprivation thing? And why did it wait until last month to take over my body? On the one day I don't need to it happen. I look at a mileage marker - Mile 12 - and think "Really, I have to do 14 more miles of this?" Things are getting bad. I've tossed out any shot at hitting my time goal - and for me, it's now just a battle to get to the finish. I really don't pay attention to the Wellesley College scream tunnel. Let me run until I see Lindsay and Charlie in Wellesley Square just before the mid-point. I see them on the right, and their reaction to my face were no smiles or cheers. They knew something was wrong based on how I looked. And I was in no mood to stop, chat or hug like last year. After that, I decide to finally pull up - and start walking. For me, this is something I never, ever do. Not once during the marathon last year, last year's training session or training this year did I do that. I always feel it's a sign of defeat, but today, I didn't care: I wanted to cross that finish line, and this was the only way. Pushing myself further would likely carry consequences I wouldn't want to imagine. I continue a run/walk - mustering all the energy in between I could to continue this pattern, despite being out of gas - and fumes. Just atop Grossman's Hill, there is a medical tent, and I peer in asking for salt. They don't have any. The one pill I had left would have to do it. I use the downhill itself to get in a run for actually more than three minutes. Even if the thing destroyed me last year, I didn't care. If I could run, I was doing it.

Newton: Now the fun really begins. As I go into my short walks, I decide I'm not running until I feel like it. And some times, it took more than a minute. While I wanted more than anything to run on a consistent pace, that just wasn't happening. I'd run, and if I felt tired - which was almost right away - I would look ahead, find a landmark and fell myself to run until then. When walking, I see a lot of familiar faces on DFMC passing me by. I'm really behind. We cross 128 - walking - and I finally head up to Woodland. If it was only a usual Crossroads run. After the T stop and the small Dana-Farber section, I see DFMC teammate Erik ahead, who like me was struggling with the conditions and salt deprivation. So, I catch up and advise we walk together, which is just what we needed. We'd pick a landmark ahead, run to it and stop - sometimes stopping short. I wonder what my friends and family are thinking, since I'm well, well behind my target pace. At the Firehouse turn, I spot Glen on the left, and ask him for a phone as he walks besides me. I call my dad telling him I'm out having a good time, and will be late to Boston. Erik and I run in the second half of Brae Burn, amid a lot of other runners who are doing the same run/walk I am. I take down the second salt pill. It really does nothing. Every time I take a sip of Gatorade - basically at every mile - I taste salt. And I feel it on my face. We continue the run/jog/trend up past Center Street. I have a Gu, and feel like I'm going to throw it up. That's it: No more for today. Just before Heartbreak, I look to the left - and see eight of my co-workers there waiting for me like last year. Really touched me, as they cheered and sent messages of inspiration, which got me running up most of Heartbreak Hill. At the top, there was a TV camera where we could give shout-outs - and I grabbed the mic, and proclaimed I was very excited to be running my last marathon ever, getting some laughs from spectators around. When things get tough, at least I still had the ability to take some humor in the situation. At that point, I ask Erik something I never would have imagined: If we are on pace to break 5 hours. That was my new goal - and I never saw that day coming.

Brighton: BC was once again awesome. Really, those students are really gung-ho about this, screaming and cheering us on, even as we looked like complete crap. By this point, I wish Erik the best and move ahead to Boston. 4-5 more miles I think, no big deal. I walk at one point, the crowd encourages me to move on and I can only nod my head yes getting cheers. Really, can this happen anywhere else? It's at that point I decide to play with the crowd, and let them take me home. This is a miserable run, and that at least gives me some source of fun. Cleveland Circle is full of crowds again, and I decide from this point on, I run where the crowds are most dense, as best I can. Meaning all of Chestnut Hill Ave and the turn onto Beacon. Almost there.

Brookline: Unlike last year, I definitely felt my legs moving, even if it was just for a little. This part of Beacon Street all seemed the same. The crowds building, and the brownstone apartments lining the streets on both side looking the same, even though they clearly aren't. Washington Square comes in and out of sight. Almost to Coolidge. And this is where I personally had the toughest part of the race. Ahead, I spot a red hair ribbon that looked familiar. Nah, that can't be Stephanie I think, since she surged ahead of me back at Wellesley College. And as I get closer, I do see the name on her back, and she's walking. I quickly found some energy to sprint up to her shouting her name. Really, at that point, it felt like I was in a land by myself - and it was awesome to see a familiar face. But I wish I didn't have that feeling - because she did not deserve to be there, and I wish she wasn't there. As I walked up, I could see she was upset, and she told me she couldn't walk on her foot, and she thinks she broke it (which it turns out was the case). To see that happen to someone who worked SO hard for this day over the past 4-5 months was truly heartbreaking - and frankly, unfair. I did my best to try and do anything I could, walking with her for a bit to tell her it just wasn't our day at all - and it's okay. And I admit as she cried, I cried too. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go - especially for training so hard, and it made me realize that marathon day isn't everything. After passing Amy (the All-Star DFMC teammate, who was injured on the side walking), she had agreed to walk with Stephanie the rest of the way and plug it out. It was tough to move past, but I knew she gave it her all.

Boston: Descending Coolidge Corner, I did more run/walks - and during a walk, I see a guy in front of me who had a shirt that said today was his 40th birthday. We talk for a bit; turns out it was his first marathon, and I just smile and tell him to enjoy the last two miles, because he will never ever forget them. A little ways up, I hear my name - and it's a runner from Norwood. Good to see another familiar face. The Citgo sign is actually getting closer, and I see the last hill ahead of Kenmore Square - home of the DFMC Cheering section, full of volunteers and patient partners. This was very emotional, as I went up the hill we applauded each other, and a few tears came down. While we are out there running a marathon - and not having the best of days - they are fighting the ultimate battle, and they are our inspiration, both for that last mile and everyday. I run through Kenmore Square, and pull a walk before seeing my parents heading into the Mass Ave underpass. Going back up, I break into a run as her my name being screamed, with Linsey on the other end. At that point, with the turn on Hereford just feet away, I decided I was going to run the rest of the race, with no walks. Made the turn, looked ahead at the Hynes Convention Center and that green "Bolyston Street" sign ahead, telling myself this was another moment in my life I'd never, ever forget. As I made the turn, with the finish in eye shot, I just didn't have it in me to run, taking a walk on the one place I didn't want: Bolyston Street. But the crowd was great, and I was back up within seconds, passing Jeff cheering me on from the right and coming into the finish line area finding energy to raise my hands to avoid an ugly finish line photo.

In the end, I crossed in 4:42:05. 40 minutes than my "slow" time of last year. Frankly, it's a horrible time, but I don't care. I felt like quitting for the past 16 miles, and had reason to, but I didn't, That medal felt great - and the time meant nothing.

Post-race wasn't that great. I felt like passing out waiting to get my bags from the bus awaiting us, and pulled something (with a lot of pain) on the walk back to the Marriott. I sat down with my family for over 30 minutes once I got in, with water in tow. Saw Gerry come out from the Recovery Zone and went over to check on how we went. We talked for less than a minute before getting nauseous and lightheaded, and realized I had to sit back down. When I did, my mother told me I looked pale, and we decided to visit to the DFMC Medical Room was in order, with Mike escorting me in. So, I sat there on a bed for an hour, with Mike beside me. Really, that shows how above and beyond he went - and I appreciate every minute of it . Not the way I imagined finishing, and I did miss out on the post-race refreshments, massages and table talk with fellow runners. But my body was messed up, and the most important thing was getting things back in order. Which I did after a few hours. Turns out it was a case of salt deprivation that floored me - and something that affected a few other runners as well. I guess this wasn't the perfect weather day after all.

In the end, it was an ugly run - a lot slower than my usual pace. And frankly, it was my worst run, performance wise, I have ever had. I know I am a much faster runner, and capable of running a lot better race. And I trained my a$$ off here, battling a labral tear, tendinitis and two days/week running for the past two months. But I realize I can't be mad. The fact that my body shut down on me happened, and there was nothing I could do to control that. I had every reason to drop out, but I just didn't accept it - and kept my eye on the prize. The fact that I hung in there through it all means a lot more to me than time. And for that reason, it was a great run. If I could do it over again, I would.

Two Boston Marathons are now in the book. Two entirely different days, reactions and feelings. But the one thing that remains the same: This race is the best around, and everyone who got to that starting line should be damn proud of themselves.

A Note of Thanks

2010-04-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Here we are: Marathon eve. And I cannot be more stoked, excited, nervous and anxious. It's a big bag of emotions, but one that is normal for heading to the start. But to be truthful, I wish time could freeze now. This is one helluva feeling.

Just got back from the DFMC Pasta Party, and all I can say is: wow. A perfect event that shows us exactly why we'll be out there tomorrow. Cancer is such a devastating disease, and these kids - and adults - deserve a healthy future. And I'm thankful to be part of the road to make that a reality.

Now, all the runners are resting up for tomorrow, with the perfect time to reflect on the past few months, before we look ahead to tomorrow. So here goes....

What I can say is that training season has been completely different - yet the same - as last season. Different in it was less time running, more time injured - and for once, I actually had visibility into whatever was on the road ahead (16 milers, 18 milers, 20 milers, etc). The same in that it was many of the same roads, runs - and people around me.

I realize last year I will always hold last year's experience close to me - as they say the first is always the best - but this year was special too. And I couldn't have done it without a number of people:

Jack Fultz: Once again, DFMC's "captain," coach, marathon champion, mentor and friend delivered more than anyone could ever expect. While I made a promise to him I'd tone it down on my injury emails after last year, he was still there for me, always with the words of wisdom - or advice - when needed. He's the heart and soul of this DFMC team, and I haven't met anyone who said they couldn't have gotten to this point without him.

My family: Like last year, they gave me the foundation to keep going when the going gets tough. To follow the dreams I set forth. And being the support I can lean on. And understand when I was making a completely irrational decision in coming back again this year - knowing I could put my head to anything.

My awesome teammates: Everyone has once again touched me. And a few shout-outs to those (without making it sound like a junior high yearbook)

Mike Milewski: An All-Star first-timer. I'm privileged to have been part of his first marathon. And although I've always had the tendency to cross the painted line before he does, I'll be lucky enough to keep up with him for a few miles tomorrow. He's going to have an awesome race - and deserves it. There's nothing better than running a marathon with family
Aimee McGuire: Another great runner - and athlete - to be around, with one of the most positive attitudes. Even though I knew I was slowing her down at times on some runs this year, she would always stay there with me. And always keep the time filled on fun basketball talk
Lindsey Weinstein: For keeping me company on the longest of runs, and making me realize it's actually not that bad to mix in conversation into them. (For those who know me, it's a huge departure from what I'm used to). I tip my wine sampling cup to her.
Gerry Bradanese: There wasn't a face I was more happy to see out there again this year than Gerry. A firefighter by day and night, and marathoner runner in between, this guy really gives it his all. Battling through injuries, he still stands strong - and has a PR in store for him tomorrow.
Betsy Gott: A honor to spent two years training with her - and sharing more crazy runs Monsoon, anyone?
Laurie Nahigian: fellow hib labral tearer showed how it really feels to run fast - and for giving me advice on how I can make the most of my injury
Tyler Hart: our resident speedster is always there to listen to our frustrations, and always keep up to date on how things happen. And today, we're here for him - and know he'll persevere, and finish tall, tomorrow
Eric Kaye: The man who taught me a good strategy: In order to run negative splits, you actually have to start slow, conservative and most importantly, smart. Couldn't have gotten that 22-miler off without that
And all the others. Really, each and everyone I've crossed paths have inspired me - and this year wouldn't have been as great without you

Those 2009 teammates who aren't with us: Even though they weren't around, they are always on the roads with us. There is no way I could have gotten to this point without last year - and I still look fondly back on that time. It won't be the same without you next to us this year.

God: We spent a little more time this year in prayer, especially on the dark days when it hurt to move - and optimism was hidden behind a door I couldn't find. It was here that helped me build the faith that my body would heal and withstand enough to get me to where I am now

Cybex: Really, this company is full of geniuses - and their ArcTrainer saved me. I spent too much time this winter and spring not being able to run, and that machine kept me, my fitness, and drive going. It really is the best workout for injured runners, and at the end of the day, I'll kinda miss the thing. (Okay, maybe not that much)

My friends: For once again, never once questioning or giving me a hard time when I couldn't go out on a Friday night, meet up midweek - or be somewhere where I couldn't, because of running. Once again, I'm looking forward to a fun summer. And Friday nights back.

The first-timers: While this may seem odd, I really want to thank them for being around, embracing this cause, and giving it the best they can. Even though it was a year ago, it sometimes feels like it's a lifetime since I was in those sneakers, and having some of the best fun I couldt have. And I need those reminders - and the newcomers have given me that. My advice to them: Enjoy it as much as you can. Tomorrow is a day you'll never, ever forget.

Crossroads: Where would we be without this Back Bay establishment? Thursdays will already carry a special meaning, with folks like Linsey and JJ behind the bar, keeping us hydrated, happy - and taking away the hunger after a long, cold run . Thanks for giving us a place to really call home.

And most importantly, my donors. Each and every one of you has given me the motivation, drive and energy to move these 26.2 miles:

Audrey Milewski
John Patrick Milewski
Barbara Shott
Carolyn McDonough
Catherine O'Hara
Chuck Spiegel
Claudia Fiore
Danielle Keegan
Dave Hern
David Cannata
David McDonough
Ed DeCristofaro
Laney Holbrook
Erica & Joe Ianottti
Erin Corcoran
Jack Killoran
Jim Madigan
Jeff Strom
John Killoran
Jon Gay
Joe Affortunato
Kipp Patterson
Laura Paul
Lindsay Interland
Marge Boyle
Mary Canniff
Mary Ann Paradise
Marylee Morgan
Melissa Owens
Nina Gill
Susan Bassett
Olivia Stomski
Paul & Katherine McDonough
Sameer Sawe
Tom McQuaid
Zach Dubin
Lindsey Weinstein
Rich Horgan
Caitlin Grasso
Betsy Gott
Jennifer Baker
Luarie Nahigian
Stephen Lampert
Carolyn Hern
Fred Warburgh
Phil Macy
Noah Mancasas
Brenda Chroniak
Marcy Winokur
Jan Ross
Jack Fultz
Tyler Hart
Lauren Krzynowek
Jason Kivela
Mary Ann McChesney
Gerry Bradenese

All, who have helped me raise $4,400 for innovative cancer research. Thank you!

This doesn't cover everyone - but know that each of those who I crossed paths with this training season has impacted me.

One other thing I've never talked about on here is that this is likely my second - and last - marathon. The future holds the cards with that one - so all I can do is enjoy this as much as I can. And you bet I will.

Thanks to the wonders of technology, you can track me tomorrow at www.baa.org. Bib #22768. Or, if in person, the wicked tall guy in the orange Dana-Farber singlet ;)

And with that, it's bed time. See you on the flip side back in Boston!

A Risk Worth Taking

2010-04-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

The barriers are up in Copley. The medical tent is being set up. Porta Johns are already lining the roads from Hopkinton to Boston. The start and finish lines are freshly painted in blue and gold. And thousands of runners are shipping up to Boston.

At last, it's marathon weekend. And there's nothing but a green light ahead of me.

It's been a long, tiring road - but every minute was worth it.

Rewind to November, when I made the decision not run Boston this year. My hip was torn, and it was too much of a risk. It was one of the most difficult decisions I had ever made, and realized it was for my best interest, especially in the long run.

Until that inner voice came storming back later that month. Seeing everyone around me roaring up the engines for another season of training, it was tough. Tough enough in fact to make me think about it more, and realize there was only one place I belonged: On the roads this winter, running for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. The future is just that: The future. And life is too precious not to live the now.

But I knew it was a huge risk. I recall that Tuesday morning when I made what seemed, at the time, a rash decision to sign up - and commit myself to this. I woke up with no goal - and by the end of the day, I was four and a half months in front of another year of marathon training.

It was really tough trying to rationalize my choice. Here I am, with cartilage torn at the joint in my hip - and a tall frame that really doesn't know if it can handle another year of this. Very risky, but as I said back then, the biggest rewards involve the biggest risks. And I had to at least give myself a shot, and not have any regrets over it.

I never told anyone back then, but I put the odds of me getting to the starting line, and running the marathon, at 50 percent. At the very least, I would have raised money for a great cause - in cancer research - and I was fine with that

Ttaining got off to a great start, much better than last year. Runs were great, and fast like I've been used to. But by February, it was clear thing this would be a long road. Taking three weeks off at one point, and spending most of my training time on the ArcTrainer. Not how I envisioned it, and I'm not completely healthy, but it shows that with some patience, hope and optimism, this can be done. And I''m happy I'll be lining up in Hopkinton, and my 50 percent guess means nothing now.

So I'm glad I took that risk and listened to the inner voice. Without it, I wouldn't have run in a January snow squall like a complete idiot. See what it feels like to run at the sick pace of Laurie Nahigian. Run with Betsy and Aimee in a monsoon. Slip and slide on a New Years Eve run. End up downstairs at the Border Cafe eating nachos like it was the most expensive, endless supply of prime rib. Meet so many new, wonderful people. Or sing and wine drink with Lindsey on a mild spring event, in the middle of a run.

So today, I thank my inner voice - as it got me exactly where I want to be: The starting line. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

The Last Run

2010-04-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

With this training season, I surely saved the best for last. A comfortable 8 miles + blasting out random songs + a wine tasting = pure awesome.

This week is all about R&R, resting up the body in advance of Monday. We can run a bit - once, twice or three if we want, or we don't have to run. The barn is full of hay, and our bank accounts are rich with pennies. The goal this week: Keep the legs fresh - and mentally get ready for Monday.

Jack's training plan had us doing a "long" week run of 5-7 miles, with a few other smaller ones mixed it. Keeping to what isn't broken, I figured it was best to do one run this week, within that mileage range. No hills, no speed - and all fun.

And boy was it fun. Like last week, I figured the banks of the Charles was the best location for this run - and like last week, I recruited Lindsey.

It was basically the same route as last week, .75 miles in, I meet her, we do the 1 mile run to the Mass Ave Bridge, do the 4 mile loop on the river - and head back.

About halfway in, we decided to take a detour - and opt for a run up Boylston, and cross the finish line the opposite direction, on the way back. So once we got to the Hatch Shell, it was over the pedestrian bridge, and into the city.

And that's when the fun started. This was a comfortable run, not pushing anything and doing what training is all about: That fun.

We ran on Beacon Street, past the Bulfinch Pub, where we both randomly broke out into the Cheers theme that lasted a few blocks after. Once on Boylston, it was all about Survivor and the Rocky theme. Laughing, screaming and acting immature like children - while passerbys either laughed, gave us looks or were wondering why we weren't confined to the loony bin. And to think, we were only one Duck Boat away from a hat trick.

...until we ran past a wine store, with a sign out front for wine tasting. Lightbulb goes on in Lindsey's head - and a minute later, we're sipping down some wine, to give us a lift for the last two miles.

And with that, the training phase - at least with running - is likely over. And it ended the right way: Having a great time. That is what training is all about.

Making a Bank Deposit

2010-04-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is the time of year where we live and breathe by the words of wisdom from our mentor, Jack Fultz:

"The hay is in the barn"
"The pennies are in the bank"

While they may not make sense, they are phrases we want to hear this time of year. Both "Jack-isms" carry the same meaning: All our hard work is done, and it's time to sail into Hopkinton on April 19.

This morning's group run - our last of the year - was a chance to grab the piggy bank, and fill out the deposit slip. While it was "only" 10-12 miles, it was the last long run of the year, giving us momentum into next week.

While I admit I had that temptation to do more (a bad quality; backed by 16 miles last year on this weekend), I wanted to stick with the range allotted to me. Even one mile longer would be just plain stupid. Being a hero today can make you breakable next Monday.

I set out from the Mt. Auburn Club with Mike, Aimee, Fred and a few others to run out on the course. It was very slow to start. That long, gradual incline up Market Street is really underrated, as it completely blew the wind out of me by the time we got to Brighton Center. Maybe it was the fact I haven't been doing hills, or maybe it was the fact I barely slept last night after two fundraisers and a bachelor party?

I finally settled in just after Boston College, and we kept in a pack. I knew I was going fast than I was used to, but tried to ignore it - until I turned to Mike to ask what our last mile was: 8 minutes. Awesome.

While that was the pace I ran in the BAA Half this past year, and was frankly a "slow" pace for me two years ago, it was not a smart move. The last training run is not the time to push yourself like that. But I kept going, to the 6 mile turnaround at Chestnut Street.

The return trip wasn't easy. I backed off the group at Heartbreak, while the others sucked it up. Got a second wind coming down the backside - until something that didn't happen all year did just that: A cramp.

Cramps suck. And I'll be happy it was today, instead of marathon day. Took me a solid mile or so, and a little walking, for it to cool down before I made it back to the Mt. Auburn.

It wasn't the smartest - or best - run, but it really feels good to get those pennies in.

8 more days!

The Adverse Effects of Tapering

2010-04-09T08:11:00.001-07:00

Tapering is something marathoners crave for. It’s supposed to be fun. A time to relax. Decompress. And bask in the months we’ve spent training, looking back at our long journey that has gotten us on the doorstep of 26.2 miles.

Yet, I really don’t feel that way. And when I look around, I know I’m not alone.

While it does mean fewer mileage for us, tapering is really a bag mixed of emotions: Anxiety, worry, panic, frustration and reflecting on one key question: “Could I have done something differently?”

I’ve seen runners who haven’t run in a few weeks, and really have no idea to expect what’s on the road ahead. Will they be able to run? And will it go well? My answer to them: Yes and yes. I can attest injuries are not easy, but each of you have come so far in training, and invested many miles and time others haven’t – and you’ll be fine. You have poured your hearts and souls into this – and it will work out.

I’ve seen runners who are pressing hard to get that “last” one good workout in. And if things don’t go right, it’s like the past few months of hard work are thrown out the window. Seems very illogical on the surface, but it’s a normal feeling for runners. They say marathon running is 50 percent physical, and 50 percent mental. I’m more inclined to think the scale heavily favors the mental part in these last few weeks.

I’ve seen others who wonder what taper is – and debating whether an extra few miles now will help, or hurt us. Is there a magical formula, or plan, that tells you the right amount of mileage to give you the right momentum – yet rested body – to carry you to the start? Probably not. It’s a tough balance to strike.

And then there’s what I’m experiencing. The past week or so I’m not relaxed enough. I’m getting anxious – too anxious in fact. I’m paying more attention to my injuries – and wondering if they will not only hold up on April 19, but also on my next run. I wonder why my quads got sore after a flat 8+ mile run the other night, when that shouldn’t happen. And I wonder if I should compensate even more on the ArcTrainer during my “off’ days – or keep plugging at the rate I have been. All feelings that are preventing me from getting pumped up for next week, as I should be.

All of us are likely struggling over one question: “Am I ready as can be for Boston?” If someone says yes, I really question it. We’re all ready in one way or another – like it’s likely not as much as we would have hoped for. And that is certainly okay – and normal.

Nothing is perfect, and that includes marathon training. It’s 5-6 months or hundreds of miles, and there’s no way if can go off flawlessly. There will be bumps – large or small – that makes us cut back at some point. But the key is that no matter what, we are ready – and we will be taking those 26.2 miles by storm.

While tapering is a time to mostly look back, it’s time to focus on the future. The past is just that, the past. April 19 will be a brand new day.

Taper on!

90 degrees

2010-04-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

April 6 - and today's high in Boston was 90 degrees. All I can say is that I'm really glad this was not Marathon Monday.

Today was one of my two running days of the week, and I didn't let the heat stand in the way. Sure it was 88 degrees when I started this evening, but there was no humidity, so the glass is half full there.

Rather than do the mid-week Newton run, I figured I could take a break from the hills. After all, taper time is for the body to rest and heal (or in my case, not injure myself more), and I've had plenty of time on the hills. So tonight, it was back to something I hadn't done in several months: A return to my favorite venue, on the Charles River. Really, there's nothing like it on a warm evening in the shadows of the Boston skyline.

I recruited Lindsey, meeting her less than a mile into my run - and we headed onto the river. Despite being at sundown, there were lots of people out there. Definitely a sign summer is certainly around the bend. The first few miles were tough adjusting to the heat, but things settled in well.

We did a leisurely 4 mile loop from the Mass Ave Bridge. It sure wasn't painless, but it's great to know things are winding down. And to top off the run, we went past Fenway, where we were met with the refreshing smell of food seeping from the park. Always a great thing.

After parting with Lindsey, I tacked on an extra mile or so - making it a 8.5 mile run. The plan is to hop on the Arc tomorrow, and otherwise rest until hopefully getting in a 10-12 miler this weekend.

I'll be glad to see this heat go - until after April 19 at least. Until then, fingers crossed for little cooler temperatures - and no snow (half-kidding on that part)

Breakfast with the hills

2010-04-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

I've been saying the past week how excited I am to be tapering - especially since I did not last year. Well little did I know that it's not always a ball of fun - as there is still running to be done. And certainly a good chunk of it.

Case in point, we had 14-16 miles on the schedule for our long run. May seem small up against last week's 22 miler, but it's still a distance that seems intimidating in January.

This weekend was really tricky too; no group run due to the Easter holiday, with Shifter's 5K (hands down, the best 5k I've never run) mixed in there. Some teammates were throwing in a run before the 5k into the race, while others were doing distances a little shorter than that on the schedule. Just wanting to knock off the 14-16 in one run, I figured I'd do something I haven't in awhile: A long run by myself.

Rather than running around Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge in random patterns, I figured I'd actually be productive if I headed out to the course. Woke up earlier than usual, and drove over onto Comm Ave atop Heartbreak Hill, parking my car just around 7:30. My plan: Head out on the course out to Wellesley, and turn around after 7 miles - or if I was feeling good, 8.

The temps were decent at the start, hovering around 50 - and rising. To prevent that atrocious run that beat down on me two weeks ago, I raided McDonald's last week to load up on salt packets. With the weather warmer, it's a whole new game. Gatorade and water are great to take in, but it needs to be retained by the body. Enter salt, which helps absorb it and avoid you from getting completely worn out. But it's not an instance where you can take in all you want; too much salt leads to "water intoxication," which can be a lethal condition. Talk about a delicate balance. So, it was just a few salt packets yesterday, just in case I needed it.

Heading down Heartbreak at the start, it was clear my leg wasn't happy. Pain on steps 1 through 1,000 - and so on. But knowing we're just two weeks away, and this is nothing new (and frankly, expected), I plugged on. Surprisingly, there weren't many runners out there; just about a dozen on the carriage road to the Firehouse. From there to Wellesley, maybe just a few. Once I got into Wellesley, I made the executive call to stretch the run out - and use the 8 mile mark just short of Wellesley Square as the turn-around.

I was still in pain by that point, which sure slowed me down a bit and took away the fun I had hoped to get out of it Just before heading down Grossman's Hill, I saw a couple standing on the crosswalk towards a side road in front of me. Weird I thought, as no one was out there handing water – and they were looking right at me. But as I got closer, I realized it was my friend Lindsay and her husband Charlie, who were driving into town. Always a great thing to see good friends - even if it's just for a few seconds - during a tough run.

My pain (which has spread more to my foot the past few weeks) subsided a bit the last few miles into Newton. The hills were slow, but I wasn't completely tapped of energy. Got back to BC just around 10, and hauled off to Shifter's 5k for a day of sun, fun, volunteering, cold ones - and a Mexican food feast back in Cambridge. What a great day - and congrats to Rich Horgan (aka Shifter) for making this year yet another success.

From the I’m “jealous as S&%$” files: Mike was doing his 16-miler on the course and ran past Ryan Hall. As he says, another good reason to run is you can run with the pros. Must have been a pretty awesome experience. Maybe, maybe one day I’ll trump that with the ultimate: Sharing the same road, same time, ssame place with Kara Goucher.

Taper Time

2010-03-31T19:47:00.000-07:00

"Taper" is a word I've been hearing a lot ever since Saturday's 22 miles. Through talking with teammates, reading other blogs and Facebook updates.

There are many meanings for the word, with the most appropriate definition: "an instance of becoming narrow." Or in runner's terms, it's the narrowing of our marathon training program, when we decrease our mileage over the next three weeks in order to conserve and store energy for the big run in 18 days.

This is a new concept for me. As I mentioned in my last post, I didn't have a taper last year. I had a "crap I'm upset I'm hurt/let's ArcTrain until the machine breaks/this really sucks/will I really run the marathon freakout/oh great I can run now, let me cram 16 miles the week before the marathon" period that left me writing this in my blog on this day last year.

"Tapering, and the last few weeks before the marathon, is supposed to be an exciting time. This is far from that."

What a difference a year makes, and I'm really happy - yet nervous - to be in this situation. While the hard work is behind us, the race is still three weeks away, and we need to listen to our body more. And most importantly, we need to be smart - which holds especially true for me, because, well, I'm not the smartest runner - and have too easy a time stretching a 8 mile run into a 14 mile run.

So, being smart, I'm sticking to my two day a week running/ArcTrain the rest plan that has worked so well the past few weeks. usinge those two runs to cover the longest runs of the week on Jack's schedule.

Ah yes, Jack's schedule. I admit I haven't looked at the thing in weeks, as I was on my own schedule to get back the roads in one piece. So when I looked at it yesterday, I was completely thinking the long mid-week run was 8-9 miles, and was shocked to find 10-12 on the dock. Thank goodness I'm a stubborn runner.

The week started off with a 60 min ArcTrainer session Saturday, 90 mins Monday and a day off yesterday to divulge in a delicious pasta dinner. Today's plan was to do what's worked well the last few weeks: Heading onto the course from work, and take on the Newton Hills, and more. Since Jack's plan said 12, the goal was 12.

The run itself started slow; was still a little sore from this weekend's run, but things settled in on the way to the firehouse. And for the second straight week, I ran past fellow Dana-Farber teammates, which is always fun.

I turned around, hit the three hills and stayed on Comm Ave all the way to my old neighborhood at Washington Street in Brighton, before cutting over to Brighton Center and back up through Oak Square to the office. It wasn't the best run, but I'm happy to get it out of the way - and to have rebounded well from Saturday's complete abuse of the body.

One thing was new tonight: A blister on my foot. Out of my 4+ years of running, I've never had one this big. And go figure it happens now, but I can only just slap on some creme, a Band-aid - and just laugh.

Shifting a bit, training for the marathon can be a very enjoyable experience - and at the same time, bring you some tough moments. I got one of those today when talking to fellow DFMC teammate Beckett, who informed me she had to defer from the marathon today due to a shin injury. Not an easy thing to see or hear, and I can only imagine what she's going through. But she, like the other teammates (Amy, Mark and Helen) are - and will always - be part of this 2010 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, as Courtney brilliantly posted a few weeks ago on her blog. So keep the head up Beckett - and I look forward to seeing you completely tear up those 26.2 miles next year. My money is on a BQ.

22 Miles - at Last

2010-03-29T10:57:00.001-07:00

As the adage goes, good things come to those who wait.

And for me, that was Sunday: the 22 mile run that tops out 5-6 months of training, and gives us the biggest piece of momentum to get us to the starting line come April 10.

When the training season started, I circled the date of March 27. I did partly because that's the 22-miler, considered one of the most enjoyable experiences in training for Boston, especially those in the BAA charity program, like us. Hundreds of runners spread the course from Hopkinton to Boston College, full of water stops, sponsor tents - and even fans. It's the culmination of the training season, a feat that marks the beginning of the precious taper time, where runners decrease their mileage and can finally begin to taste race day.

And for me, there was another personal reason I wanted this day to come. I missed last year's run, getting hurt the week before. While my teammates were out on the course, I was doing a three hour power hour on the ArcTrainer instead. Hearing the stories, and seeing the pictures, wasn't easy to say the least. So I was thankful I was able to give it a go this year.

Now, I had two options: I join the official BAA charity run from Hopkinton to BC, or take the Dana-Farber route from Boston College to Newton, to back. Both routes being 21-22, with completely different logistics. If I wanted Hopkinton, I'd have to be at BC at 6:30, to get a bus out to the start. If it's the latter, I'd be at BC at 7:30, and go from there. While it would have been nice to be with more runners, I'm on the Dana-Farber team, and wanted to be there with most of my teammates, so it was off to our run. (The extra hour of sleep sure factored in too).

After congregating in the Flynn Rec Center, we were off in the cold (well, cold for March with 20 degrees) and on the course. While I never really have any strategy around these runs, I did want to start this one slow. The past few long runs consisted of me getting stonewalled way too early, all likely because I went out too fast. Not wanting to hit that wall halfway into this really long run, I set out with Eric and Brian, at a conservative pace going down the hills of Newton onto the course. Even though most of the charity runners were on the west end of the course, it was still a good sight out there with a stream of runners - news cameras, photographers and vendors setting up. Definitely a festive, race atmosphere.

It took me awhile to warm up, but we got going coming off the hills and Rte 16 into Wellesley, remaining conservative all the way into Natick. One really cool thing was all the different charities had "fans" out there, cheering and with noisemakers. Talk about getting ready for the big day.

By that point, some of those heading in from Hopkinton were passing us, giving us more company. At the turnaround, I felt awesome - but didn't want to push it quite yet. As I know all too well, you can feel on top of the world one minute - and smashed on the ground the next.

Conservative remained the game, until I turned to Brian around Mile 12 and asked for our pace. Turns out we'd been going around 9:20; definitely a lot slower than I'm used to, but as I'd find out, well worth it. So with that, we picked things up heading back into Wellelsey, hitting mid to high 8 minute miles all the way to 128. Great pace, but maybe not the smartest - since that is exactly where I started to lose it last year, ahead of the hills that ate me up. So, to play it safe, I slowed down a bit, told Brian to go ahead - and honestly, just waited to hit a wall.

Turned out it provided to me a good move, as I could go back to just having fun, and running however fast, or slow, I wanted to. Really cool thing was taking the turn off Rte 16 onto Comm Ave at the Firehouse, where about 15-20 people were cheering us on - including our teammate, Amy, who is unfortunately injured and cannot run. Talk about real dedication there - and yet another reason our team is the best.

I admit the Newton hills slowed me down a bit, but I still felt like I had a lot of energy. Crested Brae Burn, no wall. Ran the first flat well. Crested the Walnut Street hill, no wall. Ran the flats well again. Since our turnaround was just before 11 miles, I did some side street work before heading back onto the course, meeting up with Eric again and tackling Heartbreak Hill.

Getting to the top of that was the highlight of this season so far. There I was, almost 21 miles into this run, feeling great - with a lot of energy left. And, for once, actually running a negative split. After a few high fives, it was off to tackle the last mile, soaring downhill and back onto the BC campus.

Even though I'm not back at the speed I'm capable of when fully healthy, this run couldn't have gone any better. I haven't had a good group long run since what seems to have been December, and I really needed this - not only to validate that my body is really ready for the 26.2, but giving me a huge mental edge.

And even better, I can now finally taper - and enjoy backing off the mileage up until the race. Quite the very refreshing contrast to last year, when I spent this time battling just to get back on the roads period, and cramming in ill-advised longer runs to compensate. We're literally over the hump here, and I cannot be more excited.

Congrats to all other team members, all of which seemed to also have their best runs yesterday. You've earned it, and it goes to show hard work really does pay off. I'm truly honored to be running with you - and being part of this. The 19th will be very memorable, to say the least.

Also want to give a Crossroads shout out - to the world's best bartender and gang who surprised the heck out of me Thursday night with the most delicious chocolate birthday cake. And it came at the perfect time: The second the final buzzer sounded as my beloved alma mater Syracuse got prematurely bounced from the NCAA Tournament - erasing any disappointment I had around it. Goes to show that being surrounded by amazing people puts things into perspective.

Taking Back the Confidence

2010-03-24T12:37:00.001-07:00

One of the downsides of my revised plan of running two days a week (besides missing out on valuable road time) is there’s more weight carried on each run. And the aftertaste from sour runs, like Saturday, lasts a lot longer.. I was hoping yesterday would erase that – and thankfully, it happened.

Since I only have two shots at a run each week, I’m doing my best to get the two scheduled longest ones out of the way – mixing in as many hills as I can, given I don’t get any the rest of the week with the ArcTrainer. Sticking to what worked last week, I set out from my office in Newton, for the 1.5 mile run out onto the course at the bottom of Heartbreak Hill and take things from there. Last week, I hit about 9.5 miles, with last night’s plan being the same.

But unlike last week, when I turned around at the base of the Walnut Street hill, I figured it was smarter to go all the way down to the firehouse, giving me a shot at all three hills – including the dreaded Brae Burn. I admit the run out there was pretty boring; given it was a very rainy and windy night. But there were a few brave souls on the roads – and the coolest thing is they always wave or acknowledge you like we’re some twisted, crazy runner fraternity. Which in a way, is true: If you’re out on the course on a night like that, you’re likely heading to Hopkinton on April 19. Rain or shine: It’s Boston or bust.

I ran conservative out to fire house to save some energy for the hills on the way back, which worked well – since I handled them a lot better than I have over the past few months. Not as fast as I used to be, but still there. And even better, the pain was there – but very manageable, which is best case scenario for me these days.

Feeling good, I got all Forrest Gump – and kept going. “Maybe I could turn this into 10 miles even,” I thought. Atop Heartbreak, I figured 11 would work. And as I got back Boston College, I figured more would be great, so down through Cleveland Circle and onto Beacon Street I went, further away from my car back at the office. For once, I really had no plan or real route – except to run, and simply enjoy it – something I haven’t done since January it seems. And I loved every minute of it.

Talking some sense into my head, I decided to cut over at Washington Square – into Brighton, adding on more time on side roads. In the end, I hit just about 14 miles. A distance I’ve never come close to on my “second longest” run of the week, ever.

It may have been not the best move, but the way I see it: I’m missing two days I should be running, and going this far gave me a physical – and more importantly, mental – push I need. And made me forget about this past Saturday, and fill the glass half full for this Saturday – our longest training run before the marathon.

Until then, it’s back to the ArcTrainer, where I managed to get 50- and 90-minute workouts on early this week. Fun times!

Wait - I need salt too?

2010-03-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today's lesson of the day for today's 18-turned into-19 miler: Runners need salt. And lots of it. Especially on warm days. Failure to do so makes you a 6'6 man chugging along the marathon course - very slowly.

After taking last week off, I was looking forward to getting in another long run: 18 miles out of BSC in Wellesley; for me, a new course since I missed last year's lone run out of there.

Lucky for us, today was the mildest day - in the 70's - Boston has seen in quite some time, meaning it was already in the mid 50's when the run started. (Quite the contrast from the past week, when Noah's Arc was the only way to get around this town). Bad for us in it means you have to approach things differently a bit; something I didn't do.

But I was very eager today, as I always love the runs on the marathon course. Driving into Wellesley, I passed the cousin-in-law, who was running his own 19 miler out from Framingham to the finish. Nothing but respect for someone who wakes up that early, and runs that distance solo. And it's good to know he killed that run.

The first few miles of the run were great as we headed onto Rte 16 just past the course's mile 13. I teamed up with Gerry, through Wellesley, into Newton and onto the dreaded hills. Our turnaround was just after the crest of Heartbreak, a time in which I was battling too many craps for the past few miles. So wanting to avert a complete disaster, I kept going past BC for a stop at the Dunkin Donuts. (One downside of Newton: Little stores, and too many Victorian homes, on the route - requires you to plan ahead)

Once I headed back, I just wasn't feeling it. Maybe it was the fact I stayed up too late watching Syracuse stomp on (finally) Vermont, the fact I ate too much last night (poor carb overloading), or felt sick this morning. Complete positive splits. Either way, no excuses. I'll have good runs, and bad runs. And today was ugly. As a teammate said a few weeks ago, "Ugly training runs = success on marathon day." I sure hope so, Glen!

One thing that was new today: This whole salt issue, which likely contributed to the ugliness of these 19 miles, hit me. On the way back to Wellesley, I noticed my shirt had a bunch of white streaks. Yet, I failed to recognize exactly what it was; figuring it's one of the many unfortunate things that happens to runners.

Upon returning to the club, Jack gave me a pep-talk about salt deprivation, a condition where the warmer weather somehow depleted my salt levels leading to the fatigue and nausea I was having. Gross, yes. But goes to show there's something new I learn each week. Hello bullion cubes.

One thing I realized today is that I might have to adjust my time expectation. Running two days a week really doesn't build me up to get to doing the 26.2 in the four hours I've wanted. I'm just not as fit as I should be. Plus, I know I won't crush the course and BQ - nor do I care - so I'm just going with the karma approach, and enjoy each mile as I can. Makes this whole experience much more rewarding.

One more long run next weekend - until the taper. Until then, I'll just lake that the "runners amnesia" Betsy brilliantly described.

The Sophomore Slump

2010-03-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to college, I look back at my freshman year with the fondest memories. In many years, sophomore year was a lot different: It was challenging, more difficult - and less memorable.

I'm seeing this pattern repeat here with marathon training.

Don't get me wrong, each and every moment is still worth it, and I'm very lucky to be running Boston again, for such a great cause that outweighs anything. The reality is this year is a lot more difficult than last year - and carries an entirely different meaning for me.

For starters, training seems like the complete opposite of last year. Back then, I would be completely frustrated if I could "only" do three runs a week. This year, I'd give anything to be able to pull that feat off.

Which brings me to last week, and my attempt at that. After my 20-miler, and a month of 0-1 runs a week, I decided to ramp things up a little - running last Tuesday, my first "third" run of the week. I did this because I missed running. I did it because I wanted to try and prove to myself tendinitis is not a big deal. And I did it because I realized road running was required to prevent getting eaten up by hills like I did with Waltham the previous Saturday.

I headed off the biggest hill I knew of nearby - Winter Hill - and surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. Little did I know that I was met by another steeper incline on a back road in Somerville on my way back home. Who thought the city didn't have hills?

I woke up with my usual morning after pain and stiffness, took a day off and headed back to do a 10-miler from Woodland to the finish line last Thursday. It was.....painful. I recall coming down past BC shouting profanities out loud, wondering why each step was so bad. If I'm doing that, I knew I shouldn't be doing this - or trying to run three days a week.

So I hit another crossroad: I either keep this up and deal with the pain - or I go back on the DL and take another week or so off to try and let things heal. While not ideal for training, it was worth a shot to rest. Just means more time with my other ticket to the starting line: The Arc Trainer.

Well, that week plus ended when Mother Nature felt bad for dosing us with inches and inches of rain over the weekend, and graced us with 65+ degree weather yesterday. Rather than wait three days until my planned return this Saturday, I just couldn't pass up a warm day - so off I went, from my office in Newton onto the course and into the hills for a 9.5 mile run - with my tendinitis still there. D'oh.

I knew it a few weeks ago, but I've come to the realization I'm going to be limping - literally and figuratively - into this marathon. But I also realize I'm doing it: Pain or not. Why? Because even though it's not healthy, I know deep down my body is capable of going 26.2 miles - and I have to finish what I started. No pain, no gain.

While pumping away on the ArcTrainer tonight, I found myself jealous of the runner I was last year. My body handled it so much better - despite a few setbacks - and any pain I had always went away, either after a few days of rest. This time, I haven't had a run without pain since January - with A LOT (if not, too much) rest. I would give anything to be back standing as the situation I was back then.

So, often, I find myself in a daze, thinking of last year as a therapeutic route to stay strong: How I was going through something entirely new. How I was pushing my body to entirely new heights. How I felt getting onto Main Street in Hopkinton. How I felt making the turn onto Boylston. And how I was surrounded by some of the best people around.

I feel fortunate some of my closest friends from last year are running again - and often times I find myself back in 2009 when I hear their voices, or share a drink with them, just like last year.

You can bet I'm going to fight through this as much as I can - as I still have a lot left in me. And when I feel like I'm really slumping, I'll always look back with a smile towards last year. That - and this incredible cause - will get me to the finish.

One month to go!

A Well-Needed Vacation

2010-02-28T09:51:00.001-08:00

It's been almost five weeks since I last blogged here. For those who know me - and my love for seemingly sharing details of every step I run - it's pretty unheard of. But, I have a good reason.

You see, sometimes we need a break from the things we love most - and this was just that. Running wasn't returning any love at all - leaving my body in even more pain after each run. So, I packed my bag - threw up some Gatorade bottles, my iPod and a towel for a non-inclusive extended stay at my gym - with the ArcTrainer.

The ArcTrainer is no Nassau. Rather, it's like Buffalo in the winter. It's miserable. It's boring. And it really makes you think about why on earth you are there.

And it's a tough place to blog about. After all, do people really send postcards from Buffalo? Not this guy.

But this was a trip I needed. At last check-in, I had a great deal of soreness in my leg, likely due to over compensation from my weak hip. Shutting things down was something that is tough to do, but realizing it's in my best interest, I had to.

So away I went with the ArcTrainer: four times a week, for the amount of time my run on each day was slated for. So, yes, that meant anywhere between 2-3 hours on a Saturday morning, while the rest of the team is outside running. And you're in a hot sweaty gym. Talk about motivation

While you are cranking out on the thing, and burning lots of calories, you're still on a machine, and your feet isn't touching any pavement. But I had to keep doing it, because I am determined to get to the starting line on April 19.

Since the pain never subsided, I went to the doctor, and had x-rays and an MRI. Turns out it's inflammation of two tendons. The good news: I got clearance to run again, with a lot of diligence, ice and Ibuprofen by my side. The bad news: The pain likely won't subside, which means many runs will hurt.

But the marathon is just six weeks away, and four weeks of rest was enough for me. Anything more, and I might as well walk the 26 miles on race day. No pain, no gain.

The one good thing about the ArcTrainer is I was able to maintain my stamina. While it may not appear so, it puts the majority of the muscles you use for running into action. But it's not a perfect fit. And the one thing I learned: It does not incorporate elevation (more later).

So after three weeks off from running, I've been on a four runs since:

- A 10-mile run the Thursday before last - in a complete monsoon. Talk about a perfect way to return to the roads. But the weather was outweighed by a severe case of runner's high. It's the same case as last year: When you return from injury, the first run may not be your best, but you'll feel your best. Like a sense of liberation. Aimee, Betsy, Jeff and I ran out to Boston College, then back in on the course - with wind and rain in your face. While it was not pain free at all, I could do nothing but smile

- A 16-turned-into-18 mile run last Saturday. This is where I realized the ArcTrainer really does pay off. My first group run in some time, I was eager to stretch myself out as much as possible, given I missed runs of 16, 18 and 20 miles in previous weeks. Luckily, the Lexington to Arlington back to Lexington out to Bedford back to Lexington course is relatively flat, so I had no problem just moving along. Again, not pain free, but it subsides after a bit - and I kept going, past the planned 16 miles, tacking on just over 2 miles in the end.

- The 8.8 mile Crossroads run last Thursday. My return to the hills. It hurt - but it was good to get some feet time with the Newton Hills for the first time in several weeks.

- A 20 miler yesterday out of Waltham's Healthpoint. Knowing last weekend's 18 miler went well, I figured this wouldn't be that difficult. Boy, was I completely, horribly wrong. That course is a nightmare full of rolling hills - the entire way, with a few steep ones in between. I did it with Gerry and Mike for the most part, before Gerry took off. And Mike did the same in the last 3 miles. This was likely my worst training run out of this and last year combined, and I was completely spent (flashbacks of the Newton Hills last April 20). But the half glass full is I got 20 miles in, two weeks after running zero. I'm just happy I won't run that training route ever again.

So, where I stand now: I'm very optimistic, and glad I took that time off. While I'm not fully healthy, I'm working as hard as I can to stay on pace to get to the starting line on April 19 - and run as best as I can.

I'll need to re-adjust my strategy too. I'd rather enjoy this race than not remember it, so I might have to push back my time goal a bit. I'll have to work hills really hard in the next few weeks to get me back up to speed. And I'll have to stay on the ArcTrainer during the week, and change my perception of it as "jail" to "my ticket to the starting line."

Is this all ideal? No. But it's the way it was meant to be - and it's all about looking forward with a positive light. Really, at this point, I cannot ask for more than that.

At a Crossroads

2010-02-03T16:32:00.001-08:00

Believe me, I'm not at the Crossroads I wish I was at. Rather than drinking beer, eating pizza and enjoying great times after a nice run on the hills, I'm at the intersection almost any runner faces: To run or not.

And it brings one of the most horrible feelings we can have.

You see, I promised not to blog about injuries. It seemed like that's all I did last year, with unnecessary details on the every time any part of my body was sore. And in those cases, I kept running, and didn't use my brain.

This year, I'm taking a different approach. I'm not blogging about the fact training has been tougher, and my shin turns into a swelled up monster after every long run. Why? Because that happens - and it's "normal."

And I'm also using my brain. Like now - with this crossroads.

As some of you know, I have a torn labrum in my hip, an injury that is only fixed with surgery I haven't had yet. It was risky signing up, and training, for Boston this year. But as I've said, I believe the biggest gains in life are taken through risks. If I didn't do this, I'd always wonder "what if."

I've been really fortunate that training has been going better than I expected. My hip doesn't hurt most of the time, and I've been running better than this time last year.

But like most situations you don't pay attention to, they always come back to haunt you. Like now. My hip is nowhere near 100 percent (re: torn cartilage right at the hip joint), and I haven't being doing my due diligence to stretch it and making it as strong as can be with it's condition. Which can lead to my body over-compensating, taking away the force I usually apply to my hip towards another area, like my leg's muscle, which have to work harder. It's not really a conscious thing I notice when I'm doing it; it's just how the human body works. Especially when something is "broken."

So I admit that over past two plus weeks, I have been running hurt - even more so each time. That's why last Thursday's 14 miles were sore. That's why Saturday's 9 miles were slow and dreadful. That's why I took an extra day of rest, with no running. And that's why it hurt with every step during my 8 mile run last night.

So waking up this morning and walking around most of today limping, I decided I need to use my head. That means time off from running for an unknown period of time. Even if it means going completely off schedule and missing a few long runs. As much as I want to fight the pain, I have two and a half months left, and that's too long of a battle to win.

My cousin Mike - a former college baseball pitcher - had some great insight for me today:

"Trust me, what I've noticed throughout this whole program is that running and pitching are a lot alike and in both cases, sometimes more is less. If your arm hurts, shut it down for a couple of days or play long toss (the equivalent of the Arc Trainer). If you keep running yourself out there, you'll be done. Listen to your leg and step it back."

He cannot be more right about this. So rather than taking the risky road to a world that could knock me out of running the marathon, I'm taking a road that is unknown. Maybe I'll be better in a few weeks, and maybe by hip just can't hold up with this marathon training.

Either way, I certainly won't have any regrets with this decision.

Off to the ArcTrainer, raising more money for a rockin' cause - and hopefully be back on the roads much sooner rather than later.

Negative Windchills

2010-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

Now I know what it must feel like run in the northern peninsula of Michigan; or better yet, Alaska. Oh heck, add Siberia to that.

This morning was one of the coldest runs I've ever had. I tried to look back at last year's blog, and I think this takes the cake: 6 degrees at the start, with a windchill between negative 5-10. (Last year's Derry was 8 degrees with a windchill around 0, and there was some closer runs in early January).

So, yes, not fun. And yes, I'm glad as heck we decided to do our 14 mile long run Thursday. It was definitely worth the luxury of calling it quits while the rest of the group went on for their last 4-5 miles.

The run itself, out of the Greater Boston Club in Lexington, was not one of my best. It was a sore, slow and sluggish 9.5 miles. In hindsight, not sure if it was the best idea to do this run - but for some reason, I like pushing myself to the limit. And doing this in near-zero degree weather is just that.

I was surprised the turnout was decent. I'd figure I'd walk in the store, and there would be about 5 people. But a good 30-40 made the trek from Lexington Center to Arlington Center, back and beyond. I mostly kept to myself, as the regulars - like Aimee, Betsy and Mike - actually used their brains today, and either ran later, or inside.

I realized I might need to back off the schedule a bit, and spend some time on the ArcTrainer this week. I'm happy I was able to pull in four runs in a week for the first time in a few weeks, but my body is screaming back at me to pull back just a bit.

After all, it's January - and I can do that. At least I hope so.

The Audible

2010-01-29T17:41:00.000-08:00

Here's a firsthand look into just how running schedules can change at a moment's notice - when marathon training in New England. The day: Yesterday

7 a.m.: Wake up, pack my bag for the usual Thursday evening Crossroads run: Few layers, sneakers - and no GU (because I don't need any for a 9 miler). Head off to work

10 a.m. After getting out a meeting, I check the weather for Saturday's long run. Temperatures near zero, with wind. Not fun. I post a Facebook status message complaining; Some teammates chime in and share the pain that hasn't hit us yet

11 a.m.: I realize: Today is in the 30's, with some snow expected. But nothing compared to running 14 miles in the cold freeze. I email Aimee to see if she's up for switching the long run to today.

11:30 a.m: I loop Betsy into the plan. She is in if Aimee is.

noon: Amy is in. It's confirmed: We're running 14 miles tonight. Plans change just like that.

1 p.m.: Carb rush is on. I get takeout chicken parm and pasta, in place of my usual sandwich. Pick up a small water to take with me on the run.

1:30 p.m.: I need GU. Betsy saves me a completely out-of-the way trip to Marathon Sports by offering to pick some up for us

2 p.m.: I down water. And some Gatorade

4 p.m.: Gatorade tastes good

5 p.m.: Leave work to head downtown

5:45 p.m.: We me.et at Crossroads. A little icy out after about an inch of snow fell. Nothing major

6 p.m. Amy shows up - with Laurie on tow. Oh great I think: Bring one of the fastest women on the team. This will be a fun long run...if I make it. The rest of the group heads to the T for the trip out to Woodland.

6:10 p.m.: We depart Crossroads. Right in front of the door, I look outside: One of the nastiest snow squalls I've ever seen. Snow blowing around in circles. What do we do?

6:11 p.m.: Being the crazy runners we are, we go

6:12 p.m.: Very, very hard to run. This is horrible. I hear yells from the girls directed at me, thanking me for convincing them to do this

6:15 p.m.: Kenmore Square! And I still can't see in front of me. Tough to see what's the sidewalk or the street. I cross over the square in the most random fashion.

6:20 p.m.: It's easy to forget one thing when doing an out-and-back route from Crossroads. The last 3-4 miles of the marathon course are basically all downhill. And we're going the opposite direction. Awesome. Just awesome. At least the snow stopped a bit.

6 something: I lose track of time. And am sore. I really am an idiot for even suggesting this - and hope I don't lose three friends. I have a feeling this won't be a good run.

6 something: The snow is basically done with, but the sidewalks are tough. And very slippery.

6 something: The roads are a little easier to go on. Let's not try to worry about the cars coming

7 something: After BC, Laurie decides to take off a bit. I follow.

7 something: Actually feeling pretty good running with Laurie. We turn around at Walnut Street, with Betsy and Aimee right behind us

7 something: Laurie tackles Heartbreak Hill. Heartbreak Hill tackles me. She gets ahead after totally crushing the thing. It was like she ran downhill. Amazing She stops at the top for a bit to wait for me

7 something: On the downside of the hills, we pick the pace up a bit past BC. I wonder: Can I do 4 more miles of this?

7 something: Maybe, but that would be stupid. For once, I use my brain. Loop back and catch Betsy and Aimee

7 something: We make the trip down Beacon Street - all the way to Crossroads, which would make an even 13. I ask if they want to tack on one more, to make it to 14, knowing we have to go 12-14 for our long this week. Luckily both of them are also sticklers for miles, as we go for it.

8 something: We run past Crossroads, down Beacon Street until Aimee's watch hits 4:30 for a turn around. This really hurts.

8 something: We finally finish. Lots of relief. Not the easiest run. Beer and a Reuben sandwich at the bar follow.

In all, a very random day - but I'm darn glad I was able to crank it out. And save myself from possible frostbite tomorrow ;)

Thursday,

Winter Running.....Not Today

2010-01-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

This article, from the Boston Globe this morning, really says it all about winter marathon training. Cannot be closer to the truth - from just how windy the Charles can get on bitter winter days, to the prevalence of YakTrax, to the simple fact it's always a long winter, all making this immense challenge even more difficult.

In a twist of irony, the day this appears, it exceeds 50 degrees. January thaws are really unheard of, more so given this is the second in two weeks. Sure it came with a monsoon, full of 2 inches of rain, plenty of winds and some power outages (my work was hit for a minute), but I sure wasn't passing up this opportunity for a run in shorts. I really didn't care if it was raining.

So I put on a short sleeve top and shorts, and headed out. Yes, this two days after I was in three layers for Saturday's run. I'll say it again: There is nothing more unpredictable than New England weather.

Mother nature was sure on my side tonight; must have been payback from my New Years Even run. The minute I started, the rain and the wind stopped. Sure it was really wet out there - with the rain and all the snow that melted today - but I didn't care. This one was one of those fun runs.

I had planned for 6-7 miles but stretched it out to 7.5 because it felt really good to be out there. Lots of other runners too; including fellow DFMC'er Gordon, who I ran into on the end of the bike path in Davis Sq. Looks like I certainly wasn't the only one basking in this rare event.

Now my bold prediction: It snows within the next week. A lot. And it becomes a nuisance for us runners again.

Oh how I love New England - but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Derry Boston Prep 16 Miler Recap!

2010-01-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend marked this year's installment of the Derry Boston Prep 16 miler, a race of rolling hills - branded as "moderately challenging" - out of Derry, New Hampshire where many runners training for Boston head to get an extreme dosage of hills.

Last year was a lot of "fun" - so much "fun" that I decided to bypass it this year. So, yes, the subject line of this post is extremely inaccurate. I knew others on DFMC doing it, but by no way, shape or form would I involve myself with it this year. While it gives you get experience on the hills, I didn't come out of it well physically last year, and didn't want to risk that happening again. So I decided to stick closer to home - and get a 16 miler in with the group, instead of a Sunday in New Hampshire. But for all who did it, I hope things went really well, and congrats to you all! It's quite an accomplishment.

As for the group run - which I actually did - this week was held out of the Longfellow Club in Wayland: Very rural, and quite the contrast to my usual square bouncing/city running I like. I said it last year, and I'll say it again: One of the best parts of living in Boston is you be in the city one minute, and less than 30 minutes later, you are in a very rural area, with lots of forests, brooks and open farm field. And that's exactly where we were heading out of the Longfellow Club - which took us through the streets of Wayland, Sudbury, Concord - and back.

I planned to run this one with Aimee and Mike, and the three of us set out on the 16 mile out-and-back course. Temps were in the lower 20's, definitely not bad comparable to the rest of the winter.

Things started off slow for me; my legs were still tired from the week, and it was tough to get into a rhythm. Finally was able shake it off after the first water stop 3 or so miles in. I guess that's what I get for never running in the mornings.

We took turns setting the pace, and hit a comfortable pretty consistent rate all the way out to Concord with out turn-around at 8 miles. I have to admit I was very impressed with Mike; the longest he had run was 13.1 miles prior to this, and he kept up with us pretty well. It's pretty clear he's well on his way to running a great debut marathon.

Aimee and I discussed our goal for this run was to hit negative splits; meaning we run the second half faster than the first, something Jack really encourages us to do to get ready for race day.

Once we hit the turnaround in Concord, I tried to pick the pace up - and felt pretty good for the next few miles.

Towards about mile 12-13, I felt something I never do running: Hungry. Really, in all my time running, I've never experienced this empty stomach feeling, even though I had just downed a GU. It was at this point, like every week, that I was thankful for our water stops. At the last one, I was able to pick up some pretzels as well as Gatorade, and I was off for the last three miles back to the Longfellow.

And those three miles were hard, as I found myself getting closer to hitting a wall. The one thing that is tough about these runs are the last quarter or so. You have to run each run with it in mind. Especially when you're ramping up the mileage each week. Granted this was my second 16 miler in three weeks, but the end certainly wasn't easy as last time. Mike dropped back a little, and Aimee and I pushed each other forward...finally back to back to the club.

While it wasn't a perfect run, I remain happy where things are going, and am really enjoying seeing everyone else ramping up quite nicely. We're certainly in the thick of training season, with lots of hard - yet fun - work to come.

Doing What I Want

2010-01-22T10:06:00.001-08:00

Most of those training for the marathon are following rigid training programs, combining temp runs, speed work, recovery work, fartleks, etc; basically, there is a strategy behind each run. It’s these type of programs that make the best runners even better – and turn regular runners into great ones.

I admit I’ve never taken this scientific route, and have always been a fan of doing my own thing, determining my approach once I get moving. If I feel good, I’ll run as hard as I can. If I don’t, I’ll take it at a conservative pace. I’m just all about having fun with something I love to do. Running experts might think it’s a horrible way to approach it – but it works for me. It got me my half-marathon PR (1:34) last year – and other times, it didn’t work.

Knock on some serious wood, it’s paying off for me this year so far. I feel a lot better than I did last year at this point.

Case in point last night: My third run of the season on the Woodland to Boston route. After a mile warm up, I knew it was going to be a great run – and there was no reason to hold back. I ran the first part with Aimee, Betsy, old Crossroads friend Jeff and Flash Tyler, who was running conservative this week. I took on the hills as hard as I could, recuperating in between. I just want to be ready for them on Marathon Day – a year after they ate me up.

Once we got past BC, I left the group and kept going. While it’s great to be in a pack, I wanted to use this run to see what I could do by myself, set in my own pace and get a great workout in. Turns out it was a little bit faster than what I’m used to, and maybe not the smartest move, but I’ll take it

One trend I noticed: Despite enjoying at my own pace, I am in a habit where there is someone in front of me, I do all I can to catch up. For me, if I catch them, it makes the workout (and pizza and beer after) so much more worth it.

Looking forward to tomorrow morning’s 16 mile scenic run out of Wayland; will be a great change from the city running I depend on too much.

3 months to go...

2010-01-19T18:37:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe I'm 1/3 the way through my official training; seems just like yesterday I made the decision to re-join DFMC for another year. Time really does fly when you're having fun, especially for a great cause.

Today marks 3 months until we make the trek out to Hopkinton. There's A LOT of work left to do, but it's good to see it's somewhat within striking distance, especially since training has been going better than expected, my hip is holding up fine and I'm having as much fun as I can.

Things did take a backseat the past few days, though. Had a little trouble rebounding from the long run this weekend, likely a case of tendinitis on my shin; the same as last year. I've noticed this has become a small issue over the past few weeks; could be a chronic thing, or the fact I'm not stretching it as much as I could. Either way, as Chumbawumba says, I'll get knocked down, but I get up again.

Playing things safe, and actually I opted for a day in the gym yesterday - quite the contrast from last year, when I'd find myself going out for long runs when I'm hurt.

Sure, the gym was incredibly boring, and frustrating just to walk into. But after an hour on the ArcTrainer and a 2 mile walk/run on the "dreadmill," I felt pretty proud of myself that I didn't push things. All marathon runners get injured once in awhile; it's how we deal with them that can make or break us.

Things today felt back to normal, so me and the YakTrax took a 7.5 mile run through Somerville, Cambridge and Arlington, in the huge slushy mess the past 48 hours have brought us. Again, the winter is just nasty and cruel this year.

The really interesting thing: This was my shortest run of the week, 7.5 miles. Just last month, that was my LONG run of the week.

What a difference a month can make. Cheers to three more!

The Next Morning

2010-01-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

During my time at Syracuse, I was fortunate to be there the same time the football team was actually good; unlike today, where it is a total mess. During my four years, the team was consistently ranked in the Top 25 - with All-Americans such as Donovan McNabb, Dwight Freeney, Keith Bulluck, Will Allen and others who still play on Pro Bowl levels in the NFL.

Going to games at the Carrier Dome was always a treat. I always felt bad for the opposing QB's on those teams like Rutgers, Temple, Buffalo and in one case - Michigan, who had a backup senior QB named Tom Brady. Each week, they would get smashed to the Dome's carpet by the forces of Freeney and Bulluck. I recall one game, when Freeney even sacked Michael Vick 4.5 times in one game.

In each case, I was never jealous I was not the QB. Besides rug burn from all those sacks, those QB's would be in rough shape the next morning, and sore as heck.

I feel that marathon training gives us those feeling those football players had - especially after a long run. While they were busy getting their bodies abused by 250+ lb linebackers, we're doing the same by pounding our body with thousands of steps for 12, 15, or 20 miles on a weekly basis. And, it's probably the least exciting thing about this.

The human body is simply not designed for marathon running - yet we do all our best to adjust. While many people only get to see the 26.2 miles we run on race day, that's not even 3 percent of what we go through this week. Each week, we're putting abuse on our bodies, over and over again.

The reason I write about this is because I've felt like that QB for the past few weeks the next morning after my long runs. Soreness, aches and pains. And, it's a normal thing. I'm writing this with a big wad of ice on me.

And each time, we get right back up, return to the roads within 1-2 days - and go through the motions all over again.

It's just reason #65 why marathon runners are really insane, yet some of the most determined people in the world.

Keep the eye on the prize - with that Ibuprofen always in the pocket.

40 degrees!

2010-01-16T08:13:00.001-08:00

If it was May, and I had to head out for a morning run, I would probably bitch and moan of just how cold it was. But today, totally different story. Ah, the life of a New Englander.

What a difference a week makes: Instead of waking up to the 8 degrees on the mercury like last week, this morning was 32 degrees at 7 am, and rising. For a Boston winter, it's considered "mild" that time of morning - and type of day you only get a couple days from December through February...if you're that lucky.

Of course, this means less layers this morning in the gym bag, as I made the trip out to Lexington. So good that I actually didn't even need a hat today.

On this week's plan: Our first "mini-taper" of the season, a pull back from last week's 16 miles, with 10-12 on tap. Trying to fulfill this completely unnecessary desire to always hit the max, I planned for 12. For me, if I see others doing it, I think anything less is a failure. Which, frankly is very unhealthy behavior - but I'm all about giving this 100 percent.

Today's run was on the Minuteman Bike Trail, stretching from Lexington Center, down through Arlington with a turn-around 6 miles just short of Alewife. And going a quarter of a mile from my apartment. (Again, really weird driving from Arlington to Lexington, running back to Arlington, then back to Lexington, then driving back to Arlington).

I ran with Aimee the entire way; she's one of the best female runners on the team and totally rocked the marathon last year, so I figured if I kept up with her, I was in good shape. Granted she was running very conservative, but it was a pretty comfortable place.

The one tough spot was the bike path itself. Since yesterday's temps dipped into the 40's, there was a decent melt on all the snow that had accumulated over the past few weeks. But overnight, temps dipped below freezing - turning all that slush into ice, and making the path pretty difficult to navigate, added on by the fact most of it is covered around trees...meaning ice was, everywhere. Thankfully there was no fall, after I placed my bets on a 40 percent shot.

Other than that, things were great. The sun was out, temps heading into the 40's, and it was quite the leisure run that makes you totally forget you're running 12 miles. Really, Thursday's run actually seemed longer. Maybe it was because my body is adjusting well to these long distances again. Maybe it was because I pounded about 6 Bertucci rolls and a pizza yesterday. Maybe it was the fact I'm really out there in my own world out there.

OR, maybe it was because I actually remembred my GU this week ;)

Me and the Hills

2010-01-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

Last night marked the second run of the hills from Woodland to Crossroads - 8.7 miles of flat, hills, flats, another hill, flats, another hill - and a downhill three or so miles back into the city. All on the marathon course. All of which will be set in our heads like clockwork by April 19...at least we hope so.

There was a slightly bigger group this week compared to last on the D Line ride out. Some runners decided to do 6+ by getting off a few stops early at Newton Centre, while others, including myself, made the treck further out.

Once we got off, I decided to just start at my pace. No warm up. Like last week, I wanted to attack Brae Burn Hill as hard as I could, then worry about it at the top. I was with the first group, and we did it all together - before others caught up at the crest, and I settled back into my own pace.

And in this case, my own pace was just that: My own. As in me and myself. It was quite different than what I'm used to on these runs. All of last year, I usually ran with someone else. I'm sure I could have, but at this part of the game, I'm all about figuring out the types of pace I want to run, and do just that. I really can't be influenced by others, or try and catch up to those backs in front of me.

I actually enjoyed the tranquility being out in Newton. Even though we're on a main drag (Comm Ave), it's pretty dark and quiet in it's own way. And a sharp contrast from the hustle and bustle, pedestrians and T-tracks we dodge just a few miles later as we head into the city.

I was able to maintain a good pace the whole run, Felt a little out of energy as I came down Beacon Street past Coolidge Corner but all was manageable. And my hip started talking trash to me the last mile, which I hope won't persist.

Those beers and pizza are certainly a great reward, on top of the fulfillment in tackling the hills. If you're running the marathon, and in the Boston area, I cannot recommend Thursday night at Crossroads more. Not only will you have fun, but you'll enjoy a camraderie not found anywhere else.

Besides last night, it was a quiet and uneventful week of training. Rested Monday after Sunday's 16, and pulled by usual 10k Arlimbriville 10k route in the cold wind.

Thankfully this is mild, for New England at least! Looking forward to 10-12 miles early with the birds tomorrow in Lexington.

16 Miles, 16 degrees – and I Forgot My GU

2010-01-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

After a hiatus for a few weeks, the DFMC group runs picked back up today – this time, out of the Mt. Auburn Club in Watertown, my favorite of the venues. Flipped on the TV when I woke up., with the mercury reading 10 degrees. Awesome.

After slipping into three layers and bringing the rest of my winter wear arsenal for the quick drive over, it was off the club – where we had a tremendous turnout, compared with our first run three weeks ago. Lots of first timers looking to get a feel for the course, which this run offers; with Mt. Auburn being our just over 2 miles from the course.

Most folks were going anywhere from 12-14 miles; but I figured I’d do all I can to get the maximum16 miles in. While I could have easily settled for 14, my thinking was I’d eventually have to do the 16. And getting it over now and maybe makes the next one easier. Worth the two miles.

Before I left, I realized I did something I never do: Forget my GU (how is that for poetry?!). I realize Gu is half physical/half mental, but knowing I had to go 16 miles without the energy replenishment was not a good feeling. Luckily we had 3 water stops laid out, with a spread of Gatorade, pretzels and M&M’s, thanks to the awesome volunteers. For one week at least, I could swap in the M&M’s. Hadn’t done that before, but at least they taste better.

The one downside of running out of Mt. Auburn is the first 2 miles; most of which is uphill through Brighton Center and out to the course. Not the easiest to start out a run on a Sunday morning, but it’s a good way to wake you up and I got into a groove after some time.

I ran the first 6 and a half miles, from Watertown through Brighton and down the Newton Hills,with my cousin before he turned around. It’s surely a lot easier running DOWN those hills than up, and even though you feel great doing so, you need to make sure enough is in the tank for the trip back.

After parting with my cousin at the firehouse on the corner of Comm Ave & Rte 16, I ran with Betsy for a bit before she turned around and I kept going to the final water stop, and turn around, at 8 miles in Newton Lower Falls, just before Wellesley. The M&M’s sure tasted good, though not sure they were an adequate replacement for GU.

The last 8 miles I was on my own – with up’s and down’s. The first four were decent; the hill over 128 and Brae Burn were tough, but manageable. I took a little of a surge coming off Brae Burn, probably too early of a move. Before the Walnut Street hill, I had noticed my foot turned a little sore, likely the case of my laces needing to be adjusted, which I stopped to take care of. Then things got tougher.

The run up Heartbreak wasn’t good; as I chugged slowly, I could only remember one thing: Last year. When I was turning in a 12 mile pace up that half mile stretch. Was a similar case today, but I was able to rebound a bit on the backside of the hill past BC, through Brighton Center and back to Watertown, where we were met with bagels, plenty of water, and a collection of Laurie’s awesome new DFMC t-shirts.

Next time, I’m sure as heck not going to forget that Gu.

Thanks again to all the volunteers of today’s run and the Mt. Auburn Club, a great place. It was pretty frigid this morning, and standing out in it for 2 hours is a lot more difficult than running in it.

Back on the D Line

2010-01-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

I’ve mentioned Crossroads in the past – how the run every Thursday is really the highlight of marathon training. Great company, free pizza and beer. It was enjoyable during the summer, fall and the beginning of the winter.

But when the calendar flips on Jan. 1, things change a bit. Training means more miles, more intense workouts – and more hills. So this past Thursday marked my first T ride out to Woodland of the season, and return on the marathon course by foot. My last hills run since March 26 last year, my 30th birthday.

While they are a very challenging 8.7 miles, it gives you a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with three famous Newton Hills that’ll turn into pure evil for you on Marathon Monday. Really, it’s a perk those out-of-towners really cannot get, and I’m grateful for that.

Despite all the prep I invested in these three hills last year, and good experiences I had up leading to it, they still ate me up on Marathon Monday. I lost at least 45 seconds per mile in my pace after I was on the other side of them, and I was never able to recover, leading to my slower time than expected.

Thursday night was the first time I hit all three hills in a row – so I was certainly ready. My strategy this year is to just attack them as hard as I can; and start worrying about how I feel when I get to the top. A lot easier said than done, of course.

My biggest beef is with Brae Burn Hill; the first of the major three – just as you make the turn onto Comm Ave. Many equate Heartbreak Hill as hell; but believe me, there’s a lot of fire on Brae Burn. It’s long, steep and seemingly ongoing. I’d much rather do Heartbreak any day.

There was a solid group that headed out on the D line from Hynes; a number that’ll only grow in the coming weeks as newcomers get wind of it. I forgot how long the ride can really be, but it’s great to be with others to make it go by faster.

Once the train dropped us off, we split up into groups: Myself, starting with Betsy, Tyler and Beckett, all great runners. Living my resolution not to push myself too hard, I just planned to stick with them up Brae Burn. I needed a good run up that hill to get the sour taste out of my mouth from last year. Sure it was faster than I usually go, and I was a bit winded at the top, but I didn’t care. It was done, and I’ll look forward to seeing it again.

Once we hit the top, I faded back from the other three, going at my comfortable pace as I approached the second hill – just after the Newton City Hall – and eventually Heartbreak, which didn’t seem like anything.

Then a weird thing happened, one I really wish occurred on race day last year: I felt great once over them. So I kept going, picking up the pace a bit to a point that I hadn’t seen in awhile. I eventually caught up to the other three, and ended up trailing Betsy down Beacon all the way back to Crossroads.

Definitely one of my best runs on that route, all of last year included. Too bad it’s January – and not March. Would have been much better timing.

Some runs you feel bad, and you can’t do much about it. On the flip, others, like Thursday, you feel good – and just go with it. Definitely a good feeling.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s return of the DFMC group run to the Mt. Auburn club for 14-16 miles; more time for us to get in work on the course. The downside: Temps in the lower teens are expected when we set out at 8 am. Dress warm kids!

New Years Running Resolutions

2010-01-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

So I'm a few days late on this, but it's what I get for a re-entry into work after two weeks off.

This year, I realize I need to make New Years resolutions with running. And like most resolutions, these aren't mean to be broken, as I simply cannot afford to if I want to get to that starting line in one piece. These came from the many lessons I learned last year, as well as some restrictions I'm running under.

My list:

Listen to my body - over mind - all the time. This is the most important. The fact is I'm not 100 percent physically going into this; I have a torn labrum in my hip - and in many ways I'm like a walking time bomb where things could - or couldn't - get worse with no notice. It's risky even running this marathon, given it's the same injury that has affected Mike Lowell for the past 2 years, and shelved ARod for some of last season. Some think I'm stupid for doing this, but it's worth the risk - and so far, no major pain. But I need to keep focused on this, in addition to all other aches and pain. Especially with this injury, which often likes to project pain to other parts, as I learned this summer. My pledge is I won't run when something is really hurt - as I realize it just means more time I won't be able to run at a later date, like I learned the hard way last year.

Strengthen the core. This ties into how I'll prevent injuries. Last year, I didn't do any core work, which was pretty stupid in hindsight. Sit-ups, crunches - and all other types of ab works isn't only necessary for making my hip stronger, but for making myself a more efficient runner.

Don't blog about injuries. Last year, I felt that's all I did. The human body is simply not designed for marathon running, and injuries happen. Especially for a 6'5 guy, with a higher center of gravity and more impact. Us tall folks are far and few in between. Aches, pains, etc are VERY frustrating and frankly put us in miserable moods - yet they are normal. And I have to realize that more, instead of heading to the keyboard thinking it's the end of my marathon training, or over-worrying.

Don't go the extra mile. For those that know me, this one might be the hardest. I'm pretty stubborn, and always look to stretch out runs. I feel good, so I think it's okay to tack on another mile or two. While it gives my body a bigger workout, it can be a horrible decision. As Jack says "more is less," and that's very true in some cases. I admit the last few long runs I've extended my mileage for no reason; but no more.

No speed work - or worry about time. I've never owned a runners watch, and likely never will. While I think it's achievable to break my time last year, it's not the end of the world if I don't. My body isn't, or won't be before April 19, at full strength - limiting me. I realize I won't pull in a 3:10 marathon, so rather than push myself harder than I need to, I'm just going to enjoy this experience as much as I did last year. This doesn't mean I won't put forth my best capable effort, because I will. It just means I'm not going to stress about time, do speed work - or get massively upset at myself if I have a bad run off my usual pace. Part of running a marathon is fun, and I think stressing out takes away from that. Twenty years from now, people remembered if you finished a marathon more than your time. To me, that's enough.

Keep it straight. While I admit I was looking forward to Jack's intense Tuesday night track workouts, part of signing up for DFMC was a promise not to do this. And I'm sticking into it. While it may seem like an excuse to get out of these intense evenings, I have to stick to straight line running as I can't handle the constant twists and turns of the hip the Tufts track brings. It'll be tough to miss out, but it's for the best.

So there they are, all in writing. My goal: Stick to all six.

Here's hoping one isn't broken next week ;)

Who Needs Sleep?

2010-01-05T18:17:00.001-08:00

Apparently I do. And lots of it. From the February edition of Runners World:

"Scientists recently monitored the sleeping habit of 153 men and women for two weeks, then exposed them to a cold virus. Those who had slept an average of fewer than seven hours were three times more likely to get sick than those who average at least eight hours."

Pretty telling study on how 1+ hour of sleep can make a difference. Especially for those runners training in the winter for a spring marathon - like Boston - where colds are more likely to develop in this crazy Northeast weather. And let's be honest, the very last thing we want to do is get sick.

Last year, I admit I was pretty disciplined in sticking to a regular sleep schedule. This year, not so much - usually staying up later at night. Rest assured, that will change now. And not even the Barenaked Ladies can convince me otherwise.

Of course, after reading this yesterday, I spent a night of tossing and turning, and I actually BQ'd in a way - clocking in a solid 3 or so hours of sleep, one of my worst nights in quite a long time. And who said reading can actually help you sleep better?

No rest for the weary though, as I got in a 7 mile run tonight on my traditional, totally random Arlington/Teele Sq/Ball Sq/Davis Sq/Porter Sq/Teele Sq/back to Arlington route. And for the first time in what seems to be a few weeks - after several tough shorter runs - I felt pretty solid the whole way. Maybe it was because it was my first night run in that time, and for some reason, I usually perform better than. Too bad the marathon can't be at 7 pm....

Okay, off to sleep now.

Snow, Snow - and More Snow

2010-01-03T13:57:00.001-08:00

No worries; I won't start this entry off by saying how much I dislike snow, how much of a nuisance it is - and how it makes marathon training even more tougher than it already is. I've gone there before.

But I can say we're not off to a good start in '10 weather-wise here in Boston. The forecast for the past four days: Snow, snow, snow - and yes, snow. Great for skiers, but not for runners. The last thing you want is to run two hours in the white stuff.

Knowing it was a tough weather weekend, I did what I started last year: Snow dodging. What many people don't understand about this is we always need to be alert to the weather forecast, plan ahead - and be ready to change those plans nearly at the last minute. While we have some control over our training schedules, it's not 100%. We can't control injuries, or the weather.

Not wanting to do my scheduled 12-14 miles in the snow, and on New Years Day (or the day after), I watched the weather forecast carefully, and Lindsey and I went out for a run Thursday morning. I thought I had it down to a science: Run starts at 11, the snow (as predicted by many forecasters the night before) starts at 1 - just as we're just finishing up. Perfect timing. And at most, we'd get a dusting to an inch, that any overlap was fine.

...except Mother Nature got a little impatient. When we started our run near Fenway, past the chaos of prep for the Winter Classic, it was clear. A few minutes later, a few small flakes. By the time we got out to Comm Ave to head out to Newton, it was a much different story. Seemed like it took 15 minutes to cover the pavement. If the weathermen called this snow a dusting, it must be a very low demand job.

But the snow didn't really bother me. We were fortunate where it was belting in our faces on the way out - meaning the trip back from Newton would be easier to handle. Heading out Comm Ave to Brighton Center (a strategic hill dodging move), cutting back up to Comm Ave and onto the course, it was a little slippery, but with eyes on the road, manageable.

We headed out to Walnut Street as the turnaround, paying respects to the Johnny Kelly Statue before shifting directions back into the city. It was a great point, as we got two of the three Newton Hills in (Brae Burn, we'll have our day), for the first time of the season. I do recall Heatbreak being a little slippery at the base, and having to move to the side to get good traction and moving up it. And that sure didn't stop me from tackling a random hill on a side street off the carraige road right after Comm Ave, which really wasn't smart as I almost went flying on the way down. But I was having fun - so I didn't care.

For some reason, I actually felt good this entire run. With Lindsey running a smart conservative pace, I got into a sweep pattern - going ahead of her, reversing and going past her in the opposite direction, before turning back and doing the same. In all, the route was just over 14.5 miles - so I figured I got at least an extra half mile out of it to call it 15. And it was sure good to get it out of the way in time for New Years.

I had hoped to run again on New Years Day, a few miles on the course, as part of the Wellie-Ellie unofficial run that morning - but my body just didn't rebound enough from Thursday's run - so I opted for the atmosphere and beers at Crossroads.

Yesterday I still wasn't ready - and it was snowing - so I paid a visit to one of my most favorite things in the world: The ArcTrainer! This is the machine at the gym you go to if you are the least bit hurt, or just want a good low-impact cardio workout. My goal was to stay off the thing the entire year after a boatload of bonding last year - but I realize that's just impossible. After 45 minutes on it, I did a 20-minute run/walk on the treadmill to give me at least some sense of fulfillment.

Today I returned to the roads with the YakTrax, with 5 miles through Arlington, Somerville and Cambridge, the minute the snow (finally) ended. Was a little rough and slushy, but overall, most of the roads were surprisingly down to the pavement. Like my past few shorter runs, I felt like crap - and never got into a good groove. Is it just me, or are these short runs actually more difficult than the longer ones?

With the snow out the way (at least for a few days), and a return to work this week, I'm looking forward to looping back into the regular training schedule this week. And as was the case last Jan 1, it's about to get a lot harder, and time-consuming.

Bring it on.

2009: A Year in Review

2009-12-30T10:44:00.001-08:00

First off, a disclaimer: This post is totally leveraged from Betsy’s recent year-in-review post. But since she has done the same to me, it’s a free pass!

Simply put, 2009 was a year of run and fun. And chasing dreams.

The highlights:

January: 3 months to go until my first marathon, so let’s try the Derry Boston Prep 16-miler. Wow, another hill? That was hard. Wait, what? Another hill? Wow, this sucks. This certainly takes the cake for all races. I leave with my shins damaged, and vow to never return. It was really weird running past fields of cows; a theme I’d see a lot in the coming months. Thank you YakTrax. What’s this fuss about this bar Crossroads all about? Let me check it out. It really gets cold out running, but who cares: Bush is out, and Obama is now manning the controls.

February: “I’ve never run this before” was my weekly line. Wow, running from Watertown to Wellesley and back seems like an entirety. The 17-mile out and back from Crossroads to Woodland that was my worst running experience…ever…in so many ways. My first big injury training, with my ankle, shelves me for a week.

March: The first 20-miler wasn’t too bad. Long runs followed by Harpoon Fest and bar crawl aren’t horrible ideas. I’m getting very anxious about the marathon; is this normal? And my shin really hurts, is that normal too? I turned 30; crap I’m old. And crap, my shin is really beginning to hurt. A crackling feeling on the night of my birthday. I think I’m in trouble here. So much for the 22-miler peak run. No worries, I’ll just spend 3 hours and 25 minutes burning 3,800 calories on the ArcTrainer instead.

April: Still hurt for the first week. This sucks. How am I supposed to run a marathon in two weeks if I haven’t run in two and a half weeks? Is physical therapy the divine intervention? Wow, it might have worked. Too bad I missed the pleasure of taper; and instead crammed in any miles that I could. I’m going to the start line, even if all the pennies aren’t in the bank.

(And then my life changed). 4 hours, and 2 minutes later. Hopkinton was one of the best moments ever. Wellesley felt great. Crossing 128, not so much. I sure hope I don’t need my quads. As much as I knew those Newton Hills inside out, they ate me up. Cleveland Circle cannot be further from Boston. Beacon Street is a mess. Is that Citgo sign getting any closer? I have never been happier to see Kenmore Square, time to soak it in and enjoy. Except I can’t, I’m drained mentally and physically. I wish I remembered crossing the finish line more vividly, but I sure remember sitting down for 5 minutes after the curb after. Until next year...

May: Rest is for wimps, especially after a first marathon. Let’s keep running. Johnny Kelly Half Marathon down the Cape sounds like a great idea. Wasn’t that bad; and I managed to get my speed somewhat back up. I’ll work on it even more, joining Tuesday Night Track.

June: The Harpoon 5-miler is my new favorite race. Maybe I’ll reward myself and finally take a week off? Nah, that’s just silly; it’s the summer time. Hey, my thigh kind of hurts, and it gets worse every run. Maybe I should rest a week. Nah, silly again. Wow, it really hurts. I’ll take that week.

July: Yup, still hurt. What the heck is this injury? No it hurts near my knee. Back to the ArcTrainer; oh how I have missed it. Maybe I’ll go to the doctor; one MRI, later no answer. Thank you Cape Cod

August: A test run = fail. So much for Falmouth. It’s weird being a spectator there. Darn, I really wish I was running. Doctor is really baffled; let’s take more x-rays that show up nothing. The beach rules.

September: Goodbye Cambridge; hello Arlington. I’ll miss the half mile run to the Charles. Doctor thinks it might be my hip and orders an MRI arthogram. What the heck is that? And he tells me to run to aggravate it – and help better pinpoint the pain and diagnosis. Is he for real? Who cares – he said I can run. Hey, that 3 miles wasn’t bad. I can finally run. Let’s keep doing it, even though the arthogram results are a few weeks away. And the BAA Half: Yes, great idea to train for it in just 5 weeks. I love zero to 13 ramps.

October: Labral tear in the hip? That’s what Mike Lowell and ARod had. Must mean I’m an athlete. But it doesn’t hurt, so I’ll still run the BAA Half. 11 minutes slower than last year, but still okay. My treat: Going to the Sox game right after and seeing them getting eliminated by the Halos. I’ll keep running, and test myself more to see if I can do the marathon, since I got accepted to run DFMC again. Run at the end of the month shows a little stiffness and pain

November: Wow, this is a tough decision. Like the toughest of my life. Some runs hurt, others don’t. Can I handle all the stress? When pressed, indecisiveness means no answer. I have to pass on Boston this year. This decision hurts, but I’m telling myself it’s for the best.

December: Maybe I’ve been watching Brett Favre too much. I’m having second thoughts. You know what, I’m just going to do for it. Life is too small to have regrets. Training is underway; my hip isn’t perfect, but is anyone really? The ramp up isn’t that bad – and I’m back in the game. And looking forward to another great year! for existing. And Tia’s too.

Running Against the Wind

2009-12-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure how Bob Seger felt - but today's run was absolutely miserable. Not because it was slower than usual and I had to work even harder to move forward - but it was because I had to do these two things, with no choice.

The temperature on my way out: 20 degrees. Not horrible on paper, but with wind gusts consistently 20-30 mph, it was a total mess. Wind chill in the single digits. Florida anyone?

I'm not sure what it is, but the wind has been brutal the past few weeks. Is it just me, or did I totally miss this last year?

Knowing I was going to face the beast of wind, I bundled up in three layers - with my partial face mask for a 6-miler. The run out of Arlington to Magnoun Square was decent; tough to warm up, but the wind was clearly behind my back and was pushing me forward. While it was good at the time, I realized the more I was pushed from behind, the more I'd pay for it later..in the face.

And boy did I: The second I made the turn onto the bike trail back into Davis, it hit me. Right in the face. To a point where I thought I was going at a decent pace, but really wasn't going forward. Probably one of the most unpleasant running experiences I've had. Maybe only running in a hurricane could be worse?

Once I got into Davis, I was able to get a reprieve as I changed directions towards Porter Sq. But once I hit that, again: Right in the face. And I had 2 miles of it back home on Mass Ave to Arlington. At one point, the wind basically almost picked my feet up mid-stride, and I almost tripped. Fun.

Running that stretch, I asked myself: Am I really stupid doing this? And is it really worth it? I can now answer: yes and yes. It's days like this that make training for Boston really challenging, and even though you have all the reason in the world to quit, or stop, getting to that starting line - and raising hundreds of dollars for cancer research - is all very much worth it.

It turns out I didn't make it all the way back on Mass Ave. The wind was too much, and I needed another reprieve so I sidetracked down Alewife Brook Parkway, tacking on a half mile. Mostly because I needed a break - and also because I felt my run was meaningless if I was getting blown around, and tacking on a little extra would make it feel more worthwhile.

In the end, I ran 6.7 miles - and didn't get any frostbite. Sure a few hours later I'm still cold, but whatever: I signed up for this, and expected it. I just hope it doesn't stay this brutal as we head into January.

But I also realize I cannot totally complain, because today's run comes two days after a 5 miler through Norwood and Westwood, in which the temperatures were in the 50's and I was wearing shorts.

Only in New England....

Holiday Running

2009-12-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Ah yes, Christmas. As Andy Williams says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Sure, if you fall between the ages of 5-10 – when you were anxious beyond belief on Christmas Eve, couldn’t sleep because you were too busy try to hear the Santa’s reindeer's hoof marks on the roof – culminating with the very much anticipated annual trip downstairs to audit the killings you’ve inherited under the Christmas tree, followed by days of fun beyond belief.

Ah, those were the days. But ever since I turned 21 or something, Christmas has carried a much different meaning. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an awesome time: Getting presents, spending time with family is awesome, and stuffing my face with all the variety of food my family mixes up for the feast – without worrying how many calories are in them – are all awesome.

It’s also a time to act very lazy. No work, lots of time off – and your brain isn’t really required to do anything thinking besides to determine what’s for lunch, dinner – and whether you think it’s best to wake up at either 10 am or noon.

Until last year, the thought of even working out just didn’t fit into these plans. Why even bother? The holidays to me is a time to re-charge your batteries from the rest of the year, and just relax. But training for a marathon, I don’t believe in not running for a week. I’m sure it would be nice, but I just can’t do it.

So, knowing that, I decided to kick off the holiday season with one of my favorite running practices: Front loading. As in do as much as you can, wipe the longer runs out of the way, and give yourself enough time to just relax like you should in the holidays.

It all began Thursday – Christmas Eve. To me, that was the perfect time to knock off this week’s long run, since the last thing I wanted was to do 10-12 miles (I was gunning for 12) after two straight days of plenty of holiday festivities and a lot of junk food. Recruited DFMC teammates Lindsey, who always makes for a fun, entertaining run.

I parked down near the Fens, and did nearly a mile before I met up with her and we began and out-and-back loop to Newton. Started with a lap around Fenway before shooting out to Kenmore to catch Comm Ave outbound. I figured it would be a lot better to mix things up, rather than just Beacon out and back, which can be boring. Plus, it gave us a good dose of hills – mainly, the steep quarter mile incline from Warren Street up to Washington Street in Brighton, mixing in a few other hills. It was a very comfortable pace out past Boston College, which I didn’t bother me that much. This is all about fun for me; not speed.

The route I mapped out had our turnaround, thankfully, just at the top of Heartbreak Hill. Figure it’s easier to leave that for another day, as we headed back on the all-too-familiar route, through Cleveland Circle, Washington Square (where Lindsey passed me last year during the marathon, in dramatic fashion), into Coolidge Corner, and to Audubon Circle. I hadn’t run this part of the route since May, and it was certainly good to be back.

Lindsey only wanted to do 10, so we parted before Kenmore. I had planned to head into Kenmore and tack on another mile or so for an even 12. Yet, once again, I was met with this weird desire to just do more – when I really shouldn’t have. Rode the course down Comm, to Hereford, down Boylston to the finish line. My first of the season. Totally unnecessary, but I felt the more I ran that day, the less I would that week. After a run into Copley Square, and catching Huntington Ave outbound back to Northeastern, it gave me 13.5 miles for the day. A little more than I had expected, but the good news is I only felt like crap the last two miles or so.

Friday, Christmas, was an off day. For some reason, it just doesn’t seem necessary to work out on Christmas, though I did see some runners out. Spent quality time with the family – including fellow DFMC’er Mike, who got some pretty good running treats from Santa. Sure brings back memories of last year.

This morning was the perfect time to burn off all those sandwiches, lasagna, random snacks, shrimp, beef, fried egg rolls, cake, cookies and beer that Christmas brought me, by going for a spin through Norwood, my hometown.

Now as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I hate running in the suburbs. It’s boring, there’s really nothing to look at except trees and houses. And I only passed one runner the whole time.

Ended up doing just over 7 miles, and I keep forgetting how this town is full of rolling hills. Maybe it’s because it’s essentially a valley, but it’s never an easy run. Especially for that half-mile steep hill from my elementary school up to Norwood High. Reminds me of Brae Burn a bit, where you’re seemingly out of gas whether you have just run 2 miles, or 17.

The effects of chowing down anything in site the past 4 hours were sure felt. The run was slow, and tough at times. Maybe it was the hills, maybe it was because I just ate 10,000 calories. But whatever it was, it was certainly good to be out on the roads. It sure makes me look less down on all the lazy time I’ll have this week.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas, and happy holidays!

My Training Wheels

2009-12-22T18:32:00.001-08:00

When I was a kid, like all kids, I couldn't just get on a bike for the first time and ride it. It's that first time when almost everyone is fearful of what will happen. You need to learn how to gain the proper balance and coordination to keep the thing upright, or else it's going to an ugly situation that requires a first aid kit - at the very least.

So, that's why training wheels exist. It gives the child a perfect time to master the art on how become physically stable on a bicycle so it doesn't tip and parents have that disaster on their hands. It's also half mental too, as the child has to gain the confidence to glide free on that bike - without any support.

(For the record, I admit it took me much longer, and many, many fails and falls than most. Until one day, my mother looked out the window and there I was, off and running. Sometimes kids have to just learn for themselves).

So how is this relevant to running? Simple: I realized tonight YakTrax are like my training wheels. They provide a peace of mind, and prevent me from falling flat on my rear end, or better yet my face, at the most inopportune time in the middle of Davis Square or outside my apartment. Despite being an extremely odd looking, somewhat embarrassing contraption on the bottom of my shoes, it's totally worth it. Just like those training wheels were.

I depended on them last night. And tonight, I did a brief audit outside my apartment, there were still some spots of black ice and sidewalks that weren't down to the pavement yet. So I lacked that comfort - and strapped them back on again.

The run itself was a short one tonight: 4 miles up just past Davis Square and back. The wind was still persistent, and it was like a weather deja vu in relation to last night.

I am glad I had those YakTrax on, because as I got into Davis, the cobblestone sidewalks were basically all ice. And since there was simply no room in the street, I had to settle for running on them, dodging people and manueuvring around intersections.

I'd imagine it was a pretty comical situation in ways, as here I am running oddly just not trying to trip, but with these funky things on my shoes. In fact, one guy got a kick out of it and even mocked me.

My message to him: Glad I could provide you some humor. Consider it a Christmas present to you. And since you are so awesome, I'll give you another one - in the form of some advice: Loitering outside the local convenient mart smoking butts with your two buddies is a really cool thing to do....if you are in high school. Not when you are in your late 20's.

Anyways, the rest of the run went well. Decent pace, which I can pull off since it's a short run. The plan calls for a rest day tomorrow - then 10-12 miles on Thursday, and getting this week's long run out of the way, before heading back to Norwood for the holidays.

I'll sure be bringing the training wheels along. And Iike I did as a kid, I might leave them on longer than expected.

Runners + Snow = Yea, it just doesn't work

2009-12-21T18:13:00.000-08:00

So we got hit with a snowstorm yesterday, with just about a foot here in Arlington and surrounding communities. Could have been worse and got in the way of this weekend's long run, but thankfully it did not.

As a person, the snow annoys me a bit. Sure I grew up here in Boston and spent even more blustery winters in Syracuse, but I'm totally done with it. I don't ski. I hate the cold. It makes driving miserable at times. Bad drivers become really bad. It may look cool for the first few hours after it falls, but after that - and a lot of powerful fumes from car - it becomes a discolored mess. And to me, it's just a burden. Except with Christmas, because frankly, what is Christmas without snow? So, for this storm, I give it a pass.

But as a runner, it doesn't annoy me. It provides a deep nuisance. Frankly, I hate it. Snow piles up, it gets in the way, the sidewalks become impassable at times. Forget about trying to hop over curbs; they are now mini-mountains. And you have to basically share the street with cars, which is simply not a good thing.

So, with a fresh foot on the ground, I really wasn't looking forward to tonight's 6 miles. I could have easily gone to the gym and done the treadmill, but I didn't want to get hit up with shin splints or mess up my knee. So I broke open the YakTrax (really, it took me quite awhile to find them), strapped them on and headed out the door.

Tonight was in the high 20's - much better than the past few days. But with a pretty decent wind, the "feel like" temp sunk into the teens. Something I didn't really care about until the wind blew in my face the first block I ran. Too late to turn back now.

But as is the case with the cold, the first mile may be rough - but you always heat up. (Just something we all have to keep telling ourselves). I must say the YakTrax sure come in handy. Whether snow or ice, it provides the traction to tackle any the urban mess - snow, slush, ice, human waste, whatever - a snowstorm brings.

There are still some barriers though, and it does require a lot of paying attention to what's ahead, and shuffling. Not a good thing for me, since one of the promises to myself was straight line running, with no twists and turns. (Re: Not good for my labral tear).

A really baffling thing I noticed. A lot of the sidewalks weren't shoveled, more than 24 hours after the last flake fell. Now these streets in particular are some of the busiest drags in Somerville, for both cars and pedestrians. And pretty there's an ordinance that requires all landlords to shovel their sidewalks. Across the city.

And not doing that is a peeve. Now, I'm not complaining here for myself - but I am for those other people who walk around, and can easily meet the ground in an unforgiving fashion. I do wish my late grandfather, a former Somerville cop, knew about this - because he sure knew how to handle things, especially if it dealt with the law.

I would never expose the location of these places, because I am frankly not a snitch. And that's not cool, especially since they can face a big fine. But to those landlords of 7*9 Somerville, 8*2 Broadway and the Clarendon Hill Towers, I offer you some help...!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNP2kcCMR38&feature=related

Really, it's not hard.

That aside, the run was decent 6 miles. The amazing things about YakTrax is you barely notice they are on your shoes despite carrying a little extra weight with them. I warmed up a bit, and got in a good stride - and tried to speed things up more, as I hit a nice wind tunnel for the 2 mile stretch up Mass Ave from Porter Square home. I sure hope the wind is gone for tomorrow's run.

And I also ran past a group of Christmas carolers on the street in Davis Square, serenading random people on the street. Such an awesome thing.

Until then, stay classy Somerville. And remember, shovels are always on sale at Sears!

First Group Run

2009-12-19T10:13:00.001-08:00

Ever get bored when you run or workout? Well I do. The thought of running insane distances by myself is never an attractive thought. Especially on a cold day, when all you want to do is be home on your warm coach. Sure I need my "me" time on the roads, but the longer you go, the more lonely they can be.

Which is why it's great we have DFMC group runs each week of the marathon season. Sure we have to wake up at 6:30 in the morning - which is well before when I usually wake up during the work week - but it's worth it. Knowing you aren't doing it alone is a good feeling, and really does motivate you more that you're doing it with great friends. So, this was a run I was really looking forward to, especially since it was the first time I saw some folks since the marathon.

This morning, we did our first out of the Greater Boston Running Company in Lexington, a small nice running store (that gave me my new kicks two weeks ago). Last year, we had all our runs out of area clubs, which was great - but they're doing it a little different this year, with most runs still at the clubs, but adding this Lexington run into the mix.

After checking the weather before I went to bed last night, I was happy to see temps being in the high 20's for the morning. Yes, it's pathetic, but this is winter in Boston, and that's actually a good day. So I packed lighter layers.

When I woke up this morning and flipped on the Today Show, temps read 19. D'oh. That surely required another trip to the closet to bundle up more.

Once I get up to Lexington, it was a little standing around in the cold - then it was up and running right before I knew it. Once I got going, I realized how much I missed these things. This isn't just running; it's running together, and when you have a chance, just have a good time. Much different than those lonely roads.

Today's plan called for 8-10 miles down the Minuteman Bike Trail from Lexington Center right to Arlington Center (the 10 mile route). A little weird, given I had driven from Arlington to Lexington, just to run back to Arlington then back to Lexington?

But it was a nice run; my first on that end of the trail. Not much to look at, but at least it's flat. Did most of the run with my cousin Mike, a first time DFMC'er who I am thrilled is on the team. Good to chat, and keep each other going.

At the turnaround in Arlington, Mike's watch read about 4.7 miles or so from the start, so I ended up tacking on about a mile and a half at the end for a total of 11.3. Really have no idea why I did that; was totally content doing 9 or 10, but with the holiday week coming up, I think it's a case where more is more, given there will be a lot less running in the next couple of weeks, and the groups runs are on hiatus for the next two weekends.

Guess I'll have to do some bonding with those lonely roads. Until then, I'll be busy digging out my YakTrax. Looks like we'll need them after tomorrow.

Tha Crossroads

2009-12-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

While it's an entirely different concept, Thursday nights always reminds me of the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony song from my high school days.

That song stems from a young man who was murdered, and his family is grieving, and pledging they will see them at the Crossroads - in that case, a metaphorically place where other things – both physical and abstract - meet.

It's safe to say our Thursday nights are a tad different. No murders. No crying (well, maybe I had one case last year). And no sad times.

But, there are many things that are the same. We all start in the same place, but break up, going our own pace and separating with some. But in the end, we meet at the happy place, this being Crossroads Irish Pub tucked in Boston's Back Bay.

It's one of the best parts of being part of this experience. Marathon training isn't easy, and commands a lot of time, and running. In the peak time of February and March, in one given week, you're doing runs of 16-20 miles, 8-10 and 6-8 miles. (Which for some is hard to fathom now given the LOW end is now our HIGH).

So, lots of running - and when you're tacking on those miles, you want to do everything you can to make them enjoyable.

Enter Thursday nights. Each week, runners encompassing the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, Run for Research, Joints in Motion and other charities gather at the pub for an informal group run. The routes vary; in the fall, a loop on the Charles River is usually in order. As you get closer to the holidays, some get brave and begin what usually kicks off in January: Taking the T out to Woodland, tacking the Newton hills and running the course back in. And when we finish, we all gather at the Crossroads - to enjoy pizza, beer and share fun times.

It was a tradition that for me never died after the marathon. While the numbers dropped off, a group was always there each week - and I went well into the summer and the fall.

And here we are again. The number of runners are picking up more. The mileage is increasing. And fun is growing.

Last night, while most folks are going to the bar prior to the run, my work schedule has not allowed me to get out early enough to drive downtown in time for 5:45'ish, when most meet. (I have worked a deal, though, to do that starting in January)

So last night, I did what I've been doing the past few weeks. Having Fridays off, with a free pass to optimize my fun later that night, I drove straight home to Arlington after work, dropped my stuff off and headed out for the 5+ mile run downtown, via Porter, Inman and Kendall Square.

Winter was definitely here yesterday, with temperatures around 15 degrees when I left my place, and wind chills dipping that amount down a little. But with three layers, comfy gloves and my face covered 50 percent, the run wasn't that bad. Of course, had it been the Newton Hills - and 8.7 miles - we usually do, it would have been a much different story.

Looking forward to our first DFMC group run tomorrow morning out of Lexington. Will be good to see some familiar faces I haven't seen since last year - and just have some fun. Thankfully the weather will be a little better, with temps in the 20's - as we await a probably major snowstorm on Sunday.

Great news on the fundraising front: I've surpassed the $1,000 mark - well ahead of where I was last year. More on that later!

And "Official" Training Begins

2009-12-15T18:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday marked the start of Jack's 18 week marathon training program, leading us right up to April 19. Day by day, of recommended workouts, for the next 125 some days. Some days off, some with cross-training and others belting out 20 miles or so. Seems a little eye-awakening and intimidating, but I'm going to just keep saying to myself how I've done this before.

And new this year, Jack gave us both a Beginners and Advanced program. While I'd love to stick with the less-intensive beginner's program, I realize I'm not a beginner, so I'll stick with advanced. That would just be pure lazy on my part.

Since making the decision to run the marathon two weeks ago, I pulled in back-to-back runs of 6 miles and 8 miles the Thursday and Friday before last. Probably the only time I'll get in my two longer runs of the week in a span of 24 hours, but I figured I'd use the time the mileage is low to actually enjoy a weekend.

Last week gave me runs of 6 and 5 miles; one on a fairly mild evening, another just hours after snow dumped a few inches on us, turning into a slushy run - which is certainly one of the first of many inconveniences that training for the Boston Marathon brings you...if you live in Boston.

Since I did a creative job saving all my vacation time for December (sarcasm), I decided to take off every Friday this month, leaving me with an arsenal of 3-day weekends that bring back many fond memories of my days in Syracuse. Being in that situation, and knowing I'll be lucky to get out just one night a week in a few months, I'm savoring it. Skipped the Crossroads run last Thursday, but not Crossroads itself. Finally got to see what that place looked like long after the last runners leave. And again, brought back some good ol' good memories.

With Friday off, I decided to make my long run then - anywhere between 8-9 miles. Moving to Arlington in September, I had to completely re-do my running routes, and am still learning. This day, I decided to check out some of the nearby Minuteman Bikeway up to the center of town, then shooting back in towards Somerville, for the part I call "square bouncing."

Now what is this "square bouncing" term that sounds so very uncreative? Well, I think I'm in the minority of runners who actually like running in the city. This, coming from someone who grew up in suburban Norwood, and usually didn't enjoy running that much. Granted that was the time before iPods, but I felt the fact no one was around had something to do with why I wasn't that much into running back then.

While I still feel rural areas can still be good to mix in, I simply prefer running where there are more cars. Where I can run past ten restaurants in the course of a quarter of a mile. Where I can see all people out and about. And yes, for some crazy reason, where I can dodge those unsuspecting pedestrians who hog the sidewalk without a clue of their surroundings.

So while some may prefer Walden Pond or the carriage roads of newton, I actually love running through the nearby metropolis of Somerville, bouncing between Teele, Davis, Ball and Porter Squares. For me, that makes running even more fun. (Well, on most days).

So last Friday, after an in and out into Arlington (and my first fall of the year thanks to some black ice, and my customary up, brush off and go approach), I did just that. Into Teele Sq, down to Ball Sq, over to Davis, close down to Inman Sq, up to Porter and up Mass Ave in back home to Arlington. All for a total of just under 9 miles, my long run of the week.

Taking Saturday off, I was fortunate to take part in the Somerville Jingle Bell run Sunday morning. Some feel this is a rip-off of the traditional Jingle Bell run put on by Bill Rodgers out of Faneuil Hall, but I really didn't care. Who can pass up running with 5,000 other folks, deck our in a Santa hat that looks beyond ridiculous, run through the same streets of Somerville I do very often now - and 5k later, drink free beer?! Cha-ching, Christmas style.

I treated this as just a slow training run, following the lead of DFMC teammate Fred, who pulled off an awesome 3:25 in a marathon just last week. I felt there was no need to run this one fast, and ordered a leisure jog where I could just have fun, given the festive atmosphere. Kept a pace around 8:10 or so for most of the run, until Fred and his friends decided to sprint the last half mile or so with the finish line in sight. While it would have been fine, part of the deal of tackling the marathon - and making sure my bum hip can withstand it - was no sprinting, speed work or track workouts. So knowing that, I casually pulled into the finish at 24:51 - which interpreted to 8 minute miles on the dot. Fine by me.

After, I made my first "damn I wish I could have done that over" decision of the season, in avoiding stretching and making a beeline to the Burren, where free Harpoon awaited us. While it seemed a good idea at the time, I realized yesterday morning it was not intelligent, as my upper shins felt sore and tight.

So, last night, I made my second "damn I wish I could have done that over" move, thinking it was nothing and going out for a 6 mile run through Somerville. Add in the fact I felt a little nauseous that afternoon, and let's just say it was a bad, slow and stupid run I shouldn't have done in the first place.

The lower leg feels even more tight today, but I'm not going to complain or worry about it. Because I deserve what I got. Being stubborn, and not learning from my mistakes last year, is just something I'll have to overcome. So, I'm going to relax, use these next two days to finish up Christmas shopping - and plan to return to the roads on Thursday night at Crossroads.

While, of course, hoping that next time, the lesson I learn actually stays in my head.

Training Never Ends: Where Have I Been?

2009-12-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

While marathon training "officially" begins this week, my belief is that I am always in training mode - whether it's July with the marathon nine months away, or the fall when I am resting for a week. The fact is you can't just start from scratch (running 0, or very little, miles a week) and expect to hop right into training and run a marathon.

To me, when I crossed the line on Boylston Street this past April, any runs from that point on were aimed at April 19, 2010. Each would allow me to maintain an adequate base, stay in shape and keep in top running form for then training ramps up this winter. So, here's a look at where I been since I last updated on my old blog.

I started things off by doing something really stupid: Only taking one week off after the marathon, then doing the Johnny Kelly Half-Marathon down the Cape Memorial Day weekend. Talk about a real rookie mistake. Rather taking the well-needed time off to work off the wear and tear of the marathon, I jumped right back into things like I never stopped. I ran the half in 1:42 (7 minutes off my PR), but it was a good run.

From there, I also ran what was perhaps one of the most enjoyable events around: The Harpoon 5 Miler in early June, held at the Harpoon Brewery in Boston. Knowing I didn't run the marathon at the speed I wanted to, and desperate to prove it didn't take away my ability to run fast, this race was a huge testbed for me - going out as fast as I could. The net result was 36:44, which was 6:56 miles - something that I hadn't come close to in months. Celebrated that one by enjoying a few - or twenty - Harpoons.

After the those two races, I did my second stupid thing: Joined the Tuesday Night track club(an off-shoot of DFMC), with really no idea what I was doing. Now, I ran track in high school (albeit not that well), but that was well over 11 years ago. And going out every week on the Belmont High School track, I had zero plan, and just did what I wanted. Which was running around in circle as fast I could. Not smart, as by late June, I soon found with pain in my leg which had gotten progressively worse.

Knowing I had nothing on the horizon, I decided to rest for a week - hoping to shake it off. No luck there, as the pain persisted and it became tough to walk. Definitely an "uh oh" feeling for a runner.

Not knowing what it was, and deciding to play it safe, I took more rest - and went to the doctor. After a few appointments, clean X-rays and a clean MRI, my orthopedic was really baffled. Yet, I had tried to run, and couldn't. That was the case for all of July and August.

I ended up missing out the my personal highlight of the the summer, the Falmouth Road Race, a tough decision but one I knew was in my best interest. Being a spectator this year cheering on my friends was not an easy thing, and even fed my obsession to get back on the roads even more.

I went back into the doctor in late August, for more test on the leg. He had x-rayed my back and knee too, with all coming back clean. His next step: The hip, which I really had never injured before. To take a look at it, it was a very different approach: He wanted me to run for a week, no matter how much it hurt, go in a week later for a cortisone shot and an MRI arthogram, which is a dye injection into the hip joint - and subsequent MRI.

While I think the doctor was insane telling me to run, I did, starting on September 1. And a weird thing happened: It didn't hurt at all. Sure it was stiff, but it was quite the contrast from the pain I'd get with one stride all summer.

So knowing how stubborn I am, I kept running. And running even more I had registered for the BAA Half-Marathon earlier in the summer before this mysterious injury set in, and it got a point where I decided to make a shotgun training run for it - ramping up in just five weeks with no case.

About 1-2 weeks into that training, the result from my arthogram came back: I had a labral tear in my right hip. Being a huge Sox fan, I knew that was exactly what Mike Lowell labored through last season. Couldn't be a good thing, but hey, I was running with pain so no harm, right? I eventually went to see a hip specialist, who said surgery right now was not required, given my symptoms were not that strong.

It probably wasn't the wisest idea, but I ended up getting through the BAA Half in just over 1:45 - 11 minutes slower than my time last year. Pretty content with that, given I went from zero to 13 in just 5+ weeks.

After that, I ran a few other small races, and noticed some smaller, yet manageable pain, with my hip. Knowing I didn't want to put myself in a difficult position, I had a tough time deciding whether I wanted to do the marathon this year. Though it may seem small, it was one of my difficult decisions I had gone though. At first, I didn't think I was mentally up for it given the fact I'd be running on a fragile hip.

Yet after much contemplation, and even more running, I realized the only place I want to be on April 19 is the starting line. And I think I'm in a position where I can do it, even if it means listening to my body even more than every before.

So here I am now: Running consistently for the past 3+ months with the base, and drive, to take me through these next exciting few months.

So while the bulk of the training is ahead of us - in the wise words of Jack Fultz, I've already got some pennies in the bank.

Here we go again

2009-12-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

It's official. I am running the Boston Marathon again - for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC). My web page: http://www.rundfmc.org/2010/mikemcd

It's a much different situation from last year. It took me awhile to commit, as I made the final decision this past Wednesday. The main reason is I spent the entire second half of the summer down with a hip injury, and was really cautious as to how I was going to approach things. But, at the end of the day, I realized:

This is simply too much of an important cause- and I still have the energy, power and passion to really help enhance cancer research. We raised $4.4 MILLION as a team last year - and made great strides not only with our running, but getting closer to a world without cancer
Last year was the best experience of my life. Sure it wasn't easy at times, but those were completely outweighted by the great friends, great mentors, great times - and more importantly, the common bound to put an end to cancer.
The reward is bigger than the risk. Sure there's a chance I'll head into as many doctor offices as I have in the past year - but that doesn't matter when you're standing next to the chance to make the track from Hopkinton to Boston - the right way: With Dana-Farber
Life is short. If you want to do something, do it. Plan and simple
I want another crack at the marathon course. I had set a goal last year, time-wise, and was well on track to fulfill that goal. Until 4 weeks prior, when I managed to injure my leg, throwing training off course, keeping me away from running for 2 weeks, heading to the starting line not prepared as I was - and missing my goal by just under 3 minutes.
I want to help others. Last year, I was the naive runner who went into this not knowing anyone on the team, or what marathon training really entailed. I thought I knew many things, when in reality, that was far from the case. But through the help of many "veteran" teammates, I was able to do it. I sure as heck couldn't have gotten through it alone, and I want to apply what I learned last year to the newcomers.

There are a hundred more reasons I could sound off on, but that is the gist here.

I'm back, excited and ready to get this moving.

A New Home.....

2009-10-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new home on the WWW - and return to blogging.

Hard to believe it's been almost 6 months to the day I made the memorable journey from Hopkinton to Boston. Seems like it was just yesterday in some ways, and ages ago at other times. Either way, it will remain the most memorable 5 months, and day, of my life.

So that's why I'm starting from scratch again. I'll always have my old blog to look back on - and never forget. But for now, it's time for new memories.....all of which will fill this page up.

As always, more to come...