The Flushing Half Marathon - Well Worth the Price

I ran my first Half for the 2010 season on Saturday, March 27 - the Flushing Township Half Marathon.

Overall, I would say this was a very nice race. You couldn’t beat the cost. Registration was only $18.00 with a long-sleeve shirt (cotton) or $8.00 without; I opted for no shirt. The time of year was exactly what I needed, as well. With Boston coming up in a few weeks, this worked perfectly into my schedule of finding and running a half to check out my fitness level. The route was fast and flat, so there were no unexpected twists, turns, or huge elevation changes. The administration of the race was well prepared, efficient, and very friendly. The facilities were great; the Flushing High School. And the aid-stations were well stocked as well as nice post-race nourishments; apples and apple cider.

Above all, I ran into a host of friends and other runners from the area. That just made the day; to be able to chat before and after the race about it and all of the other up-coming events.



A couple of gripes. The first gripe – the race was a gun start. This wasn’t a problem, since it was so small and I was able to get to the front. But, I can see how it could be a setback for other runners further behind the line, or if the race were any bigger. The second gripe - the race took place on open public roads. The streets were busy and the curbs were hard to navigate. This I didn’t care for at all. During a 13.1 mile run, the last thing I want to worry about is getting hit by a car or twisting my ankle avoiding one.

Besides the two small grumbles I have with the race, it was well worth doing. I had a great time and would suggest it to anyone looking for a local, spring half-marathon. Well worth the price.

My First Road Bike - 2010 Trek Madone 4.7

This is a nice ride. I picked up my bike on Tuesday and took it out for a test spin on Wednesday. Smooth. The ride was great. I did a couple of loops at Stony Creek, tweaked the handle bars a bit, and headed home with a big smile on my face. Thoughts of heading out today for another spin.As I woke up this morning, I noticed rain. Rain, rain, rain. And since I’m a newbie to riding road, my thoughts now turn to a clear sky this afternoon. I think I see a sun ray peeking through.

This is the start of a beautiful relationship.

Four Weeks To Boston - Back on Schedule

I’ve been on a training schedule for Boston since late December. For the most part, I’ve followed it to the tee; some minor changes depending on the legs.

I fell off The Wagon. Three week sago, I tweaked a tendon and took the week off to let it heal – no biggie. Two weeks ago, the rest healed the tweak and rejuvenated my legs and spirit. I ended up doing recovery miles instead of my routine of speed/strength sessions to make sure the legs were back in order. By the end of the week, I ended up doing 71 miles (my schedule called for 64).

Last week, I went over again. I was supposed to do another 64 mile week, and ended up at 74 - including my speed and tempo runs. I feel great, but know I’m doing too much.

And just this morning I figured out why. I plan on running ultras this year, and have joined a group of long distance runners. Well, they started an unofficial weekly mileage challenge on the website Dailymile.com. I’m kind of competitive. So I’ve been playing along. It really is addicting to see your miles climb while comparing them to other runners in the group.

But I’m done with that nonsense – for now. Back to the schedule, back to focusing on Boston. After the race, I’ll get back to the mileage in preparation for my first 50 miler – the North Country Trail Run. Until then, Boston’s in my sights.

To everyone running Boston out there, I hope the training’s going well and you’re as excited as I am for the run.

First Ride of the Year

The Yeti saw the light of day, today. The first ride outside was great. Paula and I swapped our trainer slicks for some real tires, packed up the bikes, and headed to the park. Since the spring thaw tends to mush up the trails, I try to stay off them until mid April. So we opted to ride the bike loop a couple of times to get our bearings.

The park was packed with other riders, walkers, and runners – all trying to get some rays from the cloudless sky. The ride started off with me playing keep-up with Paula. She hit the loop hard and I saw why she calls her bike Speedy. Once I caught up, I did a bit of drafting for most of the first loop to let her burn off some of that extra energy – didn’t work. She was up and down the trail, like second nature.

We had some drinks at the cars, and headed out for a second loop. By this time, I was getting my biking legs back. I still wanted to go slow, but enjoyed the down hills and the bouts of wind – it felt good to push through the gales. Afterwards, we packed them up and home I went. A good 12 miler to start off the year.

The Yeti’s still on the roof of the Jeep and every time I walk by the window, I want to head back out. Tomorrow’s supposed to be nice.

Big Miles Week

Just going over my running for last week and realized that it was the most mileage I've ever done in seven days. I hit 71 miles and the old legs feel great! I had a tweak in a tendon two weeks ago which gave me a scare. I took the week off, and just did easy runs last week. Wasn't really paying attention to the mileage and they just kind of snuck up on me. I know, Luke, I know - I won't over do it.

With five weeks to go before the Boston Marathon, I'm feeling better than I ever have before a race. A friend of mine has really helped me out this time around with a training program, and as I get closer to the date I feel as if all the pieces are falling into place.

Today's run should be fun; a nice fast-paced fourteen miler at the park. The sun is out and not a cloud in the sky. More and more runners are coming out of hibernation and I'm seeing faces at the park I haven't seen in months. I do believe the saying, "Two things excite runners the most - clocks and people". It always gets me moving to see other runners when I'm out.

Tomorrow's weather is supposed to be the same, and I'll be searching for some hills and pretending I'm in the town of Newton.

Spring is coming. Boston is coming.

Getting Past a Pain

It’s now less than six weeks to Boston! The days are just flying by.

As for the six mile recovery run that I did on Monday. It went great. I took my time the entire run and just enjoyed the nice weather and the other runners – people watching is great. I waited all day to see of the ligaments would tighten up or do any other weird aches, but nothing ever surfaced. Just to make sure it was healing up properly, I went out yesterday for a easy 12 mile run, to see if the added distance would bother the old legs. Nothing abnormal at all popped up.

I’m heading out for another easy 8 miler today and see how it goes. That pain really unnerved me and now I just can’t get past the feeling that something is going to pop at any moment. It’s weird how a little twinge or pop can really get the mind reeling; “is it leg better?”, “are those phantom pains or real?”, “did I rest long enough?”, “is it going to get worse?” And since my mind won’t let me get past it so easily, this is going to turn out to be a recovery week; just easy miles until next Monday to see how everything feels. Then go from there. If a problem still exists, six weeks before the race is still plenty of time for almost any injury to heal. And if the problem is gone, than a recovery week won’t hurt a thing. It’s taken years to get here, no hurry now.

Supposed to rain today – time to wash away the snow.

Six Weeks to Boston!

Six weeks to Boston. I’ve been training since mid-December faithfully for the race. I’ve enjoyed the bumps and bruises, the aches and pains, the icing and the anti-inflammatories. The training is going great! I feel stronger and faster than I ever have. I’ve done strength training and my core and legs feel powerful.

When needed, I’ve done the I.C.E. injury treatment. I’ve iced my knees, my ankles, my hips, knees again (outer and inner), and can’t forget shins. I’ve compressed almost every part of my body below the waist at least twice since November. Sometimes looking like a mummy from certain angles. And I’ve elevated so many nights, and in so many different ways, that my pillow is having an identity crisis.

But I’ve never followed through on the R. Over the years, if something ached, hurt, or pinched I would run through it. I finally learned after a serious injury last fall that the R. is important, very much so. And because of that lesson, I decided to take this last week off. I had a great run last Saturday (eight days ago). I hit 18 miles at a 7:19 pace. I’d love to do 7s at Boston. But afterwards, a tendon/muscle pain started to pop up in my right leg. I ran Sunday, and got in 4.75 miles before the pain got so bad I had to stop (sharp/stabbing pain in the lower outside area of my leg).

One of my knees has been achy, and then this. Nothing serious, but I listened to the old body and took the week off. It paid off and all of the little aches and pains are gone; my tendons around the ankle don’t hurt and the minor knee thing is better. I feel rested and stronger than ever. But I’ve started to get a bit squirrelly and am ready to get back to it. I’m gonna head to the park today to get in an easy six mile run and see how the ankle feels. I’m a bit anxious and don’t know what to expect. And if it still hurts? Fingers crossed.

The coffee cup is empty - its time to run. Six weeks to go.

Seven Weeks to Boston!

Seven weeks to Boston. This seems like the longest time I’ve ever spent planning a trip in my life. It started about three years ago - December of 2006 - when I decided to take up running to drop some weight and cross train for mountain biking. My goals were simple at the time.

1. I wanted to be able to run a mile by January, 2007.
2. I wanted to be able to run a Marathon within three years.
3. I wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon within seven years.
4. And, my ultimate goal was to be able to run Boston under 3:00:00 while looking good (no time frame because I never thought it could be possible).

That’s when the trip for me started; three years ago.

Since that time, I’ve fallen in love with running, to the point now that I cross train on my bike for the benefits of running, and am considered by my biking friends as a runner.

I love the sport. I run in the snow, in the mud, through the woods, on bike paths, roads, and even on tracks (which I said I would never do). Because of the years of mountain biking, I’m partial to the trails. I run them more than any other surface. I’ve peed behind trees and rocks and cars because I didn’t want to interrupt a run. I’ve been sidelined by injuries, and been beaten by my wife at races. I’m a runner. I am not a jogger!

I’ve become addicted to races. I got in sixteen in 2009, including two marathons - the Bayshore and Grand Rapids. The GR Marathon was a PR for me as well as a Boston Qualifying time, and I registered the first possible day. That’s when Boston became a reality sooner than I thought. Plans were set in motion. I wanted to do it the right way, so I healed after GR and then started a training program – 16 weeks.

My running has been going great. I’ve been hitting my times and my speed work. My mileage is increasing, as well as my pace. My last long run was the best yet; I averaged 7:19s for 18 miles, and felt like I could have kept on going.

Today’s my rest day but I want to run. I won’t, I’ll follow my program and not over-train. But as I sit here, drinking my coffee, it occurred to me that I really am going to run the Boston. I get to stand at the start in Hopkinton. I get to pass Wellesley College (maybe get a kiss – don’t tell my wife). I get to run the Hills of Newton. I get to feel the excitement of Boston as I run those last 385 yards to the Finish line!

It also occurred to me that this is happening faster than I ever thought it would. I ran that first mile by January. I ran my first marathon in October of 2008. I qualified for Boston in October 2009. And my marathon pace is getting close to 7:00 minute miles (almost there).

So, in ~three years, my ultimate goal is fast approaching. I’m nervous, excited, and anxious. And I’m happy.