The Trail Marathon

What can I say? It’s a 26.2 mile race on a trail.

What more can I say? It was a great time running my first trail marathon (already signed up for two more this year). A bunch of my RUT friends were also doing the run, along with Paula and a few others doing the Half (one loop). Before the race, we had a chance to relax, talk, and enjoy the cooler day. Everything was set-up, organized, and ready for the race; as it always seems to be with the RunningFit races.

As the race started and progressed through the woods, I found my pace and stuck with it. At about mile seven, Kai caught up and ran with me through the first loop and until mile 20ish. At which time I slowed down and dropped back.

The last few miles were a bear; I overdressed and didn’t drink enough. The clothing got me overheated in the beginning of the race. They became soaked from the sweat, and when I slowed down for the last four miles, I became extremely cold. Add the dehydration from not drinking enough and fatigue from running the Boston six days earlier, my body told me that enough was enough.

I finished the race at 4:14:00; not a bad time for my first. And looking back, it was a great experience and I can’t wait for the next one.

Ran the race on Sunday, April 25th 2010

The 2010 Boston Marathon

What a great experience. This was truly high up on my list of things to do before I die – and it was all I thought it would be. I enjoyed the trip from beginning to end; the drive out East, spending time with friends and family, the race experience, and the wandering back home.

Although I didn’t do quite as well as I was hoping, time wise, I did soak in the excitement and festive atmosphere of the event. I took full advantage of the Expo (very big, crowded, and not many deals) and the pre-pasta dinner (sat outside in the wind and rain and ate cold, icky food – but free beer!). I staked out the drive for the morning of, to get me there fast and in time (went right to the park and skipped the buses altogether). Hydrated and kept warm before the race started. And when the gun went off, I headed to Boston.

The race was great; so many runners and spectators during the entire course. The crowds were alive and cheering and the volunteers were expert. I hit my time at the half, but fell from grace at the 14 mile mark. By mile 18, I slowed too much to make up the time loss and decided to take the rest of the course easy and enjoy the people. After that point, it was a lot of hand slapping with the kids watching, smiling, and sucking in the mood of the race.

The CITGO sign was exactly as I expected. I knew that after I passed it, the road would soon lead me to Boylston Street and the Finish line. The people were going crazy with cheers and support, every racer that had reserves left kicked it into high gear, and I watched the last miles from my vantage point – some runners whipping by, some walking or limping, some waving their hands to get the crowds riled, and some doing the same as me.

Soon enough, the Finish Line was in view and the race was over. It ended as all races do; a blanket, water, a banana, a finisher’s medal, and a lot of “Good Job”s. For me, it was more than the end of a 26.2 mile race, but years of dreaming, months of training, and hours of running to accomplish The Boston Marathon…

Ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19th 2010

Running with the RUTsters

This was my first time running with this bunch of "crazies". I don't know what I was thinking. I had to get up at 5:00am just to get there in time - mad.

The plan was to meet up at some parking lot outside of Island Lake Recreation Area at 6:45am to hit the yellow loop. Then drive into the park and meet up with the less-crazy people at 8:00am. And then run some more.

The early bunch was going for 50 kilometers for the day, the rest of them were going for anywhere between 10-20 miles, and I needed to get in at least 18 miles; I had to get my mileage in by 10:15am. I opted to run early and was hoping to get over 24.

I woke up at 4:30 – wide awake, like it was a race day. I was excited to get started. I coffeed-up, got my gear together, and headed out for the hour drive to the park. I even got there ten minutes early (so I went to the gas station to get more coffee and ended up getting back last).

The day was just right; clear and chilly, but with the promise of warmth, sun, and trails ahead. The lakes were shaking off their sleep. The mist was lifting, evaporating for the day. And while dispersing, sticking gently to all of the spider webs that Farra would soon be running through.

I looked through the darkness to get a head count, 1 -2- 3- 4- 5 -6 -7. Seven people out this early Easter morning. Seven of us sneaking away from our sleeping families to take this opportunity to run with some friends. Introductions were made – “Greetings and Salutations”, Farra, Kyle, Kai, Martin, Matt, and Andrew.

And off we went with Farra in the lead…


P.S. This was my first run with the group. I was looking forward to it and was not let down. These guys are a bunch of good people and they made the run something more. And, I was glad to be a part of Kyle’s crossing over to the really dark side as he tipped the 100 mile mark for the week during the run (and went on to do a total of 31 miles for the day).

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.