Today's Run - 2005-12-31

Last run of the year was a pretty good one. I'll call it 19 miles in about 2:40. It was with Dave, Andy and Amy - mostly on the hike and bike trail. Most of it was at a decent pace.

Now I gotta work on a 2005 year in review. Maybe tomorrow.

Speedwork!

Yes, I actually ran a little fast. Not super fast, but faster than I have for a month++. Felt pretty good. First time on the True treadmill since April or May. 3MI tempo run 20:24. 7 altogether in 51. My new paradigm is 0% on the True, but NO HOLDING ON!!

I also bought 2 pair running shoes at Champs for 19.99 each.

Today's Run - 2005-12-28

No matter what I do, I just can't seem to get down to 8 minute pace. I started out running the first two in just over 16 minutes, but then gradually slowed more and more. I'm still glad to be running pain-free. I think I'm getting stronger. 11-mile new subs course in 94.5 minutes. No stops.

Still doing weights 4 days a week. Weight is back up to 164.

Christmas

Christmas Eve was Sandy and Nancy's party. About the same as usual - lots of fun and games.

On Christmas Day we went to Jen and Cliff's. It was way way out in N. Bloomfield. Took an hour, twenty minutes to get there. Neat place. 3 horses, 15 or so dogs, 4wheeler, etc. Good food and good to see everyone.

Yesterday (boxing day) we visited with Kathy, Mike and kids. Also went out to Tony Roma's.

Today's Run - 2005-12-27

Nice and easy with Dave and Amy. We went on the Parkway - it was nice to do that again. 10 in 85.

Christmas Day Run

On Christmas Eve Day I did about 6 miles in about 49.5 minutes - already reported. on Christmas Day I wanted to get a 20 in, but got started too late and ran out of time. I did get 16 - at a decent pace. I ran up and down Substation and Laurel and finished in about 2:14. Not baddddd.

Today - 2005-12-24

I ran 6 miles at a decent pace - about 49.5 minutes. Actually broke 8 minute pace for the last mile.

Went to Aunt Hattie's funeral. It wasn't too stressful for Mom.

Picked Valerie up at the airport. We're about to head to Sandy and Nancy's for their annual Christmas Eve party.

Basement Progress

We got the ceiling finished on Tuesday, and the carpet on Wednesday. It is really nice. Still got a lot to do, but it looks almost done.

Aunt Hattie

Aunt Hattie died of a stroke on Wednesday. Thank goodness I got Mom over to see her just before she left the planet. We're worried about Mom, and have asked her many times to come stay with us short or long term. She says no, so maybe we'll try to get her to Florida earlier than planned.

The visitation is today, and the funeral is tomorrow, Christmas Eve Day. Veronica and Barry are coming tonight, so they plan to attend tomorrow. We'll take Mom today.

Today's Run - 2005-12-23

Another slow one. But it's the farthest I've run since my thon. And I'm still pain free. Dave and I did the TP for a while, then hit the roads and hills. 17 miles in 2:30.

Today's Run - 2005-12-21

Slow goin, but at least I'm goin. 11-mile loop thru new subs in 97 slow minutes. One of these days I'll need to get faster.

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-20

It was cold. About 5F, with wind chills around -10 to -15. Good thing I was running with Dave and Amy - otherwise it would've been tought to get out. We started slow and gradually got faster. Stayed in the BVH hood for about 10 miles in about 86 minutes.

Life

We had Kathy, Mike and Jessy over for pizza on Friday. Kathy is having her lasik surgery today.

Saturday I bumped into Johnny and his two boys at Brueggers. Talked for a while - they may join us and Dave and Carol in taking Mom out to dinner tomorrow.

Yesterday we went to Mel and Carolyn's for a couples shower for Dave and Jill. Interesting home built in 1816 or so. Nice shower too.

Progress on the basement: yes, there is some. We're doing well on the fitness room ceiling. It would be great to finish today - we'll see.

Last Coupla Runs

I was so happy to feel better - maybe not 100% though, but better. At least I made it through Saturday's run without having to stop. About 9 miles on the snow-covered TP at about 9mpm, and about 6 on roads and faster. With Dave and Andy.

Yesterday was better still. No pain whatsoever. A very nice run on my usual 11-mile route down Substation. The slow time (96 minutes) felt like speedwork, so that was disappointing. At least I can run pain-free again though.

Now I can start to improve again. Got a long way to go.

Today's Run - 2005-12-14

Got home a day and a half early, so I went out to run at lunch time today, just after walking in the door. Got 6 miles in, but they weren't pretty at all. The calf is still sore - best I could do was 9++ minute miles (6 in 55 min) on the streets around home.

Basement Progress

Got a lot done over the weekend. Debbie and I did a lot and then Dave came over and we did some more. By Sunday the grid was completed, but there's still a lot to do. Debbie is working on it.

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-12

The calf felt much better but not 100%. I decided to go for 15 one the MSP dreadmill at 0% elevation. Didn't happen. The calf hurt more and more beginning about mile 6 or 7. I only made it to 9, and had increased my speed to 7:30 miles. I did some weights and then 2 more slow ones to make 11 in 88 minutes. I've still got a long way to go.

Today's Run - 2005-12-10

The 'ole calf is still kind've bad. Andy, Dave and I took off from Station Road Bridge and went up the parkway hill. The towpath was covered with snow. I was worried about the hills and about running for 2+ hours.

The calf did hurt going up the hills, and seemed to be getting worse as we approached Broadview Rd. I decided to turn back, and Andy and Dave ran me back. Although the calf hurt, at least it didn't snap.

Final totals: 10 miles in 83 minutes.

164

That's about 6 pounds more than what I was. And about 11 pounds more than what I should be. The worst thing is that I can't run with this torn calf. But I'm gonna try today - stay tuned.

We got some work done on the basement ceiling yesterday. Debbie got the floor painted and most of the molding installed and stained during the week. We want to have all this stuff done before the carpet gets here Dec. 21. Too bad I have to head out again next week.

Today's Elliptical - 2005-12-07

Planes, Trains and Automobiles - for me it's Dreadmills, Ellipticals and Stair Machines. Only one on the mill - the calf is still sore and tight - I didn't want to snap it again. I spent most of the hour+ on the elliptical, generating a lot of sweat. Then I finished on the stair machine.

This injury is driving me nuts!

Yesterday's Run - 2005-12-05

Although my legs were sore from Sunday's snow/slush run, I had high hopes of doing some gentle speedwork on the dreadmill. Since it was to be so cold in MSP, I didn't even take my outdoor running gear. Nope, two decent dreadmill runs would be fine for me.

Since my legs were sore, I took some ibuprofen Sunday - the first in months. Even when I was in decent shape in late summer/fall, I wasn't taking it, except possibly very little once in a great while. Don't know if this had anything to do with my calamity, but you never know.

What was my calamity? My right calf was sore and tight as I got started. Exactly one mile into the run, it snapped. LOTS of pain, all of a sudden. I knew it was a pulled muscle right away. I did get on the elliptical trainer to do some more, but I knew I was done.

Now it hurts even to walk. I'll be out for a while.

Shower and Basement

Yesterday was Dave and Jill's Baby G. Shower. This was the one with Jill's family and friends. It was very nice. We were able to help a bit - mostly with loading the gifts.

Amazing how much more snow (maybe a foot) they have in Mayfield Heights. We did receive a few inches overnight.

Debbie and I have been making progress in the basement, but there's still a long way to go. Debbie will install molding and paint the floor before the carpet gets here. We've also been working on the ceiling. Took a lot just to get the outside frame up.

Today's Run - 2005-12-04

My legs were tired and sore already, and today's snow and slush didn't help. It was a tough one - a struggle the whole way. I did the 11-mile Substation/Sleepy Hollow Loop in 99 minutes. I'm hoping tomorrow will be better. I'll be in MSP - on the treadmill due to the cold.

Today's Run - 2005-12-03

Felt great today, even though it was cold and a bit snowy. Dave, Brian and I took off from Dave's and went to the towpath and back for 14, then for 1 more to Brian's. Felt great the whole way, even up the hill. I thoroughly enjoyed the parkway too.

Today's Run - 2005-12-01

Very good solid run (for these days) on a nice morning, on that nice new course. Steady the whole way. (New 11-mile course in 88 minutes).

Today's Run - 2005-11-29

Cold, miserable rain. I wouldn't have gone out at all, but I was to meet Dave and Amy. As it was, we only did about 8 miles in 65 minutes. I'm still shivering.

Basement Progress

We met Dave and Jill at Jaiper Junction for some excellent Indian Cuisine on plastic plates yesterday. This was after Dave had helped me get going on the basement ceiling. This was something that was hanging over my head lately. We managed to get all the main tees up in the office, and we placed a few tiles in to make sure they'd work. They do. I'm happy to see some progress!

Yesterday's and Today's Runs - 2005-11-27

Nice, easy run with Dave yesterday. We did 10 from my place, on Sleepy Hollow, Rocklyn, etc, back on Miner. Pretty slow - 88 minutes - but that's ok. Later on, Dave helped me on the basement ceiling.

Today I scouted out a new course. Figured out a very good one in that the traffic isn't bad at all. I took Substation,Sleepy Hollow,Muntz,Metzger,Myrtle,Hartneck,thru new subs,back on Hick Ridge, Stearns. It's 11, but I did a bit extra today to make 12 altogether in about 101 minutes.

Thanksgiving Weekend (so far)

What a great time. Val came home Wednesday evening in the snowstorm, and we had everyone over for lasagne (I made it).

Thursday we had everyone again, including Dave and Carol and Bill. Mom stayed home because of the snow. It did stop snowing, but was extremely cold. Good food!

Friday the girls shopped and I made soup from the bird. Good stuff. We played some games, including the new trivial pursuit and fact or crap.

Today we shopped with Kathy and tonight we're headed over to their place for prime rib.

Last Two Runs - Today and Turkey Day

Turkey Day was a blizzard. It was very tough going into that wind, and the snow hurt my face. An extremely slow 10 miles in about 96 minutes.

Today was slow as well. The footing was bad - there was snow, ice and slush about. It was still cold as well - about 25 with a wind chill. I did about 7 miles in the neighborhoods in about 65 minutes.

Today's Run - 2005-11-22

We did Dave's usual 10-mile loop in 84 minutes. Starting to snow/sleet at the end - glad we got finished. Supposed to be bad weather the rest of the week.

Busy Day and Today's Run - 2005-11-21

Just talked to Veronica - she had her identity stolen, but they caught the guy and she thinks everything's ok. I told her to check her credit cards and credit report.

The day was otherwise busy - cats to the vet, shopping, working in the basement (countertops - and the plumbing's almost done!) and work work.

The run was good - the usual 11 mile loop in 92 minutes. Fairly steady. Nice morning, but I hate that traffic coming back on Substation.

Connecticut and Today's Run - 2005-11-19

Debbie and I made good time on our trip to CT yesterday... just about 8 hours. No real problems. When we arrived we checked out Veronica and Barry's nicely updated kitchen, went to dinner at the Lime, which I really liked until I saw a roach on the edge of our table, then watched Star Wars III.

Today's run was my most enjoyable ever here in Connecticut. I did my usual West Rocks / East Rocks run, but this time I started following the arrows that had been painted on the roads. I'd seen them before, but never followed them this far. They are the markings for a five mile race and led back to a school for the start/finish. The 1-mile mark was on East Rocks. It's a very nice course, and I'll do it again next time.

Altogether with the usual 6, the 5 for the course, and some extra back and forth, I figure I ran 13 miles in 1:46. Most of the measured course miles were at about 8 minutes.

Today's Run - 2005-11-16

Easy does it. I couldn't even get myself out the door this morning due to laziness, but I did so at lunch time. An easy 3 on the Presidential streets. Not too bad - 25 minutes.

I'm still sore, but not too bad. Been hitting the weights all week for the first time since April or so.

Today's Run - 2005-11-15

It was cool and rainy - not my favorite running weather. But Dave and I trudged through most of our usual route, cutting it a bit short. Somewhere in there I lost the key that I always pin to the inside of my shorts. Debbie had to come and get me as I waited at Dave's.

Huntington Marathon

The Tahoe Triple a month and half ago caused me to get into pretty good shape. Of course those times were slow as expected due to the elevation, hills and overall distance. Would I be able to rest, train myself back into shape and then taper in five weeks time in order to run one decently fast single thon?

More importantly, a year and a half ago I ran a 3:10 in Cleveland, but I haven’t faired as well in several tries since then. Would I be able to get back to that level this time?

And most importantly, what kind of nut would drive nearly 5 hours alone to Huntington, WV, run their little race, and then hop right into the car and drive home?

Yes, folks, these and other questions would be answered at the Huntington Marathon, also known as the HealthyHuntington dot Org Marathon, also known as the Marshall University Marathon. I had seen all three names at different times over the weekend. I decided I’d just call it the Huntington Marathon for brevity.

The ride down was fairly uneventful, but brought back a few memories. Debbie and I lived in southern Ohio for several years, and for part of that time I worked in Huntington. I also earned my masters degree from what is now Marshall U. We moved away almost twenty years ago, but parts of it looked familiar. After checking into the Roof, I went to the expo/pasta dinner. As expected, it was pretty small: I counted one vendor. The pasta dinner was actually pretty good, although the atmosphere left something to be desired. The friendly folks doing the serving were happy to inform me that the pasta was “Dean Ormish”. I didn’t know what I was supposed to make of that, but it really did taste good on that plastic plate (using the plastic fork). And speaking of friendly, I had forgotten how genuinely nice everyone was in this part of the country. From the race director (who was all over the place) to the race volunteers to the people at the hotel to the girls at McDonalds, it was service with warmth, and a smile. Made me want to puke.

The field was about the size I had expected: about 350 in the thon, with more in the half, the relay and the walk. Not bad for such a small town. The weather was acceptable: upper 50s at the start and 60s at the finish, with just a bit of on-and-off rain and some wind. The course was flat. How they managed to find 26 flat miles in West by-God Virginia was quite a feat. It did involve a bit of repetition, especially the parts around Ritter Park. The Park itself was as nice as I remembered it from my 25-year ago runs there. Most of the rest of the course was not especially noteworthy, but that was ok. So I’d have no excuses.

I got to my desired 7:15 or so pace right away, and quickly found myself running with a guy named Chuck from somewhere in Lake County OH, and a guy from Chicago. We got to the 10-mile mark whilst in the park at 1:12:30, and then the half-way point on some deserted road at 1:35:30. I was feeling great, and had to keep telling myself to be patient. Even so, I left Chuck and the other guy behind. At mile 20, I would let myself go; I’d unleash the beast. But until then I’d bide my time and run an even pace. 14 and 15 were into the wind and rain, so they required a bit more effort, but I stayed on pace. Miles 16-18 were with the wind, and I wanted to go faster, but I still held back. Even though I still felt strong, I mile 19 went by in a 7:38. It was possible that it was off, but this was a bit disconcerting after all the steady miles. Mile 20 (in the park once again) was back where it should be: 7:16. And I was back where I should be: 2:25:29.

Now it was time: Time to pick up the pace; time to become a madman. 7:10 miles the rest of the way would do it, but I wanted to run even faster. There was only one minor problem: my ole legs were a tad tired. 21 was still on pace, but 22 and 23 were in the 7:20’s, and then the last couple were even slower. I passed several people during those last few miles, but Chuck, who had caught up to me a few other times, passed my in the last mile. The Chicago guy was a minute behind.

The finish was in the Marshall U. stadium, on the field. Some volunteers tried to hand me a football to carry those last 100 yards, but I waved them off. That final sprint couldn’t erase the last couple slow miles, but it felt good. I finished in 3:12:39.

I got my age group award (first!) instantly. I got a massage after waiting less than five minutes. I got a couple pieces of pizza as I was walking out of the stadium and the pizza delivery gal was walking in (service with a smile). I drove home. I’ve had more painful long car rides, but not many.

So the answers were yes, no, and duh. And I’ll take the 3:12. But next year, I’m really going to unleash that beast.

Y'day Travel, Today's Run 2005-11-11

The work week started easy - I saw & enjoyed "Jarhead" in my spare time. It got real busy as it went on. Glad to get home last night. I'm fairly caught up...

Nice run in nice crisp (30F) weather today. I did the three mile loop on the roads across 303 in 23.5 minutes. I felt great.

Today's Run - 2005-11-09

I stuck to the hotel dreadmill because of the wind outside. Just what I wanted to do: 9 miles at MP (62 minutes). And it was easy! I know - it would've been tougher outside, but I'd have managed. I'm real happy with this one.

Today's Run - 2005-11-07

I arrived here in the Twin Cities last night. No problems with the travel.

I was kind of sluggish today. I did about 11 miles along the Mississippi, including a loop of Nicolet Island. Time was 91 and a half minutes. The weather was decent - about 45 or so, warmer than expected.

Other Stuff

Went to Kathy and Mike's for dinner last night. Lots of laughs.

Debbie and Kathy went shopping today.

Brunswick Rec Center 5K

It was pouring rain when I drove the two miles to the start. Then it
stopped - it was merely extremely windy during the race. It poured like
crazy again as I was driving home. So I suppose I should count my lucky
stars. I had expected a very small turnout based on last year's small field
as well as this year's weather. Last year I had placed third overall with a
relatively slow time of 19:50. This year I thought I might be able to do
better. Hey - maybe no one else would show up at all, and I would win by
default!

As you may have guessed, this didn't happen. Although the throng of people
at the start line of the Brunswick Rec Center 5K didn't quite rival that of
the nearly simultaneous New York City Marathon, I was surprised that they
had more than last year. There were perhaps more than one hundred, and
dang-it, some fast guys too.

So I couldn't have been a contender. I finished somewhere in the top ten -
maybe seventh or eighth. Based on my training and last week's 5K (19:10),
this week's time was a little disappointing : 19:34. Yeah, it's faster than
last year, but it better be - I should be in better shape. And yeah, I could
blame it on the wind. Maybe I will.

I did get a trophy for first master. Nice to know I can still beat all the
40-year old punks. At least the ones in Brunswick.

Today's Run - 2005-11-05

14 miles on the towpath with Amy, Andy, Brian and Dave. Not too bad - 59 minutes out, 55 minutes back. Unseasonably warm. I felt a little sluggish - maybe cause no coffee.

Basement Progress

Spent all day Thursday shopping - bought counter tops, ceramic tiles and paint.

Got some of the rooms painted, including the stunningly purple (aka potty=trained purple) bathroom.

Today's Run - 2005-11-03

Another solid one. This time it was speedwork at the track. 3 x (1600, 1200, 800). About what I wanted. Better than last time. Times were 6:25, 4:41, 2:58, 6:25, 4:40, 2:57, 6:20, 4:41, 2:56. I did the eleven miles in 83 and a half minutes. Solid.

Today's Run - 2005-11-01

November already.

Dave and I took a different route: the parkway. Surprisingly, there was too much traffic, both on the parkway itself and on State. The parkway is still nice however - I miss it. 10.3 miles in 90 minutes. I'm gonna round up to 11 + extra time, for the log. I'll make it up next run.

Today's Run - 2005-10-31

Another solid long run today. I wasn't gonna, but I awoke early and decided to go for it. I wasn't 100% happy with it - I wanted to finish with a tempo run, and although the last 4 were in 28 minutes, a couple of those last miles were just slightly over 7 minutes. Still a solid run though.

4-mile splits: 33.5, 33.5, 32.5, 32.5, 32, 28 - time was 3:12.

Trick or Treat

Debbie said to buy eight bags o candy, based on what Kathy buys. I bought six, figuring that Kathy just likes to have some left over for the family. Wrong. We ran out in 45 minutes. Debbie had to turn the light back on when Jessie and her friend came over (we had saved a few pieces for that eventuality), and two little kids jumped up at our porch at that very moment. Luckily we could still accomodate them. Next year I'll buy *at least* seven bags.

Earlier we drove Kathy and Mike to Kendal Lake for a very nice walk around the lake and up some of the hills and trails. Stopped at Szlay's and then had chicken soup, including the feet, that Kathy had made.

After shutting our trick or treat operation down, Debbie and I watched North by Northwest and Rear Window (most of it for me).

Amherst Skeleton 5K

First I had to find Amherst. (It's near Oberlin, south of Lorain.) I did this one to fulfill my obligation to the Hermes Race Series. Since I did good today (19:10, probably 2nd in AG), I should win my age group for the series. Don't know what happened to the one guy who was ahead of me and then dropped off the list though.

The race was pretty good for me - maybe my best 5K in a year or so, but only by a little. First mile went well - 6:05. 2nd was fine too - 6:12, including some hills though a park. I *thought* I picked it up for the 3rd, but evidently the opposite was true: I did 6:52 for the final 1.1, including the finish on the track. It would've been really nice to beat 19 minutes, especially after that decent start.

I did beat some fast guys, and probably finished 2nd, so I'll take it.

Today's Run - 2005-10-29

Another superb long run. I'm gaining confidence - my training is going very well. Today I ran with Dave, Andy, Brian and Amy (for a few) on the towpath. Dave and I ran the last 3 hard - all under 7 minute pace.

took Mom to see Ed again

Ed's home now. After today's run I picked Mom up and drove her to Betsy and Ed's for a visit. She thoroughly enjoyed the fall foliage along the way. I had taken the scenic route on Alexander.

Ed seems to be doing fine. He's getting around ok with his walker. He is in some pain at times though.

Today's Run - 10-28-05

Not much to report - just 3 miles, easy through the subdivisions across 303. It was cold - low 30s. Neat.

Pretty good weight - 157. I just gotta hold it at that.

Milestones

We are officially done with the drywall and have started priming!

We are done with the wiring except for the final lighting hookups!

Basement Progress

ALMOST done with the joint compound and sanding. And for an extra bonus, I'm almost ready to hook up the electricity. We just won't have the ceiling lighting in yet.

Should be painting by the weekend.

Today's Run - 2005-10-27

After three straight runs in cold rain, I feel like I may be fighting another cold. I'm using Zicam again, and I feel like I may be winning the battle. I hope.

Today the weather was great. Since I rested yesterday, I got out early and ran long again, despite my ever so slight cold. It was a good strong run with a great finish. I did the two loops on Substation at about an 8 minute pace, and then the last 4 on the presidential streets in 28 minutes, with the last 3 at sub-7 minute pace. It felt great to finally actually do this.

Today's Run - 2005-10-25

Another cold soggy one. But a pretty good effort, nonetheless. I was up at 3:08, out the door by 3:40, to Dave's by 4:00, done with the first 10-mile loop at 5:19, and done with the second loop at 6:51 (1:21 total). This was the best time yet for the 2 x Dave's 10-mile loop course.

The cold wet weather probably helped - we just wanted to get through it as fast as possible. I just hope I don't catch a cold or anything.

Went to see Mom later on. The usual itinerary: bank, Marc's, Imperial Wok. I also installed a new toilet seat.

Today's Run - 2005-10-24

The weather was miserable: 42F with a very cold rain. I *hate* cold rain while running. And I felt lousy - still full from yesterday's breakfast. I needed the speed, so I decided I should just get through the run and back home as soon as possible. This meant doing a long marathon pace run instead of intervals. Given the conditions and how I felt, would it happen?

It happened. After a 1-mile warmup, I hit the track with a 9-mile MP run, managing to keep all the miles just under 7 minutes. I sure am happy to be through with this one, but I'm happier still that I was able to do it at all. It bodes well for Huntington, but I'm still not sure.

Another cold bath afterwards.

As I was getting into the car, WKSU was talking about their fund drive and they said there were a limited number of $50 gift certificates for Vaccaro's for $150 pledges. I pledged on my cell to make sure I got one. Then they called and awoke Debbie at about 7:15am to get my t-shirt size! I sure heard about that one!

Bob's Recital

Dead Runner Buddy Bob Mayerovitch put on a recital at Baldwin Wallace yesterday. In his words: "If anyone's in the mood for a peculiar encounter, I'm playing a recital at
Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory (96 Front Street, Berea, OH) on Sunday, October
23rd, at 4:00 PM. I'm letting down my previously (very previously) long
hair in favor of a concert entitled: "Crossover: Popular Tunes in Classical
Pieces" -- Mozart Variations on "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", Beethoven
Variations on "Rule Britannia", a four-hand piece (that means I'll borrow
another body) based on Chopsticks, a set of ten variations in the style of
10 composers on "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and a virtuoso Fantasy on Themes
from the Wizard of Oz. I'll publicly admit to my severe regression."

We thought it was great. Bob talked about each piece, and this was quite informative. The music was very good too. We didn't hang around afterwards but went to dinner and home instead.

Dinner was fun. Wanted to use the entertainment book before it expires, so we first tried La Hacienda in Berea. Closed, perhaps permanently. Then Mahle's. Closed, but there were people inside. Couldn't figure that out. Then Red Onion. Open, but it didn't look too good to us. Then Alexander's. Closed. Then Bob Evans. The fifth time was a charm. Can't go wrong with Bob Evans.

Las Coupla Runs

I slogged 4 slow miles on Friday around the neighborhood.

Yesterday Dave and I did 20 on the muddy towpath. It was only cool to start, but the rain hit us with about 4 to go. I hate cold rain whilst running. Amy joined us about that time too, and then we all went for bagels and warm coffee. splits: 85, 81, so the total time was 2:46. So so.

Need to decide about the Huntington Marathon.

social / personal life and stuff

Yesterday we picked Mom up and took her to see Ed at St Vincent Hospital where he'd had his knee replacement surgery. He's doing well and should be home by the middle of next week.

Last night we went to Sokolowski's for their clambake along with Dave and Jill. Yummy. We followed that up with heading to see "The 40-Year Old Virgin", which is now on my top-5 list of all-time funny movies. (A few of the others are: Something about Mary, Animal House, It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.)

Kathy and Mike came over for a fancy breakfast - livance and egg/sausage casserole along with pineapple and other stuff. Then we went for a much needed walk.

Too bad with all this fun there's no time to work in the basement.

Basement Progress and the car

We're still gooping and sanding. At least we've now completed one complete circuit of the basement for both the gooping and the sanding. Time for round two. Sure is a mess. And it sure seems to be taking a long long time.

The good news is that I fixed the car. I had to buy a new ignition cylinder because even though I got it apart, I still couldn't get the key out. The bad news is that the new one cost $218. At least it works again.

Today's Long Run - 2005-10-19

These cold baths after my runs are something. I think they help, but they sure are tough to take. Will I ever get used to them?

Decent long run on the Lester Rail Trail today, but slightly disappointing as well. I wanted to get down to tempo run pace late in the game, but it didn't happen. The best I could manage was a couple of 7:15 to 7:25 miles. At least this run had some good progression. 6-mile splits: 52:49, 51:25, 49:32, 47:03.

Nice moonlit start followed by a spectacular deep-red sunrise. Not to mention the pretty leaves. I love fall.

Maybe my next long run will include a tempo segment.

Today's Run - 2005-10-18

Nice run with Dave on our usual loop. 85 and a half minutes. My lower legs are a bit sore from yesterday. I took a cold bath afterwards, which was good for the legs, but very cold for the rest of me. I'm still shivering.

Iris and Mike's

Saturday we joined Bob and Linda at Iris and Mike's for a pot roast dinner. Another great time laughing our heads off. My chest hurt the next morning as if I had been coughing all night.

We also showed our pics that night and then again yesterday to Kathy and Mike.

Yesterday's and Today's Runs - 2005-10-17

Yesterday I caught up with NEODeads Rita, George, Tom, Bob M, Paulette for a very nice run in Rocky River Reservation. 6 very slow miles in about 56 minutes. Nice breakfast at Einstein's afterwards.

Today I hit the track on a chilly (40 or so), even frosty morning. It was the 'ole 3 x (1600, 1200, 800) workout, and it exceeded expectations. I did them in: (6:32, 4:46, 3:04, 6:30, 4:45, 3:04, 6:27, 4:43, 3:00), averaging 6:30, 4:45 and 3:03 for the mile, 3/4 and 1/2.

This is very hopeful. I do need to improve some more, but I'm happy with this.

Today's Run 2005-10-15

Enjoyable 15 mile run on the towpath today with Dave. Beautiful foliage. Very nice.

We're both still feeling our marathons a bit - but not too bad. Negative splits: 64, 61.5 minutes.

Problems Problems

Yesterday my key got stuck in the cadavalier ignition. It's still stuck. I think it thinks I'm trying to steal it. Good thing I was able to get it home in that condition. We'll probably have to have it towed to a dealer.

The desktop mouse also stopped working. Who knows why. I'll probably have to buy one.

On an unrelated note we had Dave and Jill over for pizza last night. Nice visit.

Today's Run - 2005-10-13

The 'ole legs are still tired and sore. I guess this one could've been worse. I ran around the President Streets 3-mile course 3 times, averiging about 25 minutes each. Then I did one more very slow mile in the sub. I'd better take a zero tomorrow - I need it.

Saw a shooting star this morning. Cool.

Today's Run - 2005-10-12

Speedwork! Not speedy speedwork, but speedwork nonetheless. It actually felt great to get out there and do it. Semi-runner's high on the way home.

This is not to say it wasn't tough. It was. And I certainly didn't set any land speed records. But it's a start. I'm testing the waters here for the next couple weeks to see how soon I should return to competition. Not to mention what type of competition. (May be between Philadelphia Marathon and the Fall Classic Half.

Today I did 7 x 1200 in 5:02, 4:59, 5:07, 4:58, 4:59, 5:05, 5:06. Slow, but at least consistent. Can only improve from here, right?

Tahoe Triple

Day 1 - Thursday, Oct 6, 2005

It's bad when you're out of breath before you begin a race. Especially so when you're running down a mountain. Could be the 7,000+ feet of elevation. The view from Inspiration point more than made up for the lack of oxygen.

After taking in that spectacular scene and watching the sunrise, we were off. It was clear, 29F, and only light breezes. Perfect. And for most of the way, the run went about as perfect as it could too. My crew consisted of my wife Debbie, brother Dave, and his wife Carol. They did a spectacular job of supporting me.

The first couple miles were extremely down hill, and we soon arrived in the towns of South Lake Tahoe and Stateline. I didn't like the traffic or the resulting exhaust. We had to run along the side of the road the whole way, but the traffic was the most of the problem going up/down mountains, and through town. I started slow even with that drop - about 8:30 miles. The course was marked every 5 miles. I hit mile 5 in 42:51.

Running with new friends Pat from Northwest Ohio and Bill from Invercargill, NZ, I settled down for the mostly level next 10 miles. This included the through town part, but also getting back out into less populated areas on the Nevada side of the lake. Did I mention that Pat and Bill are in my age group? Pat dropped back early on, but Bill pulled ahead of me at about mile 18. I passed 15 in 2:04. I felt great. The next 5 went well also. I hit the 20 mile mark in 2:47 - miles 15-20 had been in 42:50.

But at the 20-mile mark the hills were just beginning. Correction: the mountain was just beginning. Whereas the lake is at 6,200 feet, the finish at Spooner Summit is at 7,200 feet. And it was a steady climb from 20 on, with the steepest parts reserved for the final mile or two. I never stopped to walk. But it was an extremely slow slog. I didn't pass anyone, and nobody passed me. I actually did better than expected, running the final 10K in 55:11 to finish 13th out of about 112 starters in 3:42:11.

I'll take it. After soaking my legs in the icy cold lake, I hope I'll be ready for tomorrow. I'm sore, but I generally feel ok. We'll see.


Day 2 - Friday, Oct 7, 2005

There were some similarities to yesterday:

1) we started at a 7,000 foot plus elevation, so I was hyperventilating *before* I started running
2) we started at a 7,000 foot plus elevation, so there were some big downhills for the first few miles
3) the scenery was fantastic
4) the weather was great - only a few degrees warmer than yesterday
5) the last few were a bit of a death march

Now the differences:

1) I started too fast. I don't know why - I should've known better. But the guys I beat yesterday went way out in front of me, and I just had to try to hang with them.
2) Whereas yesterday was the toughest marathon, excluding ultras, that I've ever done, today's race was merely difficult.
3) Whereas yesterday's course had a mountain climb from 20 to 26, today there was merely a monster hill.
4) I somehow managed to run even slower for today's final 10K than yesterday's.

I suppose I can chalk it up to the accumulated miles on my old legs. I felt fine until a big hill at about mile 14. Starting at Spooner Summit, the first five were in 38 minutes (as I said, way too fast), the second five were in 41:39, and the third five (including the big hill) were in 43:09. So I was at 2:03 for the first 15. But that's where those accumulated miles took their toll.

The scenery was great the whole way. The traffic and exhaust fumes were much better today, but it was still tough to stay on the shoulder. Even the smaller towns on the north side of the lake weren't too bad. 15 to 20 were mostly flat, but I was slowing down: I did them in 44:42 and 20 went by in 2:47 and a half. Still not bad.

I was still slowing down when the big hill hit at about mile 23.5. I still never walked, but that slog was really bad. Even that last downhill mile into Tahoe City was slow. I finished 16th overall in 3:49:41. Something like a minute better than my PW.

Once again, my support crew was great. I don't know what I would've done without them.

Once again, I soaked my legs in the icy cold Tahoe water for about 20 minutes. I'm starting to wonder how much good this is doing me. Tomorrow's course may be tougher than Thursday's. At least they have the roads closed down and more support - this is the main marathon with several hundred participants.

Should I be as worried as I think I should be??


Day 3 - Saturday, Oct 8, 2005

*Excruciating* Quad Pain in the middle of the night. Enough to wake me up and keep me awake.

Last night's sunset pasta dinner cruise had been nice, and did indeed include a sunset and some pasta. But it was disappointing because it left so late that the sunset was just after we got going, leaving the lake dark for almost all of the voyage. It would have been far nicer to enjoy those beautiful hues of blue some more. There wasn't that much to the pasta either. Decent band though.

The 'ole legs were pretty sore, especially the quads, so I took a couple ibuprofen before heading to bed. I guess it was when they wore off that the pain woke me. All I could do is apply a self massage and worry that I may have to be a Did Not Start statistic.

By the time I made it to the start, I was still shaky, but generally better. I made up my mind that I was gonna get through this no matter what. This being the official marathon, there were 588 or so of us. Many more half-marathoners, 10Kers and 20-mile walkers joined us on the course at various times.

The first half was very scenic, but there were only a few views of the lake. I was indeed making it through, albeit slowly. There were only a few hills, so I managed about an 8:30-8:40 pace. The mountains were looming however.

God put many hills and mountains on this planet. But why o why did He always place them at about the 20-mile mark of every marathon? This time there was a huge climb at about mile 16, followed by a steep downhill, and then another tremendous climb from 19 to 20. I was reduced to walking for the first time in the three days. The scenery during these miles has to be as spectacular as that for any marathon anywhere. That helped with the pain.

I had hit the 15-mile mark in about 2:10, but it took me 53 minutes to negotiate those mountains to the 20-mile mark. Right at the 20-mile mark we were at Inspiration Point, at 7,000++ feet, the highest point on today's course. It's also where we started on day 1. It's also what I was calling "Perspiration Point", but then changed it to "Desperation Point".

The next three miles were severely downhill, but my attitude was "Damn the Quads, Full Speed Ahead". I did manage to pass a lot of people, and my legs held up, but then I slowed down again when we hit the nice, wooded bikepath for the final three miles. Pat, another triple guy, and a couple others passed me as I was desperately trying to get in under 4 hours.

Somehow I did, but not by much: 3:58:58. Bill the Kiwi ran his fastest of the three to win our age group. Pat and another guy got 2nd and 3rd - Pat had run with me before leaving me in the dust in the final 2 miles or so.

But I made it! As great as the Triple has been, I'm really glad it's over. Yes, I am proud of my accomplishment. I think I'll take tomorrow off.


Epilog / Lessons Learnt

I can't figure out how I could have trained any better. It wasn't practical for me to do any altitude training. I sure put in the miles, especially in terms of long runs. Back to back long runs and three in a row at times. Perhaps more hill work would have helped. In any case I still go by the mantra: “the will to win is nothing without the will to prepare”.

The triple was harder than most ultras are for me. This is mostly because I tried to race, such as it was, each of the three runs, whereas for ultras I usually slow way down and just slog through them.

In terms of time, I did about what I wanted and expected. The courses were about as tough as I expected too. That is to say, they were the three toughest marathons I've ever done. The altitude made all of them difficult for a lowlander like myself. Day 1 ended going up the mountain to Spooner Summit. Day 2 was the least difficult of the three, but it still had two big climbs at about miles 14 and 24, not to mention that it was long by about a half-mile. I know: suck it up, Dan. Day 3 was arguably the toughest of all - that double climb up to Inspiration Point at mile 20 was a monster. I know: suck it up, Dan.

It was neat being a rock star. That's how the other marathoners and half-marathoners viewed us triple-people. Time to come back down to earth now.

As pleased as I am with my overall time (11:30 for the three days), my place (17th of about 112 or so starters) and the overall experience, I do wish I had paced myself better. I'm sure that if I'd held back just a bit on day 1, I'd have done much better for the second half of days 2 and 3. The word 'conservative' just isn't in my vocabulary. I have a lot of admiration for those triplers who managed to have consistent times for all three runs. A few even got faster each day.

The best of the Tahoe Triple:

-Having a crew. This made me feel like I was part of a team. Great fun.
-The camaraderie. All of the competitors got to know each other very well during this shared experience. Pat from Toledo, Bill the Kiwi, Gene from Erie, the Mexican guys, even former 4-time winner Sean all seem like good friends now. I look forward to bumping into some of them again some day.
-The scenery, of course.
-The difficulty. If it had been easy, anyone could've done it.

In need of improvement:

-Traffic control. We knew this would be a problem for days 1 and 2, and it was. Something needs to be done.
-Organization. The race directors need to get their processes under control.
-Cost. It was well over $200. I did get three shirts (a wind shirt for the regular thon, and a tank top and sweatshirt for the triple), as well as a nice plaque. I also got a good buffet dinner and the bus rides out to the start. But it still seemed like a lot of moola.

Those are fairly minor quibbles. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'll count this among my proudest and most enjoyable running experiences. I probably won't do this again, but I may be a bit less afraid to try other new challenges.

2005 California Trip

Friday, September 30, 2005

Yikes. The closer we got to hour hotel, the closer we got to the wildfires of Burbank. We had been traveling all day, and had somehow navigated our way from LAX to our home away from home. Since it was dark already, we could see the flames as we drove, and we couldn't help but notice that we were headed right for them. The "Hill of Flames" was seemingly just a mile or so away from the Courtyard, and we stood and watched as we got out of the car. Everyone else assured me that we were safe. Yeah right.

Dana and Todd guided us to Hollywood and Highland, where we ate at the expensive-but-very-good Grill on the Alley. Then we walked along the Stars Walk of Fame and over to Grauman's Chinese Theater - the place with the hand-prints.

Got back at 1am. I had been up for 23 hours and 30 minutes.



Saturday, October 1, 2005

Another touristy day in Southern California. Leaving the wildfires behind, we started out by visiting Dana and Todd's pad and meeting Sam, their charming turtle. Feeding time for Sam was exciting to watch. Going to brunch at Dana and Todd's favorite place (Chez Noir) was quite an experience. What a great place. Best croissants I've ever had. By far.

The touristy stuff started when we got to Universal Studios and paid our $53 per person to get in. We took the studio tram tour, and went to several of the attractions. The best was the T2 in 3D show. Also interesting was the Waterworld show. The special effects for these two were especially impressive.

Dana and Todd had to split and head to a work function for Dana. After some amount of trouble figuring out where to eat in the shopping/tourist area outside the park, we wound up at Gladstone's Seafood. Like all the food we've tasted, it was very good, and fairly expensive. Carol got a bit of shopping done, but we got home at a decent hour.


Sunday, October 2, 2005

"Make the fun stop!!" That's what our friends Dot and Greg say when they're having too much fun and can't take it anymore. That's the situation here in Southern California.

Todd wasn't feeling well, so just Dana came with us as our personal in-the-car tour guide to the beaches. We drove up the Pacific Coast Highway (the PCH) and various other roads through Topanga and on to Malibu. There we lounged on the beach for a couple hours whilst gathering dead, washed-ashore lobsters and other flotsam, flying an alien kite, exploring tide pools and making about 6 throws of a frisbee. It was only in the upper 60s, but it felt nice. Then we ate at Paradise Cove, which is right there on the beach.

After dinner we drove to the Santa Monica Pier to shop, people watch, and sunset watch. It reminded me of Navy Pier - there was plenty to do, and the sunset was really neat. Debbie and I had to explain to everyone about the "green flash". Some of us claimed to see it.

Tomorrow it's on to Yosemite!


Monday, October 3, 2005

We ate breakfast at the oldest remaining Bob's Big Boy. I keep wondering if there are older Big Boys with other names, such as Manners? It took only about 4 1/2 hours to reach the Apple Tree Inn in Fish Camp, just south of Yosemite. Wonderful place. We have 3-unit cottages in the woods with heat only from fireplaces. Very rustic.

Dave and I refused to give up. First Carol, then Debbie (to ride the tram with her - they enjoyed it but they froze), then Todd and finally Dana turned back. But we men-folk kept going to the top. Top of what, you ask? The sequoia grove and museum, which was about 1,100 feet up a long uphill trail. Too bad the museum was closed. We did enjoy the walk, and all the Big Trees. The joy is in the journey. Took the two of us over 2 hours to head up, but less than a half-hour to come down. And we somehow beat Todd - he had managed to get lost and come straggling in later.

Dinner was at an informal but good Mexican place: El Cid.


Tuesday, October 4, 2005

After our continental hotel breakfast, we drove the couple miles back to the park, and went right up to Glacier Point. Fantastic vistas of the valley far below. I may have my numbers wrong, but I believe that we were at about 7,500 feet looking down at the 4,000 foot valley floor.

After lunch we drove into the valley. Stopped at a neat walking bridge and skipped some rocks whilst gaping at the rocks above us on both sides.

Yosemite Falls was dried up for the year. Instead of hiking to them we watched a video at the nature center.

Tuesday night we walked over for an expensive dinner at the Tenaya Lodge. Nice place with good, but costly food. Due to those big bucks, Dave and I had to give up the $50 bill we had been passing back and forth to pay for dinners.


Wednesday, October 5, 2005

Another driving day. It took us about as long to get from Yosemite to Tahoe as it did from LA to Yosemite. Too many mountains in the way. It was a beautiful trip though. We got to see parts of Yosemite that we hadn't yet been though. Stopped near Mono lake for lunch.

There was a disorganized meeting for the Tahoe Triple at the Horizon Resort and Casino that evening. The best part was the buffet dinner - it was excellent. Dave and Carol hit the slots afterwards. And not for the last time, either.

Today's Run - 2005-10-02

We're here in Burbank, and I decided to do the run on the hotel dreadmill because I was afraid of the smoke from the nearby wildfires being bad for my lungs. Turned out that it wasn't so bad now, but I stuck to the mill anyway. Wound up with some decent quality:

10 Miles in 69.5 minutes including a 5-mile MP and a 3-mile tempo. The 5 was in 34:16, and the 3 was in 19:49. 1% elevation. 2100 09-05 shoes. Not too bad, but some holding on.

Nice to swim in the pool afterwards.

Tahoe Triple Tapering

Day 1 of the Tahoe Triple is a week from tomorrow. We leave this Friday. I'm packing all sorts of clothing, GU packets, 4 for a buck powerbars, bandaids, vaseline, etc. etc. Hope I'm not leaving anything out that I'll need.

I'm limiting myself to one 20-miler this week (yesterday), so it must be taper time. For most of the summer I averaged high seventies for weekly mileage, and included two or more long runs per week. I only ran about 67 miles last week, and after today's and Friday's 11-milers, I'll have fifty-some for this week. I feel like I'm as ready as I can possibly be. I think I can handle the distance, and probably the hills. The Tahoe altitude is the only unknown for me. It'll cause a slowdown; the only question is how much.

Someone asked about my goals. My initial reaction was: Goals? I need to have goals? What's up with that?? But then I thought about it and came up with some:

1) Start each run (this may be problematical for days 2 and 3.
2) Stay vertical for the three runs (also problematical - especially after reading about Helen Klein).
3) Actually cross the finish line each day (problematical, of course).
4) If I can accomplish goals 1-3, it would be nice to do each marathon in the 3:30 to 4:00 range. This is based on my measly training at sea level. If it's not to be, that's ok too.

Today's Run - 2005-09-27

I really don't do this on purpose, but once again, I woke up early (3am) and decided to do an extra 10 before Dave emerged. I did, and it went well today. The cool weather helped. I did the first 10 in a PR tie of 77.5, and Dave and I went around the second time in 84.5. This turned out to be the best Tuesday 20 - doing this route - yet.

I'm feeling better now, and I think I'm running at least as well as ever this year. All systems are go for Tahoe.

This is definitely the last 20 before the triple. It's only a bit more than a week away. Yikes.

Yesterday's Run - 2005-09-25

Nice run with Rita and George on the trails at the Rocky River Nature Center. I wound up with about 12 very easy miles in about 1:48. Plenty of hills. Buckets of sweat.

Dinner with Family

Dave, Carol, Ed, Betsy, Mom and us went to dinner at Ruby Tuesday yesterday. Nice time. We planned our trip with Dave and Carol just a bit.

Hawaii!!

Yes, we're going again! Had Northwest Frequent Flyer Miles to burn, and burn we did. NWA is in Chapter 11, and although the FF's are safe for now, you never know. We booked it for January 23 to February 3, Cleveland to Houston to Maui, and return. We also booked the whole 12 days/11 nights at the Renaissance Wailea. It's weird not going to more than one island, but that's the plan.

My Cold, Debbie's Cold, and Today's Run - 2005-09-24

I'm almost 100% now. That Zicam is just fantastic. I got the cold on Tuesday, but wasn't really sure until Wednesday morning. I did start the Zicam on Tuesday though. Good thing. I did feel really lousy on Wednesday, and part of Thursday, but by Friday it was mostly gone. And today I was able to get back to my Tahoe Triple Training - a 20-miler with Dave and Andy in 2:35. Super.

Debbie got the cold from me, and she feels really lousy. She even has a fever of 100 or so. She's on the Zicam, so I hope she's better soon.

Powerbars @ Four for a Buck

It's true. I bought 12 of them for three bucks at a Great Freight Store. Only one problem: the expiration date was July 16, 2005.

I think it was the same person who questioned why they have expiration dates on sour cream, but someone was wondering about what could happen to Powerbars if they expired. I guess I'm about to find out. By the way, Great Freight is a bit like Big Lots - lots of odds and ends of stuff. Some at very good prices. My training partner Dave clued me in to the possibility that they may have my long sought after Powerbars, and he was right.

Long sought after because I haven't been able to find them recently. I wanted to pack some for my Tahoe Trip. I've looked at supermarkets, drug stores and Kmarts, and no Powerbars or Cliff Bars. What's up with that? There were plently of protein and balance-type bars to be had.

By the way, Great Freight had any flavor you would want, as long as you like Banana Nut.

Today's Run - 2005-09-22

I ought to be running at my best these days: two weeks and a day before Tahoe. But now I've got this dang cold. I didn't run at all yesterday, and only 3 today (president streets - 26 minutes). I sure hope this thing goes away quickly. Don't know if the Zicam off-brand stuff is working or not.

Sunday, Tuesday, and Now

Sunday I did 24 - three eight-mile loops to the end of Substation and back. Pretty slow going. Didn't mind starting slow, but finishing slower (about 9-minute pace) was disconcerting.

Yesterday I woke early (about 3) and decided to get another long one in - this time in conjunction with Dave and the usual 10. I couldn't quite finish 10 before Dave came out, but close enough - I did 1 more after we were through. The problem was that, unlike last time I tried this, I was moving slower for that first loop. The 10 with Dave were pretty good though - 82.5 minutes.

I haven't had a cold in about 2 years, but I got one now. Fighting it with Zicam, and taking today off from running.

Runs Through 2005-09-17

Haven't had much time to post lately. Here's the latest on the running.

After Sunday's race I did a 12, two 15's and a 2 in Minneapolis. The 12 was slow, the first 15 was fast, but it was on the dreadmill (3 3-mile tempo runs) and the second 15 started ok, but ended slow.

Today I did 23 on the towpath with Dave and Brian. It was very humid, and we had a bit of rain, but it wasn't a bad run at all. Kinda typical.

It was good to see Amy today - first time in months - maybe since the wedding. We saw her on the towpath and then at Brueggers. Her friend Sherry was there too. We had a nice long conversation. She looks good, but is evidently still exercising a lot.

Today's Run and Y'Day's Trip - 2005-09-12

Ran 12 (in 98 minutes) along the Mississippi today. Short of the usual 15 because it began to rain, and I was out of it anyway. Hope for a better run tomorrow.

Yesterday's trip into MSP was ok. No big shakes.

Weekend Activities

We had Iris and Mike and Linda and Bob over for Friday pizza. Been a looong time since we laughed so hard. Iris' recollection of playing "Anne Frank" was hilarious.

Yesterday we had Kathy and Mike for rotisserie chicken. More laughs, a walk and then some dominoes.

We've made really good progress on the basement over the last few days. More than half done with the drywall.

River Run Half Marathon

It was about what I expected. Nice morning, weather-wise, but it's a good thing the start is early. The River Run is on a very pretty course through the Cleveland Metroparks. I ran a steady pace the whole way, with fairly even splits. As always, mile 10 was slow due to some hills, so I hit the 10-mile mark in 1:08:16. Thank goodness I had something left for that last 5K; I was able to pick it up and do them in 20 minutes flat to finish in 1:28:16. Not my best half ever, but I'll take it.

Last Triple Before Tahoe

On Monday, September 5, I dropped Veronica and Barry at the Akron/Canton airport and then stopped at Hinckley Lake for long run number one of three. It's about three miles around the lake, and I did this 6 times:

25:31, 24:59, 23:59, 24:07, 20:58, 22:22 I'm pretty proud of that 20:58 - it's kinda unusual for me to achieve sub-sevenness these days. Overall time for the 18 was 2:22.

Tuesday and Wednesday I hit the Lester Rail Trail for 4-six mile loops each day. Here are the 6-mile splits:

Tue: 53:11, 51:00, 49:44, 47:30 for 3:22+
Wed: 51:14, 51:00, 49:32, 47:25 for 3:19

This weekend (either Erie Marathon or River Run Half) will be a good test.

Weekend Activities

We had a wonderful weekend with the kids in town. I already mentioned Friday night at Fat Fish Blue. Saturday we had a picnic at Hinckley Lake. Kathy and Jessey came along. Took a bit of a walk. Saturday night, after taking Dan back to the airport, we watched a movie - everyone was too tired to go the the Star Wars concert at Blossom. Sunday we went to the Renaissaince Fayre at Huntington Reservation. It was small, but we enjoyed a couple of the shows and the walk on the beach afterwards. Sunday night Veronica made pizza, and we watched yet another movie. Monday morning came all too soon - we had to take Valerie to Hopkins and Veronica and Barry to Akron/Canton for their trips home. Monday afternoon Debbie and I went to visit Mom. Dave came over too.

fat fish blue and today's run

Val and Dan got in last night. We went right downtown to Fat Fish Blue to see Robin Stone. We ate a bit and enhoyed the show. Met two of her band members.

7 miles over to the HS school and back today. Some pickups. 55:30 or so. Had time to do more, but was just too tired to get moving.

I Squashed a Yellow-jacket in my Singlet Today

Doesn't quite have the impact of "I shot an elephant in my pajamas today", but it's the best I could come up with. First, the Yellow-jacket’s perspective.

It was a beautiful late-summer morning, and the sun was just beginning to rise. My sisters and I (all eighty-three of us) decided to get out of the nest early for our daily foraging. We knew of some luscious rotten apples laying on the ground not too far away.

Any foraging trip may have certain hazards. Crossing roads can be very dangerous because fast-moving machines can smash into us as we're flying by. Humans, large, disgusting creatures, sometimes swat at us (we just get out of the way and then buzz them a few times), but sometimes spray some terrible stuff at us to knock us down and kill us. Crossing over the Lester Rail Trail is usually not a hazard, because the humans moving on it are usually slow-moving and don't bother us. But today was different.

I was leading the group across the trail on our way to the apples. Suddenly I heard, "Gertrude, LOOK OUT!!". It was my sisters warning me, but it was too late. One of the slow-moving (certainly no faster than most) humans on the trail had come along and I somehow (don't ask me to explain it) got sucked between its skin and its garment. I was scared, confused, and a little angry. So I did what any self-respecting yellow-jacket would do: I lowered my stinger. In that split second, I managed to find a great spot. It was on a soft, damp furry area, just on the edge of a darker, hairless area that had a bump in the middle.

Then, and I realize that this is hard to believe, I felt strong pressure from the other side of the garment, and I was pulled away from the skin. I saw a huge, ugly face looking down at me. Gave me the willies, but I was too concerned about getting crushed. I managed to wiggle out to freedom. That was a close one. I somehow made it back to the nest, where my sisters took care of me. We're all vowing a jihad for revenge.

Now the human side:

The good thing about starting at eleven minutes a mile: When you ratchet down to nine or eight, it feels like you're flying. The bad part? By the time you ratchet your pace down, a whole lot of time has gone by.

Why so slow to start? Because it was extremely dark and scary out there on the Lester Rail Trail at 5:15 am. Good thing I didn't start any earlier. The plan was to do the 6-mile round trip four times, getting a bit faster with each one. And to hopefully do the last few miles at better than 7-minute pace.

After the first extremely slow loop, the sun began to rise and I started out again. About half-way, I felt a sudden stinging sensation on my chest, under my singlet. Not much pain for a half-second, then, EEEEEEEK!, did it hurt! I grabbed at my singlet and figured out that I had somehow acquired a yellow-jacket and somehow got it out of the singlet after only half-squashing it. Luckily I'm not allergic to those stings, but as it was, my breast swelled up a bit and continued to hurt. Hey - this may be the next big thing: a new "natural" method of breast enlargement.

I somehow managed to get through the other two and a half loops. Each one did get faster, but I never got anywhere near 7-minute pace. Gonna have to work on that.

Six-mile Splits:

58:49 (it was dark)
50:47 (big bad sting)
49:40
47:42 (finish in 3:27)

Kids Coming

They laughed at my agenda for the weekend, but here it is:

Proposed Agenda – Labor Day Weekend

Friday, September 2

8:20pm – on way to airport – check in at Howard Johnson, get key
8:55pm – Val and Dan arrive at Cle-Hopkins (car required?)
9:30pm – Fat Fish Blue downtown to see Robin Stone live or home for home-made pizza?
http://www.luckyboyinc.com/Artists/Robin-Stone.htm
http://www.fatfishblue.com/cleve/index.htm


Saturday, September 3

8:15am – breakfast if Val and Dan so desire
10:16am – Veronica & Barry arrive at Akron-Canton (leave home at 9:30am)
12:00pm – picnic lunch at Hinckley Lake
6:50pm – Dan leaves from Cle-Hopkins (leave home at 4:50)
8:00pm – Star Wars Spectacular at Blossom Music Center? (or Sunday?)
http://www.clevelandorch.com/html/blossom/BlossomIndex.asp?SiteType=B
http://www.hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=32407


Sunday, September 4

8:30am – breakfast by Debbie
10:00am – Renaissance Festival, Geauga County Fair, Taste of Cleveland or Cleveland Air Show?
http://www.lkwdpl.org/beck/news.htm
http://www.faires.com/EventRecord.php?Id=8
http://geaugafair.com/
http://www.cleveland.com/tasteofcleveland/
http://www.clevelandairshow.com/

Monday, September 5

8:00am – Veronica and Barry leave from Akron-Canton (leave home at 6:00am)
8:50am – Val leaves from Cle-Hopkins (leave home at 6:50am)

Orion Rise

I wanted to repeat my "Out the Door Before Four" scenario, but it was actually about 6 minutes after by the time I actually hit the road. Same plan as usual: two eight-mile loops followed by a four. This time I was hoping to run each 4-mile segment a bit faster, and to do the last 4 in under 28 minutes.

During my first eight, I noticed Orion beginning to rise in the east, especially as I was headed south on dark dark Substation Road. During the second eight, it was even more beautiful. As usual, it was following the Pleides cluster, part of Taurus the Bull, which was now high in the sky. A bright object, probably Mars, was also near the Pleides. Far off in the east below Orion, and just starting to rise was Sirius and the thin crescent moon. Altogether it was a spectacular scene - the likes of which I haven't seen for months.

Other than dodging the early morning traffic, it was a good run. My four-mile splits were:

33:14
32:52
32:07
32:48
28:59

overall: 2:40:02

Didn't quite make my goal of sub-28 for those last 4 though. Gotta work on that.

Today's Run - 2005-08-30

... was interesting. I had planned to get up early to run long, thinking about perhaps 4 before Dave came out to run at 5:15 for 10, and then 6 more afterwards. But I hadn't expected to see a time beginning with a "2" when I was getting out of bed. So I decided to get the first 10 in BEFORE Dave started. I did this by running our usual 10-mile loop beginning at about 3:58.

Got through in record time: 77:31. That may have even beat Dave's record. But - if it's only 10 miles, why aren't we doing 75 minutes or less? Today's warmth (70 or so) and extreme humility didn't help.

The problem was that I was pretty well shot by the time Dave came out. We started that 2nd 10 ok, but my fatigue soon began to show it's ugly face. I was really dragging for the last couple, and we finished in 87 minutes.

So Good and bad - yin and yang. I've planned to take tomorrow off since we're now being hit by Katrina. I then plan to do long runs on Thursday and Friday.

Chicago

We visited with Val and Dan.

Went to Gino's East for pizza on Friday, then went to see Red Eye.

On Saturday Val, Mom and I went to the art museum. Enjoyed the French Impressionist stuff as well as the miniature room designs.

Ate dinner at Rosebud, then went to the top of John Hancock.

A fun but stressful weekend.

Dan's Running 26Aug through 29Aug 2005

On Friday, 2005-08-26, I did a long run. Not just any long run, but a 25-mile long run. And it wasn't pretty at all. I came back after 14, and felt like quitting at that time. But no, I went out and slogged another 11 at about a nine minute pace. Altogether I did the 25 in 3:40:30. Don't know what it was - maybe the warm, humid morning, but more likely it was just getting back from MSP the day before, and running three hard 15's on Monday through Wednesday.

On Saturday I ran with Valerie along Lake Michigan. It was only about two miles, and it was very slow. But it was a very enjoyable run! The lake was beautiful, and there were tons of runners out. And of course I got to run with my daughter. We haven't run a whole lot together (maybe once) since she was a kid. Now she's an all-growed-up 25-year-old - a fully functioning adult, who happens to like to run.

Today I made it out to the Lester Rail Trail. It's a short 3 each way - I add on a bit to call it an even 6 round trip. I started easy and did the first 3 in about 25 minutes, picking it up a bit on the way back, including one sub-7 mile. The return was about 22 minutes. The second loop was to be a marathon pace run. I call anything under 7:00 pace that goes for 5 miles or more an MP run. I managed just under 7 minute pace for the first 3 (just under 21 minutes), then picked it up just a bit for the last 3 - 20:30 or so.

I saw 3 wild turkeys - a hen and 2 chicks!

Today's Run - 2005-08-24

Best run of the week so far. This time it was the Minneapolis lakes route. I did it in 1:55 - a minute slower than yesterday, but it's a tougher course. The start was slow, but the middle and the last part were very fast. Included a tempo around Lk Hariett. No stops again.

Today's Run - 2005-08-23

I didn't feel any better than yesterday, but I musta pushed it just a bit harder anyway. I did the same Mississippi 15-mile course in 1:54 - 3+ minutes better than yesterday. Splits were 60, 54. Good 2nd half! It helped that I made all the traffic signals on the way back. No stops again. Toes are really beat up.

Basement Progress

Don't know how much I blogged about this lately, but we finished the insulation last week and began on the drywall. Didn't get a lot done due to Debbie's injury, but we did do some hard stuff - the bathroom and closet ceilings. The rest will be very easy. Heh

Yesterdays Travel and Todays Run - 2005-08-22

Yesterday I took Continental instead of Northwest due to their strike. I was mixed up about the departure time and wound up checking in only 15 minutes before departure. Departure was gate D14 - as far away as you can get in Cleveland. It was really tough to run with all my paraphenalia. But somehow I made it. It was nice getting in a bit earlier.

VERY nice and cool for today's run. The coolest (about 53F) in many months. The air felt great, but I didn't. I was still tired and sore. But I managed to still do ok for my run along the river - one of my usual courses. I did the first half in a very slow 61, and the second half in a decent 56.5 minutes. Hope I can recover for tomorrow's run.

Tahoe Triple Training - Twenty, Twenty, Twenty

Today was day three of my attempt at three long runs in three consecutive days to prepare (the will to win is nothing without the will to prepare) for the Tahoe Triple. Thursday and Friday were good; today was very good. It helped to run with friends. Training partners Dave and Andy accompanied me for today's sojourn on the towpath from Station Road Bridge to Hunt Farm (exactly ten miles) and back. It was warm and sunny, but cooler and shadier there in the Cuyahoga River Valley. Every little bit helps.

After making a few water stops, we reached Hunt Farm in 1:22. Picking it up just a bit ("Dan, are you varying your pace?") after the turnaround, we ran the second half in 1:17:30 to finish in 2:39:30. The last two miles were among my fastest, partially because I was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep up with Dave, who had originally asked that pace question.

Yes, I'm a bit beat up right now. But not much more than after a usual long run. Seven weeks to go, and I feel like I'm as ready as I can be at this point. I'll have to think of some new torture ideas between now and October.

Debbie

She's doing much better, but she says it's still somewhat hard to breathe. That's still worrisome. Still don't know if we should have taken her in.

Tahoe Triple Training - Twenty-Twenty

Today was the second day of my attempt at three twenties in three consecutive days. This morning it was about 5 degrees warmer, and much more humid. I decided to run the exact same course: two 8-mile loops followed by a four.

I actually started a bit faster today, and was doing pretty decent. That is, until the humility got to me. The wheels didn't come off completely however. I wound up with the *exact* same time (2:44:30) as yesterday. Ain't the somethin'? The only thing different was the 4-mile splits:

08-18: 32:29, 33:30, 32:24, 32:31, 33:30
08-19: 31:52, 33:05, 32:15, 34:09, 33:09

What will tomorrow bring? I actually feel ok. A bit sore, but ok. It'll be a slightly different story, since I'll be running a different route along with one or more training partners. Should be interesting.

Tahoe Triple Training - Twenty

Against the advice of Dave Hays, I've decided to try three long runs in three consecutive days. Today is day one.

Up at 3:20, out the door by four. The weather was decent, but, at 69F, not quite as cool as I would've liked. At least there wasn't too much humility. I don't like humility. As I've done on other occasions, I decided to do two 8-mile out and back loops, and then a 4-miler.

My back's been bothering me lately, but it wasn't too bad today. I managed to hold a steady pace throughout the run. My 4-mile splits were: 32:29, 33:30, 32:24, 32:31, 33:30. I finished in 2:44:26; not too bad, but I would've liked to have done it in 2:40. I like to think that I was just pacing myself for my next two twenties scheduled for tomorrow and Saturday.

So much for this installment of Tahoe Triple Training. I've still got about 6 or so weeks to go. What scares me is that even if I manage these three consecutive twenties, it'll still be only 60 miles in three days, whilst I'll need to be able to do 78.6 at altitude when October rolls around.

Debbie Fell

Debbie slipped and fell on the basement stairs today. She didn't fall all the way down, but she hurt her ribs and hip. We're hoping nothing's broken. It hurts her to breathe, so that's worrisome.

My back is better today. Very little pain all day - even in the morning.

We've been working in the basement. I keep thinking of things related to the wiring (like cable and phone) that need to be done before we complete the insulation.

Finally sent my Boston 100 article the other day. Glad to get that one done.

Today's Run and Visit - 2005-08-16

Dave and I ran our usual 10 today in 83 and a half minutes. Seemed slower, but the cooler (63) weather helped.

I went with Debbie to her dentist appointment and to visit Mom. The usual - Marc's and Bob Evans. Debbie was glad to have my company. Mom's got a trip to the Niagra Casino tomorrow. We tried to make sure she's set for the trip. Hope it goes well.

Dot & Greg

Dot and Greg came over to visit Friday and Saturday. We had a lot of laughs, and ate well. Went to Hinckley to walk a bit and up to Old Time Pottery.

Perfect 10-Miler - 2005-08-14

I've had a fairly awful year of running so far. With the possible exception of one little 5K, each and every race has been a disappointment in some way. I've now taken about a month off from racing in order to regroup. Today's race, the Perfect 10-Miler, would be an interesting test. Before the race, I managed to manage my expectations about as well as I could: go out at about 6:45 pace and try to keep from dying. Positive splits and slow finishes have been among my problems in the recent races.

It was extremely humid, but the heat wasn't overly oppressive. I started at said 6:45 or so pace, hitting the half-way point in 34:02. It was tough to catch my breath with all that humility out there. Would I be able to hold the pace?

The short answer turned out to be no. I ran mile 6 in 7:29. It was uphill, so I expected a slow one. Then I was able to pick it up for the last 4. They turned out to be my best ones: 6:40, 6:23, 6:39, 6:25. I finished in 1:07:40 - about a minute slower than last year, but I've decided to be very pleased with it. Pleased due to my strong finish and my place - 1st in the geezer division. All the faster geezers must've stayed home today!

Today - 2005-08-11

I was gonna take today off from running. But I woke up at 3:40 and thought, why not. I had been thinking that it would be tough to do this long run on Friday, and Saturday was out. But would I be able to do it after a speedwork 12, a 15 and a 15 on previous days?

I did, but it wasn't pretty. Actually, it was pretty slow. But I made it. And I finished faster than I started. So it was a good one - albeit still slow overall. It was the Grand Round course - 21 miles. It's fun, and I get a decently fast finish every time. This time I did the last 8 or so at about an 8 minute pace. Overall I did the 21 in 2:57.

Been a tough week, work-wise but it's going by fast. I probably won't get an early flight home. The Worleys are coming tomorrow.

Today's Run - 2005-08-10

Much better today. The weather was better, I felt better (an ibu helped), and the course (along the Mississippi) is easier for some reason - probably shorter. But I did the [15] in 1:53 with splits of 59 and 54. Not bad for being tired.

too busy to think

They're running me ragged again here at Target. It's really tough to keep it all straight in my head. Doing 11-13 hour days.

Today's Run - 2005-08-09

A stinker today. I was tired and sore to begin with, but the first half went well. But it was extremely warm (79F) and humid, and it all took it's toll. This was my Minneapolis Lakes course, and it's always challenging. It sure was this time - I averaged about 7:30 to 7:45 for the first half, and 8 to 8:30 for the 2nd half. Finished in exactly 2 hours, but I sure was beat. And I also had to stop a few times - water, traffic, and just plain fatigue.

Today's Dreadmill Run - 2005-08-08

I'm in MSP and wanted to do some speedwork, so onto the mill I went. I got through it, but had to hold on a bit, so I'll give it a B-.

The details - 8 x 1600 @ 9.3 MPH (6:27). Total - 12 miles in 1:22:16.

Hope I can do this well at the 10-mile race this weekend.

It's hot & humid here in MSP. My flight was delayed for 1 hr+ last night due to NWA labor problem & slowdowns.

Today's Run - 2005-08-07

Great run on the Old Carriage Trail with the DRS group - Rita, BobH, Greg, George, Tom. Seemed like much faster though. - 6 miles in 56 minutes.

Today

Great run on the Old Carriage Trail with the DRS group - Rita, BobH, Greg, George, Tom. Seemed like much faster though.

Fair

We went to the Medina County Fair with Kathy, Mike and Jessey. It was a lot of fun, especially the fair food and the animals. I was hot and tired though.

100 miles - 2005-08-06

100 miles in a week. Second most ever - and the other was the time I did 100 in a day! This was actually a good, enjoyable 20 - 14 with Dave and Brian on the trails and roads around Hinckley, then 2 more loops around the lake by myself. I usually don't do well by myself after running with the gang, but this time my last 6 were the strongest.

Today's Run/Other Stuff - 2005-08-05

Did 20 today - that's 80 for the week, and it ain't over yet.

Pretty interesting run. Some rain. Some heavy rain. Some little t-storms. Some big t-storms. Some scary t-storms. Decent enough given the conditions and mileage so far this week. Did it all in 2:40.

Saw Batman Begins - very good movie. Also went to lunch at California Salads. Very good lunch. About to cook pizza for the Zims.

Other Stuff

Debbie visited Mom yesterday - I was working.

I've been squeezing in time to write and to work on the basement wiring. Making progress in both areas. The article is coming along. I've asked 3 people to look at a draft. The basement is coming along too.

Today's Run - 2005-08-03

A good, solid speedwork session! Good and solid means I got through it. Times weren't extremely fast, but they were the most I could hope for. Now, if I can only improve on this. The details:

3x(1600,1200,800) times - 6:36,4:52,3:07,6:34,4:50.3:05,6:31,4:47,3:03
total workout - 10 miles in 75 minutes.

I've been back to about 158 lately.

Today's Hot Sweaty Run - 2005-08-02

Just another sultry morning saw me and Dave doing our usual 10-mile route in 84 minutes. Buckets of sweat once again. Felt like we were running much faster. Can't wait till fall.

At least the pounds are back off - I was at 158 this morning - only 4 to go.

Today's Run - 2005-08-01

Didn't think I was going to do another long run today, but I woke up and did one anyway. I ran a fairly solid 18 today in 2:32:30 after yesterday's very solid 22. I think I'm on the upswing again - that calf problem was but a minor setback.

Just registered for the Perfect 10-Miler. That will be a good test. Kinda scary.

Today's Long Run - 2005-07-31

Best long run since the marathon in May. This was Very encouraging. Felt good the whole way, even though the heat is returning.

22 miles - 2:55:30. Several stops as I kept looping back home for h20 and gatorade. Steady pace for all the loops.

Also - found out last night that Jill G. is pregnant. This is good news. We were at a family gathering in Little Italy when she told us.

Also Also - just tried out the new manual lawn mower. Worked well, but the grass wasn't too high.

BT50K Volunteering and Today's Run - 2005-07-30

Since I wasn't going to run it, I volunteered to help at the start of the BT50K. It drove me completely nuts to be there and not be able to run. Still, it was nice to see everyone, and to be useful.

I did run on the towpath with Dave, Brian and Andy afterwards. I was a bit worried, but the calf was just fine. We even had a decent pace. The nice weather helped.

Only 12 miles though. I'll probably try to do 20 tomorrow if I'm still doing well. The weight (161) is back up there.

Recovery (I hope)

My calf is still tight, but it feels a bit better. Of course the real test will be to run on it. Gonna take today, as well as yesterday, off. We'll see about the weekend. I may watch the BT50K.

More recovery: Finally got a partial solution to the computer problem: a parallel install of windows. This was Microsoft's big idea. Can't get the network working, so I'm uploading pics to FTP and downloading them back to this laptop. After all this I will reinstall windows completely.

Calf Problems - 2005-07-27

My right calf has been hurting for a week or so now. I hope it's just a muscle pull and not something worse - like a stress fracture.

It's finally starting to cool off - only low 70s with light rain and still high humility for this morning's run. It's supposed to cool down a bunch from now on. Still, the humility got to me big time. That and the calf problem.

I thought things would go well when I weighed in at 158 - the best in months. But I knew during that first rep that this would not be my day. I wanted to do the usual 3 sets of 1600, 1200, 800. I only got through 2, even though I tried to start the 3rd set. The calf and the humility were just too much.

I guess I should be happy to do as much as I did. The reps were slow (6:37,4:56,3:12,6:38,4:54,3:11), but not a total disaster.

Other Stuff - 2005-07-27

Saw Mom. She wore a sweater on the hottest day of the year - 95. "It may be cold in Marc's." Saw former neighbor Paula Horvath, Mom's current neighbor, Kousin Kathy (at Chicago Deli), Allan Runevitch (at Best Buy).

Bought a sound system from Best Buy. Complicated deal - seems like a good one, but not entirely sure. $800 or so. Also got exaust fan & heater from Lowes.

Still working (for the past week) with Microsoft on the broken computer. Taking hours and hours and hours.

Today's Run - 2005-07-26

I ran with Dave on our usual 10-mile route. Uncomfortably warm (74) and humid again as usual. It was a slow one - 85.5 minutes. My calf is still very sore and tender. It is a bit better than Sunday though. Don't know whether to take tomorrow off to try to get it healed better. We'll see.

I've also got to decide about the Buckeye Trail 50K. Still leaning against it, but haven't ruled it completely out.

Hoot

Went to Kathy and Mike's yesterday for a barb-b-q with Mike's family. They were a hoot - especially Rich.

- Marlene asked if we all remember the "Waffle Man" coming around in our childhood years like the ice cream man. When an ice cream truck came through the hood, Mike pretended to go out to buy something and came back with an eggo waffle.

- Mrs. Z said she often wakes up stiff. Rich said that would be a "good day" for him.

- Tony talked about an encounter with a ufo.

Lots of laughs.

20-20 running - 2005-07-24

I had wanted to do back to back 20 milers for a while. I'd been working up to it, but it's been tough with this heat and humility. Yesterday's somewhat hilly and trailly 20 was ok. Problem was that my calf has been bugging me. Could be a pull of some kind.

Today I ran well for 12 miles, but the rest was a stinker. My calf really started to hurt, and I almost quit at 16. But I went out for those last 4, and they weren't any worse than the previous 4. Could be a mistake to have kept going, but I'm also glad I didn't quit.

Today's Run - 2005-07-23

Pretty solid run with Dave on the towpath with a little on the hike&bike and Old Carriage. Still tired at the finish, but way better than last week. The decent (although still warm) weather helped. I'm calling it 20; several of the TP miles were in the 8 to 8:15 range.

Good news: 159 for two days in a row.

Today's Run - 2005-07-22

Not a bad 5-mile jog around the neighborhoods north and south of 303 today. It's always good to be able to hold an 8 minute pace anymore. Still achy and sore - probably from Wednesday's speedwork. More good news: I weighed in at a slim and trim 159.

Non-running news:

Been busy in the basement - working on wiring and figuring out the theater situation.

Debbie is headed to Cedar Point.

I need to get going on the Boston article.

Running - 2005-07-19 and 2005-07-20

Yesterday's run with Dave was ok - we did our 10-mile loop in an average time of 83.5 minutes. It was hot and humid once again. I weighed in at a hefty 162 - the most in a long time.

Today was much better. My first attempt at speedwork in a couple weeks. And it was surprisingly successful. Still slow, but I made it through. Nicer weather helped, but the pollution from the adjacent road construction didn't.

8x1600 in an average of 6:33.

Went to See Mom

Went to see Mom. Same story - shopping at Marc's and then over to Bob Evans for lunch. It's great that she's so happy to see me all the time.

More on (or is it moron) running - 2005-07-17 and 18

This weather has been unbelievable. It's been either terrible heat or terrible humility or both every day for weeks. Usually both.

That was the case yesterday, when I attempted a second long run on consecutive days. Wanted to do 20, but only made it to 18. It was mostly ok, but the last few were at a slog pace, so I decided not to do the whole enchilada. The deer flies tormented me the whole way. Note to self - stay off the country roads in weather like this.

Today there was more oppressive weather. I just jogged 5 around the neighborhood, and then one more in the new Nike Free shoes.

Indian Cuisine

I usually can't get Debbie to try Indian food, but I thought if Dave and Jill invited us to go to such a restaurant with them, she'd go. They did and she did, and it was good stuff. We went to Jaiper Junction, ate on plastic plates and the food was really really good. Debbie said it was "pretty good".

Afterwards we all went to East Coast Custard for ice cream for the 4th consecutive day.

Debbie and I watch Kinsey after that. Not a bad movie. Very thought provoking. But not quite as good, overall, as Million Dollar Baby, which we saw the other night.

West Side Market

Debbie, Kathy and I went to the West Side Market today. Wound up buying stuff to make shishkabob for this evening, as well as other goodies. What a great cultural experience. Too bad the ladies forgot their burkas.

Today's Long Hot Run 2005-07-16

Good thing I'm taking things easy, because if they were any tougher they'd kill me. At least I didn't have the benefit of suffering alone today - I ran this long one with Dave and Brian. 75-80 and unbelievable humility. Buckets o sweat. 19 or so miles in 2:43. Couldn't have gone a step more.

Another Long Run - 2005-07-12

In typical Dan fashion, I woke up about 3am in Minneapolis, tried to get back to sleep, couldn't, got up, made coffee, and stumbled out the hotel door at 3:52am for my long run. Since I was up, it might be a long one.

I've done the Minneapolis "Grand Round" two or three times in the past. It links up two of my favorite 15 or so mile courses - along and around the chain of lakes, and along the Mississippi. In the past I've called it 21 or 22 miles.

It was warm (74), but I managed a strong finish (last 7.5 in 55 minutes) to complete the whole thing in 2:50.

Not bad. This will be my only run until my next long one on Saturday.

Today's Run - 2005-07-09

40 miles in 3 days. With one day off in the middle. That's 21 Thursday and 19 this morning. Not bad - I've done more, but it's a start. On my Tahoe Training that is. Only one problem: I've gotta do 78.6 miles in three days at altitude. I'm supposed to be taking it easy, and I am taking more days off. But so far, the mileage is about the same. Next week will be easier.

It was a glorious morning here in NE Ohio. Bright sun with temps in the 60s. Cool at the start of the run and warm, but not humid, at the finish. Lots and lots of other runners, bikers and walkers were out on the towpath. Maybe more than I've ever seen at any one time.

Dave and I started in Peninsula, one of my favorite parts of the entire planet. We ran south from there, and ended up doing some parts of the towpath that we've never done before. Got into Akron proper, and even discovered that the old running store in the valley, which had been out of business, had reopened as a Second Sole. Of course by that point the towpath is no longer wooded, but winding through strip malls and busy streets. That was about the turnaound point anyway.

Took us 1:20 to get down there; 1:16 to get back. I was pretty shot, but we kept to the 8:10 or so pace most of the way. Dave did an extra mile or so afterwards.

We drove down to Second Sole after the run to check out the wares. That was a long ride! Dave bought some Asics Nimbus' and I got talked into the new Nike Free. "Not a shoe, but a training tool." We'll see.

Today's Run - 2005-07-07

Looks like I'm taking two days off this week, and maybe three next. God knows I'm burned out and need to do something different. I thought that I had been taking things easier - what with reduced mileage, etc. But after these recent races, it sure don't look like it.

On the other hand, I need to begin training for my late summer marathon, and more importantly, the Tahoe Triple. So today I went out to do 20 and wound up with 21.

It helped that it was a nice morning (not too hot), and I found a good place to run (W. River Rd for about 9 of the miles) - low traffic and nice screnery.

I did slow down for the last 5 or so, but this was a nice long run.

Today's Run - 2005-07-05

I ran with Dave on our usual 10-mile loop. Did it in 84 minutes, which is about average. The ole legs were tired and sore from the previous day's racing.

Medina Twin Sizzler Race Reports

I was running a bit late, but thought I had enough time. The 5K began at 7:45; the 10K at 9:15. I arrived at the Medina YWCA for their Twin Sizzler Races with about 15 minutes to spare. No problem.

Except that there was *nobody* around. Where the heck was the race? Since the YWCA was the organizer and benefactor, it would've made too much sense to have it there. I drove on to the Medina town square - the third choice would be the high school. I saw runners about at the square, so that was the place. I parked the car, sprinted over to the registration area, registered for both races, sprinted back to the car to drop off the shirt and other stuff, then sprinted to the 5K start. All within 5 minutes before the starting cow bell.

I got a kick out of the pre-race announcements:
"We will now have a drawing for a door prize"
(15 seconds of silence)
"We will now hear a few words from our mayor"
(2 seconds of silence)
DING-A-LING-A-LING
(stampede)

*I*, who had just arrived, was still pinning my number on, and only had it half-on when I had to get moving. It was hot and sunny, but I was trying to keep cool and save something for the 10K. First - mostly down hill - mile went by in 6:56. Second, mostly uphill mile went by in 7:06. I picked it up for the last one and finished in 20:35, so the last 1.1 was 6:32. As much as I hate to admit it, it may have been short - I didn't feel like I had picked it up quite that much. Especially with that last hill up to the finish. But it's about what I thought I'd do, so I'll take it.

Now came the 10K. Could I do sub-40? Last week's 42 was pretty bad; surely I could do better today, even though the heat was bad once again, and I had just done that 5K. I tried to stay loose, but cool for the interim.

Unfortunately, it just kept getting hotter and hotter. At least there were no mishaps at the start this time. Got through the first mile in 6:39. Not too bad, but I needed to pick it up just a bit. Second mile: 7:09. Oh Oh. That was nearly all-out. Doesn't bode well for the rest of the race. Third mile: 7:03. (1st 5K was probably about 21:30 or so) Sub-40 is completely out the door. Maybe I could still improve on last week's 42 though. All I'd have to do is pick it up. But my legs and the relentless sun said nothing doing: miles 4 and 5 were 7:06, 7:21. I was once again able to pick it up just a bit for the last 1.2 for 8:10, and a finishing time of 43:31.

Seems like the more I try to get faster, the slower I become.

Dan

Today's Run - 2005-07-03

I met with fellow NEODeads Laura, Bob, Rita and George for another very nice run through Rocky River Reservation today. It was the perfect summer morning - not too hot or cold - just right. And it was good to be doing something I enjoy - running - with my great friends. As another NEODead often says, "Life is Good".