0 miles
See yesterday. Just played volleyball in the afternoon.
5.10.2009
Saturday, May 9th
0 miles
I'm definitely in off-season mode now. I've also been advised by Dr. John not to run so I don't aggravate my scar.
I'm definitely in off-season mode now. I've also been advised by Dr. John not to run so I don't aggravate my scar.
Wednesday, May 7th
6 miles, easy-hard
75 degrees, sunset
I planned to run a 5K at the UMD track meet tonight, but did not look forward to it after a stressful workday that also saw my face swell up, bruise, bleed, and ooze. Gross. When I got to the track I watched Reaves run a PR in the alumni mile (woo!) with Valerie. As soon as Patrick walked up to us he saw my face and after the obligatory "What happened to you!?" asked "Do you want to switch to the 1500?" Thank you, Patrick. After a nearly two years of running together he can read me well.
So I jumped in the College Men's 1500. I haven't run that distance since a meet at Bucknell in 2007, but I was interested to see what my mile time would equate to. I toed the line with 17 other guys, two of whom were rabbits. I was in way over my head. After the gun went off I settled in at the back of the pack and battled with two other guys for the first three laps. I finished DFL, but crossed the line in a respectable 4:15 (=~4:33 mile).
75 degrees, sunset
I planned to run a 5K at the UMD track meet tonight, but did not look forward to it after a stressful workday that also saw my face swell up, bruise, bleed, and ooze. Gross. When I got to the track I watched Reaves run a PR in the alumni mile (woo!) with Valerie. As soon as Patrick walked up to us he saw my face and after the obligatory "What happened to you!?" asked "Do you want to switch to the 1500?" Thank you, Patrick. After a nearly two years of running together he can read me well.
So I jumped in the College Men's 1500. I haven't run that distance since a meet at Bucknell in 2007, but I was interested to see what my mile time would equate to. I toed the line with 17 other guys, two of whom were rabbits. I was in way over my head. After the gun went off I settled in at the back of the pack and battled with two other guys for the first three laps. I finished DFL, but crossed the line in a respectable 4:15 (=~4:33 mile).
Wednesday, May 6th
9 miles, easy
60 degrees, sunrise, wet
Met with Jarrin, Max, Huge, and Murray for a morning run in RCP. Good run with good company.
60 degrees, sunrise, wet
Met with Jarrin, Max, Huge, and Murray for a morning run in RCP. Good run with good company.
Tuesday, May 5th
0 miles
The road to hell is paved with good intentions... I put off a morning run with plans to run from work to the first volleyball game of the season. When I realized I had scheduled my dermatologist surgery in the afternoon everything got screwed up. I made my appointment, but wasn't able to run the rest of the day lest I bleed too much. It also rained and the game was cancelled. Lesson: just run in the morning and consider any evening run to volleyball a "bonus" run.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions... I put off a morning run with plans to run from work to the first volleyball game of the season. When I realized I had scheduled my dermatologist surgery in the afternoon everything got screwed up. I made my appointment, but wasn't able to run the rest of the day lest I bleed too much. It also rained and the game was cancelled. Lesson: just run in the morning and consider any evening run to volleyball a "bonus" run.
5.04.2009
5.03.2009
Sunday, May 3rd
12 miles, easy
50 degrees, cloudy, wet
I woke up early to watch the Pittsburgh Marathon and cheer for DaveO and Laura. DaveO told me about the massive hills between miles 11 and 13, so I joined him and ran up to the half-marathon mark with him. Then I turned around and ran back down the hill to meet Laura and run with her. I saw them again at mile 22 and they were fighting for top 5 male and female! I also ran for a block with my old teammate 'Nedy who was the anchor leg for a relay team and was hawking down the full marathon leaders. Great races by all.
50 degrees, cloudy, wet
I woke up early to watch the Pittsburgh Marathon and cheer for DaveO and Laura. DaveO told me about the massive hills between miles 11 and 13, so I joined him and ran up to the half-marathon mark with him. Then I turned around and ran back down the hill to meet Laura and run with her. I saw them again at mile 22 and they were fighting for top 5 male and female! I also ran for a block with my old teammate 'Nedy who was the anchor leg for a relay team and was hawking down the full marathon leaders. Great races by all.
Saturday, May 2nd
10.5 miles, easy
60 degrees, sunny
Clark showed me around Pittsburgh as he rode his bike next to me as I ran. It was great to have the company and a guide. Perfect day for a run. And I'm glad I got some exercise in before we went to Pimanti Brothers for lunch... famous for their sandwiches with french fries and sauerkraut IN the sandwich! We met my old teammate Ben Niebel and his girlfriend Erica for lunch, then went to "The Strip" to check out the Italian markets.
In the afternoon John and I attended the wedding of my good friend Laura from Penn State. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful venue, and a beautiful bride. Best wedding I've been to so far.
60 degrees, sunny
Clark showed me around Pittsburgh as he rode his bike next to me as I ran. It was great to have the company and a guide. Perfect day for a run. And I'm glad I got some exercise in before we went to Pimanti Brothers for lunch... famous for their sandwiches with french fries and sauerkraut IN the sandwich! We met my old teammate Ben Niebel and his girlfriend Erica for lunch, then went to "The Strip" to check out the Italian markets.In the afternoon John and I attended the wedding of my good friend Laura from Penn State. It was a beautiful day, a beautiful venue, and a beautiful bride. Best wedding I've been to so far.
Friday, May 1st
0 miles.
Got stuck at work and didn't get to run before hitting the road for Pittsburgh.
Got stuck at work and didn't get to run before hitting the road for Pittsburgh.
Wednesday, April 29th
10 miles, hard
50 degrees, sunset, wet
Met with Reaves and Jake for the weekly track workout. This time we ran a quick ladder of 1600, 1200, (2) 800, (2) 400. Since I plan to run some track races this spring/summer, I decided that I should wear my new spikes and get used to them. Unfortunately my calves tightened up during the first interval and I had to switch to flats. Then I switched back to the spikes for the 400s. And I did all that changing during while Patrick rested between intervals... Miley Cirus eat your heart out.
Splits: 4:55; 3:45 (ish); 2:28; 2:26; 68; 65
50 degrees, sunset, wet
Met with Reaves and Jake for the weekly track workout. This time we ran a quick ladder of 1600, 1200, (2) 800, (2) 400. Since I plan to run some track races this spring/summer, I decided that I should wear my new spikes and get used to them. Unfortunately my calves tightened up during the first interval and I had to switch to flats. Then I switched back to the spikes for the 400s. And I did all that changing during while Patrick rested between intervals... Miley Cirus eat your heart out.Splits: 4:55; 3:45 (ish); 2:28; 2:26; 68; 65
4.28.2009
Tuesday, April 28th
9 miles, easy
70 degrees, sunrise
Met with Murray for a run to the canal and back via Archibold-Glover. Felt pretty sore/tired from the gym last night.
70 degrees, sunrise
Met with Murray for a run to the canal and back via Archibold-Glover. Felt pretty sore/tired from the gym last night.
4.27.2009
Monday, April 27th
4 miles, easy + Gym
It was another hot one today, so I opted to run in the comfort of the gym. I did core work and light lifting too... it's been a while.
It was another hot one today, so I opted to run in the comfort of the gym. I did core work and light lifting too... it's been a while.
Sunday, April 26th
11.5 miles, easy
85 degrees, sunny
I was supposed to race the Pikes Peek 10K today (see previous week of tapering and speed work...) but I realized that my name was not included on the list of registered runners at 10:30 last night. It was a simple error that happened to other GRCers, but I had noticed far too late. Oh well. Considering how disappointed everyone was after the race, maybe it was good I didn't try.
Instead I watched the finish of the race and ran the cooldown with Jake, Reaves, and Billy. I added on for an hour in a new part of RCP. Followed up with a quick brunch at Jake's and volleyball practice (in 93 degree heat!!). Total scorcher today... what happened to spring?
85 degrees, sunny
I was supposed to race the Pikes Peek 10K today (see previous week of tapering and speed work...) but I realized that my name was not included on the list of registered runners at 10:30 last night. It was a simple error that happened to other GRCers, but I had noticed far too late. Oh well. Considering how disappointed everyone was after the race, maybe it was good I didn't try.
Instead I watched the finish of the race and ran the cooldown with Jake, Reaves, and Billy. I added on for an hour in a new part of RCP. Followed up with a quick brunch at Jake's and volleyball practice (in 93 degree heat!!). Total scorcher today... what happened to spring?
Saturday, April 25th
6 miles, easy
70 degrees, sunny
Ran from the store just like last week. I peeled off of the Haines Point loop at the 14th St. Bridge and threw in a few strides on the way back to the store.
70 degrees, sunny
Ran from the store just like last week. I peeled off of the Haines Point loop at the 14th St. Bridge and threw in a few strides on the way back to the store.
Thursday, April 23rd
10 miles, hard
50 degrees, sunset
Met with Reaves for a speed track workout and surprised myself with how fresh my legs felt and how quickly they turned over. It's been a long time since I've run that fast! We ran 2K, 1K, then 4x400m and a long cool-down.
Splits: 6:20 (5:04 through the mile); 3:03; 68; 67; 65; 63 (!)
50 degrees, sunset
Met with Reaves for a speed track workout and surprised myself with how fresh my legs felt and how quickly they turned over. It's been a long time since I've run that fast! We ran 2K, 1K, then 4x400m and a long cool-down.
Splits: 6:20 (5:04 through the mile); 3:03; 68; 67; 65; 63 (!)
4.22.2009
Sunday, April 19th - Penn Relays 20K
16 miles, hard
50 degrees, partly sunny
Today was the second big race of "peak season" and one with which I have a lot of history. I had conned two of the other Patricks into racing the Penn Relays 20K with me so we could win the team title, and dangled the Penn Relays watch in front of them as an individual prize.
I admit that my preparation for this race paled in comparison to Cherry Blossom. I allowed a busy week at work to mess up my running schedule, ate poorly, and went into the race without enough good rest. So, I probably wasn't meant to have a great race. Then I ran a tactically stupid race and sealed my fate. There's always next year...
...
P.Huge, Luke and I rolled out early from our hotel and met Reaves at Franklin Field. On the warm up we ran by my #1 fan Blaise Syrnick, who cheered loudly as soon as he saw me. The Patricks were taken back a little, but I explained that I'm big in Pennsylvania :) Between the warm up and the start, I saw Coach Groves (a track coaching legend and the man who gave me a chance to run in college) and chatted with him. I also saw two former teammates - one racing and the other spectating.
At the start of the race one runner took off much faster than the rest of the pack. Naturally Reaves, Moore, and I chased him down. I've seen (and fallen for) this tactic at this race many times before... open a gap early and settle into a comfortable pace through the finish. We caught up at the first mile mark with a 5:13 split. Yikes! Wayyy too fast, and nobody was slowing down. I backed off since I also knew how miserable this race would be at the end. At the 5K turnaround the course marshalls (UPenn Track guys) directed the leaders to turn around and run back towards me. I corrected them and used the opportunity to rejoin the pack. Still, we had not slowed down. Mile 2: 5:15. Rediculous. I couldn't hold onto this. I let Reaves go with the leader, but still tried to open a gap on Moore. We held these positions for the majority of the race, but by mile 8 I began to break down. Despite Blaise (and every other volunteer at the water table) chanting "Murph! Murph! Murph!" I couldn't force myself to run any faster. I was in no-man's-land anf fading fast. By mile 10 I was running 6 minute/mile pace and three runners caught me, including the guy I battled with at Cherry Blossom. I cruised to the finish in 1:09:51 to finish 6th. My second worst time on this course. Ugh.
Despite some petitioning with the race officials, GRC took home the Penn Relays "Wheel" and the team title. A good effort by all.
50 degrees, partly sunny
Today was the second big race of "peak season" and one with which I have a lot of history. I had conned two of the other Patricks into racing the Penn Relays 20K with me so we could win the team title, and dangled the Penn Relays watch in front of them as an individual prize.
I admit that my preparation for this race paled in comparison to Cherry Blossom. I allowed a busy week at work to mess up my running schedule, ate poorly, and went into the race without enough good rest. So, I probably wasn't meant to have a great race. Then I ran a tactically stupid race and sealed my fate. There's always next year...
...
P.Huge, Luke and I rolled out early from our hotel and met Reaves at Franklin Field. On the warm up we ran by my #1 fan Blaise Syrnick, who cheered loudly as soon as he saw me. The Patricks were taken back a little, but I explained that I'm big in Pennsylvania :) Between the warm up and the start, I saw Coach Groves (a track coaching legend and the man who gave me a chance to run in college) and chatted with him. I also saw two former teammates - one racing and the other spectating.
At the start of the race one runner took off much faster than the rest of the pack. Naturally Reaves, Moore, and I chased him down. I've seen (and fallen for) this tactic at this race many times before... open a gap early and settle into a comfortable pace through the finish. We caught up at the first mile mark with a 5:13 split. Yikes! Wayyy too fast, and nobody was slowing down. I backed off since I also knew how miserable this race would be at the end. At the 5K turnaround the course marshalls (UPenn Track guys) directed the leaders to turn around and run back towards me. I corrected them and used the opportunity to rejoin the pack. Still, we had not slowed down. Mile 2: 5:15. Rediculous. I couldn't hold onto this. I let Reaves go with the leader, but still tried to open a gap on Moore. We held these positions for the majority of the race, but by mile 8 I began to break down. Despite Blaise (and every other volunteer at the water table) chanting "Murph! Murph! Murph!" I couldn't force myself to run any faster. I was in no-man's-land anf fading fast. By mile 10 I was running 6 minute/mile pace and three runners caught me, including the guy I battled with at Cherry Blossom. I cruised to the finish in 1:09:51 to finish 6th. My second worst time on this course. Ugh.
Despite some petitioning with the race officials, GRC took home the Penn Relays "Wheel" and the team title. A good effort by all.
Saturday, April 18th
6 miles, easy + Strides
65 degrees, sunny
Ran the shortened Haines Point Loop from the store with Jake, Dylan, Mike, and Max, and finished with some strides. Ran into Sarah and chatted for about a mile to finish. Hit the road for Philly after.
65 degrees, sunny
Ran the shortened Haines Point Loop from the store with Jake, Dylan, Mike, and Max, and finished with some strides. Ran into Sarah and chatted for about a mile to finish. Hit the road for Philly after.
Friday, April 17th
9 miles, easy
45 degrees, sunrise
Morning run with P.Murray through RCP/Archibold-Glover and had a good chat about beer and rival HS XC teammates.
45 degrees, sunrise
Morning run with P.Murray through RCP/Archibold-Glover and had a good chat about beer and rival HS XC teammates.
Wednesday, April 15th - Tax Day
9 miles - hard
45 degrees, rain
Made up for not working out on Tuesday by running a 15 minute tempo followed by a 5 minute tempo in RCP. Nearly ran into a deer. Twice.
This is what I get for avoiding the teabaggers downtown by running in the park.
45 degrees, rain
Made up for not working out on Tuesday by running a 15 minute tempo followed by a 5 minute tempo in RCP. Nearly ran into a deer. Twice.
This is what I get for avoiding the teabaggers downtown by running in the park.
4.12.2009
Sunday, April 12th - Easter
6 miles, easy
45 degrees, sunny
Woke up for an easy run before church in RCP. Great morning for a run in DC.
Spent the afternoon watching The Masters and Towpath's masterful production for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler:
45 degrees, sunny
Woke up for an easy run before church in RCP. Great morning for a run in DC.
Spent the afternoon watching The Masters and Towpath's masterful production for the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler:
4.11.2009
Saturday, April 11th
15 miles, moderate
50 degrees, rain
We had a deent turnout today at the GRC store for the run. Everyone ran the usual Earnst Loop, and Reaves, Jake and I added on with a little tempo work to make it our long run. We ran 2 miles out and one mile back on CCT at 20K-ish pace after ten miles to simulate the later stages of a long race. I averaged 5:30s and didn't feel awful, so that's a good sign. In fact, today was the first day my legs started to feel good after Cherry Blossom (despite the cold rain).
We followed up with a team meeting at Dean & Deluca to plan out the fall season... sounds like there's a lot of interest in the Philly Marathon/Half Marathon. I'd like to peak in November, and the PHM is timed for me to rn a strong 10K at Veterans Day, and sets me up for Club XC Nationals. I'm sure I'll fill in the rest of my race schedule around that.
50 degrees, rain
We had a deent turnout today at the GRC store for the run. Everyone ran the usual Earnst Loop, and Reaves, Jake and I added on with a little tempo work to make it our long run. We ran 2 miles out and one mile back on CCT at 20K-ish pace after ten miles to simulate the later stages of a long race. I averaged 5:30s and didn't feel awful, so that's a good sign. In fact, today was the first day my legs started to feel good after Cherry Blossom (despite the cold rain).
We followed up with a team meeting at Dean & Deluca to plan out the fall season... sounds like there's a lot of interest in the Philly Marathon/Half Marathon. I'd like to peak in November, and the PHM is timed for me to rn a strong 10K at Veterans Day, and sets me up for Club XC Nationals. I'm sure I'll fill in the rest of my race schedule around that.
4.10.2009
Friday, April 10th
8.5 miles, easy
45 degrees, sunrise
Met with the largest group of Ward One Warriors ever (!) - PHughes, Max, PMurray, and Jarrin - for a morning run in RCP. Legs still felt fatigued... I will definitely need to taper next week for Penn Relays!
45 degrees, sunrise
Met with the largest group of Ward One Warriors ever (!) - PHughes, Max, PMurray, and Jarrin - for a morning run in RCP. Legs still felt fatigued... I will definitely need to taper next week for Penn Relays!
4.09.2009
Thursday, April 9th
8.5 miles, easy
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with PHughes for a morning run in RCP, and ran into Reaves and Dixon halfway through. Decent run. Nice that the sun rose before 6:30 too.
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with PHughes for a morning run in RCP, and ran into Reaves and Dixon halfway through. Decent run. Nice that the sun rose before 6:30 too.
Wednesday, April 8th
10 miles, hard
45 degrees, sunset
Tried to run a workout at the track with Reaves and Bain, but quickly realized how much more recovery I need from Cherry Blossom. We set out to run 4x2K + 1K, and ended up running 2x2K + 1 mile + 5x200m strides. And the splits were pathetic:
6:34; 6:46; 5:23
45 degrees, sunset
Tried to run a workout at the track with Reaves and Bain, but quickly realized how much more recovery I need from Cherry Blossom. We set out to run 4x2K + 1K, and ended up running 2x2K + 1 mile + 5x200m strides. And the splits were pathetic:
6:34; 6:46; 5:23
4.07.2009
Tuesday, April 7th
12 miles, easy
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with Patrick Murray for an easy run before work. We tried one of his routes and ran RCP-Dumbarton Oaks-Archibold-Glover-Towpath-RCP for a total of 12 miles. Good run (though a little sore) with a fresh face... hopefully the first of many to come.
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with Patrick Murray for an easy run before work. We tried one of his routes and ran RCP-Dumbarton Oaks-Archibold-Glover-Towpath-RCP for a total of 12 miles. Good run (though a little sore) with a fresh face... hopefully the first of many to come.
Sunday, April 5th - Cherry Blossom Ten Miler
15 miles, hard
55 degrees, sunny
Cherry Blossoms in DC represent a new beginning. They represent DC at its finest. And they bloom at the ideal time of year to run a race. Since the day I started this blog, I have been preparing for this day. This race. Every workout in some way was meant to prepare me to run at my goal pace. Every long run was meant to prepare me for the endurance I would need to run ten miles at my best.
I woke early on race day for a Coach Groves "shake out" run and psyched myself up with a medley of the Blue Band's greatest hits. I felt good. Unusually good, especially for 5:30am. After a quick trip down to the Washington Monument (thanks John!), I found the elite tent and set up shop. I was the lone GRC runner in the tent that early, and I've never felt so out of place. Nobody said anything, though, and I went about preparing for a warm up. Soon I met several of the guys and we jogged to the Lincoln Memorial and back. As we lined up at the start, I again found myself alone with a herd of Kenyans. Thankfully the volunteers allowed the rest of the field to move up to the line and I was joined by my GRC teammates.
After the horn, I sprinted to position before the first turn, and found myself in a pack with Reaves, Klim, and Smits. We watched as the Kenyans and Ethiopians pulled away at a blistering pace, and settled into our race plan. Still, we cruised past the first mile in 5:05. Crap. I knew I had gone out way too fast, but I didn't feel like I was running beyond my ability. Still, I adjusted and crossed the Potomac with Reaves as Klim and Smits opened up a lead on us. I found myself in a pack with three other runners whom I would battle the rest of the race. We doubled back across the Potomac and hit the 2 mile mark in 10:23. Tactically better, but still a little fast. As we raced up to the Kennedy Center, Reaves pulled away and I established myself as the pace setter of the remainder of the pack. I had no particular qualifications to take on this role, but I knew from my workouts that I fared much better in front. We held these positions through 5 miles (26:15) and around the Tidal Basin.
Near mile six I had a mental lapse and let two guys open up a lead on me. Haines Point had already started to put me to sleep, and we just crossed under the metro bridge. I quickly regrouped and focused on maintaining my pace. Though I wore a watch, I made a point of not looking at it (advice from a college teammate that still resonates today), and thankfully was unaware of the blantant mismeasurements of each mile in East Potomac Park. Noticing that my pace had fallen from consistent ~5:17s to 5:39 probably would have startled me or shaken my confidence. A subsequent 4:56 mile probably would have left me confused. But I was blissfully unaware and focused racing the competition just steps in front of me.
At mile 8 I could finally see the Washington Monument through a canopy of cherry blossoms... a deceptively distant finish. Diego caught up to me and hung on my shoulder. I knew he needed me as much as I needed him, and worked with him to press harder towards the finish line. We quickly caught up with one of the guys who had passed me miles earlier, and opened a gap on him so he wouldn't hang around. The clock at mile 9 read 47:52 and I convinced myself that I had a chance to break 53 minutes (clearly my confidence in the mile markers hadn't been tested, though I tore through the 1200m mark with a supposed ~50 second quarter mile...).
I rounded the Jefferson Memorial and the pack ahead of me - inclding Reaves - was tantilizingly close, but just too far to catch up to. I pressed on with every bit of energy I had left, and my body was consumed with pain. I was giving this race everything I had. When I surged up the hill by the Holocaust Museum Diego fell behind, but I knew he would be back. As I crested the hill I could finally see the finish line and the official race clocks. 52:59... 53:00... Crap. I hesitated for a moment realizing that I wouldn't break through that barrier, but refocused one last time to run the best time possible. Just steps from the finish line I felt a hand on my back pushing me forward. God? Jesus? 
No... it was just my bearded, Mediterranean teammate Diego. We crossed the line together as my watch ticked to 53:12. A 33 second PR!
By then Wilson, Smits, Klim, and Reaves had also finished, and I turned around to see Sam, Dylan, Murray, Bain, and DaveO storm across the line under 55 minutes. This was the best race the Georgetown Running Company Team had ever had! The two men's teams swept the top two places in the team competition! Nearly everyone ran a personal best time, and all our guys ran under 60 minutes - including a valiant effort (and PR) by the injured Mr. Askey. Kudos, also, to the GRC women's team for winning the women's team race!
We spent the afternoon grilling in Dwyer's backyard, relishing in our accomplishments and the perfect spring weather. This was also a farewell to Diego as he was headed back to Europe the next day. Diego showed up to the store to run with us within hours of arriving on U.S. soil, and soon became an integral part of our team. His presence, perspective, and unbelievable speed will be sorely missed.
Splits:
Mile 1: 5:05 5:05
Mile 2: 5:17 10:23
Mile 3: 5:17 15:41
Mile 4: 5:16 20:57
Mile 5: 5:18 26:15
Mile 6: 5:25 31:40
Mile 7: 5:39 37:20
Mile 8: 4:56 42:17
Mile 9: 5:35 47:52
Mile 10 5:20 53:12
Many thanks to my parents and John for coming to support me today, and to Robert Jarrin, GRC photographer extrordinaire, for the race pictures above. Also thanks in advance to Peter "Towpath" Silverman for his action-packed short film from the race!
55 degrees, sunny
Cherry Blossoms in DC represent a new beginning. They represent DC at its finest. And they bloom at the ideal time of year to run a race. Since the day I started this blog, I have been preparing for this day. This race. Every workout in some way was meant to prepare me to run at my goal pace. Every long run was meant to prepare me for the endurance I would need to run ten miles at my best.I woke early on race day for a Coach Groves "shake out" run and psyched myself up with a medley of the Blue Band's greatest hits. I felt good. Unusually good, especially for 5:30am. After a quick trip down to the Washington Monument (thanks John!), I found the elite tent and set up shop. I was the lone GRC runner in the tent that early, and I've never felt so out of place. Nobody said anything, though, and I went about preparing for a warm up. Soon I met several of the guys and we jogged to the Lincoln Memorial and back. As we lined up at the start, I again found myself alone with a herd of Kenyans. Thankfully the volunteers allowed the rest of the field to move up to the line and I was joined by my GRC teammates.
After the horn, I sprinted to position before the first turn, and found myself in a pack with Reaves, Klim, and Smits. We watched as the Kenyans and Ethiopians pulled away at a blistering pace, and settled into our race plan. Still, we cruised past the first mile in 5:05. Crap. I knew I had gone out way too fast, but I didn't feel like I was running beyond my ability. Still, I adjusted and crossed the Potomac with Reaves as Klim and Smits opened up a lead on us. I found myself in a pack with three other runners whom I would battle the rest of the race. We doubled back across the Potomac and hit the 2 mile mark in 10:23. Tactically better, but still a little fast. As we raced up to the Kennedy Center, Reaves pulled away and I established myself as the pace setter of the remainder of the pack. I had no particular qualifications to take on this role, but I knew from my workouts that I fared much better in front. We held these positions through 5 miles (26:15) and around the Tidal Basin.Near mile six I had a mental lapse and let two guys open up a lead on me. Haines Point had already started to put me to sleep, and we just crossed under the metro bridge. I quickly regrouped and focused on maintaining my pace. Though I wore a watch, I made a point of not looking at it (advice from a college teammate that still resonates today), and thankfully was unaware of the blantant mismeasurements of each mile in East Potomac Park. Noticing that my pace had fallen from consistent ~5:17s to 5:39 probably would have startled me or shaken my confidence. A subsequent 4:56 mile probably would have left me confused. But I was blissfully unaware and focused racing the competition just steps in front of me.
At mile 8 I could finally see the Washington Monument through a canopy of cherry blossoms... a deceptively distant finish. Diego caught up to me and hung on my shoulder. I knew he needed me as much as I needed him, and worked with him to press harder towards the finish line. We quickly caught up with one of the guys who had passed me miles earlier, and opened a gap on him so he wouldn't hang around. The clock at mile 9 read 47:52 and I convinced myself that I had a chance to break 53 minutes (clearly my confidence in the mile markers hadn't been tested, though I tore through the 1200m mark with a supposed ~50 second quarter mile...).
I rounded the Jefferson Memorial and the pack ahead of me - inclding Reaves - was tantilizingly close, but just too far to catch up to. I pressed on with every bit of energy I had left, and my body was consumed with pain. I was giving this race everything I had. When I surged up the hill by the Holocaust Museum Diego fell behind, but I knew he would be back. As I crested the hill I could finally see the finish line and the official race clocks. 52:59... 53:00... Crap. I hesitated for a moment realizing that I wouldn't break through that barrier, but refocused one last time to run the best time possible. Just steps from the finish line I felt a hand on my back pushing me forward. God? Jesus? 
No... it was just my bearded, Mediterranean teammate Diego. We crossed the line together as my watch ticked to 53:12. A 33 second PR!By then Wilson, Smits, Klim, and Reaves had also finished, and I turned around to see Sam, Dylan, Murray, Bain, and DaveO storm across the line under 55 minutes. This was the best race the Georgetown Running Company Team had ever had! The two men's teams swept the top two places in the team competition! Nearly everyone ran a personal best time, and all our guys ran under 60 minutes - including a valiant effort (and PR) by the injured Mr. Askey. Kudos, also, to the GRC women's team for winning the women's team race!
We spent the afternoon grilling in Dwyer's backyard, relishing in our accomplishments and the perfect spring weather. This was also a farewell to Diego as he was headed back to Europe the next day. Diego showed up to the store to run with us within hours of arriving on U.S. soil, and soon became an integral part of our team. His presence, perspective, and unbelievable speed will be sorely missed.
Splits:
Mile 1: 5:05 5:05
Mile 2: 5:17 10:23
Mile 3: 5:17 15:41
Mile 4: 5:16 20:57
Mile 5: 5:18 26:15
Mile 6: 5:25 31:40
Mile 7: 5:39 37:20
Mile 8: 4:56 42:17
Mile 9: 5:35 47:52
Mile 10 5:20 53:12
Many thanks to my parents and John for coming to support me today, and to Robert Jarrin, GRC photographer extrordinaire, for the race pictures above. Also thanks in advance to Peter "Towpath" Silverman for his action-packed short film from the race!
4.04.2009
Saturday, April 4th
4.5 miles, easy
50 degrees, sunny and windy
Woke up early for an easy pre-race run and strides. Feeling healthy, rested, and excited!!
50 degrees, sunny and windy
Woke up early for an easy pre-race run and strides. Feeling healthy, rested, and excited!!
Friday, April 3rd
7.5 miles, moderate
68 degrees, sunny and windy
It's spring! I took the afternoon off from work and ran in RCP. In the middle of the run I added a light fartlek of 2 min on/2 min off.
When I came home from work I turned on the TV to the surreal and disturbing sight of "Breaking News from Binghamton, NY" on every news channel. A gunman stormed the American Civic Association on Front Street and murdered 13 people who were studying for a citizenship test, before taking his own life. It's easy to think events like this could never happen to you or in your neighborhood, but this tragedy clearly shows they can and do. The shootings occured across the street from the nursing home I visited my grandfather in the last ten years of his life, and police and news organzations referred those affected to go to my mother's office at Catholic Charities up the street. Binghamton, particularly its diverse immigrant community, will never be the same. Those affected are in my thoughts and prayers.
68 degrees, sunny and windy
It's spring! I took the afternoon off from work and ran in RCP. In the middle of the run I added a light fartlek of 2 min on/2 min off.
When I came home from work I turned on the TV to the surreal and disturbing sight of "Breaking News from Binghamton, NY" on every news channel. A gunman stormed the American Civic Association on Front Street and murdered 13 people who were studying for a citizenship test, before taking his own life. It's easy to think events like this could never happen to you or in your neighborhood, but this tragedy clearly shows they can and do. The shootings occured across the street from the nursing home I visited my grandfather in the last ten years of his life, and police and news organzations referred those affected to go to my mother's office at Catholic Charities up the street. Binghamton, particularly its diverse immigrant community, will never be the same. Those affected are in my thoughts and prayers.
4.02.2009
Thursday, March 2nd
8 miles, easyish
55 degrees, sunrise
Ran the Georgetown loop with PHughes before work so I could watch Penn State play in the NIT championship after work! My legs felt a little beat up this morning, but that doesn't surprise me after a workout and a visit to the gym. Hopefully I'll feel better each day until race day!
55 degrees, sunrise
Ran the Georgetown loop with PHughes before work so I could watch Penn State play in the NIT championship after work! My legs felt a little beat up this morning, but that doesn't surprise me after a workout and a visit to the gym. Hopefully I'll feel better each day until race day!
4.01.2009
Wednesday, April 1st
4 miles, easy + Gym
55 degrees, rainy
Ran easy after work and hit the gym for core work and easy lifting. Tapering is great!
55 degrees, rainy
Ran easy after work and hit the gym for core work and easy lifting. Tapering is great!
Tuesday, March 31st
9.5 miles, hard
55 degrees, dusk
Met Reaves, Klim, and Bain for a final workout on CCT before Cherry Blossom. Since we have started to taper, we "only" ran 2 miles at race pace, jogged a half mile, ran a mile at race pace, then did 6x30 second strides. More importantly, we kept the entire run to under ten miles. I felt pretty good even though the pace was a little quicker than I plan to run at Cherry Blossom. 5 days to go!
Spits: 10:19 (5:11; 5:08, slightly downhill); 5:14 (slightly uphill)
55 degrees, dusk
Met Reaves, Klim, and Bain for a final workout on CCT before Cherry Blossom. Since we have started to taper, we "only" ran 2 miles at race pace, jogged a half mile, ran a mile at race pace, then did 6x30 second strides. More importantly, we kept the entire run to under ten miles. I felt pretty good even though the pace was a little quicker than I plan to run at Cherry Blossom. 5 days to go!
Spits: 10:19 (5:11; 5:08, slightly downhill); 5:14 (slightly uphill)
3.30.2009
Monday, March 30th
6.5 miles, easy
55 degrees, dusk, windy
Stopped at the boathouse on my way home from work and ran around the Potomac/Tidal Basin. It took a few miles to loosen up, but by the end I felt great. The cherry blossoms are blooming... it's race time!
55 degrees, dusk, windy
Stopped at the boathouse on my way home from work and ran around the Potomac/Tidal Basin. It took a few miles to loosen up, but by the end I felt great. The cherry blossoms are blooming... it's race time!
3.29.2009
Sunday, March 29th
14.5 miles, easy
50 degrees, sunny
Ran the Zoo Loop with Reaves, Murray, Klim, Diego, and Dixon. I held back when the group pressed up Ross Drive hill, but caught up on the downhill and lived to run another day. Felt pretty good.
50 degrees, sunny
Ran the Zoo Loop with Reaves, Murray, Klim, Diego, and Dixon. I held back when the group pressed up Ross Drive hill, but caught up on the downhill and lived to run another day. Felt pretty good.
3.28.2009
Saturday, March 28th
10 miles, easy-moderate
50 degrees, cloudy, wet
Ran from the store with Max and Mike on the usual Archibold-Glover/Nebraska Ave/towpath route. By the time we hit the towpath our pace had quickened, and I used it as a chance to focus on my running form at a somewhat uptempo pace. Good run.
50 degrees, cloudy, wet
Ran from the store with Max and Mike on the usual Archibold-Glover/Nebraska Ave/towpath route. By the time we hit the towpath our pace had quickened, and I used it as a chance to focus on my running form at a somewhat uptempo pace. Good run.
Friday, March 27th
8 miles, easy
45 degrees, sunrise
Ran in RCP before work, since Syracuse was playing in the Sweet 16 after work. Just an easy run on the sloppy trails after last night's rainfall.
45 degrees, sunrise
Ran in RCP before work, since Syracuse was playing in the Sweet 16 after work. Just an easy run on the sloppy trails after last night's rainfall.
Wednesday, March 25th
12 miles, hard
45 degrees, cloudy, dusk
Met with Reaves for a track workout at BCCHS. I ran the majority of his workout, and finished 2x2 mile, 2x800, and 2x400. This was just an average workout, but an important and last (hard) workout before Cherry Blossom.
Splits: 10:48; 10:40; 2:29; 2:28; 69; 68.
45 degrees, cloudy, dusk
Met with Reaves for a track workout at BCCHS. I ran the majority of his workout, and finished 2x2 mile, 2x800, and 2x400. This was just an average workout, but an important and last (hard) workout before Cherry Blossom.
Splits: 10:48; 10:40; 2:29; 2:28; 69; 68.
3.24.2009
Tuesday, March 24th
AM: 2 miles + Gym
PM: 4 miles, easy
Went to the gym at lunch to lift... much better time of day to go.
After work I ran an easy 4 miles to Georgetown before President Obama's press conference.
PM: 4 miles, easy
Went to the gym at lunch to lift... much better time of day to go.
After work I ran an easy 4 miles to Georgetown before President Obama's press conference.
3.23.2009
Monday, March 23rd
AM: 3 miles, easy
35 degrees, sunny
PM: 8 miles, easy-moderate
50 degrees, sunset
Ran an easy 3 in RCP before work... legs felt pretty fatigued.
After work I met with Matias and one of his Bucknell teammates for a run around the Potomac and National Mall. My legs felt much better.
35 degrees, sunny
PM: 8 miles, easy-moderate
50 degrees, sunset
Ran an easy 3 in RCP before work... legs felt pretty fatigued.
After work I met with Matias and one of his Bucknell teammates for a run around the Potomac and National Mall. My legs felt much better.
3.22.2009
Sunday, March 22nd
16 miles, moderate
45-50 degrees, sunny
Long run from Riley's Lock with Reaves, Bain, Murray, and (a somewhat inebriated?) Jake. It was a great day for a long run and I felt much better compared to the past two days. We ran a quick pace (6:20-6:30?) through the first 13 miles, then backed off when Reaves, Bain, and I added on the Violet's Lock loop. Took a frigid ice bath afterward at the boat slip.
45-50 degrees, sunny
Long run from Riley's Lock with Reaves, Bain, Murray, and (a somewhat inebriated?) Jake. It was a great day for a long run and I felt much better compared to the past two days. We ran a quick pace (6:20-6:30?) through the first 13 miles, then backed off when Reaves, Bain, and I added on the Violet's Lock loop. Took a frigid ice bath afterward at the boat slip.
Saturday, March 21st
8 miles, hard
35 degrees, sunny
Met with Reaves to run a workout in RCP. My stomach still felt "off" from yesterday, oddly. It also didn't react well to the OJ I had earlier in the morning. Ran a fartlek of 6x 3min/1min, but didn't catch a rythm until the 4th interval. Also noticed a small pain in my lower right tibia... going to pay attention to that the next few days and see if it gets any worse. What a week of ups and downs..
35 degrees, sunny
Met with Reaves to run a workout in RCP. My stomach still felt "off" from yesterday, oddly. It also didn't react well to the OJ I had earlier in the morning. Ran a fartlek of 6x 3min/1min, but didn't catch a rythm until the 4th interval. Also noticed a small pain in my lower right tibia... going to pay attention to that the next few days and see if it gets any worse. What a week of ups and downs..
Friday, March 20th - Vernal Equinox!
0 miles
Woke up super early to go work at the SFMP Chapel jobsite, which threw me off the whole day. When I left work I felt sick/exhausted, so I ended up taking a nap instead of running. Oh well. I've run enough this week to not feel too bad about it.
Woke up super early to go work at the SFMP Chapel jobsite, which threw me off the whole day. When I left work I felt sick/exhausted, so I ended up taking a nap instead of running. Oh well. I've run enough this week to not feel too bad about it.
3.19.2009
Thursday, March 19th
9 miles, easy
50 degrees, sunset
Ran in RCP on the usual loop and added on through Adam's Morgan. It probably wasn't a good idea to run in RCP after sunset...
50 degrees, sunset
Ran in RCP on the usual loop and added on through Adam's Morgan. It probably wasn't a good idea to run in RCP after sunset...
3.18.2009
Wednesday, March 18th
12 miles, hard
55 degrees, sunset/cloudy
Met a surprisingly large group of GRCers at the track for our weekly workout. I ran with a bunch of guys for 3mi-2mi-1mi, including Reaves, Timm, Chris, Bain, Sam, Jarrin, and visitor Kit Wells. I added an 800m interval to the end with Timm and Sam. It's amazing what a chip on one's shoulder can do... I felt determined and fast tonight.
Splits: 16:15 (5:23; 5:20; 5:32); 10:42 (5:21; 5:21); 5:02; 2:27
55 degrees, sunset/cloudy
Met a surprisingly large group of GRCers at the track for our weekly workout. I ran with a bunch of guys for 3mi-2mi-1mi, including Reaves, Timm, Chris, Bain, Sam, Jarrin, and visitor Kit Wells. I added an 800m interval to the end with Timm and Sam. It's amazing what a chip on one's shoulder can do... I felt determined and fast tonight.
Splits: 16:15 (5:23; 5:20; 5:32); 10:42 (5:21; 5:21); 5:02; 2:27
3.17.2009
Tuesday, March 17th - St. Patrick's Day
12 miles, easy
40 degrees, cloudy
Woke up for a long-ish run before work in RCP. Went as far as The Line on the Western Ridge Trail and back along the normal route. Loved having the Public Radio app on the iPhone so I could listen to Morning Edition.
40 degrees, cloudy
Woke up for a long-ish run before work in RCP. Went as far as The Line on the Western Ridge Trail and back along the normal route. Loved having the Public Radio app on the iPhone so I could listen to Morning Edition.
Monday, March 16th
AM: 6 miles, easy
40 degrees, cloudy
PM: 4 miles, easy + GYM
Ran at lunch along the Mt. Vernon Trail, then again at the gym after work. Did core work and light lifting afterward.
40 degrees, cloudy
PM: 4 miles, easy + GYM
Ran at lunch along the Mt. Vernon Trail, then again at the gym after work. Did core work and light lifting afterward.
3.15.2009
Sunday, March 15th - St. Patrick's 8K
10 miles, hard
40 degrees, wet
Today the GRC split forces for the dueling St. Patrick's races in DC and Baltimore. I joined Diego, Billy, Alex, Dylan, Pat HUGE, and Sheena for the St. Patrick's Day 8K in the morning on Pennsylvania Ave. Afterwards, I drove up with Dylan and Diego to watch Jake, Reaves, Sam, Bain, and Melissa race a 5K in Baltimore. It was a full day of racing with success across the board for GRC.
As for my 8K race: I planned to use this race to simulate the first half of the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler - start at 5:15/mile, settle into 5:20s, finish in 5:15 for a total time of 26:30. If my experience today is anything like CB, I'm in trouble.
Our pack of GRC guys crossed the mile mark in 5:10 and I felt like I was exerting myself just too much. Perhaps my reaction was only from hearing the split rather than an accurate assessment of the situation. I tried to settle back to 5:20 as planned, but must have slowed even more. Even as Patrick and Dylan started to pull away I never snapped back into a competitive mode. A lack of noticeable mile markers didn't help either and I didn't realize how slow I was until I crossed the 5K in 16:40. By then I didn't feel like I had any ability to go faster, and I cruised in to finish in 26:50. I'll have to spend the next few days evaluating what went wrong and trying to come up with a quick fix; Cherry Blossom is three weeks from today.
Congrats, though, to my teammates for great races and PRs. Here are the 8K results.
The race in Baltimore was a pleasant surprise as the other half of the GRC team dominated and swept the top awards. Congrats to Klim for a big PR and breaking 15 minutes, and Melissa for a PR as well. Here are the results and pictures from the 5K.
We followed up with a St. Patrick's celebration at The Powerhouse and a party with our Falls Road friends.
40 degrees, wet
Today the GRC split forces for the dueling St. Patrick's races in DC and Baltimore. I joined Diego, Billy, Alex, Dylan, Pat HUGE, and Sheena for the St. Patrick's Day 8K in the morning on Pennsylvania Ave. Afterwards, I drove up with Dylan and Diego to watch Jake, Reaves, Sam, Bain, and Melissa race a 5K in Baltimore. It was a full day of racing with success across the board for GRC.
As for my 8K race: I planned to use this race to simulate the first half of the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler - start at 5:15/mile, settle into 5:20s, finish in 5:15 for a total time of 26:30. If my experience today is anything like CB, I'm in trouble.
Our pack of GRC guys crossed the mile mark in 5:10 and I felt like I was exerting myself just too much. Perhaps my reaction was only from hearing the split rather than an accurate assessment of the situation. I tried to settle back to 5:20 as planned, but must have slowed even more. Even as Patrick and Dylan started to pull away I never snapped back into a competitive mode. A lack of noticeable mile markers didn't help either and I didn't realize how slow I was until I crossed the 5K in 16:40. By then I didn't feel like I had any ability to go faster, and I cruised in to finish in 26:50. I'll have to spend the next few days evaluating what went wrong and trying to come up with a quick fix; Cherry Blossom is three weeks from today.
Congrats, though, to my teammates for great races and PRs. Here are the 8K results.
The race in Baltimore was a pleasant surprise as the other half of the GRC team dominated and swept the top awards. Congrats to Klim for a big PR and breaking 15 minutes, and Melissa for a PR as well. Here are the results and pictures from the 5K.
We followed up with a St. Patrick's celebration at The Powerhouse and a party with our Falls Road friends.
3.14.2009
Saturday, March 14th
8 miles, easy
45 degrees, cloudy
Met with the GRC guys at the store for a pre-meet run. Jake led us on a somewhat experimental route towards the Palisades and back along the canal, with an add-on at TR Island.
45 degrees, cloudy
Met with the GRC guys at the store for a pre-meet run. Jake led us on a somewhat experimental route towards the Palisades and back along the canal, with an add-on at TR Island.
Friday, March 13th
7.5 miles, easy
40 degrees, dark
Ran to the Lincoln Memorial and back via RCP. Easy day.
40 degrees, dark
Ran to the Lincoln Memorial and back via RCP. Easy day.
3.12.2009
Thursday, March 12th
14 miles, easy
45 degrees, dark
Ran a mid-week long run with Reaves since we won't be able to this weekend. After two days of running with Tyler we made this easy day actually easy.
45 degrees, dark
Ran a mid-week long run with Reaves since we won't be able to this weekend. After two days of running with Tyler we made this easy day actually easy.
Wednesday, March 11th
10.5 miles, hard
55 degrees, windy
Met with the GRC crowd for a workout at the BCCHS track. Everyone did their own thing, but finally I got someone to run a tempo workout with me :) I ran 3 x 2-mile with Reaves at goal Cherry Blossom pace. The workout felt hard (especially that last interval), but I reminded myself that race day will feel much better. Calves really hurt tonight...
Splits: 10:36 (5:15, 5:21); 10:38 (5:16, 5:22); 10:37 (5:16: 5:21)
55 degrees, windy
Met with the GRC crowd for a workout at the BCCHS track. Everyone did their own thing, but finally I got someone to run a tempo workout with me :) I ran 3 x 2-mile with Reaves at goal Cherry Blossom pace. The workout felt hard (especially that last interval), but I reminded myself that race day will feel much better. Calves really hurt tonight...
Splits: 10:36 (5:15, 5:21); 10:38 (5:16, 5:22); 10:37 (5:16: 5:21)
Tuesday, March 10th
10 miles, moderate
45 degrees, dark
Former teammate Tyler McCandless was in town staying with Reaves, so I met up with them for a run after work. We ran what felt like a moderate run on the Capital Crescent Trail. My calves still felt tight tonight, unfortunately.
45 degrees, dark
Former teammate Tyler McCandless was in town staying with Reaves, so I met up with them for a run after work. We ran what felt like a moderate run on the Capital Crescent Trail. My calves still felt tight tonight, unfortunately.
3.09.2009
Monday, March 9th
6 miles, moderate
55 degrees, sunny and windy
Ran along the Mt. Vernon Trail after work. It was another nice day, thankfully, AND now that the clocks have changed for Daylight Savings Time it is light out after work. I intended to run a short, easy run, but the confluence of my iPhone Pandora Radio playing The Killers and running by a Pacer spurred me to run nearly 6 min/mile. Silly Patrick.
55 degrees, sunny and windy
Ran along the Mt. Vernon Trail after work. It was another nice day, thankfully, AND now that the clocks have changed for Daylight Savings Time it is light out after work. I intended to run a short, easy run, but the confluence of my iPhone Pandora Radio playing The Killers and running by a Pacer spurred me to run nearly 6 min/mile. Silly Patrick.
Sunday, March 8th
15 miles, easy
65 miles, sunny
Drove back to DC in the morning so I could run with Reaves *ahem.* I was still sore today so I ended up running the Zoo Loop pretty slowly. Alone. At least the weather was great!
65 miles, sunny
Drove back to DC in the morning so I could run with Reaves *ahem.* I was still sore today so I ended up running the Zoo Loop pretty slowly. Alone. At least the weather was great!
Saturday, March 7th - Parade Day
10 miles, moderate
50 degrees, sunny
Ran two full laps of Otsinengo Park in a progression run. I started with soreness in my calves (residual from the workout Thursday, I presume), but eventually warmed up. By the end I was running sub-6:00/miles.
In the afternoon I helped my father with the annual Binghamton St. Patrick's Parade. My part for the last 6 years has been to help organize the Shamrock Run, a one-mile run down the parade route immediately before the parade. This year I delegated the registration and start, while I waited at the finish to help with timing, results, and distributing awards. Note for next year: have a runner start the race instead of a volunteer. I wrapped up an exhausting day cleaning up Seton HS after the Post-Parade Party and taking my father to the AOH for a few drinks.
50 degrees, sunny
Ran two full laps of Otsinengo Park in a progression run. I started with soreness in my calves (residual from the workout Thursday, I presume), but eventually warmed up. By the end I was running sub-6:00/miles.
In the afternoon I helped my father with the annual Binghamton St. Patrick's Parade. My part for the last 6 years has been to help organize the Shamrock Run, a one-mile run down the parade route immediately before the parade. This year I delegated the registration and start, while I waited at the finish to help with timing, results, and distributing awards. Note for next year: have a runner start the race instead of a volunteer. I wrapped up an exhausting day cleaning up Seton HS after the Post-Parade Party and taking my father to the AOH for a few drinks.
Friday, March 6th
9.5 miles, easy
40 degrees
Ran with Max and P.Hiddy before I hit the road to go home for the weekend. I added on at the end since I felt surprisingly fresh.
40 degrees
Ran with Max and P.Hiddy before I hit the road to go home for the weekend. I added on at the end since I felt surprisingly fresh.
3.05.2009
Thursday, March 5th
10.5 miles, hard
45 degrees, dark
Met with Jake, Reaves, and Melissa for a workout at BCCHS. We waited until tonight so the snow from Monday would have time to melt off the track. Jake and Patrick ran 800 repeats together, but I was looking to do something a little longer. I set out to run 2xmile followed by 2x800, but ammended it to run 3 800s with shorter rest. Tonight was a solid effort.
Splits: 5:12; 5:07; 2:26; 2:26; 2:27
45 degrees, dark
Met with Jake, Reaves, and Melissa for a workout at BCCHS. We waited until tonight so the snow from Monday would have time to melt off the track. Jake and Patrick ran 800 repeats together, but I was looking to do something a little longer. I set out to run 2xmile followed by 2x800, but ammended it to run 3 800s with shorter rest. Tonight was a solid effort.
Splits: 5:12; 5:07; 2:26; 2:26; 2:27
3.04.2009
Wednesday, March 4th
4.5 miles, easy
32 degrees, dark
Went for a run when I got home around Woodley Park/Cleaveland Park. Easy day.
32 degrees, dark
Went for a run when I got home around Woodley Park/Cleaveland Park. Easy day.
3.03.2009
Tuesday, March 3rd
9 miles, easy/moderate
30 degrees, dark
Went for a run after work to see the highlights of DC. Dupont-Georgetown-Watergate-Kennedy Center-Lincoln Memorial-Washington Monument-White House. I picked it up from the Kennedy Center to the Washington Monument to make it a respectable run. I was slowed a bit where there was ice from yesterday's snowstorm.
30 degrees, dark
Went for a run after work to see the highlights of DC. Dupont-Georgetown-Watergate-Kennedy Center-Lincoln Memorial-Washington Monument-White House. I picked it up from the Kennedy Center to the Washington Monument to make it a respectable run. I was slowed a bit where there was ice from yesterday's snowstorm.
3.02.2009
Monday, March 2nd
AM: 9 miles, easy
20 degrees, SNOW!
PM: 2 miles, easy + Gym
I awoke to see several inches of powder on the streets of DC this morning. Sure it was cold and early, but a run in fresh snow is an opportunity not to be missed. John, a born-and-bred Suthna, questioned my sanity (I questioned his fortitude) before I left.
When I got to the Ward One Warriors (new name, same crew) meeting spot I realized I was late and Hughes had already left. I knew I couldn't be far behind, so I decided to try to catch up. I tracked a set of footprints in the snow that were just too far apart to be anyone's other than a fellow GRC runner. Finally, at the switchback on Ross Drive in RCP I caught up to P. Hiddy. We ran the next few miles along Ross Drive and trails on fresh, virgin snow. The park was beautiful, quiet, and still. Great run.
Went to the gym after work to take advantage of the light attendance. Parking was easy too. DC needs to have more snow days.
20 degrees, SNOW!
PM: 2 miles, easy + Gym
I awoke to see several inches of powder on the streets of DC this morning. Sure it was cold and early, but a run in fresh snow is an opportunity not to be missed. John, a born-and-bred Suthna, questioned my sanity (I questioned his fortitude) before I left.
When I got to the Ward One Warriors (new name, same crew) meeting spot I realized I was late and Hughes had already left. I knew I couldn't be far behind, so I decided to try to catch up. I tracked a set of footprints in the snow that were just too far apart to be anyone's other than a fellow GRC runner. Finally, at the switchback on Ross Drive in RCP I caught up to P. Hiddy. We ran the next few miles along Ross Drive and trails on fresh, virgin snow. The park was beautiful, quiet, and still. Great run.
Went to the gym after work to take advantage of the light attendance. Parking was easy too. DC needs to have more snow days.
3.01.2009
Sunday, March 1st
16 miles, moderate
35 degrees, wet
Ran from the Chevy Chase Store down the Capital Crescent Trail, Towpath, RCP, and up Connecticut. Added on with Jake, Billy, and Patrick. Got new shoes too! Woo! I've run over 550 miles on this pair, so it's definitely time to replace them.
Congratulations to the Penn State Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Teams for finishing 3rd and 2nd, respectively, at the Big Ten Conference Championships! WE ARE... PENN STATE!!
35 degrees, wet
Ran from the Chevy Chase Store down the Capital Crescent Trail, Towpath, RCP, and up Connecticut. Added on with Jake, Billy, and Patrick. Got new shoes too! Woo! I've run over 550 miles on this pair, so it's definitely time to replace them.
Congratulations to the Penn State Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Teams for finishing 3rd and 2nd, respectively, at the Big Ten Conference Championships! WE ARE... PENN STATE!!
Saturday, February 28th
9 miles, easy
35 degrees, windy, cloudy
Went to UMD to photograph/time the 5K time trial. I warmed up and cooled down with everyone, and followed up with bagels in College Park. Congrats to Bert, Jake, and Patrick for setting PRs.
Today I'm hitting the reset button on my training. As frustrating as the last two days were, and as much as they screwed up my weekly mileage, they're just a hiccup in an otherwise respectable training season.
35 degrees, windy, cloudy
Went to UMD to photograph/time the 5K time trial. I warmed up and cooled down with everyone, and followed up with bagels in College Park. Congrats to Bert, Jake, and Patrick for setting PRs.
Today I'm hitting the reset button on my training. As frustrating as the last two days were, and as much as they screwed up my weekly mileage, they're just a hiccup in an otherwise respectable training season.
Friday, February 27th
3 miles, easy + Gym
45 degrees, dark
Bailed on the morning run since I worked late last night, so I tried to run after work. I was generally tired/frustrated so I didn't run far. Did stretching and core work at the gym afterward, but left quickly so I wouldn't have to hear the obnoxious spinning instructor howl and sing.
45 degrees, dark
Bailed on the morning run since I worked late last night, so I tried to run after work. I was generally tired/frustrated so I didn't run far. Did stretching and core work at the gym afterward, but left quickly so I wouldn't have to hear the obnoxious spinning instructor howl and sing.
Thursday, February 26th
0 miles.
Got caught up at work until 10:30PM, and not too happy about it. Didn't run today.
Got caught up at work until 10:30PM, and not too happy about it. Didn't run today.
Wednesday, February 25th
12 miles, hard
35 degrees, dark
Met with Reaves, Jake, Diego, and Timm for another weekly workout at BCCHS. We ran the tried-and-true 2K/1K workout with 400m (3 min) rest. I made a concerted effort to stay relaxed during this workout and focus on my breathing, which worked well for the first half of the workout. The second half I just had to grind it out, but finished faster than I started. I went through the mile at about 5:15 on each of the 2Ks, just faster than I want to run at Cherry Blossom. Good effort tonight.
Splits: 6:37/3:12; 6:37/3:12; 6:28/3:09.
35 degrees, dark
Met with Reaves, Jake, Diego, and Timm for another weekly workout at BCCHS. We ran the tried-and-true 2K/1K workout with 400m (3 min) rest. I made a concerted effort to stay relaxed during this workout and focus on my breathing, which worked well for the first half of the workout. The second half I just had to grind it out, but finished faster than I started. I went through the mile at about 5:15 on each of the 2Ks, just faster than I want to run at Cherry Blossom. Good effort tonight.
Splits: 6:37/3:12; 6:37/3:12; 6:28/3:09.
Tuesday, February 24th
AM: 4 miles, easy
25 degrees, dark
PM: 8 miles, easy
35 degrees, dark
I started the morning with good intentions and met P.Hiddy for a morning run. I woke up feeling "off," and it only got worse when we started running. I hit the bathroom at Pierce Mill and rather than commit to running further into the park, I headed back home and got back into bed.
After work I met with Reaves for a light run before Obama's not-a-State-of-the-Union State of the Union. Patrick promptly fell asleep during the speech, and didn't even make it to see Bobby Jindal's creepy entrance or crappy response.
25 degrees, dark
PM: 8 miles, easy
35 degrees, dark
I started the morning with good intentions and met P.Hiddy for a morning run. I woke up feeling "off," and it only got worse when we started running. I hit the bathroom at Pierce Mill and rather than commit to running further into the park, I headed back home and got back into bed.
After work I met with Reaves for a light run before Obama's not-a-State-of-the-Union State of the Union. Patrick promptly fell asleep during the speech, and didn't even make it to see Bobby Jindal's creepy entrance or crappy response.
2.23.2009
Monday, February 23rd
5 miles, easy + Gym
Ran on the treadmill after work. It's surprisingly crowded at the gym for 7 weeks after New Year's. I suspect that the gym manager has recruited new members without regard to his capacity to handle these masses. I was able to do core work and some hamstring curls, but I lost patience waiting to do leg extensions. I'll have to try going to the gym another time of day.
Ran on the treadmill after work. It's surprisingly crowded at the gym for 7 weeks after New Year's. I suspect that the gym manager has recruited new members without regard to his capacity to handle these masses. I was able to do core work and some hamstring curls, but I lost patience waiting to do leg extensions. I'll have to try going to the gym another time of day.
Sunday, February 22nd
16 miles, moderate
35 degrees, damp, windy
Met with the GRCers to run the usual RCP long run loop. Thankfully we have amended the loop to run up Calvert Drive instead of through the Zoo. I dropped off at the end of the loop with 'Tias while Jake and PR added on a few more miles.
In the evening John and I hosted a glamorous Oscar celebration (complete with red carpet and life-sized Oscar statue) attended by many of the runners. It was a smashing success and hopefully the first of many Oscar Bashes.
35 degrees, damp, windy
Met with the GRCers to run the usual RCP long run loop. Thankfully we have amended the loop to run up Calvert Drive instead of through the Zoo. I dropped off at the end of the loop with 'Tias while Jake and PR added on a few more miles.
In the evening John and I hosted a glamorous Oscar celebration (complete with red carpet and life-sized Oscar statue) attended by many of the runners. It was a smashing success and hopefully the first of many Oscar Bashes.
2.21.2009
Saturday, February 21st
12 miles, hard
30 degrees, sunny
Ran an abbreviated version of last year's point-to-point 2 mile workout on the canal with the guys. This time we started at Riley's Lock with the usual warm up loop and ran 3 sets of 2 miles on (~5:20 pace), 1 mile off. The day off on Thursday must have helped since my legs felt much stronger than in the workout on Wednesday. I also found a second wind midway through the last interval and surged from last to a few seconds behind Reaves. Great day for a good workout.
30 degrees, sunny
Ran an abbreviated version of last year's point-to-point 2 mile workout on the canal with the guys. This time we started at Riley's Lock with the usual warm up loop and ran 3 sets of 2 miles on (~5:20 pace), 1 mile off. The day off on Thursday must have helped since my legs felt much stronger than in the workout on Wednesday. I also found a second wind midway through the last interval and surged from last to a few seconds behind Reaves. Great day for a good workout.
Friday, February 20th
9 miles, easy
23 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max, P.Hughes, and a new guy to DC for a morning run in RCP. With the sun rising earlier we can actually run on the trails. I should enjoy this while it lasts... we'll be running in the dark again March 8th.
23 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max, P.Hughes, and a new guy to DC for a morning run in RCP. With the sun rising earlier we can actually run on the trails. I should enjoy this while it lasts... we'll be running in the dark again March 8th.
2.19.2009
Wednesday, February 18th
10.5 miles, hard
40 degrees, dark
Ran the usual Wednesday track workout with the GRC gang. This time I ran a hard 1600 followed by 4x800 with short rest. I generally felt slow and lethargic tonight and "only" ran 5:06; 2:29; 2:31; 2:32; 2:31. The mile was much slower than I had hoped, but I salvaged the 800s. Still, they required much more effort than they should have. I felt great on a mile of 200m in-and-outs though. It must be the increased mileage affecting me.
40 degrees, dark
Ran the usual Wednesday track workout with the GRC gang. This time I ran a hard 1600 followed by 4x800 with short rest. I generally felt slow and lethargic tonight and "only" ran 5:06; 2:29; 2:31; 2:32; 2:31. The mile was much slower than I had hoped, but I salvaged the 800s. Still, they required much more effort than they should have. I felt great on a mile of 200m in-and-outs though. It must be the increased mileage affecting me.
2.17.2009
Tuesday, February 17th
8 miles, easy
25 degrees, sunrise
Ran a surprisingly illuminated morning run with Max and P. Hiddy. Felt especially tired this morning, but just need to take a day off/easy to recover.
25 degrees, sunrise
Ran a surprisingly illuminated morning run with Max and P. Hiddy. Felt especially tired this morning, but just need to take a day off/easy to recover.
2.16.2009
Monday, February 16th
AM: 11 miles, easy/moderate
35 degrees, sunny
PM: 4 miles, easy
30 degrees, dark
Met with Jake for a President's Day run from The Line. We ran his "6 Hills" loop which was generally familiar save for one monstrous hill. I didn't even know that trail existed, much less how difficult it is to run up it. A good effort, though, and a good conversation.
I took advantage of the day off and ran in the evening as well. I'll need to keep up the doubles if I want to increase my mileage.
35 degrees, sunny
PM: 4 miles, easy
30 degrees, dark
Met with Jake for a President's Day run from The Line. We ran his "6 Hills" loop which was generally familiar save for one monstrous hill. I didn't even know that trail existed, much less how difficult it is to run up it. A good effort, though, and a good conversation.
I took advantage of the day off and ran in the evening as well. I'll need to keep up the doubles if I want to increase my mileage.
2.15.2009
Sunday, February 15th
18 miles, easy/moderate
40 degrees, sunny
Ran a surprisingly easy 18 miles at Greenbelt Park. We started with a sizable group and eventually finished with Jake and Patrick.
40 degrees, sunny
Ran a surprisingly easy 18 miles at Greenbelt Park. We started with a sizable group and eventually finished with Jake and Patrick.
Saturday, February 14th
9 miles, easy
45 degrees, sunny
Went to the GW Birthday 10K in Alexandria to cheer Matias, Melissa, Alex, and Jonathan. Afterwards Jake, Dylan, Billy, Diego and I ran from the store. Rather than run one of our typical routes we decided to explore Georgetown and ran easy around the campus, graveyard, and National Cathedral.
45 degrees, sunny
Went to the GW Birthday 10K in Alexandria to cheer Matias, Melissa, Alex, and Jonathan. Afterwards Jake, Dylan, Billy, Diego and I ran from the store. Rather than run one of our typical routes we decided to explore Georgetown and ran easy around the campus, graveyard, and National Cathedral.
Friday, February 13th
9 miles, easy
35 degrees, sunrise
Ran the usual RCP loop with P. Hiddy before work.
35 degrees, sunrise
Ran the usual RCP loop with P. Hiddy before work.
2.12.2009
Thursday, February 12th
AM(ish): 10 miles, easy
55 degrees, sunny, WINDY
PM: 3 miles, easy + Gym
After the workout last night I overheard that Jake was giving Reaves a ride to DCA (I refuse call it by the "official" name after listening to the author of Tear Down This Myth on NPR). I invited Jake to Alexandria for a lunchtime run and to give me an excuse to get out of an awkward meeting at work. Jake met me and we ran an out-and-back on the Mt. Vernon Trail and had a good chat. I followed up with a workout at the gym after work.
I would also like to acknowledge the bicentennial celebration of the birth of two great men: 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln and Evolution Theory discoverer Charles Darwin. Happy Darwin Day!
Oh, and it's also Arsenio Hall's birthday today too. And, for the sake of making this a slightly less partisan blog post, I especially wish a happy birthday to the distinguished senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Spector.
55 degrees, sunny, WINDY
PM: 3 miles, easy + Gym
After the workout last night I overheard that Jake was giving Reaves a ride to DCA (I refuse call it by the "official" name after listening to the author of Tear Down This Myth on NPR). I invited Jake to Alexandria for a lunchtime run and to give me an excuse to get out of an awkward meeting at work. Jake met me and we ran an out-and-back on the Mt. Vernon Trail and had a good chat. I followed up with a workout at the gym after work.
I would also like to acknowledge the bicentennial celebration of the birth of two great men: 16th President of the United States Abraham Lincoln and Evolution Theory discoverer Charles Darwin. Happy Darwin Day!
Oh, and it's also Arsenio Hall's birthday today too. And, for the sake of making this a slightly less partisan blog post, I especially wish a happy birthday to the distinguished senator from Pennsylvania Arlen Spector.
Wednesday, February 11th
11 miles, hard workout
55 degrees, dark, windy
Met with the GRCers at BCCHS for the weekly workout. This time we ran the same workout as last week (3x1600) but with only 400m rest. Ideally we would have run the same splits as last week,
but we quickly learned how tired our legs still were from the weekend. I ended up running (coincidentally) even splits: 5:08.8; 5:08.5; 5:08.6. By the end my calves were in knots, but thankfully I had my STICK!
55 degrees, dark, windy
Met with the GRCers at BCCHS for the weekly workout. This time we ran the same workout as last week (3x1600) but with only 400m rest. Ideally we would have run the same splits as last week,
but we quickly learned how tired our legs still were from the weekend. I ended up running (coincidentally) even splits: 5:08.8; 5:08.5; 5:08.6. By the end my calves were in knots, but thankfully I had my STICK!
2.10.2009
Tuesday, February 10th
10.5 miles, easy
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max and P.Hughes for a morning run. We tried out a new loop: Park-Tilden-Connecticut-Nebraska-Wisconsin-R-Florida. It was a little longer than usual, but a nice change of scenery. The morning felt unusually warm too... I could get used to this.
40 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max and P.Hughes for a morning run. We tried out a new loop: Park-Tilden-Connecticut-Nebraska-Wisconsin-R-Florida. It was a little longer than usual, but a nice change of scenery. The morning felt unusually warm too... I could get used to this.
2.09.2009
Monday, February 9th
4.5 miles, easy + Gym
Ran outside from the gym for an easy 4.5 miles. Followed up with stretching and core work.
Also, today saw the world premiere of Towpath's epic film documenting Saturday's USA Cross Country Championships:
GRC Races at the 2009 USATF XC Championship from Tow Path on Vimeo.
Ran outside from the gym for an easy 4.5 miles. Followed up with stretching and core work.
Also, today saw the world premiere of Towpath's epic film documenting Saturday's USA Cross Country Championships:
GRC Races at the 2009 USATF XC Championship from Tow Path on Vimeo.
2.08.2009
Sunday, February 8th
15.5 miles, moderate
65 degrees, sunny
Met with the GRC for a long run from "The Line." This time we had a few new faces and visitors from the race yesterday. We had a steady, solid run, but I felt somewhat sore from yesterday.
65 degrees, sunny
Met with the GRC for a long run from "The Line." This time we had a few new faces and visitors from the race yesterday. We had a steady, solid run, but I felt somewhat sore from yesterday.
Saturday, February 7th - USA XC Championships
13.5 miles, race
65 degrees, sunny
Today was the first big race of 2009: The USATF Cross Country National Championships. I'll be the first to admit that I was pessimistic before this race. I had never run well on this course - even in a workout. Last November I ran an 8K race at the Agricultural History Farm in just over 30 minutes, 20 of which were miserable. I even went as far as to describe the course as Chinese Water Touture; no single part of the course was truly difficult, but the repetition of each lap wore you down until you cried "uncle."
So, with that in mind, I executed a conservative race plan. My only goals were to have fun and not get lapped. Thankfully the weather was beautiful and the GRC had vocal support on race day. When the gun went off I deliberately held myself back and went through the 1K mark at 3:22. At the (rediculously) muddy hill to 2K guys were already starting to slow down. I was comfortable through 6K and planned to surge after 8K if I still felt comfortable. By this point in the race I was truly enjoying myself and milking the support of Earnst, Melissa, Bain, and others who gathered to cheer us up the muddy hill.
Through 8K I was already running much faster than in November (28:44 vs. 30+) - likely a product of my improved training and conservative race strategy. As I began the last 4K I gradually picked up the pace with the goal of catching my teammate Dylan. Over the second to last lap I was also racing to stay ahead of the cheers for Meb as he closed on me. After climbing the sloppy hill for the last time I quickly closed the gap with the pack in front of me. I ran with Dylan for a few hundred yards and passed P.Hughes at 11K. I finished strong in 43:19 and still felt like I had another lap in my legs.
Shortly after we all finished we learned that our team won the team title - a complete surprise! Everyone ran well today and earned this title. After the awards ceremony we cooled down and tailgated at Jarrin's primo parking spot. I ran into Artie and Rebecca (who finished 5th in the women's race and earned a spot on the Worlds team!) at the afterparty and enjoyed a few margaritas with the team.
65 degrees, sunny
Today was the first big race of 2009: The USATF Cross Country National Championships. I'll be the first to admit that I was pessimistic before this race. I had never run well on this course - even in a workout. Last November I ran an 8K race at the Agricultural History Farm in just over 30 minutes, 20 of which were miserable. I even went as far as to describe the course as Chinese Water Touture; no single part of the course was truly difficult, but the repetition of each lap wore you down until you cried "uncle."So, with that in mind, I executed a conservative race plan. My only goals were to have fun and not get lapped. Thankfully the weather was beautiful and the GRC had vocal support on race day. When the gun went off I deliberately held myself back and went through the 1K mark at 3:22. At the (rediculously) muddy hill to 2K guys were already starting to slow down. I was comfortable through 6K and planned to surge after 8K if I still felt comfortable. By this point in the race I was truly enjoying myself and milking the support of Earnst, Melissa, Bain, and others who gathered to cheer us up the muddy hill.
Through 8K I was already running much faster than in November (28:44 vs. 30+) - likely a product of my improved training and conservative race strategy. As I began the last 4K I gradually picked up the pace with the goal of catching my teammate Dylan. Over the second to last lap I was also racing to stay ahead of the cheers for Meb as he closed on me. After climbing the sloppy hill for the last time I quickly closed the gap with the pack in front of me. I ran with Dylan for a few hundred yards and passed P.Hughes at 11K. I finished strong in 43:19 and still felt like I had another lap in my legs.
Shortly after we all finished we learned that our team won the team title - a complete surprise! Everyone ran well today and earned this title. After the awards ceremony we cooled down and tailgated at Jarrin's primo parking spot. I ran into Artie and Rebecca (who finished 5th in the women's race and earned a spot on the Worlds team!) at the afterparty and enjoyed a few margaritas with the team.
2.05.2009
Thursday, February 5th
4 miles, easy
@ Gym
I'd like to say that I was deliberately taking an "easy" day after last night's workout. My calves ARE sore after all... But really I was just too lazy to get up this morning and run outside (but, in my defense, it was -1F with wind chill) and I predictably ran out of time to run after work. Oh well. Let's just say I'm "tapering" for Saturday...
@ Gym
I'd like to say that I was deliberately taking an "easy" day after last night's workout. My calves ARE sore after all... But really I was just too lazy to get up this morning and run outside (but, in my defense, it was -1F with wind chill) and I predictably ran out of time to run after work. Oh well. Let's just say I'm "tapering" for Saturday...
Wednesday, February 4th
10 miles, hard
25-30 degrees, dark
Met with Jake, Diego, Sam, and Nate for a track workout at BCCHS. This workout was the first in Jake's plan for 5K dominance, and I joined out of nostalgia for my Tuesday workouts with Harry Groves. We ran 3x1600m with 800m jog recovery at just over 5K pace. I had a good night, and felt fast in my new 3.0 oz. Nike Mutumbos running 5:04; 5:01; 4:55. Nice negative split.
25-30 degrees, dark
Met with Jake, Diego, Sam, and Nate for a track workout at BCCHS. This workout was the first in Jake's plan for 5K dominance, and I joined out of nostalgia for my Tuesday workouts with Harry Groves. We ran 3x1600m with 800m jog recovery at just over 5K pace. I had a good night, and felt fast in my new 3.0 oz. Nike Mutumbos running 5:04; 5:01; 4:55. Nice negative split.
2.03.2009
Tuesday, February 3rd
9 miles, easy - moderate
35 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max for the usual morning run in RCP. Felt pretty good.
35 degrees, sunrise
Met with Max for the usual morning run in RCP. Felt pretty good.
Monday, February 2nd - Groundhog Day
4 miles, easy + Gym
Babe. I got you babe. Seriously, the first song I heard today was Sonny and Cher's "Babe." It brings back memories of being a carefree college student and driving to Punxsutawney in the middle of the night to see a groundhog predict the weather. That was some night, and after surviving 6 hours in 5-10 degrees before sunrise, I lost any reason to bail on attending the Inaugural Events last month.
Thankfully on this Groundhog Day I did not have a ball-busting workout awaiting my sleep-deprived and half-thawed butt in the afternoon. Instead I took it easy and went to the gym to pump some iron.
Finally, as a nod to this most sacred of holidays, I'd like to acknowledge that NYC Mayor Bloomburg was bitten by SI Chuck at a lesser known groundhog ceremony this morning. That's what you get for worshiping false rodents.
Babe. I got you babe. Seriously, the first song I heard today was Sonny and Cher's "Babe." It brings back memories of being a carefree college student and driving to Punxsutawney in the middle of the night to see a groundhog predict the weather. That was some night, and after surviving 6 hours in 5-10 degrees before sunrise, I lost any reason to bail on attending the Inaugural Events last month.
Thankfully on this Groundhog Day I did not have a ball-busting workout awaiting my sleep-deprived and half-thawed butt in the afternoon. Instead I took it easy and went to the gym to pump some iron.
Finally, as a nod to this most sacred of holidays, I'd like to acknowledge that NYC Mayor Bloomburg was bitten by SI Chuck at a lesser known groundhog ceremony this morning. That's what you get for worshiping false rodents.
2.01.2009
Sunday, February 1st
16 miles, moderate
50 degrees, sunny
Enjoyed a long run with Jake and Sam through RCP. It was a great day to be outside and we ran smart so we weren't exhausted at the end.
50 degrees, sunny
Enjoyed a long run with Jake and Sam through RCP. It was a great day to be outside and we ran smart so we weren't exhausted at the end.
Saturday, January 31st
11 miles, hard
25 degrees, somewhat windy
Met with the GRCers for a last workout on the XC course before next week's big race. The ice from earlier this week still has not melted and caused several guys to fall (or, more accurately, caused Sam to fall several times). We started running 6x"as far as we could go before we lost our footing" which was only about 1K. We jogged the other 1K and started over. After two laps I bailed with Alex and Dylan to run on the road. Eventually the others followed. We salvaged the workout and ran 5x 3 minutes on, 90 seconds off.
25 degrees, somewhat windy
Met with the GRCers for a last workout on the XC course before next week's big race. The ice from earlier this week still has not melted and caused several guys to fall (or, more accurately, caused Sam to fall several times). We started running 6x"as far as we could go before we lost our footing" which was only about 1K. We jogged the other 1K and started over. After two laps I bailed with Alex and Dylan to run on the road. Eventually the others followed. We salvaged the workout and ran 5x 3 minutes on, 90 seconds off.
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