Final Mileage Total & Donation!

As we get close to the end of the year, it's time I make the donations based on my mileage. As of the total today (12/18/2010), I have run 1,205 miles this year (far surpassing my goal of 1,000 miles!). That's an average of 24 miles/week for the year. I planned to donate 10 cents per mile, or 20 cents per mile if I reached 1,000 miles. Therefore the total donation for mileage is 1,205 x 0.20 = $241.

In addition to the mileage, I reached two of my race goals: 5k in under 20:30 (20:18) and a marathon in under 3:55:00 (3:47:45). I was just 2 seconds away from also reaching my 10k goal! This adds another $20 for each, so $40 total.

My total donation for this year is $241 + $40 = $281. Maybe it's the Christmas spirit, but I am going to round that up to $300. That makes it easier to split the donation into three causes I have been involved in:

$100 to Sons of HD (http://www.sonsofhd.com/)
$100 to South Congregational Church's ASP
$100 to Hands on Hartford (http://www.handsonhartford.org/)

Looking forward to setting new goals for 2011 and donating 11 cents per mile!

I wouldn't be able to keep getting out there and hitting the pavement if it wasn't for the support of all my friends and family, and especially Krystle. Thank you.

Philly Marathon

What better way to explore a city for the first time, than running through 26.2 miles of its streets! The Philadelphia Marathon was great! I ran a PR of 3:47:45 (including stopping for 6 minutes to leave the restroom). I accomplished every goal I set out to - I ran negative splits (1:55 for the first half, 1:52 for the second), I didn't walk at all, and I even ran the last 10k faster than the first 10k. The weather was perfect, the crowd was great, and the race was certainly one I'll always remember.

During the process not only did I rack up some more miles, but I broke my marathon goal for an extra donation. As the end of the year approaches, I really need to figure out where I am going to donate the money. It will be 20 cents per mile, plus extra for the race goals I have achieved.

I'll be taking a little time off from training - but definitely not from running. I want to try to maintain a good base of 20 miles per week while not training, and start working out more at the gym to get stronger. That way, next time I start a training program I can be even more aggressive in my training. This race really makes me excited since I trained harder, and saw the effects. Maybe I'll throw in another 5k before the end of the year if I feel recovered - but part of me wants to end this racing year on such a high note.

Yasso 800's

I am very encouraged by my most recent work out. It's called Yasso 800's (after famed runner Bart Yasso). In preparation for a marathon, you run 10 800 meter repeats, and your min:sec time is supposed to be an indicator of the marathon time you can run in hours:min. For example, if you run each lap in 3:00, you could run a 3 hour marathon. I did this work out on Saturday, after a 5 mile warm up run. I averaged right around 3:25 per 800. Do I think I can run a 3:25:00 marathon? Maybe - but I doubt I'll attempt to run that fast. It's great to see the level my fitness is at.

I have one more long run in my training for Philadelphia. The difference in my training this time compared to previous marathons is my pace. I have been starting my long runs at an easy pace, but then trying to increase it to around 8:00 min/mile range. That is how I plan to run the race in 3 weeks too. I figure if I start off and run the first 5 miles at a 9 minute/mile pace - it won't feel difficult at all. It will allow me to settle into a nice groove, not feel tired, and it will only mean an additional 5 minutes of time as compared to taking off at an 8 minute/mile pace. I think I can then slowly increase my speed over the next few miles to somewhere between 8:00 - 8:30, and try to maintain that for a while. I know I'll likely slow down at the end, but if I can maintain a good pace for the middle 15-18 miles, I'll be very happy.

I hope I see the benefits of my increased training intensity in the race. I know some things will be dependent on things I can't control on race day. The benefits may be evident despite a less than encouraging time. The more and more I train, the more and more I want to train - and train harder. I wonder what I could do if I really push myself. A strong showing in Philly will really further that desire.

1,000 miles!

Today I reached (and surpassed) my goal of 1,000 miles for the year. Judging by the fact that it's only October, I've been getting in more miles than I originally thought - which is great. I am excited now to be donating twice as much per mile, and I still have time to raise some more with certain race goals - most notably, the Philly marathon.

My training has been going well. I feel strong, have been avoiding injury, and my mileage total and the pace of my runs is better than ever. Inevitably, my mind is starting to wander. If I can run an average 8:30 pace for 20 miles, then maybe in a race I could do 8:15? 8:00? What if I had trained harder? That's where I get even more ahead of myself - and the idea that once seemed so incredibly impossible, starts to enter my mind...could I qualify for Boston?

I would need to run a marathon at a 7:15/mi pace. That's lightning fast (for me). I could MAYBE run 10 miles at that pace right now, but that would be on a great day, all things going my way. I think that I can get to that point, if I keep up with my training and keep improving year over year.

At the same time, the possibility of having a slower time in Philly scares me, a lot. What if I get so tired I need to walk? What about cramps? The only time I ran a marathon shooting for a specific time, I was on pace until the cramps hit me on mile 14. That made for a long finishing 12 miles. I remember how that felt, and with all the walking, I had a lot of time to think. It's discouraging to train for so long and hard, only to not even come close to your goal. I think I could run a time in Philly similar to the goal I had that year, but will I be disappointed if I don't?

The way I look at it, is I'll set various goals - not all time based. I really want to have fun, but I am also getting the urge to push myself more and more, and really run faster. I think the faster times will come with time, so even if I improve my times by a minute or two year after year, that's something! The more I run and the more I race, the more I love it. I hope that passion doesn't fade, and getting too caught up with time oriented goals could lead to that. I'll push myself, and if things go well - great. If not, well there's always another race.

Update

It's been a long time since I left a post. Since I last left an update, I ran a 5k in a PR of 20:18 (also earning another $20 for charity as I beat my goal), I acted as an assistant coach for a 10k training group, and I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon on 11/21/10.

Training is in full swing for the Philly Marathon. I just completed my first (of 3) 20 mile run this weekend. I ran the first 7 miles on trails in the woods at an easy pace (around 9:00/mi), then picked it up and ran the next 13 at closer to an 8:30/mi pace. It was the first time I was really able to keep a consistent pace in the later miles of a longer run. Overall it was a great run, and it helped me enjoy the Big E without the slightest bit of guilt for the amount of calories I took in (cheeseburger, buffalo chicken wrap, 1/2 baked potato, kettle corn, and a cider donut).

This coming weekend I have a half marathon, a distance which I have never raced. I am using this race to gauge where my fitness is at. I will probably try to run the first few miles around 7:35-7:45 pace and see how I feel. Then I'll either try to pick it up a bit, or keep it up. We'll see.

Yearly mileage has already surpassed last year's total. I'm at 877 miles YTD, and my weekly totals have been in the 30's consistently, even up to 40 last week. I'm excited about reaching some high levels for my donation to charity, so I hope I can stay injury free so I can continue to run, race, and raise money.

Back again

This week I was finally climbing out of a little running-funk that I didn't even realize I was in. After a marathon, for me anyway, it takes a while before I can mentally commit myself to running a lot. Add onto that a new-floor-installation project at home and a stomach bug, and my running just wasn't the same. Whether it was the sore knees or the stomach cramps, I wasn't able to run very far or fast at all. Finally last weekend I felt back. I feel fresh and motivated. My mileage slipped to around 20/week - but this week should be back up at 30. I have started throwing in speed work after easy/long runs. Today I ran 9 miles, then hit the track. I only did 2 x 800 and 2 x 400, but I was able to hit the speeds I usually hit on my speed workouts. Maybe I need to run harder on speed days!

Next weekend is a 5k, my first race since the marathon. I would LOVE to break 20:00, but I would need to feel REALLY good, have perfect weather, maybe even some hurricane force winds behind me. Hopefully I can at least run a PR (anything under 21:11), and maybe save 20:00 for another day.

My total mileage is up over 600 for the year. I am on pace to reach my goal of 1,000 miles - which means my donation will get doubled! Knowing that my running will have a purpose beyond some fitness goal has been a great feeling. Now I am hoping that I can run some races under my goal times to increase my donation amount!

Vermont Marathon

Yesterday was the most fun I have ever had running. I ran my race exactly as I wanted to. The crowd support was unreal. The initial weather predictions looked like I would be practicing Bikram Marathoning; but it ended up being good running weather. I accomplished many of my goals: run the entire time, finish with a smile, and finish under 4 hours – a personal record of 3:57:09.

My plan was to show restraint early on in preparation for the large Battery Park hill on the 15^th mile. From there, I knew I would have to dig deep to persevere through some painful miles. At mile 21 or 22 the turn is made to head back toward the finish line, and I knew I would have to dig even deeper and feed on the energy of the supporters to get to the finish line.

Somehow everything worked out leading to the start line. All the random knee and foot pains which had been springing up during the last two weeks were gone. I felt fresh. While waiting in the crowd of people to begin, I was overcome with emotion. The combination of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation is unlike anything else. The hard part, the training, was done. Now it was time to enjoy the race.

The countdown quickly went from ten down to one, and we were off. The first mile was through the center of Burlington, with people packed four or five deep on either side. The screams, cheers, and cowbells had me in a bit of a daze. Much of that first mile was uphill, with about 100 total feet of elevation climb. I hit the first mile split in 9:22. I was easing into my pace, showing restraint. Miles 2 through 4 were much more downhill as we looped back through the center of town. Again, it was tough to not get swept up in the adrenaline of the crowd noise.

Miles 4 through 9 was an out and back route; a long downhill heading out and a long uphill coming back. I was anticipating the large hill at 15 to be the most difficult, so I had overlooked this portion. There was over 100 feet of elevation climb steadily over miles 7 and 8. The sun peaked out at that time, making it even warmer. As I checked my pace I decided to slow down a little. I was up to running 8:30’s, so I peeled it back a tad and made sure to keep hydrating.

I hit mile 10 at 1:26; or 8:40/mi. That was exactly the pace I wanted. I felt good and strong. The next few miles were along a bike trail, and I spaced out as I was thinking about the Battery Park hill. My pace at the half marathon was 8:44/mi, so I had slowed a tad. I was happy with my pace, and I was having fun.

Finally, I saw the hill. To say this hill looked steep is an understatement. Only one side of the road was open for runners, and the crowd was packed in tight on either side. There was a drumming group playing and people were cheering and ringing cowbells like crazy. I see Krystle at the bottom, she screams my name and my spirits were immediately lifted. “How are you doing!?” she yells out – to which I replied with a thumbs up. I can tell she is excited. The next time I see her will be at the finish. I actually needed to make an effort to not run too fast up the hill. It was amazing how much the crowd can pump you up. That hill was actually fun, and I was feeling great at the top.

The next few miles were a mix of different residential streets and neighborhoods. I continued to take in fluids as I walked through each water station, but by mile 17 or 18 my stomach didn’t want any more sugary Gels, Shot blocks, or snickers. I had been snacking every 2 miles up to that point, so I figured that would be enough. Since my walks through the water stations were slightly longer – as I would take and drink a water, then a Gatorade, then sometimes dump some water over my head – my pace slowed. Through 20 miles I was at 8:50/mi. Not bad considering 10 seconds of every mile was stopping and walking to drink fluids. I was still running strong.

As I hit mile 21 and 22, I knew it was time to really dig deep. My legs were a kind of tired that’s not only hard to explain, but hard to picture or remember until you’re there. All you want to do is have the pain stop. Running doesn’t help, but neither does walking. Walking just means you endure the pain longer; running gets you to the finish line faster. I was trying to keep the pace up, but I could feel cramps coming on. My stride was short, and my pace was around 9:20/mi. I was happy with that. Miles 23 through 25 seemed to drag on forever. I passed a lot of people who were walking. I saw a lot of people stretching out cramps on the side of the road. I felt lucky, so I pressed on.

Then I saw it. I saw the mass of people waiting to give the runners the emotional lift they need to finish strong. From mile 21 to the finish, we were running on a bike path near Lake Champlain. As we came up on mile 26, we enter Battery Park. There were so many people on either side of the 8 foot wide path. They were cheering, ringing bells, calling us out by number or clothing, slapping high fives – anything to get us pumped up. It was an unreal feeling. I started going as fast as I could – though my stride was likely awkward as I continued to fight off the cramps. We pass the mile 26 marker, and then go under a bridge filled with people. We turn and I can see the finish line. The people are cheering so loud I can’t even hear the announcer calling out our names. I cross under the finish line, and I check the clock and my watch - I did it – 3:57:09, under four hours. I see Krystle, and I can see the excitement in her face. She gets a sweaty kiss, and says “You did it!”

Its strange how at that point, the last 3 hours and 57 minutes seems like a blur. I know as time goes on I stop and think more about different stages of the race, and how I felt. I feel more tired and exhausted than I ever have in my life. At the same time, I have a feeling of pure happiness that is tough to match (don’t worry Krys, definitely second to our wedding day). There are few things in life, or at least in my life, that require so much preparation and all come down to one specific opportunity to achieve your goal. The day is overwhelming with different emotions, and I love it. This is why I run.

We spent the night celebrating in Burlington, taking in food, drinks, and the beautiful scenery; it was the perfect end to a perfect weekend.

The final countdown

Barely one week until the Vermont Marathon. This week marked the half way point in my what is supposed to be relaxing taper time. This Wednesday I went out for an easy 4 mile run. It was easily the worst run I've had all year. Out of nowhere I was having foot pain and knee pain. I haven't had issues with that at all, so why would it flare up so randomly? I think it's a combination of a certain pair of work shoes and my head. The marathon is on my mind a lot, and getting injured is one of my worst fears. I ran 8 miles today, and felt fine. This week will be a few short runs nice and slow, so hopefully I am fresh and ready to go Sunday.

I am both excited and nervous for this weekend. I am nervous because I have done two marathons to this point with two completely different outcomes. Which one is the norm, and which one was the oddity? I hope the norm is the one that was fun. I will be sure to keep the calories coming this week, and to not drink so much water that I flush nutrients out of my body. With that, the training, and then maybe a little luck with the weather, I hope to see a 3 as the first number on the clock when I cross the finish line.

Do You Ever Feel Like You're Running in Place?

I do. Today I ran 20 miles on a treadmill. I was on the same treadmill, in the same gym, staring at the same muted TV news stations, for three hours. Luckily, my good friend Scott kept me company for the first 12 miles. Krys came and got on the treadmill next to me at mile 17, for her own workout and to keep me company. I know I really appreciated it. For her, it was probably more like talking to a wall. A sweaty, struggling wall.

Why did I decide to conduct my last long run before the VT marathon inside as opposed to exploring 20 miles of the outdoors? Today was a "first" in history. A true modern marvel. Today was the first ever thunderstorm during the mid-morning time. Thunderstorms generally happen in the afternoon and evening, but can even happen overnight. However - they do not happen at 8am. Do you ever remember driving to work in a thunderstorm? No, that would be ridiculous, because it doesn't happen. Until today. I (we, Scott included) opted to run inside and get our running jolts from eating Gel's, not bolts of lighting...lame (the idea, and that joke).

The result was the same. I finished the 20 miles and wanted to immediately lay down. I ran around 9:00/mi for the first 14 miles, then upped it to 8:50/mi for 15-16, 8:40/mi for 17-18, and 8:30/mi for 19-20. I stopped for a few seconds at each mile to have something to drink, but didn't stop my watch, so my time averaged out to 9:02/mi. In the race, I would have at least walked during those parts. I figure 20 stops for drinks, averaging 10 seconds each, that's almost 2 minutes of time today I stopped, but in the race I would be walking. The point is my time would be a little better.

My total miles for the year are over 400. It would be cool to hit 500 during the marathon, but that would require some serious miles these next three weeks; and that just isn't going to happen. Now I taper back for the next three weeks. It will be mentally difficult, I will (and am supposed to) gain a little weight during the last week before the race, as I take in carbs and fluids, and exercise less. The idea is I will feel fresh and ready to go come race day. Let's hope so.

Last race before VT Marathon

Today was my last race before the VT Marathon, on 5/30. It was a 10k, and I wasn't feeling good about it. Having just completed 3 tough weeks of training, including a 20 mile run last Saturday and hill repeats this Wednesday - I was convinced my time today would be slower than I would like. Yesterday after helping Dan and Liz move into their new house, I had some pizza and beer with them. Anyone who has hung out with me the day before a race or long run knows that I am a pain about what I eat and drink (seriously, ask Krystle). Last night I had a big chocolate milkshake after dinner. Not the same as my normal gatorade/electrolyte drinks.

Maybe it was the cool weather or the fact I set low/zero expectations, but I ran (for me) a solid race today. I ran the 10k in 43:37 (or just over 7:00/mi). I placed second in my division and 20th overall. I felt like the pace was comfortable, which makes me really excited for the marathon! I am still not sure what pace I will try to run there, but this race was a good sign.

Unfortunately I missed my extra-donation-race-goal by 2 seconds! I think I will try to find another 10k at some point this year to try to beat that time, and raise an extra $20. The mileage is racking up, and that means so is the money! This next week is a lighter mileage week as I gear up for my last 20 miler before the marathon (2 weeks from yesterday). Then it's 3 weeks of taking it easy as race day approaches. Really looking forward to that day.

I was robbed during my 20 mile run...twice

You know we're living in a society! Ok, so I wasn't robbed at gunpoint, knifepoint, or anything like that. I wasn't even technically robbed - but someone else is now in possession of something of mine. Two things of mine.

When I run, I go on a paved bike path. Sometimes I leave a water bottle or two out, rather than carry them. Sometimes I shed some clothing as I get warmer. I always go back and pick everything up - or at least try to. Today I was down one water bottle and one pair of pants. Two different times, similar location. Did someone see a full water bottle and decide to satisfy their thirst at my expense? Did someone see a sweaty pair of running pants looped around a fence and think it was great luck they were their size? I need to plan some sort of twix-candy-line-up-type set up.

The run itself was great. 20 miles, 9:00 pace. At the end, I felt like I absolutely could have done another 6.2. Whether or not I would have wanted to is a different story. Thinking about the excitement of race day, the crowd support, and the fact that I would have been resting before hand for three weeks makes me feel very excited about my training to this point. The VT marathon is 44 days away, and I think I will be able to accomplish my main goal - to run the race and have fun. Ideally, I would like my finishing time to start with a 3...but as long as I am able to run from start to finish, and enjoy it, I'll be happy.

This was a heavy mileage week (for me) at just over 34 miles. For most marathoners, that is nothing. I have found that staying between 25-35 miles/week leaves me feeling fresh and (knock on wood) less likely to be injured.

2010 miles are over 336, which is great. I'm hoping to add to the fundraising in the near future by hitting some race goals. Next Sunday is a 10k, and then of course the marathon Memorial Day weekend. Very exciting!

The 16 mile Long Run...

I have a theory when it comes to long runs. This is just based on personal experience, and I have no idea if anyone else agrees or not. To me, it seems like the 16 mile long run is the most your body can do on it's own. It is a pretty grueling distance, but entirely different than the 20 mile long run; the longest I will do in training. The 16 mile run requires all the same preparation as the 20 miler, same methods of hydration and on-the-go fueling, but it feels so different. That extra 4 miles, which is an extra 25%, feels like way more than that. My theory is once you get over mile 16, it becomes more mental than physical. Your body is in much more pain and wants to stop. No amount of gels or swigs of gatorade make you feel any better. The only thing that feels good to your body at that point is stopping.

Today was my 16 mile long run. The weather was nice and cool with barely any breeze. I felt good, not great. I ran a pretty hard tempo run this Wednesday (8 miles at 7:35/mi), which I was still feeling the effects of. Nevertheless I was able to trot along around a 9:00/mi pace for all 16 miles. With next week being a taper week, it will be two weeks until my next long run; of 18 miles. I know that the first 16 will be difficult, but the real challenge will be those last 2. I'm looking forward to it.

I think my 10 in 2010 idea will provide an extra boost on all long runs now. I am ahead of pace to hit 1,000 total miles at this point in the year, with just over 252 total miles ran. I'm motivated to hit my overall goal, and excited about my progress.

Crunchy granola

I don't think of myself as being the "crunchy granola" type (though my brief stint of long hair in college may say otherwise...). Maybe that changed somewhat today. After doing a lot of reading/research about it, I decided I need to start strengthening my feet with some barefoot running. I bought a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers shoes today. They basically look like water shoes, and only protect your feet from sharp rocks, glass, etc. They don't provide any support. I'm not sure if my eventual goal is to use only these, but for the next few weeks I will begin walking/light running in them. I expect to have very sore legs as they adjust to walking/running the correct way. We'll see. If you are interested in hearing more about why I want to work on barefoot running (strengthen the feet, less chance of injury, etc), let me know and I can send you some articles to read.

This has been a great week for running. The weather has been perfect. I did my long run of 14 miles Tuesday night after work. I felt good only two days after the 5k, and kept an 8:30/mile pace. I then ran 6 miles Friday on the bike path and then 4.5 miles of trail running today. I will likely do another easy run tomorrow - just because it is supposed to be nice again. That will put this week's mileage up around 30, which is a good place to be.

My yearly total is climbing more and more. I'm almost up to 250 miles, so I have raised $25 of my own money, plus the contributions of others. It's been very exciting. I hope to raise even more money as I hit some of my race goals!

Could I be...fast?

First race of the season today. It was the O'Hartford 5k. The weather was cool and windy, but the rain held off. It was great to be in the race atmosphere again. Since I have only done two speed workouts this year, I didn't have a specific goal - though I thought 22:30 would be nice (7:15/mi pace).

After weaving through a few people for the first minute or so, I was running my comfortable pace. I hit the first mile marker in just under 7:00. Despite the course-description-described small hill up ahead (which was more of a half mile steady incline), I felt good. I kept up the pace, maybe even increasing some. I hit the second mile marker at about 13:45. I had run the second mile a couple seconds faster than the first, and I still felt good. The third mile showed no less hills, though I was able to increase my pace yet again. I crossed the finish line in a decent sprint; though the pictures will show a 15 year old (you can see in the results) blowing by me. Regardless, I looked down at my watch - a personal best of 21:11, or 6:49/mi.

I was tired, but not completely drained. Last year, when I first broke 7:00/mi for a 5k, it took everything I had. I could barely speak, let alone move after crossing the finish line. The temperature was warmer, there was no wind, far less hills...so today I couldn't help but wonder...what could I have run today? More importantly, what can I run in the future. My first 5k was in 2008, and I ran it in over 27:00. My races typically improve over the course of the year, and this year I ran my fastest time ever, with barely any speed training?

I don't mean for this to sound like bragging, because it's certainly not. There were 76 people there today far faster than I am, and many far faster than I'll ever be. I am, however, intrigued and now motivated to push myself harder. If I train a little harder, continue eating well, and keep up with the core/balance exercises, is there any way I could run a 5k in under 20:00? I had never thought that would be possible for me - but now I am wondering. I still enjoy training for longer races, but I think I can mix in the right amount of speed training.

Today was a great way to start the race season. Spirits were high, the post race food and drink were fantastic, and I was able to set a PR. I ran a relatively comfortable pace...I just didn't expect that pace to be a PR...

Good weeks and bad weeks...

Sometimes you can go out for a run, and feel great. Your legs feel fresh, the temperature is just right, and you feel like you could keep going for miles and miles. This week was not like that. The weather has been horrible. It has seemingly been snowing and/or raining since Monday. The roads have been slippery, so I was putting off my first run of the week. Suddenly it was Thursday and I hadn't run a mile all week - so I had to get out there. I ran three miles in the pouring rain/freezing cold. It was awful. Saturday I ran four miles in the morning as a light snow was falling. It wasn't as bad, but it wasn't great. Today I had my long run - 12 miles. The weather was ok, but that's about it. My legs just felt heavy and slow the entire time. Many parts of the path still had a covering of wet slushy snow, which was very slippery. At about mile 3 I began to regret the enromous burger and beer I had yesterday for lunch. Around mile 7 I made an emergency stop to use the restrooms at a local gym. The entire time I felt slow and weak. I probably should have brought more to drink than 12 oz of Gatorade. Either way, it is weeks like this that make future weeks easier and more enjoyable. This week was tough, but I was able to fight through, log the miles I needed to, and next week is a taper week - all runs are 6 miles or less. I think after four straight weekends of 10+ mile long runs, my body is ready for a break.

I am still on pace for my goal of 1,000 miles this year! So far I have raised over $16 of my own money, and I have continued to hear other people say they are interested. As the training gets tougher, I know this will be the added motivation I need to push through!

Raising some real money now!

As you know, this blog is about how I am personally going to donate 10 cents a mile for every mile I run in 2010 (see first post for all the details). I'm over 141 miles for the year, and feeling great. More and more people have been expressing interest in adding to my donation amount, which makes me even more inspired to go out and rack up the miles.

This week I did a tough speed work out. I ran 5 miles to warm up, then did 3 x 1 mile repeats at around 7:00/mi. Luckily the weather was around 40 degrees, instead of the recent sub freezing temperatures. Today I ran a steady 11 miles and really felt great. The middle distance runs are getting easier and easier, which is great, because the 20 mile training runs will be here before I know it!

The first road race of the year is less than a month away - the O'Hartford 5k on March 14. I am confident I can beat my time from last year, but I don't know if I'll be in good enough shape to set a 5k PR. I think I will be shooting to run around 22:30 or so, depending on how I'm feeling and what the weather is like. These tough tempo runs and speed workouts will definitely help me get into better 5k shape.

Thanks for reading!

Marathon training begins

This is the first of my 16 week marathon training program for the Vermont City Marathon, on 5/31. I have been running 18-20 miles a week for about two months now, but just doing relatively easy runs. Last night I did my first work-out: a 3 mile tempo run, with a warm up and cool down. I was able to run the 3 miles at about 7:48/mi, but I was dying! It's hard to believe I could have run that speed for 4 times as far last September. Last year at this time, I was running much fewer miles and at a much slower pace. I'm definitely encouraged and looking forward to seeing improvement each week.

Running in the cold has been ok, until this weekend. I was hoping to do a 12 mile run this past Saturday. I decided to split it into two 6 mile runs when I wasn't warming up. The wind was brutal. Running outside in the winter is ok until the wind chill dips below 10-15 degrees. I am really ready for spring time running (minus the rain...).

If you have never seen this site before, check out the first post. I am over 100 miles for the year, and that means over $10. I think my first race will be the O'Hartford 5k in March, but it will be very tough for me to beat my 5k goal so early in the season. Either way it should be a fun start to the race season!

50+ miles = $5 raised so far!

It's January 21, and I have run just over 50 miles for the year, raising $5 (I'm donating $0.10 for every mile I run in 2010...check out the first post on this blog). It's not much, but it has been in my mind during some of my longer runs. I ran 10.5 last weekend and felt great about that run alone raising over $1. I haven't been pushing the pace, but that will be the plan in the coming weeks as my marathon training program begins February 7 for the Vermont City Marathon, 5/31.

The weather recently has been warm enough that at times I didn't need a hat or the tights! That is probably a welcomed change for those people who have to see me pass by wearing that skin tight fashion statement.

I am hoping to run over 10 again this Saturday. We'll see how I feel. The pace will probably be slow, between 9:00 - 9:30 a mile. Anyone who wants to join, let me know!

Happy New Year

6 days into the new year, and I have gone on 2 runs so far, for 12 miles, raising a total of $1.20. This past weekend I went out for a slow 8 miles through the snow and ice. Tuesday I ran an easy 4 on a paved path. Running in the cold actually isn't that bad when I wear the right clothes. February is when my 16 week training program starts for the Vermont City Marathon, which is Sunday May 30.

Thursday I will try to run 4 miles at a little faster pace and then a nice easy longer run Saturday. I'll probably on the only 1 mile stretch of paved bike path that is plowed. It's boring going back and forth so many times, but it still beats the treadmill.