hmm...me think cookie good

“If you guys are running anywhere in the Poconos and need to stay overnight, I have a house that I rent that sleeps 12+.”  I thought I would start this post off with a good laugh for everyone.  That was an email I received yesterday afternoon from the woman at Council Rock that yelled at me for using the track without paying.  Apparently she thinks that I should consider renting more than tracks from her now. 

Let’s rewind back to my Wednesday afternoon run shall we.  The plan had me doing 10 miles so, I went to Tyler (I know big surprise.).  I actually ran a pretty fast first 5 mile loop doing the 5 miles in under 35 minutes which I have the great weather to thank for that.  When I got back from the first 5 miles I headed to my car to take a swig of water before heading back out for the last 5.  On my way to the car I spy Boston Pete (the guy always has at least one article of clothing with Boston Marathon printed on it, while running).    I approach him and he gives me the finger(not the middle one this time) because he is on the phone with what I’m thinking is his wife.  Once they say their I love you’s and give smooches, I’m able to say hello and ask him if he has started running yet.  He responds with a no and he joins me for my last 5 miles.  The last 5 miles go smoothly and I’m grateful to have had Boston Pete for company. 

10 miles today 11 tomorrow.

Thursday, was the typical hill workout day.  I needed to do 11 miles, so I arrived at the high school earlier than the group to get 6 miles in.  The 6 miles went well, stuck with the usual run over to Tyler for 3 miles and then back.  I stretched before heading over to the hill with the group.  We did 6x400 repeats and the workout was my best hill workout of the year.  I was able to stay with Winter Series 2012 Champion Andy Shapiro for the entire workout.  This is unheard of for me, I have tried several times to hang with Andy for an entire hill workout and I have only lasted as far as the half-way point until this night.  I’m not sure what or who to credit my break out achievement. Was it the whole box of Entenmann’s cookies I snacked on while watching the NCAA tournament that day?  Or was this just pure luck of the Irish a few days early?  Whatever was the cause, I’m thrilled it happened.  Performances such as this, help runners build confidence.  I will be able to take this confidence and build from it going forward.  I hope that all of you can find a positive performance of your own and allow it to rouse your confidence. 

Till we run into each other again…

Scene 2 plus Speedster Track Update.

My birthday isn’t till the end of the month, but when we got home from CT there was a package waiting on the doorstep.  Allyson said it was my birthday gift and that I could open it!  I didn’t hesitate, I tore open the box and what do my wondering eyes see?  A Nike GPS watch!  I have been hinting about this watch for quite some time (October to be exact), when I got to play with it at the Chicago Marathon Expo.  My Garmin has been on the fritz for a while, even after I sent it back to Garmin to get fixed it still acted up.  It’s funny to think back to before I wore a watch of any kind, to now where I want to have a watch with GPS and some style.  The Nike watch does just that, I want to wear it out and about even if I’m not running.  I took it for a spin an hour after I got it.  Went to Tyler and did the “Thompson Loop” as the first run together (couldn’t think of a better loop to bond on).  Last night I plugged it in after my 10 mile run at Tyler and Allyson Felix came on my Computer screen and commended me on a great 10 mile run!  Will be showing it off I mean using it tonight for my 11 mile run that will combine a 5 mile relaxed pace and 6 miles of hill training, looking forward to it.

Till we run into each other again…

Speedster Season Update:

I’m still in the works to find us a home this spring.  I might have a nice track with lanes and bathrooms (port-a-pots) in the works, but waiting to hear back on a couple of other closer locations first.  We may be forced off the Council Rock tracks permanently, spoke to a woman from CR and she freaked on me for using their track these past two years without permission and without paying $100 a night.  I tried to explain that we didn’t know and that I assumed we could use the track as tax payers in this area, but because we’re an organized group (organized she should come out and see for herself that the majority of you are not organized) we have to pay a fee of $100 each time we use it.  I was not happy with this lady and how she came at me, but surprisingly I kept my cool.  I told her I wasn’t aware that we needed to pay to use it as a group and that I would get back to her on our future usage.  I find this very depressing, because that location was perfect for us.  If anyone has connections in the Council Rock School District and think you can get this fee waived or reduced that would be great.  I really don’t want to charge you the athletes for something that should be free.

CT goes to CT...

Woods behind the MGM.  This picture was taken from our room.

 

Last time I left you I was planning on a long run in Tyler Park on Friday afternoon, before heading to Connecticut.  Well, I foolishly didn’t eat lunch before heading out with Allyson for a 16 mile run and 3 miles in my body reminded me of this.  I started to feel weak and dizzy and decided to call it a day at 5 miles.  Traded the rest of my run in for Chick-fil-a, but I didn’t sacrifice my miles I just moved everything around some more.  I swapped my rest day with Saturday and manned up and did my 16 mile long run in Connecticut on Sunday.  Allyson and I ran all around the town of Norwalk through little strip malls in town until the neighborhood started to look sketchy.  I always say that my street smarts outweigh my book smarts, so when my eyes start to see boarded up store fronts, graffiti, and burnt down and abandoned homes the message was received and the legs knew that it was time to turn around and head back.  Once we got back to where we were staying we ran through a nice section of homes where all the street signs were named with “wood” which got my mind thinking that if we’re running on EastWood past BoxWood will we at some point run onto MorningWood?  Once we’re out of the “woods” we finished with a strong 16 miles.  As you all can probably contest to, getting your training runs in while away can be tough, so I was proud of Allyson and myself for getting up and getting it done.  We stuck around for lunch and to watch the Sixers spank the Knicks, before hitting the road to expand our trip of CT.  We drove 90 minutes up 95 North to the FoxWoods (Woods again!) where we stayed 2 nights at the very nice MGM casino and hotel.  Allyson and I both enjoy playing black jack every so often and have been known to win some money doing it (this was not one of those times).  We may not have won any money, but we did win his and hers watches and had a really good time.  We headed back Tuesday morning and did a 5 mile run in Tyler Park with my Birthday present!  To be continued…

Spring Break!

This week is being condensed which I don’t typically recommend, but under some circumstances (like life) you have to do what you have to do to make it work.  Allyson and I are headed up to Connecticut to visit my nephew and my brother/sister in-law for the weekend.  After I take an exam tomorrow I will be officially on Spring Break and Vacation from work.  In any case because of going away this weekend we have decided to do our Sunday long run tomorrow, because it will be very tough to get motivated to do a long run once away.  So I’m moving my Friday rest day to Sunday. 

Wednesday afternoon I did an easy 4 mile starting from my doorstep.  Those runs are the best; don’t have to move the car and waste gas.  Tonight, Allyson and I were joined by Glenn and Maggie for 5 miles, before we did a 6 mile hill workout.  Felt very strong on the hill tonight stuck with Andy for almost the entire thing!   The weather was very comfortable and brought out 10 Speedsters.

This is a tad off subject, but as I left behind my twenties and entered into my thirties almost two years ago I noticed that my metabolism had slowed so much.  I had heard rumors of this happening, but ruled it out because I’m a runner.  Boy was I foolish to think that.  I used to get away with eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted it and now I just can’t without feeling like garbage.  But, I got another hint last night that I’m getting older.  Ten years ago I could called my friends last minute and decide on a whim that we’re going out some place, but that too has changed.  Last night I had 4 really good seats to the Sixers vs Celtics game and I couldn’t get a single person to go with me.  I got excuse after excuse.  I got the typical ones, sorry I have kids now, my wife won’t let me, On a week night, Are you crazy!, to new ones like I’d rather work on my Will and I’d rather watch the game on my High Definition Wide Screen from my comfy couch.  Man, where has the time gone…

Till we run into each other again…

Spring is in the Air

There was definitely a feeling of Spring in the cool air this evening, I know that may sound like an oxymoron, but the sun was higher in the sky, birds were chirping in the trees above, and many runners were out and about today, not to mention that within the next couple of days it's supposed to be closing in on 70 degrees.  I predict with the weather getting warmer your all going to start getting that Speed Workout itch...Tonight brought out a few faces I haven’t seen out in a while.  The track was occupied as anticipated, so I had to use “Plan B” and move the Speed Workout to Agony hill in Tyler.  We did 400 meter repeats.  The workout was good and I felt strong during the entire workout.  Allyson and I did a 3 mile run before the 5 mile workout for a total of 8 miles.  Tomorrow is not a rest day this week I will be doing an easy 4 mile run; I’ll probably just start from my front door and then Thursday Hill Repeats starting from Council Rock North at 6PM.  Time to hit the books! 

Till we run into each other again…

March Madness

March is officially here and it just happens to be my favorite of the 12 months.  I’m not sure if it’s because I was born in this month, or because St. Patrick’s Day is such a great holiday, or maybe it’s because Spring officially begins.  Whatever the reason, I know that I really enjoy this month.  I completed week 2 this weekend with a nice 6 mile muddy trail run on Saturday, and a nice relaxed 15 miler today in Tyler.  Saw many Speedster’s and Road Runners out and about today which was very cool.  Tomorrow is a rest day!  Just as an FYI when I say it’s a rest day I don’t take the day completely off I will do P90X or another form of cross training.  Sorry that this post is rather boring, but not every run can be interesting.  I will be doing a speed workout on Tuesday at 4:30 at Council Rock South (hoping their track team hasn’t started their spring season). 

Till we run into each other again…

Over Sharing

Just as a fair warning I will be over sharing in tonight’s post.  I did mention that I would be sharing what takes place during my journey from day one to the finish line so here goes.

I got to the high school early as usual to get a run in before the group arrived, and everything was going as planned.  I went out and did a relaxed 3 mile run over to Tyler Park and back. I went through some of my stretches before heading over to the hill for this evening’s workout.  Within minutes of running over my stomach started to get sloshy and I ignored it.  I was able to get through the first hill repetition with no issue and then BAM!  My stomach went from sloshy to oh no if I continue I might have a Julie Moss “Chocolate Mess” in my shorts experience.  I was not about to “mess” anything so I darted into the woods, climbed through some sticker bushes and...All that happened was a thunderous fart.  If you have gathered yourself and are ready to continue the rest of the workout went well.  I finished my 8 mile run with no issues.  Next run (not in my shorts) will be the trail run (again not in my shorts) Saturday.  Tomorrow is a rest day and Allyson and I will be going down to the Wells Fargo Center to watch the Sixers take on the Golden State Warriors and celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game.  Can’t wait, all fans get a piece of the floor Wilt scored the 100 points on.

Till we run into each other again…