The flood turned out not to be as bad as was expected yesterday morning but it was still a site to see. I headed out for about 6 miles on an unknown route that would keep me close to the Schuylkill River.
There wasn't really any horrendous flooding but it was cool to see the river in a brown boiling rage as it ducked under the Green Lane Bridge. Portions of Main Street were covered with water but I think most of the businesses escaped unharmed. I headed down Ridge avenue, which was a traffic nightmare, to the Falls River Bridge and checked out the flooding on Kelly Drive. It really was not as bad as I had imagined, or I guess as I had hoped.
I hopped over to MLK and was able to run a 1/2 mile before hitting some water blocking the street. I could have gone around it on the grass but decided to turn around and head home to keep things at 6 miles in 46 minutes.
The run was hot and sweaty. A traffic cop on the way back told me I must be in good shape to be running in this heat. I thought to myself "Yeah I guess I am in decent shape but I sure as hell don't feel like it right now". I just wanted to get the run over with and get out of the heat. The accumulation of miles over the last 4 days and a slight cold combined to make a pretty shitty run depsite the flooded scenery. Everything, especially my legs, feels much better this morning and I should be on track for about 10 miles tonight.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Seebo, Ian, Stevus, Alex and the new guy took a break from the normal Tuesday night PR group route and headed up into Fairmount park in the rain. Things started slow but the pace steadily increased until were at about 7:00 min/mile clip for the last few.
I was a little tight at first and things just didn't feel right but by mile 4 the kinks had worked themselves out and I felt great. 7 miles in 50 minutes.
Tonight I hope to do a flood run. Here is a quote from a local news website. "The flooding has the potential to put the Schuylkill River at one of its highest levels in Philadelphia in 125 years. In Philadelphia, the flood stage is 11 feet. It could rise to 14.5 feet by Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Its highest recorded level is 17 feet. Manayunk will be directly affected by this event. A crest at that predicted level would match levels seen by Hurricane Agnes and Floyd in Philadelphia"
I'll have to get down to Main Street Manyunk, or at least as close as I can get, to check out this event. The flooding from hurricane Floyd in 1998 was unbelievable. I am a bit of a weather geek and when things like this happen I can't help but be amazed. I also can't help but feel horrible for all the store owners along Main Street that are going to be effecetd. I imagine it will be several feet deep in some of the low lying stores.
A good portion of Kelly Drive will become part of the Schuylkill river so I think a loop will be out of the question too. Check it out if you get the chance.
I was a little tight at first and things just didn't feel right but by mile 4 the kinks had worked themselves out and I felt great. 7 miles in 50 minutes.
Tonight I hope to do a flood run. Here is a quote from a local news website. "The flooding has the potential to put the Schuylkill River at one of its highest levels in Philadelphia in 125 years. In Philadelphia, the flood stage is 11 feet. It could rise to 14.5 feet by Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. Its highest recorded level is 17 feet. Manayunk will be directly affected by this event. A crest at that predicted level would match levels seen by Hurricane Agnes and Floyd in Philadelphia"
I'll have to get down to Main Street Manyunk, or at least as close as I can get, to check out this event. The flooding from hurricane Floyd in 1998 was unbelievable. I am a bit of a weather geek and when things like this happen I can't help but be amazed. I also can't help but feel horrible for all the store owners along Main Street that are going to be effecetd. I imagine it will be several feet deep in some of the low lying stores.
A good portion of Kelly Drive will become part of the Schuylkill river so I think a loop will be out of the question too. Check it out if you get the chance.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
So it Begins.....
I guess you could say my marathon training officially started yesterday with a 10 miler out through Roxborough on a warm rainy afternoon. There is no definite plan as of yet just mileage goals for the weeks bewteen now and October 22nd. This weeks goal is 55 miles with some faster stuff coming mid-week. If I hit my goal mileage this week it will mean that my first week of marathon training this year is more miles than my peak week of marathon training last year.
The thought that I am now officially in training also changes other things. I'll be looking at what I eat a little more carefully, making sure I get the stuff I need in addition to the treats that will keep the calories up. I'll also make more of an effort to get enough sleep each night, or as often as I can. And now that the heat is on I'll have to keep drinking water to keep dehydration at bay. You can train much better if your well fed, rested, and hydrated. I just hope this initial enthusiasm doesn't wane during a long hot summer.
The run was uneventful. I was at first cursing the rain and humidity but half-way through I decided that I'll take 75 rainy and humid over 85 sunny and humid any day. Things felt good start to finish and I came in at 1hr 16minutes, just about exactly where I expected when I started my run.
The thought that I am now officially in training also changes other things. I'll be looking at what I eat a little more carefully, making sure I get the stuff I need in addition to the treats that will keep the calories up. I'll also make more of an effort to get enough sleep each night, or as often as I can. And now that the heat is on I'll have to keep drinking water to keep dehydration at bay. You can train much better if your well fed, rested, and hydrated. I just hope this initial enthusiasm doesn't wane during a long hot summer.
The run was uneventful. I was at first cursing the rain and humidity but half-way through I decided that I'll take 75 rainy and humid over 85 sunny and humid any day. Things felt good start to finish and I came in at 1hr 16minutes, just about exactly where I expected when I started my run.
Monday, June 26, 2006
A Weak Week
I didn't really expect to run to many miles last week while I wallowed in the sun, sand, and alcohol that is Sea Isle City at the Jersey shore and I didn't. 3 runs last week 6, 8, and 10 for 24 miles. All of them were slow and none of them really went that well. My lowest weekly total since the first week of January.
I was forced to wait for a drawbridge opening on my run, that's a first. I was also "drive by" water ballooned by friends 4 miles into a run. Other than that they were all flat, boring runs at a comfortably slow pace.
The week was a nice break from running. It was a chance to act, eat, drink and party like I was 22 again. I told myself that it was my last break before diving into marathon training so the light mileage didn't really bother me.
Speaking of the marathon, I am less that 18 weeks away from Chicago. I guess I should put some kind of schedule togther or something. I figure a dedicated long run each week that gets progressivley longer with a few 20+ milers, a speed workout each week, some hills and a bunch of other miles to keep my weekly totals up.
I was forced to wait for a drawbridge opening on my run, that's a first. I was also "drive by" water ballooned by friends 4 miles into a run. Other than that they were all flat, boring runs at a comfortably slow pace.
The week was a nice break from running. It was a chance to act, eat, drink and party like I was 22 again. I told myself that it was my last break before diving into marathon training so the light mileage didn't really bother me.
Speaking of the marathon, I am less that 18 weeks away from Chicago. I guess I should put some kind of schedule togther or something. I figure a dedicated long run each week that gets progressivley longer with a few 20+ milers, a speed workout each week, some hills and a bunch of other miles to keep my weekly totals up.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Jesus and Jude in the Park
I went out on the Wissahickon Trails yesteday evening for a loop out to Valley Green and back. I was nearly to my turn around point, and a water fountain, when I see Stevus, Kevin J, and some other guy coming at me the other way. At first I was very surprised to see them until I realized they had joind the Wissahickon Wanderers for their Thursday night runs.
After a little deliberation I decided to turn around and run with them. Up to this point I had been keeping a fairly easy pace but things definitely picked up. We wound back through the park on the trails I had just run. It was nice to have some company on the trails, these are usually solitary runs for me.
I stuck with the guys for a little over 4 miles and then back home for what I am guessing is about 8.5 miles in 64 minutes.
I'll be at the Jersey beach or as us Philadelphians call it "Down A Shore" all of next week. There will be running, albiet a little slower and a little less, but no posting.
After a little deliberation I decided to turn around and run with them. Up to this point I had been keeping a fairly easy pace but things definitely picked up. We wound back through the park on the trails I had just run. It was nice to have some company on the trails, these are usually solitary runs for me.
I stuck with the guys for a little over 4 miles and then back home for what I am guessing is about 8.5 miles in 64 minutes.
I'll be at the Jersey beach or as us Philadelphians call it "Down A Shore" all of next week. There will be running, albiet a little slower and a little less, but no posting.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
A Run and a Bike
Tuesday night was 5 with the group. I planned on running it at 7:30 pace and this week I actually stuck to my goal. Most of the way was run with Bike Mike, who is back after a hiatus during the winter to work on his biking. He definitely has not lost a step. 5 miles in 38 minutes
Wednesday night I went out on my bike, down MLK and then the path exstension to Spruce Street. I cut across the city on Pine St, racing from light to light with the traffic. For some reason I really enjoy dodging the traffic and speeding to the next light. Ended up at Penn's Landing and then a return trip up Arch to the Parkway and Kelly Drive. 18.5 miles
After a bike ride I find myself a little less achey when I hop out of bed the following morning. This achiness has come up over the last few months either due to the steady mileage, getting a little older, or maybe a mixture of both.
Wednesday night I went out on my bike, down MLK and then the path exstension to Spruce Street. I cut across the city on Pine St, racing from light to light with the traffic. For some reason I really enjoy dodging the traffic and speeding to the next light. Ended up at Penn's Landing and then a return trip up Arch to the Parkway and Kelly Drive. 18.5 miles
After a bike ride I find myself a little less achey when I hop out of bed the following morning. This achiness has come up over the last few months either due to the steady mileage, getting a little older, or maybe a mixture of both.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
When I popped open my blog I didn't realize it had been 10 days since I last posted. I can't even remember all the runs from last week to write about them. I'll keep it short.
I do remember a nice Thursday night run with Seebo and Ian around Fairmount Park and Tuesday night 5 with the group that ended up going much quicker than I had anticipated.
The weekend was a couple runs with Heather in New York. We were up there for a cousins wedding. We hit west river park and Central park. Both runs were at a very lesiurely 8:00-8:30 pace as we took in the scenery. The weekend also included many many miles of walking. I was surprised at how tight my calves got from the walking. Running 10 miles no problem, walk 10 miles and things tighten up. 35 miles for the week, a little less than I would have liked.
Monday I went for a run on Forbidden drive. After a few easy days I was ready to put in a good workout. 2 easy miles followed by by 3 repeats of 6:00 minute miles with half mile recoveries. The remainder of the run was at 6:30 to 7:00 minute pace. 10 miles in 67 minutes, my fastest in training yet.
I do remember a nice Thursday night run with Seebo and Ian around Fairmount Park and Tuesday night 5 with the group that ended up going much quicker than I had anticipated.
The weekend was a couple runs with Heather in New York. We were up there for a cousins wedding. We hit west river park and Central park. Both runs were at a very lesiurely 8:00-8:30 pace as we took in the scenery. The weekend also included many many miles of walking. I was surprised at how tight my calves got from the walking. Running 10 miles no problem, walk 10 miles and things tighten up. 35 miles for the week, a little less than I would have liked.
Monday I went for a run on Forbidden drive. After a few easy days I was ready to put in a good workout. 2 easy miles followed by by 3 repeats of 6:00 minute miles with half mile recoveries. The remainder of the run was at 6:30 to 7:00 minute pace. 10 miles in 67 minutes, my fastest in training yet.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Friday after work I just didn't feel like running. I was gonna call it a day off but an article in the new Runner's World about Triathlons got me motivated and I jumped on my bike. An out and back along Kelly drive and the path exstension with a little trip around Wissahickon totaled 17 miles.
Saturday morning I slept in and then went out for a huge breakfast. I skipped the early run due to a rainy, warm and humid morning in favor of an afternoon run. My wait was rewarded with cool, breezy dry conditions, perfect for running.
The route I take to work winds through Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. Everytime I drive through I tell myself that I should run this someday. So that was the way I headed out. No real route in mind but I new I wanted to run about 2 hours and in the neighborhood of 15 miles.
I felt great from the start and the first 30 minutes flew by as I wound through Mt. Airy. A really peaceful, nice neighborhood. It was relaxing to go through and take a look around on my run. It is mostly single and twin homes that are very well taken care of landscaped. Lots of families walking around and several parks. I had Ben Harpers "Fight for Your Mind" on my iPod as I cruised through and I was just really enjoying the run.
Mt. Airy kind of blends right into Chestnut Hill. A neighborhood of large single homes with beautiful landscaping and gated driveways. There are some pockets of rowhomes with a lot of character and cool architecture. Germantown Ave. was crowded with shoppers and I stopped in the Wawa for a large Gatorade.
I can gget my way through Chestnut Hill but I really don't know the neighborhood that well. I just made turns when I felt like it and admired the scenery. I ended up on Stenton ve, a road I know, and took that out to Paper Mill. DId a tiny loop out in Montgomery County and then it was across Stenton and back into Philly.
The return trip was much of the same through Chestnut Hill. I got a little lost and ended up doing a large loop around the Chestnut Hill country club golf course but I didn't really mind. I was caught up in gawkign at all of the houses and landscaping. I also passed the Cricket Club, founded in 1854, and Chestnut Hill Academy. An old pricate high school that costs more than most colleges in the country.
It was at this point that the contrast of last Saturdays run and and this one hit me. Last week I was running through some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city and now I was in one of, if not the richest. All of it bordering Germantown Avenue and not really that really that far apart. Even the weather was the opposite of last week being cool and cloudy verse last weeks sun and heat. The run felt much better as well, but I think this was more of a function of my rested legs and cool weather rather than the surroundings.
As I got closer to home I realized that I wasn't going to make 2 hours if I went direct so I added a little jaunt through teh mmuch more familiar confines of Manayunk. I ran the last few miles very strong and ended with a sprint up the hill to my house. All in all a really great run from start to finish.
I had less trouble than I imagined mapping out my route on Gmaps. 16 miles in 2 hours. Easily the fastest 16 I have run and I think it is the furthest I've run since the marathon in November. 16 miles or more is what I consider a "long run", so I guess this is my first long run of the year.
Saturday morning I slept in and then went out for a huge breakfast. I skipped the early run due to a rainy, warm and humid morning in favor of an afternoon run. My wait was rewarded with cool, breezy dry conditions, perfect for running.
The route I take to work winds through Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill. Everytime I drive through I tell myself that I should run this someday. So that was the way I headed out. No real route in mind but I new I wanted to run about 2 hours and in the neighborhood of 15 miles.
I felt great from the start and the first 30 minutes flew by as I wound through Mt. Airy. A really peaceful, nice neighborhood. It was relaxing to go through and take a look around on my run. It is mostly single and twin homes that are very well taken care of landscaped. Lots of families walking around and several parks. I had Ben Harpers "Fight for Your Mind" on my iPod as I cruised through and I was just really enjoying the run.
Mt. Airy kind of blends right into Chestnut Hill. A neighborhood of large single homes with beautiful landscaping and gated driveways. There are some pockets of rowhomes with a lot of character and cool architecture. Germantown Ave. was crowded with shoppers and I stopped in the Wawa for a large Gatorade.
I can gget my way through Chestnut Hill but I really don't know the neighborhood that well. I just made turns when I felt like it and admired the scenery. I ended up on Stenton ve, a road I know, and took that out to Paper Mill. DId a tiny loop out in Montgomery County and then it was across Stenton and back into Philly.
The return trip was much of the same through Chestnut Hill. I got a little lost and ended up doing a large loop around the Chestnut Hill country club golf course but I didn't really mind. I was caught up in gawkign at all of the houses and landscaping. I also passed the Cricket Club, founded in 1854, and Chestnut Hill Academy. An old pricate high school that costs more than most colleges in the country.
It was at this point that the contrast of last Saturdays run and and this one hit me. Last week I was running through some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city and now I was in one of, if not the richest. All of it bordering Germantown Avenue and not really that really that far apart. Even the weather was the opposite of last week being cool and cloudy verse last weeks sun and heat. The run felt much better as well, but I think this was more of a function of my rested legs and cool weather rather than the surroundings.
As I got closer to home I realized that I wasn't going to make 2 hours if I went direct so I added a little jaunt through teh mmuch more familiar confines of Manayunk. I ran the last few miles very strong and ended with a sprint up the hill to my house. All in all a really great run from start to finish.
I had less trouble than I imagined mapping out my route on Gmaps. 16 miles in 2 hours. Easily the fastest 16 I have run and I think it is the furthest I've run since the marathon in November. 16 miles or more is what I consider a "long run", so I guess this is my first long run of the year.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
My Minds Playing Tricks On Me
Wednesday night Heather joined me for a couple miles and then turned back as I continued up Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon park. The first couple with her were slow so I decided to pick it up the last 1.5 miles to the Valley Green turn around. I hammered it out in just under 6:00 pace and I felt pretty good. I took a drink at the water fountain and a runner I had passed on the way there stopped a minute later.
He asked how fast was I going because I blew by him. I have to admit my ego was stoked a bit as I said a little under 6:00 pace. It was only an interval, I said, not something I run routinely. It really is amazing how realtive running is. That pace through the park to him is flying, to me is quick, to some other people in Philly Runners is routine, and to Geb is recovery.
I pushed myself on the trails for the return trip, 9 or so mile in 68 minutes. A decent pace that left my legs surprisingly tight that evening and this morning.
Things had loosened up by the time I got home from work and headed out for an hour run with no route in mind. It ended up being Main Street to Umbria, Shawmont Hill to Ridge and then home. I had to tack on a tiny extra loop at the end to finish at exactly an hour.
I was surprised after G-mapping it and finding my pace to be 8:06. I could of sworn I was moving faster than that. I think it is fatigue and heat playing tricks on me mind. Not so fast but i felt good despite the heat. Looking forward to a break in the weather this weekend.
The title reminds me of a"Ghetto Boys" song from the early 90's. Haven't heard that one in a long time.
He asked how fast was I going because I blew by him. I have to admit my ego was stoked a bit as I said a little under 6:00 pace. It was only an interval, I said, not something I run routinely. It really is amazing how realtive running is. That pace through the park to him is flying, to me is quick, to some other people in Philly Runners is routine, and to Geb is recovery.
I pushed myself on the trails for the return trip, 9 or so mile in 68 minutes. A decent pace that left my legs surprisingly tight that evening and this morning.
Things had loosened up by the time I got home from work and headed out for an hour run with no route in mind. It ended up being Main Street to Umbria, Shawmont Hill to Ridge and then home. I had to tack on a tiny extra loop at the end to finish at exactly an hour.
I was surprised after G-mapping it and finding my pace to be 8:06. I could of sworn I was moving faster than that. I think it is fatigue and heat playing tricks on me mind. Not so fast but i felt good despite the heat. Looking forward to a break in the weather this weekend.
The title reminds me of a"Ghetto Boys" song from the early 90's. Haven't heard that one in a long time.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
As expected the run on Tuesday night was HOT! The few miles I ran before meeting with the group had me drenched.
Through the fall, winter, and spring you forget how much it sucks to run in the heat. I sweat heavily so it is especially bad. I constantly down water through the summer in a endless battle with my sweat. I get jealous of people that cruise along in 90 degree heat for 5 miles and have only a few wet patches. Oh well, just keep drinking, keep sweating, and keep running.
Back to the run last night. I went faster than I expected finishing 7.5 miles in 54 minutes. Didn't feel great the first three but all was good after that.
Through the fall, winter, and spring you forget how much it sucks to run in the heat. I sweat heavily so it is especially bad. I constantly down water through the summer in a endless battle with my sweat. I get jealous of people that cruise along in 90 degree heat for 5 miles and have only a few wet patches. Oh well, just keep drinking, keep sweating, and keep running.
Back to the run last night. I went faster than I expected finishing 7.5 miles in 54 minutes. Didn't feel great the first three but all was good after that.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
70 and Counting
Post number 70 for me, I really didn't think it would last this long. More of a passing idea that I kept up with for a few weeks and then it would slowly fade away. I am not always the most diligent poster but when I start to fall behind it sits on my mind. I find it motivating to blog. The 4 people that read this each week keep me motivated.
I was telling my sister about this blog and she was excited to read it. I gave her the address a few weeks ago and in the times I've seen her since then she never mentioned it. I figured she had lost the address or forgot to look it up. However, this weekend she says "I checked out your on-line thing. Your were right, I don't get it." I guess you need to be a runner and not just a sibling.
Anyhow, I haven't posted about a run since Friday, I think. Saturday was a run through the "Badlands" of Philadelphia with Seebo, Kevin j and Erin. Seebo did a great job putting together some info about the area we ran through here. I am sure just about everybody reading this has read his post already so your up to date on the route.
It was Memorial Day weekend, I spent Sunday at my parent's place near the Jersey shore. A good chunk of the day was spent fishing and hanging out with my nephews so I skipped the run. I had my 40 miles for the week and I just couldn't find the motivation.
Monday, Heather and I went for a bike ride. The day was hot but not so bad when you were cruising along on your bike. We timed our trip from her house to Hahnamen Hospital where she goes to school. She is going to commute to work by bike now and needed an idea on how long the trip was going to take.
From there we cut across town and headed south. We took a lot of back alleys, and liitle streets through town, eventually ending up at the Ben Franklin Bridge. Rode up to the middle and then headed back. Made a pit stop in Old City for a few beers, a stop at Logan Circle for a dip in the fountain, and then back home. 25 inconsistent miles on the bike in I have no idea how long.
The heat is now on in Philly and the group run tonight should be a sweaty affair. The future forecast looks much cooler, my prayers for a cool summer could still be answered. Let's hope.
I was telling my sister about this blog and she was excited to read it. I gave her the address a few weeks ago and in the times I've seen her since then she never mentioned it. I figured she had lost the address or forgot to look it up. However, this weekend she says "I checked out your on-line thing. Your were right, I don't get it." I guess you need to be a runner and not just a sibling.
Anyhow, I haven't posted about a run since Friday, I think. Saturday was a run through the "Badlands" of Philadelphia with Seebo, Kevin j and Erin. Seebo did a great job putting together some info about the area we ran through here. I am sure just about everybody reading this has read his post already so your up to date on the route.
It was Memorial Day weekend, I spent Sunday at my parent's place near the Jersey shore. A good chunk of the day was spent fishing and hanging out with my nephews so I skipped the run. I had my 40 miles for the week and I just couldn't find the motivation.
Monday, Heather and I went for a bike ride. The day was hot but not so bad when you were cruising along on your bike. We timed our trip from her house to Hahnamen Hospital where she goes to school. She is going to commute to work by bike now and needed an idea on how long the trip was going to take.
From there we cut across town and headed south. We took a lot of back alleys, and liitle streets through town, eventually ending up at the Ben Franklin Bridge. Rode up to the middle and then headed back. Made a pit stop in Old City for a few beers, a stop at Logan Circle for a dip in the fountain, and then back home. 25 inconsistent miles on the bike in I have no idea how long.
The heat is now on in Philly and the group run tonight should be a sweaty affair. The future forecast looks much cooler, my prayers for a cool summer could still be answered. Let's hope.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Another Wace in the Wiss.
Back in the the Wissahickon Park for the final installmant of the May trail series. I was pleased with a good Philly Runner turnout this week. Stevus, E-Mike, Kevin J, Heather, Elizabeth S. and Monika. Erin was also there but more for support and to enjoy the weather. The threat of a creek crossing kept her in her sandals, no running shoes.
I warmed up with a couple easy miles and then joined the crew of racers, about 3o, definitely more than last week. After a brief course expalanation we were on our way. I promised myself to hold back a litlte this week, and I did, but just a bit. Stevus Kevin J and a few others pulled ahead and I took it a little easy.
After a couple miles I found myself in 3rd place again with a guy hot on my heels. I was holding back a little less than I had planned but still not going all out. With a mile to go I was caught and I didn't answer, just didn't have it in me last night. With 1/2 mile to go we cut through the creek on a nearly waist high river crosssing. A little trip up the far bank and it was a quick run downstream, across a bridge and into the finish.
I ended up with third place again due the lead guy cramping and falling of pace. Steve was on fire last night and ran to a first place finish. If he every seriously trains I think he will pretty incredible. All other PR's seemed to really enjoy.
Afterwards I stuck around for a few beers and spread of food that the Valley Green Restaurant lays out for the Wanderers. Everone was sitting at large banquet style tables eating a buffet of chicken, corn, potatoes, and fruit on an outdoor covered patio. Dessert even came out after we finished dinner.
I thought maybe it was just for the races but it seems they eat a good meal here after every Thrusday night run. No bill, you just drop how much you think you owe on the bar as you walk out the door, including beers. I might have to make Thrusday nights in the park a little mroe routine.
I warmed up with a couple easy miles and then joined the crew of racers, about 3o, definitely more than last week. After a brief course expalanation we were on our way. I promised myself to hold back a litlte this week, and I did, but just a bit. Stevus Kevin J and a few others pulled ahead and I took it a little easy.
After a couple miles I found myself in 3rd place again with a guy hot on my heels. I was holding back a little less than I had planned but still not going all out. With a mile to go I was caught and I didn't answer, just didn't have it in me last night. With 1/2 mile to go we cut through the creek on a nearly waist high river crosssing. A little trip up the far bank and it was a quick run downstream, across a bridge and into the finish.
I ended up with third place again due the lead guy cramping and falling of pace. Steve was on fire last night and ran to a first place finish. If he every seriously trains I think he will pretty incredible. All other PR's seemed to really enjoy.
Afterwards I stuck around for a few beers and spread of food that the Valley Green Restaurant lays out for the Wanderers. Everone was sitting at large banquet style tables eating a buffet of chicken, corn, potatoes, and fruit on an outdoor covered patio. Dessert even came out after we finished dinner.
I thought maybe it was just for the races but it seems they eat a good meal here after every Thrusday night run. No bill, you just drop how much you think you owe on the bar as you walk out the door, including beers. I might have to make Thrusday nights in the park a little mroe routine.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
A Sprint Finish
Started a little early again and ran about 2 miles before the official Tuesday group run. Kevin, who usually leads the Tuesday night runs was not there last night so the run started at 6:35 instead of 6:45 and I almost missed it. As soon as I ran up we were on our way.
Cruised out to the turn around with Jim at a decent clip and tried to get into the run. My legs were a bit tight and it took several miles for them to loosen up. As we went by Lloyd hall on the return trip we passed a couple runners and one of them decided to pick it up and run with us. It felt kind of like a challenge so I picked up my pace, he followed. This continued back and forth up the hill to the Art Museum. My first real running duel with someone I didn't know, he was new to the running group.
I was trying to gauge his breathing and I really felt I had him beat so I just slowly upped the pace and he held on. We were neck and neck and I planned on keeping it that way and just finishing at the same time but in the last 50 meters he tried to take off. I knew I had a lot left so I just sprinted the last bit and easily beat him. It felt good. The last mile was a 6:05 and I know the second half of that mile was much faster than the first.
A couple cool down laps around the Art Museum steps and I was done for the night. Wednesday will be an easy run in prep for another Thursday night trail run with the Wissahickon Wanderers. Good Stuff.
Cruised out to the turn around with Jim at a decent clip and tried to get into the run. My legs were a bit tight and it took several miles for them to loosen up. As we went by Lloyd hall on the return trip we passed a couple runners and one of them decided to pick it up and run with us. It felt kind of like a challenge so I picked up my pace, he followed. This continued back and forth up the hill to the Art Museum. My first real running duel with someone I didn't know, he was new to the running group.
I was trying to gauge his breathing and I really felt I had him beat so I just slowly upped the pace and he held on. We were neck and neck and I planned on keeping it that way and just finishing at the same time but in the last 50 meters he tried to take off. I knew I had a lot left so I just sprinted the last bit and easily beat him. It felt good. The last mile was a 6:05 and I know the second half of that mile was much faster than the first.
A couple cool down laps around the Art Museum steps and I was done for the night. Wednesday will be an easy run in prep for another Thursday night trail run with the Wissahickon Wanderers. Good Stuff.
Monday, May 22, 2006
44 Miles and Running
I am behind by three runs on my blogging. I know this frustrates the multitude of reader who eagerly await an update about my running everyday... or not. Sorry for the delay and I will try to keep more up to date in the future. I am sure it won't happen, but at least I have a little bit more to write about when the runs pile up.
I have to cast my memory all the way back to Friday. This was a recovery run from the race on Thursday. My upper ankles/lower calves were really aching. I put in 3.5 miles through Manayunk at a 7:45 pace. The ache wasn't any worse while running and it just had to work its way out of my legs.
Saturday morning my legs weren't any better, in fact I think they felt a little worse. This is often the case though. A tough workout does not really show it's full effects until 2 days after a run. I really can't bitch that much though, it wasn't like I was hobbling, just really achey after sitting for a while until I walked a bit to loosen things up. I am sure there are runners out there that would laugh at me for even mentioning these aches because they deal with more on a daily basis. All things are relative.
Anyhow, I went out for an 8 miler on Saturday evening with Heather. The loop we took sent us through Manayunk at just after 9:00 on Saturday night. We didn't go up Main Street but there were still plenty of twenty somethings hanging out with beers on their porch or stoop. as we cruised through the neighborhood. I mentioned to Heather that they must think we are a little nuts for running on a Saturday night, maybe they think we are just total dorks for it. She says "They wouldn't be to far off".
Maybe we are dorks for running until 9:30 on a Saturday night, but the mexican food and maragritas at Johnny Manana's afterwards tasted all the better after a good run.
Sunday was a longerish evening run. A loop that started at my house, Bloody Nipple, Belmont Mansion, Girard bridge, Lemon Hill, Art Museum Steps, Kelly Drive, and back to my house. The legs were still achey and I really thought I was gonna get killed by the wind but things weren't to bad. My legs, although they felt kind of tired, kept me moving at a good pace. The wind was only a problem from Boathouse row to the Columbia Bridge on the way up Kelly Drive. This was only a few miles out of the 12.2 I ran so the wind wasn't much of a factor.
This run started a little slow but sped up as it progressed. I was ticking off 7:10-7:20s as I came up Kelly Drive. I have a feeling that by the time I get to the Chicago marathon in October the pace I need to hit to qualify for Boston may feel fairly easy. In fact it already does. At least much easier than it did thsi time last year. Of course I don't want to to get to cocky, I know just about anything can happen in a 26.2 mile race but I am feeling confident at this point.
44 miles for the week
I have to cast my memory all the way back to Friday. This was a recovery run from the race on Thursday. My upper ankles/lower calves were really aching. I put in 3.5 miles through Manayunk at a 7:45 pace. The ache wasn't any worse while running and it just had to work its way out of my legs.
Saturday morning my legs weren't any better, in fact I think they felt a little worse. This is often the case though. A tough workout does not really show it's full effects until 2 days after a run. I really can't bitch that much though, it wasn't like I was hobbling, just really achey after sitting for a while until I walked a bit to loosen things up. I am sure there are runners out there that would laugh at me for even mentioning these aches because they deal with more on a daily basis. All things are relative.
Anyhow, I went out for an 8 miler on Saturday evening with Heather. The loop we took sent us through Manayunk at just after 9:00 on Saturday night. We didn't go up Main Street but there were still plenty of twenty somethings hanging out with beers on their porch or stoop. as we cruised through the neighborhood. I mentioned to Heather that they must think we are a little nuts for running on a Saturday night, maybe they think we are just total dorks for it. She says "They wouldn't be to far off".
Maybe we are dorks for running until 9:30 on a Saturday night, but the mexican food and maragritas at Johnny Manana's afterwards tasted all the better after a good run.
Sunday was a longerish evening run. A loop that started at my house, Bloody Nipple, Belmont Mansion, Girard bridge, Lemon Hill, Art Museum Steps, Kelly Drive, and back to my house. The legs were still achey and I really thought I was gonna get killed by the wind but things weren't to bad. My legs, although they felt kind of tired, kept me moving at a good pace. The wind was only a problem from Boathouse row to the Columbia Bridge on the way up Kelly Drive. This was only a few miles out of the 12.2 I ran so the wind wasn't much of a factor.
This run started a little slow but sped up as it progressed. I was ticking off 7:10-7:20s as I came up Kelly Drive. I have a feeling that by the time I get to the Chicago marathon in October the pace I need to hit to qualify for Boston may feel fairly easy. In fact it already does. At least much easier than it did thsi time last year. Of course I don't want to to get to cocky, I know just about anything can happen in a 26.2 mile race but I am feeling confident at this point.
44 miles for the week
Friday, May 19, 2006
Wanderers Trail Race
On a trail run you never can really be sure what to expect. How many hills are on the route? How fast am I going, I really can't tell with all these hills? I am goign to kill myself going down this hill!
It was an informal race held by a running group, the Wissahickon Wanderers, that frequents the park. I met up with their group and a couple Philly Runners, Stevus and Kevin J, in front of the Valley green restaurant. An old restaraunt/lodge that sits on the main path that follows the Wissahickon Creek for 6 miles through the park. In the 1800's this path was the route many took from Philadelphia out to Germantown and beyond. The restaurant was place to eat and rest on the trip.
About 25 of us were milling around before the race. It was a very informal affair, the race coordinator jotted my name down on a piece of white paper and I was signed up. He explained the route which was marked with bright green chalk and we lined up. I really didn't know any of the runners except the couple PR's so teh competition was a question mark.
Started off in 5th place with a couple guys right behind me. First 1/4 mile was nice and flat, but that was soon to change. We started charging up the first hill and I held my place with "the fast guy", Stevus, Kevin J and some other guy in front. After a couple hills I was able to get into third with Stevus a few feet ahead. At this point I was hurting and we were winding up a looooong hill into a meadow at the top. I stuck close to Steve and tried to hang on. This worked for a mile or so but he eventually started to pull ahead. The lead guy was at this point not in sight.
I was feeling good about third so I just kept pushing hard and hoped that nobody caught me. The hills continued both up and down with many loose rocks, roots, and turns. I run this park a lot so I knew the paths fairly well, I just didn't know exactly what the route was.
We eventually ended up on the main path again for about 1/2 mile. I was running hard but I really couldn't tell my pace, I think it had dropped off a a good bit by this time. A turn onto the final hill that the coordinator had referred to as "Buck Hill" before the race. Just the mention of it illicited several groans from the crowd, by the top I knew why. Long, fairly steep and at this point in the race I wanted cry. I closed my gait and picked up my breathing just trying to hold on until the top. It finally ended and I knew the rest of the was was down hill. I pushed as hard as I could down the final hill and crossed the line in just under 34 minutes.
Steve had finished about 45 sec ahead of me and Kevin J was not far behind so we took 2, 3, 4 in the race, not a bad showing. Afterwards we chatted with the other runners and relaxed with some Cliff Bars provided by the Wanderers.
One the hardest races I have run but a great time. I will definitely be back next week for the 4th and final installment of the series.
It was an informal race held by a running group, the Wissahickon Wanderers, that frequents the park. I met up with their group and a couple Philly Runners, Stevus and Kevin J, in front of the Valley green restaurant. An old restaraunt/lodge that sits on the main path that follows the Wissahickon Creek for 6 miles through the park. In the 1800's this path was the route many took from Philadelphia out to Germantown and beyond. The restaurant was place to eat and rest on the trip.
About 25 of us were milling around before the race. It was a very informal affair, the race coordinator jotted my name down on a piece of white paper and I was signed up. He explained the route which was marked with bright green chalk and we lined up. I really didn't know any of the runners except the couple PR's so teh competition was a question mark.
Started off in 5th place with a couple guys right behind me. First 1/4 mile was nice and flat, but that was soon to change. We started charging up the first hill and I held my place with "the fast guy", Stevus, Kevin J and some other guy in front. After a couple hills I was able to get into third with Stevus a few feet ahead. At this point I was hurting and we were winding up a looooong hill into a meadow at the top. I stuck close to Steve and tried to hang on. This worked for a mile or so but he eventually started to pull ahead. The lead guy was at this point not in sight.
I was feeling good about third so I just kept pushing hard and hoped that nobody caught me. The hills continued both up and down with many loose rocks, roots, and turns. I run this park a lot so I knew the paths fairly well, I just didn't know exactly what the route was.
We eventually ended up on the main path again for about 1/2 mile. I was running hard but I really couldn't tell my pace, I think it had dropped off a a good bit by this time. A turn onto the final hill that the coordinator had referred to as "Buck Hill" before the race. Just the mention of it illicited several groans from the crowd, by the top I knew why. Long, fairly steep and at this point in the race I wanted cry. I closed my gait and picked up my breathing just trying to hold on until the top. It finally ended and I knew the rest of the was was down hill. I pushed as hard as I could down the final hill and crossed the line in just under 34 minutes.
Steve had finished about 45 sec ahead of me and Kevin J was not far behind so we took 2, 3, 4 in the race, not a bad showing. Afterwards we chatted with the other runners and relaxed with some Cliff Bars provided by the Wanderers.
One the hardest races I have run but a great time. I will definitely be back next week for the 4th and final installment of the series.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Tuesday night Stevus, Seebo, and I decided to go a little longer than the normal 5 mile group run to the Falls Bridge and then up the Bloody Nipple. We kept a brisk 7:20-7:30 pace and everything felt good. We looped around Fairmount Park to Montgomery Ave where Seebo headed off into West Philly and Stevus and I returned to MLK. Down the drive to the Art Museum for 10.5 miles in 78 minutes. I wanted a decent workout and I definitely got one with this run.
Wednesday night I planned on running an easy 5 or so in anticipation of the Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Series Thursday night. This is a 5-6 trail run through Wissahickon Park headed up by a local running group that meets there. I was goign to take a teh trail at the top of my block down to Forbidden Drive and then take it slow for an out and back.
I hit the trails and things just started speeding up. The route in my head quickly changed from an easy path to all trails. I connected a few of my favorite routes in the park for a challenging trail run. I still kept it short for 5.5 miles in 40 minutes.
Wednesday night I planned on running an easy 5 or so in anticipation of the Wissahickon Wanderers Trail Series Thursday night. This is a 5-6 trail run through Wissahickon Park headed up by a local running group that meets there. I was goign to take a teh trail at the top of my block down to Forbidden Drive and then take it slow for an out and back.
I hit the trails and things just started speeding up. The route in my head quickly changed from an easy path to all trails. I connected a few of my favorite routes in the park for a challenging trail run. I still kept it short for 5.5 miles in 40 minutes.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Washington
I'm back from my little trip and sadly I am back at my desk, but that doesn't mean I don't have time for a short post.
I'll start off by saying that Washington and Seattle are beautiful. All that crap about rain, rain, rain apparently isn't true from May through September. One day of rain and 4 of blue skies really made a for a great trip.
I went with my girlfriend and we stayed at her parents place which is about 50 minutes west of Seattle via drive and the ferry. Their yard backs up to the Hood Canal, which is a branch of the Puget Sound. Beyond the canal are the Olympic Mountains, majestic snow covered peaks on the Olympic Penisula. This all made a for a great view while eating dinner, washing dishes, or sitting on my ass on patio.
It also made for interesting scenery when running the roads. The runs were relaxing at about an 8:30 pace. 3 runs, totaling about 20 miles. I didn't have my watch, I didn't really know the distance, and really I didn't care. A 5 mile race I thought was supposed be the weekend I was there is actually taking place the following weekend so I missed it. Oh, well.
For now it is back to work and running. 40-50 miles a week through June with at least one speed work out and an increasing long runs sound like a plan to me. After that, marathon training for Chicago will start in earnest. I am hoping for a cool dry summer, worries about a steamy 20 milers in August have already crept into my mind.
I'll start off by saying that Washington and Seattle are beautiful. All that crap about rain, rain, rain apparently isn't true from May through September. One day of rain and 4 of blue skies really made a for a great trip.
I went with my girlfriend and we stayed at her parents place which is about 50 minutes west of Seattle via drive and the ferry. Their yard backs up to the Hood Canal, which is a branch of the Puget Sound. Beyond the canal are the Olympic Mountains, majestic snow covered peaks on the Olympic Penisula. This all made a for a great view while eating dinner, washing dishes, or sitting on my ass on patio.
It also made for interesting scenery when running the roads. The runs were relaxing at about an 8:30 pace. 3 runs, totaling about 20 miles. I didn't have my watch, I didn't really know the distance, and really I didn't care. A 5 mile race I thought was supposed be the weekend I was there is actually taking place the following weekend so I missed it. Oh, well.
For now it is back to work and running. 40-50 miles a week through June with at least one speed work out and an increasing long runs sound like a plan to me. After that, marathon training for Chicago will start in earnest. I am hoping for a cool dry summer, worries about a steamy 20 milers in August have already crept into my mind.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Tuesday with the Group
I swear this blogging makes me run more miles. I was going to run 5 with the group today but after reading Seebo's post about a 13 mile recovery run I felt I really should be running more. I am not complaining though, it is good thing. It's nice to draw some inspiration from others and hopefully even inspire someone else once in a while.
So I added a wopping 2.5 miles to the group run with an out and back on the lower schukill trail extension before the race. It was again a nice night for a run and the Tuesday group was brimming with new arrivals. Everyone was still in good spirits from Broad Street and pre-run chatter was centered around that.
I fell into an easy run with Alex, Jenn, and new Kevin who is doing some consulting work in Philly. We now have a consultant from Florida and Colorado, a few more and we might be able to start up our own firm.
A steady 7:30 pace out and back gave me 7.5 miles in 56 minutes. I am a little sore and tight but the run felt good and it definitely loosened me up.
Tomorrow I head out to Seattle and will probably miss a few posts. I hope to take in several scenic runs while I am out there. It should be a big change of pace from Kelly Drive.
So I added a wopping 2.5 miles to the group run with an out and back on the lower schukill trail extension before the race. It was again a nice night for a run and the Tuesday group was brimming with new arrivals. Everyone was still in good spirits from Broad Street and pre-run chatter was centered around that.
I fell into an easy run with Alex, Jenn, and new Kevin who is doing some consulting work in Philly. We now have a consultant from Florida and Colorado, a few more and we might be able to start up our own firm.
A steady 7:30 pace out and back gave me 7.5 miles in 56 minutes. I am a little sore and tight but the run felt good and it definitely loosened me up.
Tomorrow I head out to Seattle and will probably miss a few posts. I hope to take in several scenic runs while I am out there. It should be a big change of pace from Kelly Drive.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Broad Street Run
Heather and I were out the door at 6:45 and after a quick stop to pick up some bagels for the after run party hosted by Craig and Andy we were on our way down to the sports complex and our ride on the subway. I got to the start later than I would like, as usual, and had a quick pit stop before lining up. Luckiliy I saw a few guys from the group as I was walking to the line and I started next to Stevus who's goal time of 1:01 was just a minute faster than mine.
The weather was perfect, the energy at the line was up, and really how could it not be on a day like that with 15,000 people piled up behind you. The gun went sounded and off we went. Steve and I quickly fell into a nice pace and mile 1 went by in 5:55 a little faster than I wanted but not insane. The barely sub 6's continued and my 3 mile split was 17:54. At this point I knew I wasn't going to be able to sustain this pace but those quick early miles were in the bank for my 1:02 goal.
Stevus somehow found another gear, which on his 30 miles of training in 2006 seemed impossible, and started pulling away a bit by mile 4. I pulled through mile 5 at 29:58, a pr, and I could feel myself slowing a bit. The next couple miles were between 6:05 and 6:15 but with 3 miles to go I realized a sub 1:01 was in reach if I could just hold on and run a decent final mile. Mile 8 in 6:10 or so, mile 9 was the same and my watch read 55 minutes. If I could sub 6 the final mile I could go under 61 minutes. However, after 9 miles a sub 6 is easier said than done and I could only muster a 6:03.
Final time 61:03. I was elated with this finish, a full minute better than my goal and over 3 minutes faster than last year. I quickly found, Ian, Steve K, Stevus, Seebo, Craig and Kevin F at the finish who had all PR'd as well. Just like last year everyone seemed to do well and was in good spririts. Congrats to all the finishers and especially to Craig and Andy for putting together some great omlettes and beers in FDR park afterwards. It was a nice cap to a beautiful morning.
The weather was perfect, the energy at the line was up, and really how could it not be on a day like that with 15,000 people piled up behind you. The gun went sounded and off we went. Steve and I quickly fell into a nice pace and mile 1 went by in 5:55 a little faster than I wanted but not insane. The barely sub 6's continued and my 3 mile split was 17:54. At this point I knew I wasn't going to be able to sustain this pace but those quick early miles were in the bank for my 1:02 goal.
Stevus somehow found another gear, which on his 30 miles of training in 2006 seemed impossible, and started pulling away a bit by mile 4. I pulled through mile 5 at 29:58, a pr, and I could feel myself slowing a bit. The next couple miles were between 6:05 and 6:15 but with 3 miles to go I realized a sub 1:01 was in reach if I could just hold on and run a decent final mile. Mile 8 in 6:10 or so, mile 9 was the same and my watch read 55 minutes. If I could sub 6 the final mile I could go under 61 minutes. However, after 9 miles a sub 6 is easier said than done and I could only muster a 6:03.
Final time 61:03. I was elated with this finish, a full minute better than my goal and over 3 minutes faster than last year. I quickly found, Ian, Steve K, Stevus, Seebo, Craig and Kevin F at the finish who had all PR'd as well. Just like last year everyone seemed to do well and was in good spririts. Congrats to all the finishers and especially to Craig and Andy for putting together some great omlettes and beers in FDR park afterwards. It was a nice cap to a beautiful morning.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Down Two Days, Bring on Broad Street
What a time to get a damn cold. All winter long not even a sniffle and now in May, a head and chest cold. Wednesday and Thursday I laid low, tried to feel better with a lot of soup and and OJ. This morning I nearly called out of work but a shower usually will wash that urge out of me and it did today.
I did leave work a little early and I was feeling a bit better so I headed out for 5 today. It wasn't great and it wasn't bad, all seems to be in working order. Just a general tightness in my chest after the run. I have heard that a few miles can kick up the immune system and help clear a cold, I hope it's true.
I'll sleep in tomorrow and pray for the best. No matter how I feel there will be no half assing it at Broad Street. It's a race that has been on my mind since January and cold or not I am giving it all I got. Also, I am on my company's coporate team and based on last year's corporate team times we have a shot at first place. So it's time it's time to kick some ass, bring it on Broad Street.
Yes, this post was designed to try and boost my spirits. You know what... I think it worked.
I did leave work a little early and I was feeling a bit better so I headed out for 5 today. It wasn't great and it wasn't bad, all seems to be in working order. Just a general tightness in my chest after the run. I have heard that a few miles can kick up the immune system and help clear a cold, I hope it's true.
I'll sleep in tomorrow and pray for the best. No matter how I feel there will be no half assing it at Broad Street. It's a race that has been on my mind since January and cold or not I am giving it all I got. Also, I am on my company's coporate team and based on last year's corporate team times we have a shot at first place. So it's time it's time to kick some ass, bring it on Broad Street.
Yes, this post was designed to try and boost my spirits. You know what... I think it worked.
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