I Run

A frigid Sleigh Bell Run

2010-02-06T17:59:00.004-05:00

I suppose that's to be expected in February. But I went with shorts even though it was in the teens. I just feel I run better with my legs uninhibited. But when you're dealing with a wind chill and a frozen butt, I don't think shorts help. The hill for the first half seemed longer than I remember. Maybe time slows down the colder it gets. All I knew was that there were people in front of me and people behind me, breathing hard and wearing bells that jingled in the crisp morning air. Up near the top a spandex bedecked gazelle whipped past me from the other direction - the winner I would guess, who clocked a 21:00 something...yikes. In the end I did come in slower than I felt I was running. I never looked at my watch during the race since there were no mile markers (at least I wasn't looking for them). So my perceived pace was about 6:50 to 6:55. I actually came in at 28:00 and change, so my pace was more like 7:05. Time to make a pace perception adjustment.

The marathon beckons

2010-02-02T21:15:00.004-05:00

Vermont City Marathon 2010

Running with a cold and a CamelBak

2010-01-31T19:29:00.004-05:00

Our two thermometers - one too hot, the other too cold - averaged yesterday's mid-day temperature at 10F. Urk. I didn't feel like dressing up, so figured I'd run up and down the hall a few bazillion times to get in my workout. Not too bright, especially since I ran it barefoot. So when I woke up this morning, the balls of my feet and my calves were killing me. And my nose was stuffy. That didn't bode well.

Since I was going to shoot for 15 miles today, I figured I should take along my water in the new CamelBak the girls got me for Christmas. This was the first time I'd run with it and after the first mile told myself that if Elly drove by I'd unload it. I felt that it weighed me down. At around two miles I took my first sip. The bite valve was filled with ice, but I managed to chew it down and draw down some water from the pack. I threaded the hose behind the strap across my chest to keep it from freezing any more.

Eventually, my legs felt better, and having water along the way I think helped to keep me energized. When Elly did drive by, I kept the CamelBak. I finished the 15 miles at just under 9 minute pace, which was better than I thought I'd do.

I'm not sure I'll do all my long runs with the CamelBak since I'm afraid that I'd grow dependent on it. On the other hand, having immediate access to water does help to keep my body strong, which means better quality workouts. So maybe.

Jones 10 Miler 2010

2010-01-19T19:13:00.002-05:00

The Jones Group Realtors 10 Mile Race - also known as the Jones 10 Miler - is coming up on February 28, 2010 at 11:00 AM. It starts at the middle school on Chestnut St. in Amherst, MA.

This is a competitive race on a challenging course in a New England winter. Sounds like great fun! See you there!

The Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club has more information on registering, etc.

View Larger Map

Perfect running weather at Disney!

2010-01-08T10:54:00.001-05:00

Those from slightly warmer climes might disagree.

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/01/disney-is-urging-runners-to-bundle-up-for-marathon-races/

At this point I'd run it in a singlet and shorts.

Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run 2010 Coming Up!

2010-01-07T21:51:00.004-05:00

Just passing along some information on this winter run. I ran it last year, and it was pretty chilly but great fun. Dress warmly!

Saturday, February 6, 2010 @ 10:00am

The Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run is a 4 mile road race sponsored by Silver Screen Design.

The race covers a scenic course starting on Hope Street and running through Highland Park area. Pre-register at Recreation Department or Town Hall or day of race at the Greenfield Public Library, LeVanway Meeting Room from 8:45-9:30am. Enter at the back of the Library.

Age divisions and prizes. First 75 entrants receive t-shirt and sleigh bell bracelets.

$15 pre race entry, $20 race day. Youth under the age of 18 are half price.

Race Registration

Course Map

Sawmill River Run 10K, 2010 - Report

2010-01-01T17:04:00.004-05:00

The Sawmill River Run in Montague Center, MA is the perfect way to start the new year. This is a no frills, small town race that I'd thought about running in past years but never had the motivation to get up in the morning after a night of staying up way too late. This year, I willed myself to get out of bed with the thought, "If not now, when?" Indeed. It's usually not so easy for me to talk myself into getting up for a winter morning race. But I did also want to check out the Montague Bookmill, which I'd never visited but have heard much about. So I had another reason to go. And after I made coffee, Elly said she'd like to come along as well. So great! We'd have a morning date.

On the way to Montague we missed a turn and wound up on the west side of Greenfield. I knew something wasn't quite right because we had crossed the Connecticut River from the east. So we backtracked and discovered that we needed to turn left in Turners Falls as soon as we crossed the bridge from Route 2. No problem, we still got to Montague with time to spare. After a few miles we passed the Bookmill on the right and then we were at the small village center, where cars were parked along the sides of the road.

Registration was in the Grange building. After I paid and got my bib, I realized that it was probably warm enough for me to run in shorts, which is pretty unusual for January 1. So I went into the back of the van and stripped off my two layers of pants and tights and put on my shorts instead. The roads were still a bit messy from a snow squall we'd had the day before, but that just made it more fun for me.

The first part of the race is pretty flat, and there's a long, straight stretch where you can just settle into a good pace across gorgeous farmland. I wasn't looking for mile markers (if there were any), so I really had no idea how fast or slow I was running unless someone else near me announced their pace. I just knew that I was running hard enough to breath hard, but slow enough to not puke. The last couple of miles feature some hill climbing, but nothing too extreme. There were volunteers out on the course to guide you at the turns, but there were no water stops. Not that you'd need any for a 10K in January (I didn't), but it's something to note if you're used to sucking on water every couple of miles.

The final section of the course is downhill into Montague, so you can really pick up your pace if you have anything left over after the hills. I came in at 44:24, 21st out of 108, which is decent for me. After the race, water, juice, cookies, and baked potatoes with all the fixings are available downstairs in the Grange. After changing into dry clothes, Elly and I then visited the book shop and had a great lunch at the Lady Killigrew cafe.

Results are here.

Brattleboro Turkey Trot 2009

2009-10-29T21:46:00.003-04:00

Just in case Google drops you here when you search for information on the upcoming Brattleboro Turkey Trot, here's where you really want to go to get some information:

Red Clover Rovers web site

There are even results from last year and a simple form to sign up!

Running as spectacle

2009-09-20T22:51:00.004-04:00

Running generally is not a spectator friendly sport. Unless you're sitting on bleachers watching athletes sprint around a track, a fan of road or trail racing does not get to see nearly as much of the action as spectators in other sports. So I can see why many runners and promoters try to notch up the interest and excitement of running by doing outlandish things.

I just finished reading C.C. Pyle's Amazing Foot Race: The True Story of the 1928 Coast-to-Coast Run Across America. It's the story about the well known - some would say notorious - sports promoter C.C. Pyle and his then audacious plan to hold a foot race across the U.S. Pyle was a smooth talker and showman in the style of P.T. Barnum, and his runners were the highlights of his carnival. And Pyle would literally set up carnivals at many towns along the way, complete with freak shows and other attractions devised to lure in spectators (and their cash).

Still, as a spectator, you don't see the runners toil all day through the desert and mountains. You see them come, you see them go. Or you see them start. Or you see them finish. Unless the spectator is running as well (or biking or driving), all there is to see is a few seconds of a runner's course through the race. So as Pyle discovered, some people would show up here and there but not nearly in the numbers he'd hoped for. Running really isn't all that exciting to watch unless you happen to be right at the finish line.

Yet it seems that running has been employed - and still is employed - to raise attention. Dean Karnazes, for example, ran 50 marathons in 50 days "to raise awareness for youth obesity and to get America active." British comedian, Eddie Izzard, ran 43 marathons in 51 days to raise funds for Sport Relief. And Tellman Knudson, of Brattleboro, VT, is running barefoot across the U.S. to raise money for homeless youth.

Why running? Why not shoot basketballs with your feet while standing on your head, or play table tennis blindfolded and strapped to a donkey? It would certainly be more exciting to watch. Well, running is easy, relatively speaking. You don't need specialized skill to just start running. When you start you may not be a very efficient runner, but you'll get better as Eddie Izzard found out. So there's really no learning curve.

And when you take running out on the road in an ultra-endurance type of way like Pyle's crew, Dean, Eddie, and Tellman you have the potential to reach a very large audience. And anyone who comes out to watch you may think, "Hmm, I could do that". Of course, you need the marketing and funding to make sure people are out there to see you. And to acknowledge and donate to your cause. So you have to have a bit of the showman in yourself like C.C. Pyle because, after all, you are the main attraction.

Pisgah Mountain Trail Race 2009 Coming Up

2009-09-07T22:05:00.003-04:00

This race is fun. In fact, it's the most fun I've ever had during a race. Last year it rained and there was plenty of mud, but it was still a blast. The Pisgah Mountain Trail Race is on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 8:45 AM. There's a 50K or 23K.

View Pisgah Mountain Trail Race in a larger map

SHAPE

2009-08-19T10:19:00.004-04:00

Oh no...not another running related acronym. The problem is that I can't even remember the acronyms, never mind what they mean. But since I made this one up (I think), I'm more likely to remember it. Especially if I put it on my blog.

OK, so what does SHAPE mean?

Sleep - It's easy to do. Just close your eyes, the earlier the better.

Hydration - The human body is about 2/3 water. Without it, you're less of a person. So drink. But don't overdo it either. It is possible to have too much of a good thing.

Awareness - Be aware of your body, your attitude, and your surroundings. Do what feels good. Slow down if you're going too fast. Look out for bears.

Persistence - It's like brushing your teeth. Just do it, keep at it. You'll feel better in the end.

Energy - Eat fruits and vegetables, nuts and fish, whole grains, and don't worry about the carbs. Have a little meat (or tofu).

That's it. If you can't remember the acronym, ask yourself why you're running. It's to keep in...SHAPE, right? Easy.

Red Clover Rovers Running Club Fun Runs 2009

2009-04-28T22:12:00.003-04:00

Every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM starting April 29. Here's a link to the Fun Run bulletin I got through email.

View Larger Map

Asics Speedstar 3

2009-03-29T12:27:00.006-04:00

The Asics Speedstar 3 feels like the shoe I should have been using all along. Yesterday I put my first 18 miles on these very light shoes. I found that I started out too fast, somewhat like getting in a new car and not realizing that you hit 80 mph until you see blue lights flashing behind you. But going fast in these shoes feels good. The Gel Nimbus 10s I'd been using before feel like bricks compared to the Speedstars. Since I'd done some very fast tempo running the day before, I thought that I might not be able to do my 18-miler at a fast enough pace. But after stopping at home after 10 miles to get a drink, it was not too difficult to push the pace for the final eight miles. During the last couple of miles I did feel some discomfort on my right forefoot, which could be due to the reduced amount of cushioning in these shoes. Or it could be due to the fatigue of two hard runs two days in a row. We'll see how the shoe progresses through the rest of my training period.

Coffee and running

2009-03-26T07:27:00.001-04:00

I knew it! Coffee is good. Coffee is great. Coffee makes me a better runner.

From the NY Times: It's Time to Make a Coffee Run

A change of training plans

2009-03-21T08:23:00.002-04:00

I found that this time around, I was getting nowhere fast with the Pfitzinger 55 mile/18 week marathon training plan. It was taking me far too long to recover from the runs, and I was not even pushing the pace. In fact, my training pace has been about 5 to 10% slower that it has been in previous sessions. So when I attempted to do an 18 mile long run and managed to squeeze out just four very slow miles, something had to change. I'm now trying out the FIRST training program from the Furman Institute of Running. I've read both the praises and criticisms of this program since it was introduced in Runner's World a couple of years ago. There's passion on both sides but I figure, what the heck. It's still running. So far I haven't been able to adequately hit the target paces for the training runs based on my best 5K race time. But since the runs are at a higher intensity I am starting to feel that old endorphin rush I would get when I first started running. The recovery and cross-training days in between the hard efforts help to keep me from over training, which I think is what might have been happening with the Pfitzinger plan. Or maybe it was just time for a change.

Short and fast taper

2009-02-25T15:29:00.002-05:00

Before the Jones 10 Miler I decided to try a different sort of taper to find out whether it would help or hinder my race performance. I found this article on Washington Running Report that discusses a taper that consists of a few 400m or 500m intervals in the week before the race. Based on my result in the race, I'm not sure whether or not the taper helped. I suppose I'll have to try it a couple of more times to gauge whether it's effective for me.

Jones 10 Miler Report

2009-02-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

I wasn't so sure if I'd be able to make this race. The weather forecast looked pretty dire and I fully expected it to be snowing by the time I woke up. But there was no snow yet, so I went through my usual pre-race rituals at home (coffee, peanut butter on toast, banana, shower, etc.). Deciding what to wear took up most of my time since at my house it was cold enough to wear layers. But the forecast for Amherst showed a high of 37F, so I went with shorts and a couple of light layers on top, plus a hat and light knit gloves. It was a good choice, except for the hat, which turned out to be too hot.

When I got to the race location it still wasn't snowing. I parked then walked the quarter mile or so to get my bib, chip, and shirt. Then back to the car to drop off the shirt and take off my sweats and jacket. I warmed up for a mile or two, then it was time to be off.

The first three miles of the race were fine, but I couldn't really settle on a pace. I figured just do what was comfortable for now. After mile three there was a pretty good hill, and then we hit a section of dirt road. It was pretty much icy and I could feel my feet slipping a bit, but I was used to that so it didn't really faze me.

I didn't hit splits on my watch at the mile markers. I'd just glance at it and calculate my pace. I was off my most recent half marathon pace by a few seconds but I really couldn't afford to increase it since I didn't know the course and what to expect later.

After the hill and the dirt, the course pretty much leveled out, and I think it was even net downhill for a few miles, which was nice. Sure, there were some rolling sections but nothing big. Water stops were placed every two or three miles and offered Powerade and water. I'd never tried Powerade, but I took a cup and when I saw that it was an incandescent blue I thought, "Yeck". I took a couple of sips and it tasted OK but dumped the rest. That was the only sustenance I took on the course.

After about mile six I increased my stride and stride rate. It felt OK to do that so kept at it. Rain and sleet starting coming down around mile seven and I wondered if I was going to have to take off my glasses. But I kept them on since I really didn't want to carry them. After mile eight we were back on the road we came in on, and there was a good hill, a little bit of a level off, then another hill just before the final half mile or so. I wasn't feeling speedy, but I was feeling strong. People passed me because they had a better kick than I did, but I plodded along.

The final stretch had us wind around the school parking lot which was a little disconcerting because you come in and see the finish line and all these people cheering just for you. And then you run away from them. And in another 30 seconds you come back and run across the mat.

I came in at 1:12:28, which was about where I wanted to be. 1:10:00 would have been nice, but at least it was under 1:15:00.

Post-race goodies were a quarter mile away in the same school where we picked up the bibs. I had some pizza, some great Greek yogurt that was full of protein, and some Powerade (red, not blue).

Then I ran back to my car to try to beat the worst of the storm home, which I just managed to do.

All in all, a fun race, a great challenging course, and lots of very speedy runners. It's a great way to spend a late February day.

Results are here.

Jones Group Realtors 10-Miler - Coming Up

2009-02-09T06:55:00.002-05:00

Nothing like a good, hilly course to get the blood pumping on a cold late February day. This year the Jones 10-Miler is part of the USATF NE Grand Prix series, so some seriously speedy folks will be there. I'll just plod along and watch them disappear in the distance.

Registration information is here.

Jones Group Realtors 10-Miler
Find more Runs in Amherst, Massachusetts

Marathon Number Eight

2009-02-07T15:04:00.004-05:00

I've signed up for the Vermont City Marathon this year. I'm at the end of my third week of training, again using Pfitzinger's 18/55 plan. This time around I'm feeling somewhat slower than before. It could be the cold. It could be the new hypertension medication. It could be age (most likely).

Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run 2009 - Results

2009-02-07T14:48:00.005-05:00

My training schedule called for a 4 mile recovery run today, so I overdid it (unless my recovery pace is 7:15...not). Man, was it cold out there! The weather forecast said 30s to 40s, but I guess not in the morning. This 4 miler was fun, despite the cold. It was a nice, straightforward course with a couple of small hills. Pretty low key, there were just under 50 runners.

2009 Results

Greenfield Winter Carnival Sleigh Bell Run 2009 - Announcement

2009-01-30T17:42:00.002-05:00

From the Greenfield Winter Carnival flyer:

4 Mile Road Race sponsored by Silver Screen Design.

Beginning at 10 a.m. the scenic course will start on Hope Street (which is right near the YMCA on Main St.) and run through the Highland Park area. Pre-register at Recreation Department or Town Hall or day of race at the Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room from 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Age divisions and prizes. First 75 entrants receive t-shirt and sleigh bell bracelets.

$12 pre race entry, $15 race day. Youth under the age of 18 are half price.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club also has information.

View Larger Map

Small motives

2009-01-13T16:16:00.005-05:00

I sometimes do not feel like running for the sake of running. So I have to come up with some other motive to run. When I first discovered I had high blood pressure, I immediately started using the fitness center where I work. The treadmill was my running foray, and the motive then was to get my blood pressure down. It worked. But the mission had been accomplished, so to speak, so I needed another reason to run. I saw a race bib pasted to a fellow cubicle dweller's wall one day. I was inspired to decorate my own drab, grey wall so I went out on the road. Many races later my wall was covered with bib numbers from 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon races. Then I started working at home, so the bib numbers went into a scrapbook. Collecting bib numbers, t-shirts, and other race swag is no longer novel. But I still have to get out there to run. At the heart of it all (literally) is my health, and I know I have to do it. So I just do it. But to get out there can be a chore especially during these long winter months. So I come up with smaller motives, motives that sound more fun than simply maintaining good health. So one day I'll decide to run on a new small side road or trail. That motive gets me out the door. Another day I'll look forward perhaps to seeing a neighbor outdoors and striking up a quick conversation ("quick" because I am running, after all). Occasionally the car has to go to the shop for the day and rather than try to figure out the logistics of another driver getting me there and back, I'll just run back home. And run back to get the car. Sure, sometimes I can't find a motive. But I'll still run, maybe a bit grudgingly at first. The miles get better, though. They always do.

Running on ice and snow

2008-12-27T12:43:00.006-05:00

The key to running on ice and snow is commitment. When you have momentum pushing you toward a treacherous patch of yuck, you need to choose your course and commit to it. Indecision at this point spells doom. I rely just on the soles of my running shoes to keep me from slipping. I have not tried Yaktrax, homemade screw shoes, or any other ice-gripping device...yet. But I suppose if I find myself on my butt a few too many times I might be persuaded. Interestingly, I feel more secure with a standard Asics road shoe than with my Adidas trail shoes, which seem to slip more on the ice. A relaxed and moderate pace keeps me upright. I look ahead about 20 to 30 feet to choose my course through an icy patch. I try to select places where the road looks a bit rougher, where there are patches of dirt or snow, or even rough ice. Often the very sides of the road are where I end up if the middle is truly slippery. And then I just commit to that course, even if it looks like there is a better one to the right or left once I hit it. To move sideways at this point would probably cause me to lose my footing. I keep an even pace, and I don't try any speedwork through these sections. Sometimes I will choose the wrong course and find myself on truly slippery spots. But if I lift my feet very little, take small steps, and gradually slow down, I get out of it pretty quickly. Occasionally, I'll just stop running and skid on the ice until I reach dry ground. I do find that the focus required to navigate the ice and snow on the dirt roads helps me to run trails successfully during the drier times of the year. And despite the increased danger, I enjoy the adventure and risk of running in conditions that are less than optimum.

Mayor Higgins' Hot Chocolate Run 2008

2008-12-07T08:48:00.005-05:00

Results on Cool Running.

I'm glad I wore my mittens for this one, which made the run much more comfortable. The miles flew by pretty quickly for some reason. Maybe because with the enormous crowd it felt like I was running in a marathon and not just a 5K, so my distance perception went a little out of whack. This was a well organized race, and the hot chocolate at the end was great.

Brattleboro Turkey Trot 2008 Results

2008-11-30T14:18:00.002-05:00

You can find them at Cool Running.

This was a very well attended event! I'm pretty sure this was the largest field of runners in any race I've done in Brattleboro. The temperature was cool, low 30s I think. My hands froze. I had to keep blowing on them. Gloves or mittens next time.

Kudos to Chuck and the other volunteers for organizing the race and for handling quite the crowd of runners.