ceb - Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 01:12:23 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Forty-seven days to Boston! Took Monday off for rest. 5 miles Tuesday at 9:05/mile. 6 miles tonight at 9:17/mile. Took the Groton Farm hill loop both days. Weather was perfect. No more snow on the roads 63 degrees tonight. Tuesday's Garmin Wednesday's Garmin MCT - Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11:53:45 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles in Milford MA at a 10:53 pace. My hotel is 5 miles from the Boston Marathon start line. Always stay here because there are a bunch of rails to trails across the street from my hotel. These are very curvy so not a boring straight line like Farmington. Very enjoyable. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1599213390 ceb - Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 20:34:12 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.05 miles at 9:16/mile pace. Took the Ayer town center route out to Lazy Mary's restaurant and back. Quite windy with a chill. 36 with 28 chill. Sunny. Did not feel like I was pushing it. Love the NO RAIN NOW countdown clock to Boston, Lee. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1599992574 tlz - Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 23:47:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6 miles tonight - 9:55 pace. Slow runs lately. Also did 9 on Tues. - 9:45 pace. Gonna try for a long one this weekend. lrb - Friday, March 3, 2017 at 18:43:16 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 4.85 mi 16:18 min/mi - 2 slow loops in backyard - 5k tomorrow morning in Stonington ceb - Friday, March 3, 2017 at 19:15:56 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6 miles at 9:17/mile pace. Took the Groton farm loop twice. Sunny, breezy and cool. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1601405982 MCT - Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 14:45:29 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 15 miles at a 11:41 pace on the Farmington River Trail. I ran up to the condo complex in Canton that we are looking at. The condos are 6.5 miles from the old VDP. Cold at 16f but with the wind blocked it wasn't bad. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1602656650 ceb - Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 18:19:48 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I received a phone call from the Wind Chill Monitoring Department (WCMD) this morning indicating that they held a group session to further look at incoming data for this morning's activities. There has been a unanimous decision to present awards to those athletes brave enough to get out there at peak times. They said they had more data to compile before presentations, so I am waiting for their reply. 5.51 miles this morning with the Concord runners. In Ayer it was 9 (Wind chill not noted). In Concord it was 12 F with a -1 wind chill. Yay me. I ran with a woman named Yung to a road near Handscom Field Air force Base and then back to the Concord Center monuments. In the last quarter mile Yung picked up the pace to about an 8:00 (or better). I held my own until she (age 57) left me in the dust for about 10 seconds before finishing. Wow! What a workout. Awards later tonight or tomorrow I've been told. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1603152867 lrb - Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 18:25:00 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1602935933 Placed 2nd @ Kelley's Pace Hare Hop 5k in Stonington. Cold (felt like 6°) 29:24 9:24 pace. http://primepuzzle.com/tpf/kelley's_pace.html tlz - Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 01:45:42 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) The dreaded greek pastry has returned. 8 miles/9:25 pace. ceb - Monday, March 6, 2017 at 03:39:21 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 17.0 miles in 2:38:07 -- a 9:18/mile pace. Decided at about mile 6 to go for 17 instead of 16 -- which I thought I could handle since I'm not adding much mileage on to each week now -- just long distance increases. I'm toying around with 21 or maybe even 22 miles for a top distance about 2 weeks before race day. My 9:18 pace felt safe today. I took two nature breaks -- one at the Wendy's at about mile 2.5 and another at 4.5 in the woods before the Pinnacle Hill hill climb. A 4:10 marathon (my qualifying time) equates to a 9:32 pace. A 3:55 marathon equates to an 8:58 pace. My pace today -- not racing and not accounting for any natural slow up in the last 6-9 miles -- equated to a 4:03 and change marathon: Not too bad for a cold day. Temp was 30 but the real feel was 19. Felt Ok accept for a slightly unsettled stomach. Legs were good.
Weekly Summary: 44.57 miles. 1.57 miles over plan https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1605752049 The WCMD is taking a look at past records (prior to this recent arctic blast) to see how athletes stack up relative to their own records and this current data). For now though, we have Lee in 3rd place, Mike in 2nd and Chip in first. Again these awards are based purely on this most recent blast. Winter aint over yet, so there's still time to freeze your butts off.
lrb - Monday, March 6, 2017 at 12:17:49 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1606301009 Took me 30:44 @ 9:42 pace in the Norwich 5k yesterday @ noon. Norwich is full of hills. This time sucks but I placed 1st in division. And yes, Greek Pastry reigned. The WCMD awards are sooooooo cool. Get it?! :-)
Awesome long run there Mr Bradley. tlz - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 01:33:44 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute...I'm feeling left out of these wind chill awards!! At the very least, I want a Greek pastry award.:) I only ran 8 on Sat. but Joe and I ran 22 on Sun. It was a suck-fest starting around mile 17. Overall pace was 10:25. The last 3 miles were complete agony. LOL How did I use to do this? Chip, very nice pace on your 17 miler. I'm hoping after the 22 that 17 feels easier and maybe I can pick up the pace a bit. Last fall I was running a 9:15 pace for my 16/17 mile runs so I'd like to get back to that. Lee, congrats on all your first place wins! lrb - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 01:39:57 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8- easy miles on Scottish Rite loop. Ran into Linda, Judi, and Jo Marchetti en route. Grey, wet, not cold. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1609053319 ceb - Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 05:33:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Took Monday off for rest. Ran 5 miles Tuesday at a 9:32 pace Ran Wednesday 6 miles in a 9:18 pace. Both runs were on the Groton farm Loop course Tuesday's Garmin data Wednesday's Garmin data Due to a major oversight at central headquarters late last week the WCMD held a special late-night session to discuss recent concerns from some of its high level female athletes regarding their head attire in conditions which have warrented extra precaution and frostbite prevention. It has been determined that a special award be given to one athlete who practiced safety in dressing themselves appropriately in these difficult times. This particular award goes to the first female: Ms Tract Zagatta! Nice Greek pastry running! You survived it! Verrry Sweet!!!
lrb - Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11:09:13 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 3+ at 15+ yesterday - to track, around and back. Met Mr. Mike's son, also a Mike. Mr. Mike's soon to be 92 and his son is my contemporary. He and I were at Central at the same time but didn't know each other. Running a 3 miler in Derby on Saturday. I *knew* the WCMD would come thru on this important matter. tlz - Friday, March 10, 2017 at 01:54:46 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) OMG, some of us have lost it! Complete bonkers! LOL But it's all good. I graciously accept my award. :) Forgot to log my Wed. run, the only one so far this week. 9 miles/9:45 pace. ceb - Friday, March 10, 2017 at 04:33:21 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.01 miles at 9:20/mile pace. To Lazy Mary's restaurant after the Ayer Rotary and back. Flat run. Windy! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1612374985 MCT - Friday, March 10, 2017 at 12:09:02 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did an easy going 7 today at a 12:59 pace. Yesterday in Woburn MA I did 8 miles. On Tuesday I was in White River Junction VT and fell about 30 feet from the hotel door in the parking lot just as I was starting at 4:40am. If anyone looked out they would have seen this old man adorned with lights floundering on the asphalt! The good thing is not too many people are awake at that time of the morning. I will be running Bolton on Sunday.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1612716719 ceb - Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 04:46:12 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6.0 miles at 9:23/mile tonight. Snowed with BIG flakes in last 3 miles. Been helping my friend Rick in the last few days with medical issues that seem to be getting worse. We worked at the Garden Center together last year. Sad to see him suffer so much. A doctor's appointment on Monday will possibly help to explain what's going on. He's 72. Anyway, still getting the runs in and NOT looking forward to some kind of storm they're talking about for Tuesday and/or Wednesday. Glad you liked your Greek Pastry Award, Tracy. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1613888473 ceb - Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 21:27:05 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.05 miles at 9:21/mile this afternoon. Went to the Concord run but only ate breakfast with everyone. Last night's run came way too late for an 8:00 run this morning! Felt really cold -- this afternoon -- due to the wind. My Garmin weather function was not available so I am guessing the wind chill was +5 degrees with (an accurate) 18 degree air temp. Ouch! Wore my Greek pastry jacket without the Greek pastry part. Wore a scarf that continually flew all over the place in my face!! Glad to be home!! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1615423805 lrb - Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 10:48:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1616147953 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1616152182 Jogged the 1 mile at 8:30 then ran the 3 mile at 9:30 in Derby. Very cold. The courses were out and backs on the Greenway which parallels the Naugatuck River. A lot of the runners did one or two other races after this race. This was my 88th town in my 169 effort. Several of the runners got their 100th at one of the races today.
Results forthcoming. I did a 9:50 pace for 29:27 in the 3 miler. Course had some switchback sections and each 1/10 of a mile was marked (permanently) on the asphalt surface. MCT - Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 20:21:41 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Bolton 5 Miler today. Finished in 45:32. Lastr year was 45:51. I beat my time by 19 seconds! Consistency! 56 miles for the week. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1617544802 tlz - Sunday, March 12, 2017 at 22:42:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Off week for me. Only ran twice. Just couldn't get out there yesterday. Watched "The Shining" instead. LOL Ran 12 today at a snail's pace - 10:30. Felt really sluggish. Been extremely tired all week. Only got in 21 miles. Oh well, tomorrow starts a new week. ceb - Monday, March 13, 2017 at 01:25:00 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Congratulations Lee on your 88th CT town! You've run 52.07% of them! I looked for you in the big picture and sure enuf you were there. I put a graphic in here just to subtily make that a bit clearer :) Nice pace on the warm up and in the race! Congrats to you Mike on a faster race this year than in last year's! Good Luck Tracy with a "better" week. Sometimes the rest has a good effect! I'm always impressed with your mileage when you work on it!
18 miles in 2:53:08. Pace was 9:37/mile. Legs felt good. Drank 16 oz. of luke warm water before the run. Stopped at mile 1.25 for a pee break at the local Dunkin' Donuts. Sunny breezy and cold. Temp on my phone said 9 deg. F. Felt more like 18 but the wind might as well have made it seem like 9. No problems. Rain up and over Pinnacle Hill to and through Harvard center. Fared well with the hill(s). Elevation gain was 984 ft. Just heard we are due for 16" to 21" this Tuesday and Wednesday. Are you kidding me???! Weekly Summary: 45.07 miles -- 1.07 miles over plan. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1617959227 lrb - Monday, March 13, 2017 at 13:46:56 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Results from yesterday's Dashin' thru Derby races are in. http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ct/Mar11_Dashin_set4.shtml I would like to add ... this log is important to me and remarks like Chip has been posting are so full of love and support it makes me proud to be his brother. Heading out now for about 8. Just wanted to post early with this remark. lrb - Monday, March 13, 2017 at 23:04:49 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1619444953 8 miles @
pace. (That's turtleturtle pace.) Got my wood stacked in the bin, shovels lined up. Bring it on. tlz - Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at 23:35:23 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I need help. I have developed a running phobia of sorts. I don't want to run. I'm so exhausted and have no energy. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!! What do I do because I'm starting to panic? ceb - Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 03:10:23 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6.03 miles today! Pace was 10:02/mile. Found a 1 mile stretch of unblizzardized roadway and ran it 6 times to get the run in during the big storm today. Pretty tough run actually!!! At one point the wind was so strong that the sleety snow stung my face. Had to cover my head with my gloves! Definitely a Greek Pastry day for me. Weather data was missing on my watch so the WCMD did not honor me with anything :( I totally hear ya Tracy! Been there. The thought of running is COMPLETELY the last thing I want to do in life when I hit that point. Here is a list of my most often used excuses for not running when my body feels like crawling under the sheets and saying to hell with it. I can't. I won't. I don't want to even think about this... etc. There a little psychology in here so bear with me. Again, this is from my own DO NOT WANT TO RUN perspective. Depression can and does take on a life of its own when you get too far into it. It actually will tell you not to run. But THAT is not your true self. You WANT to run but "you" don't want to. So, since we have more than one "self" we have to recognize there is really NO self other than the one you REALLY are. It is a non-self sort of self. I think that self (if you know running) likes to run and could if it would. so....... what do I do with this bad ass dilemma. It takes a decision that seems to make no sense. Just do it. Start anywhere. Start anytime. Don't think at all about it if you are able. And if you can't stop thinking about how much you DON'T want to run (at any and all given times) then do it anyway and DEFY that fucking thought in your head. It's only a thought. Let me rephrase that: It is not a fucking thought. That would be too angry and make you even more frustrated around the thought. Realize instead that it is what it is. JUST a thought AND that it is not at all who you are or what you think you can or can't do. You are not the anger. It's just an emotion because of past stuff. More "good" reasons not to run: It's too cold. The weather sucks. I can't. (I said that already). One more day (off) won't hurt. I'll make it up tomorrow with a long one. I'll injure if I add on miles for the day I want to take off, so why bother anyway? I need rest. I'm obsessive and I need to get real AND TAKE A BREAK. I took a break! Who am I kidding? I hate myself. I ate too much oatmeal last night. That half gallon destroyed me. All the B-vitamins are gone. My diet has been awful. I'll get hurt. I had two beers last night and really wanted 5. I'm too depressed. I had 5 beers and really wanted 2! The world sucks and Trump is president and he is only making it worse. I want to relax instead. I'm too tired. I want to go out to dinner. I'm hungry. I had a bad day at work. I feel ok and I can get away with not running. The hill is too steep. I don't want to run. (That's a good one... which can completely legitimize all of the above... but does it if you were willing to be serious?). I've taken way too much time off already. I can't make it up anymore. It's over. I've lost it all. Life sucks and then you die. And so on and so forth :) BUT Here is my remedy -- which eventually works if I can step outside of the box mentally and even physically...
Think something positive. Believe in something that made you the pretty amazing person that you are. Know that you could not do that creating yourself. And if that is hard to fathom or do, just look at the big oak tree in your front yard. I'm just rambling here about spiritual stuff. This works for me, but other stuff might work for you too. THEN... Do the impossible. Forget everything you ever knew and get your shoes on, Make that the leap of faith itself. Realize that RUNNING can happen. Get into it. Even the moment to moment pain (or pleasure) of moving through space with yourself. For me, it helps to be with the difficulty -- all of it. It is not all that bad. I've been told that "getting into the body" helps. Pick something like your breathing and try to really be with it -- the rhythm of it. Don't force anything -- and this includes pace. Find what is comfortable and rest inside that while you move. You are a work of art. Respect what you can do safely. [Note: Move as comportably and as slowly -- for as far -- as your achilles or feet can safely go] As Amby Burfoot once said: Challenge your body because it was created by a Master and he loves to see his creations get the most out of what they can produce (or something to that effect). I also like to think of what Steve Prefontaine once said to his coach -- in defiance: "When I race the way I race, it is a work of art." (or something close to that) Ok, I have totally gone off the deep end with my motivational lecture. I hope this has not been too much. Asking for help is very healthy! It's honest and feels rather humbling when I do it. But you went that far -- and the path is clear -- even as life continues to throw curve balls at us in unexpected directions. Life is a problem. We are here to solve problems. We all have the capability to act responsibly by RESPONDING (wisely) to our ABILITY. The opposite of this is reacting to our conjured up inabilities. I kinda just made that up but it sounded pretty right. My feedback may be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more that anyone would have ever wanted or expected, but hey -- it came out of me so there you go. I hope your next run will be good and the beginning of more real good ones to come. You are a very good runner -- and hard working person. You'll be ok. You've always been OK to me. OK, you're good to go :))))) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1621201314 tlz - Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 00:51:43 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Wow, Chip - thanks for the kick in the butt! LOL Ran 8 today - 9:25 pace. I think I'm just exhausted mentally and having a hard time with motivation. Hopefully, it will get better. I appreciate the support. :) ceb - Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 02:13:37 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.15 miles at 9:28/mile. Took a safe 1 mile route out and back a few times to get 5 in. Clear and cold at 8:30 pm. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1623002780 Well, thanks Tracy... I appreciate your comment. I was just about to email Lee (with the text below) thinking (as I still kind of do) that I had said too much for reasons mentioned below. But I just saw your post now and you took it in stride so to say -- and I appreciate YOUR taking it well. To me it seemed too hard a kick in the butt!! Lee, you can disregard my thought since Tracy can still LOL about things I say!! [We can disregard the following as it never happened, although I felt it would be good to still read...] "Tracy, I've asked Lee to remove my post as I feel it could easily have been perceived as containing too much information about what you personally were or were not doing. I apologize for this since it really was not my intention to say so much about myself while forgetting that you probably only were looking for a few kind words of encouragement. I go on and on and it appears (and is in a sense) only to be about me. It's a turn-off to people. I have been in running ruts before. You know yourself best. I wish you well in getting back to it." MCT - Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11:36:38 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Wow...runner's group therapy on this blog. Nice pep talk Chip. Tracy...try short easy distances just to get out. Gradually go longer. Maybe a mile or two. Always remember that you are a proven long distance runner and have accomplished much. It's OK to do some easy short stuff when not feeling like running. Also don't focus on time and pace. Just run...walk some in the middle...enjoy the outdoors. Today I'm near Burlington VT in Williston. Did 7.5 miles out on big hills. Lots of snow and cold with wind chills below zero. But almost a full moon and open fields with views from the tops of hills. Can't beat it. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1623381126 lrb - Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 12:34:56 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time)
Did I say I love this group recently? lrb - Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 21:05:02 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) One loop in my backyard. Brent was driving thru as I was finishing up! Have two races w/ him this weekend. Thinking I'll do Asta 19.6 on the following Sunday. Tray? ceb - Friday, March 17, 2017 at 03:56:46 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Hey, thanks Mike for your reassuring comments on my pep talk for Tracy. Funny how things can change. Love that we have this blog -- and that you provide it for us, Lee! 6.0 miles in a fast run today. Overall pace was 8:50/mile. Repeated a 2 mile out-and-back stretch of plowed roadway 3 times to get 6 in. Didn't plan to run fast today, but felt good with some newly purchased [today] shoes (Brooks Glycerine 14's). These hopefully will do it for me in Boston. I'm wearin' 'em! Might do 19 this Saturday instead of Sunday to avoid a possible 1-3" storm on Sunday. T-minus 32 days! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1624702636
tlz - Friday, March 17, 2017 at 10:51:02 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ha, runner's group therapy! I love it. Now we need a picture and accompanying acronym - RGT or GT. I didn't run on Thurs. b/c I took the boys for haircuts and then it got to be too late. Thought I could go today but I'm snowed with work and school so we'll see. I totally wanted to do Asta this year and had planned on making it my longest run - maybe 26 or 28. Todd starts it at 10 am, right? Will have to see, as I have the boys next weekend. I'm sure they wouldn't mind missing church. I'll keep you posted. Would be great to run with people. And I miss you guys! ceb - Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 03:54:07 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.0 miles in 9:37 pace. Felt kind of logy today. Sunny and cool. Still not sure about when to do the long run this weekend. The weather is so iffy. Want to be safe about it, but feel like I could use another short run day, too. We'll see. Made plans to stay with my old picture framing boss, Michael in Cambridge the night before the race. It will be simple to get the bus to Hopkinton on Monday via the Red + Green line trains. I'm hoping you can join me, Lee and Linda on either Saturday or Sunday for some pre-race fun stuff. On about April 1, I'll be receiving BAA news about logistics and festivity stuff. I'll pass it all on to you and Linda. I'm pretty sure a real-time race link will be provided so that you and others can follow me live if you like :). Nice idea Tracy! I created an image tonight and ran it by our fearless blog leader He might use it! We'll see... https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1626117394 ceb - Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 12:18:47 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) It has just been brought to my attention that Mr Lee has unveiled the new Runner's Group Therapy acronym option! If anyone needs help in this group, feel free to ask any member for support. Be sure to use the special RGT image now available!
ceb - Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 12:27:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) You might be curious to see it up close and personal! This is the big one! Use it often if you like!
ceb - Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 16:21:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I took today off because of something I hope is not going to be a problem. I broke a cardinal running rule without being aware of it! The day before yesterday I ran what I thought in my mind was just a "fast training run" (and not anything having to do with an actual race ... *not* in my mind!) In addition to this unconscious mistake, I later put the NEW RUNNING SHOES into the picture. That's where the smoking gun was. Woops. I feel a definite soreness in my left foot inside arch -- about in the middle of the side), Walking hurts and I just now iced it for 20 minutes. It felt better after that and walking did not hurt too much. I am going to try to NOT take tomorrow off and do a very slow 19 in the new shoes. If it feels like it is hurting it more I will turn around and go home. If I had to guess, I'll be ok. But any HELP!!! on these possible plantar fasciitis issues would be appreciated. One question I have for all of you is weather or not it would be wiser NOT to wear the new shoes. My NEW ones are identical in terms of model and style, etc. They don't appear to me too badly worn. I guess this post justifies my use of ...
My pace is still not very good but, thinking that guy behind me was in my div. motivated me to never let him pass me. Turns out, he wasn't and the guy that placed first got me by 21 seconds. tlz - Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 00:41:56 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I've been delinquent with posting - and running! LOL I love the new logo and may use it often. Let's see, I ran 5 on Fri. and 11 on Sat. I skipped Sun. b/c I totally didn't feel like running so said forget it. Ended up with 24 miles for the week. Another low mileage week. Got out for 8 miles today (Monday) - 9:25 pace. Congrats on all the racing, Lee. Chip, glad you got your shoe situation figured out. Envious of that 19 miler. ceb - Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 18:03:47 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.0 miles today in a 9:21 pace. Left food feels better although not healed completely. My pace seemed to improve without my trying so that felt like a good sign. Slightly sore still but not worsening. Wore the OLD shoes today and will again tomorrow. Wearing NEW ones during the day. Iced it twice yesterday in a large plastic tub I found, which interestingly has a leak in it so I can refill it with ice cold water in the bathtub 2-3 times over the 20 minute period. Ouch! But a good ouch! Good to read your post Tracy. Always fun to hear where you're at with running and life! (which includes taking time outs here and there!) :) Nice effort in Madison, Lee. Your 2nd place must have felt like a 1st place finish briefly... but then there was "that guy." Funny how they "appear" afterword! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1632654334 ceb - Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 18:05:48 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) "Left foot!" :) MCT - Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:41:14 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran 7 miles at 11:47 pace around Exeter NH. First time here and it's a nice quaint town. Yesterday I ran 7 miles in West Greenwich RI. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1633845749 ceb - Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 02:17:34 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6.0+ miles at 9:23/mile. Did three out-and-backs of a 2-mile stretch of untrafficed roadway near home. Wore the OLD shoes without any worsening foot pain. Will wear the NEW ones for 5 miles tomorrow to see how that feels. Pain seems to be getting better slowly. Still "ice-cold-watering" left foot 2 times a day for 20 mins. Garmin weather seems to be gone. Not sure if it's due to certain Windows operating systems of longer being supported. Anyway, the Wind Chill Monitoring Department is on its Windows spring break and I've heard roomers they will not be returning from their tropical vacation. My run tonight was COLD! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1635068491 ceb - Friday, March 24, 2017 at 01:06:18 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran 5 miles in the NEW shoes today. Felt a little down today about other stuff. Foot still sore and appears to not be improving or getting worse -- which is what it is I guess. Some weather seemed to show up on the Garmin today. No map today though cuz the watch was WAY OFF for some technical reason. I started it over for the last 1.04 miles and the pace was 10:55 -- which was pretty much want the first 4 miles felt like. MCT - Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11:11:49 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did 8 miles in Whigville at a 12:24 pace. Signed up for my 3rd Traprock 17K trail race in April. This year it's 2 weeks before Waramaug so if I hurt myself I have time to heal!! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1637065042 lrb - Friday, March 24, 2017 at 19:57:11 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1637801787 Haven't run since last Sunday. The two races caused my right knee to hurt, again, so I guess I'll stop doing that. Did a slow 8 w/ a visit to the library and back home at the start. Maybe taking some days off might help you Chip. I feel pretty good w/ my long break. Will take tomorrow off and run about half of Asta on Sunday. ceb - Friday, March 24, 2017 at 23:34:45 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6.0 miles today twice around the Groton Farm loop. Pace 10:03. A different set of old shoes with better cushioning seemed to feel a little better as did my foot after icing it. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1638038468 MCT - Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 13:05:17 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did 13 miles in the Burlington Hills then in to Sessions Woods. Trails still snow covered but soft. Saw a beautiful Snowy Owl but it took off before I could get a picture. Nice morning for running in shorts. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1638794605 MCT - Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 15:31:09 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran the Boston Blowout 10K version this morning in Faifield. Finished in 55:14. About a 9:03 pace. About a mile of trail in this version. Only rain a little at the end. Miles for the week = 58. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1641347255 ceb - Sunday, March 26, 2017 at 18:34:59 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.04 miles yesterday (Sat) in the more cushiony OLD shoes and felt less soreness in the left foot's side arch during and after the run. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1641797677 The pace turned out to be 9:33 at the end. It was interesting because I chose only to read how I felt while trying to balance safety WITH a comfortable feeling pace and NOT have it consciously slower for any reason. The good but still comfortable pace seemed to indicate I could put in a long one in the OLD cushiony shoes (See below...) Iced it once and did hot some water treating, too. Will forego a 20 mile run today (Sun) to get more rest on the foot, then see how I feel tomorrow (Mon) for that in the OLD cushiony shoes. 21 days to go till Boston! Weekly summary: 27.07 miles. 18.93 miles under plan. tlz - Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10:34:03 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Couldn't force myself out the door on Sat. but endured a torturous run with Lee and Brent (LOL) on Sunday in the rain and cold. We did 12 miles at a very leisurely pace and it was freezing! That's why it was torturous, btw. It stopped raining and the sun started to peak when we were about 1/2 mile from the finish. Weekly mileage was 27. Should be in the 40s but whatever. Mike, nice racing! Chip, don't worry about the last long run. I was just telling Lee yesterday that you seem to be in really good shape for Boston. Wise decision to play it safe. You got this! lrb - Monday, March 27, 2017 at 11:46:29 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1642825543 Here's my Garmin for yesterday's Asta. I'm w/ Tracy on "you got this Chip." Take it easy. Then, take it. Looks like Mike's knockin' em down on a regular basis. BTW, Brent's been just super-8 ing short races in the last couple weeks and has signed himself up for Danbury and Cheshire 1/2s. We all seem to bloom and struggle in cycles. Go us! lrb - Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 15:25:33 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1644889769 Scottish Rite sans Apple loop. Slow. Lookin' around for somebody to run w/ this weekend. Anyone want to do Rogers, Brickyard, Res, etc. ? Learned something today. If you have a Garmin watch and its band is busted you can go to a store like REI and get a velcro band for about $5 and replace your band with it. Also, I discovered how you can remove the band on your Garmin by peeling back the band where it attaches on its underside. Garmin does not sell replacement bands (which is customer unfriendly if you ask me). ceb - Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 18:17:06 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Just found all your comments and suggestions. Love them! Also love the "Go us!" and "You got this." Can't do this without ya all!!! (ya'll) :))) My report for today: Well, this is going to be an experiment! It rained like hell when I was planning on my 20 on Sunday, so I skipped running altogether. The same thing happened Monday WHEN I wanted to run it, but then work happened. So, about 30 minutes ago I made the big decision!! Sorry for the drama here... I decided to skip the 20 altogether and run according to a new plan that incorporated only one more long one AT the right time. Then do a 2-week taper, as planned originally. The scary part is I am afraid my calves might tighten up on some of these shorter runs leading up to this Sunday's 20..... or that my left arch may still act up despite all the good rest. Who the ______ knows! Here is my new proposed plan:
Distance: 5.0 miles Time: 52:34 Pace: 10:31 / mile Course: relatively flat out-and-back 2 mile route, 2.5 times. Quiet, no cars Weather: cloudy, 37 deg, 100% humidity Elevation Gain: 92 ft. Shoes: NEW ones. T-Minus: 20 days Comment: Mild pain in left foot arch. Tolerable. Probably could have increased pace and maintained it, but tried to go slow to not pull anything. Cold-water soak for 20 mins immediately after also immediately followed by a 3 minute warm to hot water soak. Foot feels REAL good now :) I hear ya'll about that up coming 20. Might skip it. We'll see then... https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1645225488 tlz - Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 01:15:36 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Well Chip, the ultra-running division (albeit, a bit washed up at this point) has weighed in on your 20 miler 2 weeks before Boston and recommends no more than 15! RESPECT. THE. TAPER. ceb - Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 01:45:21 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Distance: 6.03 miles Time: 59:52 Pace: 9:56 / mile Course: slight inclines, but mostly flat through Ayer center and back. Weather: cloudy, 41 deg. Slight chill; 35 deg. Dry roads Elevation Gain: 156 ft. Shoes: NEW ones. T-Minus: 19 days Comment: Tried the NEW shoes for a 2nd day in a row (rather than the twice a week suggestion). It just seems like I need more time in them due to Boston being so close now. From mile 0 to 1 my left foot seemed to be getting more sore (4 out of 10)! I almost turned back home to say the heck with them, but interestingly the soreness subsided to a level of about a 2-3 and became quite tolerable. Felt like I could maintain the pace for a long haul, AND that there was not (at least by mile 6) any aggravation going on in the arch. Iced it immediately for 20 mins. then took a hot shower. Now it seems to be feeling better than it ever has (1-2). I'm beginning to think the shoes are OK and that I still need to give them a chance. Tracy, thanks so much for your comment. You know, I think I'm going to try that!! From an ultra girl, how can this NOT be a good suggestion. Tapering after. Yes. I think this makes perfect sense now. I'm afraid 20 might wear me down. 15 it is - this Sunday. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1647624844 tlz - Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 12:15:24 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles on Wed. - 9:25 pace. Chip, glad the shoe thing is working out. BTW, that was Joe's advice too on the long run 2 weeks before a marathon. :) MCT - Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 12:34:39 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 9 today in White River Junction over to NH. Up towards Dartmouth NH. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1648057210 ceb - Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 20:47:01 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Distance: 5.02 miles Time: 47:29 Pace: 9:28 / mile Course: rolling hills. Not major. Groton FArm loop 2.5 out and 2.5 back Weather: sunny, warmish and pleasant. 48 deg. Little wind. Blue skies. Elevation Gain: 240 ft. a bit more hill work than yesterday. Shoes: NEW ones. T-Minus: 18 days https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1649034071 Comment: Good day running. No pains in beginning like yesterday in first mile. Arch felt like it was at about a 1-2 pain level the whole way, with no change while my pace got slightly better compared with yesterday. Today felt like the beginning of my adapting better to the NEW shoes. Don't think I want to switch back to any other shoes now. Pace seems right. If anything, a little slower COULD be better. Lee, thanks for the small edits to my log entries.