MCT - Friday, May 1, 2015 at 10:41:52 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 mile run in Ithaca NY. In Cass Park which is a great place to run with many running paths, exercise stations, scenery, etc. 2 miles from my hotel. Saturday I'm doing the Granby 10K and Sunday is the Run For The Cows Half Marathon. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/761734979 ceb - Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 03:48:53 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/762348566 Ran 4 miles out Fellsway West. Pace 9:33 per mile tlz - Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 12:22:54 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6 miles on Fri. - 8:45 pace. Good luck on your races this weekend, Mike! Beautiful weather is upon us. MCT - Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 15:21:56 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Started the day with a 5 mile wake up run. Then ran the 10K Granby Road Race. Came in 2nd in my age group with a 55:11. Pace was 8:50. About 2 miles were on easy trails. Nice race. Total miles today was 11. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/762860370 MCT - Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 16:37:01 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Run For The Cows Half #3 is in the books. 2:14 which is my slowest yet but hey...I ran 105 miles in the last 7 days. I was doing well and heading for a 2:05ish finish when at about 11 miles my legs said "OK..that's enough", and I hobbled in to the finish. Great weather today and saw Lea, Michael Lopresti, and a bunch of 169ners. Now an afternoon off to just sit around. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/764020485 tlz - Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 17:47:07 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 11.5 miles/varied pace. Did 5 miles in the trails sort of near Lake Compounce. Funny - never knew there were trails so close to my house! Was getting freaked out though every time we had to go on the steep downs. Did not want to fall and break/injure anything so close to 3 Days. Came out by Lake Compounce and ran/walked 6.5 miles on the road. Extremely tired by the end. Mike, nice job on the Cow half! Take a day off tomorrow - you're making me tired! :P ceb - Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 17:54:46 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Sunday 7.24 mile run with Lee in Exeter, NH part 1 of 2 [1.24 m] Sunday 7.24 mile run with Lee in Exeter, NH part 2 of 2 [6.00 m] Ran with Lee from the Hampton Inn in Exeter, NH out and back for a short 1.24 mile loop, then out and back again on a longer 6.0 mile loop. Total dist. = 7.24 miles / 11:07 overall pace. Sunny and cool 44-46 degree run on this day following our visit with Pri at Kirkwood Corners in Lee, NH. MCT - Monday, May 4, 2015 at 10:45:20 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles in the Burlington Hills. Need to do more hills to prep for my run up Mt Washington in June. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/764824023 lrb - Monday, May 4, 2015 at 17:26:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/765148661 Home to School of Swimming and back. Scene at bottom of big hill on the left The elevation map. Pretty steep. Distance: 11.30 mi Time: 2:34:11 Avg Pace: 13:39 min/mi Elevation Gain: 776 ft Calories: 923 C ceb - Monday, May 4, 2015 at 18:52:55 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Weekly Summary for last week: 25.39 miles https://connect.garmin.com/activity/765233220 Ran 5 miles along Mystic River in early afternoon to Somerville and back. Sunny and warm 75 degrees. Pace 9:41 / mile. MCT - Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 09:59:40 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6 miles in West Warwick RI. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/765739699 lrb - Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 13:42:11 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) About 8 w/ Theresa. I ran toward her place, she met me and we headed over to Scottish Rite 5K loop and did that and then we returned to our respective homes. BTW, went shirtless yesterday. 80 degrees Fahrenheit. MCT - Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10:01:18 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Two runs in 12 hours. I got to the hotel early last night and was able to get in a simple 4 mile run. Had a stressful day. The run was a great way to relieve stress brought on by customers, VPs, etc. This morning I did 6 miles in much cooler weather. 4 mile run: http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/766303918 6 mile run: http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/766613611 tlz - Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 01:09:38 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I've been delinquent in my logging all week: Mon. - 6 miles/9:13 pace Tues. - 6 miles/9:45 pace Wed. - 4 miles/9:45 pace Holy cow - 1 week from tomorrow, folks! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh! ceb - Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 01:25:27 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran 8 miles in 1:21:16 earlier today. Pace was 10:10 per mile. My computer USB port is not working for some reason so the data can't be uploaded to Garmin connect. Did not run Tuesday so made it up today. Calories 892. lrb - Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 14:32:44 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Distance: 7.56 mi Time: 1:43:53 Avg Pace: 13:44 min/mi Elevation Gain: 410 ft Calories: 591 C Home to Scottish Rite course, did course sans U shaped part that has apple road names, back home. Taking tomorrow off. Racing in the Park on Saturday. Best of luck to Tray in her 3 Days at the Fair. The longest she has ever ever ever run. tlz - Friday, May 8, 2015 at 01:33:15 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 7 miles/9:45 pace. Thanks, Lee! Good luck at Race in the Park! MCT - Friday, May 8, 2015 at 10:12:18 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Wacky Friday! Very strange morning. It started at 3:30am when some kind of animal outside started this loud screeching bark over and over. It kept moving around the neighborhood. At 4:40 I was going out for my run even though this noise was on going. It was right in my front yard and turned out to be the fox that has been hanging around our house. He stared at me and continued barking. He looked OK so I headed out on my run and he just stayed in the yard barking. I headed out towards Sessions Woods and even though still early dusk I decided to run a small loop of trails. As I rounded a corner at 5:15 I hear and see a large dark object barreling down the hill. It was another runner on the trail all dressed in dark clothing with no lights. I have seen this guy before on the trails. So a very strange day full of excitement. Good luck to Lea at Ragnar and Lee at Race In The Park this weekend. Crazy Tracy...we can't wait to see what you accomplish next week. How many miles are you going for...200? http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/768295133 MCT - Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 13:30:13 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Tried the Tunxis trails off Stone Road in Burlington. Did Sessions Woods as well for a total of 12 miles. Off Stone road the trails were great but then I decided it would be fun to follow an unmarked trail. Bad decision on my part. I got lost for about 1/2 hour and had to walk some when I lost the trail. Still great to be out on trails though. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/769228050 lrb - Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 16:54:44 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Just sub 8 for the 5K in New Britain. Happy with it. Double chicked by Amy and Karen. Dan Ciccarillo and I crossed simultaneously. Place 1st in division. They had me down as a Female. And Karen wasn't even listed. We'll be that fixed. Too bad you got lost Mike. That's sometimes scary. https://connect.garmin.com/activity/769410519 tlz - Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 02:27:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles/9:30 pace. Lee, nice job on your 5k today! Mike - crazy me? That's the pot calling the kettle black. ;) God only knows what kind of mileage I'll be able to do. All depends on how I deal with the sleep deprivation and how often I'll need to take a break. MCT - Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 10:39:59 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5 miles in Whigville. Tracy you make a good point. Guess I'm a little crazy as well but 50 miles at one time is my max. Nice race yesterday Lee. I see Brent was there. Also nice Ragnar for everyone...Wanda, Michael Lopresti, Kelly, and Lea. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/770151870 ceb - Monday, May 11, 2015 at 01:00:16 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Wednesday's unlogged 8.0 mile run [Garmin now working] TO Revere Beach (Leg 1) - Sunday FROM Revere Beach (Leg 2) - Sunday Did not run since last reporting in on Wedneday! That's 3 days! Go out there and tried to make up the lost distance with a 16 miler, but due to the heat I chose NOT to tack on an extra 1.2 miles [which a just realized I didn't need anyway]. Ran 7.39 miles to Revere Beach AND went swimming. Water was wicked cold but air was a sunny 88 degrees. Tons of people on the beach. Logan airport jets flew by real low. I asked two different woman to take my picture -- one after the run, the other after the 30 second freezing cold swim. Beautiful day - Glad to be out in it. The run to beach was at a 10:21 pace. The run back was even sloooower: 11:19 / mile. Total distance for both runs was 14.79 miles. On the way back I got a little dizzy and pulled off at a D'Angelos and got a BIG [free] cup of water. Sat there a while and recovered enough to continue another 4 miles or so home. Weekly summary: Mon 5/4 5.00 miles / 9:41 Tue 5/5 0.00 miles Wed 5/6 8.00 miles / 10:10 Thu 5/7 0.00 miles Fri 5/8 0.00 miles Sat 5/9 0.00 miles Sun 5/10 7.39 miles / 10:21 - run #1 Sun 5/10 7.40 miles / 11:19 - run #2 ==================================================== total 27.79 miles (over week's plan by .79 miles) after 7.39 mile run in 88 degrees at Revere Beach after a 30 second swim in freezing cold water many people on the beach today! tlz - Monday, May 11, 2015 at 01:21:43 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5 miles/9:48 pace. Perhaps I'll do one more 5 mile run on Tues. Chip, nice pics. I can imagine what the water felt like after the winter we've had! MCT - Monday, May 11, 2015 at 10:43:40 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles in Alexandria, VA. From my hotel I have a choice of city running on one side, which is great, or a bike trail on the other side along a river. I did a little of both. Hot down here. Chip and Lee...are there no grey hairs in your family? Nice pics Chip. Hard to believe a few weeks ago we had sub freezing temps. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/771307464 LMC - Monday, May 11, 2015 at 20:38:52 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Cape Cod Ragnar in the books. Friday I ran a 10 mile leg, then a 12.8 mile leg. Only had about an hour and a half between the 2. Sunday I ran the very last leg, 9.6 miles. Times were ok, considering I had 2 hours of sleep in 48 hours! The 10 miler was done in 1:31, the 12.8 in 2:13, then the 9.6 in 1:30. MCT - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 10:28:21 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 7 miles in Old Town. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/772180553 tlz - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 10:56:59 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Decided not to run today after all. Too much to do and figure I will be running plenty come Thursday! Lea, awesome job at Ragnar! Wow, I would love to be able to "only" sleep 2 hours during 48 hours. What's your secret? LOL I've actually stopped caffeine as of last week hoping it will have a stronger impact when I consume it during the race. I've done this in the past and I'm not sure how well it works but it's worth a try. Holy cow, this is getting real! :0 lrb - Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 12:34:59 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 5.25 at about 10 minute pace with Theresa this morning. Waydago Lea! Best to you Tray! My tech shirt was soaked this morning after the run. Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuumidy! MCT - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 10:15:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 7 miles along the river to Rose Hill. Nice and cool this morning. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/773061336 ceb - Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 18:37:37 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Took Monday off. Legs real sore. This week I plan on doing 28 miles with a 10 mile run this Sunday Planning on racing a 5k this coming June 7th. I'd like to keep my pace around 9:30 on average for the week Tuesday's run: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/772423833 Distance: 3.17 miles Time: 31:23 Pace: 9:50 / mile Elevation Gain: 154 ft. Cals: 355 Route: Fellsway West Today's run: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/773382068 Distance: 5.0 miles Time: 42:52 Pace: 8:34 / mile Elevation Gain: 165 ft. Cals: 556 Route: Fellsway West MCT - Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 10:48:11 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles back in Whigville. Cool morning. Tracy and Joe good luck. Rack up those miles! http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/773974227 MCT - Friday, May 15, 2015 at 11:00:09 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6 miles in Bristol. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/774861383 ceb - Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 00:35:46 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Thursday's 3.0 mile run Distance: 3.0 miles Time: 26:14 Pace: 8:42 / mile Elevation Gain: 10 ft. Route: Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford toward Whole Foods Friday's 4.0 mile run Distance: 4.0 miles Time: 38:05 Pace: 9:31 / mile Elevation Gain: 198 ft. Route: Fellsway West - out and back MCT - Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 12:25:45 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 10 miles in the rain. Nice. I ran out to Stone Road which has a 1 mile dirt section, then through the easy trail at Sessions Woods. Nice cool and quiet run. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/775746189 lrb - Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 13:05:58 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) backyard run Distance: 2.43 mi Time: 32:34 Avg Pace: 13:24 min/mi Elevation Gain: 71 ft Calories: 197 C first day running in 3 days. racing Library 5K tomorrow. thinking of Joe and Tray. Karen Prado is running Bobby's Run and will run Library tomorrow. lrb - Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 15:57:20 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Distance: 3.14 mi Time: 25:42 Avg Pace: 8:12 min/mi Elevation Gain: 26 ft Calories: 331 C Newington Library 5K Challenge. Karen and I placed 2nd and 1st in our respective divisions. Our bibs were 1 and 2. (I signed us both up early.) Tray I am sure will report in full but I believe she ran 150 miles and Joe 201. MCT - Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 18:45:50 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran the Shine On 5K this afternoon in 27:54. Slower than last year but placed 3rd in the 60+ group. Peter Hawley placed 1st and Brian Walker 2nd. I also did 7 miles this morning out to Sessions Woods. 56 miles for the week. Congrats to Lee on his Library 5K and of course Joe and Tracy on the phenomenal mileage. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/777360842 ceb - Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 19:45:55 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Skipped run yesterday https://connect.garmin.com/activity/777401557 Distance: 13.1 miles Time: 1:59:22 Pace: 9:07 / mile Course: Fellsway West, then right on North Road to Railroad Station at bottom of steep hill in Wakefield. Weekly summary: Mon 5/11 0.0 miles Tue 5/12 3.17 miles - 9:50 / mile Wed 5/13 5.0 miles - 8:34 / mile Thu 5/14 3.0 miles - 8:45 / mile Fri 5/15 4.0 miles - 9:31 / mile Sat 5/16 0.0 miles Sun 5/17 13.1 miles - 9:07 / mile ================================== total m= 28.27 ave pc= 8:56 / mile Tracy and Joe - you are amazing. Beyond amazing. Nice work for both of you. I'm so impressed. Lee (and Karen) - congratulations, too Newington 5k Challenge. First place! AOK. Lmc - Monday, May 18, 2015 at 00:57:28 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran only 11 miles this week. Took 2 nice 1 hour walks with the hubby, too. Will start my regular 30-ish weekly mileage tomorrow. Having minor right side TFL issues (near my hip). MCT - Monday, May 18, 2015 at 10:50:20 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 9 miles in Bristol. Did some decent hills to start training for the Bristol Half Marathon and Mt Washington. Saw Wookiee walking along side the road. Scared me at first but after he said hello it is apparently Star Wars Day at the local high school. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/777955090 MCT - Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 10:29:18 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles in Keene NH. Raining and cold. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/778796478 lrb - Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 13:22:47 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/778903303 8 in the rain, some w/ Wanda. Running Delaney Dash 4 mile in Old Saybrook this Saturday. There'll be a bunch of fast old guys on the HTC racing team. I may be the slowest. This is a USATF CT race and very competitive. MCT - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 10:49:58 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles up to the top of Angela's Way which is one of the biggest hills in Burlington. It alone has a 483ft rise in a little over a mile. Total elvation gain on the entire run was 664ft. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/779672043 tlz - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11:22:14 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Gee, my log for this week is pretty simple - NO RUNNING! LOL My feet still hurt, my left quad is still tight. However, I do not have cankles - you should see Joe's! In all fairness, he covered 51 more miles than me. I am working on writing down some thoughts about my 72 hour experience and will post later or tomorrow, when I finish. lrb - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 13:21:14 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/779772164 8.27 @ very slow pace (Scottish Rite loop). Welcome back to the log Ms Z. Look forward to hearing your thoughts. ceb - Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 14:09:17 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Will be taking today off from running. Ran 7.07 miles yesterday at a 10:47 pace. Took some new trails around the Winchester Reservoir area north of Medford. https://connect.garmin.com/activity/779795063 MCT - Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 10:31:45 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8.25 miles in Bristol. More hills. Mt Washington is 4 weeks away. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/780501897 lrb - Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 16:56:55 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/780723417 Ran 12 miles at 10:53 pace, 9 w/ Wanda, to Rocky Hill School of Swimming then over to Century Hills and back to Scottish Rite start point. Spotted llama and cows en route. She's doing Vermont City Marathon on Sunday. Learned she's a pace leader (9 minute) at the New Haven 20K. This will be two weeks after Montreal Iron Man (her first). I have quite a few over the top runner friends . MCT - Friday, May 22, 2015 at 10:21:38 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 6.5 miles in Bristol. Basic easy run. May try to get some long trails this weekend. Thinking about the Bimbler 50K or the Nipmuck Trail Marathon in the fall. Both tough ones. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/781313025 tlz - Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11:42:58 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 3 Days at the Fair: I have mixed thoughts about the 72 hour race. I went to NJ feeling really positive and strong. On day 1, I covered 70 miles but it seemed to be a struggle almost from the start. Things didn't really click like they have for other races. I began to fear I was in trouble as more and more "obstacles" kept popping up. While it wasn't scorching hot on day 1, the sun was intense and probably more draining than many of us realized. There was a guy there by the name of Bill Schultz who was coach and crew for the men's 72 hour winner (his runner, Josh Irvin, did 293 miles and set the course record, by the way!). Anyway, Bill kept checking in with me (I met him last year at the race when he was crewing for someone else). I asked him for his expert advice because I felt like my race was slipping away. He basically scolded me and pointed out that I raced a 100K 17 days earlier. He asked what I expected, given that fact. I guess I've seen other people pound out tons of miles and race upon race and thought I could be superwoman too. :P My goal for this race was 175-180 miles. Bill thought I did too much on day 1 but I was under the impression that no one really runs even days (60, 60, 60). Typically, everyone does more on day 1, much less on day 2, and if lucky, makes a comeback on day 3. His recommendation was to take more rest during the heat of the day and make it up at night. I already blew that strategy for day 1, however. It's a bit hard to remember clearly how things unfolded - the days and time seem to blur together. Day 2 was the hardest for me though. Both of my quads started hurting and my feet were getting blistered. Not the horrible, huge blisters I've gotten in past races but even if they didn't look as hideous, they still hurt. I put on my Altras, which have a much wider toe box. My Brooks totally failed me this time. :( My quads were getting to be really painful on day 2. Good ole Bill offered me The Stick (which his runner brought) to roll them out. In fact, he said I could use it whenever I needed. I wasn't sure what Josh looked like at that point but Joe said he was wearing blue shorts. So I stopped by their tent (which was only a few tents away from ours) to use The Stick and no one was there. I sat down on one of the chairs and started rolling and hoped Josh wouldn't run by and see me sitting at his tent helping myself to his stick! LOL So I look out at the runners and wouldn't you know, there's a runner going by at a good clip wearing blue shorts and looking over at the tent. Crap - busted! At the end of the race, I congratulated Josh and told him it was me using his stick and thanked him very much. He said no problem and glad it helped. I added that my leg was fairly clean as I had showered on day 2. :) Between the quads and feet hurting, I had a hard time running for very long and my morale was in the toilet. It hurt to walk too though so I developed this extremely inefficient wog, which felt like running in place. It exhausted the hell out of me because it felt like I was bouncing up and down more than moving forward. I questioned why I needed to do this to myself. What did I need to prove? Why couldn't I have enough self-love to say I don't want to put my body through this and be okay with that? WHY???? Because I stopped in prior races and knew the repercussions were far worse than any pain/discomfort I was feeling. I knew I would beat myself up after the race if I just gave up. Poor Joe put up with multiple breakdowns. I was like a psycho - one minute thinking I would just take more breaks and not try to achieve much more for the remainder of the race... to what else can I do to allow myself to rack up more mileage. To put things in perspective - last year, it took me 36 hours to reach 100 miles, this year - 42 hours. It seemed like every mile was a fight and the numbers didn't seem to be accumulating. I ended up resting during the heat of the day on day 2 for 4-5 hours and also slept for a bit that night. I covered 37 miles on day 2 and wondered how much more I would be capable of on day 3. Seeing old friends and sharing laps while chatting was a great morale booster and distraction from the pain for me. I also met new people who inspired me. Marion and Don Landry are a 70 year old couple. Marion ended up with 176 miles and Don did 188 miles! They kicked my ass! LOL They spoke of how they backpacked on the AT for 28 days, though. Anyone who does that has mental and physical endurance for sure. Then there was Johnny and Ellen from Sweden. Johnny ran 224 miles, Ellen did 4 marathons over the 3 days (called the quadzilla event). At one point, I was running around the course and Johnny was on the side where his stuff was. He did this little cheer thing..."Go Tracy, go Tracy..." quite animated and complete with a dance. I told him it was a bit extreme but thanked him. LOL So when we passed each other on the course, I would say to him, "Go Johnny" and he would say to me, "Go Tracy." Joe and I also shared many laps together. When a period of time went by and we didn't see each other, we would try to find one another. At one point, I saw Joe further along the course. He was too far ahead for me to catch so I figured I would sit down for a few, stretch out my legs, and wait for him to come by. I waited but he didn't come by. When I saw one of my friends, I asked her if I could borrow her stick, as my quads were killing me again. So we walked over to her tent. And then one of Joe's friends (who knew I was looking for Joe), came by and said, "Hey, Joe's waiting for you by the start/finish area with a cheeseburger." He referenced some story about the girl who cut and sold her hair so she could buy a chain for her guy's watch but he sold his watch to buy combs for her long hair. And I said, "Yep, that's us, Joe and Tray - star crossed ultra runners." LOL On day 3, I put on my completely open-toed sneakers and wore them for the remainder of the race. The only issue was the sandy/gravel area on the course. I never remembered that part being an issue and did not bring my gaitors. I put calf sleeves on at one point with my socks over them to try to keep the dirt from accumulating around my ankle. Any dirt that got in the toe area I tried sweeping out with my fingers. We had some rain on the last day, starting with a serious downpour around 6 pm. We took a short break and waited it out. Then another clip of rain came through a couple of hours later. Joe and I decided to rest and start back up when it was over or at least lighter. We headed back out at 11:00 pm. At that point, we had our goals in front of us. I needed 22 miles to make 150. Joe needed 28 to make his 201. We started out walking together but I was going slower so I told Joe to go on without me. We were both out the entire night, which sucked! I clearly remember looking down at my watch every so often in disbelief that I had to walk in circles for several more hours until 9 am, when the race finished. I was averaging about 3 miles an hour at the time but I also took short breaks to give my legs/feet a rest and try to revive to do more. This was perhaps the hardest point in the race. If I wanted at least 150, I had to keep going until the end. I was suddenly sorry I took all the rest I took! But then again, I may not have had the will/strength to continue had I not. So - not the race I was hoping for, in terms of mileage, but I learned a ton and was happy I was able to regroup and not give up. The Runner's World quote today seems very apropos: "It's all those little battles with yourself that are the most satisfying to win." Mirinda Carfrae ceb - Friday, May 22, 2015 at 19:26:53 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I ran 3.08 miles Thursday along the Mystic River. Pace was a slow 10:21 / mile. https://connect.garmin.com/activity/781648549 Today I ran 5.09 miles out Fellsway west. Pace was similar to yesterday. https://connect.garmin.com/activity/781648542 I really enjoyed reading your full story of the race Tracy. Loved many parts of it -- one being the part about waiting for Joe -- and his waiting for you -- and how he referenced that story about the girl who cut and sold her hair so she could buy a chain for her guy's watch ... and how he sold his watch "to buy combs for her long hair." The thoughts (for each other) were SO there, even though the outcome was entirely different than expected. Loved the quote from Runner's World you referred to. In short, I liked everything you shared about this amazingly challenging series of days (and nights). It really seemed that you DID learn much and that the theme in your thoughts (and body) was not going to be about giving up EVER even as you came so close to the "edge" of feeling like you might "fall." You most certainly rose to the occasion -- and now you seem to know more about your spirit and what you can really do when you put your mind (and body) to the test. Thanks for sharing about all of it in such wonderful detail! lrb - Friday, May 22, 2015 at 23:49:19 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Chip said it all. I would like to add that I feel honored that you have posted this extended reflection here. And just here. You put your heart and soul into both the event and this history. Thank you Tray. tlz - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 02:39:43 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I actually ran today. I was thrilled to wake up and not feel pain in my quad! I took it easy though and walked a 1/4 mile after running a 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile very easy. 5 miles total/11:05 pace. Lee and Chip - thanks for the feedback on my race thoughts. Glad you liked my story. MCT - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 12:57:08 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did 15 miles including some trails. Once again I ran the blue and white trails at Sessions. Just beautiful. I fell within the first 5 feet on the trail. And rolled real good. Probably was hysterical to watch but thank God no one was around. Tracy your review of 3 Days was great and shows that running a loop course can be interesting. Lee good luck at Delany Dash. I know that's one of your favorites. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/782222227 lrb - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 17:45:34 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Went pretty well. 8:03 pace. 1st in AG. Cold! Delaney Dash 4 miler in Old Saybrook. https://connect.garmin.com/activity/782493354 Got beat by two Karens (not by much but beat, nonetheless :). Karen Febbraio and Karen Prado. Brent wouldn't tell me his time. But he showed and ran. Not sure how Lani did. She's the head of the HTC women's team. ceb - Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 00:25:26 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/782791115 I put in 11.0 miles today instead of tomorrow. Felt like I wanted to go long. Ran 2 miles to the Tufts "Ellis Oval" track and then stayed there for 7 miles of track running. My shoes are getting a little worn, so I took advantage of the softer surface. On mile splits 3 and 4 I amped up my speed to see what I could do for 2 miles. Not too bad on mile split 4. I felt it going home though. Quads felt a bit sore. All in all, a pretty decent run with good sun and 63 degree temps. Nice running there, Lee. Nice pics of you and the (only slightly) faster Karen. MCT - Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 13:23:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 7 miles at Peoples Forest. Ran the Blue Trails, Red Dot trails, and a few miles on the roads. Decided to get to know some of the trail systems. There were some very technical portions that were tough to walk never mind run. Came across a marked indian and early settler graveyard in the middle of nowhere. Beautiful morning for it. That ends another week and a total of 62 miles. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/783273478 MCT - Monday, May 25, 2015 at 14:22:31 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran the Oxford Freedom 5K today. Nice little race. My official time was 25:53 and came in 4th. Missed 3rd by 2 seconds. I ran 4 miles before the race to get to 7 for the day. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/784421097 lrb - Monday, May 25, 2015 at 17:17:30 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did 8+ slow today. Delivered a birthday card for Linda by running from home to Pratt Street in Rocky Hill. Ryan and Brittany ran your race Mike. 17:19. Think about it. from her post on fb ... What better way to celebrate Memorial Day than to set a new female course record of 18:12 at the Oxford 5k Freedom Run. Ryan O'Connor kicked some major a$$ setting a new PR 17:19 and winning the race overall. — with Ryan O'Connor. LMC - Monday, May 25, 2015 at 20:45:44 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) My week in review: Tuesday - 6 miles treadmill Wednesday - 6 miles outside Thursday - 8 miles outside Saturday - spread 30 bags of mulch! Sunday - 7 miles outside, plus a 3.5 miles walk with the hubs Monday - Washington trail 4k, 18:01, 1st in age group. Ran a total of 3.5 miles (race plus warm-up). tlz - Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:49:33 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Congrats on your races, Lea and Mike! I'm itchin' to do a short race but I fear I would be terribly slow at this point. Can people post any upcoming races they are doing just in case I feel like giving it a shot one of these weekends? 6 miles last night at lightening speed (9:20) with Joe. :P It's funny how fast it seems you are running when you averaged 20 something minute miles for hours on end! lrb - Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 13:58:06 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/785456855 6.32 @ 14 minutes/mile. Ran to Church Street here in Newington just to see where I'll be observing my friend tutoring and meet the parents. Nhung will be moving to California and I will take her place. Discovered the house is near where I did the Fun Runs last summer so returned via the XC trail they use. Don't know what races I'll do in the coming weeks Tray but I'll keep you posted. MCT - Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 14:21:44 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Did 7 miles this morning. Tracy and all...the Run169(Debticonn) site has the most complete listing of future races you'll ever find. One of the memebers updates it daily. This is the link http://www.debticonn.org/resources.html Scroll down to "Lius's Corner" and then use the scroll bar in that section to find by date. It lists the name, website, and start time of every race in Connecticut. It's amazing how many more races are out there. He also includes ultras, trail race, and I believe triathlons. MCT - Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:46:19 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 10 miles to Angela's Way which is the big, steep hill. Good route to prep for Mt Washington. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/786228926 ceb - Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 17:35:34 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Took Sunday 5/24 off from running. Ran 26.24 miles in total last week. Paces averaged 10:03 for 4 runs. Ran 3.0 miles Monday at 9:50 pace. Took Tuesday off. Ran 6.0 miles today at a 9:23 pace. It was a hot 79º. Monday Wednesday tlz - Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 23:52:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Forgot to log yesterday - 5 miles/9:35 pace. Then shoveled rocks into my plant beds. Took today off. Thanks for the link to all of the races in CT, Mike. Not sure if I can make anything work with my schedule. Also have to be careful not to injure myself post-3 Days and pre-NY. Maybe I can run a 5K in July? MCT - Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 10:33:59 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 7.5 miles in Whigville. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/787120718 lrb - Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 15:06:50 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/787114525 Did this yesterday evening with Amy C. Brickyard north to Sperry Park and back. Nice to be back! She hadn't run at all since Race in the Park! Wanted to go 9 but I said let's go all the way to Sperry so it ended up 10. Somewhere mid-run lost satellite thus the straight line segment in my Garmin map. When I ran the Goshen 5 mile with her in April they only had 60+ division so I missed out on a trophy. A friend of hers, Laura Archer, who both works with her and lives in Goshen did an incredibly nice thing for me which Amy gave me when we finished our run. She had a special trophy made for me and gave it to Amy to give to me. How awesome is that? Speaking of Brickyard ... remember Brickyard?, maybe we could try and duplicate what Amy and I did, namely, mid-week, after work, say 5 PM, maybe Wednesdays, gather and do the trail. Our weekend schedules seem to run into either races of something else, often. Maybe this might be a way to revive our small group. I know Amy and Laurie have done this. Waddayouthink? PS Tray, how 'bout Petit? GE 5k Road Race 2015, Sunday, July 19, 2015 9 AM. I'm running it. tlz - Friday, May 29, 2015 at 01:06:41 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Nice trophy, Lee! :) I was wondering about track workouts for Monday nights during the summer? I am registering for the Narrangansett Marathon on Sun., Oct. 11th. Speedi (AKA Vanessa) is doing it as well. So need to get some speed back! But I'm not opposed to a Wed. 10 miler on occasion as well after work. 6 miles/9:20 pace after work today. MCT - Friday, May 29, 2015 at 10:28:04 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 8 miles in the hills of Bristol. Today marks my 100th consecutive day of running outdoors. I started on Feb 19th. Going to see how long I can keep this going. Sara Sessions is past 3 years now without stopping. It's part of a group called Streak Runners International. The guy with the longest streak has over 40 years. I like a good challenge! Nice trophy Lee. You deserve it and nice of them to get it together. You help and encourage a lot of runners out there. I'm running the Chaplin 5k on Saturday and the Outrun38 Half Marathon in Branford on Sunday. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/787964515 lrb - Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 17:14:46 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/789171663 Glastonbury Run For Life 5K. Race was really messed up right from the start; horn went off a couple of minutes early and the volunteers were not positioned. I ran short, Brent long. Mile markers not to be found and there were several places where we had no idea where to go. They need a person who is a veteran race director next year. Brent & I crossed simultaneously (but, as I say, he ran long (3.4), I short (2.8)). Geoff Etherington (86 years old) was the only other guy in my division. I know him and he ran quite well. I placed 1st, he 2nd. Befriended a guy named Miguel and his wife Cindy (who both placed). Even the pace on the results sheets were way off. I will be giving feedback to help them fix things. Had fun tho. And a good cause. There was a 24-hour thing that had been going on from yesterday at 3 (like the one Tray and others in our gang did a few years back). MCT - Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 20:23:16 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran 4 miles early then off to the Chaplin PTO 5K. There some good sized hills on the route. I placed 3rd in the 60+ division with a time of 26:12. 8:30 pace. OK considering the hills. Lee...wow on that relay. Tomorrow I'm doing the inaugural Outrun38 Half Marathon in Branford. I suspect a small field because of Mystic Half and those who ran Hamden Hills today probably won't do another. Maybe a shot at placing again? http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/789132306 MCT - Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 15:50:53 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) I did the Outrun38 Half Marathon in Branford. Sponsored in part by the Soundrunner store. It was the inaugural for the race. Nice course through neighborhoods and some trails out along Long Island Sound. First half was rolling hills and the second half was flat. Big turnout with hundreds of runners. I finished in 2:15. First half was good at around an hour but the heat wore me down in the second half and couldn't maintain the pace. 63 miles for the week and 268 for the month. http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/790177023 lrb - Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 16:24:39 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Ran to Scottish Rite loop then walked loop w/ Linda a Rose. Nice double there Mr. Mike! Will be going to Brickyard on Wednesday for about 9 or 10 with Amy Ciccarillo. Laurie von Schmidt may join us for a few miles. Anybody else? 5 PM. ceb - Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 18:18:32 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) Didn't run Thursday or Friday. Ran 15 miles yesterday afternoon. Distance: 15.0 miles Time: 2:33:53 Pace: 10:21 / mile Temperature: 79º F Route: From Medford 7.5 miles out thru Arlington, Belmont to Waltham (and back) https://connect.garmin.com/activity/789568095 Ran 6.0 miles today Distance: 6.0 miles Time: 1:03:02 Pace: 10:32 / mile Temperature: 77º F Route: Fellsway West to Friendly's and back https://connect.garmin.com/activity/790372599 Weekly Summary: 30 miles. (Goal met with mostly slow runs). Have signed up for a 5k in Braintree, MA for this coming Sunday. Job search update: No interviews resulted from recent applications! June WILL be a better month. Have to make it so! tlz - Monday, June 1, 2015 at 00:50:10 (GMT) (subtract 4 for local time) 10 miles on Sat. - 10:20 pace. Totally bonked around mile 8 because I didn't bring any fluids with me and it was really hot. Did another 10 today - Joe and I ran to Wolcott and back. A lot more hills than yesterday and pace was only a few seconds slower. Lee, that's a crazy 5K. I was just thinking about the Relay for Life we did in 2012. You came to the track around 2 am and I think Mike showed up between 4 and 5 am. I just remember feeling loopy after being out all night. That was my first all nighter. :) Mike, nice job on your races and mileage total. I'm happy to hit 2000 for the year. If I kept up my running for the second half of the year as I did for the first, I would be on target to hit 2700. But I actually plan to cut weekly mileage to 35-40 after the GNY 100. Gonna focus on a fast fall marathon. Chip, searching for jobs is so hard! I am currently looking as well. I am employed but looking to get a better paying position. Hang in there. Hope June brings good things your way. |