2012 Baltimore Marathon

Baltimore Marathon
Baltimore, MD
October 13, 2012
4:07:18

So, I can still marathon. Just a little slower than before.

There are no flat parts of Baltimore, another thing I learned today. The race was a blast. I ran most of it with Brian, and kept a good pace until mile 22. At that point, my legs had enough, and I shuffled a bit between slow runs. But I finished! I knew I could still marathon, and I plan to run more.

2012 Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon

May 6, 2012
Providence, RI
1:41:43
7:46 Pace

Wow, this felt good. I haven't run this long in a really long time. My training runs have all been less than 11 miles, and I haven't had a tempo run to speak of in over a year. But I've been doing a bit of track work, and mentally knew I had some running left in me. I needed this.

I had a few nervous fans before the race, but I was confident in my doctor's advice and how I felt on race day. Everything just felt good. I started a little over 8 minutes in the first half mile, since I noticed it takes a bit for my heart rate to stabilize, then I settled in around 7:40 pace and aimed to keep my heart rate under 160. The course wasn't too hilly, and I was familiar with a good part of the route, so it was easy to keep my rhythm. After 11 miles and a real pounding downhill, my legs did start to fatigue, but there was no way I was going to slow down. I crossed the finish, and felt better than I have in a long time.

I'm not planning too many races in the coming months, just going to work on miles, track and getting back into shape. I'm hoping this race is a good sign of what I can still do.

2012 Red Rooster Ramble 5 Mile Road Race Series-Week#3

Warren, RI
April 19, 2012
36:12
7:15 Pace

Ah, back to my favorite local course. And a little faster than last year. I'm starting to push my pace and limits a bit, but still keeping a careful watch on how the parts are working. And feeling ok.

But this racing stuff is much harder than it used to be. I want to run fast, but I just don't find the speed I had. Train, train, train is what I have to do.

Another season begins

I've always felt the start of outdoor track workouts signaled the official beginning of the running season, and tonight was a perfect example. Never mind the weather and daylight, tonight was about getting back together with friends and coaches, and seeing what we could do on a familiar oval.

I'd like to say I took it easy, being my first attempt at speed in over a year, but I really wanted to see what I could handle and expect for the next eight months. I kept an eye on my HR, and stayed below 180. From how I felt, I'd say I'm pleased. Not as fast as I had been, and I still need to get my endurance up, but it just felt good to run again.

My Rebirthday

I turned 1 today.


I read Brian Boyle's book a little while back, and was thinking about a quote he referenced: "A person hasn't lived until he has almost died, and for those who have fought for life, the world has a flavor the protected will never know."


I would say the last year for me has changed in that way.

2012 27th Annual Hangover Classic 5 Mile Road Race

5 Miles
Bristol, RI
January 1, 2012
41:07

First of all, it was New Year's Day. The morning after New Year's Eve.

Second of all, I wasn't quite sure how fast I could go or how I would feel. So I decided to find out.

This race had a good crowd great weather for January. I started out slow, around an 8:30, and as I warmed up, picked up the pace, finishing with a 7:40. I was keeping an eye on the HR, and paying attention to how I felt, but I was pretty happy at the finish. I felt something like a runner again. It's a good feeling.