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Larson Destroys "The Nemesis"

That’s right, my nemesis, John Lally, affectionately known as The Nemesis, was soundly defeated yesterday. I own him.

Admittedly, I beat him by only 15 seconds. But I plan on holding my victory over him every day for the next year. Ah, it feels so good; sweet, sweet victory.

After all of the weather concerns, the conditions ended up being nearly perfect, at least they were for me. It was cool, there was a light drizzle for the first few miles and the wind was swirling, but never really a problem.

I went from a “compete to complete” marathon plan, to focusing on racing for time. There’s a big difference between the two, and it was a little difficult to making the mental shift.

The start was wet. I was in the 10th coral, which was at the back of the first wave. In my mind, this was the perfect position to start the Boston Marathon. I was just about the last person to cross the starting line. Being in that position is nice because you don’t have to waste energy jostling for position, passing other runners, or being passed by others.

I started slowly, running first mile in 8:15. After that I settled into a pace that roughly averaged 8 minute miles. I maintained that pace, feeling very comfortable to the half marathon mark. In Wellesley, Children’s Hospital had their meeting spot and I gave a quick hug to Joan Lynch and shook Chris Lynch’s hand before quickly moving on. If I were having a bad race I would have stayed longer. But I was feeling good and wanted to keep moving.

My pace started to slow with the hills, which shouldn’t be much of a surprise. I was able to run all the way up Heartbreak, not quickly, but at least I was able to avoid walking. At this point I knew that 3:30 was not likely to happen. So I started focusing on beating my time from last year, 3:39

I probably could have pushed a bit after the hills, but I was very wary of burning out my quads on the downhills. So I found a comfortable rhythm and kept plugging away. I walked for a moment in Brookline when I was looking for the second Children’s Hospital greeting section. Somehow in my 24th mile haze I missed them.

Then the wheels started to come off in Kenmore Square. I started to really struggle. I couldn’t quite manage to run up the hill after the Mass Ave underpass. I walked for about 10 seconds there. Fortunately the finish line pulled me in from there. I ran a pretty good pace up Boylston Street to the finish line, or at least it felt fast.

Here’s a pic of me nearing the finish line. I’m searching the stands to look for my wife and son.

I beat my previous best, crossing the line at 3:35:16. And I feel pretty good today. Blessedly I have no chafing.

I love the Boston Marathon. I’m going to keep doing it as long as I’m able, and as long as the BAA will let me. Here’s to next year.

Friday, Apr. 13 2007

5 miles

This was probably my last run before the race. I may run a mile or two on Sunday, depending on my mood.

Boy, the race day forecast is looking pretty unpleasant.

I’ve decided that any hope of the 3:30 is out the window. I’m not even going to think about time and will not be running with a watch. This one will be about survival rather than finishing with a good time.

“Compete To Complete”

Someone told me that when I started running and doing races. If the weather forecast holds that will be my motto.

I’d be OK with the cold and the rain, but those headwinds are definitely going to require a change in plan.

Still, as strange as this may sound, this is better for me than 80 degrees and sunny.

Thursday, Apr. 12 2007

Rest

Wow, the forecast for Monday is looking WICKED bad. Still, I can run when it’s raining and 30 degrees. I can’t run when it’s 80 degrees and humid. So, at least for me, the forecast could be worse. I may be unusual in this respect. But my feeling is that I can dress for the cold. I can’t dress for heat.

The Boston Marathon has never been delayed, postponed, or cancelled as a result of weather. That’s 110 years without a weather alteration. In talking to some BAA people yesterday, I didn’t get the impression that the idea of delaying, or canceling was even on the table. The show must go on, and so must the race.

Weather is an inevitable part of running a marathon. We don’t do it inside on a treadmill where it’s a climate controlled 72 degrees. It’s springtime in Boston and these things happen. Most of us have trained through a rough winter with much colder temperatures, in snow, wind and rain. We’ve already suffered through tough conditions; some worse than the forecast for race day

I fully understand the trepidation I hear from some runners, the conditions are likely going to be far from perfect. The fast runners will be done suffering in the weather in under 3 hours, that’s not so bad. But the rest of us will be out there much longer, some for 5-6 hours, which sounds very unpleasant, to say the least.

As it gets closer, and the forecast becomes clearer, you’ll have to make a final decision on what to wear. Right now, I’m leaning toward tights, a long sleeve wicking shirt, a light windbreaker and a baseball cap. I’ll probably have gloves too, but I’m sure they’ll come off quickly.

Keep checking the forecast. The The Channel 5 weather team is the best.

Wednesday, Apr. 11 2007

4 Miles

I did a few intervals, just to keep my legs fresh and used to the turnover.

I spent the morning with a bunch of other volunteers from L Street Running Club and the Merrimack Valley Striders stuffing bags for the marathon. By the time we were done we had filled up 8,000 bags with all sorts of marathon shwag (is that how you spell shwag, it doesn’t seem to come up in spell-check?).

The city is already gearing up for race day. I walked past the finish line on Boylston Street and watched the workers begin the process of building the grandstands. Signs are on light-poles throughout the city, and people are starting to focus on the weather.

Right now the forecast is looking cold, windy and possibly wet. I’m OK with cold and wet, the windy part is what will slow me down. They say that there may be headwinds up to 30 mph. That could make for a tough day.

Still, I prefer that forecast over sunny and 80 degrees.

Tuesday, Apr. 10 2007

5 Miles

Now that we’re less than a week from race day, I thought I’d write about why I run the marathon. This is my 7th Boston. My first was in 2001 when I signed on to the Children’s Hospital Marathon Team and met Katie Lynch (illustration below).

Katie, some of you might recall, got out of her wheelchair and “ran” her own 26.2 foot marathon that year in Hopkinton. As you can imagine from her picture, walking 26.2 feet was not an insignificant achievement. She trained as hard for her race as any marathoner trained for theirs. A huge crowd gathered on Hopkinton green on Patriot’s Day to watch. Each of the local TV stations showed her “run” live from start to finish. Dave McGillivry, the Race Director for the Boston Marathon placed a laurel wreath on her head after she finished, to raucous cheers from the crown. It was a tremendously inspiring event for a lot of people, including me.

That was the year that Katie and I became friends.

The following year, Katie allowed me to show her the other end of the Boston Marathon when I pushed her across the finish line in Copley Square. We had arranged for her to meet me on Boylston Street, at a security gate where she would come through and ride across the finish line. Her presence in Copley Square pulled me forward that year. It was less about reaching the finish line than it was about reaching Katie. Over the years, each finish has been memorable in it’s own way, but that year will always stand out for me.

While she was alive, Katie altered the way I view life and how I deal its traumas. When I knew her, she was just in her mid-20’s, a time when most people are still finding their footing, searching for a direction. She was well past that. She knew that the arc of her life was short. And she squeezed more living into her limited time than most of us do over the course of our long lives.

So, in her absence, I run for Katie and for Children’s Hospital, where she was treated throughout her life.

Monday, Apr. 9 2007

4 Miles

A hill run into Belmont, past the Belmont Hill School and up into Arlington Heights. I actually thought this was a 5 mile route. I don’t think a mile here or there will make a huge difference at this point, so I’m not concerned about going short. It was good to do the hills. I didn’t do a lot of hill work during training, so it’s good to remind my legs what hills feel like.

I weighed in at 191 this morning, still 6-8 pounds more than I’d like for race day. Yesterday’s Easter feast didn’t help my weight loss effort. I have no will-power when it comes to mashed potatoes and ham.

Sunday, Apr. 8 2007

Zero Miles

Easter.

WAY TOO MUCH FOOD!!!!!

Wow, did I eat a lot. That's not going to help on race day.

Saturday, Apr. 7 2007

10 Miles

This was the last long run of the training season and it wasn’t a real confidence builder. Thank goodness I had the help of the L Street Running Club. I felt awful for the first few miles, actually telling the guy running with me that I felt a bit light-headed at one point. But after the first water stop, I started to feel much better and was able to pick up the pace for the last 7 miles.

I gotta say, I’m burnt out on training. I’m tired of the regimen and am looking forward to taking some time off after race day. It’s not the running, I love running. I’m tired being so structured with my running; having to run a specific amount or a specific workout each day. I much prefer a less regimented approach to running. I like to to lace up the shoes and do whatever I feel like; run as hard or as easy, long or short as my body feels able.

Part of my burnout problem is that I started training much earlier this year. I was really into “training” mode in October and November. Instead of the normal 4 month training period, I effectively extended it to 6 and without any great benefit as far as I can tell.

Friday, Apr. 6 2007

Zero Miles

I planned to do 5 miles this morning. I even woke up at 5 am so that I could get it done before work, but I couldn’t force myself out of my nice cozy bed.

So I decided to do a lunchtime run from work instead. But by the time lunch came around, I had become quite comfortable at my desk in my nice warm office.

Running tonight is out of the question because I have daddy-duty. Which is really only an excuse; I probably wouldn’t run even if I could. I’m just not in the mood.

So, I’m a lazy butt.

Oh well.

Thursday, Apr. 5 2007

5 Miles

I just couldn’t face the snow, slush and rain this morning. Gone are my hard-core days of running in any weather conditions. So it was another treadmill run for me.

I have not had much contact with my arch-rival, The Nemesis, John Lally, (illustration below) this training season. John, if you haven’t followed my blogs over the last couple of years, is THE guy I want to beat in this race. I could have a terrible race, but as long as I’m 1 second ahead of him I’d be happy. Unfortunately, that never happens, he always beats me, and it drives me nuts.

He claims to have had a bad training season and says that he’s in bad shape. But I’m not falling for it. He’s playing possum. He claims that he had a hard 20 miler. Boo hoo, I had a hard 20 miler. He says that he tried to do some two-a-day workouts, but couldn’t handle it, and that that’s evidence of his poor fitness. Bunk! I couldn’t handle two-a-days even in my best condition. I guarantee that he’s been running at least a couple 70-80 mile weeks.

Haven’t you, Nemesis? Your mind games aren’t working on me anymore. You might have thrown me in the past with your antics, but I’m not falling for it anymore. You’re mine!!!

And, by the way, my moustache is WAY better than yours!!!

Wednesday, Apr. 4 2007

3 Miles

A fast treadmill run at Fitness First in Arlington. In past years I’ve lowered mileage and intensity during the taper. This year, I’m lowering the mileage, but maintaining the same level of intensity. So I did 2.5 of the 3 miles at a 7:15 pace. I’m not sure how that translates from the treadmill to the road, but it felt good.

I also did a light Nautilus circuit. I’m not trying to get stronger, just to maintain what I’ve done up until now. I think that will be the last weight training I’ll do before race day.

I ate well yesterday, despite having to constantly pass by a huge bowl of jelly beans sitting in the main hallway of my office. I really like jelly beans.

Tuesday, Apr. 3 2007

6 Miles

A fartlek run around the Mystic Lakes with a series of pickups of about a ½ mile each. This was the first morning I've run this route and seen no other runners. None.

I had a hard time this morning. Maybe I haven’t done enough speed work, maybe I’m still feeling the hills I did on Sunday, or maybe it was that huge bowl of M&M’s I ate after dinner last night.

Now that the race is less than two weeks away, I’m feeling like I didn’t do enough training and that I’m not prepared for 26 miles. I also know there’s absolutely nothing I can do about now. Training is done, the magic taper is here. I’ve got to trust my training, whether it’s enough or not.

What I need to do now is figure out how to run a smart race, which I’m generally not good at, being as I’m not very smart. The problem is trying to figure out what’s a reasonable goal time, given my training difficulties, and what I’ve actually accomplished in training. I’m leaning toward taking a shot at my original goal of 3:30, which is approximately 8 minute miles. That may not be smart, but like I said, I’m not very smart.

I probably shouldn’t fret about this too much until it’s closer to race day and I see a weather forecast that I can be confident in believing. If it’s a hot day, I know I won’t run my goal. If it’s cooler, I may have a chance.

All this worry makes me want to eat ice cream.

Monday, Apr. 2 2007

Zero Miles

Rest.

Sunday, Apr. 1 2007

13 Miles

I was responsible for an L Street water stop today. Every three miles or so, L Street supplies water, Gatorade, jelly beans, fig newtons and other goodies for runners to keep up their energy on the long Sunday training runs. The water stops have a two-fold purpose, first is to keep the runners hydrated and fed, and then secondarily for socializing, which is really the best part of hosting an L Street water stop. It gives me a chance to see and talk to a lot of people I don’t normally have the opportunity to hang around with. That, and there are some good and good lookin’ people in that club. Yes, including you, Mac.

After I fulfilled my water stop duties, I ran alone, which I don’t do very often for longer distances. I have a hard time mentally handling anything over 10 miles without some company. I’m very needy. It did give me the opportunity to run at 10 am, the new time for the Boston Marathon race start, and a time of day I almost never run. Hopefully that will help on race day, in some way.

I did a hilly route from home to Heartbreak Hill in Newton. That took me from Arlington Center to Belmont Center to Watertown Center to Newton Corner and up a side route to the top of Heartbreak. I have done very little hill work while training for this year’s race and I have to say, I was pretty beat after 13 miles.

Saturday, Mar. 31 2007

Zero Miles

I spent quite a bit of time "racing" with and playing “tag” with Gabriel. He wears me out.

Friday, Mar. 30 2007

7 Miles

A comfortable noontime jaunt along the Charles with the legendary Josh Nemzer and some of his running buddies. There's nothing better than running with Josh, and what a nice day for a run.

I was running from work and forgot to stretch after the run, so my calf has really tightened up. I guess that’s what I need to avoid.

Thursday, Mar. 29 2007

6 Miles

An early morning loop around the Mystic Lakes.

I’m still having a problem with my nutrition. Last night’s dinner was four hot dogs and a handful of candy fruit slices (man, I love those things). I’ll try to be better, but until those fruit slices are gone, I’m going to be tempted.

I had another massage yesterday at Boston Bodyworker. I'm lovin' the massages.

The calf issue isn't gone, but I don't think it will affect my time on race day. The biggest problem with the calf has been that I had to take valuable time off from training. If it weren't for that I think I'd still have a good shot at running 3:30.

Wednesday, Mar. 28 2007

4 Miles

On the treadmill at about a 7:40 pace, then an easy Nautilus cycle at Fitness First in Arlington.

I have a massage scheduled today, which I’m very much looking forward to getting.

I was thinking this morning about how long the training process has seemed this year. In the past, I recall, it seemed to go by more quickly. Or perhaps my memory is playing tricks on me.

I’m very happy to be in the taper, past the last long training run. Now that I’ve finished that last 20 miler, I’m confident I’ll be able to finish with a fairly successful time. Even with my injuries, I’ve managed to keep in good shape. Maybe not as good as past years, but I’ll at least make it to the starting line and, hopefully, the finish line as well.

Not everyone I know can say that; training for, and completing a marathon is not an easy process. Many good runners get knocked out before race day. I know several people, who I have great admiration for, who were planning to be in Hopkinton on Patriot’s Day, but will be on the sidelines instead.

Setting a marathon goal and reaching it is a huge accomplishment. Setting a marathon goal and not reaching it is unfortunate, but not a disaster. Often circumstances that are completely out of our control affect our ability to complete a marathon. For first timers, running a marathon pushes your body in ways that it has never been pushed before. Just the attempt to complete a marathon is a learning and beneficial experience. Not reaching your goal this year does not mean you won’t reach it next year.

Tuesday, Mar. 27 2007

7 Miles

Now that the taper has started, I feel ravenously hungry all the time. I shared a pizza with my son last night. He had one piece, I had the rest. Then I had some cookies. Over the last couple of years I've always put on a pound or two during the taper. Since I'm already 10 pounds heavier than I'd prefer, I'll have to be stronger willed. As for last night, I’ll consider it carbo-loading.

Today I decided to do the flat 7 mile loop around Fresh Pond. It was a beautiful, calm, foggy morning. With no breeze, both Spy Pond and Fresh Pond were like mirrors.

I was still feeling the aftereffects of Sunday’s 20-miler. I didn’t run it at top speed, and I suffered a bit, but it was a nice run. My calf is still a concern, and I felt it tighten toward the end of the run. With the taper upcoming, I should be able to manage it until race day. Plus I’m planning a couple more massage sessions with Suzanna at Boston Bodyworker, which should help.

Monday, Mar. 26 2007

Zero Miles

I considered getting up early for an easy workout on the elliptical at the gym. But I'm way too tired from yesterday's run. I decided to ride my bike to work instead. Boy, am I tired.

Sunday, Mar. 25 2007

20 Miles

I’m a stupid runner.

Everyone says that this run, the last long one before the race, is supposed to be done at an easy pace, slower than race pace. You are supposed to put in roughly the same length of time as the marathon, but slower. Something always happens; excitement, idiocy, or competitiveness to get me to go faster than I should.

The L Street club had arranged for several buses to take us out 20 miles out, to Natick, and then drop us for the run back to South Boston, mostly along the marathon route. My plan was to run alone so that I wouldn’t feel the pressure to keep up with or force my pace based on someone else’s tempo. I started out fairly well, perhaps a little faster than I should have, but comfortable none-the-less.

After 4 miles I was joined by Hans, who introduced himself as being from Austria, and training for his 2nd Boston Marathon (10th overall). He was planning a 3:30 marathon (my fantasy goal time) and was looking for someone to run with. I’ve been telling (lying to) people I was hoping for 3:30 as well, so we joined forces and prepared for the Newton Hills.

His English was good; he was a pleasant running companion, and clearly an experienced runner. The difference, however, is that 3:30 (if not 3:15) is a realistic time for him, while 3:30 for me is a fantasy goal time.

The pace we were running was comfortable for the first 15 miles, but after that I began to struggle. The lactate in my legs was making them heavy, and my calf was getting tight. Hans, I’m sure, could have kept a better pace for that last 5 miles, but I couldn’t, so we slowed down and brought it in for the last 5 miles at a more leisurely speed. It was a much harder run for me that the 22 miler from just 3 weeks ago. I could not imagine running another 6.2 miles when we finished this 20 miler. I had nothing left in the tank.

I then spent the rest of the day on my butt, rising from the couch for only the most extreme of emergencies.

I think I may have left my marathon out on the course today.

Saturday, Mar. 24 2007

Zero Miles

Gabriel started t-ball today. Man, there's nothing cuter than a bunch of 4-year old kids playing t-ball.

Friday, Mar. 23 2007

4 Miles

Well, today certainly makes it feel like Spring is here, it's warm, sunny, the marathon banners are up in Boston.

Never-the-less I did this run inside, on the treadmill at Fitness First in Arlington Center. It’s been a while since I did anything fast (for me), so I kept the pace between 7 and 7:25 the whole run, except for warm-up and cool-down. It was definitely more of an effort that it would have been before I got hurt, but it was certainly a doable workout. I finished with a Nautilus circuit and some stretching.

I want to note, as a follow up, that I had commented a few days ago about how painful my calf massages have been with Suzanna Blahna at Boston Bodyworker. I don’t mean to make that sound like a negative thing. The massages were a VERY important part of my injury recovery. I would not be able to do this year’s race without Suzanna’s assistance, she’s fantastic, highly recommended.

Thursday, Mar. 22, 2007

10 Miles

I continue to see improvement in my fitness and my calf injury. I still had to stop 4-5 times to give my calf a light stretch, and it’s pretty tight now as I sit hear and write this blog entry. But running with a manageable injury is far preferable to not running at all.

This was one of my favorite runs, from Arlington Center to Lexington Center. It’s a slow, gradual uphill, usually into the wind for the first half. Then it’s a great downhill, wind-aided run home. I always finish happily, mostly because I feel like I just flew for 5 miles.

There’s been a discussion going on for the last couple of days on my other blog, On The Road With Cindy and Jeff, about runners running in the road. Cross-link here.

On The Road With Cindy and Jeff

Feel free to comment.

Wednesday, Mar. 21, 2007

Rest Day

I feel guilty about not running, or cross-training today, but I think I'll be better off if I let my body recover.

Weight note: I had been hoping to get down to 185 pounds for race day. I’m still hovering around 195, which is unchanged from the beginning of training. I don’t consider this to be fat, but it’s 10 extra pounds that I’ll need to carry with me 26.2 miles and up to the top of Heartbreak Hill. And it’s another reason I’m less confident about running a 3:30 this year.

Tuesday, Mar. 20, 2007

8 Miles

I'm not sure I can express how happy I am to be able to run again. If my recovery took any longer, I'm sure I would have been out of this years race. Today was first time in over a month that I’ve been able to walk out the front door and have a nice morning run. I still had to stop and do some light stretching on my calf, but it was a great feeling to be able to run 8 miles without feeling like I was setting my training back.

I took a nice loop around the Mystic Lakes and Spy Pond. It was a relatively flat run, but I don’t really want to risk hills at this point in my recovery. Hills will be my big problem for this race. I haven’t done nearly enough hill training.

My legs still felt heavy while running. My stride has changed since before my injuries. Before I was hurt, I had a long stride and picked up my knees pretty well. Though I was happy with the 8 miles, it was all done running with an old man shuffle in my stride.

Monday, Mar. 19, 2007

Cross-Training

45 minutes on the Arc Trainer and a Nautilus cycle. Then I had another massage, entirely focused on my calf.

Something in me feels guilty about getting massages, like I’m getting a relaxing spa treatment. These are not the soothing, relaxing spa treatments that my wife thinks I’m getting. These massages are literally the most painful ordeal I can recall suffering. I’ve been going to Suzanna Blahna at Boston Bodyworkers, near Park Street Station. I was on the table this morning thinking to myself, “she’s trying to hurt me, and I think she’s enjoying it”. There were some moments of just excruciating pain…pain that shot from my calf, up my spine and right to the top of my head. But after the pain has subsided, I do feel better. I feel like there’s a good chance I’ll be able to do that long run this weekend.

Sunday, Mar. 18, 2007

13 Miles

I went back and forth about whether I should attempt a 13 miler with L Street this morning. Based on yesterday’s run, I felt I could do some mileage, but I wasn’t sure I’d be able to complete 13. I could always get a ride back, if I blew up my calf somewhere out on the course. On the other hand, in the controlled environment of the gym, I’d be able to lessen the risk of further injury and I’d be able to keep working out on some other machine if I needed to stop.

In the end I decided to risk the run with L Street. I missed my friends, the camaraderie of the club and I missed running in the fresh air. Plus, ultimately I still feel it’s very important to complete 20-24 miles next week. For me to do that, I need to build back my miles starting now.

It turned out to be a surprisingly good run. My legs were heavy for the first 6 miles, but then they seemed to remember what running was like again, and lightened up. My calf tightened up only once at 10 miles, I stopped for a quick stretch and was able to loosen up enough to continue. At the end of the run, I hopped on a snow bank and lay my calf on the snow for a nice little natural icing session.

I spent a good portion of the run shadowing my friend Lisa Motta (pictured below). I didn’t run with her, in fact, we never spoke during the run, but I kept her in site as long as I could. She’s a good runner, very smart and very consistent. She usually beats me in the marathon, so I know she’s doing something right. Given how much time I’ve been unable to run, I was pleased to finish in her proximity.

Saturday, Mar. 17, 2007

3 Miles

After a couple of deep massages this week, the calf is starting to feel stable. I tested it out with three miles on the treadmill. I stopped every mile for an easy stretch and it felt pretty good. I’m tentatively pleased.

Friday, Mar. 16, 2007

Nothing

No running, no cross training. I just reviewed my training log and see that I have run only 8 days of the last 30 days. That's not the way marathon training is supposed to happen. I've been at the gym and worked out quite a bit during that time. I have done several longer runs early in the training process, including having completed a 22 miler two weeks ago, but I know my base training is quickly disappearing. Cross training can do only so much.

I'm still unable to run with only 4 weeks remaining; things are looking pretty grim. However I have high hopes that I'll be able to put some miles in this week and be able to do 20-24 miles next weekend. If I can to that, then I'll be OK, I think. I might not be in the best shape, but at least I'll make it to the starting line. I won't be able to make any promises for the finish.

Thursday, Mar. 15, 2007

Cross-Training

60 minutes on the elliptical. Ho hum.

Wednesday, Mar. 14, 2007

Cross-Training

A short time ago I commented in this blog that I would have to be smart about my injury recovery. If you know me, or read this blog, you know that intelligence is not my strenth (unfortunately I can’t get by on my looks either). Yesterday I made a bad decision to attempt a run before my calf has healed and it appears to have set my recovery back a few days. My calf is again very tight and tender.

So, even though it was a beautiful, warm spring-like morning, I sucked it up and hit the gym for 90 minutes on the elliptical machine. If I weren’t able to watch the Eye-Opener while on that machine, I’d never make it. I’ll miss seeing Ed in the morning when his shift changes, but I’ll have my running partner, David Brown to keep me informed. And then, there’s always Cindy Campbell and her award winning traffic reports. (OK, I get enough of Cindy, but that’s just because her office is right next to mine and she’s always coming in to bug me about things like work.)

Tuesday, Mar. 13, 2007

4 Miles

So, I decided to throw caution to the wind and put some miles in this morning. Between my Achilles and calf problems it has been too long, both mentally and physically, since I’ve run. Cross-training is important, but it’s no substitute for actual running.

I need to be ready for a 20+ mile run on March 25. If I’m not healthy and ready for that run, then I’m not going to do this year’s marathon. It’s an uphill battle; it’s clear that I have a long way to go to be prepared to run over 20 miles.

My calf is still a major problem, even for the mere 4 miles I ran this morning. It tightened up after the first mile and forced me to stop and stretch every so often to loosen it. Several hours later it is still quite tender and sore.

From an injury perspective, it’s clear that I shouldn’t have run this morning, but I just couldn’t face any more time on the hamster wheel at the gym. Even with the setback, it was such a great feeling to be out running again. For me, there is nothing quite like that fantastic feeling of cool, fresh morning air in my lungs during a run. It’s invigorating like nothing else on this earth. At least I got that feeling again. I missed it.

I have another massage scheduled for Friday, perhaps that will help.

Monday, Mar. 12, 2007

Cross-Training

30 minute on the elliptical, 30 minutes of weights

Sunday, Mar. 11, 2007

Cross-Training

I found that special place in Hell reserved for really bad people; it’s called two hours on the elliptical machine.

I had hopes of running 13-14 miles with L Street, but decided I should start my recovery with a shorter distance and build up to a longer run. So instead I hit the gym and hopped on the treadmill for what I was hoping would be at least a few miles. That, unfortunately, didn’t pan out. From almost the first step there was discomfort in my calf. Instead of risking further injury I moved over to the elliptical machine for my descent to Hades.

I maintained a heart rate of 140-145 for most of the workout, which I think is a little below what I usually have when I do a long run. But it’s not far off. And it was a very good quadriceps workout. My quads were quite tired for the rest of the day. So, hopefully there will be some marathon related benefit for having done this workout, instead of running. Maybe my quads will be better able to survive the last 6 miles than they have in the past. I’ve never come off Heartbreak without serious pain in my quads.

One can only hope.

I need to set up a PT appointment quickly. I haven’t been able to find anyone who can see me quickly. If you know of a PT who can help me out, send me an e-mail. I’m getting desperate.

***Update - 4:42 pm*** Thanks for the e-mails. I managed to get an appointment for a massage at Boston Bodyworkers near Park Street Station. It was painful, but hopefully it will help.

Saturday, Mar. 10, 2007

Zero Miles

Played with my 4 year old all day.

Friday, Mar. 9, 2007

Cross-Training

One hour on the elliptical and 30 minutes of Nautilus.

I didn’t bring my heart rate monitor with me, but I’m sure the elliptical workout was at a much lower heart rate than it would have been if I were running. It just doesn’t feel like I’m getting the same workout, no matter how hard I push. At least it’s something though. I feel like I’ve done a better job of maintaining my fitness through this injury than I have in past years when I’ve had the same injuries, which makes me optimistic to some degree.

My calf is starting to feel better. I’m hoping I’ll be able to do 13-14 miles on Sunday if it continues to improve at the rate that it has.

Thursday, Mar. 8, 2007

Cross-Training

The wheels are falling off.

I’m hitting a frustrating low in my training. On the other hand, I’m getting more sleep, and eating lots of ice cream.

My calf strain continues to keep me from running. It’s getting better, but I’m still unable to walk without discomfort. Instead of running I had been good about hitting the gym for time on the bike or the elliptical. However this morning I slept in and skipped the gym. I feel guilty about it, but have to admit, I’m quite refreshed today. Then last night I wolfed down the biggest bowl of cherry cobbler and ice cream you have ever seen. Oh man it was both massive and fantastic, I totally love cherry cobbler. It did nothing to help my training and conditioning, but I guess you just gotta do whatcha gotta do sometimes.

So, I’m not running, not working out, and eating badly, and all this with less than 5 weeks left to Patriot’s Day. That 3:30 goal is rapidly slipping through my fingers. I’m still holding that out as my goal. I still think I can get there. But I really need to be smart for the next several weeks.

Below is a chart of my daily running since I started training in December. You’ll notice a significant drop in training since my initial Achilles injury.

Wednesday, Mar. 7, 2007

Cross-Training

One of the reasons I run the Boston Marathon each year is because it gives me something to focus on, something to get me through these long winter months. In training for Boston, you have to stand up to winter. When everyone else is hiding inside watching television, you are out facing the elements; the cold, the wind, the snow. And this is good. Standing up to winter is hard to do on days like today when you’re comfortable in your warm house. But 10 minutes after you are out running, getting fresh air in your lungs, with your heart beating a steady rhythm, then you know you’re doing the right thing.

This is the way I feel, most of the time. I love this race.

And then there’s today when it’s in the single digits in March. MARCH, for goodness sake!!! Does this make sense? I’m sick of winter, bring on something resembling spring, I’m tired of the cold. Plus I can’t get healthy with one injury after another. This year is, as it seems like most years are, as much about managing injuries as it is about training and conditioning.

I’ve had it! I really want to sit on the couch an eat ice cream and cookies.

Tuesday, Mar. 6, 2007

Cross-Training

OK, this is just way too cold. C’mon, it’s March already.

I’m still feeling the aftereffects of Sunday’s 22 miler. I’m not nearly as sore as yesterday, but I’m still having spasms in my left calf. Because of that, instead of running today, I did some cross-training at the gym. I did 45 minutes on a bike followed by a Nautilus circuit and some stretching.

Someone recently suggested that I should integrate backwards running as part of my training. I’d read about it in the past as a good way to recover from some injuries, but had never attempted it. I probably should have reviewed whether it benefits Achilles or calf injuries beforehand, but I gave it a shot anyway. I did a half mile of backwards walking, with a little running mixed it. It’s quite difficult to do on a treadmill.

Here's a cool web site that claims to be the ultimate guide to the Boston Marathon. From what I can tell, it's hard to disagree with that claim.

The Ultimate Guide to the Boston Marathon

Monday, Mar. 5, 2007

Zero Miles

Rest / Recovery day. I'm still having spasms in my left calf this morning. Given my history of calf strains, I'm praying this doesn't become a big problem. I'm a little cranky.

Sunday, Mar. 4, 2007

22 Miles

This might have been too much of a jump in mileage considering that I had not completed 3 of the last 4 long training runs due to either illness or injury.

But I’ve never been accused of training intelligently, so, what the heck, why not run 22?

The L Street Running Club met at the BC athletic facility and hopped aboard 4 busses for the ride out to Hopkinton. We ran in on the marathon course from the starting line, and got a reminder of what’s due to us in 5 weeks time. As always, the club water stops were plentiful, well manned and well stocked.

I hooked up with John Lally (The Nemesis) and ran with him for the first 15 miles. He's already playing possum, building up his psy-ops strategy to destroy me on race day. He spent the whole time complaining about what bad shape he’s in, and then he dropped back, feigning that he couldn’t keep up.

He pulled this same act last year too, and then he somehow managed to become magically fit on race day. I’m not buying anymore. I’m pretty sure he’s doing two-a-days and upwards of 70 miles each week.

For whatever reason, this was a day for me to take a lot of grief from my fellow club members. Here’s a list of people who teased me about everything from my weight to my running ability.

Chris Forte - (Threw an elbow at me as he passed)

John Lally – (The Nemesis – playing mind games)

Carol Rodriquez – (Scoffed at me because she’s faster)

Hassan Haydar – (Tried to get the massage therapist to hurt me)

The list could go on, if I had more space. And I’m so nice to people, I just don’t understand.

Anyway, for me it was a good run. I kept something close to 8 minute miles for most of the run, I think. It was a little faster than I had planned, but not by a lot. I’m hoping to run 8’s on race day. My Achilles was tight from the start and through Wellesley, but not in a way that was troublesome. I was concerned that Heartbreak would put additional strain on it, but just the reverse happened and it loosened up instead.

The only concern for me came after I stopped running and my left calf started to have spasms. Minor spasms continued through the rest of the day as well.

Saturday, Mar. 3, 2007

Zero Miles

I thought about doing a few miles, but I felt a bit tired and decided I could use the rest.

Friday, Mar. 2, 2007

7 Miles

Four intervals of a mile each at a 7:15 pace.

At this stage of training, it may be too little – too late for speed work, but I thought I’d give it a shot anyway. I’ve made the mistake in the past of doing my interval/speed work too fast. I get very competitive when I do track workouts with other people…it’s a personality flaw. The good thing about doing this stuff on the treadmill is that it really allows me to set a pace, and stick to it. On the road, or on the track, I never have a good sense of how fast I’m running, so I always push too hard. Which does two things; it trains the wrong systems and it causes me injury. Of course, pretty much everything makes me injured. I’m frail, like a bird.

But this workout felt good. My Achilles is feeling much better, not perfect, but certainly better. I should be able to do the 22 miler on Sunday. The distance shouldn’t be a problem, but I am somewhat worried about the hills. With all the treadmill running, I’ve not been on hills since I got hurt.

Thursday, Mar. 1, 2007

Cross-training

30 minutes on the Arc trainer and 30 minutes on the Nautilus machines.

Feeling good.

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007

10 Miles

Again on the treadmill, which was especially brutal because my wife no longer wants me to use her I-Pod, and she hid it. Apparently I make it “sweaty and disgusting”.

I would have done this run outside, but I wasn’t entirely confident that I wouldn’t have some Achilles related problem and be stuck, limping miles from home. As it was, it was a very nice run. I seem to be able to run without worsening the dull pain that I feel most of the time.

I kept a pretty good pace, at around 7:45 for most of the run, except for a short warm up and cool down.

I’m still icing and doing the concentric calf exercises several times a day, which I think is helping a lot. .

Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2007

6 Miles

This was a treadmill run at an 8:15 pace. It’s not as long, or as fast I’d like, but given my injury, I’m just happy to be running. My Achilles had a dull ache throughout, but it never worsened. I would have kept going, but I know I need to come back slowly. So instead of doing more miles I walked over and did a Nautilus circuit and some stretching.

I’ve added some heel lifts to my running shoes, to take some pressure off my Achilles while running. I’ve also been doing concentric (lowering) calf exercises several times each day. I did a couple of sets after my run and they felt fantastic.

I have a 22 miler scheduled from Hopkinton to BC on Sunday, and everything I’m doing now is with the intent of being healthy and ready for that run.

Monday, Feb. 26, 2007

Zero Miles

Rest, although I don't feel like I deserve it.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007

11 Miles

This was two miles short of my intended distance.

I had a good run overall. There was a dull discomfort in my Achilles from the start, it never got better, but it also never worsened, so I figured I was OK. I kept a pretty good pace, but could definitely feel that I had lost some running fitness. I wasn’t straining aerobically, and I felt strong, but my legs never really got into the zone. Usually I start to feel comfortable in my stride after 5 miles or so. That never happened.

I was very happy to be outside running again in the fresh morning air instead of being stuck in the gym on a hamster wheel. It was a beautiful morning. The L Street run took us from Southie, out along the Charles with a loop between River Street and the Museum of Science. The great thing (or one of them) about an L Street Sunday run is that with so many people (sometimes upwards of 300 people) there are always people around to run with, or near. I’m not much of a talker when I run, but it’s sure nice to have people around, if not next to you.

At mile 11 I stopped at a water station and spent more time than usual chatting. Billie and Maureen Webster were manning the stop along with Joan Lally and her husband, John, “The Nemesis”. I normally don’t stay long at water stations, I prefer to drink and go. But it had been a while since I’d seen the Lally’s and Websters, and so much happened since that I felt the need to stay longer. They’re good people, well, perhaps except for “The Nemesis”, I’ll like him more when I beat him.

Unfortunately, while I had two miles left on my run, my Achilles was done for the day. When I finally started again, it had tightened to the point where even an easy jog was now quite painful. I continued on for a quarter mile, hoping it would loosen up. No such luck.

Instead I had to make the very sad walk back to the water stop to ask for a ride. I didn’t want to do any further damage, and yet, I didn’t want to admit to anyone, especially “The Nemesis”, that I couldn’t finish and that I needed a ride. I was hoping someone prettier, like is Joan or Maureen would give me a ride. But no, The Nemesis made the offer first and I had to listen to him and how he ran a fantastically fast fall marathon in Philly. Arghhhh, one day I’m going to beat that guy; one day……

Unfortunately it’s not likely to be this year. Forget about my previous goal of running a 3:30, I’m now becoming concerned about my ability to make it to the starting line for this year’s race.

Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007

Cross-training

I hit the gym again with 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer, followed by a 90 minute yoga class. I'm in fairly good shape right now, but this class nearly killed me. I didn't come close to doing one form correctly and walked out feeling quite beaten. But it did a lot to help me loosen the back of my legs and my hips, which are always very tight.

Friday, Feb. 23, 2007

5 Miles

After 8 days of not running, I was finally able to get some miles on the treadmill today.

I feel like a junkie who’s finally gotten his fix. Oh my, it felt so good, finally being able to feed the addiction. I’m not a great runner, and not particularly dedicated, as compared to some people I know, but to finally be able to get run was such a welcome relief, such a pleasant high.

I kept an easy 8 minute pace for most of the run. At one point I felt the need to pick up the pace, so I sped up to 7:15, which felt nice, except it put some pressure on my Achilles, so I backed off for the rest of the run.

Part of me wanted to continue running and do 8-9 miles; it felt that good to be running again. But I knew I should ease back into things, and limit the risk of further injuring myself.

I’m not cured, I still have an Achilles problem, but hopefully I’ll be able to manage it through to race day.

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007

Zero Miles

I’m a hypochondriac; but in a very specific way.

I’m a running hypochondriac.

I’m not a hypochondriac in the classic sense. Except for running, I don’t get sick, or think I’m sick, or make myself sick through some mental process. In real life, outside of running, it’s actually a fairly rare occurrence for me to be sick.

But, as a runner, I’m constantly on the verge of hospitalization. I always have a long list of ailments, injuries or maladies that have stricken me. Since I’ve started running I’ve experienced Achilles tendonitis, calf strains, ankles sprains, broken elbow (twice), knee problems, pinched nerves, sore back, pneumonia, “intestinal distress”, foot pain, and whole bunch of other things that I can’t think of at the moment. If only they gave out purple hearts to runners.

If you run with me, be prepared to listen to me complain about whatever “ailment du jour” is affecting my hypochondriac mind.

Marathon training for me is more about managing injuries than about anything else. A lot of people say they’re impressed that I run marathons, but all I can’t think about is that I’m holding my body together with duct tape and prayers.

Last night I had another hypochondriacally (an actual word) driven event. While casually walking to the subway, I felt a shooting pain in my left calf. I let out a cry like a three year old that has lost his mother and bent over to grab my calf in a very theatrical way. It was really quite impressive, two people actually stopped to ask if I was OK. I was sure that somehow I had developed a serious calf strain that would keep me out of this year’s marathon. So I went home, had a couple glasses of wine (or was that whine), strapped on an ice pack, and went straight to bed.

Pouting is something I do very well. If there were a pouting marathon, I would be an elite contender.

In the end, I woke up this morning with no pain, no strain, no major problem. In reality, whatever it was was apparently some minor spasm. In my mind, it’s still a serious calf strain, just waiting to hobble me, yet again.

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007

One Mile

I’m not as cranky today, although I did lock my keys in my office, which wasn’t a great way to start the work day.

It was another morning at the gym and on the hamster cage (arc trainer). I did 30 minutes on the trainer before making a doubtful trip across the room to the treadmill. I haven’t run in almost a week, so I was nervous about trying again. Yesterday I made an effort, and it didn’t go very well. I wasn’t going to run hard, just something easy. All I wanted was evidence of some improvement in my Achilles.

I’m happy to report that things are looking up. I did a mile at a very easy pace (10:30) and then hopped off, not wanting to risk any further problems. I’ll try something longer tomorrow, but I want to ease back into it. If all goes well, I’ll be able to do 14-15 this weekend.

That would make me very happy.

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2007

Cross-training

OK, I’m actually a little cranky. I’ll get over it before long, but you may want to stay out of my way this morning.

I woke up early with the plan of getting in at least a couple of miles on the treadmill. The Achilles was feeling pretty good for most of the day yesterday and I thought I was ready to run. Unfortunately, that wasn't in the cards just yet. I had to stop before I had run a quarter mile. I wasn’t in pain, but I could tell that the discomfort I was feeling was going to end up being worse if I pushed it. Rather than worsening the injury and forcing and extended recovery, I hopped off the treadmill and walked over to the Arc trainer.

I ended up doing 75 minutes on the Arc trainer, which is about what I should have been running, if I were able to. There are times that I've enjoyed running on the treadmill, and I've even appreciated the Arc Trainer at time, but today was less than pleaseant. Not only had I forgotten by wife’s I-Pod, but the TV at the gym was on the blink, so I couldn’t watch Channel 5’s Eye-Opener. This meant I suffered through a morning without seeing any of Cindy’s traffic reports. It’s not a good morning without Ed, Heather, Cindy and JC. I'm an Eye-Opener junkie.

I have a feeling I’m going to be cranky until I’m healed.

Monday, Feb. 19, 2007

Cross-training

Presidents Day.

I used the holiday off from work to hit the Arc Trainer at Fitness First in Arlington. I did an hour on the (very boring) machine and then did a Nautilus cycle and then a nice long stretch.

If all goes well, I’m hoping to do some treadmill running tomorrow.

I'm having a hard time making enough ice to keep treating my leg. I'm still icing almost every hour.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2007

Cross-training

I considered attempting the long run with L Street this morning, but thought better of it when I woke up and was clearly feeling tightness in my Achilles. I’m not taking any chances this year. L Street was doing their famous Ed Dever / Hospital Hills run. I love that run, but I've done it a couple of times during this training season already.

Instead I hit the gym and did 2 hours on the Arc Trainer.

Oh my THAT WAS BORING!!!

Although I must admit the Arc Trainer is a fairly good replacement to running, and seems to put little pressure on the Achilles. I got a very good cardio workout, and used many of the same muscle groups. It wasn’t exactly running, but better than if I had done the elliptical, or a bike, or some other “hamster cage” workout.

I’m not as depressed about this injury as I have been when I’ve been hurt in past years. It feels like I have enough experience now to know how to work through it. I’m going to try to take it easy and not push my return. But I’m going to do everything I can to maintain my fitness while I’m not running.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007

Zero Miles

I’m still feeling quite a bit of tenderness in my Achilles. I’m icing a lot, like almost every hour. It’s definitely feeling better, but I don’t think I have much of a chance of attempting the long run tomorrow.

Friday, Feb. 16, 2007

Zero Miles

Ouchie.

Rest - Ice - Compression - Elevation.

And some pouting too.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007

9 Miles

INJURY!

Rats!!! I knew it had to come some time. It always does. This same thing happened last year, at about this same time. Apparently I’m not learning from my mistakes. I seem to have developed Achilles tendonitis in my left leg. At least that’s my personal, web based diagnosis.

I did 9 miles on the treadmill at Fitness First in Arlington (I love that club). I had been feeling some tenderness in my calves, and I had noticed it in my Achilles before I ran, but I couldn’t tell if it was something that was a problem, or just something I needed to monitor.

I did a nice slow one mile warm-up and could feel it start to loosen. There was still tenderness, but it never seemed to escalate, even when I picked up the pace. I did 7 miles at a 7:30 pace and then closed out with a slower cool down for a mile. It never seemed like a problem until I finished and started walking around. I thought a good stretch would help.

So I pulled out the ice pack and have been taking lots of Ibuprofen. Hopefully this won’t be a big problem. I’ll probably take a couple of days off and hope that I’ll be able to do the long run on Sunday.

Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2007

4 Miles

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Regardless of the snow, I had already planned a treadmill run for today, which is fine because I’ve become very lazy this winter.

I did the 4 miles at an 8 minute pace with no incline on the machine. This was supposed to be an easy, recovery run after yesterday’s hill workout. I’m still concerned about a potential problem with my calves. They were tight for the first mile, but seemed to loosen up thereafter. I made sure to do a good stretching session after I was done. Then I also did a Nautilus circuit and some core building exercises.

This has been a lonely training year for me. So many of my runs are taking place alone, and I’m not in contact with people from past years. David Brown is out of commission, so I can’t commiserate with him. In the past I’ve done weekly track workouts with either the BAA or the Somerville Roadrunners. That’s always been something of a social event. But I’ve decided that speed workouts pose a risk of injury for me, so I’m missing camaraderie. “The Nemesis” John Lally, who I’m still trying to destroy, has been incommunicado. Even the well attended long runs with the L Street Running Club have ended up being lonely affairs. Since I’ve been adding miles, on Sundays, I’ve spent a lot of miles on those runs listening to my own breathing and footsteps.

I think I need to recruit some new runners from Channel 5.

Hey, Liz Brunner, it’s about time you ran this marathon!!!

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007

8 Miles

If I were young and single, I wouldn’t show this picture. But I’m neither, and I'm not proud, so there you go. This is what a mustachioed man looks like after running 8 miles when it’s 8 degrees out.

It’s time for a hill workout. I considered rolling out of bed and heading for the treadmill. But I knew that would be cheating, especially when the hills were calling.

In Arlington, there are some really good hills, particularly up in the Heights. So that’s where I headed, by way of Belmont.

I took a nice little warm-up up Pleasant Street and into Belmont. Then turned up the hill at Clifton Street, followed it along Prospect, passed the Belmont Hill School, and back into Arlington to the top of Park Ave. Then I did it again. From bottom to top it’s 1.2 miles. I don’t know what the incline is, but I’m sure it’s less than what I think. I’m pleased to have been able to do it twice.

My calves are starting to feel tight. I noticed it a bit yesterday. They’ve been my problem almost every year I’ve run this race. Whenever my mileage gets up over 40-45 per week, I end up with a strain. I’m afraid I may be heading down that same path. I was hoping that the stretching and cross training would help. I’m now officially crossing my fingers.

Monday, Feb. 12, 2007

Zero Miles

"I don't like Monday's", says the song. But for me, it's a glorious day of rest. Yippee.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007

18 Miles

This week the L Street Running Club was planning a somewhat shorter run of 13 miles. Since I was sick last Sunday and missed out on one of the clubs longer runs, I decided to and add a few miles on my own. Before the club run started I added 5 miles with a loop around UMass-Boston.

I took that first 5 slowly and considered it a warmup. Then when I joined the rest of the club, I picked up the pace and ran with some of the faster kids, Hassan Haydar (see illustration - if you run with me, there's a good chance you'll get tooned),

Ed Donavon, and Carol Rodriguez. I managed to hang on with them for about 5 miles or so. Unfortunately, they’re all MUCH faster than me, and I was killing myself trying to keep up with them. So after 5 miles of that insanity, I let them go and kept a more rational pace for the rest of the run. Or, at least it was a more rational pace for this decrepit old man.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007

4 Miles

I ate an entire box of cookies yesterday. I couldn’t help it; I love butterscotch/walnut cookies. They were just sitting on my desk, staring at me. What could I do?

I hit the gym early this morning, did 4 miles on the treadmill. That’s an entire weeks training done on the treadmill.

I also did a Nautilus circuit and a fairly extensive stretching session.

Friday, Feb. 9, 2007

6 Miles

Apparently I’ve lost some machismo. Not that I had much to begin with, but I just can’t muster up the courage get myself to run outside in the cold. I’ve always liked cold weather running. Historically, I’ve taken great joy and pride in my winter runs. I’m faster and more comfortable in cooler whether than hot weather. I’ve always said that I’d prefer to run when it’s 20 than when it’s 90.

But this winter seems to be different. The cold is in my bones and I can’t shake it. I’m not asking for much, just bring it above freezing for a day. 35 degrees would be fine.

So, I chickened out and hit the treadmill again this morning. I started with an easy mile warmup and thin picked it up for 4 miles at a tempo pace (7:30). After a mile cooldown, I finished with some core exercises and a nice long stretching period.

Tomorrow, I swear, I’m going to run outside.

Thursday, Feb. 8, 2007

Zero Miles

My wife is sick with whatever crud I had this past weekend. So I stayed in and took care of my little man. I brought him into my office and he ate M&M cookies and drew pictures at my desk. He's wicked cute.

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007

5 Miles

Treadmill run with my wife’s I-Pod. She has some crazy music on that thing. I also did a Nautilus circuit after the run.

This is usually about the time that injuries start to inflict themselves on me. Right about now, when the mileage increases, that’s when my body usually starts to break down. I’m hoping the cross-training, the stretching routine, and the treadmill running will reduce the chance of injury this year. If I can stay free of injury, I really feel like I have a chance at hitting 3:30. If, if, if…

By the way, if I haven’t been clear about it, I am running the marathon for Children’s Hospital. I’m trading my “artwork” for donations. You can see what I do at a web site I’ve set up; www.toonsformiracles.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007

12 Miles

This is the longest treadmill run I’ve ever done.

I got to Fitness First in Arlington at 5 AM, just as they were opening so that I’d have time to run and get to work on time. It’s a little difficult to do a 12 mile run at a club when they limit you to 30 minutes at a time, especially if your not really fast. You have to hope that by the time your 30 minutes is up that there’s a treadmill available for you. It worked out nicely, I had to change machines a couple of times, but I never had to stop for an extended period.

I might normally have done this run outside, but since I’m still recovering from my weekend illness, I thought it would be better to run in a controlled environment where I could stop if needed. Plus, for whatever reason, I’ve not been very excited about running in the cold. Have you noticed that it’s been cold? I do feel a little guilty when I spot a runner out on Mass Ave. doing hard miles, suffering for the cause. It’s a lot easier to get out of bed for an early run if that run is going to happen in a 68 degree room.

I’m also starting to appreciate the controlled pace you get from a treadmill. I did most of the miles at 7:35 per mile with a slight incline.

I know it’s not the same as running on the roads. But I’m not sure my legs can take the big miles if I do it all on pavement. This is my 7th Boston, and I've been injured every year at some point during training. I'm desparately hoping to avoid that this year.

Monday, Feb. 5, 2007

Zero Miles

Back to work, but still not up for running. I feel like I should be in bed, and am considering heading home now. Mondays are usually rest or cross-training days. I’m going to take it easy and let my body recover from whatever crud was making me sick. I’d rather not risk prolonging an illness in exchange for a couple of junk miles.

Yuck, I really hate this.

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007

Zero Miles

Still sick. When it was time to get up on Sunday, it was clear that I was not going to complete a trip to the kitchen, let alone the 20 miler I was hoping for. L Street was doing their Emerald Necklace run, which is one of my favorite routes, taking us through Arnold Arboretum, where I was married, past Jamaica Pond, and along the Charles. I was planning to augment the run with a loop out around Castle Island to get me up to 20.

But I really had no choice; there was no question about my ability to run. I had none; I was out, completely, unquestionably. Instead, I gave in to the sickness and lay in bed all day. My son was also under the weather, so we recovered together and watched a marathon session of Bob the Builder and Dragon Tails videos. When he was feeling especially generous, he let me to watch the Super Bowl festivities.

I spent much of the day trying to decide if I was going to make up the lost mileage with a long run during the week. But I think I’m going to chalk it up to being just a lost workout. I’ll pick up with my schedule whenever I feel better.

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007

4 Miles

An easy treadmill run at Fitness First in Arlington with a couple of faster intervals scattered in here and there. Then I did an abbreviated Nautilus circuit and a fairly long stretching session. I didn’t want to overdue anything, given my planned 20 miler on Sunday.

As it turns out, this shouldn’t have been a concern. By the afternoon, I was sick in bed moaning like a little baby. Saturday night ended up being a most unpleasant time. My wife will tell you that I’m not a very good patient, and it was especially evident during this bout.

Friday, Feb. 2, 2007

Zero Miles

Rest day - Rode bike to work, lazy otherwise.

Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007

7 Miles

This run made me feel pretty good about my conditioning at this point. I made this an interval run from my office in Government Center to my home in Arlington. The intervals ranged from a quarter mile to a mile, with an easier jog in between, or an occasional stop at a crosswalk. While I didn’t have a watch or GPS on me, I think I was doing the faster intervals at around a 7:00-7:15 pace. That might be a little optimistic, but it felt pretty good.

It feels like the cross-training with the Nautilus at Fitness First in Arlington is helping me. I feel like I’m less apt to get injured and generally stronger on my runs. Hopefully that will be the case for race day.

Wednesday, Jan 31, 2007

4 Miles

I’m starting to appreciate treadmill running more and more.

I got up early this morning, borrowed (stole) my wife’s I-Pod, and hit Fitness First in Arlington. I did 4 miles on the nice soft treadmill at an average 7:30 pace. The time went quickly and it seems like my body isn’t quite as beaten as it might feel if I were out on the roads.

Considering the likelihood that race day will be warm, I’m thinking that training in a 70 degree room might help me if race day is warm, yet again.

Being able to step off the treadmill and hit the Nautilus machines is good for me as well. After three weeks of weight training, I already feel stronger.

Tuesday, Jan 30, 2007

9 Miles

I’m not a very good runner in the morning, at least not at 5:30 am. I got up earlier than usual this morning because I wanted to get a slightly longer run in before work. It takes me a long time to get loosened up on early, cold days like this. It wasn’t until the 6th mile that I started to feel good in my stride.

I have no real injury complaints yet.

I’m running about 10 pounds heavier (195) than I’d like to be for race day. I guess I’m going to have to back off on the ice cream for a little while.

Monday, Jan 29, 2007

Zero Miles

Ah, the pleasure of the rest day.

Sunday, Jan 28, 2007

17 Miles

My Sunday mornings are always the same. It doesn’t matter whether I’m training for a marathon or not. Unless I’m sick, injured, or traveling, if it’s Sunday, I will be in Southie running with the L Street Running Club. L Street is a GREAT running club. At the peak of marathon training they can have as many as 350 people show up.

Today should have been a lower mileage week for me, considering how hard I ran last week. Late last week I got an e-mail from Julie Dimauro (see illustration below) asking if I wanted to run something longer than the scheduled club run. Because I am not smart, I said yes. Two other guys, Hassan Haydar and Ed Donovan, came along as well. All three of them are much faster than me, easily 3:15 marathoners, which made me very hesitant about the group. I started out thinking I’d try to hang on for as long as I could and then let them go.

We decided to do a run called the “Ed Dever - Hospital Hills” route, which is my favorite long run. At 17.6 miles it has several good hill climbs between miles 7 and 13. It was clear from the start, when they were all happily chatting and I was sucking air that I was in trouble. Somehow I managed to hang close to them until we got to the hills. They’re all tiny, skinny, and fit people so they sped up with hill, passing me like I’m a fat rhino.

In the end, we finished all spread out. They picked up the pace and had a strong finish. I took it easy for the last couple of miles, recognizing that I might be pushing my limits with this run anyway.

After working out some post run injury twinges (left ankle, left knee, and right foot) I seem to have come through it without causing too much damage.

Saturday, Jan 27, 2007

Zero Miles

Rest day spent at the Museum of Science with Gabriel.

Friday, Jan 26, 2007

4 Miles

I woke up at 5 am and considered doing my run outside. But when I saw David Brown (my marathon buddy from 2006) saying it was zero degrees, I quickly changed my plan. In past years I would have braved the cold as a matter of pride. This year, apparently, I have no pride.

Instead I ran down to my little club in Arlington Center and did a few miles on the treadmill followed by a Nautilus cycle.

I really don’t like treadmills, but it was made much more pleasant in that I stole my wife’s I-Pod and played her music through the workout. She’s much more of a head-banger than I am (my music is commonly described as “plinky”) and it rocked me through my workout. I think I may be stealing her music in the future whenever I get stuck on the hamster cage.

Thursday, Jan 25, 2007

7 Miles

Ran home from work (Government Center) to Arlington, which is a little less than 7 miles. The course takes me over the Longfellow Bridge, through Kendall and Porter Squares and them up Mass Ave into Arlington Center.

People tell me that I shouldn’t round up when I count mileage, but I do. It was 7 miles. I tried to do a couple of miles at a tempo pace. I don’t put a watch on when I run, so I don’t know my normal pace. It’s probably in the range of 8 minute miles. I think my tempo segments were around 7:15.

7 Miles

Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007

Today was an early morning run around Mystic Lake between Arlington and Winchester. I just started running here recently, but now find it one of my favorite runs. There are a couple of little rolling hills to break it up and it’s a pretty little lake at any time of the day. I should have run harder than I did, but I’ve got it in my head that this is supposed to be an easy week. So I didn’t push too hard.

Some of you may know that I’ve always run the marathon raising funds for Children’s Hospital. It’s been seven years doing this, and I feel like I’ve really had a great response from friends, family, co-workers and viewers in donating to my efforts. But after seven years I’ve decided it’s time to take the pressure off those people and come up with a new way to raise funds. This year I’m doing drawings (cartoons) in exchange for donations. I do these illustrations on the computer, in Photoshop, from photos and give them to people who make a $50 donation to the hospital in my name. You can see more, on a web site that I’ve put up. Below is an illustration I did from this weekends race in Derry, NH.

Illustration made from photo by Jim Rhoades

www.toonsformiracles.com

Tuesday, Jan 23, 2007

4 Miles

OK, I’m still tired and actually feeling quite old. This will be a low mileage week for me. I need to recover from last week, which was 43 miles capped off with a tough race in Derry.

This morning I got up early and hit my gym, Fitness First in Arlington. I did a relaxing 4 miles on the treadmill at about an 8:10 pace. The good thing about doing this workout is that I can watch Cindy Campbell doing her morning traffic reports. Normally I'm on the road and miss seeing her smiling face. After the treadmill, I hopped off and did a Nautilus circuit.

I’m going to make weekly cross-training a requirement this year. I’ve never been consistent about it in the past. But this year I’ve actually joined a club and will schedule it into my training once each week. Hopefully it will help. I’ve never had an impressive physique, I’m a bit on the scrawny side, but hopefully a little upper body strength will help me get up and down Heartbreak Hill.

There three things I’m going to really focus on this year:

1.Religiously stretching after each run. 2.Weekly cross training 3.Starting the race SLOW. I always go out too fast.

Monday, Jan 22, 2007

Derry, New Hampshire

16 Miles

The 12th running of the Boston Prep 16 miler.

I usually look at this race as being the first real test of marathon training. It’s a tough course and it really shows you how fit you are. If you have a good run here, then you should be well set for a good training season.

I have to admit, my attitude on the morning of the race was not good. It was about 10 degrees and windy, and I wasn’t really in the mood. I found a quiet place in the gym, off behind a tent, fretting about what clothes I should wear. It’s amazing how much mental energy is required just to figure out what the proper clothes are for a given run. For 16 miles, you don’t want to wear too much and end up carrying clothes along for much of the race. On the other hand, if you wear too little, you’re in for two hours of frigid running. I chose well, only taking off my gloves and hat after the first few miles.

Once the race started I took it out slowly, thinking of this as a training run rather than a race. I hadn’t even checked my times from previous years so that I wouldn’t be competing with myself, thinking about speed, mile splits, or anything too challenging. I really just wanted to do the distance and put the hills behind me. But as usually happens I ran a bit faster than I would have on a normal training run.

Ended up at 2:03:34, about a minute slower than last year. And I feel pretty beat up today, which I’m using as a rest day.

My first injury worry is my left knee, which seems to have some pain on the down hills. I’ll have to keep an eye on it.

Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007

So here we go again.

2007 Boston Marathon training is underway.

This will be my 7th Boston. It’s shocking to me that I can write that. When I was young, it never even crossed my mind that I’d do this race. In the eyes of young Larson, marathoners were crazy people. I remember watching the race in high school and actively ridiculing the runners.

Now, I can’t imagine not running the marathon. It’s in my blood. It’s inked onto my calendar. I’ve become a runner. If there are times during the year when I can’t meet with my friends on a Sunday morning for a long run, I feel a great sadness.

I always played sports, even running a year of track in high school, but I hated running. Sprinting or racing fast was cool. I even kind of enjoyed wind sprints, remember wind sprints? But when coach told us to hit the road for actual miles, I was the one who groaned loudest. I was the guy who cut corners and walked when no-one was looking.

When I grew up I became a smoker, often as much as two packs a day. After 10 years I managed to quit and put on an additional 35-40 pounds. I started to run to do something about the weight.

Now I and thousands of other New Englanders are ramping up for Patriot’s Day. We’re almost universally excited about the earlier start. And we’re bracing for the beginning of real winter weather.

I have two goals for 2007.

#1 – Run 3:30. #2 – Beat my nemesis, John Lally. That guy is really getting on my nerves.