BOSTON -- Storm Team 5 meteorologist David Brown is running the 110th Boston Marathon for the first time.

April 19

I guess this isn't really a training blog entry because this is the only entry NOT about the training. It is about the marathon. I'm not sure I can do my experience justice by what I'm going to say or to write. But let me first of all say that the training I had with FITCORP and John Furey worked.

I suppose it was blind faith (well really the Boston Medical Center signing us up for this particular training schedule) that had me on the right path. I did exactly what John told me to -- well documented on this site. I was ready physically for the marathon. I also took the advice that so many of you gave me. The simple advice of starting off slow. I truly did that. I also had the support of my family, my wonderful friends, tremendous co-workers and complete strangers. It was the support that gave me the mental fortitude to run the marathon.

My time was 4:19:17. While I never wanted to focus on time, I always said I wanted to beat Oprah's time. (Joking of course). I thought I could do a marathon averaging 10-minute miles. I had a watch with me that I used only to time each mile. I zeroed it after each mile just to keep in my mind that 10 -minute mile mark. I was pleased when I came under the 10-minute mile mark, but didn't sweat it when a mile timed out at 10:07. Because I started slow I never hit the wall. I felt strong throughout.

Let me continue the nuts and the bolts then I'll write about the Experience because that is truly what this was. Looking at my splits ever 5K was consistent. My 10k was 1:01:52. 20K--2:02:31 Half Marathon was 2:08:45 20K 3:03:56 and end time 4:19:17. That is pretty consistent. Besides the great advice of starting slow, or not starting too fast, Beth Pfeil -- our BMC team leader -- advised us to have a plan. It could be a simple plan of how to run and what to do. My plan involved taking water/Gatorade every 2 miles and GU every 4 miles.

At the 2-mile mark it was water, 4 mile mark GU/Gatorade. This continued throughout. I walked quickly through my water stops. I stopped briefly twice to pee and stopped for about 2 minutes with my wonderful family at the 18-mile mark. Other than that, I didn't need to stop or to walk at all.

OK, now lets back up to talk about the day. I arrived at 7:45 in front of the Lowe's Theater on the Common to meet up with team BMC to board the school buses. When I woke up I felt fine. A bit nervous, but truly ready to run my first Boston Marathon. The only thing that felt strange was a minor twinge in my lower back. It felt a bit like a strain -- no big deal. The knee felt OK.

We boarded the buses around 8:15 a.m. It was quite the amazing site to see all the runners boarding bus after bus after bus. The drive out was long. I tried to have a conversation with fellow runners the entire time as not to think about how far we were driving and realizing how far I had to run back.

We got to the athletes village at Hopkinton High School in about 45 minutes to an hour. We all unloaded and walked up to our spot on the grass. There were thousands of runners, obviously, and this was only half of them. They divided us into the two-wave start groups. The red numbers down Below, and the blue bib numbers up above. We had about 3 hours to wait just sitting with the team, chatting with team members and worrying about the run. The weather was cloudy, cool and from what people were saying, perfect weather for the run. It was funny -- being a weatherman and all and having the subject of the weather being the only thing that people talk to me about. Only eclipsed recently by the subject of the marathon.

The only distraction for me was an interview I had to do with Ed Harding at the starting line at 11:15 a.m. This meant that a golf cart from the BAA would pick me up and rescue me for a while from the boredom of athletes village.

At 11 a.m. I was driven to the starting line. This was about the same time the wheelchair division and the elite women were lining up. It was very impressive to see the group. I also saw the Hoyts. What else can be said about them. They are bigger then life. I did the interview and was driven back to the village.

It was getting close to noon, and I could hear over the loud speaker that the first wave was lining up and walking to the corrals. In about half an hour it would be our turn. The gun went off for the noon start and we started the walk from the lower village to the school buses to drop off our belongings to meet us at the finish line. From the school bus drop off we started the .7 mile walk to the starting line. Then something odd happened.

For whatever reason the second wave was not timed out correctly. Over the loud speaker there was a rush to the announcers voice of "hurry up, get going 2nd-wave." To make a long story short, they didn't bring the second wave up soon enough. The first 5,000 from the second wave had to sprint to the start line to make the 12:30 start, and while we were told it would take 10 minutes for all of us to cross, it was closer to 20-25. But we made it. Well at least to the starting line.

The excitement was palpable, and the initial descent was steeper than I thought. I can see how people would go out way too fast. The excitement of the start and the steep decline. This was going to be a tough course. I was so glad I had trained on most of it. The crowds were amazing, and we all started together. Beth, John, Katy, Kevin and Matt. (the Jordan guys -- Paul and John -- were in the 18,000 lot so there were already ahead of us).

There is a bar shortly passed the start that was rocking and a rolling. I could tell that they had been having fun, and their energy was being transformed to the runners. I could also tell that I had to pee.

OK David, continue running and see if you can dart into some woods. Soon Enough, I was doing just that. I lost the group but figured this would be a good time because they were running so slow. In no time I was back with the group.

Everything else initially was a blur, except my back. Yes Indeed, it WAS NOT going to have any knee pain, but the lower was hurting.

I was mystified. What had I done to aggravate it? I had no clue, but I was not going to let this get in the way. I had taken an 8 hour Tylenol slow release. I had more with me if need be.

After I while of running I was running with just Katie. We ran through Ashland and Framingham. One town at a time when we ran into Paul Noonan. He had started earlier, and it was great to see him. Katie, Paul and I all had our physical issue at one time or another. My knee, Katie's IT band, Paul's ankle. So it was great to see all of us doing well.

We got to Natick together. The crowds were great. The kids were fun to see. I was wearing a cell phone so Channel 5 could call me. The phone rang a couple of times, but no connection. This time I could hear a commercial and spoke with someone getting ready to be interviewed by Nat and Mike Lynch. It was fun. Not sure what they asked me, but said I was doing well. Gave a shout out to Katie's and Paul's family, and we were off.

Before we hit Wellesley, Paul said he was going to fall back a bit. So it was just Katie and me. We were doing just fine, weaving in and out around people, getting separated at times, but catching up. Getting close to Wellesley College at the 12-mile mark, it was time for me to take Gatorade and GU.

After the combo I felt great, almost on fire. I could hear the roar from Wellesley. It was exactly as I had been told -- deafening, exciting. The combination of the excitement and the GU I increased my speed without knowing it.

And accidentally left Katie behind. I ran on the right to experience the Wellesley students, and before I knew it, looking around, I couldn't see Katie anywhere. From here on out I was by myself.

The trip though the town of Wellesley was uneventful. Continue running. I wanted to get within the 128 belt. The legs felt fine. The lower back a bit weird, but running at a nice pace. The next piece of advice I remember involved the hill down to Newton. Take it slow, save some energy for the huge hill up and over 128.

People always talk about the initial Downhill, the incline of Heartbreak, but not this little stretch. I followed the advice. Slow downhill, feeling every step in the quads and run up the hill strong. I was so happy to be within 128. I was passing people, giving encouragement along the way. When I saw something that brought me to tears.

A man -- athlete in a wheelchair -- pushing himself up the hill backwards. He didn't have use of his hands, just his one foot. It was amazing. Other runners we going past him giving him encouragement. I did the same. Who was this man? What time had he started? He gave me the drive to continue.

Ran past the Woodland T stop. Everything from here on out would be VERY familiar. We ran this part of the course many, many times. Before the turn to Commonwealth Ave I was met by a HUGE BMC cheering section. It was great!!! Familiar territory from here on out.

Ran up the first little hill on Commonwealth and excited to see my family at Chestnut Street -- mile 18. I felt great. I heard drumming and I saw a bright yellow jacket worn by my friend Anne! She flew in from Milwaukee to watch me run. My family was there -- my kids, my cousin, his Family -- so many wonderful faces, so much support. It was just perfect. I stopped for a bit. Hugs, pictures and I got some more GU. Think about 2 minutes past, and I was off again. W anted to get Heartbreak Hill under my belt. No distractions, just run. Before I knew it, I was approaching Walnut Street. The statue of Johnny Kelley on my left, a hill in front of me. The next destination was Centre street Newton. I made it with the biggest hill yet to come. Only 1 more hill.

I focused on getting up it, running next to people and everyone giving each other encouragement. I had to chuckle. Somewhere up the hill there was beer stop. You heard me right. A running club giving little cups of beer! Oh my gosh, no way. I made it to the top of the hill and saw Mary Saladna from Channel 5. I felt great -- a little playful when she started the interview. Wait. Another familiar face. The Gryska family. Hugs and shout outs, and now an interview with Mary -- while running. I don't know what I said, but I felt fresh. Interview over, and I continue running toward BC college.

This was a strange stretch -- almost no man's land. Lots of people. Heartbreak Hill behind me -- not quite to Cleveland Circle. Lots of excitement. Got to Chestnut Avenue, round the bend to Beacon Street. I could see the Citgo sign. I felt close, but still miles to go. At least this was a fairly straight stretch.

Lots of noise from the crowd through Coolidge Corner and Washington Square. Very exciting. But to be honest, I was done with the crowd. The Noise, the cheers were sounding all the same. I was VERY HAPPY whenever I heard a GO DAVID. I had my name on my arms, my hat and my shirt. It was great to have a shout out. But I was just focused on getting the job done. I was getting close to the last hill -- the one over the turnpike. It was a tough one, but Kendall Square was so close. One more familiar face. My niece Amanda is a Freshman at BU. I heard my name. I looked and saw a sign saying GO DAVID. I looked at the face. It was Amanda. It was so great to see the final shout out before I made it to the end. I ran under Mass Ave, took the right on Hereford. The crowd was tremendous. Everyone saying you are almost there.

I turned left on Boylston and saw the sign. "Boston Marathon." It was so close. I was almost there. I teared up again.

I know -- very emotional. I started to run faster. but quickly pulled back.

I ran steady the entire time. I was not going to deviate from this at all. I kept running. I felt strong. I passed Mike Lynch. He gave me a smile and the thumbs up. Then it happened.

I CROSSED THE FINISH ILNE. I stopped my watch. 4:19:17 Wow. I did it. I ran my first Boston Marathon. I felt great -- keep moving though. Get some water, keep walking, get the blanket, keep walking, take the chip out of my shoe. GET THE MEDAL. Keep walking, get my bag at the school bus, keep walking, keep walking. Found Susan Wornick to get a hug. Keep walking.

I met my family at the Lenox Hotel. Keep walking, do a short interview with Mike Lynch. Keep walking. I walked to the car parked in the South End. I was glad to be on my feet and able to walk.

Home for dinner, and that's it. So this is it. A tremendous experience. A once in a lifetime? Well certainly for a first time. But I will do it again.

I have so much to be thankful. My wonderful family, terrific friends. Also thankful for all of you reading this, writing in and being apart of my life. I am a changed person, and I thank all of you for changing me.

Until Next Year,

David 21,626

April 18

Just a quick note to say more will follow either today or tomorrow.

Busy with out of town guests, recovering and a massage. But the day was amazing. Made all the more by the tremendous support.

Please check back later today or tomorrow for a FULL report.

David

April 14

OK. This may be the first training entry that I've done over the last several months that involves no training. The training is over. There is absolutely nothing more I can do to prepare myself for the race. Well, actually, I'm heading to the EXPO to pick up my number and chip on Saturday.

Good luck to everyone on Monday. The weather should be perfect -- clouds. Coolish, and temperatures in the 50s. My only concern would be a NE Wind 8 -18 mph at the finish. Maybe some drizzle as well. So spectators bundle up. Runners enjoy!

I could not be any more excited. Though I must say the true pleasure has been all the work to get to the starting line -- not the finish line. I have met some wonderful people through this adventure.

I'd like to share some quotes that fellow runner Ilana passed along to me. These thoughts will be running through my head as my feet are pounding the pavement.

"I know my body and can feel the benefits of tapering energizing my every cell."

"Some succeed because they are destined to, but most succeed because they are determined to." -- Source unknown

"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier." -- Colin Powell

"You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take." -- Wayne Gretzky

Good luck everyone and thank you for letting me share my thoughts along the way. I'll post a couple more POST MARATHON thoughts.

David 21626

April 13

It is so close. I'm about to crawl out of my skin I'm so excited. Today I ran 3 miles around JP pond. I ran it twice. It has been fun the last couple of runs to have my new GPS system on and to have my mind on that rather than complete anticipation of the race.

I have to thank my brother and Sister-in-law (Jim and Cheryl) for the new gadget. My brother took up running a little over a year ago and has done a couple of half marathons. Hey Jim, think about a marathon.

Anyway not much to the training today. I think I spend more time Stretching, foam rolling and icing afterwards than I did running. Knee still sore, but great to stretch and ice afterwards. Feeling pretty good this afternoon. I've made sure I'm eating LOTS of carbs this week and hydrating.

I have been drinking 32-64 ounces of Gatorade this week and 64 ounces of water. I'm sure you can imagine the number of trips to the restroom I've made the last couple of days.

To be honest, I'm more than ready. I've been looking at the long range weather charts for a long time, and it looks pretty good for Monday. Clouds and sun with temperatures in the 50s to near 60. Does it get any better than that. Now just trying to coordinate where the family watches and the logistics of how they get to the finish line.

A little reminder: If you are guessing my time, I should be around the 4:30 time frame -- at least that is my generic goal, give or take 30 minutes.

Later, David 21,626

April 10

For as much as I'd like the world to stop the week before the marathon ... life does have a way of moving forward.

Busy day Tuesday, even without having to work at channel 5. I was up early to go to a career day at The Pierce Middle School in Milton, Mass. If you're not familiar with how these work, members from the communty visit the school for several hours, speaking to classrooms about their jobs/occupations. It truly is a worthwhile way for kids at a crucial age can learn about different fields and life paths.

I spoke to all the 8th graders -- 14 year olds. Spent the greater part of the morning there. I mention this because I was amazed at the number of people that know I'm running the marathon. It is odd.

At various times the training, the working out, and particularly the running as been solitary. I can remember so many days and mornings during January and February when I was out there pounding the pavement completely by myself.

Sure, every Saturday it became a community with my long runs, but for the most part, the training has been by myself. That is, of course, until now. I have no idea what it is going to be like with all the crowds watching along the way. I'm expecting a tremendous feeling from it. It is strange to have a higher than normal awareness that I'm running the Marathon.

I hope this translates to a high awareness for the wonderful organization I'm running on behalf of -- the Boston Medical Center. If you have a second check out this website: www.kintera.org or check out the Boston Marathon's charity program Web site www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/Charity

There are great charities benefiting from the running of others.

OK, speaking of running, I went on a 5-mile run around Jamaica Plain pond. I have a new GPS device that I was just itching to use. It was fun keeping track of mileage and pace as I was running. While it was a good run I have come to the conclusion that I'm going to be running in pain. The knee, while better, is still bothersome. The pain is low, but I know I'll be feeling it every step of the 26.2 miles. This will become a mental challenge.

I was re-reading the Hal Higdon Marathon Guide book, focusing on the last couple of chapters. Hal writes that it is past the 20 miles when the mental strategies become most important. What do you do or plan to do to get through the last 6.2 miles or the last 10 K?

I'm just hoping that the adrenaline will get me through it. In the book, Melissa from Tampa, Fla., said, "It's too overwhelming to think of how many miles remain. I think minutes. When my body wants to walk, I tell it, 'Run for just 8 minutes.' That's about how long it takes to cover a mile. When those 8 minutes are up, I say, 'Eight minutes more."

I must say, I like that approach -- a little bargaining with the body can't be all that bad. I guess I'll find out what works on Monday.

Wednesday will be a light cross training, then outside again for 3 miles on Thursday.

April 7 and April 8

Well, here we go. Only one week left and I am ready. Not much more to do. Rest, drink lots of water, sleep and continue to eat healthy.

On Friday I did a nice, easy 5 miles. Ran around the pond, since my knee has hurt this has become my regular loop. It is close to home, flat and has a nice dirt path.

Saturday was my last long run. Eight miles from the Beacon Hill Fitcorp to Vinnie Testa's on Beacon Street in Brookline. It was a nice run on a cool, damp morning. I remember back to December when I first started. I was in Orlando visiting my friend, Suzanne, when I tried an 8-miler. I remember finishing there with such a feeling of accomplishment. I thought, "WOW. I actually ran eight miles." And on Saturday, it was the shortest distance. We ran as a group.

I must say, I truly wish my knee was 100 percent. I'm not worried about it, but just wished it felt good. Looking around me Saturday morning and listening to others, I know that everyone is dealing with a bit of pain here an ache there. I guess this goes with the territory. I ran pretty fast -- quicker than most of the people I was used to running with. I felt good just to run. I didn't overdo it. I just went out there. The ice and the stretch after the run are becoming a bigger part of the "run" than the "run."

I managed to get my last week of training workout from John Furey as well. I did 60 minutes on the elliptical Monday, 5 miles Tuesday, 45 Minutes on the elliptical Wednesday, 3 miles Thursday, 30 minutes elliptical Friday, 2 miles Saturday, and I was off on Sunday.

Of course, meeting with the PT Monday morning, then next Monday it is the 26.2 miles. Just another long run right?

Speaking about the marathon. There's no doubt you've seen the guess my time. I've said this before, I'm not doing this for time, but if I had to guess my time I think I'm somewhere in the 4 1/2 hour range. This is just a guess, though.

David #21,626

Wednesday, April 5

The training blogs are going to be short the next several days, just because the training is light. Today went to the gym for an equal amount of cardio and stretching. It is actually nice that the running/working out part has dwindled so I can spend more time on the stretching. I did 60 minute on the elliptical. Pretty straightforward, worked up a good sweat.

I did 5 minutes of easy "running" then 5 minutes of intense, resistance up high "running." It worked out really well -- on and off for 60 minutes.

After that, I spent about 30 minutes stretching/foam rolling. We all know that we could spend more time stretching, and I know that some of my ailments along the way can be traced back to not stretching enough. So it is nice in these final days to spend more time doing this.

On another note, you'll see on this Web site a section where you can guess my time. I have no problem with the guessing "David Brown's" time -- I'd like for you all to know that I'm not running this for a time. Since this is my first marathon, it will be my PR. However, I've stopped wearing a watch while I run because I found I was too focused on the time. I want to enjoy the day, the experience, the run without feeling the pressure of running the course in a set time. I do want to finish before 6 though. I'll be honest with all of you, I'm not a fast runner. I'll admit that. I'm probably a bit more speedy than a "penguin" -- but by not much. I do have a goal, nothing set in stone though. I would like to finish around 4:30. I would guess around that time if you are so inclined to enter the contest.

Tuesday April 4:

I've got a ton of things running through my head. There are weeks left, and I'm running my very first marathon freak out. Next week is going to be interesting.

All is well -- I suppose. I am tapering of course and listening to a lot of advice. Last night went to a talk for first time marathoners. Just a "what to expect" talk. I'm not going to get too stressed out about all that will go on. Drinking lots of Gatorade and water now. Although, I've been watching what I've been eating through this, I'm really watching everything I put in my mouth.

I'm a bit worried about catching a cold these last two weeks. Using a lot of Purell and loading up Airborne. I want to be completely healthy on the 17th -- funny that I usually get one really bad cold, sore throat or laryngitis each winter. I haven't yet this winter, so knock on wood that it doesn't get here in the next two weeks.

The talk covered everything from taking the buses out to Hopkinton to the start of the race, water stops along the race, finishing and getting back with family members after.

I've been thinking of this race for so many months that it will be odd actually participating. I'm ready. What is really hitting home is this is larger than just running. Listening to people's stories, reading e-mails from other runners and even reading the latest Runners World magazine you grasp how big the Boston Marathon is. The excitement, the tradition, the devotion that thousands of people have put into this over the century. To know that I'll be a part of the tradition in a very, very, very small way is humbling.

Today I ran 6 miles. Did the usual loop around JP pond and Willow Pond 3 times. The knee is still bothersome. Went to PT yesterday, and it really hurt. Felt like I was limping a bit yesterday. That every step hurt. This morning it felt better. I told myself if it didn't feel better when I ran, then I could call the physical therapist this afternoon. Well during the run it felt a lot better to get that blood flowing through it and in no time, I was just fine. Didn't want to push myself. I just wanted to do the mileage, finish the run and get home and ice and stretch.

Well, of course, it is never as easy as that. Got back to my car and realized I had a flat tire -- well almost flat. Got in and drove it to the Shell Station for a repair. Left my car and walked the 1/4 mile home. The icing and stretching was a bit delayed, but felt good anyway.

Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1

Well, I have my number -- I'm No. 21,626. A long way from No. 1, but a number that I'll be excited and proud to wear. A number that I'll never forget.

The training at this point seems to be straightforward. Easy miles during the week and a couple more "longer" runs. Thursday, March 30 did a nice 6-miler. Ran around JP Pond and Willow Pond a couple of times. What I'm liking about this route is the pavement, or actually, the lack thereof. Have found that I'm running on the dirt path surrounding the pavement for my knee. It is still sore, but not THAT painful. Did the miles, pretty plain and simple.

Saturday morning was the second to the last long run with the Fitcorp Training/ BMC group. I must say I am going to truly miss this part of the training. The other runners for charity, in particular my fellow BMCers are truly wonderful people. I feel like we've all come so far as a unit, have all been through so much and have so much to offer. A wonderful kinship has occurred. There is something about being around others while they achieve something remarkable is remarkable unto itself. I feel honored to have been through this with these folks. If you are running for charity, I know what you must be feeling at this point.

Saturday was a nice 12-miler. It just felt great. We met at One Beacon Street, ran out Beacon Street to the BC campus and back again. A route that we've done so many times -- I know every single brick, every pothole, every curb rise. I never would have guessed that I could knock out a quick 12 mile run. My knee still feels stiff at times, sore other times. The pain is gone, but the discomfort continues. It was a good run, lots of talk with fellow runners about the experience, the training and, of course, the actual run. When I got home after the run, the latest edition of Runners World was waiting for me. Lots of good stuff about the Boston Marathon. The training has become so personal that now, it feels odd to be part of something that will involve thousands of people.

Only two more weeks, not that many more miles. Monday will visit the physical therapist again and head out for a few miles.

Tuesday, March 28:

Let the Taper begin. Legs sore and stiff. My knee is a bit tired, but I am really ready to get out for a nice run. On Monday, I went to see Dave, my physical therapist, and he said the knee looks pretty good.

Taking the time off and cross-training really helped with the healing. He thought I should be OK. I need to be careful with it, but get ready to taper. John Furey agreed, and both of them suggested a couple of outside running days, not that many miles, and a longer run Saturday -- around 10-12 miles.

With that in mind and with great spring weather here, I was Ready, willing, and thankfully able to get outside. I decided to keep the run simple and flat. Jamaica Pond seemed like a great idea. The distance around the pond is about 1.5 miles. It's a great surface with a dirt running path around most of it as well.

John said 6 miles should do it, so four times around would suit me just fine. Funny, this would be my first normal training run outside in over two weeks. By normal I mean not the 21-miler, but just a simple, short and sweet outside run.

I must admit, I was a bit nervous. I was thrilled that this past Saturday went well, but I really didn't want to tip the scale and get injured again. I had to trust Dave the PT.

I got to the pond and was truly thrilled to be outside. The run started and I felt my legs. They were really tight around the quads, but they loosened up quickly. The four times around the pond just flew, so I threw in one more loop -- a total of 7.5 miles. Not too shabby. I really felt good -- almost like a new training had begun.

I guess with all the training that I've put into this thing the rest is downhill. Well, not literally downhill. I have to keep it flat for the knee.

Here is a great tapering article. It maps out what the next three weeks should look like. I feel ready now. One thing that Dave mentioned to me is that there really isn't anything else I can do the next three weeks to improve upon what I've already done.

The key is to maintain what I have, let heal what I've done to my body and don't hurt anything else. All good ideas to me.

Saturday, March 25

Wow, what a day. The much anticipated 21-miler. For such a long time this date loomed on my calendar. March 25. The longest run before the marathon. The most challenging run before the taper. For such a long time I had this date in the back of my mind. I have been worried about it lately because of my knee.

Let me say how proud I am of Team Boston Medical Center. I know that many of my teammates are struggling. Not with running, but with some of the aches and pains that go along with the run. Many of us decided to stay together as a pack, not to push ourselves other than undertaking the task of running 21 miles.

Without Team BMC I never would have made it today. I can happily say I completed the run. The knee was bothersome but never painful. I am so relieved. I felt every step, but it never got to the point that it caused me discomfort. Dave Baston, my PT guy, wanted me to stop if the knee forced me to limp. Thankfully, it never did. In fact for a while there was no pain at all. The only time I truly felt a sensation that approached pain was after I stopped and then started running again.

Here is how the day played out: School buses picked us up at the Fitcorp at One Beacon Street. We drove and got dropped off at the Harley Davidson dealership on Waverly Street in Framingham. We started to run the course back to OBS. (One Beacon Street ) I decided to take some advice from Jeff Larson -- think about only running to the next town. Luckily, we weren't in Framingham very long and Natick was right around the corner.

Natick was great. There were many water stops by different teams and running programs. Each water stop had a great cheerleading section. It felt great to feel the support from strangers along the way. I wonder what it will be like on Marathon Day. (Can't wait). In Natick Center, I was greeted by Donna, the director the Eyeopener newscast, one of my very favorites at Channel 5. She waved, cheered and let me know people were thinking of me on this long run.

Wellesley fast approached and my knee was feeling good. Ran past Wellesley College and kept going. What I noticed about Wellesley was how long it was. It seemed like an eternity of running through the toney burb. Knee still feeling fine. Newton sign finally came into view and the BIG hill up and over 128. I figured when we past the Woodland T stop we were half way there. Everything up to that point had been new, since we've never run that stretch of the course, it was unfamiliar from a runner's eye. So happy to pass the Woodland Stop.

Again hats off to TEAM BMC---coming around the corner to Commonwealth Avenue, workers from Boston Medical all lined up, cheering us along. Very nice!! It made the looming Heartbreak Hill manageable. The next 5 miles went by very nicely. Up the hills, down the hills, running through Newton. I think it was around Chestnut Hill Avenue coming down Beacon Street that I really started feeling it. Legs a bit stiff, lower back a bit sore, knee a bit achy, but motoring on! I was keeping focused on the run as we entered Brookline, making sure the knee didn't flare up. Feeling pretty good.

There were twp more spots I was dreading a bit -- the hill up and over the Turnpike. Ouch! There was a water stop right before it. I stopped for some Gatorade. Connected with Katy, John, Paul and Kevin, then started running again. Pain in the knee. I was feeling it, but kept running. In a few strides the pain stopped and we approached Kenmore Square. Only two miles. Not a big deal. Checked off the streets of the Back Bay with only Beacon Hill to run. I felt strong running up. Definitely tired and a bit achy. But ready for it to be over.

Some 3 1/2 hours later we arrived back at OBS. Feeling wonderful. Glad it was over. Now get me a bag of ice and start the stretch!

Thursday, March 23

Short training today. .John Furey has recommended just 30 minutes on the elliptical and no workout on Friday. Saturday is the long run -- 21 miles -- so treating it as a great dress rehearsal for the Big Day.

Had a good workout. Really pushed myself hard. Upped the resistance and really went hard. Afterward, spent a lot of time stretching and foam rolling. The knee does feel a lot better. I just want to get through Saturday and feel good running. To say I'm nervous is an understatement.

I've got to share a letter that I received here at work from Bob in Arlington. He has run many marathons. His fastest was 2:33 with a time of 2:34 in 1979 at the age of 40! Way to go Bob. He passed along some great tips:

- If it is hot, wear a cap and put ice you get from the crown underneath your hat. - Don't hang around in the sun any longer than you have to before the race. - Start Slow (this is the one piece of advice I'm getting a lot -- the downhill nature of the course and the adrenaline).

Bob did mention that at his best he was running 80 miles a week, but that 50-60 miles a week should get me through. If that is the case I'm in BIG trouble. I have never done that many miles. My most was 45 miles. I would have liked to have that many miles but it just wasn't possible physically.

Have you all been watching Jeff Larson's video blogs? I think they are GREAT. The last one had some good tips from the L Street Runners. One of my favorite suggestions was breaking the run up by towns. Think of yourself running just to the next town. The seven towns seem a lot more reasonable than 26.2 miles.

I've received many suggestions for my first run. I'll be passing them along to you. Thanks.

I'll keep this short. See many of you on Saturday. I'm getting dropped off at the Harley Davidson parking lot in Framingham then running to One Beacon Street.

Wednesday, March 22

Diagnosis Bursitis! At least I know why my knee has been bothering me.

On Tuesday I went to see Dave Baston, a physical therapist at Kennedy Brothers in Braintree. He also runs a training firm called Orthotrain (www.orthotrain.com). Dave was recommended by John Furey with Fitcorp. He was billed as the best therapist when it comes to runners.

The consultation involved a good look at my knees, some manipulation of both, and a lot of poking. Since I was having pain in an isolated area, Dave said I had bursitis. Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. Normally the bursa provides a slippery surface that has almost no friction. A problem arises when a bursa becomes inflamed. The bursa loses its gliding capabilities and becomes more and more irritated when it is moved. This has happened directly below my knee. Dave says the inflammation will go down. It doesn't look too bad. Just rest the knee. THAT'S EASIER SAID THAN DONE WHEN TRAINING FOR A MARATHON.

The short story is I'm not to run, ice the knee and take anti-inflammatories. Since I've been doing this for about 10 days, the inflammation has been going down nicely. Dave thinks I'll be OK for the 21-miler this Saturday and we can work a lot of cross training into my taper. Part of the plan for Saturday is to continue to listen to my body, take it slow and be prepared to bag the run at anytime the knee moves from discomfort to pain. Dave feels confident that I've trained enough to be able to run the marathon. The key is to feel good on April 17. I loved one of the things he said. The marathon is a lot easier to do if you are tired at mile 20. But the knee feels good rather than have the pain flair up at mile 4 and limp for 22.2 miles. Point well taken.

I feel confident that I'll be OK. Enough with the thoughts of injury. Enough with the thoughts of a damaged knee (he actually said both knees appeared very strong). Moving on to a great run this Saturday.

Today for training I went to the gym and hopped on the elliptical. I did a 5 minute warm up, went for a good stretch of the calves/ hamstring/quads/groin. Got back on the elliptical for a workout Dave suggested.

Went for 2 hours -- that's right -- 2 hours on the elliptical. Not the most exciting workout, but tried to keep it fresh. Went for 2 minutes of intense movement, similar to running up a hill. Then 3 minutes of Slow, like coming down a hill. I did these intervals for 60 minutes. I then hopped on a slightly different elliptical and went for another 60 minutes. Same drill. Two intense minutes, 3 easier. Felt great, no problems with the knee and nice to work a good sweat for a long period of time. Spent about 20 minutes after with stretching and foam rolling. There is no question my cardio is all set. Lets just have the body follow suit. John Furey has suggested lighter workouts for Thursday and Friday, lots of carbo-loading and plenty of fluids. I really want to get this Saturday's run behind me, if for nothing else but a confidence booster.

Sunday and Monday, March 19 and 20

Wow. Four weeks left. Seems so odd to be so close, and yet, so far. Knee continues to be a problem. I'm seeing a physical therapist on Tuesday.

Sunday was a simple day -- 60 minutes on the elliptical. Feels great to work up a sweat, though I really miss running. I just seems odd to be so close to race day and NOT be outside running. I know that getting to the finish line means getting to the START line healthy.

The knee doesn't hurt nearly as much as it did just a few days ago, still feels a bit sore. It is all about the RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. In this quick fix culture we live in, I want a quick fix and I want it now.

Monday I suited up in my running clothes and spent the day doing on of these TV things that at times feels a bit odd. I shot what is called "promos." You see them on TV as the advertisements for the station serving as a promotional tool for the marathon. Jeff Larson and I spent the day running up and down Heartbreak Hill reading lines from a script. I think the promos will turn out well, but it does feel odd at times reading lines, running, looking at a camera in the back of a car, and trying to sound "natural."

There were a couple of highlights. First of all, Jeff has run five marathons, getting ready for his sixth. He truly has been an inspiration for me. Not only this year, but in previous years. He has raised so much money for Children's Hospital and has had so many experiences wrapped up in training and running. He has given me wonderful advice over the last several months. During the day he gave me tons of advice -- not only for the knee, but for the running of the race. Thanks Jeff!

The other highlight was just a tremendous experience. Spending some time with Boston Billy Rodgers. Talk about a wealth of information presented from one of the nicest, truly humble funny guys. He is in a couple of the spots. One piece of advice he gave me for my knee is listen to my body -- if I can't do the 21-miler with the group this Saturday, I could do it by myself a couple of days later. I never even thought about that. Great to have options.

Feel confident about the knee getting better and staying strong. Off to the physical therapist.

Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18

Well I guess no one said this was going to be easy, fun or a walk in the park. This is tough! Not so fast for me in getting back on the road for a run.

After work on Friday, I went to JP pond for a short run. John Furey told me to run for about 10 minutes to see if my knee would feel better. I got outside, all excited. It was great to be back in my running clothes. Started slow, at a nice easy pace. The knee pain was still there, not horrible. But I felt a sharpness by my lower knee cap. I went once around the pond, about 1.5 miles, in about 13 minutes. On a level from 1 to 10, the pain was a definite 5. Sharp and clear. I got home, and called John. Wanted to map out a strategy. John connected me to a physical therapist that is supposed to be excellent for runners. Dave Baston with Kennedy Brothers in Braintree. I spoke with him as well, and made an appointment for Monday late afternoon. Both John and Dave thought it best not to run with the Fitcorp group on Saturday morning. (An 8- to 10-miler.) Dave thought I should stay in the gym and cross train. He recommended I switch off between the elliptical and the treadmill.

Saturday morning went to the gym early (same time as I normally would for my morning long run.) Started with 20 minutes on the elliptical. Nice slow, steady warm up. While on the elliptical I could see out the windows of the gym, out over the Common and over towards Beacon Street. I saw the Fitcorp group run down the hill en masse. Not pleased to be inside watching all of them running. But pleased that I was at the gym and working towards my goal. After 20 on the elliptical, I went over to the treadmill. Starting run, I felt a bit in the knee. But rather than a pain that might register a 5, registered a 1 or a 2.

I ran for 50 minutes for 5 miles. After treadmill went back to the elliptical for 20 minutes then back to the treadmill for 50 minutes and 5 miles, back to the elliptical for 20 and back to the treadmill for 3.1 miles. Add it all up and I got 13.1 miles in (treadmill), and 60 minutes on the elliptical. I felt great, exhausted, tired, excited and pleased. Had a good stretch, foam rolling then home for ice. The knee feels much better. Looking forward to seeing the physical therapist, and truly looking forward to next Saturday for the 21-miler.

So there it is, not quite ready for the road, but ready to run. Ready to heal and looking forward to 4 weeks from Monday. Can't believe it is right around the corner.

Thursday, March 16

I'm smiling today. Had a very good cross training day. I went to the gym and banged out 90 minutes on the elliptical. The good new is my knee doesn't hurt when I'm on the elliptical.

I went on for a long time and at a pretty vigorous clip -- a real good sweat. Now, we'll see if I can do a short run on Friday and the normal 10-miler on Saturday. (I have scheduled a physical therapy evaluation for next Wednesday just in case, but I'm feeling optimistic that is a result of overuse and not an injury).

I've received some great tips from all of you so thank you. Many of you say take it slow coming back (I will). My shoes may need to be replaced (I just bought a new pair) and listen to my body (I will). I'll keep you posted over the weekend.

Another topic I'd like to bring up is fundraising. I'll just mention it today, but I'd like some input. I figure that some of you are running for charity. As I've said before, I'm running for The Boston Medical Center. Besides the training, we have to raise a set dollar amount. My question to you all is how are you doing with the fundraising? And in particular how many times do you ask certain people?

Are there people you thought would have stepped up to the plate that haven't yet? Are you softly reminding certain co-workers or taking a calmer approach? I'd like some input so I can write a blog on just raising the funds also subtited, "So I sponsored all of your charity walks and bought your kids wrapping paper/ Girl Scout cookies, but you haven't ponied up yet for my marathon run." :-)

You can e-mail me at runningweatherman@yahoo.com

Wednesday, March 15

Well, this truly has become a journey. A travel over the long haul. And this is just to get to the start line.

It has been a slow week. The knee still feels uncomfortable but I'm no longer in pain. I haven't done much this week except cross train.

Today (Wednesday) I was roped into an hour of yoga. I'm very happy that I did. It felt great just to quiet down, turn off my brain, not think about the knee. I haven't done yoga that much but it was great. I was focused on the yoga music, focused on the movements and focused on visualizing a srong knee.

After yoga, did the elliptical for an hour. Worked up a great sweat. Will go to the gym again on Thursday but stay off the knee as a runner.

I have to thank many of you for emailing me at runningweatherman@yahoo.com

The best advice has been to take it slow. Many runners have said that I've done enough running mileage to do the marathon. Stay in shape by cross training but stay off the knee in the short term. Ice Ice Ice. Listen to my body and let it heal. So thanks Peter, Sue and Susan. Feeling connected to many of you through this blog is great.

Will keep you all posted. Haven't decided if I'm going to do a long run this Saturday. The goal is to feel better by a week from Saturday for the 21 miler.

Friday to Sunday, March 10-12:

This really has been a long couple of days. First, let me say I didn't run the Run To Remember half marathon. Congrats to all who did. I just got off the phone with one of my Boston Medical Center teammates, Kevin, and he did the race in 1:57.

Way to go! Great job all of you. Now, let me wallow in my self-pity -- only for a minute, only for this blog, and that's it. The knee is the problem. On Friday, it started to swell, so I went to an orthopedist. Got my knee x-rayed. Looks good. The doctor simply said that it has been overused -- runner's knee so to speak. I got a cortisone shot, and was told under no circumstances was I to run over the weekend. That meant missing the half marathon.

I must say I felt good knowing that I was sore and not completely injured. But bummed that I had to sit out. I don't like not accomplishing something that I have my mind set on. I guess if I "Big Picture" it the true accomplishment is five weeks from Monday, and not the 1half marathon.

So, here I sit writing this blog while my left leg is extended in front of me with an ice pack on it (3 times a day). On Saturday, spoke with trainer John Furey and he said get back on the elliptical and stay away from running for a couple of days to see how the knee feels. Hoping for the best.

Since writing about my sore knee on Friday, I have received many great e-mails. A veteran of 11 marathons, Ruane, from Waltham, let me know that everyone at this point of the training has discomfort. Some have pain. But to stay determined, flexible and patient. Others, like Ilana, have reminded me that the body wants to heal, so take a couple of days off and let it heal. So I will.

The huge disappointment is that not only to I want to run so I continue training for the marathon, but I just want to run. I haven't been able to do the one thing that I am getting so much pleasure from. It has only been three days of not being able to run, but I miss it. I miss the person I am getting to know on my runs -- and that is me.

So my goal this week is to take it easy. Rest. Ice. Some cross-training. I have 2 weeks before the 21-miler. I'll be healthy for that. I can't wait. Thanks for letting me wallow, and here is where it will stay. With the written word on the blog. Did anyone see Oprah last week? The Hoyts were on. How do they do it? Seriously, how do they do it? Talk about letting the body do what the mind, soul and spirit directs it to.

Wednesday and Thursday, March 8 and 9:

Sitting here at work on a Friday morning, feeling a little tired and a little depressed. Tired because I've worked the early morning shifts the last two days -- on limited sleep. And a little depressed feeling the pain in my left knee. I've had this ache for a while that has been manageable. It has always gone away during a run (though I've worn a knee strap for about 3 weeks). That was until last night. I went for a run and every foot strike sent a pain pounding through the knee. Getting ahead of myself, let me go back to Wednesday.

Wednesday was the hill run. I headed over the Common for my once a week hill repeat workout. I'm sure this is reading like an installment from Groundhog's Day the movie. It is Wednesday. It must be hill repeat day. You're right on all accounts. I'm up to 8 repeats. Once around the Common/Public Garden to start, then 8 repeats. This is a nice, short workout, and I feel like it has benefited my strength. The knee ached a bit, but never escalated to a out right pain. Did the entire work out in about 57 minutes and felt great about it.

Thursday was a different day. I worked the early morning shift, which meant up at 2:45 a.m., at work by 3:30. Worked through the noon show, and had a meeting with the station's promotion department about their plans to use Jeff Larson (Smartroutes and five-time Boston runner) and me in the stations on air pre-marathon promotions. Home to play with the kids for the afternoon then out for a run by 6:15 p.m. I was all suited up ready to go when the phone rang, and it was work asking if I'd work today. I entertained the idea of bagging the run completely since I had to wake up at 2:45 a.m. again, but thought I'd rally through it. Not the best of ideas. I ran about 5 miles and felt EVERY SINGLE step. Home for a quick shower and ice on the knee. Then bed.

So, here I sit on a cloudy, but warm Friday morning -- two days before a half marathon and my very first race, and I might not run it. Our trainer John said I should ice 3 times today, ice tomorrow, and go for a short 10-minute run in the afternoon to see how it feels. If it feels bad then, bag the 1/2 marathon and change my weekly workout schedule.

You can understand my disappointment. Although I just got a great e-mail from a fellow runner. Ilana has been e-mailing me since I've been doing this blog, and she gave me a nice little pep talk. I truly appreciate it Ilana. She mentioned that each marathon she's trained for she has had to take some time off during training to rest. As long as I can make it to marathon day healthy, I'm not going to worry about how I'm going to get there. So thanks Ilana.

To the rest of you, hope to see you Sunday morning. If not, see you on the roads and definitely April 17.

Monday and Tuesday, March 6 and 7

What a bright and sunny day for a Monday. Had a long weekend of work. Seemed almost non-stop. But good to get outside, run, and turn off my brain for a bit. The only problem is when I start running, my brain far from shuts off. I wanted to go on a fairly long run. Decided on a 9- miler and went through the Arboretum to the Pond, past Willow Pond to Route 9, then circled back to the Pond back to the Arboretum and back home. A nice loop.

Whenever I run through the Arboretum I look up and see the Faulkner Hospital. I'm always taken back to almost 10 years ago. I see myself in my hospital bed. I remember lying there and looking out at the Arboretum, just looking at the vastness of the area. I live a lot in my own mind, whether I'm in the present, past or the future. I live a lot in my head. That has been one of the best things about training -- is having the opportunity to live in my body, in my aching legs, back, knees, and shoulders.

Anyway, while running today I looked up at my hospital room. Although it was 10 years ago I can still pick out the exact room. I have many memories of my stay at Faulkner. (If you don't know why I was there, check out my first entry). I remember waking up for the first time after two days of being unconscious. Looking up at a roomful of strangers in white masks covering mouths and noses, I thought I recognized one of the faces. I was really only remembering the eyes of a person I thought to be my doctor. He noticed that I had awakened for the first time and walked over to me. My eyes met his and I said to him, "Doctor, will I still be able to run the marathon?"

He said, "David, it is less than two weeks away. I don't think you'll by physically well enough to run. I'm sorry. How long have you been training?"

I chucked to myself and said, "Doctor, I haven't been Planning, training, or running. I'm just kidding."

Dr. Beauregard didn't know my sense of humor at that time. All he had known was that three days earlier someone stumbled into the emergency room at the hospital and almost died of meningitis.

All I really wanted was to be well enough to get back to work, to run the marathon, to see my first one. And now to think that 10 years later I'm truly training and almost ready for the run. Almost. I have a long way to go.

The Monday run went well. I'm still hurting in the knee. The pain or discomfort feels a bit more today and I know why. I ran too hard on Saturday. David be careful.

I finished the run. Felt strong. Realized I needed to ice, ice, ice and stretch. The rest of the day was spent playing with the kids.

Tuesday was a cross training day. I went to the gym and was on the elliptical for 60 minutes. Streching, foaming, rolling to follow.

A couple of weeks ago a woman I have met through my Saturday morning training gave me a copy of an article entitle 26 tips for running your best 26.2. It was written by Scott Douglas. With one month to go, Scott suggests a few tips.

1) Select your shoes and socks that you'll wear in the marathon.
2) Do a half marathon.
3) Add speed to your longest long run.
4) Mimic the course.
5) Drink on the run.

I am planning on all the above. This Sunday I'll be running my very first race EVER. Boston's Run to Remember, a half- marathon. So, this week while training I'm thinking of that.

Thanks for all of you for sending me email, giving me suggestions and making me copies of articles. I do feel a part of a wonderful group.

Friday and Saturday, March 3, 4:

First of all, let me apologize to the people on the Green line D Train to Riverside. It was around 11 a.m., and I was riding from Park Street station to the Woodland stop after a 10.5-mile run. That's right. After my run, I'm sure I was not the cleanest person to sit next to. So if you sat next to a sweaty guy in a yellow jacket, that was me, and I'm sorry.

OK, let me back up a bit since that is off my chest. Friday was a cross-training day. Headed to the gym, stretched, foam rolled and did the elliptical for 60 minutes. Pretty basic, but nice to be inside. This has been a pretty quiet week and didn't want to hit the road again before the Saturday long run.

Today, (I'm writing this at work on Saturday night) has been a long day. The alarm clock went off at 3:30 a.m., in the shower and off to work. I anchored the Saturday morning news from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. I was back timing the entire morning. If I got off the air exactly at 8 a.m., taped a tease to be played during the day for tomorrow's Eyeopener, then quickly changed into my running clothes.

I could be at the Woodland stop to meet up with my running team for our 10.5-miler back into Boston. If you follow my schedule with any regularity, you'll note that every other week we do the Woodland stop back to One Beacon Street run. This takes us from the base of Heartbreak Hill all the way back to town. Great run. All the while I was anchoring I was thinking to myself, 'have I had enough to eat? How are my fluids? Will I be too tired to actually run?' And then of course, I have to keep my energy up to do my regular weather shift from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Luckily, the run didn't start until the other runners made it from Park Street to Woodland at around 8:45 a.m.

I met up with the folks that were running today, and off we went. It was a much smaller crowd. I think because last week we did 18, next week is the half marathon Run to Remember. Most folks thought they could do a 10.5 on their own today without having to get up so early on a Saturday morning. I started running with the people that I usually run with, until the second or third hill. I felt strong, and took off a bit. I'll be the first to tell you all that I'm not that fast. My intent is not to worry about a time for the marathon. I don't want to get all focused on the ticking time, on the sweeping second hand and not enjoy the experience of actually running in the Boston Marathon.

With that said I was running pretty fast -- for me. In fact this was the fastest I've done this 10.5-miler. I guess you would hope that by this stage of training the ease of which you run and the speed would improve. I felt really good. Up and over the hills at a good pace, down toward Chestnut Hill Avenue feeling strong and all the way through Cleveland Circle, Washington Square, Coolidge Corner and back into Boston.

I stopped for water at the Holiday Inn and chatted briefly with our trainer John Furey. He is responsible for hundreds of runners, but I always get the feeling from him that he truly cares about all of us individually. He'll ask how I'm doing, offer advice and nags me about icing. He is simply the best. I continued on towards Boston and up the small hill over the Mass Pike. OK, I started feeling it. had I run too fast for the first 8 miles? Perhaps. Was I going to struggle the last 2.5 miles. Hope not. For a little hill, this is really a bugger. Through Kenmore Square. I'm OK -- just 2 more miles...and the dreaded streets of the Back Bay. Then it hit me. Not the mileage, not the speed, but the wind. The wind blowing between the side alleys was just brutal this morning. It was quick. It was harsh, and it was raw. About a mile more, over Berkeley, Arlington, to Charles. Come on legs, just get up Beacon Hill. Steady, past the group of people smoking. I let out a huge cough -- not because I really needed to, I just felt like saying I hated running through other peoples' smoke. Past the Statehouse and to One Beacon Street. I was tired. I was spent. This was one of the first times that I really couldn't run anymore. In a strange way, it actually felt great to have used all the energy I had.

Inside for a stretch then back outside to Park Street Station for the cold, long ride back to Woodland where my car was parked. I hoped the train wouldn't be crowded as I didn't want to subject anyone to having to sit next to smelly David the running weatherman.

Now, here I sit two hours until news time (on the air at 11 p.m.) and really just wanting to be in bed. Soon enough. Sunday is an off day, but I am working from 9 a.m. until midnight. Long enough.

Thursday, March 2:

Back to the road and back to the under armor. COLD DAY for a 9-miler. I did the Arboretum to JP Pond, down around Willow Pond, to Route 9, back up to JP, over to Pond Street, UP THE BIG HILL of Moss Hill over by Allandale Farm, and back home again. This was a good run.

I find I have a pretty steady pace when I'm running alone. It is hard for me, though to really gage if I'm going along well or not. I have found I much prefer running with people. When I continue my training after the marathon, I've decided I'm going to join a running club. This is a good run because it has some good hills -- both around Willow Pond and then the big one -- up Moss Hill.

Thursday night I went to a seminar presented by the B.A.A for charity runners. It talked us through April 17, discussed some medical issues and a few training tips. The big medical issue that was talked about over hydration or hyponatremia. Too much fluid intake. Kind of a scary thought. I'm not going to write anything about it, just because I don't know that much other than what was presented last night. Do some research on it, and knowing how much to drink or not to drink will let you have a successful run. The other thing that was discussed was a few training tips. The one thing I took away from it was I needed to have more training on the downhill. I've run plenty of up hills -- from my own training to the Saturday long runs, but I might need a bit more on the downhill.

That's about it. There are some other issues I'd like to get into, but this entry is long enough.

Wednesday, March 1:

Being Wednesday, I decided to make this my cross-training day. Back to the gym, but rather than weights did the elliptical for 90 minutes. Really worked up a great sweat. Stretched and foamed rolled. I can really tell that this foam roller is helping because when I foam roll my IT bands the pain is not nearly as intense. If you've foamed rolled that area you know what I'm talking about.

Today, it became official. I received my confirmation card in the mail from the BAA. I am accepted into the 110th B.A.A. Boston Marathon on Monday April 17, 2006. Amazing.

Tuesday, Feb 28:
Sorry about not writing more this week, I think my fingers were frozen from Monday's run in 8-degree temperatures. They are just thawing out today. Actually, it has been a very good week of running. Mileage has been up there. Pains have been minimal, and I had an excellent hill workout.

Tuesday Feb. 28. I double dipped today. Went to the gym in the morning for stretching and a leg weight workout. I haven't done that much with leg weight training. Not that I am starting from scratch either. About once a week, I try to hit the leg machines at the gym and do more core strengthening. I spent about an hour from stretching on the floor to core exercises. Then I hit some of the weight machines. I worked on the quads, calves and glutes.

The entire time, I knew that later that Day, Tuesday night, I'd be running the Hill repeats with the Fitcorp training team. We met at the Fitcorp at 6:30 p.m.

I have been doing this workout on my own during the week, so it was nice to do it with the group. We ran from OBS around the Common Garden to the bottom of Beacon Hill. Then started the repeats. Up the hill at a good pace then down slower. We are up to 8 repeats. I really like this workout, and I really liked it with the group. Beth, Katie, and assorted others were there, and they really pushed me. In fact, I found by the 6th, 7th, 8th ups, I was sprinting towards the top to challenge myself with another runner.

This has brought me to a conclusion that I knew about myself, but never really wanted to address. I am COMPETITIVE. It's not that I want to win or be the best. But I don't want to lose or be the worst. I have to realize that I can't be competitive on race day. I was talking with Beth about it. She reminded me that on race day it is "your" race, and no one else's. While it is good to be able to pace with someone, don't let someone else's race become yours. I have thought a lot about the race, visualized running it and crossing the finish line, so hopefully, I won't get all caught up in the excitement and enthusiasm and go out to fast.

Competitive David won't finish the race. The hill workout was great. I feel Strong, and that night I felt VERY fast. After the 8 repeats, we ran back around the Garden/Common to headed on our merry way. I'm going to try to do more of the group repeats. It's a great workout.

Monday, Feb. 27:

This might have been one of my favorite days running. At least a great day for a shorter run -- excluding the group Saturday runs. In a twisted "me against the elements kind of way," today was a winner. Wasn't it great to get outside on the coldest morning of the year. The coldest since January 2005!!!

Air temperature in the single numbers with wind chills of about 15 to 20 below zero. I don't like the cold. But there was something about today. Was I still feeing wonderful from Saturdays 18-miler? Perhaps. Was I feeling great because I wasn't feeling crappy, like after the 16-miler, Maybe. I think I felt great because it was just so harsh outside.

I was layered, covered, clothed to the max. I even wore the under guard layered running clothes my folks got me for Christmas. I have steered clear of wearing this because I don't like anything that tight or that clingy to run in. But this was needed this morning.

There was something about being the ONLY runner I saw this morning -- the only person in the Arboretum. Granted it was about 9 a.m. so most of you diehards had already run and were at work. But there was something great about running in weather that most thought was crazy.

With this said, it was also just a good run. I felt great. I ran a bit more than 7.5 miles from my house through the Arboretum, to JP Pond, over to Perkins to Walnut Street, up to Brookline Reservoir, over to the Country Club and back home again. It is a great run. From the solitude of the Arboretum to the congestion of the J way. The worst part had to be the Pond. The wind off of it was truly brutal. Glad to get around that, over to the hill on Walnut Street, back to the solitude o Lee Street to Clyde street. I felt really good. The knee pain has been helped in such a short period by the strap, and my lower back is not hurting. I'm very pleased.

Tomorrow will be a gym workout. I want to spend a lot of time stretching and back to some weights, then tomorrow night will be the hill workout. Looking forward to that.

I must thank you guys for the great emails to runningweatherman@yahoo.com It has been nice getting to know many of you through this. The support has been wonderful.

Saturday, Feb. 25:

Well, I did it! Actually most of us did it. What a great feeling to not only finish a long run but to feel a part of a great group of people finishing what is , for many, the longest run ever. We ran 18 miles -- actually about 18.4 miles. We started at One Beacon Street, out Beacon to Newton Center, right on Chestnut Street, right on Comm Ave, up Heartbreak Hill, right on Chestnut Hill Ave and left on Beacon back to One Beacon Street.

I started out at a nice pace. I ran with Kevin and Matt again. About 3 miles in at the Holiday Inn, had to pop inside for a restroom break. Funny, I'm thinking about this more and more. Restroom breaks along the racecourse. I know I'm going to be a nervous wreck the morning of the marathon, and it'll take about 30 minutes of running to relax so I'm sure a porta-potty stop (or 2 ) will be in my future. Oh well.

Now back to the run. It is a great course -- mainly uphill to start. The first real hill is Beacon Street past Cleveland Circle, running past BC. That is a tough hill. It is the first big one, and seems very long. I felt strong going up it. The water stop at the top of the hill was a welcome sight, but I was anxious to keep going. Get my Gatorade, and get back to running. I think I'm going to have to practice running and drinking. I don't want to actually stop like I have been doing. Running through Newton Center was fine, however it seemed like such a long stretch between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street. A right on Chestnut, then a right on Comm Ave. Commonwealth Avenue is becoming very familiar. This is now my Saturday tradition -- a tradition I'm now sharing with hundreds of people.

The journey up Heartbreak was made a lot easier by the Boston Medical Center team. I tried to keep up with a couple of people, and was really focused on every step. I wanted to know what it felt like to actually run up the hill. I remember a young woman on the side of the hill doing repeats -- just watching her sprint up the hill and slowly run down had me focusing on my run. It was a great incentive. It wasn't, though until Chestnut Hill Avenue that I really gathered my stride and my strength. I just took off. I don't know what it was. Could have been the triple berry GU, but whatever it was I was focused on running. At the Holiday Inn water stop (with 3 miles to go) I ran into John Furey, our trainer. I told him I was feeling great! A much better feeling that what I had been feeling periodically the last 2 weeks. Minor discomfort, but no pain.

I trusted my body and believed in the training that I've been doing. The least favorite part of the run has to be from Kenmore Square back to One Beacon Street. Its not that we've already run about 16 miles. It is the actual course. I hate running on the sidewalks on that stretch, and I dislike the blocks in the Back Bay. Nothing against the actual street. It is the psychology of the street countdown. Charlesgate, Mass Ave, Hereford, Gloucester, Fairfield, Exeter, Dartmouth, Clarendon, Berkeley, Arlington, Charles Street. David, keep your head down. Don't look at the street signs, and you won't know how many more you have left.

Then THE HILL. OMG. The Beacon Hill HILL. Now that is Heartbreak Hill after 18 miles.

By the time I hit the Back Bay, I was running with just Matt, and at one point, he asked if I wanted to slow down a bit because I was foaming at the mouth. I looked like one of those runners I used to look at from inside my car. I would see these runners that looked like hell and say to myself that I would never run. How could enjoy something and look like THAT. Well, that was me!!! We made it up the hill and back to Fitcorp.

What a feeling. If you've run this far for the very first time you know what I mean. It was truly exhilarating. Quite an accomplishment. And to think that just about three and a half months ago I could only run 5 miles. WOW.

A long way to go, though. But this is the first time that I truly know I can do it. Keep training. Keep focused, and keep myself open to the experience. Because this truly is an experience. Now I have to look forward to my Monday Morning run in the FREEZING COLD WINTER AIR. Ain't life wonderful??

Thursday and Friday, Feb. 22-23:

I had a couple of lighter runs the last two days, again, gearing up for Saturday's 18-miler. Once again getting ready to run the longest I've ever run. Good luck to the Marathon Strides against MS. Tomorrow they are running 20 miles, so look out for their red training jackets. Thanks Jan for the heads up.

It looks like tomorrow we'll share some of the run together. We'll start at the Fitcorp on Beacon Hill, run up Beacon Street through Newton to Chestnut Street, over to Comm Ave., up Heartbreak Hill and back to 1 Beacon St. It's about 18.49 miles according to runthere.com.

The last couple of days, I've wanted to ease off on the mileage a bit with lots of stretching and foam rolling. Thursday I ran 6 miles and today I ran 4.5. Both trips took me around JP pond. On Thursday, I started around JP Pond, around Willow Pond, down to Route 9, back up to JP Pond. I did this twice for a total of 6. My Knee and lower back still bothering me a bit.

Think this will carry with me through the Marathon, so it's all about pain management. Not overwhelming, though. Do you all have similar pains? I have a brace for my knee, and I'm stretching a lot for my lower back (sciatic). Any and all suggestions would be wonderful. Send them to runningweatherman@yahoo.com.

Today was nice. I did three loops around JP pond. What I noticed is that when I ran on the dirt path that goes along the paved path, everything felt much better. Boy was it cold, though! Coming around the boathouse and feeling the wind off the pond was just brutal! Oh well, this hasn't been a bad winter right? Three loops are about 4.5 miles. I feel good going into tomorrow. I need to stop by Marathon Sports and pick up a couple more packets of GU. I've ordered some online but they haven't arrived yet.

Not much else to add, just need to carbo load all day. Shouldn't be a problem. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, Feb. 22:

Sitting here enjoying my post run power shake and looking forward to a massage later this afternoon. Today was the hill work out. If you are familiar with what I'm doing, you'll note that on Wednesdays I do this hill repeat workout.

I start at the base of Beacon Hill and run up the Hill at the corner of Charles and Beacon streets. I stay on the Common side and run almost all the way to the top. I started with five repeats over a month ago -- five ups and five downs. Every other week increase that by one. Today I did 8. I actually start with about a 5-minute run warm up, good Stretch, hills, 5-minute run cool down and stretch. This is a nice workout. Although, I have increased the numbers this isn't as tough as it was just a couple of weeks ago.

I feel stronger. The knee ache and lower Backache are still there, but never really beyond an ache -- never a full fledged pain. This entire workout takes about an hour. I spent almost that much time once home stretching, foam rolling, and today, icing. All in all, a good workout. I figure this is about 5 miles, so the tally this week so far 19 miles.

Remember, I want to stay just shy of 40 miles, and I have 18 miles on Saturday.

I wanted to share my post run power shake. My own creation, but it was run past a nutritionist. I start with about a cup and half of skim milk, one yogurt (blueberry for me), a scoop of whey protein from Trader Joes, 1 cup of frozen blue berries, one banana, teaspoon of flax oil and two egg whites. Blend and drink. This also acts as my lunch.

Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 20 & 21

This is another twofer -- Monday and Tuesday all rolled into one. This is a big week, actually the week isn't, it is what will happen on Saturday. Saturday we'll run 18 miles. OK, not thinking about the actual mileage. It will just be another long run with an extra packet of GU. I want this week to be a bit different than the week that lead up to the 16- mile run. That week I felt great, put in a lot of miles, ran well on the 16, then felt horrible the following Monday thru Thursday. I've determined that I really shouldn't run more than 40 miles in any given week. I've run up to the 40 mile mark, but that was the only week that I crossed over. In the book that I've just read, "Marathon" by Hal Higdon, it mentioned that everyone has a mileage threshold. You pass that and you PAY. I think I have found mine. With that in mind, I'll be back-timing so to speak all week.

Monday and Tuesday I felt like running with lots of stretching and foam rolling. Monday I did a "3 S" run -- short, sweet and simple. Only 5 miles. Today I ran 9. ( If you are keeping track, that is already 14 miles and with Saturday's 18 all set, I only have 8 more to play with.) I am feeling good this week, the pain from last Thursday is long gone. I did take John Furey's suggestion and buy a knee support for my left knee (I sense another one being bought shortly for the right knee). The minor ache that I had in the knee is gone, it felt just fine on the run. Is this physical or psychological? Don't know, don't care, it is working. The support is basically a one-inch wide strap that is placed underneath the kneecap bought at CVS. The one pain that I feel not only during the run, but during the day is a true pain in the butt. No, I really mean it. It is a pain in my butt. When speaking with John Furey, I found it is actually coming from the hip/lower back. He gave me some stretching and strengthening to do to hopefully alleviate the pain. I really feel it if I'm sitting for a long time, or in the car -- not pleasant, I must say.

During my run this morning, my mind was wandering. Running such long distances gives one a chance to really think. I think about BIG issues and SMALL ones. But today I realized that I've thought about everything there really is to think about, there is nothing left. I've even through the major plot twists and characters in LOST. I have run about 250 miles so far in training -- now that is a lot of time to think. A lot of time to get lost in thought. I have already solved all the Red Sox line up/pitching problems. I have taken PI way out past 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974944592. I have even solved NBC's Thursday Night Must See TV problem. There is nothing left for me to think about. But I'll keep on running, less that 2 months to go. Just amazing.

Tomorrow is my hill workout -- looking forward to that. Until then.

Saturday, Feb. 18

I feel totally back on track and I'm very happy about that! I'm sitting here at work (on my dinner break, bean counters)and thankful to have today's long run under my belt. Sure it was "just" a 10.5 miler, but after the last five days I'm glad to be running without pain. A quick review: the last entry had me running slow, stopping and belly aching about too many aches and pains. I took Friday off of running. Of course life does go on when I'm not hitting the pavement. I actually helped a friend move which is as taxing a workout as one can get. But I digress.

I made an appointment with John Furey, Fitcorp's marathon trainer, and I'm glad I did. Long story short, I did too many miles the previous week and my body was telling me so. John gave me a few more exercises for shin splints, a couple of exercises for my knees (he also told me about a strap to put around my knee) and reinforced my need to foam roll my IT band. I must say I was getting a bit lazy in that department. I was doing all the mileage, but I was getting lazy on the stretching, the core training and the foam rolling. John reminded me that I was doing everything right, but needed to be more mindful of the other part of training. He also reminded me that this was indeed Marathon training (duh) but that it was difficult, that it was going to involve some pain, and the key was to work through it and not let it become an injury.

The actual run this morning was good, a very cold/blustery morning. Now this is the kind of morning that I think about when I think of training for the marathon during a New England winter. (can I say that I'm glad this has been a mild winter?) The gang from The Boston Medical Center all took the T out to Woodland and ran the course back to One Beacon Street. This was the first run that we stayed together most of the way back to town. Along the way I found that most of us were hurting in one shape or form. Some have been going to physical therapy for a couple of ailments -- a couple were working through some injuries and several of us were just the walking (or shall I say the running) injured.

I got some great advice from Katie. She mentioned that after each run she would take a cold-water bath. Now that was a great idea. (I'll come back to this in a minute.)

The run is becoming VERY familiar. This is about the fourth time we've done this run. The purpose of it is to familiarize us with Heartbreak Hill. Every time I run it I think how different this will be on April 17. The weather will be different, the mood obviously will be different, the crowds will be in place and we will be different.

I can't imagine doing these hills after already doing about 17 miles, but that will be soon enough. Today the run was good. No pain, a little discomfort in my lower back and my knees, but no big deal.

I got home already ready and pumped to take Katie's suggestions. I was going to take a cold-water bath, and ALL my pain would go away. I filled the tub a little bit, and I got in. OK, I didn't completely get in. I stood in the tub and said there is NO way I'm going to sit down. Guys you know what I'm talking about. I drained the tub and thought it would be easier sitting down and than filling the tub. So I did that. I sat down, and turned on the faucet. The water started to lift towards my leg, up the thigh and then hit the under side of my. DANG that IS COLD. There is NO way I'm going to sit in tub of cold water. I don't care how sore I am and how good this will be for my muscles. Katie, good for you, but I'm not doing this to myself or any part of my body. No way.

OK, enough of that. The good part of the run was knowing that I was not falling apart. I need to stay focused and on target and keep with the program. All parts of the program. As Jan said in her e-mail to me, "The race isn't always to the swift, but to those who keep on running." I will keep on running. For sure.

Monday, Feb 13:

What a day. Cold, bright and just beautiful from the 17.9 inches of snow that fell on Sunday. What a weekend it was. From the 16-mile run on Saturday to literally getting to work at 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon and not leaving until midnight on Sunday. I love blizzards, and I love working through them. The challenge of the forecasting and the marathon effort of reporting as the storm unfolds.

Today back to the training. So where are my Yaktrax? My house has turned into a house of clutter, and I can't find my Yaktrax. Of course the only morning that I REALLY need them I can't find them for the life of me. I'm on the tail end of a house remodeling project. (it will be a year march 1 since the beginning) All that is left to do is paint four rooms including the kitchen. It should have been done by now. I waited until after the summer to start. But then all of a sudden, I started training and everything went on the back burner. Hmmmm perhaps that is where my Yaktrax are -- on the back burner. NOPE. Not there.

Went on the run without them, did about 9 miles -- the loop from my House, through the Arboretum, past JP and Willow Ponds, back up to JP Pond, up over Moss Hill and back to the pad. This was a S-L-O-W run.

After Saturday's 16-niler, my legs were not moving that fast. Plus, I was running back and forth between street and then some sidewalks, around snow piles, leaping over huge puddles from some of the melting snow.

At times I felt like I was on an obstacle Course running around and over objects. My legs were tired, and my knees sore. I will have to ice them more I've decided. Decided about a one-fourth of the way through today's run that this was not going to be one for the record books, and that it would be a slow one. I enjoy the scenery. Look at the Arboretum all covered in snow, enjoy watching the cross-country skiers and the snowshoers, and listen to the kids laughing and hollering as they were sledding. I truly love the day after a fresh snow, and since my legs weren't going to carry me fast, I was going to enjoy being outside.

I got home, stretched and iced my left knee. I am paranoid about getting injured. I completely feel like the deck is stacked against me, but I will take all the precautions so it won't happen.

I'm going to be out of town for two days, so no blog for a couple days. I hope to get some running in while away. We'll see.

Friday, Feb 10, and Saturday, Feb. 11:

OK, here is another twofer. I apologize for this, but I'm looking down the barrel of a foot and a half of snow. You know us weather geeks -- all excited when the weather really turns nasty! I hope you got your long runs in on Saturday. You DON'T want to run on Sunday.

I'm sitting here in the weather office at Channel 5 feeling pretty good. Not only about the forecast (I love snow) but also about my 16-mile run today. Again, this was a first. The longest I've gone. But let me start with Friday. Good day today. A bit different. Knowing that Saturday was going to be a 16-miler and knowing that I already have 25 miles under my belt for the week, I didn't want to run. So instead I took a Yoga class.

I remember sitting in the injury prevention seminar and hearing that men need don't stretch enough. I've taken yoga before -- not a lot, but I'm familiar with the basic moves and how they are done. I haven't taken a class since last spring, and I was very tight. However, many of the moves felt great, particularly downward dog. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up, but every once in a while, I'll try to squeeze in a class. Funny how I got home from the gym and my new Runners World arrived with a great article on yoga. Check it out.

Watched the Olympics on Friday night to get in the right frame of mind for Saturday's 16-miler. Had my usual oatmeal, banana and water in the morning and was off. I can't tell you how much I enjoy running with the group. The folks running with the Boston Medical Center are simply the best.

This morning was sunny and cold. A perfect running day. We set off right at 8 from One Beacon Street and were well on our way up Beacon Street towards Newton. In front of Party Favors on Beacon, Beth (our mother hen from BMC) suggested an interesting blog conversation. Smells along the long run. I have to tell you the cake smell wafting from Party Favors was incredible. It was completely ruined a half block later as we ran through secondhand smoke. I hate that. So much for the great smells along the long run, and Vinny Testas wasn't even open for the smell of Italian food.

OK, back to the run. It was good. I felt great, and all of us made it. I must say my legs were tired for the last two miles. Our course led us up Beacon, right on Walnut in Newton, right on Comm Ave, up Heartbreak Hill, right on Chestnut Hill Ave and left on Beacon back to Fitcorp. Though the legs were tired and a bit sore, I felt good running up Beacon Hill. I guess my question is: Is it normal to feel tired during a run like this? Heavy legs, tight quads, a bit sore in the knees and hip. Is this normal? Sitting here writing this some nine hours later, my legs feel fine. Looking forward to getting back out there -- though not tomorrow.

The landscape for my Monday run will be completely different. I haven't run in snow for what appears to be an eternity. Looking forward to it.

Take care shoveling tomorrow. Don't want to get injured.

Thursday, Feb. 9:

This is going to be a twofer. I know, it might seem lazy, but my workout yesterday and today were very similar. (here is a little head's up -- keep up to date with the forecast for this weekend. If you plan on your long run this weekend Saturday could be the better of the two days. If some of the forecast models verify Sunday could be a snowy, snowy day.)

Both today and yesterday were running days. Yesterday was my 7.5 mile loop through the arboretum, JP Pond to the Brookline reservoir and back home. And today was an 8.6-mile loop to the pond, down the JWAY, to Route 9 and back to the pond through the arboretum and back home.

I'll be honest with you in that yesterday's workout deviated from what I suppose to do. Wednesday is usually my hill workout. But yesterday, it just wasn't going to happen.

I have been lucky with having the time to train. However, yesterday was a day of running around more than usual. I had a school visit with 140 sixth-graders in Roslindale speaking about the weather. And my son's basketball was in the late afternoon, so I really only had a 90-minute chunk of time to get in the hills, and it wasn't going to happen.

So I ran 7.5 miles instead. I made a mistake yesterday. I didn't eat enough in the morning. I had only a Cliff bar in the morning and another after my school visit.

During my run, I started to crash. I began to feel very hungry. During the last half I scolded myself for not following the nutritional advice I had been given.

Today was a nice long run as well. This morning I was not looking forward to my run. I just didn't want to go outside in the cold, but I got to tell you, once I got outside it was just great. The sun is bright, and the wind was light, and everything just looked beautiful. The best part was going from the Jamaica Way into the arboretum. There is something inviting about running in such a congested area -- then just a few hundred yards away is complete and utter quiet. Solitude. I felt great all the way. A little twinge in the knee here and a bit of a strain on the calf there, but overall, I felt very strong.

This really is a big week. So far, I've done about 25 miles, and I have a 16-miler on Saturday. This will be the MOST miles I've run in the week. Over 40!! I am very happy about that.

I commented the other day on some music that I listen to on my iPod. Rick from the Cape said that he loves a song called "Pipeline" from about 40 years ago. Hmmm...will have to sample it before I make it part of my playlist, but thanks for the suggestions. Anything to keep me going.

Speaking of going, I got to run myself. Tomorrow will be a low-key workout in preparation for the long, long one on Saturday. Again, keep up with the forecast for the weekend. The winter is FAR from over!!

Monday, Feb. 6:
Some days are going to be work out days and some days are going to be better blog days. Today, will be short on both counts.

I have a lot going on for the next couple of weeks. Today was a gym workout. Lots of stretching, foam rolling, weight workout and 60 minutes on the elliptical. I find when I go to the gym my mind is not as present or wonders as much as when I'm on the road. I got to the gym and stretched, foam rolled for 20 minutes. It felt great. My legs have been feeling great lately. I'm hoping that 2 weeks ago when they were feeling tired was an anomaly. I have been feeling great lately.

After the stretch I went on the elliptical for 60 minutes. Talk about a great cardio workout. While working out I was thinking of music. The iPod and the accessibility of music has changed working out among other things. Are there favorite songs that move you? Motivate you? I like anything with a fast pace -- big on the remix. One of my favorites to end a run or a work out is Sting's "Let your Soul be your Pilot" -- the Remix of course. Wonderful lyrics. Great beat. Any music that moves you? Let me know runningweatherman@yahoo.com.

The song reminds me of following your soul -- a great compass when it comes to training for the marathon. I love some of the advice and suggestions you all are giving me.

For example, Ilana e-mailed me saying "I think that is one of the coolest things about running is that it is pretty accessible. You don't have to be a super athlete to run a marathon, you just have to keep going and build from one mile to two miles etc... For me, it is a reminder that I can reach my goals. That's a big piece of running marathons, so far, for me."

I love what she says, in that running doesn't take much. Just the conviction and perseverance. One step at a time.

Scott e-mailed me saying, "Not sure who wrote this, but it kind of goes with what they say about running a marathon. Running a marathon is not hard, it's the training that's hard. It's not always about achieving the goal, but the trip to the goal."

Very true Scott. He also e-mailed me some other very practical advice about the marathon (he has done 10) that I'll share at a later date.

Big day tomorrow, work a school visit and a hill work out. The 16 -miler is looming.

Saturday, Feb. 3:

The long run. I guess long is subjective. Today is the 10.5 mile day. Who would have thought that 10.5 miles , though a long run day, would feel short? The training that I'm doing, and the training schedule Fitcorp has us doing 10.5 miles every other week. Three weeks ago we did 12 miles. Last Saturday was almost 15 miles. Next Saturday will be 16 miles. So today was a "short" day.

We meet at Fitcorp on Beacon Hill and, enmass, hit the Park Street Station around 8 a.m. I do feel sorry for the other riders on what they thought would be a quiet Saturday morning. We get to the Woodland stop around 8:40 a.m. and start the course back to the Fitcorp. This route starts on Washington Street (Route 16) then 1/2 mile later turns up Commonwealth Avenue for the journey up Heartbreak Hill.

I have a couple of thoughts about this. First of all after running for several weeks on the Carriage Road on Commonwealth Avenue I've come to the conclusion that there is nothing COMMON about this road except a tremendous amount of WEALTH. I love running here because of all the other people running here. Some are running up Heartbreak Hill while others are running down. I just love the large numbers of people. (Though the woman driving her 493 horsepowered twin-turbocharged V-12 2006 SL600 Roadster Mercedes was not that thrilled to see all of us).

The group from Boston Medical Center is small enough that many of us run together, or we are of similar pace that we see each other often on the route. Today I ran with Kevin and Heather again. Great people to keep pace with. The Jordan guys were with us as well. John and Paul from Jordan Furniture.

It is just fun to run with people, can't explain it other than that. Not a lot of talking or chit chatting but just great to keep pace with others in a similar circumstance. OK, I'm digressing. This was a good run. I felt great and the others around me did as well. Other good things about the group runs are the water stops, the chance to share running stories, and the chance to truly get the big questions answered. Like what is your favorite GU flavor.

The entire run was at a pretty good pace. I felt good throughout -- the usual soreness and stiffness. Is it normal to feel stiff and tight towards the end of the run? I felt very tight. Still enjoying the run, but ready for it to be over. I was ready for a good long stretch.

OK, here is to a full day off of running.

Friday, Feb. 3:

Let me just start by saying I'm glad it is pouring today. The last thing I want to do is run outside. I had such a great run yesterday and tomorrow is the long run, so I just don't want to connect my foot to the pavement today. With that said, I don't want to get in the car either and drive to the gym, park the car, and work out. Friday is usually a cross training day -- the elliptical, some strength training -- and basic farting around in the gym hoping I become strong.

Let me back up a couple of hours. My daugther was asked this morning by a friend what her parents did for work. I am assuming the friend actually knew what we did, but it can be amusing when it is heard from the mouth of an almost 3-year-old. Abby (my daughter) immediately said her Mama was a lawyer, and then with a bit of a pause said her Daddy ran the marathon. So this is what my quest has boiled down to. I am now the professional marathoner.

To give my daughter some credit, this is all I've been about lately. How can she not think this is what I do for a living? She hears me talking about running all the time. She is set with her markers (the ones she'll officially be able to use when she is 3 because we told her a 2-year-old can't use markers because they draw on everything) to draw a huge sign to hold up when she stands on Heartbreak Hill waiting for me to run (waddle or limp) on by.

She sees me dressed in my running clothes A LOT more than my suit and tie for work. In her mind, barometric pressure is related to intensity of the soul of the foot striking the ground rather than the weight of the air in our atmosphere. (Though to give professional marathoners credit, I think they are looked higher upon locally than some meteorologists LOL).

I am consumed by this and I know it will continue for 72 more days. Getting ready for the run, running the run, talking about my run, thinking about tomorrow's run, loving the run, complaining about the run, finding others to talk about my run, feeling the run, day dreaming about the perfect run, is all that I've been thinking about. OK, I do think about what I'm going to eat so I can run better. Is this just because this is my first? Or will this be my life?

OK. Training for today consisted of running for 60 minutes in the basement on the treadmill. That's it. I stretched for a little bit. No cross training, no weight lifting. NOTHING!! I have a house to clean, I have a house to paint, I need to go food shopping, I have to pick up my son from school. I took my son and a friend out for lunch at Johnny's Diner. I got to see my daughter in a tutu after her first ballet class. I do have a life. I don't have time to train all the time. :-) Plus, I have to go to bed early tonight because I have a long run tomorrow.

Thursday, Feb. 2:

Well, it is Feb. 2, Groundhog Day. My least favorite day as a meteorologist. Why do so many people invest themselves in what a rodent has to say about the weather and criticize academically trained meteorologists?

OK, call me insecure. It is a great movie. Groundhog Day. Something nice about having the time over and over again to get something right. In Bill Murray's case the chance to live over and over again the worst day of his life until he learns to become a better person. Winning over Andie MacDowell isn't too shabby.

As I was on my run I had a couple of thoughts. The obvious was the connection between running and routine.

First of all, let me tell you about my run. The same one as my Monday run. 7.59 from my house through the Arboretum, to JP Pond, up to the Brookline Reservoir and back to my house. It was a beautiful morning. Aren't you glad when you see things running that you wouldn't normally see?

I live in West Roxbury near the VFW Parkway and the West Rox Parkway. As I was running on the West Rox Parkway near this wooded area, I saw two deer. I know they weren't groundhogs, but wildlife none the less. I've seen deer in this area before, but it is heartwarming each and every time.

While in the Arboretum I was thinking of the change that I'm going to be seeing over the next six weeks. Changes in me -- training and in the blooming over the entire area. I'm excited for both.

The run was great. I tried varying my pace during this one. I have a tendency to be steady, running the same pace throughout. Today, I tried really pushing myself from time to time, then holding back a bit. It was a good run.

I'm trying NOT to think about time. A lot of people are asking me what I think my time will be.(Remember, I just want to beat Oprah's time, and if I don't no big deal.) I don't want to be thinking about how fast I run. I just want to run.

With that said, I had one of my fastest runs. I don't care about my time -- though I'm curious as all hell as to how fast I run.

This was the second time I did this particular course -- one I mapped out on www.myrun.com It really is a great one, but I don't want it to become boring.

This takes me back to the Groundhog Day correlation. I don't want my workouts, whether runs or gyms workouts, to become monotonous. In addition to training, I'm, like many of you, reading a lot. Reading online information, reading Runner's World magazine and I'm reading "Marathon The Ultimate Training Guide" by Hal Higdon. Since I'm new to all of this, I would be the last person to ask for ways NOT to make training seem like Groundhog Day.

I would love some advice. Click here to e-mail me. I've been working out for almost 20 years -- gym kind of stuff -- so I know the importance of mixing it up. What I can offer are some great Web sites that I've found interesting. If not to actually change a workout, but to change the way I look at working out.

Check out www.jeffgalloway.com. I could get lost in this site with so much information. I'll share others along the way and share ones that you all share with me.

Friday is an easy workout because Saturday is the long run.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

February 1 (rabbit, rabbit, rabbit) Today's workout has become one of my favorites, and one of the most challenging.

It is a Hill work out up Beacon Hill. I warm up with a 2-mile easy run around the Common/Garden. I mapped out the distance, and once around both is about 1.48 miles. I start at the intersection of Avery/ Tremont near the Lowes Theater and run one and a half times around to the corner of Charles and Beacon street. From here, I stretch for a while, and then I start the hill workout. It involves running up the common pathway paralleling Beacon Street. It is about .2 miles from the base of the hill to where I turn around. I run up almost as fast as I can, then run down at a slow pace.

Two weeks ago, I started with five of these, and today I'm up to six.

Every other week, I'll increase by one hill to peak at 10. This really is an exhausting workout. I finish with stretching and another one and a half times around the Common/Garden until I'm back to Avery/Tremont streets.

I figure that I have a nice 3-mile run then add the hills, which today would be about 2.4 miles. The entire workout took about 1 hour and 10 minutes for me.

Since I've been doing this, (now about 3 weeks) I definitely feel my legs are stronger. Plus, it is nice to get into town and run around the Common/Garden. It is fun to be in a different environment from time to time.

My Saturday morning running group does this Tuesday evenings. I think I'll join then in a few weeks.

I have some great e-mails from you all. Please feel free to write to runningweatherman@yahoo.com .

I couple of you have asked some great questions. I'll either find the answers or share the questions in this space. A couple of topics I thought would fun to have an ongoing dialogue about. Nutrition. In particular what do you eat the morning of your long runs? What do you like to eat after a run?

I'll share my homemade recipe for my Protein Power Shake. Also, I thought it would be fun to share pet peeves, although I've only been running for four months I'm starting to get a list. At this early point, the No. 1 pet peeve of mine is dogs off leashes that chase runners. (There's nothing like being chased with 1 mile to go in a 10.5 mile run). Also, what are some great Web sites? I'm getting a great list. One of my favorites is www.coolrunning.com I keep the log of my runs and miles there. Also, there are some great articles and interviews about this year's marathon.

If you'd like to add to these topics, e-mail me. Also, if there are topics you'd like to start, let me know as well.

Tuesday, Jan. 31

This will be a short blog, but as I look out the window at the snow I have a few thoughts. I love the snow. My philosophy is bring it on when it comes to winter weather in New England. I love skiing -- both downhill and cross-country, so the more snow the better. With that said, I am so happy this has been a relatively mild and snow-less winter for my first go around training.

There have been a few very cold mornings that I've been out running and I could tell drivers thought: I was crazy. I must say, I got quite a bit of enjoyment out of that. But I have enjoyed running, particularly the long Saturday runs under mild skies. As part of my getting ready for training in December, I bought a pair of Yaktrax.

People swear by them, and I have used them on occasion. But I'm glad I haven't used them that much.

Today was an inside cross-training day for me. Pretty basic gym workout. I started with a 1 mile warm up on the treadmill. Followed by stretching, using the foam roller. I then used the Lifecycle for 60 minutes. (I thought I would mix it up a bit rather than using the elliptical all the time cross-training days.) After working up a good sweat, I stretched a bit more, did some core strengthening exercises that John taught me and did some weights, focusing on my legs. I was in and out in a couple of hours.

Looking forward to being back outside tomorrow. The highlight of the day was not gym time, but a scheduled massage.

I thought I should treat myself to one every now and again.

Monday, Jan. 30

Let me first of all say thanks to everyone who has sent me well wished to runningweatherman@yahoo.com. This has solidified a thought I have developed since I began training -- runners and those associated with running are simply the nicest people. If you ever start to adopt the attitude that people are too busy and wrapped up in their own lives (and who of us hasn't thought that ) to look at others in the eye when you pass by or share a smile and a nod of the head, then get dressed up in your winter running gear, head outside and go for a run.

I guarantee you that when you pass another running you will get a smile and nod of the head and a genuine wave.

Some of those that have e-mailed wanted some more information on the injury prevention seminar I attended. Check out the Fitcorp Marathon training Web site. They have some of the highlights.

On the left hand side of the page is the information bar. Others have asked about nutrition or suggested I look into nutrition. About a month ago, I met with the Fitcorp nutritionist Valerie Machinst. She was great. I shared with her my daily diet, and we came up with an over diet plan. I had to get over the thought that carbs were bad! It was well worth the $30 investment.

OK, what did I do for training today? I ran 7.5 miles. It was, of course, cool and damp but I felt great out there. The 14-miler from Saturday has given me a lot of confidence, and a 7.5-miler seemed very easy.

I went to this Web site it maps out runs for you tracking mileage. I mapped out a new course for myself. It is great to be able to walk out the front door and have so many options that include wonderful spots.

I left the house, went down the West Rox Parkway and through Arnold Arboretum. From there ran over to the JP pond, around the pond, which was not as beautiful as on a clear, bright day -- but great nonetheless. I felt sorry for all the people stuck in their cars in the JWAY. I ran over to Perkins Street and up on Chestnut Street to Walnut street in Brookline.

This is where my hill is. I ran up on Walnut over by Olmsted's house to the Brookline Reservoir, up Lee to Clyde Streets pass the Country Club and back home. I tipped my hat to Olmsted as I ran by his house.

How lucky are we to be in a city with the series of parks and open spaces. In fact, as I was running through the Arnold Arboretum I counted only a handful of people walking, running and walking dogs. What a great place.

OK, back to the run. It was great. The heavy sore legs I had a week ago seem to be gone. I don't want to taunt the running gods, but what a difference a week makes. Tuesday is my gym workout, and I am doing something self indulgent in the afternoon. A massage. Can't wait. Until then, have a great day.

Saturday, Jan. 28:

Wow, I did it. I ran 14.7 miles this morning. The best part of training for the Boston Marathon (really any marathon) for the very first time is the number of firsts that I've had. Just in the last four months, I had my first 8 , 10, 12 mile and now my first 14 mile run. To be honest, I was worried about it. Last week was a tough running week. I just felt tired. On Friday, I made sure I had a light work out. I made my favorite pasta dish for dinnerm Amatriciana, and went to bed early. I felt good when I woke up and great for the run.

Over the last couple of days, I shared my concerns with trainer, John Furey, and although he is training dozens and dozens (could it be hundreds) through Fitcorp, he made a point of checking in with me this morning and telling me I was going to have a great run.

I was doing everything that needed to be done to get where I wanted to be. Although temps in the afternoon were forecasted to be in the 50s, this morning was cold and gray. (I can't tell you how many people joked with me about the weather, "when is it going to warm up?" was the common phrase.

The run took us from One Beacon Street, to be referred to now as OBS, up Beacon all the way to Center Street in Newton Center, over to Comm Ave, up Heartbreak Hill, over to Chestnut Hill Ave, back to Beacon street and home to OBS. Even the final hill up Beacon Hill felt good -- thanks to the hill workout that I'm doing now. My legs felt tired, at times, but never felt like they were going to give out. I truly felt terrific along the way.

After the run I made sure I stretched for a good 20 minutes, and now later that same day, I feel like I could run some more.

The best part of the these runs are the people that you meet, run with and bond with. The people running for the Boston Medical Center are really terrific. I have ended up running with a guy named Kevin, and today a woman named Heather paced with us. Although we all had iPods, it is still terrific running with people and checking in to see how they are doing. Plus, there is something gratifying in running along side someone 15 to 20 years younger. (Yes, Heather that is in reference to you.)

If you want to check out a good Web site by the Fitcorp trainers, click here.

Also, I'd like to thank you all who have dropped me a line at runningweatherman@yahoo.com. I'll include any items that you all think will help me or others train. I'll take every and all suggestions. Janet sent me this link to a great article by Hal Higdon. I'm actually reading his marathon book, so I was particularly interested in this article.

I'm already looking forward to the 16 mile run in two weeks. Until then, I'll keep you all up to date on what I'm doing.

Friday, Jan. 27:

Friday is my usual light work out because Saturday is the long run.

Though I was aching to get outside in the brilliant January sunshine, I stuck with my program.

I went to the gym for 60 minutes on the elliptical, not working out terribly hard, but breaking a sweat nonetheless.

I started with light stretching, then 60 minutes on the elliptical. Since I had extra time today, I really spent a lot of time stretching afterwards.

At the injury prevention seminar at the beginning of my training the physical therapist said that stretching is one of the best ways NOT to get injured. Particularly true for men. I stretched for a long time focusing on my Hamstrings, lower back, hip region, quads and Achilles tendons.

After a long stretch I used the foam roller. I also have one at home I got from this Web site. You can pick one up anywhere though.

This has been a lighter than usual week for my mileage. I've run 15 miles this week and 14 to go tomorrow on the long run. We all leave Fitcorp on Beacon street, run up Beacon to Newton Center, cut over to Commonwealth Ave, back to Beacon and back to the Fitcorp on Beacon Hill.

I must say I'm a bit nervous, as this will be my longest run to date. (I've done a number of 12-milers).

I'll write more about the long run tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Cross Training. This is my cross-training day. Funny how I feel a little like I'm cheating on this day. But I know my body needs the change. Today, I did a slower than usual workout. I did about 45 minutes on the elliptical. My legs have been feeling fatigued this week -- just a little in pain from time to time. I e-mailed John Furey, and he suggested I take a couple of easy days being Thursday and Friday before this Saturday's 14 -miler. I stretched a bit before, did the 45 minutes, then stretched a lot after.

I've been using the foam roller a lot as well. If you haven't tried one on your next visit to the check have a trainer show you what to do. It really helps out my legs.

Cross-training took on extra meaning this week because of the weather. It isn't always possible to train outside, plus, it is nice to mix it up a bit. I'm juggling three options with cross-training: the treadmill, the elliptical and cross-country skiing. Through some research I learned from Chris Carmichael, the guy who trained Lance, about the pros and cons of treadmill training.

Check out this Web site.

I like cross-country skiing. Check out Weston Ski Track's Web site.

I like being outside in the winter, so this is a good alternative to running on the snow, ice and wind.

Well, that is it for now. I have to pick up my daughter from pre-school.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Today was Hill Day. I must say, I look forward to a little change in the routine and a change in scenery. John Furey, a Fitcorp trainer, recommended I start running up Beacon Hill (Beacon Street from Charles Street up to the State House). I'm running this five times at up at 80 percent level and down slowly. (I'm to increase this one time every other week). The good thing about this work out is that it doesn't take as long as say an 8-mile run.

I started at the information desk on the Boston Common and ran around the common one and a half times to warm up. Then, I did the five hills up and down, then another mile and a half as a cool down. I really felt the hills by the fourth and fifth time.

Let me back track a few months though. Since this is my first time training, I wanted to start correctly. So, I first got an entire physical from my doctor -- just wanted to make sure that a dramatic change and increase in working out would be fine, physically.

Then, I met with John Furey to map out my work out schedule. Running on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and a long run on Saturday. I Cross-train Tuesday and Friday. He also gave me strengthening exercises and foam rolling instructions. (something I'll write about at a later date). Finally, I met with the folks at Marathon Sports for the proper footgear and running gear -- it's crucial when starting such an intense training schedule.

Thus far, my biggest concern has been injury. I went to an injury prevention workshop and learned that since I'm over 40, have been running less than three years and have increased my mileage dramatically, I was in the high-injury percentage category. It's something I'm worried about. I'd hate to do all this training and fund-raising and not even make it to the starting line.

The answer, so far, has be to stretch a lot.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

So, here is my first attempt at a training blog for my first attempt at the Boston Marathon. Besides writing about my training, I thought I'd give you all a behind glimpse into why I'm running with random thoughts sprinkled throughout.

Since this is my first entry, let me tell you that I started this quest the week before Thanksgiving. I already have about 200 miles of training under my belt. So, I'm well under way. A couple of nuts and bolt issues -- I'm training through the Fitcorp Marathon Training Program with a wonderful trainer named John Furey. He has set up the program for dozens of people.

I follow his recommendations on my own during the week and run with the Fitcorp group on Saturday mornings. The bigger question is: Why am I doing this? The short answer is because I've always wanted to.

The longer answer goes back 10 years ago. I was near death lying in the Faulkner Hospital with bacterial meningitis the two weeks prior to the 100th running of the Boston Marathon. I remember that time just like it was yesterday. The only thing that kept going through my head was that I so wanted to get back to work to be in Hopkinton, Mass., to witness the start of the 1996 marathon.

When the opportunity presented itself to run on behalf of the Boston Medical Center, I jumped in feet first. What a great chance to raise money for Boston's medical community -- raising money for a hospital that provides care for those in our community that can't afford it.

OK, enough behind-the-scene thoughts. I'll share more random thoughts along the way.

My overall training has me running outside three days a week, running hills one of the days, cross-training twice a week, long running on Saturday mornings and resting on Sunday. This is the goal, and so far, I've been good about putting in the time. I'm trying to keep my mileage at around 30 miles a week.

Today, I ran 8 miles in one of my favorite routes. I live in West Roxbury, so I run from my house to the Park School in Brookline (2 miles) down to JP Pond, around the pond, up through some back streets to the Brookline Reservoir, to Lee Street, Clyde Street in Brookline around the Country Club and back to my house.

There is one killer hill, and the run around JP Pond is great for my soul. There's nothing better than the pond on a frozen morning after a recent snowfall. I'm feeling very good about my training, though today my legs felt heavy -- very heavy.

Feel free to send me emails sharing your training pointers with me. I could use all the advice I can get. My email is runningweatherman@yahoo.com.

The training for this run has truly been inspiring for me, lots of time to think, I suppose, on these lonely cold mornings.

I'd like to share so of my favorite inspirational quotes from time to time.

"The real voyage of discovery begins not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes," French writer Marcel Proust.

I feel like I have new eyes now as a runner.