The Sox beat Detroit and so did I!

When I registered for the Detroit Marathon and booked my flight, it was in March of this year.  The baseball season was just getting started as players were in Arizona and Florida for spring training, and the likelihood of the Sox playing the Tigers for the American League pennant were extremely slim.  But, half a year later, when I arrived in Detroit the Sox were leading their best-of-seven series 3-2 with Game 6 slated for Saturday at 8PM, the night before the marathon.  The last time the Sox were in the ALCS, I ran the Columbus Marathon in 2008, and I was trying to get a good night's rest and not watch the game.  That time, I failed to get enough rest and was so excited the Sox had won to force a Game 7, that I probably was a little tired for the race.  This year, I turned off the game after the third inning with the score tied and laid in bed wondering what was transpiring.  I think I did fall asleep for an hour, but at 11:30, Laura woke up and I checked the score.  I saw it was the 8th inning and the Sox were up 5-2. I begged her to let me watch the last inning, but she reminded me I had to get my rest for the race.

That's how I ended up watching the final inning under the covers on my iPhone.  And, that's how I got barely any sleep yet still pulled off a 3:09:27, good for my fourth Boston qualifying time.  I had a decent race since I got good rest the week heading up to the run.  Even with the Sox in the ALCS, I got fortunate with a few things.  For Game 2, I had gone to bed with the Sox down 5-0 to wake up after midnight with my phone full of texts excited for the comeback win.  Game 3 started at 4 and when they won, Laura and I celebrated and went to bed.  For Game 4, it wasn't close so I went to bed early.  I stayed up to watch Game 5 and that win added years to my life, but I was able to sleep in a bit.  And, of course, Game 6 was the clincher.

Sunday morning, I felt fine even though I didn't have the best night's rest.  But, I knew from past marathons and Runner's World articles that it was possible to race well even if you didn't get full rest.  I've spent some past marathon eves with the jitters, so I knew that I'd be able to perform fine in Detroit. For my 24th marathon, I am finally confident that I know what I am doing... sort of.

I woke up at 4AM, three hours prior to the gun.  I did my morning routine and got breakfast at the hotel, which was just a few blocks from the start.  That was nice that I could watch the game recap on Sportscenter.  And, it meant I didn't have to check a bag.  I did bring a copy of my passport in a bag, but no one ever asked to see it.  The border police just needed to see bibs since when you checked in, you showed your passport.  When we checked in, Canadian border guys gave me a ribbing for my Sox hat.

I warmed up in my room, put me club singlet on, and brought a throw-away shirt to keep warm.  I headed to the starting corral and waited for the gun.  The first few miles, it was dark and I was just trying to find my pace, assess what I had, and plan my race.  I had hoped to go for a 6:45-50 pace which would get me sub 3, but my legs told me that wasn't going to happen.  So, I just decided to hold a 7 for as long as I could.  As we headed to the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Canada, I deadpanned, "Wait, are we going into Canada?!"  That got a few runners to show surprise - and I told them I was joking.  I like to make a few jokes if I get a crowd.  The bridge was tough, so I just held an even pace and made up for the lost time on the downhill.  Windsor was nice and the fans came out, but we were only there for a few miles before heading back through the tunnel.

When I emerged from the tunnel, I was booed for my Red Sox visor.  I turned to see it was a guy wearing a Yankees sweatshirt - he was teasing so I waved back.  Of course the only boo I got for my hat was a Yankees fan!  A few folks weren't pleased I was wearing the Sox visor, but so what - we had just won the ALCS and I was excited as we were headed back to the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals!

When I hit the ten mile mark, I was feeling pretty good and thought just keep holding this pace.  At the half, I came across around 1:33 and knew I only needed a 1:35-6 to get another BQ and knew that holding a 7:15 average the rest of the way would do it.  And, I used my excitement for the Sox for positive thoughts that carried me and kept my mind off how I felt.  It wasn't until around 17 when I started to feel the wall, so I took a Gu, my third, and the feeling went away.  My plan was to Gu at 45, 90, 120, and 150 minutes.  And, that seemed to do the trick.

Coming back into Detroit, the wind likely stole 2-3 minutes, especially down the main road.  A volunteer spilled Gatorade on me down that stretch.  I ran over some bridge and around an island with the wind slowing me down.  I just told myself to keep churning the legs.  At mile 23, I was getting tired and that's when I had to go into my mental tricks and say I've come too far, I'm going to do this, and remind myself that "The Sox beat Detroit and so can I!"

Coming up the final hill to the mile 26 marker, I had the 3:10 pacer catching me.  I told him I needed him to talk me to the end and get me under 3:10 to BQ since I'm in the 35-39 age group.  I've played his role for so many other runners, it was nice to get it back.  And he talked me through, reminding me he was 45 seconds ahead of 3:10.  I turned on the burners and made sure I didn't leave anything on the course.  And my 3:09:27 was good - just a few years ago it would have made me jump up and down as it was my goal - but now with a 3:04, 3:05, and 3:07, it seemed quite nice to realize how far I've come. I hope my Detroit time is good enough for Boston 2015, but I plan to have 2-3 more chances to improve my time.  This year, the cutoff was about 3:08:30.  Who knows what it will be for 2015?

I met Laura at the end of the race's exit and we went back to the hotel to shower and pack.  We met the gang for beers (I enjoyed a local brewery: Saugatuk Singapore IPA) and lunch at the hotel's sports bar then went to the airport.  Detroit was a nice trip, a good marathon, and I'm pleased to have completed my 15th state.  Next on the calendar: Huntsville, Alabama, in December!

Laura took some photos of me finishing.  I like that she got me by the K corral - K for Kenny!

Splits: 
7:00/05/19 (bridge)/6:47/55/7:02/05/8:09 (tunnel - Garmin out)/6:43 (Garmin adjusting?)/7:04/03/02/6:57/7:07/05/02/13/13/ 18/11/28 (windy miles)/35/33/47/32/11/2:03 (.31) 95th out of 4269

Running Goals

Here are my running goals, a list inspired by friend and former colleague, Amanda Hicks: http://amandaruns.com/2013/04/12/running-bucket-list/.

Completed:
1) Qualify for the Boston Marathon under the open men's standard (3:05:00)
2) Run the Boston Marathon (2012 90 degree finished in 4:07, but I finished!)
3) Time goals:
    a) Break 19 minutes in a 5K (Branford, CT, Turkey Trot 2011)
    b) Break 30 minutes in an 8K (St. Patrick's Day 8K, DC, 2013)
    c) Break 65 minutes in a ten miler (Al Lewis in MD 2012)
    d) Break 40 minutes in a 10K (Capitol Hill Classic 10K in DC 2012)
4) USA Marathons to run: Marine Corps (2004 & 2005), New York City (2010)
5) Win a race (Mandarin Oriental DC 4-Miler 2012)

To Do:
1) Complete the 50 State Marathon Club (Run a marathon in every state)
2) Goofy Challenge (Run the Disney World Half Marathon on Saturday then the Full on Sunday)
3) Time goals:
     a) Break 1:25 in the half marathon
     b) Break 18 in a 5K
     c) Break 3 hours in a marathon
     d) Break 5 minutes in the mile
4) USA Marathons to run: Chicago, Big Sur,
5) International Marathons to run: London, Paris, Berlin, Jerusalem
6) Run a marathon on my birthday (July 12)
7) NYE Midnight race
8) JFK 50 Miler

I may add for goals later.  Thanks for following!  If you are following the Boston Marathon on Monday and want updates on my progress, text "runner" to 345678 and reply with 4935 (my bib number).  Thank!!

Boston Countdown (Second Time)

It's one week to the day before I attempt to run my second Boston Marathon.  Last year, it was nearly 90 degrees and all that training and hard work during the winter didn't help me run Boston in a decent time.  In fact, just finishing last year was an accomplishment of its own.  But, this year, I am hopeful that the weather will cooperate as the seven day forecast seems decent (fingers crossed).  The winter training has gone well thus far as I PR-ed in several races; my best accomplishment was breaking 30 minutes in an 8K (29:49) and running a 65:10 at the Club Challenge which is on a hilly course.  It was my second-fastest 10 miler time (behind a 64 on a course I suspect was a tad short).

But, I have a few things on my mind before I can run Boston.  First, I have my draft thesis due Sunday night on the 14th.  I am halfway to where I want to be.  Second, I have work to do at work.  And third, I still have a few runs to go.  Plus, I have to compete in a speech contest tonight for my Toastmasters' Club - I won my Area 14 contest and now it is on to the Division A part.

Laura has been a super supporter of mine.  She's in an air cast due to a running injury, but she has been such a supporter and fan and encouraged me so much this training season.  I'm really looking forward to crossing the finish line in sub 3 having been motivated from Hopkinton to Boston with thoughts of her waiting with my Mom, Dad, and niece Molly near the finish.  Also, I will be wearing a running shirt that memorializes my two uncles, Evan Raine and Ronnie Berger (my godfather) who passed away from cancer in 2012.  They'll be running with me the entire time!

One week left - let's do something great on Monday, April 15!!!

Marshall University Marathon Race Report

While the NYC Marathon was canceled due to the hurricane, I did run in the Marshall University Marathon in Huntington, WV.  With a fan club of Laura and Sammy, we had a good drive there and back.  I bought an iPhone car adapter so we could keep our phones charged and listen to our iTunes rather than have to listen to 420 miles of country music.  Also, I was asked by a friend to use a new photo and video site, mobli, to blog our trip.  I've posted videos and pictures before, during, and after the race at: 

http://www.mobli.com/kennyames

The race went well.  I finished in 3:18 - the cool part about it was the final few meters as the finish line is inside Marshall University Stadium on the goal line - they give you a football to carry to the end.  I was exhausted so I'm not sure I spiked the ball as much as it spiked me.  The course was two loops around downtown Huntington with some running along a path and by a river.  The volunteers were friendly, and it was cool to add my 13th state (CA, ID, UT, MN, OH, GA, VA, MD, PA, NY, RI, MA, and now WV) to my 50 state quest and finish my 21st marathon (my marathons are now old enough to drink!).

A Subway in West Virginia labelled our lunches for us.

Ready to race!

Laura and Sammy spot me crossing the 13.1 mile marker.

The final sprint to the finish.  I've got the ball in my right hand.

Laura and Sammy pose at a scenic rest stop on the drive home.

I finished the race in 3:18:28.  It was not my best and not my worst.  The hotel room I stayed in was a smoking room - in the morning I reeked of smoke and my lungs likely were not operating at full capacity.  I knew early on holding my 6:45 pace wasn't going to work, so I backed off until I found a decent pace.  The half was run in 1:32.  As the race wore on, I backed off some more and since I knew I didn't need a BQ and wasn't getting a PR, I just enjoyed the run.  Plus, I have some other races on the calendar (5K on Thanksgiving, 10K first Sunday in December, and a half marathon the following week), so I didn't think killing myself was worth it.  But, I'm pleased I am in good enough shape to consider 3:18 a "slow" marathon.  The day after the race I feel a little sore, but I could run if my life depended upon it - that wasn't the case after my 3:04 last month.

I'm glad we ran this neat marathon.  I can check off West Virginia and look toward 2013 and more states, races, and marathons.

Ronnie Berger 1950-2012

My Uncle Ronnie Berger passed away on September 11, 2012, after a brave battle.  He was my godfather, one of the father-figures in my life, and a mensch.  His departure leaves a giant hole in my heart and life.  His funeral is today, and I was asked to say a few words.  Below are some of the memories and feelings I want to share.

This past Tuesday, I was at lunch in Chinatown in DC with a friend when I received a call from my mother.  She was in tears and said he had taken a turn for the worse.  The next hour as I tried to eat my vegetarian Indian plate, I waited for more information.  My sister texted me to let me know it was serious, and my mom called back to say that I needed to come home.  I rushed home and threw together some clothes in a bag and took the Metro to the bus to BWI Airport.  I spent an hour at the airport bar drinking Sam Adams - the same beer we had at Brielle's bat mitzvah just a few months earlier in Florida over Memorial Day Weekend.  On my flight was Auntie Nancy who was connecting out of St. Louis as she was there seeing a friend.  We sat piggyback toward the back of the plane, and when we landed, my dad picked us up to rush us to the hospital.  There, they were waiting for us, the last family members, to arrive before unhooking him and letting him go.  He died at 9:37 P.M. on September 11, 2012.

Ronald Berger was my godfather.  He taught me about life, about being a good person, and Jewish values.  A few specific times I can remember where I grew closer to Judaism he was involved: my bar mitzvah, his first diagnosis, and my divorce.  When I was home for the High Holidays, we'd go to shul together.  Uncle Ronnie was a family man.  There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his close friends and family.  Every Christmas we spent the day at his house eating, drinking, kibitzing - basically having the same party year after year.  It was great.

Uncle Ronnie was the kind of man who would cheat at board games to beat a ten year old (aided by his older brother, my Uncle Eddie).  He was the kind of man who took me aside at my bar mitzvah and said that now since I was a man, I would do tequilla shots with his uncles (again, Uncle Eddie was present).  He was responsible for helping me find my Jewish identity.  It was during his first diagnosis in 1995 when I found myself going to Hillel to seek some sort of sense and pray for him to get better.  And during my divorce, he was there to remind me that things happen for a reason and to be thankful because I wouldn't have to spend the rest of my life with someone that didn't make me happy.

Last night, I went to the Sox versus Yankees games with my brother Matthew, my brother-in-law Ryan, and my college friend, Greg.  (Thank you, Uncle David!)  We first went to Boston Beer Works across from Fenway and toasted Uncle Ronnie.  Then we watched the game from great seats with a nice view of the park.  It would have been nice if they had won, but the Sox aren't doing so well this season.  If he were sitting with us, he'd have shared his views on who was a bum, who needed to go, and who was the dirt dogs of the team.  He wasn't shy with his love of the Sox.  One of my favorite memories of the Sox was the July 24, 2004, game against the Yankees where Varitek shoved his mitt in A-Rod's face and Bill Mueller hit a walk-off home run off Rivera for a dramatic win.  I went to the game with my friend Adam (a Yankees fan and visiting Fenway for the first time) and he was at the game with Auntie Maryann.  We got a beer across the street before the game and celebrated after.  Another time, I went to the game with them and on the way home we ate dinner at the Halfway Cafe.  He loved the Sox, and I loved spending time with him bonding over the Olde Towne Team.

Mostly, I'm going to miss the times I visited home and stopped by his house.  He was almost always there with Auntie Maryann watching Sox or Pats or Celtics.  I'd sit down with them, game on in the background, and catch them up on what was new in my life.  Living in DC, I didn't get to come home as often as I'd like, but I averaged about 4-5 times a year.  I'd updated them on work, social life, politics, my running, and more.  I'm going to miss calling you with exciting news or other events in my life.  I'm going to miss our times on the golf course.

I already miss you...

My first win!

I won a race!  This Sunday, I ran the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Run/Walk.  It was billed as a 5K, but the route around the Capitol and Mall and back to the hotel was actually just shy of a four miler.  It felt good to be the fastest on that day and claim the prize!

I wasn't even scheduled to race this particular event.  Originally, I was going to run a 5K in Manassas or Columbia per my coach's request to pick up a tune-up race for my fall marathons.  But, my former boss who supervised me for two months asked me to run the 10K portion of the Nation's tri this weekend along with him on the bike and another former coworker doing the swim.  But, I wasn't needed when the originaly runner was unexpectedly able to run.  He let me know Thursday and by then my first two options were no longer available.  On Friday, I met my mentor and former boss of four years at the Mandarin Oriental for drinks and remembered I saw on Run Washington that they were holding a race.  It was around that time that I was offered a new job that I am pleased to be starting next week!

I showed up to the race bright and early with my number one supporter, Laura.  She has been nothing less than stellar!  About thirty minutes before the race, all the runners were gathered into a ballroom for "warm-up" which included jumping jacks.  They were all dressed in the green shirt the race gave out while I was wearing my club's yellow singlet.  An employee of the hotel that was racing told me the warm-up was mandatory - he had me for about a second before I figured out the joke was on me.  I took my Asics outside for a quick mile to loosen the legs.

At the start line, there was the usual countdown and when the "G" word was shouted, I was quickly off the line and out in front.  It was the second race I led at the start for a noticeable distance - the first was a club 10K where I came in second after surrending the lead on the final hill to a clubm member I would beat in the next 10 miler.  I bounded from the MO behind the police escort and on to Independence where the escort ended when I was directed onto the sidewalk of the north side of the street.  The course was "open" meaning traffic would not stop, but there were course marshalls to ensure we knew where we were running.

Around 7th and Independence, as I raced alone, I luckily caught the light and proceeded through.  As I started to climb Capitol Hill, I took my first glance back and saw two chasers, maybe 20-30 seconds behind.  I was a litttle sore from the 14 miler the day before, but knew I could hold my pace for a while.  The first mile clocked in at 5:49, but it would certainly be my fastest.  Climbing Capitol Hill left me with a 6:23 second mile, but I did open up a lead and dropped one challenger.  Once around First Street, I looked at the distance and knew it wasn't a 5K and prepared for a longer race of up to 4 miles.  That's the good part about running around DC so much - I roughly know distances.

I tried to bound down Capitol Hill and put more space between me and my pursuer.  I knew the prize for finishing first would be worthwhile, and I did not want to surrender it.  Near the Natural History Museum I did not hit the light perfectly, but I took a chance between cars by waving my hands and they gave me the right of way.  I did not want to lose because the lights were against me.  Around the American History Museum, I felt like he was coming closer so I turned onto the incline at 14th Street and shortened my stride and tried to increase my lead.  It seemed to work because I looked back around 12th Street and seemed to be alone.  That lead did not cause me to slow - rather I remained steady and set my eyes on the prize.

As I turned towards the MO, I knew I had my first race win in hand.  I had led from gun to tape - something I wasn't sure I would ever experience again.  I shouted out Laura's name so she could take a few pictures of me finishing.  As I ran toward the tape, I broke it by flicking my hands across it, just like Steve Prefontaine did in his wins!  All that was left was to be interviewed and go to the barbecue and awards ceremony where I was presented with my booty: a free night at the MO with breakfast!  I don't know who was more excited by my win - me or Laura!

I don't run to be the first to cross the tape - I run to see if I can do better than I did last time.  This time was a success in that style.  Next up is a half marathon before my two fall marathons.  I doubt I'll cross the tape first - but I hope I can do better than my last race.

Roman Run

I conquered Rome in a day - by foot, twice!

The first time was a self-guided walking tour of the city.  I started at the Termini once I arrived on the train and took a few moments to orient myself.  I took the long way around, but made my way to the Piazza d.  Repubblica then headed down Via Nazionale.  When I descended the steps, I stopped and grabbed a slice of pizza from a hole in the wall joint (literally) and was blown away by what I saw when I continued my walk: Trajan's Market, Column, and Forum; Victor Emmanuel Monument; and the Forum of Augustus.  I walked down toward the Colosseum and stood in amazement at it size and grandeur.  Since I had a 2PM tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, I didn't have nearly enough time to go inside, but it was impressive nonetheless.  I headed back up past the Forums and climbed the Victor Emmanuel Monument where I took pictures by the Italian Tome of the Unknown Soldier.  My trek countinued and I found myself in the Jewish Ghetto and in front of the Synagogue.

I followed the Tiber River's bends up along until I veered left on Via Della Conciliazione.  There in front of me stood the Vatican: St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, and the rest of the holy area.  After a quick confused moment, I walked along the walls of the Vatican to the entrance of the Museum.  I ascended a spiraling walkway and plodded into a garden area where a cafe greeted me.  After a panini and a cold Heineken (better than a Peroni!), I continued through the Museum, wandering through the Egyptian collection, tapestries, and classical works of art.  At the end of the long walk, I entered the Sistine Chapel.  It wasn't as large as I thought it would be, yet it was still quite impressive as I considered the time and care if must have taken Michaelangelo.  Due to a couple of wrong turns, I actually went through the Sistine Chapel three times, and was baptized once..

Then it was on to the Basilica, where I paid five Euros to ascend to the top of the Dome.  The staircases were winding, narrow, and at time difficult even for someone in as good shape as I.  But, the view was worth the climb!  Seeing the Square below and the amazing ariel view of Rome was well worth it!  After descending, I took a quick loop through the Basiclia, making way for people who were having a religious experience - for me it was just a nice place to witness - but I was impressed with their spirituality.  At around 4:45, I left as I had to meet Steve back at the Termini at 5:40.

The walk back was long, but I impressed myself with my sense of direction.  I traversed Vittorio Emanuele and noticed I was heading back to the Trajan Column.  My sense of direction intact, I climbed back up the stairs and walked up the street to the fountain where my journey began.  The train station was nearby, after a small misunderstanding I met Steve, and we took the bus to the hotel.

After a quick shower and email check, we found a taxi and returned to the Jewish Ghetto for dinner.  Steve's Italian guide, Danilo, had set us up at the hotel of a friend of his who is Jewish who also owns a restaurant in the Ghetto.  We were well taken care of with fish, a falafel platter, a bulki (sp?) that resembled a spring roll, and chocloate mousse.  Of course, I enjoyed a few Belgium beers.  Steve had the tripel as well, but asked for something with less alcohol by content since he spent the day tasting at a winery, so I grabbed him a Gold Star, an Israeli beer that goes down as easily as a Schlitz!

We wandered back past the Synagogue and through the Capitoine Museum area.  We went back to the Colosseum and took some amusing photos of us pretending to be Gladiators, or more accurately, fighters.  As it was getting late, we headed back to the hotel, but along the way got ourselves disoriented.  Luckily, we noticed the walls of the British Embassy which was a known point as our hotel was close by.

I woke early at 6AM to get my run in so I could say I ran in Rome.  Having walked the city the previous day, I had a great sense of a loop I wanted to do.  I wasn't sure how long it would take, but I had ninety minutes or so until I needed to be back to shower and pack as we were off to Florence for the next day and a half.  My running route took me along the same loop as my walk from the previous day, and I held on to it in a solid eight minute pace.  I love running in different cities every chance I get - I hope to be able to lace up once in Florence!

Scars Fade

Early in my running career, I was just beginning to discover what kind of runner I was and could be.  With one marathon, a ten miler, and a ten kilometer under my belt, I was training for my second marathon with a friend who was coaching me.  We picked the 2005 Leesburg 20K as a good measure of my progress as it was about two months into my training and two months before the marathon.  The day was hot, like most August days, and I went out too fast.  At first, I thought I was doing great, pulling down 6:10 miles, but by the third mile I started to feel it catch up with me as the course turned onto a slow, long uphill trail.  The best thing I did that day was ignore my inclination to quit - I slogged it out and trudged across the finish line in 1:47, nearly fifteen minutes slower than my projected time.  I was confused, upset, and disappointed in myself - my only silver lining was that I did not quit.

It has been seven years since I raced that course where I was humbled.  And so it was earlier yesterday that I returned to the Leesburg 20K in an attempt to erase my earlier racing mental scar.  I've grown quite a bit in the intervening years, changed much about myself, and earned some personal and professional scars.  Part of me used the course to train for my upcoming fall marathons; part of me to take on the course that beat me.

My racing plan called for a pace of around 6:45 and to finish near 1:25.  The weather seemed to cooperate as it was a cool yet humid 70 degrees at race time with overcast.  I started out holding myself back for the first two miles around the town.  By the time I hit the trail for the climb uphill, I felt all right yet the toll of a 60 mile week and speed work only three days earlier crept into my mind and was felt through my sore legs.  Miles 3 and 4 were in the 7 minute range, and I wondered if I was going to be terribly off pace today.  Yet, as a woman surged past me, the third overall at the time, my legs started to feel better as I shortened my pace, focused on form, and unclenched.  Once in my groove, I was able to ascend the W&OD Trail with the best effort I had in me.

And then, I remembered the JFK 20K.  Held by my club, DC Road Runners, in the past it has been raced as an out and back on the Capital Crescent Trail.  Similar to this stretch, it is an incline on the way out and a decline on the way back.  I recalled how I raced that in the past - hold steady early on and then use a strong kick after the turnaround to take advantage of the descent.  Once I hit mile 8 which ended the final hill, a smile crept on to my face secure in my race experience as I let my legs go to work. My strides were short and mostly consistent, my head and back straight, and my arms tucked and pumping.

I settled into a spot in the race where I had a target ahead of me (that same woman who would place third for the women) and a chaser behind.  I neither caught nor was caught, but I did get within seven seconds of catching her.  A solid finishing kick cemented my course personal record of 1:24:06, 23 minutes faster than my only other time, and only about 30 seconds slower than my PR which was run in ideal conditions.

6:49/6:47/7:00/7:11/6:53/6:51/6:51/7:07/6:46/6:34/6:24/6:18/2:35

(Photo courtesy Laura Goldin)

As we drove back to DC, I glowed from the feeling of conquering a course that had defeated me years earlier.  I thought about some of the things that have happened in my life since then: the challenges, heartaches, and failures but also the accomplishments and personal highs.  Maybe some scars never heal, but with time, they can fade to where you barely notice they ever existed.  We need them to remind ourselves so we can really appreciate the achievements and cherish those who support us and share in our joy.

Wineglass Marathon Report: A New PR

Bad news: I did not qualify for Boston. That would have taken a 3:10:59 marathon. Good news: I set a new personal record! Three hours, thirteen minutes, and thirty-five seconds is my fastest marathon time out of my thirteen marathons. On one hand, I wish I had qualified for Boston, but on the other hand, I feel elated that I ran my best race to date. I can't be disappointed with my time or effort.

I started out smart as I noticed the 3:10 pacer took the group out a bit fast. I ran my race at the beginning and kept the pack in sight. By mile five, I had caught up and was solidly in the pack. I mainly focused on my breathing, the course, the conversation with others in the pack, and the song stuck in my head ("Let it Rock"). We hit the halfway mark at 1:34 even, which was a minute faster than the 1:35 goal. I felt good and stuck with the group and the pace. I think running with them kept me on pace for as long as possible. Kudos to Pacer Craig who for his first time pacing the 3:10 folks, did mainly a good job. B+ for Craig, and I emailed my feedback to the pace team captain.

At mile 15, I started to feel really good thinking about what it would be like to cross in 3:10 and the joy I'd experience. It was the longest I had stayed close to this pace group, and I started to envision the rest of the race and repeated in my mind: "Hold on until the mile 20 marker; just stick with the group until mile 23; take your last Gu; then with 3.2 miles to go if you are on pace, do not quit as you can do it especially if you are that close to your goal!"

I made it past the mile 20 marker still with the group, but not too long after, as we got off the long road and onto a community park trail, my thighs really tightened up and I couldn't turn my legs over to keep pace. I ran mile 20 in 7:22, and that was the last sub 8 minute mile I ran. The rest were right around 8:00, as I slugged it through the rest. I knew I was still on pace for a PR - all I had to do was not give up. That echoed through my head: PR if you just keep your legs moving; PR if you just keep your legs moving; PR - just move those legs! With less than two miles to go, I found that last bit inside of me to hold steady. It was now a question of 3:14 or 3:13; did I want to call myself a 3:13 marathoner? If yes, then just keep the legs moving.

I kept those legs moving. I even switched into that last gear as I hear the rephrase of my email signature: "Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough." - Hal Higdon

The last mile was simply a test of wills. I wanted the race to be over, but I wasn't quite at the finish line. "Just keep those legs moving!" I finally saw the footbridge, and then the legs moved even faster - whatever I had left. I love finishing strong, so I ran over the bridge to the finish line shouting, "PR!" as I raised my arms in the arm to a loud crowd - it was amazing! I had accomplished my goal of running a marathon faster than I had, and I can now call myself a 3:13 marathoner!

I waited by the finish line a few minutes until my trip-mate, Jennifer, crossed the line, gasping for air. She set a new PR for herself but more than half an hour and crossed well under her goal of 3:20. There, we hung out at the finish line festival, grabbed some of the food, and went to the Y to shower. After, we went to a local bar to drink while we waited for Ken and Hilary to finish the race, shower, then join us. I had three Rogue Dead Guy Ales - how appropriate!

Leftovers:
I never root against anyone at a marathon, but I sent bad wishes to the guy wearing the Free West Bank (front) Free Gaza (back) shirt. He probably ran a sub 3 marathon, and the pace group I was with agreed that it was an odd choice to make such a political statement at a race.

What's next?
I am scheduled to run NYC in five weeks. I still need to put together a good recovery plan. My legs are sore and I hope to run a little by Wednesday. I also do not know if I should try again at NYC or what my goal should be or if I should just run it and not worry about time and enjoy the experience. But, I can answer that the next few days. Tonight: Good beer from Churchkey!

Back to Workshop

It has been roughly ten years since I last was part of a writing workshop. Over the summer, I applied to and was accepted to participate in the Jenny McKean Moore Community Writing Workshop (how do I fit that on my resume?). Last night was our first meeting, and I must state I feel quite underaccomplished (Grammar check? not a word? Okay, I'm making it one). Compared to the rest of the group, roughly a dozen, we have a number of already-published writers. Many in the group have projects they are working on, and I have only an idea in my head. But, I am confident that I will have something in writing as I will be forced to actually write!

In other news, I am scheduled to run Wineglass Marathon in less than three weeks. I am in the tapering stages, and it is possible taper-crazy will hit me the week before the race. My training times are where they should be (tempo miles at 6:45-50/Yassos at low 3:00/Mile repeats at <6:30). I have done my long runs slow and on some increased my pace to run the last 5-6 miles at race pace which needs to be near 7:15. Let's hope this is my Boston Qualifier!

In the sporting world, the Red Sox season is ov-ah! It's too bad the team couldn't overcome all their injuries, but such is life. The Patriots started off well with a good win against Cincy - and I won a bet with my old roommate, the Ohio fan. Speaking of which, I joined him to watch OSU beat Miami.

And, lastly, in politics, family friend Bill Keating won the Democratic nod in MA-10. I like Bill - good guy, honest statesman, and he took on Billy Bulger! I really hope he wins the general in November.

That is all - end communication...

Got rid of the TV!

I've thought about this for quite some time. I know I should be watching TV less and reading more, but to actually go through with it and get rid of the TV and DirecTV in my room was a big step. I've seen the studies that show you get a better night's rest without a TV in the bedroom. I've heard anecdtotal evidence that the bedroom should be for relaxation and intimate activities. It wasn't easy, but the impetus was the DTV box stopped working, and that made it easy to disconnect and put the TV in storage in the basement. Now, the only active TV's in the house are the living room and the basement/den. I plan to read more and get through more books quicker. This way, I won't be watching so many reruns of shows I have already seen, and I will force myself to watch shows I actually like and not just sit there watching the screen. Currently, I watch Mad Men, Entourage, and Breaking Bad through Netflix. I record Lie to Me and Leverage and Family Guy and the Office. This season was also the first I did not renew MLB Extra Innings, and of course I did not get the NFL Sunday Ticket. I do not think the NFL package, at $319, is worth it when I can watch a good chunk of Pats' games on national TV or go to a bar and buy food with that money instead and be social. My DTV package is already the most basic plan (ESPN, TBS, TNT, and really not much more). I hate that a la carte is not an option as I would love to have Sci-Fi and AMC and History Channel, but that would cost $20 a month more and it is overpriced. I'm curious to see how this TV move affects my life as far as more time to read and better night's sleep. Let's see how this plays out.