Entries from September, 2009

After consecutive rest days, I walked out the apartment not sure what type of run I wanted to accomplish this morning.  As a mileage junkie, I definitely wanted to get a solid endurance test.  However, the recent increases in pace pulled me in the direction of some speed work too.   In the end, I compromised.  I would be aggressive with pace from the start and see how long I could keep it up (with reasonable water brakes, etc.). Continue Reading

September 2009 is the month when I stepped up my game to where it needs to be to really get serious about this running business.  Drumroll please …. the results: Continue Reading

We are a little more than a month away from the running of the 40^th ING NYC Marathon.  One of the many special moments surrounding the marathon are the experiences for first time runners.  A local NYC guide (LX.TV) features a series of short videos on how running has shaped each of the participants lives, driving forces bringing them to their first ING NYC Marathon and the challenges faced in preparation.  One of the participants, Ben Simmons (an excellent runner with a prosthetic leg), I regularly see in races and on the weekends in Central Park.  The vignettes are similar to the Nova Marathon Challenge, but with an emphasis on the charitable causes supported by each runner.   Below is a link to the videos.  Enjoy. Continue Reading

A bit of a post-script to yesterday’s 18-miler.  Despite feeling good physically after the run (due in large part to a cold bath immediately thereafter) my mood was generally foul for the balance of the day.  I even woke up this morning grumpy.  That has been the case lately, regardless of whether I have a great, good or poor LR.  It feels like my emotional nerve endings are standing at attention and the slightest thing sets me off.  Not sure what to do about it … if anything. Continue Reading

I went out with the goal of a minimum 16 miles.  Given how I have been feeling lately, I thought that distance made sense.  I started late @ 11:16 a.m.  I probably should have swung by to check out the pros competing in the NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile race this morning, but I was happy to sleep in and let my wife run before me. Continue Reading

Tempo Cafe in Chicago

Leading into this morning’s run, I had been feeling a bit fatigued.  It could be the end of the month blahs, but tired nonetheless.  With no race scheduled until late January 2010 (1^st leg of NYRR Half Marathon Grand Prix Series), I see no reason to push it senselessly.  Yesterday was a rest day and I intended today to be a brief tempo run to wake up the muscles ahead of tomorrow’s LR.  Prior to becoming a runner, whenever I heard the word “tempo” I always thought of one of my favorite diners in my hometown of Chicago.  Before moving to NYC, we made a number of “runs” to Tempo … probably why I tipped the scales at 225lbs back in the day.  Comfort food, hmmm!  Thought I would give a shout out to Tempo Café! Continue Reading

Nova Marathon Challenge

I found an interesting program on PBS.com entitled the “Nova Marathon Challenge.”   The series chronicles the nine-month journey of 13 sedentary people, aged 22-60, through a training program to prepare them for the 111^th Boston Marathon.  Tufts University coach Donald Megrele and three-time Boston Marathon winner, Uta Pippig, lead the group.  What I like most about the program is you receive a peek into how running has changed (and in many cases, saved) the lives its participants.  Putting aside races, competition, pacing, etc., increasing your fitness level and self-esteem are the greatest gifts running can give. Continue Reading

Before diving into today’s daily run, I must get something off of my chest.  Please bear with me for a brief moment: Continue Reading

French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the Reservoir

For the second time in 2 months I saw the President of France (his security team + cameraman) trudging up the South Gate steps to the Reservoir Path.  As I was stretching on the bridge, I looked to my right and there was my boy Nick … wearing the exact same running clothes as last time.  Come on Mr. President, of all people, you can afford it … get new gear! Continue Reading