365 Days, Ink.

Balls of Carbon Fiber

2011-08-15T18:40:00.002-04:00

Day 755 - You've got to have em to be doing this:

Day 754

2011-07-26T22:33:00.000-04:00

Hello? Testing. Is this thing still on? Hmmm, time to dust off the old keyboard.

Dec 31st, 2010 - Training - Anywhere, USA - ????

2010-12-31T10:40:00.001-05:00

Day 365 - I'll see you on this side or the other.

I'll be hanging out here in 2011.

Dec 30th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-30T23:57:00.002-05:00

Day 364 - Since I already have something pre-planned for Day 365, this will have to be my swan song to 2010 and this blog.

Like a tough race course should be, 2010 had many ups with hardly any downs.

Some highlights include being a part of the greatest running club with a chicken as its mascot.

Some lowlights include being a part of the greatest running club with a chicken as its mascot?!

All seriousness aside though, there is no greater feeling then being out there doing something you love with the best people around.

The Streak, The Race, The Decision, and The Blog were just small pieces of this entire experience. It's The People that I've met and The Friendships that I've developed that I'll cherish the most from the past 364 Days.

I started out the year at the 1st Run 10K in Lowell with a bunch of runners that I hardly knew. Looking back at the photos of that first race of 2010, I could probably now name 75% of the field. 100% if you give me their BIB # and the coolrunning results.

2010 wasn't all roses though. I made some enemies (you know who you are), and I made some more enemies (you definitely know who you are).

I also suffered through some injuries and setbacks, but in the end, continued to march on with my running buddies.

We trained through sideways rain, tropical storms, drunken stupors, and starlit nights out in the middle of nowhere just to get in our stupid 5K every day.

We did it because we wanted to push each other to our limits, and at other times, to push each other's buttons.

We survived the freezing temps at Fudgcicle, destroyed the hills of Derry, raced in our boxers in Bradford, won our medals at Wild, broke some hearts on the hills of Boston, had a great time at Good Times, left our shit at Sugarloaf, picked off the pack at Pinelands, walked up the steepest of Washington, relayed our way to the beach, had the run of the year at Hartford, came back home at BayState, learned a lesson at JFK, and then managed a win at mighty Merrimac.

Through it all though, we had one thing in common. WE. HAD. FUN!

So raise your pint glasses and 40's.

Here's to another 365 Days and to an even crazier New Year.

See you girls on the other side.

Dec 29th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-30T10:17:00.002-05:00

Day 363 - It's always comforting to know that there are crazier people than me out there. The latest coconut to fall from the tree is ultra runner Tony Mangan. He was a hardcore ultra runner even before he started theworldjog.com mission, but now he is just insane...in a good way.

Tony is on a Forest Gump-like mission to jog around the globe. He departed from his home in Ireland on Oct 25th, 2010 and is currently 60+ days into a 2-3 year journey around the world.

As Irish luck would have it, part of his route runs right through Greater Lowell! He's expected to come through Lowell around Jan 3rd, 2011 and is headed to Hudson, MA where he has an aunt. How quaint.

I got in touch with Tony over the weekend and his only requirement for running with him is that you have to push his buggy, Nirvana.

(As long as he's not inside the buggy)

I've done the Lowell to Hudson run in the past (part of the JB 50), and I plan to join him on this 24 mile stretch. I'm hoping to show him a little GLRR hospitality too with a belated XMAS gift.

Tony also asked if there would be anyone in the area kind enough to put him up for the night. If you do wish to help him out, another requirement is that you have to be able to drop him off exactly where you picked him up, unless of course he runs right up to your doorstep.

You can contact him directly here: THEWORLDJOG@GMAIL.COM

Needless to say, I'll be following Tony's blog and living vicariously through him over the next 2-3 years. Good Luck!

Dec 28th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 5.2

2010-12-29T17:48:00.002-05:00

Day 362 - My 365 Days successor, EJ, said it best when he said:

I was about to walk through the gate at Hookslide Kelly's last night as half a dozen runners flashed by me. Literally. Decked out for a run on snowbank-narrowed streets, the boys were lit up with flashers like Christmas trees. Very seasonally appropriate, very festive.

I knew my arrival was going to be really close to the 6:30 start, and was glad that I made it because I didn't know the course. I jumped onto the end of the conga line, and off we went.

After dodging some traffic in downtown Lowell, I settled in with Jason, David and Cullen for an exciting run. The company was good, but wasn't the source of the excitement. It was the ice on the downhills that made the run an adventure, and reminded me that I am in need of a last will and testament.

Another reminder followed, as J left me behind on a fairly steep grade. I've become a flatlander. For several weeks leading up to Hartford, I avoided my hilliest courses to rest my legs. After beating the hell out of my legs in Hartford, I stuck to my pancake flat Mass Ave and bikepath courses for the most part. When I started chasing J around the indoor track at the Lexington fieldhouse, I had a brand new excuse for cutting my calves and quads a break.

Gasping at the top of the hill, a terrible thought occurred to me. Stu's 30k really isn't very far off. So track-tired legs be damned, it's time to take to the Heights and get ready because Stu's is no place for a flatlander.

And that was just the beginning of a fun-filled, beer-filled (coke-filled for the kiddies), and pizza-filled night at a typical GLRR club meeting.

Tonight though belonged to the GLRR Youth Team who kicked ~~ass~~ patooty at the local and regional XC races, and then at the Junior Olympics earlier in the month. Congrats to the team and the coaches!

One of my new goals for 2011, besides being the first vietnamese runner to finish at Boston, is to get on this youth team (as a runner) since it looked like they had a ton of fun!

(Look out future runners of the Merimack Valley)

(He's not only the president...)

Dec 27th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

Day 361 - After being hit with a typical New England winter storm, forcing me to go indoors and use the wussmill, I am going to have to get vulgar and whip it out for the first time this season:

(#1 Winter)

Apologies to the ladies in my reading audience.

At least this will give me a chance to try out the Yak Trax tomorrow night at the GLRR Tuesday night group run starting at 6:30PM from Hookslide's.

Don't forget that the monthly club meeting follows immediately at 7:30PM at the same location.

Beer and pizza will be served per usual. The price of admission is listening to El Presidente talk for 30 minutes, but it's well worth it. The talk, not the beer and pizza.

Dec 26th, 2010 - Training - Dracut, MA - 18

2010-12-26T21:59:00.004-05:00

Day 360 - What a better way to cap off a 60 mile week than to do it with the J Guys, Joe D. and Jim R. (who's capping off a 90 mile week and securing his 365 Day Race victory - Congrats, Jim!).

I met up with Joe and Jim down at Joe's place in Dracut at 8AM in the hopes of getting in an 18 miler before the end of the world arrived in the form of a blizzard later in the day (you know it's bad when they have to cancel an NFL game because of it).

The snow was already falling and the roads were getting slick as we started our tour of the local area pig farms. In my 28 years of living in this area I've never dared to venture into this part of Dracut on a run, and I don't think I will (alone) after hearing some of Jim's and Joe's stories.

It was quite peaceful running on the outskirts of town, in between dodging sanders, plowers, and the occasional NH drivers trying to take us out.

There were plenty of hills thrown in to keep us honest. They grow em big and tough in Dracut, and the hills were the same too.

The run felt effortless and the pace itself was as steady as the snowfall. The only thing missing was Mack's soothing snoring (you had to be there).

We finished back where we started 18 miles and 2 hours 9 minutes later (7:10 pace for me - Jim and Joe had different times and paces even though we ran mostly together. This is what happens when space and time gets caught up in one of Joe's long run).

When you run with Joe you get the soup to nuts, but in our case, we got the eggs to nuts. Definitely Eat (and Run) at Joe's! Thanks for the great post-race breakfast!

Overall, it was my best long run on this young and refreshing running season. Now to figure out why my right rotator cuff is killing me, which would be the first serious issue so far on this long and tiring running season. I guess I won't be reporting to Ft. Myers in a month and a half.

(If you look close enough, you can hear Mack)

(sorry for slowing you guys down)

(BTW, this is Mack)

Chrismahannukwanzaa - Training - Tewksbury --> Lowell - 11.5

2010-12-25T20:22:00.002-05:00

Day 359 - I spent 1 hour and 17 minutes of my XMAS afternoon on the roads of Tewksbury and Lowell, with seven minutes of that time taking on Catamount Rd. The hill on this road runs for more than 1/4th of a mile and it's a beast!

My pace coming up to the hill was 7:04 through 2.75 miles and the Garmin hit 7:09 at the top at mile 3.2. Unfortunately, Catamount is a dead end so I had to turn back around to finish my run towards Lowell. Fortunately, the downhill is a lot faster than the uphill, so I managed to get my pace back down to 7 flat by the time I reached North St.

(because it's there)

I still had 7 miles to go before I got to my uncle's place along the boulevard, so I started to play with my speed. I rarely ever do fartleks on my run, and I know I need to incorporate this into my training if I want to conquer Boston in sub 2:55.

From mile 5 on I alternated between sub marathon pace (6:30) and sub 7 minute pace every half mile. The rest of my run took me up and down a hilly Andover Rd (Hey Frank!). I loved the speed play and it kept the run interesting, albiet very tiring.

I ended up with a 6:43 pace for the 11.5 miles. Felt great after the run considering that I did 14 yesterday, and now I have to look forward to my first marathon training session with Coach Donnelly in the AM. Gulp.

(Fartlek, hehe)

In more shoe news, I auditioned my new Saucony Kinvaras on this run and I have to say that I think I've found the leading candidate for my Boston run. They were solid throughout the run without any discomfort. As light as the Newtons, as comfortable as the Five Fingers, more heel support than the Frees, and more breathing room in the toe box than the Lunars. We have a winner. Thanks to Fil, EJ, Tom, and Eric for recommending this model to me.

(Not as obnoxious as the Newton Momentum)

Dec 24th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 14.25

2010-12-24T21:39:00.003-05:00

Day 358 - One for the record books today. I count 34 runners in the photo below, and that doesn't include Glenn (taking the photo), Emily (went back to her car), 1.5 Linda's, and the .5 Steve. Guinness (both) wasn't at the finish, but there were plenty of yummy treats courtesy of Alicia & Friends. Thanks gang for making a great day even Greater!

(*No Cheating Here)

Let's see how well I know these folks:

1. James Sullivan

2. Steve Kanaracus

3. Kim Nutter

4. Eric Mottram (dressed as Tron in the photo)

5. Karen Grondine

6. Jim Stronach

7. Dave Penn

8. Keith O'Brien

9. Frank Georges

10. Scott Graham

11. Jessica Costa

12. Paul Kelly

13. Jason Bui

14. Ken Skier

15. Jeff Thomas

16. Linda McCarthy

17. EJ

18. Fil Faria

19. Marli Piccolo

20. Jeff Clark

21. Alicia Leeman

22. Dave Tyler

23. Cullen Madden

24. Cheri Monahan

25. Mark Blaisdell

26. Richie Blake

27. Dale Schofield

28. Paul Hadley

29. Bill Adamson

30. Kim Adamson

30b. Adamson, Jr.

31. Moe Garvey

32. Jill Trotter

33. Ann Kingsland

34. Dawn Mickee

35. Glenn Stewart

36. Emily Searles

Started my run with Frank, EJ, Eric, Jill, Scotty, Bill, Dave, James, and Jeff. My plan was to run 14 with Eric at about his marathon pace (low 7's).

Everything went as planned as we ran towards Vinyl Square on the Baystate course, but Eric's knee started to act up about 4.5 miles into the run. We decided to turn back around at 4.7, with EJ and Frank following suit.

I continued the rest of the run with Frank at about mid 7's, with EJ and Eric taking it easy about half-a-mile back. Frank and I got back to the GLRR office with 9 miles in the bank, so we tacked on the Tuesday night course through Belvidere to get 14+ at about 7:25 pace.

Overall a great run with some nice hills over the final 2 miles.

Hopefully Santa brings Eric a better feeling knee for Christmas, so that he can complete the Goofy Challenge in January. Rest up my future ultra running buddy.

I ran with the new Newton Momentum trainers, which are a little heavier than the racers, but much more sturdy (and cheaper). The "lug nuts" underneath have been pushed a little further back (mid foot) in this model, so that took a little bit to figure out what was feeling different.

All-in-all no complaints or issues with this pair, although I just got these in the mail last night, so I'll need a few more miles in them before I can arrive at a final verdict, but it looks like another fine model from the folks at Newton.

(they're a lot more obnoxious in person)

Dec 23rd, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-23T10:49:00.003-05:00

Day 357 - With only 7 days left before the end of the 365 Day Race and the life of this blog, I've gone out in search of my blogging successor. I was originally going to ask if SpeedyKittyKat was up to the challenge of blogging every day for the next 365 Days about running, but I'm pretty sure she's really pissed at me right now, so I'll take that as a NO.

So, with much arm twisting and many laps around the track, I've convinced EJ (BadDawg) to restart his blog for 2011 and the NEXT 365 Days. I'll be passing on the blogging torch and pitchfork to my pal EJ over at RunDawgRun.

(Have Fun, EJ)

So here are 8 simple rules for dating my blog:

1. Leave in the Details: The majority of readers really don't give a crap about how fast you ran a race or what you did at track, but they do give a crap if you had to take a crap at Mile 14 during a marathon. What happens in Sugarloaf, doesn't necessarily stay in Sugarloaf.

2. Sense of Humor: Don't hold back on the funny. It might mean discussing personal things like the smell of your own fart, but farts are worth its weight in comedic gold. If it ain't funny, it ain't worth writing about.

3. Fil Factor: This could fall under Sense of Humor, but Fil deserves his own category. I went to the Fil well many times over the past year, especially when I had nothing funny to write about. He is a treasure trove of funny, but use it sparingly or else you might actually hurt his feelings, but then you can write about that too, which would be funny.

4. Race Reports: Race reports should be used to kiss up to RD's so that you can gain free entry into their other races. You can also use the reports to piss off RD's of races you didn't like, but the one time I did that I got an eyeful, but that's what the edit button is for. Also, get to the point. Nobody likes to read long winded race reports. Right, EJ?

5. Be Honest: Be brutally honest. Write whatever comes to your mind in raw form. Even if it's going to offend people. That's what the edit button is for.

6. Edit Button: Use the edit button like it's going out of style.

7. Let Others Find Your Mistakes: See Edit Button.

On that note I shall begin my death spiral towards the end of 2010, only to live on vicariously through the BadDawg's Blawg in 2011.

Dec 22nd, 2010 - Track - Lexington, MA - 7.5

2010-12-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

Day 356 - It wasn't Loudon, but it was sure just as fun and exciting at GLRR track tonight, live from the Rat Dome in Lexington.

Here we go....

EJ
Fil
Nate (newb)
Drop Kick Murphy's (2)
Frank
Jim
Mark
Dave
Nick
Lauren
Paul H.
Paul K.
Suzie
Matt
Pat (Coaching)
Mini-GLRR Members

The J Boys were missing tonight so Frank, EJ and I had to pick up the slack.

Tonight's workout were 6 x 800's with a target pace of 2:50's. Of course we blew off Coach's advice and went for 2:40's. Why do we pay him again? Just kidding, Jim! :)

We basically started off where we left off 3 weeks ago when we last did the same workout:

3 Weeks Ago
3:17
3:00
2:55
2:56
2:50
2:44

Tonight
2:44
2:42
2:41
2:41
2:40
2:38

Frank took us through the first two intervals, and then I took over the lead with the Water Buffalo breathing down my neck for the remainder of the excellent workout. The best track session so far on this young season.

Oh, BTW Glenn, I didn't forget you ;)

(Gotcha)

Dec 21st, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-21T22:21:00.001-05:00

Day 355 - I'm actually enjoying the process of turning into a fruit. Well, not a total fruit, but a fruit that enjoys less meat. WTF are you talking about?

It was EJ who turned me onto this fruitarian lifestyle (think vegetarian, but only crazier and a lot less sane). Currently, one of the more outspoken spokesperson for this lifestyle is ultra runner Michael Arnstein. His running resume speaks for itself.

I'm sure Mike had most of this running prowess even before he became a full-time, full-fledged 40 banana-a-day banana that most people now know him by, but apparently his transition to an all-fruit diet (with the occasional Ramen Noodle) aided him in his conquest of the Leadville 100 (arguably the toughest ultra around), and then winning a marathon 2 days later! Now that's just nuckin' futs!

(OK, now this is nucking fruity)

It would be great if I could even digest two bananas a day, let alone 40, so I know I don't have the discipline to stick to an all-fruit or all-veggie diet in the coming year. I don't have much time (or the dough) to go shopping for wheelbarrows of fresh fruit/veggies on a daily basis, so I need to feel full fast and on the cheap. The quickest way I know how is to chow down on MEAT, or go to Fil's parents' place.

My ultimate plan is to gradually ease myself into a meatless diet and see how I do. I know I'll fall off of the proverbial meat wagon at least twenty times before I completely give up, or go bat shit crazy and kill everybody on my Facebook friends list. EJ, now I know why you stay away from Facebook.

I have to admit though, I'm already seeing the benefits of this much healthier food habit.

My farts don't smell as bad, and my feet don't sweat as much. This has made Rachel embrace this change even more. It also helps that she's already a 95% vegan with the occasional side order of steak (it's crazy and I don't get it either), so this transition might not be so bad. We might now actually have something in common other than my love for running and her hatred of it.

I've already given up a few other vices so far this year and I have no regrets. I gave up white rice (don't forget I'm Asian, so that's like any other race giving up their stereotype food) at the start of 2010 and I steadily lost 20 pounds (I'm sure running every day kind of helps too). I also gave up ice cream, which Scotty G would consider a crime punishable by death.

Meat is next on the hit list, and I've made some progress. I've been eating a fruit salad for lunch and dinner every day for the past two weeks without any ill effects, other than the occasional Mile 14 at my cube.

Slip up #1 occurred last night when my dad ordered some fast food from Burger King. Amazingly, after I ate the two Whoppers, a large box of fries, and downed the super-sized Coke, I felt sick! So I think something is working.

Jan 1st, 2011 - Training - Hopkinton ---> Boston - 26.2

2010-12-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Day 366 - Step into my time machine.

Who's In?

Dec 19th, 2010 - Training - Concord/Lincoln, MA - "13"

2010-12-19T23:01:00.007-05:00

Day 353 - Congrats to EJ for pissing off the 5K running gods. I don't know what this nice man did, but his 5K days are numbered.

In two attempts to break his 5K PR one final time in 2010, EJ has managed to run on two separate race courses that ended up being a tad bit longer than the more commonly used 3.1 mile distance.

Re-published here without his permission or consent are the details of his 5K battle, earlier this morning, at the Winter Classic 5K in Cambridge.

From what I was told, the lead cruiser took the runners down one side street too many, thus extending the course to right in front of the Queen's box seats at mile 3.26.

EJ was on PR pace throughout, but of course, the 5K curse kicked in right on cue and kicked EJ hard in the walnuts. He ran the generous course in 18:33, and based on my calculations, the extra .16 cost him at least 50 seconds given the pace that he completed the final .26 in (5:14). DOH! (insert echo here).

Maybe next time.

EJ did however manage to place 11th overall (out of 427 finishers), and place 3rd in his AG! Congrats buddy! I don't care what the running gods say, you've earned it this year!

Also in his race breakdown e-mail to me, I did notice one interesting fact. EJ managed to run the final .26 (~400 meters) in a blazing 1:21! This is what we were hitting with ease on Thursday night during our 400 track workout. I'm just saying...

Oh, as an aside, I was originally planning to run this race (to attempt my own 5K PR), but as fate would have it, something else came up. I guess the gods like me more.

(We're laughing with you, EJ)

BONUS: EJ also relayed to me a great line from the RD after the race.

"I've been married 17 years and never been yelled at this much!"

Dec 18th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 10

2010-12-19T22:34:00.002-05:00

Day 352 - Another Saturday, another GLRR group run from downtown Lowell.

Actually, it wasn't going to be just any group run, it was going to be a record setting group run.

Contrary to the group photo below, there were 19 runners out there today, breaking the all-time Saturday morning group run record of 16...

(Best looking group YET!)

Fine. Teddy and Scooter doesn't count, but Rachel was there this morning even though she only put in about 2 miles, most of it walking with the boys around the neighborhood. Rachel being there should be a record onto itself!

OK. We'll just call it a tie for this week, but I think the next outing will indeed be an official record.

The GLRR early birds started streaming in a little before 8AM. First there was James, then Jess, Linda, Karen, Marli, Fil, Matt, Glenn, John, Jeff, Paul, Dave, Andy, Jimmy, Eric, Scott, and myself with Rachel and the boys.

Everybody took off from the start and I was left holding the leashes with Rachel. Rachel, the boys, and I jogged to Lowell High before I told her to meet me back at the start in about in an hour.

I ran with Dave, Marli, Karen, Linda, and Jess for about 1/10th of a mile. I next caught Matt, Glenn, and Fil and ran with them for about 1/100th of a mile before I eventually caught up to Eric.

We would go on to run together for the rest of our planned 10 mile run.

Eric (currently 6th in 365 Day Race) and I had some great races together during the GT5K Spring series, but our rivalry actually began on Day 1 of this blog, where he kicked my ass at the First Run 10K in Lowell. Of course, I repaid the favor and kicked his ass 59 Days later in Haverhill.

I hadn't seen or ran with Eric since the summer time, so I invited Eric out this morning as part of his training for the Goofy Challenge in January. For those who do not know what the Goofy Challenge is, let's just say it's goofy and it's a challenge! For those who don't know Eric, let's just say he's goofy and he's a challenge (just kidding, buddy).

Eric was actually here to put his knee to the test. He had been having some issues that temporarily sidelined his training, so today was going to be a big indicator if he was going to continue with his training and the Challenge.

We went through every mile, up and down the river, in the mid to low 7's. Eric didn't show any sign of discomfort and it looks like his knee passed with flying colors. Just what the doctor ordered!

We completed the run in 1 hr 13 mins (7:22), and I chalked it up as one of my best training runs on this young season.

Now I'll have to check in on Eric tomorrow to see how he really feels....

NEXT WEEK'S GLRR GROUP RUN WILL BE ON FRIDAY DEC 24TH AT 8AM STARTING FROM 118 MERRIMACK ST!!!

We're expecting a record turnout, so we'll try to have Guinness standing by at the finish, and I don't mean the record keepers.

Dec 17th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-18T14:34:00.001-05:00

Day 351 - I've spent the past month researching, spending hundreds of dollars, and working with a private investigator on this. I'll find whoever is responsible....

(watch your back)

Nascar Night - Track - Lexington, MA - 5

2010-12-16T23:46:00.001-05:00

Day 350 - It was such a gorgeous night for a run outside!

Unfortunately, 20 or so hapless GLRR souls were trapped inside the Rat Dome for Coach Jim's 10 x 400 workout (well, most of us anyways).

Great to see the Greenies out in full force for the workout, shattering the all-time attendance record at winter track by about 19.5.

OK. Since you guys all made the effort to come out to track I'll see if I can recall everybody that was there tonight...here goes:

Fil
EJ
Liane
Lauren
Glenn
Mark
Frank
The Murphy's (2)
Keith
James
John
Jeff
Jim
Paul H.
Paul K.
Nick Kanaracus (Thanks, EJ!)
Joe (coaching)
Pat (coaching)
Noelle (coaching)
And about 10 or so GLRR future Olympians

All in all it was awesome to have that many bodies out there wreaking havoc on the freaked out locals doing their daily track walks. There were pile-ups around every turn, but man was it fun! Total Nascar Chaos!

(Yeeeeeehaw!)

Even with a half-a-case of death lingering in my system (Lauren had the other half), I had me one of the best track workouts so far this year. I basically experienced the Michael Jordan Flu game.

I sprinted most, if not all, of the intervals with EJ, Frank, The J Boys, and Fil.

1:22
1:20
1:20
1:20
1:18
1:17
1:18
1:17
1:16
1:14 (yowsers!)

Of course it's not a complete track workout unless we negate said workout with a few cold ones over a plate of cheese infested pasta at Mario's afterwards. Yum.

If you plan on running Boston in April definitely take advantage of GLRR track as part of your weekly workout. It will payoff come April 18th!

If you plan on taking part in the Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest definitely take advantage of Mario's.

Let's go for 25 bodies (dead or alive) next WEDNESDAY gang!

Dec 15th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-15T20:16:00.001-05:00

Day 349 - Since it's that time of year to renew your membership with GLRR, or to sign up for GLRR if you haven't already, here's a little history on why I joined GLRR in November of 2009.

I started to look around for a running club to join shortly after I qualified for Boston 2010, at Portland, in order to take my training to a more serious level. Little did I know that joining GLRR meant having fun and drinking a lot of liquid refreshments.

At the time of my pre-inception into the local running scene I knew of only two running clubs in the area, the BAA and GLRR. I was pretty much oblivious to everything else running related beyond my own running and training. A club for running? Pffffffttt.

So, who to join? Well, why not go right to the top and join the running club in charge of the marathon that I was training for.

I shot off the following e-mail to the membership folks at BAA and told them I was interested in joining.

BAA,

I'm looking to join a running club in the area. I'd like more info on joining the BAA.

Thanks,

Jason

At first, everything sounded positive.

Hello-

Thanks for getting in touch about the club.

Let me know what you are training for (race distances and goal times) and we can take it from there.

BAA

Wow! This could be the start of something great!

BAA,

I qualified for Boston 2010 at Maine and Hartford a couple of weeks ago. That was my main goal for this year. (BAA was probably thinking, wait, wasn't Maine and Hartford 6 days apart this year?!)

My only remaining goal for this year is to break 3 hrs at NYC. (never happened)

My biggest goal for next year is to complete an ultra marathon (50 miler) within 6 hrs 30 mins. (BAHAHAHAHA - see how naive I was back then?)

My long term goal is to compete in a 100 miler within the next 3 years. (currently ahead of schedule)

Thanks,

Jason

And then there was a deafening silence. I never heard back from the BAA again after that.

Since the BAA didn't want to nurture my burgeoning writing career (or indulge in my fantasy of winning the JFK 50), I picked up the beginnings of this blog, took the hometown discount, and joined up with GLRR.

The rest is history.

I never thought that a running club could make such a huge difference in my running and drinking ability, but I can honestly say that after one year with the club that has a chicken as its logo, I am now a full blown alcoholic.

(Fear the Chicken!)

Dec 14th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 5.25

2010-12-14T22:10:00.001-05:00

Day 348 - GLRR almost lost a good chunk of the club's open division team this evening, but now that I have your attention, we'll talk about something else for now.

I went up to a frigid Lowell tonight to attend the GT5K extended post-season group run from Hookslide's. The J Boys, myself included, Dave, Don, and Coach Jim (He's a J Man) were the only diehards in attendance tonight.

We left Hookslide's shortly after 6:30 and huffed and puffed our way up East Merrimack St towards the ritzy neighborhoods of Belvidere. Hey Alicia.

ALICIA?!

Apparently it wasn't a happy coincidence that she was outside as we were running by her place. She was out looking for Good Looking Road Runners, and to push her home-baked cookies. If we weren't moving at such a good clip, then I would have grabbed some. Next time....!!!

(Fuel for the running sole)

Two miles in and it was just the J Boys and Dave running down 133 with me. It was also around this point that we almost all became a part of GLRR lore.

A vehicle bent on mass homicide pulled out of a side street and missed James by about a foot, Dave by half a foot, and the rest of the J boys by about the length of my foot. It was a close call and another reason why I never run in front of cars even when I make eye contact. RUNNERS ARE EVERYWHERE!

The adrenaline rush of the near death experience pushed our pace below 7's for the rest of the run. Now this was a great tempo run!

We were all together and nobody really fell from the pack over the final three miles of the run, even after one final hill around mile 4. It was nasty, but thankfully, short. Sort of like me.

We finished the 5.25 mile run at 6:55 pace. One of the best runs for me on this young season.

Hopefully the Tuesday night weather luck continues on through the winter so that we can continue this great tradition. Great course, great company, and great near death experiences. Won't you join us?

(almost earned our wings tonight)

Dec 13th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-13T20:40:00.000-05:00

Day 347 - Well, this hangman isn't going to hang himself. Take a guess. I promise it'll only hurt a little.

(I've officialy run out of things to write about)

Dec 12th, 2010 - Race - Merrimac, MA - 4

2010-12-12T22:03:00.003-05:00

Day 346 - Newly minted Whirlaway racer Joe Donnelly wanted to make an appearance on my blog so bad that he followed me up to mighty Merrimac, MA to kick my ass, and to also set up another storyline for 365 Days Part Deux.

(taking names)

Myself, Joe, and a few others that we know, including Joe F., Frank, Jon M., and Icky were up in Merrimac on a mild but wet Sunday afternoon for the Santa Toy Trot put on by WCRC. This race was established 16 years ago by my good friend Bob Randall, who was also here and racing.

The concept of this 3-in-1 race is interesting and a first for me. There's a 2-miler, a 4-miler, and a 6-miler. You have the option of running any distance without first declaring which race you'll run during registration, so this leaves a lot of room for race strategy and shenanigans amongst the racers.

I cursed when I saw Joe already warming up as I parked my car 20 minutes before race time. I didn't expect him here after a little back and forth on Facebook to get things going between us. Joe had already raced and won his division at a tough XC race yesterday in Melrose, and he had already also put in a tempo run earlier in the day. This "man" does not stop!

My sources at today's race told me that Joe was fuming and looking for me. Apparently, he was going to tail me for my entire run and then squish me at the finish like the green slime that I am. Gulp.

I met Joe at the starting line and shook his hand like the good competitor, waiting for his ass whooping, that I am. I told Joe that I was going to just run the 4-miler. Of course, that was a lie.

My strategy was to run the 6-miler with the hopes that Joe would sprint to the finish of the 4-miler as we neared the end of the second loop based on my white lie.

Today was also Joe's birthday, so I think I managed to secure myself a spot in a very, very warm place with this one.

(make room for one more, EJ)

We wished each other luck right before Santa pulled the trigger on the starting gun. Don't ask.

Two other runners took off quickly and lead the pack throughout the first loop. They were more than likely running the 2-miler, so I wasn't too worried.

Joe and I worked together (with him doing most of the work) to pull each other around the looped course. We settled into our agreed upon pace of sub 6's. I was actually just buying time and waiting for Joe to blow out his hammy's due to my "slow" pace. It must have been excruciating for him to run his typical training pace during a race.

Joe did however do his best impersonation of the #8 car and blocked the wind for me on a couple of stretches. Much appreciated.

By the end of the first loop at the finish of the 2-miler, it was just me and Joe comfortably alone and out in front. I was right, the other two runners had pulled in to go one, two in that race.

Even without anyone to chase, we both kept the pedal to the floor and continued on at the same sub 6 pace. There was only one other runner behind us, but not within striking distance.

Joe and I had some great discussions through this stretch. I found out that Joe didn't really want to kick my ass and that he really is a nice guy (I knew that already). He was here to just have fun. My kind of runner!

Like the public announcements of my youth that told me that lying was bad, I had to fess up to Joe, and told him that I couldn't live with a lie.

I spilled my guts and told him that I was actually doing the 6, but then a brilliant thought came to me. Why not just run the 4 and perhaps finish in first, and give Joe the easy walk-off victory in the 6!? Brilliant! This would be the equivalent of chopping the pot in poker terms.

We rounded the final turn on the second loop, and with the 4-miler in the bag, I thanked Joe and told him to go get the 6.

I crossed the 4-mile finish line in 1st with a time of 23:54.

Joe trotted in 12 minutes later for his classy win in the 6, capping off an epic weekend and racing season. Plus, you also got mentioned on my blog! Congrats, buddy! Looking forward to some interesting training runs next year.

Official Results

Winning my first road race ever at the last race of the season (yeah, right) is as good as it gets. The only thing better is that Joe spared my life.

GLRR members Joe Ferris, Jonathan Mackenzie, and Frank Georges (although his singlet did have a nasty mustard stain on it today) also went on to win their respective divisions in their respective races.

A very successful weekend for the Pride of Lowell not named Micky (GO SEE THE FIGHTER!).

(There's a lot to like about Lowell)

Dec 11th, 2010 - Training - Lowell, MA - 10

2010-12-12T19:25:00.001-05:00

Day 345 - Another group run with the Good Looking Road Runners. I expected a subdued morning with a skeleton crew of only 2 to 3 runners considering that El Presidente and Company were down in NC for the XC Nationals, but by the time 8AM rolled around, we had 14 people huddled inside Marx for the group mug shot!

(Best looking group yet!)

Newcomer and Whirlaway runner (we don't discriminate and we won't hold it against her), Emily, joined Mark and I on the 10 mile loop, while Andy, the J Boys, Melissa, and Dave went trouncing through the woods of Lowell. Matt opted for the 8 mile loop. Scott and Paula took turns with babysitting and running duties, and still managed to get in about 5 miles each. I believe Andrea was also out there for her usual 3+. Jimmy was nice enough to be there early to take the group photo and provide moral support. Much appreciated!

Note to Glenn, we're going to need a road racing permit and police detail if this group gets any bigger!

Goal for next Saturday is to shatter the all-time group run record of 18. Please come out and help us make a little history!

Speaking of making history, the GLRR contingent at Nationals, and at the Junior Olympics in Alabama, had some success too.

I'm still waiting on a full report from Glenn, but we already know that the women's senior team finished 2nd overall....in the ****ing country! Hopefully, they'll be able to get through the "medal' detector at the airport without a TSA certified pat down.

(No Senior Moment here - Liane, Sue, & Kathy)

Based on pre-lim reports from Joe Ferris and Coach Noelle, the bantam division girls finished 8th in the country! This is after a mix up that left them a little dejected upon their arrival on Friday. In the end, the team demonstrated GLRR pride and strength and finished strong. Virginia Beach is already on their little calendars for next year!

Quick shout out to Alicia for the delicious post-run waffles (let's make it a tradition!), and the inspiration for GLRR's new moniker, which I'm sure I'll keep using until the other clubs get sick of hearing it.

Dec 10th, 2010 - Training - Tewksbury, MA - 3.1

2010-12-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

Day 344 - One of my goals at the start of the year was to put in 2000+ miles. Mission Accomplished.

That should set a nice base for the plans that I have for next year.

- 250 hrs 15 mins of total run time (amazingly, this is only about 11 days of running!)
- 7:30 pace over this span
- 67 races (~350 miles of racing)
- Lapped once by Jim Rhoades

(Almost time for an oil change)

Dec 9th, 2010 - Track - Lexington, MA - 5

2010-12-10T14:59:00.004-05:00

Day 343 - Well, it was fun while it lasted. My break from training for a goal race came to a screeching halt/start last night at winter track with GLRR.

Boston training has officially started.

This was only the second session of track for me this "winter", but I already feel much stronger this year than last when I was just starting out.

EJ, Frank, the J boys, Fil, Mark, Glenn, Jim, Paul, The Murphy's, newcomer Lauren, and a couple of others were here tonight. Glenn and Jim did their own thing since they were heading to the XC Nationals this weekend in NC. The rest of us did the 800, 800, mile, 800, 800 workout.

Its been great seeing the double digit turnout at the Lexington "You've Got to Be" High "to be running on this" track this season. I actually don't think we could accommodate much more than 15 to 20 runners at once here. It's four lanes of eleven very short laps to a mile (see image below). Yeah, that would be 144 laps for a half-marathon, right EJ?

The good news is that the Garmin works really well inside this very wooden structure. The bad news is that this very wooden structure could collapse on us any day now. We just need it to hold out for at least six more weeks.

Track has been very, very good to me and those who take advantage of it. I cannot stress how vital and important it is to do a track workout at least once per week to maintain and improve your running ability, especially over the colder months. No hibernation for us.

EJ, Frank, and a couple of the J boys, including "Chuck", came along with me for the very fast ride. This was definitely one of the best track workouts that I've taken part in. We all took turns leading, pulling, and pushing each other around the track. I think we managed to lap Fil five times tonight. Can we check if that is a PR?

In the end, we all once again managed to break the one rule of track: Don't Race!

But damn, it was fun.

800 - 2:53
800 - 2:47
Mile - 5:51
800 - 2:38
800 - 2:37

(Image not drawn to scale or truth)