Off The Pace (A Distance Runner's Blog)

Hot

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Well nothing like 3 days of 98 degree temps to really get the system ready for a long summer here in DC. Actually by running at 9 on Sat and Sun, and at 9:30 pm last night, I avoided most of the worst heat and humidity. As I rebuild the base and get back into shape, I'm noticing the training pace is picking up too. My standard 6 on Monday night was quite rapid, for which I'm very pleased. . . Aiming for 10 both days this upcoming weekend.

1st good run. . .

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:36:00 +0000

Not a bad first "substantial" run, Saturday afternoon, 6 miles at a good pace along Sligo Creek parkway. I hate having to get back into shape, though. These next 2-3 weeks, having to build back to a base, are always rough. But there was no issue with stride, pace, form, and just minor soreness in the left ad.

Signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon (registration closed in just 5 days this year). Am now debating whether I should go ahead and sign up for LA, since I missed it this year. Still have some flight credit from canceling the ticket, so if I get a cheap flight, should be ok.

FINALLY! I RUN.

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:23:00 +0000

Great news, I'm back. After nearly 4 months of rest, the left adductor sprain is judged healed by a M.D. (and a great orthopod -- anyone who needs an orthopod in the DC area, Dr. Dan Pereles at Montgomery Ortho is your guy).

I am cleared to begin not only running, but training again -- and have signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon. It will be my 6th in a row. Went 4 miles last night in a gorgeous spring breeze, and it was all I could do to prevent myself from setting a 5:30 pace, I was so excited.

Excellent. I am happy beyond words.

Oh, to be in LA

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:57:00 +0000

So, looked like a nice time running in Los Angeles. Here's the LA Times blog, including a group of runners dressed up like Slash of GNR -- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2008/03/noon-sunday.html

Would've been nice to be there. I made 40 quarts of bolognese sauce instead, and watched Mags and Will while the wife went running.

Why No Posts? Injured, Not Running.

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:05:00 +0000

Lesson one, which after 20+ years of competitive distance running I should know, is don't try to force yourself into marathon shape too quickly. But, as December rushed toward January and I dithered at 12 miles as my long run on a Saturday and Sunday, I noted that the L.A. Marathon was approaching quickly.

No problem -- just up 12 to 16 and go from there, 8 weeks to go and I'll be fine.

Or I'll pull my groin, the first running injury I've had since a stress fracture my freshman year of college. Well, not counting that whole "both knees destroyed/reconstructed" thing my junior year.

So, rather than getting on an airplane for a flight to Los Angeles tomorrow, and rather than line up at Universal City on Sunday morning to run thru L.A. on a beautiful spring morning, and rather than see friends for a long weekend, and add another state to the 50-state list, I'll be here in DC, watching my kids while my wife goes out for a long training run. And out the plane fare, too.

Let me tell you something -- I haven't missed more than 2 weeks of running in over 10 years. I'm on 6 weeks off right now, with probably another 3 or 4 to go, just to be safe. That kills the Wilmington marathon too. Anyone know a good June marathon? I think I'll be back in shape by then, if I don't go crazy in the meantime. . .

Wow. Where did November go?

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:56:00 +0000

Bad blogger, to abandon my post without notice. AWOL. What a late October and all of November. I'll post a larger detailed version. . . but: ran the Marine Corps Marathon, led a week-long 36 person global business delegation to Geneva & the WTO, lobbied and passed the Peru free trade agreement in the House AND Senate, had MJ's baptism, and Thanksgiving. And kept running through the whole thing. So I have lots of posts to catch up on. Running in Paris and Geneva. Running in/after last night's snowstorm (great run!). So -- let this be a placeholder and I'll catch back up. . . after my business trip to Jackson, Michigan tomorrow.

Crazy. Busy.

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:58:00 +0000

Apologies. It's been crazy at work, crazy at home. Still running, beginning to taper down for the Marine Corps marathon at the end of the month. The heat this last weekend was very strange -- 92 degrees on October 6? Thought we were done with that after August. Not just here in DC, either -- Chicago certainly got hit. Still, I think the decision to "cancel" the marathon was short-sighted. Hey, you sign a form when you sign up. You've been training for months in worse heat for a fall marathon. You're either gonna finish or not. They didn't cancel Boston this year (although they talked about it). I'm glad most kept on running and completed Chicago. . .

The Crazy Week

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 21:21:00 +0000

Well, managed to get 2 weeknight runs in this week, with our Board meeting and all the work it required this week. Tue and Thur -- so this is, what, the 3rd week in a row I've missed Wed night's run.

I did get a good, fast, hard 16 in this morning, and will put another 12-14 on tomorrow morning. This last week was insanely busy, though -- between the Board meeting and the associated lunches and dinners, and loads of Hill meetings in the few open spaces I had, plus good action on the Peru trade bill. Ugh. I would have liked a few more runs to regain my sanity after some of the days! And Ann Will and Maggie might have enjoyed me at home a few nights more, given Ann and Will had birthdays I missed (as well as my own, I might add).

I strap on the tux again for my second black-tie dinner in a week (Congressional Black Caucus this time around). What a glamorous life I lead ;-) Just received the annoucement that the Wilmington (DE) marathon registration is open. I can't believe it -- it feels like I just ran it yesterday (it was in May). I recommend this race for anyone who wants a Boston qualifier -- it is fast, extremely flat, and very friendly.

Squeezing in the Run

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:21:00 +0000

This past weekend (week, for that matter) was certainly an excercise (no pun intended) in how to manage life and running. Having missed Wed nite's run due to the dreadfully-menued Ambassadors Ball, I missed Thursday night as well, due to pure personal choice. It wasn't food poisoning [see dreadful dinner at the Ball, above] but close, so I said screw it and stayed in front of the Tigers game at 9 pm.

So Friday night's 7 subbed for Thursday, leaving me one night down for the week. Saturday, had to go out early and long, because Will's 5th birthday party was Saturday afternoon. Did 16 that morning, then had 8 5-year olds over for a few hours of insanity. I know, broke the rule on party guests (age+1) but the kids had a great time. Sunday, did 10 quite early, as we all went to the final, last-ever baseball game at RFK stadium. I note that Friday night I watched the Tigers and then went running at about 10 pm; Saturday I was out doing my long run at 10 am, so 2 runs less than 12 hours apart made for some sore legs come Sunday. And today too!

The end of this week will mark the 30 day clock on the Marine Corps. I plan to go 18-20 on Saturday along Northwest Branch and the Anacostia, and then begin the tapering process. This week is also our Board, and the next month will be an insane time for work and home (I'm missing Will and Ann's birthdays this week due to Board events).

My Birthday Mile. . .

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:49:00 +0000

It's my 37th birthday. Normally, I run a timed mile to see how much speed I've lost over the year, but I have the Ambassadors Ball tonight, so unless I can find a track and get some kind of tuxedo and opera pump shoe kind of handicap, I'll have to do it tomorrow night. And, again, like last week, I'll miss a week-night run due to this fancy-pants ball. I'm in meetings on the Hill until about 6:30, so no way I can squeeze in even a quick 4 or 5 today.

No big deal, I'm still feeling the effects of my first two 5k races in 4 years (in one week, too). They really impacted my long runs the following day, so no more races until after the Marine Corps marathon. Fine. Do I feel old? No. And shaving your head is a great way to hide grey hair, which I've just begun to notice. . . So I'll enjoy the open bar and nice dinner tonight and hit the road Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun (20 miler planned for Sunday -- longest before the taper begins!). And I will do a timed mile tomorrow night before my standard 7. Results on Friday.

Four Seasons 5k over the weekend

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:16:00 +0000

Ran the Georgetown Four Seasons "Sprint for the Cure" 5k. While the good runners were mostly off at Jim Carville's New Orleans 5k in Arlington (#1 and #2 there were same as last week at the 9/11 race -- so had I run the New Orleans, probably would have ended up about 8th or so).

This was definitely a more casual race -- no numbers, one prize -- round trip ticket anywhere in US on American. Well, one for top M, one for top F. Essentially up and back along the C&O Canal through Georgetown. Which is crowded and narrow to begin with, especially on a very pleasant Saturday morning. Not like they were going to close the canal towpath for this race. It was going to be dog-walker, walker-walker, biker, jogger, and tourist dodging the entire way.

I'll spare you the drama -- I finished 3rd, 17:02, about 22 seconds behind the winner. I had some hopes of actually winning and using that free airline ticket to do another 50-state marathon somewhere, and when I arrived at the race and surveyed the crowd, I felt actually like I might have a chance. As I walked into the lobby, I even overheard one guy say to a woman, "wow, there's even a real runner here" [I was wearing a Boston Marathon '07 shirt].

Until, at the starting line, I looked to my right and saw a guy with a running tattoo on his right shoulder. There are 750 people at this run, and only two of them have running-related tattoos on their right shoulders -- this guy and me. So he's for real. He's young, too. He went out fast, as did a pack of about 10. By 1/2 mile in, he had 20 seconds on me, 2nd place had 10, and I was dropping the pack around me. And that's how it stayed for the rest of the race -- unable to catch 1st (I got a few seconds on #2, but it wasn't like 2nd place was getting a round-trip Greyhound ticket or anything).

That's ok, he had 10 years on me and I'm beginning to realize I'm not going to be winning races anymore. Just have to aim at getting that 17 minute barrier broken and to try and win my age group (in races that give out awards, natch).

The Sub-3 Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:22:00 +0000

Feedback from yesterday's profile in The Hill indicates I'd better run pretty damn fast on Oct. 28 in the Marine Corps marathon. I had shared my sub-3 hour goal with a few fellow runners here at work, my family, etc. But, as was pointed out to me yesterday during a full (100+ people) staff meeting, now that I have stated the goal publicly, there are a lot more people watching to see if I make it -- not to mention anyone who read The Hill yesterday and knows me either personally or professionally.

I don't think taking about 10 minutes off my marathon pace is impossible, but -- note my earlier August thoughts on what I'll need to do in order to run a 2:59 or faster -- I think I should have kept that goal to myself!

Pretty vanilla 7 miles last night. Nice to see some cooler & less humid weather finally making its way into DC. It feels like fall. And fall always feels like running to me, more so than any other season save those first great warm days of spring.

The article is somewhat about running

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:53:00 +0000

I suppose this has a place here, because it is somewhat about running, and also about me . . . I am profiled today in The Hill, a political/policy newspaper here in Washington, DC.

http://thehill.com/business--lobby/marathon-man-goudie-pushes-free-trade-agenda-on-the-hill-2007-09-11.html

I'm of two minds about this -- it's always nice to have some recognition and publicity, but I foresee a long day of good-natured razzing by friends and colleagues, and there is also something to be said about flying under the radar as a lobbyist here in DC.

In any case, true runners will be less interested in my abduction by anarchists at the 1999 Seattle WTO Ministerial (as described in the article) than they will about the dreadful and punishing 18 miler I tried to do at the 2003 Cancun WTO Ministerial. Believe me, any long run that ends with you having to hitch a ride with a bunch of armed, sweaty, shirtless Mexican soldiers in the back of a pickup truck is, if anything, a good story. . .

My First 5k in years. . .

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:30:00 +0000

First, let me say that many who will read this post will think I'm complaining about what my friend Renee calls an "uptown problem." However, we all have goals we've set -- for many blogs I've read, it's running a first marathon or qualifying for Boston. My goal in this 5k was to win my age group and nail a high 15 minute time.

Saturday's Arlington Memorial 9/11 5k race was for me a bit of good, bad and ugly.

The good -- I finished 8th out of 3,500. And 3rd in the 30-39 age category.
The bad -- race organizers only gave out awards to the top 2 finishers, not the top 3 (like all other races on earth). I waited around for a long time for the awards ceremony (should've read the fine print, I know). And because I was driving, I couldn't drink as much free beer as I otherwise would have.
The ugly -- my time. 17:12. I've been running faster all summer in training. Granted, the conditions sucked -- 6 pm start, 95 degree+ heat index. Still. I had at least 45 seconds faster in me.

I ran a good race, not too fast at the beginning, picked off a whole bunch of folks between 1.5 and 2.5. Came within touching distance in the final 0.1 of 7th place and 2nd in my age group (still chiding myself for not kicking harder, but I'd surged for a long time to catch the guy and his kick beat mine).

Yesterday's 14 miler was rough, as expected. I'm going to have trouble pulling a long run the day after a 5k race, so I'll have to concentrate on getting the distance up through the MCM.

But I'm planning another 5k race this forthcoming Saturday anyway.

A Long Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 12:30:00 +0000

First, I want to pretend the events that transpired in Ann Arbor on Saturday did not happen. Going forward, I will just assume Michigan made the kick and won by a point. Do not try and convince me otherwise.

As I thought, fitting in the long runs worked out well enough in the end. Had to drive to Sandusky, Ohio (home of the fantastic roller-coaster amusement park Cedar Point) for a great weekend with my huge extended family, celebrating my grandfather's 90th birthday. Friday was driving day, so lost the easy 5 miles I usually do on most Fridays. No big loss.

Saturday I had planned 12 to 14, running from the resort where we stayed out the long causeway to Cedar Point. It's a fantastic run -- Sandusky Bay on one side, Lake Erie on the other, lots of shade. Did 12, at a very hard pace -- well under 6:00. It was rough to actually reach the entrance of Cedar Point (we would go every year, at least a few times, driving down from the Detroit suburbs) and, instead of going in and spending the day having fun, turning back around and hammering it back to my hotel room. Others in the family group had gone kayaking, some stayed at the pool. Played 9 holes that afternoon, and then we had a fantastic 90th party/dinner for grandpa -- who is in such good shape, I think he could have done my run with me.

Sunday, back in the car for the long drive home to DC. I decided to skip that day's run, which I felt not one twinge of guilt.

And Monday, to make up for that lovely extra day off, went 14, Sligo Creek/Wheaton Park, 7:00 pace. After the run, went down to the new Pacers running store that just opened in Silver Spring downtown to buy new shoes -- and found that Nike has discontinued my model. Bastards. I knew this would happen, eventually -- but now I have to adjust to a completely new shoe, which I hate doing. This week -- standard distance, leading up to my first road race (5k) since 2003. I've concentrated on marathons for the last five years -- but I'm making my re-entry to road racing. Very excited about it, too.

Tuesday Night Run

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:09:00 +0000

Good run last night, standard Tuesday 7 miles -- the heat and humidity in DC have broken a bit (my fab wicking running shorts didn't finish the run feeling like a bathing suit, at least, like they have most of the summer). Put a good pace on, 6:15-6:30. Right knee, right shin, left ankle still pained a bit from weekend long runs. For some reason it was a rabbit convention out there in Silver Spring last night -- I must have startled 12 or 13 rabbits out of the middle of suburban streets between 9 and 9:45 pm. Got back in time to watch my Tigers lose to the Royals -- how do you beat the Yankees 16-0 and lose to the KC Royals the next night? Will do 7 tonight and tomorrow night, per usual.

With an 8 hour drive to Ohio on tap for Friday (and back again on Sunday) my schedule will be a bit off for 2 long weekend runs, but Monday is a holiday, so I can stick the 16 miler there. As long as I get 12 in on Saturday before golf and family events kick off, and stick a quick 5 in first thing Sunday morning, I'll be ok. So I won't break 200 miles for August (I look back now at the 400 mile months I did in college and cringe). But I broke 1,800 miles for the year last night [7.5 miles/day avg]. Still plan two marathons more this year (Marine Corps and Vegas), and of course, if [when] I qualify again for Boston, that could be 3 in Spring '08 (LA, Boston, Wilmington).

Good Weekend Running

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 15:01:00 +0000

Good weekend of running, despite the brutal heat and humidity on Friday and Saturday. Why is it that marathon training seems to require the long runs in the worst weather -- spring marathons, you're out in February snow and sleet and cold; fall marathons you're out in August heat and humidity.

Friday was going to be a rest day but I was home that day and couldn't resist getting a few miles in -- but the day ran away with me (never underestimate the amount of time you can lose with an open August day, air conditioning and a PS2), so at 4 pm -- heat index of about 100 -- I hopped out and hammered 5 on Sligo Creek. Bad call -- really felt dreadful. Never really got back to feeling normal the rest of the night. Should'a climbed into the kiddie pool with cold beer and the New Yorker instead.

Saturday the plan was for 12 and by God I did 12. Missed the worst of the heat (I think the index climbed to 105 or so by mid-day). Went out at 10:15 am, did the Sligo/Wheaton Regional park loop, probably 6:30 pace or so. Ran into some kid on the trail, who was a 400/800 sprinter in high school. He was going home after his 30 minute run and then going off to college. Lucky bastard, to have the next 4 years ahead of him. I told him I was headed to my 15 year college reunion in a few weeks. He said "How old are you?" "Nearly 37," I replied. "Wow -- you've can set a really good pace for your age." Gee, thanks, kid. I felt like challenging him to a race right then. I can still pull a low 50 quarter. But we had a very enjoyable conversation, and I urged him to keep his upper body strength up, as it really aids one in doing long kegstands. . .

Sunday, LSD -- 14 miles, Sligo/NW Branch to the Anacostia. Held myself back, nice and slow, went out about 10 am and just enjoyed the cooler weather (much different than Saturday). If training plans hold, I'll increase the 14 by 1 mile each of the next 5 weeks, keep the Saturday 10-12 fast, and taper right down to October 28th and the MCM.

Arlington 5K

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 20:01:00 +0000

DC folks: Just a note that anyone looking for a good 5k race -- the Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5k on Sept. 8 is always a great run. http://www.arlington911race.com is the website to register. Good long-sleeve t-shirt, nearly flat course (up an on-ramp is all), beer and pizza afterward. Metro accessible from Pentagon City

Base issues

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:25:00 +0000

I had two very good runs this past weekend, both quite fast (one intentional, one less so). Saturday hammered the CCT for 10 miles in 51 minutes, Sunday did 11 on Sligo/NW Branch in 60 minutes. So much for long slow distance.

It has me thinking of my central problem with my marathons over the last few years and my inability to break the 3 hour barrier when, as Coach J has repeatedly noted, I should, based on my God-given speed, be turning in 2:40 or 2:45 marathons, instead of 3:10 or 3:15. The issue is lack of serious base -- say 80 mpw or more -- which becomes clear at mile 16 or so in every marathon I run.

The problem is the reconstructed knees can handle about 60 mpw (and handle them fast) but not much more. I have never run longer than 18 as a long run in leadup to any marathon. If I want to break through the 3 hour barrier -- and I do [this is not about Boston qualifying, I've been there, done that, enjoyed the nor'easter] -- than I will need to add 20 to 30 miles each week to the base. Otherwise I'm going to be a good 5k and 10k road racer, and a 3:10 marathoner for a while. I do recall that it was many, many consecutive weeks of 100+ mpw in college that bought me two rebuilt knees and an early end to my competitive running phase, and I don't want to revisit THAT experience.

I am grateful that my native speed has held, and I enjoy very much going out on a Saturday morning and hammering 10. And if I'm not willing to push the base, I'm not going to gain the endurance necessary to blow open a marathon. Argh.

Boston Redux

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 02:44:00 +0000

So I had to go to Boston last week for a conference, to speak on a panel on Sunday. Decided to go up on Saturday and stay through Monday afternoon. Stayed in the Park Plaza, in Back Bay. Had a great, hard run on Sat. afternoon, down along the Charles River up to Harvard and back.

But the best thing about the whole weekend was Sunday morning. Got up early, had breakfast, and about 10 am, ran down Boylston St. to the finish line, and then ran the marathon course in reverse, out to mile 19. Great day -- sunny, cool, low humidity, lots of fellow runners in the streets. Kept a good pace, probably 6:30 or so. Ran in the street whenever possible. Got to BC, went up the "down" side of heartbreak hill, went down the "up" side of heartbreak. Got to 19, turned around, went "up" heartbreak hill (urgh) and ran the last 7.2 miles of the marathon course.

I have to say, I began to have dreadful flashbacks the minute I hit Cleveland Circle. By mile 22, I was right back in the same dismal mindframe I was in last April. I was running much faster this time, but still. . . Very strange -- thought I'd banish a few gremlins from my head by re-running the course, but instead conjured them back up. I put the hammer down from 22 to the end (well under 6), however, and that helped clear the head. Great run.

Made speaking on the panel a lot easier that Sunday afternoon, despite feeling a bit knackered. Rewarded myself with a few Stellas and a fine conversation with Howie the bartender at Cottonwood Cafe that night.

LA Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:24:00 +0000

Just signed up for the LA marathon, March 2. This will replace Boston next year and get me one state closer to 50. Vowed to do it with a friend if he would run it as his first at a wedding last October, and have thus notified him. He's game. Should be a good time.

Some Background (Running)

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:10:00 +0000

I have been a distance runner since my first mile "fun run" in Charlevoix, Michigan, age 10. 7:42 was my time. A week later, at the mile fun run at Oakland University, ran a 7:41. A year later, ran a 2 mile race, and by middle school was running the mile and two mile for the track team.

High school: ran the mile, two mile, and opening leg on the 2 mile relay team. My sophomore year, team finished 2nd at state XC championships. I was all-state 5 times in high school, thrice in xc and twice in the 2 mile. All County 6 times, champion in xc my senior year and in the 2 mile my junior and senior year.

College: ran the 1,500, 3,000 steeplechse, 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Was an All-American in 10,000 meters my sophomore year, went to NCAA nationals in xc freshman and sophomore year. Was all-league in xc frosh and soph, all-league in 5,000 frosh and soph.

College Surgery: double open-knee reconstruction to repair tendons, ligaments, kneecap, muscles. Ended my competitive running career. A blessing in disguise, however, which I will blog more at length down the road.

The Rest of My Life: I am now an active 3-hour marathoner, running 2-4 marathons each year, and some 5k (15:30) and 10k (31:00) road runs in-between. Slowly working toward 50-state marathon club membership. So far -- DC, Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts. 46 to go!

Next marathons: Marine Corps (Oct 07), Las Vegas (Dec 07), Los Angeles (March 08), Wilmington, DE (May 08)

Some Background (Personal)

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:06:00 +0000

So who am I? I am a 36 year old lobbyist in Washington, DC, where I have lived since graduating from college in 1992. I grew up in suburban Detroit. Was an all-state track and xc runner in high school, which brought me offers to run for big schools. Went to a small school instead, ran track and xc, double-majored in English and Russian, came out to DC to go to Georgetown's School of Foreign Service graduate program. Stayed, hit the bars, got a job, bought a condo, lost a job, got another, then another, bought a house in suburbia, bought a 2nd car, etc. But have been running through the whole fabulous experience.

Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (DarG) — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:02:00 +0000

Welcome to Off The Pace, a blog about running. My running, your running, and how it fits into the rest of life and the pursuit of happiness. Or just mindless bloviating. Either works.

At the end of 2006, as I went running on the last day of the year before hosting a New Year's Eve dinner party, I totaled the miles I've logged since I began running "competitively" at age 11 (mile fun runs) and then competitively in middle school and high school, through college cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and into marathons and road races. I stopped keeping a detailed running log after college, when I realized I was running for the log sometimes rather than for myself.

However, I have kept fairly steady on training distances, and so my estimate is pretty accurate. I believe, from 1982 to 2006, I have run 52,000 miles, give or take. Lots of 100+ mile weeks in college, lots of 60 mile weeks as a marathoner. And this blog, which probably three people will find and read, is an attempt to determine what, other than 3% bodyfat, I have gained from all those miles.

My belief is a lot -- but I'm going to look at some themes and what not and see what I've learned. I instead passed by a father and his 12 year old son out running yesterday. I thought of when I began running with my father, and then on my own, and then competitively in middle school, and high school, and college. And when I could no longer run for varsity letters and All-American plaques, I keep running.