Hi All,

Sunday, 4/8 to Saturday, 4/14: 20.9 miles

I did my first long run, 12.1 miles. First I ran my 6.8 mile route. I had some gel, hydrated, then ran my 5.3 mile route. The weather was great, around 40F at the start, warming up to around 45F at the end. My time was 1:45:20, a 8:42 pace. I stopped about six or seven times for short walking breaks. My aim was conditioning, not a time. But being the competitive runner that I am, I will try to beat it next week.

I also ran twice up at work out to the zoo and back, 4.4 miles. I ran under 8 minute miles each time.

I believe I need new running shoes. I have about 570 miles on my Brooks Adrenaline. They still look good but I think they have lost their cushioning. I hope that FleetFeet, www.fleetfeetrochester.com, has a size 12 pair. I plan on using my $25 gift certificate that I got for Christmas.

I had a free $22 ticket to a Rochester Knighthawks, www.knighthawks.net, game thanks to giving blood last month. I couldn't find a companion so I went by myself. I had a really good seat in the corner, 119-N18. It was a good time, Rochester beat Buffalo 14 to 8 in front of a sellout crowd. The Hawks are 14-2 and have won twelve in a row.

Keep running, Doug

P.S. My youngest son, David, has been out of the hospital for a week now. He is gaining strength and is back on solid food.

P.P.S. There is a major winter storm warning for Sunday night and Monday as a nor'easter barrels up the coast. The forecast is for six to twelve inches of wet, heavy snow by Monday afternoon.