1/6/2018 - Winter Warrior Half

Saturday, 1/6/2018: 22216 steps during the day; 2 runs of 0.71 and 13.22 miles, 3F, 78% RH, 11 mph WNW wind, wind chill -13F, overcast with light snow after loop 2.

Today's race was my fourth Winter Warrior Half (2015 at Monroe Community College in 1:50:07, 2016 at Rochester Tech Park (RTP) in 1:47:44, 2017 at RTP in 1:46:06). It's an epic race ... so it deserves its own blog post.

I was up around 8 AM. There was no need to get up early ... the race wasn't until 4 PM. I had a mug of coffee and a muffin with one side of peanut butter and one side of strawberry jelly.

I read Facebook posts about people testing out their cold weather gear and it made sense. It seemed like a bother but I thought it would give me more confidence if I knew that all this gear actually did its job ... keep me kind of warm. So ... I got found all the "really cold" running gear, dressed and got outside. I added my new ski goggles and Innogear headlamp (even though it was daylight). Then I set out to take the Netflix DVD to the mailbox on Greenleaf Road around 10:30 AM. I found that my goggles fogged up but I could still see about 10 feet in front in me. I went 0.71 miles at 8:44 pace, link here. It was cold: 1F, 77% RH, 15 mph WNW wind, wind chill -18F, overcast. My running gear seemed to be spot on: blue Salamon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes (with close to 800 miles on them), CW-X tights with shorts, long sleeve tech, Craft long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, 2015 Winter Warrior hat, goggles, headlamp and ski mittens. It all felt OK so I decided that I would not afford myself the option of doing only 1, 2 or 3 loops but would attempt all four no matter the conditions.

Flat "Doug" ... all my gear except I wore the new green Winter Warrior hat (Ellen said we could)

Test run selfie

I whiled around the time just lounging around. Christine got a cowbell, went outside and started yelling "Go, runners", etc. I didn't know what she was doing. She was quite cold when she came back inside. She explained she was doing her cheer for me from home. She had trouble uploading it to Facebook so she uploaded it to her laptop and emailed it to me to upload.

Christine cheering for Winter Warrior Half ... from the front of our townhouse 13.6 miles away from RTP
I started to get ready around 2 PM. I put on all my running clothes except the head gear. I put a Foot Warmer in my trail shoes (they didn't feel any warmer AT ALL). I put warm water in my Nathan SpeedDraw water bottle and also brought my Hammer Gel flask. I took the 2018 Cruze down to the Rochester Tech Park (RTP). The traffic was light and I arrived around 2:45 PM. So ... I got a close parking spot right by the porta-potties within 100 yards of the warming tents.

Boots setting out traffic cones ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Ellen Boutillier arriving ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

It was 3F when I arrived at the RTP and it didn't get any warmer!

I pinned my bib onto my shorts and put a Hand Warmer in each ski mitten (they worked a little). I spent most of the time before the 4 PM start right inside the car just chilling. I got out twice to "hit the head" but that's about it. I just people watched.

I got out at 3:45 PM, locked the car with the side door locking button (note that fact), adjusted all my gear (turned on my Nathan Tracer360 vest, pulled up my GRTC neck gaiter, made sure that my goggles were tight, put on my ski mittens) and headed over to the start/finish line. I didn't take my water bottle or Hammer Gel ... too much bother. Man ... was it cold!!! I met up with Prem Kumar. We talked a bit as we jumped around to keep warm. There were a minimum amount of announcements ... and we were off!

The start ... courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

I got up to some semblance of a race pace. The road was covered with about an inch of snow so my trail shoes handled it OK with just a bit of slipping and sliding. The course was 4 loops so any wind would be felt (and enjoyed ... NOT) 4 times. The wind was felt in the face just as soon as we turned left onto Les Harrison Drive E and ran up the incline to Les Harrison Drive W. The traction varied so I had to move around a bit to find the best spot to run. There was a little bit of ice too so I had to be careful. It didn't help that my goggle fogged up a bit. The 200 yard section on Manitou Road was the clearest section of the course. Then we turned out of the wind onto Creative Dr. I always seemed to speed up when I was going downwind. There was a volunteer woman by Harris B101 (I found out that she was Meghan Smith) who must have danced the whole time to keep warm as she gave us encouragement. Then there was the jog left onto Innovation Way to add a bit of distance before turning around and heading back over to a left onto Initiative Drive. Then another left onto Lazar Drive and another left into the start/finish line.

Lazar Dive about 1/4 mile from the end of Loop 1 ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

So I stayed left the first 3 times and right the last time ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Boom ... loop 1 done. I either yelled out (sometimes no words ... my voice got a bit frozen)  or waved every time I went by a volunteer. Only 3 more loops ... as it got darker. I started to lap slower runners about halfway into loop 2. I stopped to have some sips of icy water after loop 2. I felt a bit sick to my stomach so I didn't stop after that. I just put my legs and body into a "get it done" pace. I turned on my headlamp as it got darker. It started to snow. I was amazed that some runners wore no reflective gear or a headlamp! I had to keep my head up to make sure that I didn't run into other runners. I started to get passed by the faster runners on loop 3. I felt a bit hungry during loop 4 but I just sucked it up and kept on running at whatever pace I could muster ... forward.

Ellen gave me (and almost everyone else according to her) a high five each time when I went through the start/finish line. Soon it was my time to head into the right lane as I approached the start/finish line .... and done in 1:55:17 (according to my Garmin)! I accepted the finishers medal and the 4 Season Challenge medal with pride (and a bit of exhaustion). I stopped my eCrumb, took a selfie and walked toward the 2018 Cruze.

The start/finish line ... photo courtesy of "Boots" Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

This video of the finish line is almost like being there ... minus the cold and wind chill of course!

End of Loop1 at 9:08, Loop 2 at 37:30, Loop 3 at 1:07:12, Finished at 1:36:36. (The video did not catch the start and was started later).

Number of finishers was 269, number of male finishers was 130

A bundled up post race selfie

Then everything went to shit (for a bit). I reached into my Nathan Zipster for my car key ... and didn't find it! I was a bit wet from sweat so I was cold and shivering out there in the elements. I made my way back to the start/finish line and then into a heated lobby. I told a Yellow Jacket Racing staff member that I had lost my keys. He sent out a text for everyone to be on the lookout for them. I called Christine so she could come down to get me. I warmed up for a while next to a heating grate (ahh!) and then realized that I needed to eat something. I made my way to the warming tents where the food was staged and had 2 bowls of mac'n'cheese along with 4 cookies. It's kind of tough to eat mac'n'cheese when your hands are shaking from the cold ... a fork really helped! I stopped by the award table and found that I had won my M 60-64 age group. I got a plaque and a jar of Once Again peanut butter. More peanut butter ... mmm! I now have 4 jars with different levels left in each.

The roads were treacherous so it took Christine a while to get down to the RTP with the 2014 Cruze and then a bit for her and I to find each other once she got down there. She unlocked the 2018 Cruze ... and there were my car key safe and sound in the ignition! We were both a bit cranky toward each other ... mostly from the cold. She hadn't expected to go outside and I was just really cold. But we were also relieved that the keys were found! I put on my coat and cranked up the heater fan in any car that I happened to be sitting in. Christine made me drive the 2014 Cruze home since she hadn't driven the 2018 Cruze yet.

Soon ... we were both home. I got home about 10 minutes before Christine did. She got stuck behind some slow pokes. Christine heated up some leftovers (chicken thighs and lamb roast) and also made up a pizza for supper. I complained a bit but realized I was hungry and went in for seconds a couple of hours later. I was also thirsty and had 2 mugs of milk. My right foot hurt and I complained about that too ... Christine made me take off my sock so she could make sure that it wasn't frostbite. I think I picked up two more black toenails from them hitting the toe box as I slipped and slid during the race. The socks I had on Saturday night certainly did hurt my toes!

The results were posted in a couple of hours. Yellow Jacket Racing outdid themselves trying to get all the results together. I finished in 1:55:15, 33rd out of 267 solo finishers, link here. There were a lot of runners in the overall results that didn't start, dropped after 1 loop, dropped after 2 loops and dropped after 3 loops. I was first out of 15 in my solo M 60-64 age group, link here. Loop times were: Loop 1: 27:46, 8:29 pace; Loop 2: 28:22, 8:40 pace; Loop3: 29:42, 9:05 pace and Loop 4: 29:27, 9:00 pace. My splits were: 8:35, 8:12, 8:17, 8:44, 8:23, 8:29, 9:30, 8:47, 8:42, 9:01, 9:02, 8:39, 9:06 and 8:28 over the last 0.22 mile. The Relive link to Winter Warrior Half is here.

There was a 1 loop race with 251 finishers, link here; a 2 loop or quarter marathon race with 44 finishers, link here; and a 3 loop race with 1 finisher, loop here. There was also a relay race with 7 male (link here), 12 female (link here) and 11 coed (link here) teams.

The Winter Warrior Half bling (4 Season Challenge, Finisher's Medal, hat and bib)

The Winter Warrior Half Age Group Winner bling (plaque and Once Again peanut butter)

I started to read all the Facebook posts. There were lots of stories of epic adventures! I would like to touch on two. One, Bill Murphy, a 69 year rock star walker. I passed Bill twice during the race. I said, "Hi, Bill!" as I went by. He replied in his customary "Go! Go! Go!". Bill was on an epic adventure in 2017. He had 1340 race miles, did 26 full marathons, 48 half marathons and did races with Mainly Marathons in 48(!!) states! Second, is a little girl that I passed on loop 3. I didn't really notice her but I remember a little girl all bundled up wearing fairy wings with lights on them. Well .. she was 10 years old and ran her second half marathon. Her mother posted on Facebook that she was nervous about letting her run but that she wanted to do it, would wear what clothes her mother wanted, would run with someone and would stop to be checked every lap. Awesome!

I would like to thank Fleet Feet, Yellow Jacket Racing, their staff, all the volunteers along with the ambulance crews and police who helped keep us safe!

Fleet Feet was selling this design until Tuesday, 1/9/2018, for $13/$18/$25 (ss shirt, ls shirt and hoodie)

There were new crews there also: RochesterFirst.com link here, WROC link here, 13Wham link here, Spectrum News link here (you can see me run by at 0:17 to 0:19 seconds).

All in all ... an epic day for an epic race!

A look back at 2017 and a look ahead to 2018

A tale of the feet ... where they took me in 2017 and where I hope they take me in 2018.

Yes, I do have black toenails ... I think every runner does.

2017 was a good running year. Here are the stats:

I ran 226 times for 1662.3 miles (most ever by 100+ miles), 138.5 miles/month, 31.97 miles/week, 7.64 miles/run.
198 road runs for 1465.36 miles, 7.4 miles/run.
28 trail runs (4 were trail shoes on the road) for 196.96 miles, 7.03 miles/run.
I took 3 snowshoe walks, 7.37 miles, 2.46 miles/walk.
I biked 10 times, 179.19 miles, 17.9 miles/ride.
I took 2,023,154 steps from June 27th to December 31st or 10,761 steps/day, according to my Pebble 2 HR smartwatch.

Here are the 2017 race stats:

I ran 36 races: 25 races were on the road, 224.25 miles, 8.97 miles/race; 11 races were on trail, 103.5 miles, 9.41 miles/race for a total of 327.75 racing miles.

Notable 2017 races:
1. Ran my third 4 Season Challenge (52.4 version)
2. Ran 5 out of the 6 Dirt Cheap races (missed 1 due to a Ricoh company picnic)
3. Ran/walked 40 laps of Mind the Ducks in May
4. Survived 41.64 miles of the Many on the Genny in June
5. Ran my fifth Boilermaker 15K in July
6. Ran Summerfest 12K in September (a lifetime PR)
7. Survived a hot day in October during the Empire State Marathon
8. Finished my ninth Dirt Cheap Stage Race
9. Broke 22 minutes in the Grocery Run 5K
10. Finished 4th in the 2017 GRTC Rochester Runner of the Year M 55-59 age group

What's ahead for 2018? I have signed up for 11 races already: the Freezeroo series (5 left), the 4 Season Challenge (52.4 version), Mind the Ducks in May and the Empire State Marathon in October.

I am still thinking about a return to Many on the Genny. My darling wife, Christine, is decidedly against this idea. I guess she didn't like worrying about me at the finish hour after long hour while I walked the last 20 miles. Some would say I bit off more than I could chew when I signed up for that race. But ... I did go out too hard and paid the price. But ... I did press on and finished what I started. I could have bailed at Check Point 5 or 6 ... but I found it within myself to forge ahead step after step until there were no more steps left to take. I learned a lot about myself during that race.

Same may say ... why run, why race? Well ... I like running and I like racing. It's hard to describe but I like being in control of body while I am running ... whether it's running easy during the week or running harder during a race. I like running races to see what that clock will reveal when I get there. It's just fun!

Sunday, 12/31/2017 to Friday, 1/5/2017 - Freezeroo #2

I ran 3 times during 6 days,  14.29 miles.
I took a snowshoe walk this week, 2.07 miles.
I took 58,438 steps during 6 days according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 12/31/2017: 6784 steps during the day; 2.07 miles on the snowshoes, 46:23, 22:23 pace, 7F, 72% RH, 12 mph NW wind, wind chill -9F, overcast with real light snow


I had told my darling wife, Christine, and oldest son, Michael, that I wouldn't run since it was a rest day before Freezeroo #2 the next day ... but I didn't mention anything about a snowshoe walk. Yes, it was cold and windy ... but I do what I do. I added another long sleeve tech so I had 3 layers on top. I was still cold. You just don't generate as much head when you walk as when you run. But I set out the front door, put on my Dion snowshoes and walked about the perimeter of the Lake Shore Country Club anyways.

A snowshoe selfie.

The only part of me that was uncovered was a bit of my cheeks between my sunglasses and my balaclava ... and it was cold! I went straight upstairs, stripped and into the bathroom for a hot shower and bath when I got back inside. Brr!

Then ... it was time for the Buffalo Bills versus the Miami Dolphins game down in Miami. The Bills were still in the playoff hunt. They needed to win and some help. The game was a nail biter. I texted back and forth to my oldest son, Michael, like we usually do during Bills games. The Bills leading rusher, Sean McCoy, was carted off during the 3rd quarter ... not good. The Bills were up 22-9. Miami scored a late TD, kicked the extra point and recovered the onside kick ... not good, 22-16. But ... the Bills got an interception ... the Bills win, link here!

Oh .. the Bills had another TD taken away by the replay officials in NYC. This time it was a 98 yard fumble recovery. This gave Miami new life at the Bills 1 yard line. They scored a TD on the next play to climb to 22-9.

The CBS coverage cut right to the Cincinnati Bengals - Baltimore Ravens game down in Baltimore. The Bills needed the Ravens to lose to make the playoffs and end their 17 year playoff drought. It didn't look promising. The Ravens were up 28-24. The clock was at 0:44 in the 4th quarter and the Bengals faced a 4th and 12 from the Baltimore 49. The Bengals QB, Dalton, back to pass ... 49 yard TD, video link here!! Christine and I screamed like crazy people ... like most of western NY!! The Bengals won 31-28, link here!! Reaction videos ... links here, here, here, here, , . Article about DT Kyle Williams TD, here. The Bills will face the Jacksonville Jaguars down in Jacksonville next Sunday!

Christine and I spent a quiet New Years Eve just watching a bit of TV. We saw the ball drop and went to bed shortly after. My alarm was set for 6:50 AM.

Oh, stats for December:

I ran 19 times in December for 145.07 miles, 7.64 miles/run.
I ran one race, Freezeroo #1, on 12/9.
I took out the snowshoes once on 12/31 for 2.07 miles.
I took 315,275 steps during the month of December.

Monday, 1/1/2018: 14880 steps during the day; 2 runs of 1.32 and 7.57 miles, 3F, 84% RH, 8 mph SW wind, wind chill -10F, partly cloudy with some sun.

I'm a GRTC member and I'm signed up for the Freezeroo series so New Years Day meant Freezeroo #2 out at Mendon Ponds Park at 10 AM. The temperature was 0F so I decided to wear my "really cold" winter running gear: CW-X tights with shorts, a long sleeve tech, heavy Craft long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, Winter Warrior hat along with ski mittens. I wore my Brooks Transcend 3 road shoes and brought my Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes just in case.

This was my ninth Freezeroo #2: 2009 in 1:02:33, 2011 in 57:24, 2012 in 53:26, 2013 in 1:02:13, 2014 in 58:35, 2015 in 57:31, 2016 in 59:44 and 2017 in 59:19. So ... I know the course. But ... every year my fitness level, the temperature and conditions were different.

The drive out there was a bit dicey. I left early so I was not in a hurry. A snow plow veered into my lane as I merged from I-390S to I-490E, there was a car into the guardrail at the Monroe Ave exit on I-390S and the ramp down to Monroe Ave was a bit icy ... but I got down to MPP around 8:50 AM.

The temperature outside the Cruze when I got to MPP.

I went up to Stewart Lodge to pick up my bib. Laura Ciaio told me that the roads were icy so I went back down to the Cruze to put on my trail shoes. I saw Andy Ciaio and Prem Kumar came back from their warm up run. Andy came over and told me the same thing.

I walked up to the start with everyone else. I lined up next to Andy, Prem and Joe Ciecierega. I didn't carry any water. I usually don't drink much during a race anyway. And ... we were off!


I settled into what resembled a race pace. Everyone pretty much opted to run in the tire tracks so that is where I ran also since it gave the best traction. We moved over when a car came and then moved back.

The 10AM start of Freezeroo #2 ... photo courtesy of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com

Prem (on the extreme right) and I just after the start ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com

I passed Joe on Douglas Rd and then Andy on Canfield Rd before mile 1. I stayed on Prem's shoulder for a bit and then passed him somewhere on Clover St before mile 2. I was running well. I had to take a couple of tiny walk breaks during miles 4 and 5 to get my breathing under control. I settled into a tiny bit slower race pace ... a "get it done" pace. There wasn't as much traction on Canfield Rd when we came back into MPP.

Heading down Douglas Rd toward the finish ... photo courtesy of Christina Darlak Ruhland

I tried to push the pace after the left onto Douglas Rd but I had nothing left. I saw the clock under 1 hour ... and done in 59:40, 7:53 pace according to my Garmin. My splits were: 7:46, 7:54, 7:53, 7:57, 8:03, 7:47, 8:02 and 7:30 during the last 0.57 mile.

A post race selfie.

I went to the Cruze to put on my parka. I saw Andy and Prem. They asked me if I had flown ... I answered "No ... I slowed down after mile 5." I had some pasta and a cup of hot coffee at Stewart Lodge. I listened and hung out for a bit as fellow runners warmed up after what to us was a usual activity on New Year's Day ... running Freezeroo #2 no matter what the temperature or conditions. Other people might consider us crazy ... but it all depends on your point of view. I though about that on the way home ... how I love running races and the things I have experienced during them.

I stripped as soon as I got home and headed upstairs to take a hot shower and bath. A mug of hot coffee helped warm me up also. I checked the results ... I did OK. I was 26th out of 179, link here. I was 1st out of 17 in my M 60-64 age group, link here. The Relive link for Freezeroo #2 is here.

There was also another "race" at 11AM. Fleet Feet held their second Donut Mile. It's a race where you eat a donut, run 1/4 mile and repeat until you have run one mile.

The course looked to be an out and back ... photo courtesy of Barb Bourtillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Results are here. Hmm ... more people ran this than Freezeroo #2 ... 212 versus 179. I have never run a race like this (beer, taco or donut) ... but never say never, I guess.

Tuesday, 1/2/2018: 7999 steps during the day, rest day.

It was back to work after 10 days off. I was amazed that I still remembered all my passwords.

Wednesday, 1/3/2018: 13232 steps during the day; 5.4 miles, 44:28, 8:12 pace, 21F, 58% RH, overcast.


I decided to get in a night run before it really gets cold. I headed out to my usual spot ... Greece Arcadia High School to run Island Cottage and Janes Rd. Anyway ... I forgot my Garmin Forerunner 220 and my 310XT didn't get beyond the start-up screen after 5 minutes so I downloaded the Strava app on my Ricoh cell. I don't like using a cell app because you have to start it, tug the cell away, run, dig the cell back out and stop it. I wore my usual winter running gear: CW-X tights with shorts, heavy Craft long sleeve, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I added my InnoGear headlamp and Nathan Tracer360 for light and reflectivity. I set forth at a nice and steady pace. I immediately regretted not wearing mittens. But ... I ran onward. My fingertips warmed up after a long 3 miles. I decided to cut the run short to 5 miles since my wife was a bit sick at home and I worry about her. My splits were: 7:56, 8:05, 8:14, 8:06, 8:25 and 8:44 over the last 0.4 mile. Boom ... done.

The forecast is for temperatures around 0F along with high winds from Thursday night to Sunday morning. The upcoming Winter Warrior Half has been modified so that solo runners can either sign up for 1, 2, 3 loops or continue as before with 4 loops and still get their bling and relays runners can mass start for 1 loop or continue as before and still get their bling. Modified runners get put in their race of that "loopage". Runners who don't modify and quit get credit for their loops and a DNF. But ... the volunteers and staff will still be out in the elements. Perhaps more modifications are forthcoming though.

Thursday, 1/4/2018: 6575 steps during the day, rest day.

It was snowing and getting colder so I did what everyone else did it seemed ... shopped for bread at Wegmans. Other people posted in Facebook their bread aisle pictures so it wasn't just me that didn't find much bread!

A portion of the bread aisle at Wegmans Latta

Willie, our salesguy from Bob Johnson Chevrolet, delivered our new lease, a 2018 Cruze, to our townhouse later that night. What a guy! So we now have 2 Cruzes: a 2014 Cruze that Christine's father bought for us and a 2018 Cruze with a 24 month/10K per year lease.

Friday, 1/5/2018: 8968 steps during the day, rest day.

There was a lot of chatter on Facebook about the upcoming conditions for tomorrow's Winter Warrior Half. Some people posted that they were doing 1 loop or 2 loops. I thought about it. I had until noon to go to that option so I delayed until I could see the conditions tomorrow. UPS delivered a box around 6 PM ... 2 cheap ski goggles that I had ordered off of eBay for $17.67 on Tuesday.

Sunday, 12/24/2017 to Saturday, 12/30/2017

I ran 5 times this week, 37.35 miles.
I took 56.419 steps this week according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.
I was off on holiday, a floating holiday and 3 vacations days from Ricoh this week.

Sunday, 12/24/2017: 12430 steps during the day; 9.35 miles, 1:16:32, 8:11, 27F, 86% RH, 5 mph WSW wind, wind chill 21F, partly cloudy.

I slept in until almost 8 AM. I puttered around like usual but said what I usually say: "A run doesn't get done by itself". So ... I get my usually winter running gear on: CW-X tights with black shorts over, heavy Craft base layer, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I put on my sunglasses to shield my eyes from any snow glare that dared show itself and also from any wind.


I set up a nice and steady pace and got going. It had snowed about 2 to 3 inches yesterday after the rain had changed to snow. So ... I kept to the roads and did my old Greenleaf 15K route. I was a bit bored but just kept running and got it done. My splits were: 7:59, 8:13, 8:11, 8:17, 8:21, 8:05, 7:59, 8:27, 8:07 and 8:15 over the last 0.35 mile.

Monday, 12/25/2017: 1539 steps during the day, rest day.

My darling wife, Christine, and I celebrated Christine very quietly. I drove out to take my oldest son, Michael, and daughter, Karen, to supper at the Denny's in Canandaigua. The weather broke with temps in the high 20s with brilliant sunshine.

Later, Christine and I watched three Hitchcock movies off the DVR: 1943's "A Shadow of a Doubt", 1954's "Rear Window" and 1954's "Dial M for Murder". Hitch ... the master of suspense along with Grace Kelly in the last two movies.

Tuesday, 12/26/2017: 8975 steps during the day; 6.25 miles, 58:28, 8:18 pace, 12F, 52% RH, 19 mph W wind, wind chill -6F, sunny


Today was Tuesday ... so I did what I do on Tuesdays ... run. Yes, it was cold and windy. But ... I have the correct gear for that kind of weather. I broke out my heavy Craft base layer and wore it instead of my long sleeve tech. I also wore my mittens. The result? A nice run. The only part of me that was sort of cold was my face. I set up a nice and steady pace as I ran an out and back. My splits were: 8:18, 8:39, 8:20, 8:23, 8:04, 8:09 and 8:09 over the last 0.25 mile.

Wednesday, 12/27/2017: 2558 steps during the day, rest day.

I busied myself during the day in the basement putting together 3 shelving units and then bring down boxes to put on them. Joy, joy, joy ... not really. I discovered that I need a few more shelving units or that I need to go through the box to get rid of the stuff I decidedly don't need.

Yellow Jacket Racing held Snow Cheap #2 out at Webster Park in Webster at 6:30 PM. I haven't signed up for a Snow Cheap in a couple of years. I loved running them (I looked at my spreadsheet and I ran 25) but I don't want to risk injuring myself. The results of 158 finishers are here.

A great picture that I grabbed off of the Facebook page of JamesandAmy Fricon

Thursday, 12/28/2017: 9883 steps during the day; 6.05 miles, 52:56, 8:45 pace, 1F, 84% RH, 8 mph WSW wind, wind chill -12F, mostly cloudy with light snow


It was Thursday ... so you know what I did. Normal people would have stayed inside, lol! My darling wife, Christine, stayed up really late and woke me up when she came to bed at 7 AM. We cuddled a bit and then I got up. I puttered around a bit, waited for the sun to rise a bit and then got geared up to run.

The WT Forecast app had this to say ...

It was 1F so I woke my "really cold" running gear: CW-X tights with shorts over, Craft base layer, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie, ski mittens and sunglasses. It was cold and a bit windy but I set out in a nice and steady pace. It was a bit cold as I headed west. I warmed up and enjoyed the run. My splits were: 9:18, 9:03, 8:34, 8:38, 8:25 and 8:29.

Friday, 12/29/2017: 9807 steps during the day; 7.35 miles, 1:04:03, 8:43 pace, 10F, 78% RH, 5 mph WSW wind, wind chill 2F, sunny.

I don't normally run on Fridays but I have a race on Monday so I figured I will take a rest day on Sunday. So ... I will run on Thursday, Friday (today) and Saturday. No speed ... just maintaining my base. I put on the same gear that I had on yesterday. It felt warmer. I think it was because it wasn't as windy. My splits were: 9:01, 8:56, 8:33, 8:34, 8:34, 8:36, 8:57 and 8:12 over the last 0.35 mile.

Saturday, 12/30/2017: 11227 steps during the day; 8.35 miles, 1:08:30, 8:18 pace, 18F, 73% RH, 11 mph WSW wind, wind chill 5F, overcast.

I slept in until a bit after 8 AM. My darling wife, Christine, and I were up a bit late before we drifted off to sleep. I puttered around a bit before I got out for my usual Saturday morning run. It was a little less frosty but I wore the same running gear as yesterday. It hadn't snowed overnight so I decided to wear my Brooks Transcend 3 road shoes instead of my Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes. Both have lots of miles ... 535 for the road shoes and 730 for the trail shoes. I set up a nice and steady pace. I decided on an out and back 7 miles and then a tour through the neighborhood across Greenleaf Road. My splits were: 8:41, 8:21, 8:12, 8:03, 8:08, 8:13, 8:31, 8:25 and 7:34 over the last 0.25 mile.

Christine and I continued with our impromptu Hitchcock fest as we watched 1958's "Vertigo" and 1963's "The Birds". Hitchcock didn't have blonds in every movie but did in these two: Kim Novak and Tippi Hedren.

Sunday, 12/17/2017 to Saturday, 12/23/2017

I ran 4 times this week, 32.0 miles.
I walked xx steps this weeks according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 12/17/2017: 12912 steps during the day; 10.05 miles, 1:24:50, 8:26 pace, 14F, 85% RH, 3 mph SW wind, partly cloudy.


I was up a bit early at 6:50 AM. Oops, I had forgotten to turn off my weekend alarm. I thought about going back to sleep but I knew I couldn't so I didn't. I had my usual pre-run bowl of cereal and banana and then puttered around on Facebook and looked at email for a bit. But ... a run doesn't get done by itself. It was cold but calm so I dressed in my usual winter gear: CW-X tights with shorts, red long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie and ski mittens. It was a bit cold out but calm. I set up a nice and easy pace as I set out on my old Greenleaf 15K route. I wanted 10 so I added a bit at the end. Boom, done. My splits were: 8:26, 8:22, 8:23, 8:30, 8:40, 7:59, 8:18, 8:12, 8:22 and 9:12.

Later, Christine and I watched the Miami Dolphins - Buffalo Bills game from the New Era Stadium in Buffalo. This was a must win for the Bills and they delivered ... mostly. They scored 21 in the first half and only 3 points in the second half. But the defense held the Dolphins to only 16 points. So the end of the game was a bit nerve wracking. The Dolphins recovered their onside kick after closing to 8 points but Cutler threw an interception on the next play ... ball game! Final score: 24-16 and the Bills move to 8-6 and in the 6th spot in the AFC playoff picture with 2 games to go .. away game versus the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Here are some links ... here and here.

Monday, 12/18/2017: 8984 steps during the day, rest day.

Tuesday, 12/19/2017: 20614 steps during the day; 7.55 miles, 1:00:37, 8:01 pace, 45F, 76% RH, 17 mph W wind, wind chill 37F, overcast.

I couldn't break away before lunch so I ran after work. It was above 40F and windy so ... I wore shorts! I also my yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. This was the first test of my fully charged InnoGear headlamp. It's brighter and gives a lot wider beam than my old Black Diamond headlamp. Wow! It was a bit tough running in the wind on Janes and back on Island Cottage but I just tried to keep a quick pace. My splits were: 7:55, 8:12, 8:10, 7:43, 7:49, 8:06, 8:08 and 8:11 over the last 0.55 mile.

Wednesday, 12/20/2017: 6673 steps during the day, rest day.

Thursday, 12/21/2017: 17216 steps during the day; 8.15 miles, 1:04:44, 7:56 pace, 28F, 69% RH, 6 mph ENE wind, wind chill 22F, overcast.


I couldn't get out before lunch in the daylight so I got out after work in the dark. I wore my usual winter garb: CW-X tights, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I had my Nathan Tracer360 and InnoGear headlamp so I could be seen and see what's ahead of me. It was a bit chilly so I set up a quick pace. The recent warmth had melted all the snow so I took the LOSP trail. I saw a walker wearing a dark coat and said "Hi". Then I came upon a pair of walkers. I said "Coming up on your left". It turned out to be Tom and Amy Butler. Tom had no reflective gear and Amy had a few reflective strips on her jacket. Neither had a headlamp or flashlight. Huh? They were out for a 10K walk/run. I stopped for a wee bit to say "Hi" and wish them a Merry Christmas. Then I ran onward ...  I had miles to get in. I settled on an out and back. I saw Tom and Amy on the way back also. I said "Hi" as I ran by at full speed. Boom ... done, a quick 8.15 mile. My splits were: 7:47, 7:32, 7:52, 8:01, 7:56, 8:05, 8:07, 13 and 7:39 over the last 0.15 mile.

My new Nathan Tracer360 and InnoGear headlamp. Tom & Amy Butler told me that they could see me from a long way off.

Friday, 12/22/2017: 6997 steps during the day, rest day.

Saturday, 12/23/2017: 8468 steps during the day; 6.25 miles, 54:33, 8:43 pace, 34F, 100% RH, 7 mph NE wind, wind chill 28F, overcast with light sprinkles.


I was up at 6:50 AM. I puttered around like usual, looked outside at the light rain and almost bagged the run. But ... a run doesn't get done by itself. So ... I manned up, got dressed and got there. It was just around freezing so I wore my CW-X tights with shorts over, a long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I wore my blue Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes for added traction. I was happy to have them in the one inch of slush. I stayed off the road and just went really nice and easy on the LOSP trail. Out and back ... done. I was damp when I got in so I stripped and right straight into the shower. A mug of coffee afterward helped also. My splits were: 8:57, 9:00, 8:44, 8:39, 8:41, 8:39 and 7:43 over the last 0.25 mile.

Sunday, 12/10/2017 to Saturday, 12/16/2017

I ran 4 times this week, 33.7 miles.
I took 73,426 steps this week according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 12/10/2017: 12905 steps during the day; 11.45 miles, 1:34:34, 8:16 pace, 30F, 64% RH, 21 mph W wind, wind chill 17F, mostly cloudy

I slept in until 8:30 AM. I have a feeling that if and when I ever retire that I will eventually become a night owl and sleep everyday until noon! But ... I ate my usual pre-run bowl of cereal with banana, puttered around a bit on Facebook. But ... I dragged myself upstairs and got ready for a long run outside in December.

It looked cold and blustery outside but ... a runner has to do what a runner has to do. I dress warmly: CW-X tights with shorts over, yellow/black Brook 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie, ski mittens and sunglasses. "A run doesn't get done by itself" I muttered as I stepped out the door.



Did I say it was cold? Yes, I could have turned around and made it a 5 mile when I got to the end of the LOSP trail. Yes, I could have made it a 10K or a 15K. But ... I wanted at least 10 miles. So ... I added my 10K loop. Yes ... it was cold heading into the wind on the LOSP trail, Edgemere Drive and down Long Pond Rd. But ... it wasn't so bad on the way back on Janes Rd and the LOSP trail. My splits were: 8:15, 8:26, 8:19, 8:29, 8:27, 8:31, 8:17, 7:49, 8:01, 8:14, 8:13 and 7:51 over the last 0.45 mile. Boom ... done!

My darling wife, Christine, was already downstairs when I came inside. She let me do my normal routine ... pour my coffee, grab 5 mini-donuts and sit down. We listened to some Christmas music before we turned on the Indianapolis Colts - Buffalo Bills game at exactly 1 PM. Wow! The game was played in a Lake Erie snow belt snow storm! Some runner friends were at the game and posted pictures on Facebook ... crazy!

A image grab from si.com

Matt Wittmeyer of Brighton took this picture of a Buffalo Bills fan ... photo courtesy of Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

The groundskeepers ran onto the field during timeouts to shovel and blow the yard markers. It helped a bit but you still had to rely on the TV to tell you where the ball was. There was a whole lot of slipping and sliding, punts just dropping in the snow and not so much scoring. The Bills had their backup AB, Peterson, in at QB. The Bills grabbed a 7-0 lead just before halftime. Peterson was knocked out in the third quarter. The Bills had their backup, backup QB, Joe Webb, in. Back and forth with no team scoring. Meanwhile, Christine was cooking up a storm in the kitchen. She served Greek Pastitsio from greek.food.com during the 4th quarter. It looked like the Bills would hold the Colts but they scored after a 19 play drive with under 2 minutes to go. They lined up for a 2 point conversion to win the game. The pass was good ... FLAG ... offensive pass interference!!! The Colts then tied the game with a 43 yard PAT. The Colts almost won the game when they got an interception but missed a 43 yard FG attempt with 6 seconds to go. OT! The Bills got the ball and drove to the Colts 41. They punted on 4th and 1 ... what? But ... the Bills held and the Colts punted the ball back. Time for the Bills to drive the ball. McCoy won the game with a 21 yard burst up the left side with 1:33 left! Bills win 13-7!! Wow ... EPIC game! The Bills (7-6) crawled into the sixth spots in the AFC playoff picture with 3 games to play. Lots of links; here, here, here, here (no snow pictures, upi.com?), here, here, here, here, here, here, here and Peterson is in concussion protocol, link here.

Monday, 12/11/2017: 5856 steps during the day, rest day.

Tuesday, 12/12/2017: 14324 steps during the day; 6.25 miles, 55:57, 8:56 pace, 21F, 62% RH, 13 mph W wind, wind chill 9F, overcast.


I brought my gear to work so I could have run before lunch but just wasn't feeling it. I wanted to test out the new InnoGear headlamp I bought off of Ebay and my new Nathan Tracer360. I dressed after work: CW-X tights with shorts over them, long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, Darn Tough socks and my Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes (they still feel OK and they have LOTS of traction). But ... I didn't have my balaclava or my yellow/black Brooks beanie. So I headed home to get them. I went inside, dumped my stuff, grabbed the head gear, announced my intentions to Christine (who by now knows I'm crazy) and headed back out. I lit up the Tracer360 and the headlamp (which seemed dim) and set up a slow and steady pace. The footing in the parking lot was icy and the complex plow guy probably thought I was crazy. I went out onto the LOSP trail. It was about 2 inches of snow on it and about 4 inches in sheltered areas. The footing was OK so I set up to do my 10K out and back. The only part of me that was cold was my face. Well ... my headlamp got dimmer and quit with about a mile to go (more on the headlamp on Thursday. So ... I ran the rest of the LOSP trail by the glow of my Tracer360! There were street lights when I got to the Greenleaf Meadow complex.  One car didn't move over as I ran up toward my townhouse so I had to take to the snow ... I did turn around and yell at the car but ... it did no good as usual. My splits were: 9:07, 9:04, 8:41, 8:42, 9:11, 9:00 and 8:22 over the last 0.25 mile. My darling wife, Christine, had a supper of chicken, beans and salad along with a mug of hot chocolate ready when I came in from the cold ... priceless!

Wednesday, 12/13/2017: 4673 steps during the day, rest day.

I found that I could charge my Ebay headlamp (which had no charging LED) using one particular USB charger so the cord is good. This cord also worked to charge my old Black Diamond headlamp (but is super slow).

Thursday, 12/14/2017: 18217 steps during the day; 7.55 miles, 1:04:37, 8:33 pace, 18F, 62% RH, 9 mph WSW wind, wind chill 9F, overcast.


Yes, it was cold and dark but it wasn't so windy or snowing ... so I ran. I dressed after work and drove out to Greece Arcadia High School for my IC and Janes route. I wore my winter usual for 18F: CW-X tights with shorts over, long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie and ski mittens. I wore my Nathan Tracer360 for reflectivity. I wanted to use my new headlamp but I forgot it so I used my old Black Diamond headlamp that didn't quite have a charge (more on that later). I set up a nice and easy pace ... and set forth in the darkness. The wind wasn't too bad and I warmed up quickly. My splits were: 8:17, 8:38, 8:34, 8:30, 8:27, 8:34, 8:40 and 9:00 over the last 0.55 mile. My darling wife, Christine, had tracked me on RoadID and had hamburgs cooking and a mug of hot chocolate ready ... priceless!

Oh ... about my headlamp choice. I had broken one of the blades in the transformer (no longer sold) that charged my old Black Diamond headlamp (no longer sold) so I was forced to get another headlamp.

I must have twisted the plug when I pulled it out ... :-(

So I bought a InnoGear 5000 lumen headlamp from Ebay for $21.95 about 2 weeks ago, link here. It is widely sold online and uses 2 18360 rechargeable batteries. I like to run before lunch during the daylight but the snow and ice on the Erie Canal path has forced me to run after work in the dark. The InnoGear headlamp worked when I got it but it had no charging LED so I had no idea whether it charged or not before I took my Tuesday run. It died with a mile to go. I ordered a separate 18360 battery  charger off a Ebay for $3.95 so I can know that the batteries are fully charged.

I did find that the USB charging cord for the InnoGear headlamp does fit into my old Black Diamond headlamp but I know that the broken transformer was about 12V which is definitely a bit higher than the voltage that a USB charger puts out. This could be why the Black Diamond headlamp is charging so slowly when I try to charge it with a USB charger. So ... I measured the InnoGear plug (it's 3.5 mm) and ordered a 12V 2 Amp transformer with a 3.5 mm connector off of Ebay for $5.99. Running is just a cheap hobby ... lol! But ... it's always best to be see (with a spare headlamp just in case) and to be seen (with a lighted reflective vest)!

Friday, 12/15/2017:  6753 steps during the day, rest day.

Saturday, 12/16/2017: 10698 steps during the day' 8.35 miles, 1:11:51, 8:36 pace, 27F, 68% RH, 8 mph WSW wind, wind chill 18F, snow.

I slept in until 7:50 AM ... I guess I needed the sleep. I ate my usual pre-run bowl of cereal and banana while I puttered around and looked at Facebook and email. I saw that a lot of people were getting ready for the Reindeer Run 5K downtown. Been there, done that, have the antlers. But ... a run doesn't get done by itself. So .. I headed upstairs, got dressed in my usual winter running gear and got outside. I added my Nathan Tracer360 running vest even though it was daylight. I lit it up but it didn't seem to help too much. It did start snowing later in the run so maybe it helped. I set up a nice and easy pace on the LOSP trail. It was a bit of a slog so I didn't go back that way. I headed down Island Cottage, Latta, Dewey Ave, Beach Ave and Greenleaf Rd instead. I did find that drivers DO NOT look when they are turning right ... and especially when it is snowing. I could see that the two drivers were going to pull out right in front of me so I just stopped and held up my arms when they looked my way. I guess they think that there are no pedestrians or runners out when it's snowing? Anyway ... there were no further incidents. My splits were: 8:47, 9:17, 8:57, 8:26, 8:01, 8:14, 8:09, 9:01 and 8:25 over the last 0.35 mile.

Sunday, 12/3/2017 to Saturday, 12/9/2017 - Freezeroo #1

I ran 5 times this week, 27.78 miles.
I took 83,100 steps during this week according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 12/3/2017: 14289 steps during the day; 9.35 miles, 1:18:27, 8:23 pace, 36F, 93% RH, 4 mph SW wind, partly cloudy.

I woke up around 7 AM but puttered around enough so that I got out around 9 AM. I'm a creature of habit during the winter and wore what I wore yesterday. I bet people can recognize me: my Brooks pants, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. It makes grabbing my gear easier. Anything to make a run when it's cold outside is a good thing. I've been running going on 13 years now so I know that runs don't get done by themselves.


I set up a nice and steady pace. I only saw one runner during the run. My splits were: 8:20, 8:21, 8:26, 8:38, 8:31, 8:16, 8:16, 8:31, 8:29 and 7:25 over the last 0.35 mile. Boom ... done. The coffee that I had programmed before I left was all done ... mmm! I had my mug of coffee on my left side, my feet up and 4 mini-donuts in front of me ... mmm!

Later ... my darling wife, Christine, and I watched the Patriots plays the Bills at New Era Stadium over in Buffalo. The results were predictable ... a 23-3 loss to bring the Bills down to 6-6, link here. The Bills just rip their fan's hearts out every year ... a hot September and October followed by a lackluster November and dismal December. 17 years and counting since the Bills made the playoffs.

Monday, 12/4/2017: 5994 steps during the day, rest day.

Tuesday, 12/5/2017: 14720 steps during the day; 6.45 miles, 52:13, 8:06 pace, 53F, 76% RH, 17 mph SW wind, overcast.


I grabbed my old Brooks Adrenaline GTS15 black/yellow running shoes this morning but they are what I had ... so I ran in them. It was supposed to the mid 50s so I wore shorts, a long sleeve/short sleeve tech combo, yellow/black Brooks light running gloves and my yellow/black Brooks beanie. I was a bit chilly as I headed south in the brisk SW wind for the first 3/4 mile plus my shoe choice felt a bit like concrete but I ran onward and let the run happen. My splits were: 8:22, 8:06, 8:01, 8:20, 8:08, 7:56 and 7:21 over the last 0.45 mile. I took a look at the long range forecast. I bet this will be last time I run in short this year, :-(.

Laundry needed to be done so it was up at 4:45 AM to start 2 loads of laundry and then 2 more after I got home from work. Boom ... done. I'll wash the rest of my clothes this weekend.

Wednesday, 12/6/2017: 6199 steps during the day, rest day.

Runner's World picked up on Jill Jackett's death while running and ran a story about her, link here. Her memorial service was held today from 2 to 5 PM down in the Education building at the Genesse Country Village and Museum in Mumford NY.

I signed up for my second Empire State Marathon. It's a week later next year on 10/14/2018 so it will not conflict with either the Chicago Marathon or Mohawk Hudson Marathon. I used the HOLIDAYFULL coupon to get $25 off. There is also a HOLIDAYHALF to get $20 off the half and a HOLIDAY10K coupon to get $10 off the 10K. So ... the prices are down to $60, $55 and $35 with the coupons. Hopefully, the temperature at the start of next year's race will be 53F instead of 73F like it was this year!

Thursday, 12/7/2017: 15222 steps during the day; 6.45 miles, 50:52, 7:52 pace, 32F, 12 mph SW wind, wind chill 23F, overcast.


I got out before lunch like I usually do. It was a lot colder so I wore my CW-X tights, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I hiked up the speed to keep warm. I actually had a bit of sweat by mile 6, lol! My splits were: 7:25, 7:56, 8:02, 8:11, 8:05, 7:48 and 7:16 over the last 0.45 mile.

Friday, 12/8/2017: 7045 steps during the day, rest day.

Saturday, 12/9/2017: 9631 steps during the day; 2 runs of 2.5 and 3.13 miles, 30F, 59% RH, 6 mph SW wind, wind chill 24F, mostly cloudy.

Today's race was the GRTC Freezeroo #1. It was my sixth. Two were a 5 mile version at Pineways Pond Park (2010 - 36:44 and 2011 - 34:18). The past three and this one were at the current Northstar Christian Academy location on Lyell Ave (2013 - 22:52, 2014 - 21:41 and 2016 - 22:06). Today's weather was Freezeroo-ish: a bit before freezing, light wind and mostly cloudy. I slept in until 7:30 AM. I washed the dishes that didn't make it into the dishwasher, programmed the coffee, had my pre-race bowl of cereal and banana and caught up on Facebook and email. Then I got dressed, kissed Christine goodbye and was out the door by 8:40 AM for the short 20 minute drive down to NCA. I wore my winter usual: CW-X tights, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I added my Brooks jacket for warmth while I warmed up.

I misread the pre-registration list when I got my bib and got #60 and pinned it on. I met up with Prem Kumar and went out for a really nice and easy 2.5 mile warm up run at 8:56 pace, link here. We were taking it easy enough to catch up on what's been going on with each other ... and also complain about how cold the wind was ... lol! His race schedule for 2018 is firming up: the 4 Season Challenge, the Roads are Poison snowshoe races, Sehgahunda, Ontario Summit Trail, Pittsburgh Marathon. I told him about the HOLIDAYFULL coupon that I had used to sign up for the Empire State Marathon (ESM) in October. He has a plan that he can ran a 3:20 at the 2018 ESM he can qualify for the M 45-49 at the 2020 Boston Marathon when he will be 45 (he is 42 now, 43 in April 2018). I told him that I was signed up for the 4 Season Challenge, Mind the Ducks and ESM. I saw Chris and Heather Patterson along with their month old baby. Heather was racing while Chris was watching. Chris told me that they would be taking turns so that they could each race. I stashed my jacket in the car before the race. Heather had taught me years ago that you should be cool at the start of a winter race. You will warm up she told me. Prem told me that I when we met (way back on 11/30/2013 at the RT Turkey Run ... I looked it up) that I had inspired him to run 50+ races a year when I told him I was running my 49th race. We each found out that we had both had run a bit over 1500 miles this year. Prem is slightly behind me by 20 miles ... maybe. Prem also told me that he was leaving right after the race so that he could drive down to Power Mills Park in Perinton so that he could run another race, the WTF 5 mile Trail Run. It's nice to know that I have inspired someone ... sniff, sniff, lol!

A woman came up to me with 6 minutes to go before the race start at 10 AM and told me that I had her bib. We hurried back to registration where I unpinned my bib, gave it to her, got my correct bib, pinned it on and hurried back out to the start with 2 minutes to spare. I got my RoadID ready and ... was off!

The start ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com

I got up to speed quickly. I got my breathing under control and hit the 1 mile mark at 7:00. I passed a few runners before and after the turn around at mile 1.65 mark. Heather shouted some encouragement as we met after I made the turn. I traded a few elbows with a runner who wanted to run in the same lane and pace that I did until I pushed past him.

Heading back ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com

I saw Prem's orange jacket about 150 yards ahead. I pushed the pace a bit as much as I could as I rounded the last building. I saw the race clock go past 22. I was a bit disappointed ... and done in 22:11, 7:06 pace!

Sprinting for the finish ... photo courtesy of Christina Darlak Ruhland

I had a bit of water when I put my jacket back on. I went inside the NCA and down to the basement  to have a bit of delicious post race food (a couple of PB&J squares, apple slices and several small brownies along with a couple cups of coffee). I looked at the results and saw that I finished 32nd and won my M 60-64 age group. Nice!

The traffic getting back onto Lyell Ave was a bit difficult to navigate at first. I was stuck behind a SUV who was waiting to get onto Lyell like I was. I had time to look at the bumper stickers: 77.7, 26.2 x 20+ and 26.2: what possibly can go wrong? I thought about all the races that I have run in the past 13 years: 435 races and where they are taken me and what they had taught me.

Soon I was home, the coffee was brewed and I had my feet up with a mug of coffee on my left side while I checked out Facebook and my email. The Freezeroo #1 results were posted. I finished 32nd out of 153, link here. I was 1st out of 11 in my M 60-64 age group, link here. My splits were: 7:02, 7:11, 7:11 and 6:36 over the last 0.13 mile.

There were other runners out there being awesome. The WTF had 44 finishers in the 15 mile, 55 finishers in the 10 mile and 56 finishers in the 5 mile. I learned from Facebook some runners had run about the Irondequoit Bay. A lot of runners ran the It's A Wonderful Run 5K out in Seneca Falls ... 4562 finishers, link here!

Me ... I am done with racing for 2017. I ran 36 races and needed to hold back to keep to somewhat of a racing budget. I would love to run more races ... but I did run more when I didn't run race so it's all good!

Sunday, 11/26/2017 to Saturday, 12/2/2017

I ran 4 times this week, 33.7 miles.
I took 79,729 steps during this week according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 11/26/2017: 13435 steps during the day; 9.35 miles, 1:15:47, 8:06 pace, 36F, 80% RH, 13 mph WNW wind, wind chill 27F, overcast.


I slept in until 8:30 AM. I puttered around a bit while I ate my usual pre-run bowl of cereal. I had set an unwritten goal of running all four days during Thanksgiving. It had turned colder overnight so it was back to wearing my Brooks running pants, Darn Tough socks, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 long sleeve pullover, yellow/black beanie and heavy gloves. But ... "a run doesn't get done by itself" ... so I got out there. The wind bit right through me as I ran west. I set up a nice and easy pace. I thought the run would hurt since this was my fourth day in a row so I shortened my stride and got the run done. It actually felt good. My splits were: 8:13, 8:15, 8:10, 8:11, 8:08, 8:03, 8:04, 7:59, 8:03 and 7:32 over the last 0.35 mile. So ... I ran all 4 days of Thanksgiving and went farther each time: 6.24, 7.75, 8.75 and 9.35. Boom!

Later I watched the Bills - Chiefs game. It was a tense game and the Bills won 16-10, link here. Their offense sucked and the only two reasons that they won is that the Chiefs suck (won 5 in a row to start the season and now lost 5 out of 6) and their defense held the Chiefs in the fourth quarter.

Monday, 11/27/2017: 5909 steps during the day, rest day.

I thought a rest day after 4 running days in a row over the Thanksgiving holiday was completely warranted.

Tuesday, 11/28/2017: 15122 steps during the day; 6.45 miles, 52:11, 8:05 pace, 52F, 50% RH, 20 mph SW wind, partly cloudy.


The forecast was for sun, temps in the low 60s but with a stiff SW breeze. So ... I wore shorts, a short sleeve tech, no gloves and no hat for this run. Yeah ... I almost turned around as I headed south to the Erie Canal path. I felt like I was running in place for the first 3/4 of a mile. But ... I warmed up. My thighs were tight the entire run. I still had a good pace though. My splits were: 8:32, 8:10, 7:58, 8:09, 8:10, 7:58 and 7:10 over the last 0.45 mile

Wednesday, 11/29/2017: 5302 steps during the day, rest day ...

Thursday, 11/30/2017: 16279 steps during the day; 6.45 miles, 51:24, 7:58 pace,

First off ... today is our (my darling wife, Christine, and I) fifth wedding anniversary! Yes, five years ago we tied the knot! A brief look into the past ... Christine and I first met way back in February 1977. I was a sophomore at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and a brother in the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. We were having a party and some girls from Ursuline College were invited down. I was tending bar when I saw Christine. I served her a tequila sunrise (heavy on the tequila) and asked if I could see her later. Well ... the house tour ended up in my room where we shared our first kiss. We went out until January 1978 (I think) when her parents broke us up (I was a wild child back then if you can believe it). Time went forward. I married Nancy on 5/31/80 and Christine married on 6/7/80 (totally unknown to each other). I divorced after 28 years and Christine divorced after 11 years. We never forgot each other. I tried looking for her before couldn't remember how to spell her last name, Wisniewski, and didn't even know her married name, Ligas. She told me that she drove out to see me in a blizzard once in 1995 (I am unsure of the year) but turned back south of Buffalo. She found me on Facebook in August 2009 and chatted with me ... which progressed to emails and phone calls. I went out to see her nine days later after the Summerfest 12K on 9/5/2009. Sparks definitely flew! She moved to Rochester that November, we got engaged after the Summerfest 12K on 9/3/2011. Yes, I surprised her and proposed in front of about 50 people as we were both sweaty from a race (I ran the 12K and she walked the 5K).

We had a very small wedding down the Rochester City Hall on 11/30/2012 and have been happily married ever since. There you go!


Back to present day ... I got out for my usual pre-lunch run. It was 40F so it was borderline ... wear shorts or wear tights. I chose my Brooks pants, my yellow/black Brook 1/4 pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy gloves. I was glad I did! The breeze coming out of the south was definitely chilly! I struck up a nice and steady pace. My splits were: 8:28, 8:00, 7:54, 8:08, 8:04, 7:45 and 6:54 over the last 0.45 mile.

Our anniversary was a bit of a downer since Christine didn't feel too well. I had hoped to go out to eat at the Distillery to use the coupon (a BOGO 50%) that they had sent Christine. I was also saddened by the news that a runner named Jill Skivington Jackett was struck and killed in a hit and run accident while running as she was crossing Elmwood Ave near the U of R campus on Thursday morning, obituary here, news links here and here. I didn't know Jill but every runner is part of my running community ... may she rest in peace.

It's the end of the month so ... it's stat time. I ran 23 times during November for 135.6 miles, 5.9 miles/run. That's 23 months in a row of greater than 100 miles per month. I ran 6 races during November (the Grocery Run 5K on 11/3 - 21:53; DCSR #1 on 11/10 - 3.12 miles, 32:47; DCSR #2 on 11/11 - 4.65 miles, 47:36, DCSR #3 on 11/12 - 10.09 miles, 1:51:39, the MFAMTL run on 11/18 - 18.72 miles, 3:40:29 and the Race with Grace 10K on 11/23 - 46:10). I have run 209 times for 1517.25 miles, 7.26 miles/run so far in 2017. This is the most miles I have ever run in a year and I have a whole month to go. I have only one race slotted for December: the Freezeroo #1 on 12/9.

Friday, 12/1/2017: 6856 steps during the day, rest day.

I have been on a spending spree lately. Let's see: a pair of orange Scotts Palanti running shoes for $44.04 from Left Lane Sports, a Noxgear Tracer360 running vest (25% with free shipping) and a pair of reflective shoelaces (20% off with free shipping) from Nathan Sports. All running related ... hmm.

Saturday, 12/2/2017: 16826 steps during the day; 11.45 miles, 1:35:13, 8:19 pace, 34F, 86% RH, 4 mph SW wind, sunny.


The Bagel Bunch running group held a "Jill's run" from the Bruegger's Bagels at the corner of Long Pond and Latta, Facebook post here and news links here, here, here, here and here. I needed to sleep in so I held my own memorial run when I got out around 8:30 AM. I kept a nice and steady pace as I thought about a runner I didn't know. May she rest in peace ... gone from this world way too soon. I saw 9 female runners (a group of 2, 1 running with a dog and a group of 6) on the LOSP trail before I got 2 miles. I added my 10K loop of Island Cottage, Edgemere Drive, Long Pond and Janes so I couldn't cheat and head back. I almost felt like I could run forever. The temp and wind were almost perfect. It felt good. My splits were: 8:03, 8:09, 8:16, 8:16, 8:12, 8:21, 8:21, 8:24, 8:25, 8:33, 8:39 and 7:51 over the last 0.45 mile.