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.

Sunday, 11/19/2017 to Saturday, 11/25/2017 - Race with Grace 10K

I ran 5 times this week, 30.3 miles.
I walked 66,003 steps this week according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Sunday, 11/19/2017: 1671 steps during the day, rest day.

Yes, a complete rest day on a Sunday. My left toes ached a bit from yesterday's festivities: 18.72 miles and 2 falls at the MFAMTL. I thought about getting out and taking a walk but didn't.

I did get out later to pick up my daughter, Karen, from the Amtrak station in Rochester and take her apartment in Palmyra. She paid me with two chocolate cupcakes ... mmm!

My daughter's cupcakes!

Monday, 11/20/2017: 5811 steps during the day, rest day.

Tuesday, 11/21/2017: 14070 steps during the day; 6.46 miles, 51:00, 7:54 pace, 48F, 37% RH, 14 mph SW wind, wind chill 43F, mostly cloudy.


I needed to run and I like to run during the daylight during the run so a run before lunch fit the bill. The weather forecast this morning foretold a high in the mid 50s so I figured shorts, a long sleeve tech, light running gloves and no hat .. all good, right? Well ... it was really a bit colder than that and a lot windier also. When I got out into the wine ... brrr!! I didn't warm up for 2 miles! I kind of doubted my sanity but I don't like to turn around so I continued on. I warmed up, ignored the tightness in my thighs and enjoyed the run. My splits were: 8:12, 7:57, 7:54, 8:08:8:00, 7:37 and 6:48 over the last 0.46 mile.

Wednesday, 11/22/2017: 5988 steps during the day, rest day.

Thursday, 11/23/2017: 14231 steps during the day; 2 runs of 1.1 and 6.24 miles, 30F, 74% RH, 5 mph SW wind, wind chill 25F, overcast.

Today's race was my sixth Race with Grace 10K (2012- 46:04, 2013 - 45:07, 2014 - 44:29, 2015 - 45:58 and 2016 - 46:26) out at First Bible Baptist Church. It was also the last of the 12 GRTC Rochester Runner of the Year races. I have run other races on Thanksgiving,  6 Newark Turkey Day 5 mile Turkey Races (2005 - Unknown time, 2006 - 38:00, 2007 - 38:57, 2008 - 37:38, 2009 - 38:50 and 2010 - 37:29) and a Turkey Trot 4.4 mile (one and done) in 2011 - 29:26.

I had signed my darling wife, Christine, up for this race way back in September (I think) but she was way too tired after cooking practically non-stop since Wednesday. We were not having anyone other but my wife doesn't do anything halfway. I had gathered with 2 trips to BJ's and 3 or 4 trips to Wegmans. Her task was to cook her usual tasty food for us.

I got up at 6:30 AM, dressed in my usual winter weather running attire (Brooks pants, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, yellow/black beanie and heavy running gloves), ate my usual pre-race bowl of cereal and banana, kissed Christine goodbye and headed out. I got to the race venue around 8 AM in plenty of time for the 9 AM start.

I met up with Joe Ciecierage and Tina Pellegrin before the race. Joe told me that he had dreamed about me. He was running a race with me (mini-Doug or little Doug) in a baby carrier. We laughed about it! He remarked that he was trying to get back up by my speed but was running 9 minute pace. I got out for a 1.1 mile warm up run at 8:34 pace, link here.

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

A bit after the start ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com

I lined up next to Andy Ciaio and waited for the start. I knew Andy would be wearing shorts ... since it was only 32 degrees. And ... we were off! I got up to race pace quickly. Andy and I noticed that the race photographer, Tim Matthews, took a tumble while he was running backwards.. He bounced up and continued shooting pictures. Wilt Alston and his crew of 2 women caught us around 3/4 mile. He said that he would be walking in a mile or two but we rather doubted it. I got to the first mile mark just over 7 minute pace. I was keeping pace with Andy and felt good so I kept my pace. The 5K mark came around 22:30 or 7:15 pace. I was felt the strain but kept up with Andy until just before mile 4. I slowed but I resisted the temptation to walk. I knew it was only a 10K. I do a 10K in practice ... but not at this pace. The last 2 miles were a bit long and into the wind. Andy was about 100 yards ahead but I couldn't catch him. I saw the clock tick past 46:00 and ... done in 46:11!

Sprinting into the finish ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews of https://runnerpics.shuttlefly.com 

I went inside the FBBC and had a bit of their usual post race grub ... just a pint of water, banana and 1/2 pint of chocolate milk. I noticed that I was third in my M 60-64 age group so I stuck around for the awards. Andy was third in his M 50-54 age group. So we both stuck around for the awards but heading our separate ways for Thanksgiving.

My official time was 46:10, 7:27 pace. I was 89th out of 763, 3rd out of 41 in my M 60-64 age group, link here. I was 7th in my unofficial M 55-59 age group so I picked up no RROY points. I will finish fourth in the 2017 RROY M 55-59 age group with 47 points in 10 races out of 12 (the top 6 races score), link here. My splits were: 7:07, 7:17, 7:23, 7:44, 7:23, 7:39 and 6:56 over the last 0.24 mile.

There were other races beside the Race with Grace 10K. The Turkey Trot out in Webster had 2272 finishers in the 4.4 mile race - link here, and 1854 in the 2.5 mile race - link here. The inaugural Feast of Burden 5 mile run held down in Rochester had 291 finishers, link here. The Newark Turkey Day 5 mile race had 101 finishers, link here. I ran my very first race back in 2005 on that course in Newark. Meanwhile out in Buffalo ... the 122nd annual Delaware YMCA Turkey Trot 8 Kilometer Race had 12,411 finishers, link here.

I got back home and started to help my darling wife, Christine, make our Thanksgiving dinner. First I had to bandage her right thumb where she had cut herself while she was slicing potatoes to make scalloped potatoes. Her thumb hurt so I was thrust into cook mode (along with her patient guidance). I made the seasoning, opened the turkey, put on the seasoning and cooked the bird. We ate around 5 PM ... it was delicious!

Thanksgiving dinner for Christine and I

So ... what did we have? An almost 12 pound fresh turkey (cooked in the oven based off a doubled Slow Cook Turkey Breast with Gravy recipe), sweet potatoes (Whipped Sweet Potatoes aand Bananas with Honey recipe) with pecans, scalloped potatoes (Potato Gratin recipe), green beans (Green Bean and Tomato Casserole recipe), cranberries and a French Apple Tart recipe (no top was added). They were delicious!



Friday, 11/24/2017: 11325 steps during the day; 7.75 miles, 1:02:20, 8:03 pace,

I slept in until 9 AM. I had plenty of opportunity to bag this run but between puttering around and spending a bit of quality time with my darling wife, Christine, I didn't get out until a bit after 3 PM. I have said many times that "A run doesn't get done by itself". So I got out there and got it done.


It was over 50F so I just wore shorts, my orange Empire State Marathon long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks running gloves and orange Fleet Feet hat. Shorts on the day after Thanksgiving! I set up a nice and easy pace. I thought about just doing a 10K. Then I thought about stretching to a 15K. But my thighs hurt a bit so I turned for home. But ... I felt bad about cutting a run so I stretched it at the end by going to the other end of the LOSP trail. There were a lot of people out ... a runner, several bikes, dog walkers and even a lady using a walker! My splits were: 8:03, 7:58, 8:00, 8:13, 8:15, 8:04, 7:57 and 7:47 over the last 0.75 mile.

Saturday, 11/25/2017: 12907 steps during the day; 8.75 miles, 1:09:04, 7:54 pace, 53F, 54% RH, 14 mph WSW wind, overcast with a few sprinkles.

The sunrise this morning was quite red. I kind of figured that someone would post a picture (or two or three) of the sunrise. Yeah ... lots of people did!

John Kucko captured this photo near Avon NY at 6:55 AM

I was up around early around 7:30 AM even though I went to bed late because I didn't want to be waste the morning. I did putter around for a long while but I did get out just after 11 AM.


I decided to head east to explore the pier at Ontario Beach Park first. I set up a slightly better than nice and easy pace. I had the same slight right thigh tightness. I did take a few slight walks but kept a fast pace. My splits were: 7:59, 7:46, 7:49, 8:07, 8:04, 7:55, 7:41, 8:05, 7:31 over the last 0.75 mile.

Yes ... we had Thanksgiving leftovers for supper ... mmm!!

Monday, 11/13/2017 to Saturday, 11/18/2017 - MFAMTL

I ran twice during 6 days, 25.17 miles.
I took 73,537 steps during 6 days according to my Pebble 2 HR smart watch.

Monday, 11/13/2017: 5328 steps during the days, rest day.

Nothing like leftover ribs and yams for supper on a rest day!

Tuesday, 11/14/2017: 5817 steps during the days, rest day.

I seriously thought about running but I ran late getting ready for work plus my legs still ached going the stairs to get my first mug of coffee at 6 AM. Then I got out of work late so that put the brakes on a run after work. I know I will be running a lot this weekend so I need to go into the 8 hour MFAMTL with fresh legs.

Oh ... the last of the ribs and white potatoes for supper ... mmm! My darling wife, Christine, sure can whip up tasty meals for me!

Wednesday, 11/15/2017: 19185 steps during the days; 6.45 miles, 52:46. 8:10 pace, 45F, 57% RH, 11 mpn SSE wind, sunny.


I was getting a bit stir crazy so I got out for a pre-lunch run. Nothing special ... just one foot of the other, repeat until done. The legs were a bit sluggish at the start but I didn't pay any attention to their nagging. My splits were: 8:17, 8:16, 8:06, 8:17, 8:12, 8:10 and 7:39 over the last 0.45 mile.

I forgot my bag that had my towel so I couldn't take a shower after this run. Shhh ... don't tell anyone!

Thursday, 11/16/2017: 6434 steps during the day, rest day.

I like to run on Thursday but the MFTAML trail run on Saturday loomed and told me to rest up.

Friday, 11/17/2017: 5808 steps during the day, rest day.

Saturday, 11/18/2017: 30965 steps during the day; 18.72 miles, 3:40:29, 11:47 miles, 43F, 75% RH, 4 mph S wind, overcast.

Today's race was the MFAMTL 2017 Fall Edition, Facebook group link here. It's a impromptu run put together by Mike Vallone down in Oatka Creek Park from 9 AM to 5 PM. There were going to be 2 1.6 mile loops, 1 orange loop run from 9 AM to 1 PM and the blue loop from 1 PM to 5 PM. There have been two other (I think) MFAMTLs (which means Maybe the First Annual, Maybe The Last). I went to the first one and missed the second one because it was the day before the Boilermaker back in July. The first two were free with donations accepted. This one was "official" with a $10 entry fee accepted from Ultrasignup.com, link here.

I was up at 6:15 AM.I had my usual pre-race meal of a bowl of cereal and banana. The weather forecast was for rain and rain so I rustled together some long sleeve tech shirts and a sweatshirt along with a second pair of pants and shoes. Then I made a lunch pail of 6 sandwiches (3 PB&J, 2 ham and cheese and 1 turkey and cheese), 2 bananas and 2 apples along with a mug of coffee. My darling wife, Christine, needed more sleep but said she would drop by later. The drive down to the race venue took about 30 minutes like Google Maps foretold. I got down to the race venue around 8:15 AM.

Signing my life away ... photo courtesy of Tom Reding

There were many people there I knew. I quietly got ready. I overdressed slightly: my Brooks running pants, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip pullover, yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running water. I carried water in my Nathan SpeedDraw Plus flask. I expected rain and raw condition so I dressed for it.

The start ... photo courtesy of Tom Reding

And ... we were off! The rain never came ... there was a bit of wind but it was actually quite nice and pleasant ... perfect weather for running in the woods. I set up a nice and easy trail pace that kept me in sight of the leaders for the first 4 loops. The orange course was actually 1.7 miles with some rollers, and one hill along some roots, rocks and leaves on most of the rest of the course.

Keeping up with the lead pack for a bit ... photo courtesy of Tom Reding

Following Kimbery Wrate. We flip-flopped for a while before she pulled ahead. She kept on running (and running) and ran 44.2 miles! ... photo courtesy of Tom Reding

Well ... I found a root with my left foot at mile 7.3. Down I went. I let myself roll a bit. I got back up and kept running. I had a PB&J after 1 hour. I hit 13.1 miles around 2:17. I had another PB&J after 2.5 hours. My left toes started hurting a bit after that.

All by my lonesome ... photo courtesy of Tom Reding

I almost quit after 10 loops or 17 miles. But I just grabbed a ham & cheese sandwich and kept walking while I ate it. Then ... I got up to a run and tripped again with my left foot ... HARD! I fell and lay there for a couple of seconds. I got up and told myself .. "enough". I could walk and I tried to run again but it hurt so I just walked. I quit when I got back to the start. Done with 11 loops and 18.72 miles for the day.

A smile after the run with Eric Eagan

I was a bit tired, sore and hungry. I stayed for a while while I had a bit of something to eat and changed from my trail shoes into my road shoes. The runners who were still running were excited about getting to run the blue trail from 1 PM to 5 PM. But ... I was done.

I think my body is trying to tell me that I should stick to the half marathon or less distance. I try to keep not listening though .. I have run a marathon (Empire State) and two 40 mile ultras (Mind the Ducks and Many on the Genny) this year. I had hoped to run another ultra today. But ... I knew I had been wise. I knew that if I stayed I would have tripped again and maybe hurt myself worse because I was tired and not picking up my feet. So ... I went home.

Soon I was home with my feet up and my obligatory mug of coffee by my side. I uploaded to Garmin. My splits were: 10:04, 10:10, 9:53, 10:46, 9:31, 9:44, 10:06, 11:50, 10:34, 11:10, 10:18, 11:09, 10:17, 10:31, 13:48, 11:18, 13:34, 12:31, 19:25 and 18:53 over the last 0.72 mile. The results were posted and I finished 52nd out of 77, link here.

Later I took my clothes off and took a shower. I found that I had a dime sized scab below my left knee. I bandaged it so it would heal faster. The joys and perils of trail running. It's peaceful but if you don't pick up your feet ... shit happens.

Friday, 11/10/2017 to Sunday, 11/12/2017 - Dirt Cheap Stage Race

The race this weekend is the three race Dirt Cheap Stage Race at Mendon Ponds Park (MPP) put on by Yellow Jacket Racing for the past nine years. I have run it every year since its inception in 2009. It was 3 races in 2 days for the first six years: Stage 1 - the 3 mile Time Trial on Saturday morning at 9 AM, Stage 2 - the 5 mile Devil's Bathtub race at 1 PM and Stage 3 - the 11 mile Epic Race on Sunday at 9 AM. Stage 1 was moved to Friday night at 6:30 PM (yes ... in the dark) in 2015. So now it is 3 races in 3 days.

I did some number crunching and totaled up all my times for these races since 2010. I couldn't do 2009 because I had missed a turn during Stage 1 that year and DQ'ed myself afterward. I wasn't the only one who missed that turn but I was one of the very few who went to the timer and took a DQ. Anyway ... I noticed that I ran my fastest cumulative time for the DCSR was last year, 2:58:21, in 2016. My Stage 1 time of 30:55 was my second slowest and Stage 2 time of 43:19 was my third fastest but my Stage 3 time of 1:44:07 was my fastest ... so I beat my previous best from 2011 by 25 seconds. Insert snark about cagey veteran runner here! I have run 425 races so I qualify, lol.

Friday, 11/10/2017: 16394 steps during the day, 2 runs of 1.0 and 3.13 miles, 19F, 67% RH, 8 mph W wind, wind chill 10F, clear.

I knew that Stage 1 is a time trial with runners going off every 5 seconds. I remembered that you are seeded according to when you pick up your bib. I also remembered that I picked up my bib at the race venue last year and had to wait for some long and rather cold minutes to race. So I made my way to Fleet Feet Armory to pick up my bib and series mug before I went to lunch. Boom .. bib 151.

I charged my headlamp for about 18 hours but it never came to a full charge. It was bright enough but I think a new running headlamp is in my future.

I didn't get out of work as early as I wanted so I didn't start out until just before 5:30 PM. I wore my usual winter running gear: Brooks running pants, white Freezeroo long sleeve tech, yellow/black Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover along with my blue Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes. I thought about wearing my black Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes that I had screws put in 2 years ago ... I think I should have. I saw runners with Micro-Spikes later. I got down to the parking lot at the intersection of Pond Rd and Douglas Rd around 6 PM. I added my balaclava, yellow/black Brooks beanie, headlamp and ski mittens along with a jacket that I found in the trunk as I walked the cold and dark 1/4 mile up to the race venue. Did I mention it was cold?

I got up there at 6:23 PM. I was cold so I stuffed my jacket into my drawstring bag and got out for a 1 mile warm up run at 8:23 pace, link here. I knew I had a bit over 12 minutes from the race start since every runner was going off every 5 seconds and I had bib 151. So I only had to wait about 5 minutes before I started.


And .. I was off! DCSR #1 is a short, just over 3 miles, trail race in the dark. This particular one was made more difficult by the one inch of snow and a bit of ice along with leaves obscuring the rocks and roots underneath. My headlamp wasn't as bright as I would have liked either. Another difficulty was passing some of the 150 runners in front of me. The upshot was that I fell not once but twice. The first fall was about 1.5 miles in. I was going around a tree to the right and putting down my right foot on a slope that fell away from the tree. My foot slipped on some ice and boom! I went down on my right hip just like that! I bounced back up and continued running. I walked a few of the hills along with everyone else. The second fall with due to a root on a downhill. I let myself tumble a bit instead of trying to stop right away. I bounced up again and kept on running. I did slow down a bit. I could hear Ellen so I knew I was close to the finish. I passed a few runners and ... done in 32:51, 10:30 pace!

Post DSCR #1 selfie

I went to the food tent and quickly downed 2 hot dogs and 2 cookies. I put my jacket and headed back to the Cruze fairly quickly ... another race tomorrow.

I laid out my somewhat wet running clothes for them to dry ... I don't change my clothes for the DCSR if I can help it. Just pick them up and put them back on the next day. Boom ... easy peasy.

I checked the results when I got home. I did OK, 3.13 miles in 32:47 (32:51 by Garmin), 10:30 pace, 352 feet elevation gain, 68th out of 203, 1st out of 2 (!) in my M 60-69 age group, link here. My splits were: 10:03, 11:22, 10:27 and 7:26 over the last 0.13 mile.

I was tired when I got home and went to bed by 11 PM. My alarm was set for 7:15 AM.

Saturday, 11/11/2017: 11187 steps during the day, 2 runs of 1.1 and 4.65 miles, 27F, 68% RH, 3 mph SSE wind, cloudy.

I got up with my alarm and puttered for a bit. I had a pre-race breakfast of a English muffin with ham and cheese along with a glass of apple cider. I kissed Christine goodbye and headed back to MPP. The venue this time was Devil's Bathtub. I got there around 9:10 AM and got a nice parking spot just below the parking lot on top of the hill. I did stop for a much needed pit stop at the heated bathroom near Stewart Lodge ....nice!

A Facebook grab

A peace sign I saw marched off in the snow at Stewart Lodge

 It was a bit warmer so I just wore my yellow/black Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I got out for a nice and easy warm up run of 1.1 miles at 9:04 pace, link here.


I talked a bit with Andy Ciaio as we walked up to the start. And ... we were off! I was up with the fast kids and was passed a bit in the first mile before we got to single track.

DCSR #2 - start ... photo courtesy of Jo Meleca-Voigt

Andy (yellow top and shorts) and I (4 runners back) ... photo courtesy of Jo Meleca-Voigt

The trail conditions were variable like last night: an inch of snow, bare trail, a bit of ice, rocks, roots, leaves. Today we had areas of ice with mud and water underneath! But I could mostly see the hazards today. I was a bit more careful, didn't fall and walked the hills I had to walk. I found a lot of mud and water though! The mud was sticky and tired me out. I saved enough strength to make it up the infamous stairs to the finish. And ... done in 47:36, 10:14 pace!

The infamous stairs of DCSR #2 ... photo courtesy of Jo Meleca-Voigt

I had 1.5 cinnamon raisin bagels and 4 cookies along with some water after the race. I had wisely brought a change of shoes and socks. I changed into them as I was sitting in the driver's seat of the Cruze. I may have gotten some mud inside the car. But .. my feet were freezing!

Post DCSR #2 selfie

I checked the results when I got home. I did OK, 4.65 miles in 47:34 (47:36 by Garmin), 10:14 pace, 348 feet elevation gain, 56th out of 220, 1st out of 2 in my M 60-69 age group, link here. My splits were: 8:12, 10:37, 11:24, 9:23 and 12:16 over the last 0.65 mile.

A warm shower did feel good after I put my wet gear up to dry. I have my doubts that my blue Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes would be dry by morning.

Sunday, 11/12/2017: 19958 steps during the day, 2 runs of 0.52 and 10.09 miles, 30F, 64% RH, 6 mph SW wind, wind chill 27F, cloudy with some sun.

I was up by 6:30 AM. Today was all about running for the coveted DCSR hoodie! Ellen is fond of saying even she doesn't know what color the hoodies are until she opens the box! I had my usual bowl of cereal and banana for breakfast. I kissed Christine goodbye and left around 7:40 AM. The 30 minute drive down to MPP was uneventful. There is something comforting about following a Dodge Caravan sporting a Sehgahunda sticker on its rear window ... you're pretty sure that they're going where you're going!

I went up to Stewart Lodge to hang out for a while. Ellen was a bit concerned about the a**holes that had removed the course flags overnight. She told everyone that they were being replaced.

I got out for a short 0.52 mile warm up run on my virgin Saucony Kinvera trail shoes at 11:03 pace, link here. I had these Fleet Feet clearance shoes in my closet for a couple of years but never had dug them out. My trusty blue Salomon SpeedCross 3 trail shoes were still damp. I was not impressed with the lack of room in the toe box but ... what choice did I have? You run in what you bring to the dance. I met up with Andy Ciaio just before the race and got my Garmin Live Update fired off about 2 seconds before the race started.


 And ... we were off! I have run this race more than a few times so I knew to go out nice and easy. Easy to do and hard to do ... so I didn't. I talked a bit with Andy off and on for the first mile before I pulled ahead. There was too much mud for the first four miles.

Maybe two or miles ... photo courtesy of Marsha Barrett

Somewhere in the middle ... photo courtesy of Marsha Barrett

Somewhere else in the middle ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

I took a mouthful of Hammer Gel at mile 4.75 just before I crossed Canfield Rd. Andy passed me as I drank some water as I crossed the road. He told me that he had kept me in view ... I just love being a rabbit, lol! I set off after him. There was a lot of cold mud and water for the next three miles. There was even a bit of glare ice on Hopkins Point Rd at mile 7 that required a bit of skating ... err ... putting on the brakes a bit and trying not to fall on my ass. I skirted the edge of most of the bog by Devil's Bathtub instead of taking the higher but very rooty route above it. Getting it done! I saw Boots at the top of what he said was "the last hill before the finish". I laughed a bit. It's mostly true ... it's the last "big" hill that requires most runners to walk (err ... crawl) up it. I could hear Ellen at the finish so I just kept on running.

About a mile from the finish ... photo courtesy of Marsha Barrett

About 1/4 mile from the finish ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Mud ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Barb took my picture ... a couple hundred yards more ... right turn ... up the last hill ... cross a foot wide log ... and done in 1:51:39!

My newest favorite DCSR hoodie!

I found lots of mud!

I went inside to get my new 2017 DCSR hoodie. Ellen told me and everyone else that "no one can wear this hoodie but you". The color this year is chocolate ... sweet! I was a bit chilled so I changed right into my newest favorite hoodie. I talked with Andy (1:47:23) and Doug Miller (1:56:58) for a bit as we watched other runners run up the last hill to the finish.

I am not a soup person so I just had a bagel and some cookies after the race. I had brought a change of shoes and socks again. It may have been a bit gross ... but I changed my shoes and shoes right in Stewart Lodge. My toes were freezing! I finished ahead of Chris Barry who was the other M 60-69 runner. I talked to him for a bit before I picked up my age group award ... a jar of creamy Once Again peanut butter and a nice plaque.

The M 60-69 age group winner swag ... I was running out of peanut butter!

I stopped by Herrema's to get a couple of large cinnamon buns ... I figured that I had earned their sweet goodness ... mmm!

I stripped and took a nice hot shower and bath when I got home. I don't normally take baths but usually do after long and dirty races. I checked the results as I sitting with my feet up with my obligatory mug of coffee. I did OK, 10.09 miles in 1:51:38 (1:51:39 by Garmin), 10:14 pace, 804 feet elevation gain, 57th out of 197, 1st out of 2 in my M 60-69 age group, link here. I was 50th out of 175 overall in the series, link here. My splits were: 9:22, 9:25, 11:20, 10:33, 11:13, 9:27, 11:18, 14:16, 13:24 and 10:16 over the last 0.09 mile.

So ... another epic Dirt Cheap Stage Race is in the books. What have I learned? I may be getting older and may be losing a step or two but I still love running in the woods from time to time. It's so different and more peaceful than running on the road. It may be a bit more dangerous but it's a different kind of dangerous. Trail running requires your attention and concentration to adjust your foot falls to the varying terrain. If you lose focus you can and will fall. It may not seem it but trail running is relaxing.  I would have never believed you if someone had told that when I first starting running way back in 2005. But it is. Plus you get to play in mud! That's my story and I am sticking to it.