Sunday, 11/26/2023 to Saturday, 12/02/2023

I walked twice this week, 3.1 miles.

I ran 5 times this week, 21.76 miles.

I didn't bike this week.

I took 59,213 steps this week according to my Garmin Venu smartwatch.

My Venu gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

WALKING/RUNNING/BIKING: I have gotten over a nagging ache in my left hip/hamstring through lots and LOTS of stretching. So ... I do short walks (1.65 miles), runs (< 6.2 miles) or bike rides (< 20 miles) and then stretch afterwards. A run or a bike is better than a walk in my 66-year-old mind but any exercise is good in the end.

Walk/Run/Bike electronics: I use my Garmin Venu for runs and walks (backup for the bike). I listen to my Shokz OpenMove bone conduction headphones.

Trek Bike electronics: Garmin Edge 530 sensor bundle, Garmin Varia RVR315 rearview radar, Livall EVO21 smart helmet, and Redshiftsports Arclight pedals.

BTW, I am on a 1250 day steak (3 years, 5 months) of either a walk, run or bike of greater than 1 mile (as of Saturday night, 11/25). There were more than a few days when a mile was all I could walk or limp.

Sunday, 11/26/2023

7:07 hours sleep, 7839 steps, 50/139 avg/max HR, 171.8 pounds, 14 floors climbed

Run: 4.55 miles, 39:36, 8:29 pace, 84 feet total ascent, 129/142 avg/max HR, 157/167 avg/max cadence, 27F, 80% RH, 3 mph SSE wind, partly cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 400.79 miles

I was up earlier than usual on a Sunday since I had made plans to with my oldest son, Michael, to take him grocery shopping at 10 AM. So I was out just before sunrise on my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I struck up my usual nice and easy pace (that has been a bit quicker of late) and got it done. My splits were 8:53, 8:21, 8:26, 8:25 and 8:09 over the last 0.55 mile.

Monday, 11/27/2023

6:41 hours sleep, 8819 steps, 43/99 avg/max HR, 173.6 pounds, 5 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 20:37, 12:36 pace, 16 feet total ascent, 94/108 avg/max HR, 130 avg cadence, 37F, 75% RH, 12 mph W wind, wind chill 30F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 352.54 miles

I got out at 6 AM for a walk on my usual "Out to Ling Rd" route after 4 running days. It was windy so I threw on a short sleeve tech on my usual clothing. My splits were 12:21 and 12:58 over the last 0.65 mile.

Tuesday, 11/28/2023

6792 steps, 46/130 avg/max HR, 173.6 pounds, 20 floors climbed

Run: 3.16 miles, 28:59, 9:11 pace, 33 feet total ascent, 122/133 avg/max HR, 157/168 avg/max cadence, 25F, 68% RH, 9 mph WSW wind, wind chill 16F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 403.95 miles

Alexa woke me up at 5:20 AM. She told me that "Rise and shine" and it was 25F. I groaned but it was a run day so I did the usual stuff, got out there and got it done. I did put more clothing on. I dug out my balaclava and my gym shorts. They helped since the wind chill was in the teens. I started out with a nice and easy pace. I had a slight pain behind my left knee and I made the turn to cut my run short to one mile but it almost went away so I added 2 more miles to get my run to a 5K. Runner logic ... if you can do one mile, you can do three! My splits were 9:43, 9:01, 8:56 and 8:28 over the last 0.16 mile. A mildly painful negative split.

Wednesday, 11/29/2023

6:05 hours sleep, 10419 steps, 41/134 avg/max HR, pounds, 24 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 40:10, 9:01 pace, 63 feet total ascent, 125/138 avg/max HR, 160/170 avg/max cadence, 25F, 68% RH, 14 mph WSW wind, wind chill 14F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 408.40 miles

Alexa told me that it was 21F. Well ... up and at them! It had snowed a wee bit overnight plus it was windy. I put on an extra long sleeve tech. I got out and did my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I struck up a careful pace since there was about 1/4 of snow on the ground. There weren't any ice patches (at least that I knew about). My splits were 9:29, 9:00, 9:01, 8:51 and 8:27 over the last 0.45 mile.

Thursday, 11/30/2023

7:23 hours sleep, 10783 steps, 41/129 avg/max HR, 172.0 pounds. 18 floors climbed

Run: 3.15 miles, 27:51, 8:50 pace, 58 feet total ascent, 124/135 avg/max HR, 159/194 avg/max cadence, 36F, 64% RH, 9 mph SW wind, wind chill 29F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 411.55 miles

The forecast had called for warmer temps this morning. It was above freezing and almost felt balmy ... well, almost. I felt a wee bit sluggish for some reason. I opted for my shorter "Out to Clematis St" route since I had work stuff to do right after I punch in at 8 AM. Getting it done! My splits were 9:00, 8:50, 8:46 and 8:09 over the last 0.15 mile.

It's the end of November so it's stat time!

I walked 7 times for 11.57 miles, 1.65 miles/walk in November. I have walked 133 times for 206.8 miles, 1.55 miles/walk so far in 2023.

I ran 27 times for 117.38 miles, 4.35 miles/run in November. I have run 195 times for 727.05 miles, 3.73 miles/run so far in 2023.

I ran 3 races in November:

 11/4 Grocery Run 5K (fastest 5K of 2023), 24:54 Chip, 8:01 pace, 66th/676, 2nd/16 in my M 65-59 age group, 48F, 77% RH, calm, overcast

 11/18 Bound for the Hounds 6 Hour Ultra, 6 laps for 13.8 miles in 2:20:01, Half marathon in 2:05:50, 39F, 70% RH, calm, sunny

 11/23 Race with Grace 10K (fastest 10K of 2023), 51:58, 8:13 pace, 106th/315, 3rd/11 in my M 65-69 age group, 39F, 81% RH, 8 mph SSW wind, wind chill 34F, cloudy

I didn't bike in November but I did bike 48 times for 619.12 miles, 12.9 miles/bike in 2023.

I took 267,099 steps in November and have taken 2,371,868 steps so far in 2023.

Friday, 12/1/2023

7:06 hours sleep, 4013 steps, 42/107 avg/max HR,  172.8 pounds, 11 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 21:26, 12:57 pace, 11 feet total ascent, 87/117 avg/max HR, 121/197 avg/max caadence, 46F, 61% RH, 8 mph SW wind, wind chill 43F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 354.19 miles

I woke up during the night and heard the dishwasher still running. Huh? I went downstairs and found that the timer was stuck. I advanced and restarted it. I saw that it was 4 AM so I stayed downstairs and babysat it. I knew I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep so I didn't even try. I needed a day off from running (and I was a bit tired) so I got out for a walk on my usual "Out to Ling Rd" route. It was 46F and I opted to wear my usual winter clothing. I could have gotten by with shorts and a long sleeve tech though. My splits were 12:55 and 13:00 over the last 0.65 mile.

Saturday, 12/2/2023

7:20 hours sleep, 10548 steps, 40/140 avg/max HR, 169.2 pounds, 22 floors climbed

Run: 6.45 miles, 55:55, 8:40 pace, 130/144 avg/max HR, 158/170 avg/max cadence, 45F, 93% RH, 6 mph NNE wind, wind chill 42F, overcast

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 418.0 miles

I slept in until 6:30 and puttered around a bit ... but a run doesn't get done by itself so I got up, got dressed, got out and got it done. It was 45F but a bit misty so I put on my winter running gear. I struck up a nice and easy pace as I headed out on my usual route. I decided to stretch it farther and ended up with a "Out by the pier and to Dewey Ave" route. My body wanted me to turn around once I headed up Beach Ave to Dewey Ave but I was stubborn and refused to heed that urging. Boom and done! My splits were 9:06, 8:37, 8:46, 8:40, 8:31, 8:35 and 8:06 over the last 0.45 mile.

Sunday, 11/19/2023 to Saturday, 11/25/2023 - Race with Grace 10K

I walked twice this week, 3.32 miles.

I ran 6 times this week, 21.74 miles.

I didn't bike this week.

I took 57,027 steps this week according to my Garmin Venu smartwatch.

My Venu gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

WALKING/RUNNING/BIKING: I have gotten over a nagging ache in my left hip/hamstring through lots and LOTS of stretching. So ... I do short walks (1.65 miles), runs (< 5 miles) or bike rides (< 20 miles). A run or a bike is better than a walk in my 66-year-old mind but any exercise is good in the end.

Walk/Run/Bike electronics: I use my Garmin Venu for runs and walks (backup for the bike). I listen to my Shokz OpenMove bone conduction headphones.

Trek Bike electronics: Garmin Edge 530 sensor bundle, Garmin Varia RVR315 rearview radar, Livall EVO21 smart helmet, and Redshiftsports Arclight pedals.

BTW, I am on a 1243 day steak (3 years, 5 months) of either a walk, run or bike of greater than 1 mile (as of Saturday night, 11/18). There were more than a few days when a mile was all I could walk or limp.

Sunday, 11/19/2023

8:24 hours sleep, 4662 steps, 40/89 avg/max HR, 171.1 pounds, 13 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 22:41, 13:44 pace, 16 feet total ascent, 82/94 avg/max HR, 122/134 avg/max cadence, 34F, 80% RH, 7 mph WSW wind, mostly sunny

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 349.22 miles

I got almost 8 hours of sleep but I was still up at 5:14 AM. I got out a bit after 6 AM for a walk on my usual "Out to Ling Rd" route. I didn't think a run after doing a half marathon yesterday would be wise. I set up a brisk pace and got it done. My splits were 13:51 and 13:34 pace.

Monday, 11/20/2023

9:26 hours sleep, 8336 steps, 40/134 avg/max HR, 170.9 pounds, 15 floors climbed

Run: 4.46 miles, 39:32, 8:52 pace, 67 feet total ascent, 123/138 avg/max HR, 158/218(?) avg/max cadence, 25F, 74% RH, 5 mph N wind, clear

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 375.91 miles

I groaned when Alexa woke me at 5:20 AM and told me that it was 26F outside. But ... it was a run day at least so I knew I would warm up after a mile or so. But ... first I had to get up, weigh myself, set the coffee, get dressed, get outside and get running. It's mind over matter for the past 3+ years every single day. I set up a really nice and easy pace. I did warm up after a mile and a half but the wind was still cold when I turned into it around Ontario Beach Park. My body wanted me to stop for a tiny walk break but the mind told it "No, you can do this" so I ran and got it done. My splits were 9:17, 9:01, 8:54, 8:40 and 8:02 over the last 0.46 mile. Negative splits were a nice way to start today!

Tuesday, 11/21/2023

7:29 hours sleep, 9925 steps, 40/139 avg/max HR, 170.1 pounds, 21 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 39:24, 8:51 pace, 69 feet total ascent, 123/144 avg/max HR, 158/170 avg/max cadence, 28F, 63% RH, 13 ESE wind, wind chill 19F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 380.36 miles

I groaned again when Alexa woke me up at 5:20 AM. Why? She told me that it was 26F outside again. But ... just as yesterday ... it was a run day so I did what I did yesterday ... and got out there. I did put on a short sleeve tech on underneath my Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover due to the wind. It was coming out of the east which was a bit weird. But ... it didn't stop or hinder ... I got it done with negative splits for the second day in a row: 9:19, 9:12, 8:48, 8:33 and 7:49 over the last 0.45 mile. Boom!

Wednesday, 11/22/2023

7:25 hours sleep, 4586 steps, 40/97 avg/max HR, 172.0 pounds, 8 floors climbed

Walk: 1.67 mile, 22:56, 13:45 pace, 14 feet total ascent, 82/91 avg/max HR, 120/193 avg/max cadence, 45F, 93% RH, calm, overcast

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 350.89 miles

I almost always walk on the day before a race so I did today too. I got out for a walk on my usual "Out to Ling Rd" route. It had rained yesterday afternoon and overnight so it was a bit wet. My spits were 13:42 and 13:50 over the last 0.67 mile.

Thursday, 11/23/2023

7:02 hours sleep, 14324 steps, 40/147 avg/max HR, 171.0 pounds, 33 floors climbed

Run: 0.50 mile, 4:48, 9:36 pace, 7 feet total ascent, 7 feet total ascent, 109/118 avg/max HR, 148/156 avg/max cadence, 39F, 75% RH, 7 mph SW wind, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 380.86 miles

Run: 6.28 miles, 51:08, 8:09 pace, 262 feet total ascent, 137/152 avg/max HR, 160/172 avg/max cadence, 39F, 81% RH, 8 mph SSW wind, wind chill 34F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 387.14 miles

Today's race was my 12th Race with Grace 10K (9 on the 2.0 course, 1 virtual, and 2 on the new 3.0 course). There was a new non-certified 5K course this year. I was a traditionist and signed up for the 10K like usual. I slept in until 6 AM and got to the race venue around 7:45 AM. I had forgotten my sunglasses (didn't need it) and my water bottle (could've used it). It was kind of warm so I wore shorts and my usual Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover and Brooks beanie. I wear what works for me ... even if it's the same thing day after day. 

I got out for a little warm up run of 0.5 mile before the main event. The assistant pastor of the Lakeshore Church gave a brief prayer ... and we were off! I got up to my race pace pretty quickly. The 5K runners were a bit faster ... I let them pass me. I settled in and concentrated on just running. This new course has lots of straights where you don't think you're getting anywhere. Finally ... the turn onto Latta Rd ... finish somewhere ahead ... last turn ... and done! 

I grabbed a bottle of water.and stretched a bit before I headed inside for a bagel. I grabbed 3rd in my age group so I stayed around for a new age group glass.

I did OK. My chip time was 51:58 (fastest 10K of 2023, 8:13 pace) ... sweet! My runsignup.com results here. I was 106th out of 315, 3rd out of 11 in my M 65-69 age group. My splits were 8:21, 8:34, 8:06, 8:23, 7:54, 7:45 and 7:37 over the last 0.18 mile. The inaugural Race with Grace 5K has 254 finishers, results here. 

I headed home and helped my darling wife, Christine, how ever I could with our Thanksgiving supper with sides of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. Her turkey just fell off the bone when I cut. I did screw up when I threw away the turkey droppings when I cleaned up. Oh well!

There were other Thanksgiving races today. Yellow Jacket Racing put on the 52nd Turkey Trot. The 4.4 mile race had 1477 finishers, results here. The 2.5 mile race had 1817 finishers results here. The Newark Turkey Day Race had 100 finishers, results here. It's a 5 mile race on some streets in and around Newark. I ran my first race here in 2005. I managed to convince my girlfriend (and now wife), Christine, to run this race back in 2009 just after she moved in with me in Rochester. She still tells me that I told her that "there were no hills" in . Well ... there were hills.

Run: 1.5 miles, 14:42, 9:46 pace, 3 feet total ascent, 119/133 avg/max HR, 148/154 avg/max cadence, 45F, 66% RH, 13 mph W wind, cloudy

Shoes: Blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 StealthFit - 1.5 miles

I had bought a new pair of Brooks Glycerin GTS20 StealthFit in size 12.5 (up from my usual size 12) last week. They were on sale at Amazon for 25% off for $120 instead of $160. I got out a really nice and easy test run on them ... oh ... sweetness ... not as tight as my size 12s ... oh ... sweet!!!

Friday, 11/24/2023

6:43 hours sleep, 8084 steps, 41/135 avg/max HR, 169.5 pounds, 18 floors climbed

Run: 4.55 miles, 41:00, 9:00 pace, 66 feet total ascent, 123/138 avg/max HR, 156/167 avg/max cadence, 32F, 64% RH, 12 mph W wind, wind chill 24F, ice pellets

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 391.69 miles

I slept in until 6:24 AM and got out around 8 AM. What ... ice pellets were falling! Well ... I shook my head and thought ... at least it's not rain ... and headed out at a nice and easy pace on my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I thought about heading out onto the pier at the Ontario Beach Park but saw that the waves were crashing onto it. The west wind tried to push me back and the ice pellets stung a wee bit when I ran into the west wind. But ... I got it done. My splits were 9:08, 8:59, 9:10, 9:05 and 8:22 over the last 0.55 mile.

Saturday, 11/25/2023

7:45 hours sleep, 7110 steps, 44/142 avg/max HR, 169.8 pounds, 15 floors climbed

Run: 4.55 miles, 38:38, 8:29 pace, 66 feet total ascent, 133/147 avg/max HR, 159/170 avg/max cadence, 36F, 60% RH, 12 mph WSW wind, wind chill 28F, partly cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 396.24 miles

I didn't get out until almost 10 AM but I did get out for my usual run on my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I set up my usual nice and easy pace. I didn't really think I was going any faster than usual so I was surprised by my 8:29 pace. My splits were 8:44, 8:19, 8:34, 8:36 and 7:58 over the last 0.55 mile.

Sunday, 11/12/2023 to Saturday, 11/18/2023 - Bound for the Hounds 6 Hour Ultra

I walked twice this week, 3.10 miles.

I ran 5 times this week, 31.62 miles.

I didn't bike this week.

I took 68,991 steps this week according to my Garmin Venu smartwatch.

My Venu gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

WALKING/RUNNING/BIKING: I have gotten over a nagging ache in my left hip/hamstring through lots of stretching. So ... I do short walks (1.65 miles), runs (< 5 miles) or bike rides (< 20 miles). A run or a bike is better than a walk in my 66-year-old mind but any exercise is good in the end.

Walk/Run/Bike electronics: I use my Garmin Venu for runs and walks (backup for the bike). I listen to my Shokz OpenMove bone conduction headphones.

Trek Bike electronics: Garmin Edge 530 sensor bundle, Garmin Varia RVR315 rearview radar, Livall EVO21 smart helmet, and Redshiftsports Arclight pedals.

BTW, I am on a 1237 day steak (3 years, 4 months) of either a walk, run or bike of greater than 1 mile (as of Saturday night, 11/11). There were more than a few days when a mile was all I could walk or limp.

Sunday, 11/12/2023

9:36 hours sleep, 8229 steps, 41/144 avg/max HR, 169.8 pounds, 18 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 38:37, 8:40 pace, 67 feet total ascent, 128/148 avg/max HR, 158/167 avg/max cadence, 37F, 70% RH, 6 mph NNW wind, wind chill 33F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 344.28 miles

I puttered around like usual on a weekend and got out in the daylight. It was a bit chilly and a bit windy. I found that my Brooks tights had a hole in the crotch so I broke out my oldest pair of CW-X tights that my darling wife, Christine, had bought me many years ago. They still fit and were a bit tighter. (Note: I found that both CW-X tights had a hole in the crotch just one was bigger (the newer one) than the other. I suppose I could throw on a pair of shorts over them in the future.) Anyway ... I set up a nice and easy pace like usual. I did my tried and true "Out by the pier and around" route. My splits were 9:05, 8:30, 8:40, 8:38 and 8:14 over the last 0.45 mile.

Monday, 11/13/2023

8:43 hours sleep, 7408 steps, 40/98 avg/max HR, 170.4 pounds, 10 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 22:34, 13:40 pace, 10 feet total ascent, 85/100 avg/max HR, 121/130 avg/max cadence, 28F, 86% RH, calm, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 345.92 miles

Alexa told me it was 29F outside when she woke me at 5:20 AM. Brr! It was a walk day after 4 run days so I dressed a bit warmer than usual and added a short sleeve tech. I set up a somewhat brisk walking pace. I eventually warmed up except for my hands. I was cold when I got done and did my post workout stretches inside. My splits were 13:38 and 13:44 over the last 0.65 mile. I went inside to do my post-run stretches.

I got my flu and COVID-19 shot at Walgreens after work. I elected to get them both in my right arm since I sleep on my left side. I rely on science rather than my "natural immunity" ... cough ... anti-vaxxers ... cough.

I watched my Broncos - Bill game on MNF. The Bills sucked but almost won ... until they didn't. The score was 8-15 at half. Then it was 21-15 in the 4th quarter with another Bronos missed PAT. The Bills scored on a 5 yard run by TD ... Bills up 20-21 with 1:55 to go. Well ... the Broncos went slowly down the field aided by a PI on an underthrown ball (which usually get a flag). The Broncos kick a FG to win ... and a miss just to the right!!! ... Yay!!! ... No!!! ... a flag on the Bill for 12 F***ING men on the field (I could hear yelling next door as I yelled too) ... a do-over FG attempt 5 yards closer ... it's good ... Bills lose ... 23-21. An ESPN article, link here.

Tuesday, 11/14/2023

7:57 hours sleep, 7858 steps, 42/144 avg/max HR, 170.1 pounds, 19 floors climbed

Run: 4.26 miles, 36:26, 8:33 pace, 90 feet total ascent, 131/148 avg/max HR, 158/167 avg/max cadence, 45F, 53% RH, 13 mph NNW win, wind chill 39F, partly cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 348.54 miles

I cancelled my 5:20 AM alarm before I went to sleep after midnight. I couldn't sleep for a while after the Bills game. Our cat, Nebula, was confused when I didn't do my usual routine around 5:20 AM but let me go back to a broken sleep until 7:20 AM. I did get out for a run on my "Out to Mann Rd and Clematis St" route at noontime. I hiked the pace a bit since I only had 50 minutes. My splits were 8:50, 8:36, 8:50, 8:21 and 7:36 over the last 0.26 mile. I did my post-run stretching inside again.

Wednesday, 11/15/2023

9:29 hours sleep, 10556 steps, 43/141 avg/max HR, 170.5 pounds, 22 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 38:49, 8:43 pace, 72 feet total ascent, 128/143 avg/max HR, 161/170 avg/max cadence, 34F, 75% RH, 8 mph SW wind, wind chill 28F, clear

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 352.99 miles

I got out a bit late for a run on my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I felt a bit sluggish ... like every step was an effort ... but I was stubborn and kept running. I got it done. My splits were 9:01, 8:43, 8:39, 8:41 and 8:19 over the last 0.45 mile. The wind was out of the SW so the forecast is for it to warm up this afternoon.

Thursday, 11/16/2023

9:27 hours sleep, 8330 steps, 39 140avg/max HR, 170.2 pounds, 14 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 39:12, 8:48 pace, 69 feet total ascent, 131/147 avg/max HR, 157/168 avg/max cadence, 34F, 80% RH, 3 mph WSW wind, clear

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 357.44 miles

I got out a bit late again for a run on my usual "Out by the pier and around" route. I felt better than yesterday. I set up my usual nice and easy pace like usual. I had a very slight urge to stop and walk but I knew that I could do the run without it so I didn't. Lake Ontario was as calm as a sheet of glass for the second day in a row. My splits were 9:10, 9:00, 8:41, 8:37 and 8:15 over the last 0.45 mile.

Friday, 11/17/2023

7:28 hours sleep, 4006 steps, 40/98 avg/max HR, 170.9 pounds, 9 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 21:52, 13:13 pace, 24 feet total ascent, 89/111 avg/max HR, 122/191 avg/max cadence, 57F, 38% RH, 9 mph SSW wind, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 347.57 miles

It had warmed up over night so I wore shorts and a long sleeve tech for my walk on my usual "Out to Ling Rd" route. Why a walk? I need to rest up for the Bound for the Hounds 6 Hour Ultra tomorrow morning. Today's splits were 13:16 and 13:09 over the last 0.65 mile.

Saturday, 11/18/2023

9:05 hours sleep, 22604 steps, 39/140 avg/max HR, 171.5 pounds, 36 floors climbed

Run: 14.01 miles, 2:23:01, 10:12 pace, 221 feet total ascent, 120/141 avg/max HR, 142 avg cadence, 39F, 70% RH, calm, most sunny 🌞

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 361.58 miles

Today's race was the Bound for the Hounds 6 Hour Ultra out in Shortsville NY. I headed out around 7:20 AM and got there a bit after 8 AM. My idea was to do just a half marathon in a sort of relaxed race without lots of runners. I met up with Amy Lord, Tom Butler along with Andy and Laura Ciaio. There were 75 runners of various abilities and was low key. I started out nice and easy. The route was just a 1.15 mile out and back for 2.3 miles per loop on a cinder trail with a few gentle rolling rises with a teddy bear at each end to loop around. Loops 1, 2 and 3 were uneventful. Then I got a bit tired with a few walk breaks. I took a big walk break and talked with Amy Lord on loop 5. That really helped and I easily ran the majority of the that loop and most the last loop to hit my half marathon goal of 13.15 miles at 2:05:50. I was ahead of Andy Ciaio who is a few years younger than me. He and Laura also stopped at about the same time. I had some PB & J squares and cookies, stretched and waited for the personal pizza that I ordered to arrive at noon. I had a couple of pieces and headed home. 

These cookies had paw prints in them

I did what I set out to do ... done. My splits were 9:03, 8:49, 9:44, 8:55, 9:59, 9:37, 9:30, 13:07, 9:26, 9:53 and 8:30. I guess I can still run half marathons. I haven't run one since a virtual COVID-19 one back in 2020. Runsignup.com results of 6 loops, 13.8 miles, 2:18:20 - here. The lead runners were all female.

Sunday, 11/5/2023 to Saturday, 11/11/2023

I walked once this week, 1.65 miles.

I ran 6 times this week, 31.81 miles.

I didn't bike this week.

I took 62,863 steps this week according to my Garmin Venu smartwatch.

My Venu gives me steps, heart rate, hours slept and floors climbed (take those last 2 data points with a grain of salt). My Withings WS-50 Smart Body Analyzer scale gives my weight.

WALKING/RUNNING/BIKING: I have gotten over a nagging ache in my left hip/hamstring through lots of stretching. So ... I do short walks (1.65 miles), runs (< 5 miles) or bike rides (< 20 miles). A run or a bike is better than a walk in my 66-year-old mind but any exercise is good in the end.

Walk/Run/Bike electronics: I use Garmin Venu for runs and walks (backup for the bike). I listen to my Shokz OpenMove bone conduction headphones.

Trek Bike electronics: Garmin Edge 530 sensor bundle, Garmin Varia RVR315 rearview radar, Livall EVO21 smart helmet, and Redshiftsports Arclight pedals.

BTW, I am on a 1229 day steak (3 years, 4 months) of either a walk, run or bike of greater than 1 mile (as of Saturday night, 11/4). There were more than a few days when a mile was all I could walk or limp.

Sunday, 11/5/2023

11:06 hours sleep, 9307 steps, 41/139 avg/max HR, 171.8 pounds, 11 floors climbed

Run: 5.56 miles, 49:28, 8:54 pace, 70 feet elevation gain, 126/145 avg/max HR, 159/197 avg/max cadence, 45F, 81% RH, 5 mph NNW wind, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 313.58 miles

I slept in a bit to celebrate "Falling Back" one hour. I got out for my run around 6:30. It was lighter out so I didn't need a headlamp. I wanted to go a bit longer so I broke out my "Out on the pier and around" route by heading out on the pier. My splits were 9:04, 9:04, 9:01, 8:57, 8:53 and 8:02 over the last 0.56 mile. 

Monday 11/6/2023

8:15 hours sleep, 10285 steps, 43/137 avg/max HR, 171.7 pounds, 19 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 39:21, 8:50 pace, 68 feet total ascent, 123/142 avg/max HR, 158/170 avg/max cadence, 36F, 80% RH, calm, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 318.03 miles

Alexa told me it was 36F outside when she woke me up at 5:20 AM. Ugh ... but no matter. I attended to the usual stuff plus a few others so I got out a bit late. But ... a ran needed to done so I set up a nice and easy pace and got going. I had the Noxgear Tracer360 ligted vest and headlamp but didn't really need them past mile 2. I ran my usual "Out by the pier and around" route ... nothing unusual ... just 2 dog walkers. My splits were 9:20, 8:48, 8:49, 8:44 and 8:09 over the last 0.45 mile.

Tuesday, 11/7/2023

9:25 hours sleep, 7479 steps, 41/138 avg/max HR, 171.1 pounds, 21 floors climbed

Run: 4.45 miles, 39:20, 8:50 pace, 67 feet total ascent, 126/142 avg/max HR, 158/168 avg/max 

cadence, 59F, 77% RH, 15 mph W wind, cloudy.

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 322.48 miles

It was 23F warmer than yesterday morning so I went went with shorts and a long sleeve tech. I thought that the wind would chill me but I could have done a short sleeve tech since it was a warm wind. I set up my usual nice and easy pace and got it done like usual. My splits were 9:17, 8:51, 8:44, 8:45 and 8:14 over the last 0.45 mile.

So [POLITICS] ... I was glad that it was a good day across the US for Democrats. Locally, Adam Bello (D) was reelected as Monroe County Executive and the Monroe Country flipped to Democrats. I am not glad the MSM is mainly talking about how some surveys in 5 out of 6 battleground states has Trump leading Biden A YEAR OUT FROM 2024! WTF!!! Who could vote for Trump!!!

Wednesday, 11/8/2023

8:25 hours sleep, 6800 steps, 40/123 avg/max HR, 172.4 pounds, 12 floors climbed

Walk: 1.65 miles, 20:55, 12:41 pace, 18 feet total ascent, 108/130 avg/max HR, 125/200 avg/max cadence, 34F, 64% RH, 8 mph NW wind, wind chill 28F cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Launch GTS8 - 344.27 miles

It was a walk day this morning after 4 running days. It was 25F colder than yesterday morning so I went to my Brooks tights, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover and Brooks beanie (my go-to winter exercise clothing). The wind bit right through me so I struck up a very brisk walking pace. Brr ... but I got it done. My splits were 12:42 and 12:38 over the last 0.65 mile.

Thursday, 11/9/2023

7:29 hours sleep, 10306 steps, 40/141 avg/max HR, 172.3 pounds, 17 floors climbed

Run: 5.55 miles, 49:25, 8:54 pace, 83 feet total ascent, 130/148 avg/max HR, 159/170 avg/max cadence, 43F, 81% RH, calm, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 328.03 miles

I was off on vacation today. I thought of sleeping in but Alexa woke me up at 5:20 AM so I got up and do what I do. I got out just a little late and went a little long since I had time. I wore my winter usual gear ... like usual. I struck up a nice and easy pace on my "Out on the pier and around" route. I actually saw 2 ... yes 2 ... runners this morning. My splits were 9:15, 9:02, 8:57, 8:51, 8:43 and 8:22 over the last 0.55 mile. A nice negative split to start the day!

It was a bit brisk so no smile, lol.

I took the day off so I could take my oldest son, Michael, to the cardiologist in Newark. I had seen on Facebook that Linda Forbes Bridgeman, a fellow classmate of NHS 1975, had wanted pictures of the bench for her late husband, Jim Bridgeman, that the Newark DPW had put in the Newark Canal Park. So I sat there, reflected briefly on Newark and life in general, took a selfie and sent it to her on Facebook.

Friday, 11/10/2023

10:33 hours sleep,  steps, 41/138 avg/max HR, 170.4 pounds, 20 floors climbed

Run: 6.25 miles, 55:01, 8:48 pace, 97 feet total ascent, 125/140 avg/max HR, 159/168 avg/max cadence, 43F, 56% RH, 8 mph WSW wind cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 334.28 miles

I was off today on vacation again because L3Harris observed Veteran's Day today. Alexa woke me up at 5:20 AM like usual but I puttered around until I could run in the daylight. I did the usual downstairs and then got out at my usual nice and easy pace on a new "Out on the pier and to Edgemere Drive" route that I figured would be a 10K. It was with a couple parking loops. Done ... time for coffee! My splits were 9:12, 8:51, 8:47, 8:48, 8:44, 8:35 and 8:13 over the last 0.25 mile.

Saturday, 11/11/2023

8760 steps, 44/141 avg/max HR, 169.3 pounds, 22 floors climbed

Run: 5.55 mile, 48:33, 8:44 pace, 95 feet total ascent, 130/143 avg/max HR, 157/166 avg/max cadence, 39F, 65% RH, 8 mph NNW wind wind chill 34F, cloudy

Shoes: blue Brooks Glycerin GTS20 - 339.83 miles

I muttered to myself "runs don't get done by themselves", got dressed and got out there. I set up a nice and easy pace like usual. I thought about a 10K but settled for my "Out by the pier and to Mann Rd" route of 5.55 mles. No worries. My splits were 9:00, 8:47, 8:50, 8:42, 8:40 and 8:12 over the last 0.55 mile.