Sunday, 3/10/2013 to Saturday, 3/16/2013 - Johnny's Runnin of the Green 5 Mile run

I ran 5 times this week, 24.7 miles

Sunday, 3/10/2013: Rest day ... but 64F!

My youngest son needs to buy another car so I headed out to Palmyra for the third time so far. We did find a VW Golf that he liked at Select Euro Cars in Waterloo. I hope that he can get proper financing so he can stop borrowing his mother's car to get to work.

Meanwhile, trouble was brewing back on the homefront. My darling wife, Christine, decided that my pile of stuff that I keep on an open bookcase was unsightly and dusty (among other words). So ... she placed (I say dumped) it into two boxes that greeted me when I got home. I was not pleased ... but went through my stuff while complaining about it. As a result I missed out of enjoying the late afternoon and evening warmth. We kissed and made up in the morning ... though I was still a bit ticked.

Monday, 3/11/2013: 6.2 miles, 52:08, 8:25 pace, 54F, night, windy, no stops, moderate thigh and right Achilles discomfort

Garmin Connect Activity for Usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

Christine's hugs or the couch couldn't keep from running ... though she and it tried! I got out there at dusk with lots of reflectivity on ... calf sleeves, tech long sleeve, light gloves and headlamp. I got for a 25:10 first 5K, 8:07 pace. Then ... I started to hurt. My thighs tightened up and then my right Achilles started to ache. I slowed and endured the second 5K, 8:42 pace. I think it was my body still complaining about the 15 mile Run Around the Bay on Saturday ... my longest run of the year so far.

Tuesday, 3/12/2013: Rest day ... just your usual night off from running.

Wednesday, 3/13/2013: 7.5 miles, 1:00:50, 8:07 pace, 28F, overcast, windy, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 7.5 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

What a difference a couple of days made ... winter returned! I really needed to run so I got out to enjoy the daylight. I needed to vent some frustration so I took it out kind of hard for the first 5K, 7:54 pace. I went down and back up Chapel Hill Drive so my next 5K was slower, 8:15 pace. I dropped my pace down a notch the rest of the way as a sort of cooldown. My right Achilles didn't really bother me ... sweet!

Thursday, 3/14/2013: Rest day.

I thought about running but my darling Christine was feeling poorly so I picked up a Papa John's pizza after I picked up my race bib and long sleeve t-shirt from Johnny's Irish Pub for Johnny's Runnin of the Green on Saturday morning. We finally watched our NetFlix DVD, J Edgar ... after 2 months!

Friday, 3/15/2013: 4 miles, 30:13, 7:33 pace, 36F, partly cloudy, windy, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 4 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I wanted to get out for a short, fast run ... so I did. I want to get some confidence that I could hold a 7:30 pace for Johnny's tomorrow. I went out ... and I did. A short, fast run was what I needed.

Later, Christine cooked up an excellent dinner of fish, mixed vegetables, rice and salad ... yummy! Then we watched Syracuse beat Georgetown in the Big East semis, 58-55 in OT, link here.

Saturday, 3/16/2013: 2 runs of 2 and 5 miles

I had a dream that I was late for a race and had to run in socks! So ... Christine and I got up late but still got down to a great parking spot near the Blue Cross Arena an hour before the 9:30AM start time of the 5 mile Johhny's Runnin' of the Green. The weather was certainly unlike last year's 70+ degrees. Today was 26F, overcast with a slight breeze that cut right through you.

Garmin Connect Activity for Warmup before Johnny's Runnin' of the Green

I caught up with members of the Brooks Racing Team and went out for a nice and slow warmup run.  I decided to ditch my jacket before the race. I knew I would warm up .... or at least I hoped I would.



The start line was changed from the narrow confines of last year's one side of Exchange to the narrow confines of Court St. But this time there was the ability of everyone who was slow to pile up in front of everyone who was already at the start. The resultant start was a scrum chock full of slow runners that I had to navigate and squirm around for at least 1/2 mile. I managed to start with and hang with Bill Beyerbach until the Ford St bridge where I took the inside of a turn and left him behind. The first mile passed by in a slow 7:42 as I got up to speed. I slowly tried to catch up to Wendy Abbott who was 100 feet in front. I did get within 30 feet before she negative split me after the turn around.

Wendy Abbott waving

On the way back around mile 3.5 ... just trying to hold my position.

Bill Beyerbach

I was running out of gas but managed to keep my pace of around 7:10 to 7:20 up. I crossed back over the Ford St bridge and managed a bit of a kick until the finish. A couple of girls passed me in the chute so I kicked it to a sprint to hold off anyone else.

I did OK with Garmin paces of 7:34, 7:08, 7:11, 7:19 and 7:01. I finished in 36:32 (36:23 according to my Garmin), 7:18 pace. I was 221st out of 2096, link here. I was 9th out of 93 in my M55-59 age group, link here.

I am not in PR shape yet. I have only been running since 2006 and last year I set a lot of lifetime PRs before I got injured. But I think I can drag my 55 year old body back there if I try. My right Achilles just bothers me now and then. I know how to stretch it so I can run. It aches or twinges ... I endure and continue onward. I would say I am 90%.

After the race Christine and I headed over to the Liberty Family Restaurant to have lunch with Bill Beyerbach ... and talk running. Later a nice, leisurely afternoon ensued. Christine cooked up beef brisket, boiled cabbage and carrots for supper. A nice day!

Maybe not so nice for the Syracuse Orange mens basketball team in the Big East Final against Louisville. They were ahead by 16 with 15:30 minutes and ended up losing by 17, 61-78, link here. Ouch!

Sunday, 3/3/2013 to Saturday, 3/9/2013

I ran 5 times this week, 36.95 miles.

Sunday, 3/3/2013: 9.3 miles, 1:26:27, 9:18 miles, 21F, overcast, calm, light snow, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 15K around the snowy streets of Irondequoit

I got up and out fairly early. There was just a light snow falling. So I took it out really nice and easy on the snowy streets of my usual route. I added Chapel Hill Drive and then out and past Thomas Ave before heading back. I enjoyed making new tracks on the familiar streets that I run so much. All in all, another great running weekend of greater than 20 miles. My right Achilles seems to liking my increased mileage. I stretch it out before I start and take it easy on the first mile. I also definitely take a warmup run before races.

Speaking (or typing) about races ... I have pulled the trigger on: Johnny's Runnin' of the Green on 3/16, Spring Forward 15K on 3/10, the Dirt Cheap Trail Race Series, Muddy Sneaker 20K on 4/20, the Flower City Half on 4/28 and the Boilermaker 15K on 7/14.

On deck are: the Medved Madness 15 mile Trail Run on 5/5, the Lilac 10K on 5/19, the Sehgahunda Trail Marathon on 5/25 and the Mendon Mauler on 6/1.

After my morning run my lovely wife, Christine, and I enjoyed a very relaxing day. We went old school on the DVR again: The Shoes of the Fisherman and The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Monday: 3/4/2013: Rest day.

A well deserved rest day ensued ... also my brother's 62nd birthday! He is counting the days until retirement!

Tuesday, 3/5/2013: 5.05 miles, 42:21, 8:23 pace, 28F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Cobbs Hill run, 2 Y's

It was Brooks Racing Team night down at Fleet Feet Brighton so I headed down for the Cobbs Hill run at 6PM. I got there in plenty of time before when I got out of the car I realized that I forgot my Brooks running jacket! I didn't have enough extra clothes to cobble together enough to keep warm so I went back and got it. By the time I got back it was 6:20PM. So I didn't stretch and headed straight up to Cobbs Hill at a nice and easy pace. It had been a long time since I had done a Cobbs Hill run ... but I remembered what to do! When I got up on the left Y I could see the headlamps of the Sehgahunda Training and Trailz 101 runners doing their trail workout on their trail Y. Soon I might join them ... I really have to start doing trail once the ground thaws a bit. The Muddy Sneaker 20K is less than 6 weeks away! The Brooks Racing Team meeting was at 7:30PM. There will be a lot of new faces ... maybe we should wear name tags to all the meetings and races!

When I got home my darling Christine had a special surprise ... she had made BLTs!! Scrumptious!!

Wednesday, 3/6/2013:  6.2 miles, 50:55, 8:13 pace, 37F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I just had to get out there. I struck out slow, then sped up a bit. So ... a negative split, 25:45 and 25:10. Just your usual 10K run.

Thursday, 3/7/2013 & Friday, 3/8/2013: Rest days

Both were rest nights in preparation for the annual Run Around the Bay on Saturday morning at 7AM. I did get in a lot of walking at work.

The Friday highlight was taking Christine to New Nails for her bi-weekly nail appointment. This time she needed a fill. Soon she rocked OPI's Big Apple Red as her new nail color! Later we went old school on the DVR with Doctor Zhivago.

Saturday, 3/9/2013: 2 runs of 1.4 and 15.0 miles

I woke up at 5:45AM and got ready quickly. I checked the temperature, 26F, and a 3 mph wind so I knew what to wear. I got out to the west end of the Irondequoit Bay Swing Bridge around 6:40AM. It was clear and the sun wasn't even up yet. A clear, crisp morning ... great weather for winter runners!

Garmin Connect Activity for Warmup before the Run Around the Bay 2013
1.4 miles, 12:43, 9:04 pace, 26F, sunny, calm, no stops.

I had time to go out for a 1.4 mile warmup run. I set out at the usual really nice and easy pace. I ran by the site where two West Webster firefighters were killed on Christmas Eve morning, link here. So sad ... just the shells where seven houses burnt to the ground close to the two lane Lake Rd and right across from the berm where the shooter, William Spengler, laid in wait after setting the fire early on 12/24 around 5AM. Four volunteers from the West Webster Fire Department were at the start with a bucket for donations.

The group was estimated at 150 strong. We started off at 7AM. Some runners went up Sea Breeze Drive and the rest of us went up Culver Rd. I settled in for the long haul at around 8:30 pace for my fourth Run around the Bay. I choose to take the hilly route of 15 miles. I raced down the two steep hills on the west side of Irondequoit Bay and power walked back up. The rest stop at mile 6.7 just before Empire Blvd was most welcome. I had 2 Gels and some water. Then it was down and back up Empire Blvd into Webster. My right Achilles bothered me a bit but I knew it was just a nagging ache so I continued onward. I played leap frog with some runners ... I would pass them and they would pass me later. I knew I was near the end when I turned left onto Lake Rd. I ran across the Outlet Bridge at mile 14.71 and then added a bit more to get to 15.0 miles in 2:10:02 at 8:41 pace.

I was home by 10AM and had my first mug of coffee and had buttered my bagel by 10:15AM. One of the benefits of an early run was getting done early. Sweet!

Sunday, 2/24/2013 to Saturday, 3/2/2013

I ran 5 times this week, 34.98 miles.
During the month of February, 18 runs out of 28 days, 107.38 miles, 6.0 miles/run

Sunday, 2/24/2013: 2 runs of 7.08 and 5.1 miles

I needed a long run so I headed out around 10AM. The weather was your usual 34F, overcast with a real light snow. I headed out on my usual 10K, added a trip to Chapel Hill Drive and then out to the lake. I took it nice and easy, 8:29 pace.

Garmin Connect Activity for Out to the Lake

I walked around the beach for 5 minutes or so while I hydrated and had two Gels.

The lake had about 50 feet of ice and slush from the beach

Then I headed back at a slower pace, 8:46 pace. 12.17 miles was my longest run of the year so far. Progress. My right Achilles was just a minor discomfort. I felt pretty good ... I think the 2 Gels at the turn helped.

Garmin Connect Activity for Back from the Lake

So, my farthest run of the year is 12.18 miles. I ran 23.48 miles over 3 days this weekend, an improvment of 1.48 miles over last weekend. Progress! I can feel a lots of good runs in the future!!

Afterward, I caught up on the exploits of other runners on Facebook. Lots of runs went down: trail runs, runs around the Bay and the out of town Lake Effect Half Marathon in Syracuse!

I settled in to watch the Daytona 500. Danica Patrick took the pole and finished 8th. Jimmie Johnson won a tight and tense race at the end, link here. I did catch the last 3 minutes of the Lakers - Mavericks game. The Lakers won by 4, Kobe had 38, link here. There was a tenseness between my darling wife, Christine, and I. Later she told me that she had wanted to do something else than have me watch sports all day ... who knew!

I stayed up late and pulled the trigger on the Muddy Sneaker 20K on 4/20. This year's race was open to the first 200 runners on www.ultrasignup.com. It sold out in 12 hours. Lots of Facebook posts ensued from fellow trail runners happy to get signed up.

Monday, 2/25/2013: Rest day.

Tuesday, 2/26/2013: 6.2 miles, 49:37, 7:59 pace, 38F, night, light rain, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

Christine and I shared a long hug after work. Then I headed out into the night for a run on my 10K run. My right Achilles ached a bit for about a mile then I started to run faster. I looked down at my Garmin at the 5K mark and saw 24:55. I continued onward with my jacket unzipped since I was hot ... then a light freezing rain started. I suddenly tripped over a parking lot curb as I checked my Garmin. I tucked, rolled, dusted myself off and ran on. I stopped at 6.2 miles and saw that I had done a negative split, 24:42. Nice! It did come with a price .. my right big toe hurt like the devil for about 30 minutes. Hopefully, it will be OK tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, 2/27/2013, 5.5 miles, 47:40, 8:40 pace, 33F, night, light snow/rain/sleet mix, no stops.

Garmin Connect Acttivity for 5.5 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

My right big toe was just bruised a bit along with a scrape and bruise on my right forearm. The precipitation during the night and day was a mixture of snow, rain and sleet, very slushy. I went out for a run anyway. My legs felt tired so I took it very nice and easy. I got my trail shoes soaked when I had to take to the slushy sidewalk. All in all, not the best of runs ... but I got out there.

Thursday, 2/28/2013: Rest day ... laundry (lots and lots) night with a late supper.

Friday, 3/1/2013: Another rest day ... just relaxed and chilled with my darling Christine, ate too much, went to bed too late.

A high point was receiving a pair of Salamon Speedcross 3 trail shoe FREE! Way back during one of the 2012 Dirt Cheap trail races I won the raffle for a new pair of Salamon trail shoes. I mailed the card in and ... wham, bam ... they came UPS at 7:42PM! Just in time ... my old, trusty pair of trail shoes, Brooks Adrenaline GTXs, had 544 miles.

My new Salomon Speedcross!

Saturday, 3/2/2013: 11.1 miles, 2:02:10, 11:01 pace, 23F, overcast, real light snow, 1 stop for hydration and Gel

Garmin Connect Activity for Zoo and Genesee Riverway trails
 
My new Speedcross have a real aggressive tread that needed to run on trail. So I headed for the east Zoo trail (lots of ruts and crusty snow), crossed over on the Rorke Bridge and headed back down the Genesee Riverway trail (with more ruts and crusty snow).

Tracks in the snow!

I took it really nice and slow. Maybe I shouldn't have done trail but the new Speedcross had to be broken in properly! Anyway, I was out there for 2 hours ... a nice way to spend a morning!

Sunday, 2/17/2013 to Saturday, 2/23/2013 - Freezeroo #6

I ran 5 times this week, 24.0 miles.

Sunday, 2/17/2013: 6.5 miles, 59:05, 9:05 pace, 12F, day, windy, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Out to the Zoo and 3 x around the pond

It turned colder but I blogged last week that I was going to run so I did. Ten years ago I would have thought I was crazy, maybe even five years ago. Sure, it was only 12F, windy and three inches of snow fell overnight. But if you dress for it, you can run in almost anything. I actually got out in the daylight with my Yaks around 4PM. It did make a bit of difference. I chose to run out to the Seneca Park Zoo and then down around the pond where it's a bit icy but kind of protected from the wind. I warmed up pretty quickly and just ran nice and easy.

I accomplished what I wanted to this weekend. I ran all three days for a total of 22 miles. They weren't the best miles but there were miles indeed. I know I have been running a lot all by myself but I am trying to save money. Gas is expensive. Why drive to run somewhere when I can just run from the the front door of our apartment? I am slowly trying to extend my long run. So far I am up to a Gel deprived 10 miles this year (yesterday on Saturday, 2/16).

Christine has been setting the DVR to record old movies from the 30 days of Oscar on TCM so we watched "Sandpiper" and "Ice Station Zebra". Movies ... old school.

Monday, 2/18/2013: Rest day, well deserved.

Tuesday, 2/19/2013: 6.2 miles, 52:59, 8:33 pace, 32F, night, windy, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

The couch and TV tried to conspire to keep me from my run. But I escaped into the night for my usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit. I was a creature of habit like usual. My right Achilles was a mere discomfort.

Wednesday, 2/20/2013: Rest day.

Christine and I had a dentist appointment with Dr Randy Raetz DDS, also known as the Running Dentist. We both had no cavities! Christine bought a WaterPik to better take care of our teeth and gums.

We headed over to the Crab Shack in Brighton where we had an early supper with a little help from a Groupon. Onward to New Nails where my darling, Christine, got a new nail color for her nails from ChinaGlaze, An Affair in Red Square. Nice!

We rounded out our evening by watching "Skyfall" off of OnDemand. Bond, James Bond ... twice!

Thursday, 2/21/2013: Another rest day.

I just didn't feel like running ... I was tired, it was cold. The usual excuses that I should have been able to break through but I didn't so I didn't run. We went to bed early. But I didn't help ... I woke up tired anyway.

Friday, 2/22/2013: 6.2 miles, 52:11, 8:25 pace, 35F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Usual 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I got out after some long hugs with my darling wife, Christine. It actually felt warm, 35F and calm. I run my usual 10K route. I warmed up and ran a bit faster with only a slight discomfort in my right Achilles. I had to back my pace down a bit whenever I got to a slick spot on the road or sidewalk. It felt good to get out after 3 days.

Saturday, 2/23/2013: 2 runs of 2 and 3.1 miles

Freezeroo #6, the last one of the 2012-2013 winter season, was held at Northstar Christian Academy. Christine and I got there around 9AM with plenty of time for me to get warmed up and ready.

Garmin Connect Activity for Warmup before Freezeroo #6

I headed out for a nice and easy 2 mile warmup before the race. I warmed up nicely and ditched my jacket before the race.



I lined up beside Bill Beyerbach and right behind Becky Duberry in my usual spot about 20 feet behind the start line.

Milling around before the start

The start!


GRTC video - I appear at 2:10 and 14:14

The start was a bit of a scrum but I quickly settled in. I just followed everyone else since I didn't know the course. A good thing since the course was twisty. After a 1/4 mile or so we entered a park and ran on a snow covered field for another 1/2 mile or so. I thought we were in a flat, daylight Snow Cheap trail race! I was a bit off the pace so some people passed me. Becky and Bill were ahead of me and Heather Danielson say "Hi" as she passed me. Soon enough we exited the park and back onto road. Then it was onward to the turnaround and back the way we came. The single track in the park was a bit more icy so I had to back off a bit as I slipped and slid. I picked it back up, passed a runner, and cruised into the finish.

Cruising into the finish!

Soon I was down in the cafeteria chowing down on pizza and cookies. I stayed during the series finale prize disbursement. I was third overall in my M55-59 age group, link here. But I was not in the top three in the top 3 finishers out of 5 races so I was out of the money. Hey, I did OK. I was 68th out of 233, link here. I was 5th out of 17 in my M55-59 age group, link here. All in all, a great Freezeroo series!

Later, I headed out to Newark to see my daughter. I brought out her cookie tin and some catfood coupons. She has two black cats: Bobo and Boots, who managed to ignore me like cats sometimes do.

Sunday, 2/10/2013 to Saturday, 2/16/2013

I ran 3 times this week, 21.3 miles.

Sunday, 2/10/2013: 7.3 miles, 1:32:58, 12:43 pace, 11-18F, sunny, calm, beautiful!



I still had the Dion snowshoes that I had rented from Medved. What better place to use them than Mendon Ponds Park with some of the Relentless Forward Progress crew! It was 3F when I woke up and 11F by the time I met up with Steve, Kathy, Phil and Bill at 10AM at the Beach parking lot. The weather was absolutely beautiful: cold, calm and sunny. The snow was picture perfect, clinging to the trees and branches. We all had to wear sunglasses!

My phone unfroze after a while ... this is the best one.

We headed out just nice and easy. There were a lot of people out on the trails, a mixture of snowshoers and cross country skiers. Occasionally we stopped just to look around and absorb the scenery. I tried to take pictures with my phone but my phone was frozen. We stopped back at the Beach parking lot after 4.7 miles, 1:00:08, 12:48 pace for a break where Kathy and Bill broke off to go home. Steve, Phil and I went out again for a loop around the Hundred Acre Pond. I brought up the rear since I was a bit tired. The second loop was 2.7 miles, 33:06, 12:16 pace. Moments later, other snowshoe runners that we knew came up: Frank, Mark, Stacey, Laura, Tammy and of course, Saz.

Later, Christine and I watched the LA Lakers play the Miami Heat down in Miami. The Lakers went toe to toe but 8 turnovers in the 4th quarter helped them lose, 97-107, link here. So the Lakers went 4-3 on their 7 game road trip, beating up on sub .500 teams ... not exactly playoff caliber.

Monday, 2/11/2013: Rest day. Just a nice night of hugs and pasta ... lots of both, ;-) !!

Tuesday, 2/12/2013: 8.5 miles: 1:12:24, 8:31 pace, 31F, night, calm, 1 stop for traffic, mild right Achilles discomfort.

Garmin Connect Activity for 8.5 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I needed to run and Christine told me this too. So after a bit of dilly-dallying I headed out. I wanted to push my distance a bit at a nice and easy pace. Before I even got a mile I almost became a hood ornament at the corner of Scholfield Rd and Seneca Ave. I was coming up on the corner on Seneca Ave and so was a minivan from Scholfield Rd. I shined my headlamp into the cab and it looked like the driver was stopping. I continued running ... then the minivan kept creeping into the intersection and stopped when I screamed "HEY! ... HEY!" in front of it. I screamed, "HEY, LOOK WHERE YOU'RE GOING!" and continued. Come on ... I wear a yellow reflective jacket and a headlamp. Maybe I should wear my reflective vest and blinkers front and rear for heaven sakes. Anyway, I continued. I did my usual 10K route, added Chapel Hill Drive and out to Thomas Ave before I turned back. I had the usual right Achilles discomfort that I have grown accustomed to.

I have started to compile an upcoming 2013 races spreadsheet of the races that I would like to run ... assuming that my body can handle them. Quite a list!! I will start pulling the trigger once I get our Federal tax refund this weekend (hopefully).

Wednesday, 2/13/2013: Rest day.

I took my darling Christine to her therapist appointment. This let me shop the Webster Wegmans for some Valentine's Day stuff. There was a lot to choose from them! I ended up getting her a single red rose and some chocolate.

Thursday, 2/14/2013: Another rest day.

I decided to take another rest day to just chill on Valentine's Day with my honey. I picked up a heart shaped cheese pizza and cinnabread from PapaJohn's for supper. Then we watched a DVR of "How to Train Your Dragon". I plan on running kind of long, long and long runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, 2/15/2013: Almost a rest day but 5.5 miles, 46:50: 8:31 pace, 30F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 5.5 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I wanted to go for a run after work but Christine was watching a DVR of "Bright Eyes" with a 5 young old Shirley Temple. I got sucked in and watched. We had fish for supper followed by 2 helpings of chocolate cake. We started to watch a DVR of "Fantastic Four" when the DVR crapped out. I was pissed so after a bit of stewing, I dressed and went out for a run. Yes, it was almost 10PM ... but a run was needed. It turned out to be a sluggish run with some stomach pain due to the dessert I guess. But ... I felt better when I got back. I did have to cycle the power on the DVR the next morning ... still frozen.

Saturday, 2/16/2013: Another late run, 10.0 mile, 1:24:50, 8:40 pace, 25F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 10.0 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I seemed to be off by 12 hours today fora run. a run. I finally got out after dark. I wanted a long run but didn't plan well. I didn't take water or a Gel. So predictably, I paid the price. I ran out of energy on the way back down St Paul Blvd. I was dead tired and thirsty when I got in. But I did get my long run with just the usual right Achilles discomfort. Maybe tomorrow I will actually run diring the daylight!

Sunday, 2/3/2013 to Saturday, 2/9/2013

I ran 3 times this week, 20.2 miles

Sunday, 2/3/2013: 5.5 miles, 46:35, 8:28 pace, 14F, sunny, calm, no stops, mild right Achilles ache.

Garmin Connect Activity for Cold 5.5 miles around the streets of Seneca Falls

I didn't sleep all that well in Seneca Falls so I got up and out of the Hotel Clarence for a run. The weather was sunny, cold and calm. I headed over the Seneca River and just headed out a nice wide street named E Bayard St and back. I just ran at a nice and easy pace. I ended my run in sight of the school that I ran my second 10K from way back in 7/22/2006.

Christine was up by the time I got back. After a quick shower and change of clothes we ended down to a nice continental breakfast. We checked out at 11AM and shopped a bit at the local Wal-Mart before heading over to Lyons to the Wayne County Nursing Home to see my father. We were distressed to see that they had lost his glasses again. This was an added insult to their losing his bottom dentures several months ago. As a result we can barely understand every tenth word he said. Kind of frustrating.

Eventually we did get back up our apartment where my darling Christine cooked up some yummy ribs for Super Bowl Sunday. She and I both agreed that we are "ribbed out" for the time being.

The Super Bowl (and its commercials) were quite exciting. The Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49er's 34-31, link here. There were a lot of plays that will be talked about for sure ... including a non-call of the 49er's 4th and goal with 1:50 left with obvious pass interference. But I guess it was a case of let the players play ... play on.

On a more personal note ... it was the first sober Super Bowl for me in many years. I have been sober since 1/11/2013 and counting. That stretch of days, 23 to be exact, may not seem long to some but for me it is. I have my own list of reasons why that I am keeping to myself but suffice to say this decision has been good for me.

Meanwhile, the LA Lakers continued their 7 game road trip with a visit to Detroit. They won 98-97, link here. A win almost lost by missing 4 free throws in the closing seconds. But the Lakers improved to 2-1 on their 7 game road trip.

Monday, 2/4/2013: Rest day.

My daughter accidentally bought her return ticket from New York City a month in advance (3/4 instead of 2/4) and was forced to buy a MegaBus ticket that let her off in downtown Rochester. So I picked her up and drove her out to her apartment in Newark. She told me all about her trip. This was her fourth trip there. This time she saw Guns 'N Hoses (an all woman tribute band to Guns and Roses) on Saturday and went to the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday.

Tuesday, 2/5/2013: Another rest day.

I thought about running but that's as far as it went. I did get to watch the LA Lakers play the Brooklyn Nets on YES. The LA Lakers were without Dwight Howard and Meta World Peace but won 92-83, link here. However, Pau Gasol went out injured in the 4th quarter. The Lakers are rolling, 3-1 on their 7 game road trip. The next stop is Boston on Thursday.

Wednesday, 2/6/2013: 6.2 miles, 50:01, 8:04 pace, 20F, night, calm, no stops, mild right Achilles ache.

Garmin Connect Activity for Cold 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I was in bachelor mode today. Christine's daughter drove all the way from Cleveland to pick up my darling wife, Christine, to take her for an overnight Groupon-fueled stay at a hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I cautioned her to not use her cell while in Canada but some texts did sneak back and forth the border. I did learn that she made out like a bandit on the slots at the casino, more than hextupling her buy-in stake. She was sensible ... she took her winnings and walked out of the casino.

What to do without her for a night? So ... after work I went for a run. I headed out a bit hard, trying to stretch out my stride. As a result my right Achilles did ache a bit during and after the run. Oh well! Later I put together an Rolling Adjustable Garment Rack, similar link here, that we purchased at Wal-Mart. It truly went together without tools and looks like it will be able to hold clothes ... though Christine hasn't loaded it up yet. I cleaned out the refrigerator and ate leftover ribs while I watched a couple of Clint Eastwood movies; the violent The Gauntlet with his then-girlfriend Sondra Locke and the sexual obsession thriller Play Misty For Me. I got a bit of stuff done around the apartment but not as much as I had hoped.

Thursday, 2/7/2013: 6.2 miles, 53:33, 8:39 pace, 30F, night, calm, no stops, some right side pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

Christine's daughter dropped her off at work right around when I got out so I had my darling wife in the car all waiting for me ... sweet! She had a broken nail so I took her straight to New Nails for her bi-weekly appointment and got her a cup of coffee since she was tired from her excursion in Canada.

When we got home I went out for a run on my usual 10K loop. It was a bit warmer plus I had a moderate right inside knee pain and the usual right Achilles discomfort. As a result I took it really nice and easy. I was going to give my pain 2 miles to settle down before I made a decision to turn around. It did ... so onward I went. It turned out to be a nice run.

I settled down to watch LA Lakers play the Boston Celtics. The Lakers were undermanned and it showed with a 116-95 result, link here. When the DVR cut away at 10:01PM to tape two shows I was more than willing to stop watching since the Lakers were down 25 at the end of the 3rd quarter. The Lakers are 3-2 so far on their 7 game road trip.

Friday, 2/8/2013: Rest day.

A winter storm that the Weather Channel named "Nemo" (don't get me started) dumped about 6 inches of snow before I left work. I got home relatively quickly considering the road conditions, proper and timely lane changing to get around stuck or slow cars did help. Christine and I hunkered down for the night as about 6 more inches fell during the night. I was on Facebook and followed email from the Relentless Forward Progress running group. I learned that Greater Rochester Track Club (GRTC) Freezeroo #5 out at the Greece DPW was not going to be held on Saturday morning. It seemed that they could not give the GRTC the use of the building.So I stayed up a bit late and watched Anaconda and From Dusk Till Dawn (with George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino) on AMC. Both were edited for length and content.

It was also nice to read that the LA Lakers won their road game against the Charlotte Hornets 100-93, link here. They are now 4-2 on their 7 game road swing. Next stop is Miami on Sunday afternoon at 3:30PM.

Saturday, 2/9/2013: 2.3 snowshoe miles, , 16F, night, calm, no pain.

Garmin Connect Activity for 2.3 miles on snowshoes around the Zoo pond

Christine and I slept in until 11AM. I awoke her with coffee, a bagel and the Saturday paper. We dressed quickly once we realized that it was already 12:45PM and she had a Massage Envy appointment at 2PM. While she was there, I visited Fleet Feet Brighton and Medved Run and Walk. After a relaxing lunch at Subway, I rented a pair of Dion snowshoes from Medved for $10. Fleet Feet lost since their daily charge was $15.

When we got home, I immediately changed into my running gear and head to the Seneca Park Zoo parking lot. I put on my rented Dion snowshoes and headed down to the pond on the west trail. The heavy snow on the trees was beautiful in my headlamp. I emerged and ran on the road and then went back on trail for a while. I soon found that running trail in snowshoes was quite tiring and headed back. I wanted to not tire myself out since I heard that the Relentless Forward Progress running group planned to meet at the Beach parking lot at Mendon Ponds Park

Sunday, 1/27/2013 to Saturday, 2/3/2013

I ran 5 times this week, 30.6 miles
I ran 108.32 miles, 20 runs (3 were warmups before races), 5.4 miles/run during the month of January 2013. My first month of greater than 100 miles since July 2012.

Sunday, 1/27/2013: 2 runs of 6.2 and 4 miles

Today was running as transportation. Our 2000 Cavalier's oil needed to be changed and the windshield washers needed to be repaired.

Garmin Connect Activity for Russell's house to home plus extra

So I drove the car up to our auto mechanic, Russell, and ran home with a side trip around the Seneca Park Zoo pond. It was a nice day, 23F, sunny with calm winds. I ran nice and easy on road and crusty sidewalks, 56:26, 9:06 pace, plus a bit of trail fun on the western side of the Zoo trail for about 1/2 mile.

Garmin Connect Activity for Home to Russell's, only 4 miles

Later, Russell called to say that the car was ready to go. So, after I watched the end of the Miami Heat versus the Boston Celtics game (which the Celtics won  in 2OT, 100-98, link here), I headed 4 miles back out to Russell's house via ESL. I forgot to turn off my Garmin when I got to Russell's so I "ran" (drove) home really fast! My time to Russell's was 34:27, 8:37 pace. The weather was a bit warmer, 27F, still sunny and a bit more windy. I ran faster while I was still being careful for water that had melted by the sun but was freezing back to ice. Weird but true. It was sure nice driving a car with working windshield washers! Kind of nice being able to see!

I watched the last quarter of the Oklahoma Thunder (with best record in the Western Conference) - LA Lakers game. It was tied 75-75 at the end of three but the Lakers won 105-96, link here. Kobe was an efficient 8-12 for 21 points, 14 assists and 9 rebounds as 6 Lakers scored in double figures.

Monday, 1/28/2013: Rest day, nothing unusual.

Tuesday, 1/29/2013: 6.2 miles, 51:11, 8:16 pace, 47F, night, warm south wind, no stops, moderate right Achilles ache

Garmin Connect Activity for Warm 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

It was my regular run night so after a bit of Cheerios out I went. Upstate NY is having another January thaw. It was 47F with a warm south wind. I should have worn shorts and a short sleeve T-shirt. Instead I wore my tights, long sleeve T-shirt, beanie and light gloves. I wore reflectivity and my headlamp like usual. I took it nice and easy. My right Achilles had a moderate ache and my right thigh was a bit tight afterward. I did get my running endorphins though!

The "Magic" Kobe showed up for the latest LA Lakers game versus the Hornet. Kobe flirted with a triple double for the third straight game as the Lakers extended their winning streak to 3, 111-106, link here. The Lakers vacate the Staples Center due to the Grammy Awards for 7 straight games ... a long road trip considering their road record is 5-15 so far.

Wednesday, 1/30/2013: Rest day.

I should have run tonight when it was above 60F ... perfect shorts and T-shirt weather in January! But ... it was a rest night after running 3 out of 4 days. My body is still healing itself.

Though ... down at Cobbs Hill, the usual winter trail racing in the dark with headlamps crew were running Snow Cheap #4: snowshoe results for 24 runners here, no snowshoe results for 190 runners here.

Meanwhile, the "Magic" Kobe and the LA Lakers had a 13 point lead early in 4th quarter out in Phoenix but the Suns mounted a comeback and won 92-86, link here. The Lakers road woes continued, 8 losses in a row, 5-16 on the season. Not a good start to a 7 game road trip.

Thursday, 1/31/2013: 6.2 miles, 50:59: 8:14 pace, 26F, night, windy, 1 stop, light right Achilles ache

Garmin Connect Activity for Cold 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I heard the wind howling outside the windows of our apartment. I dawdled around for a while but ... it was my night to run so out I went. I dressed warmly since I thought the wind chill would be a bit nippy. But it wasn't all that bad. The west winds were worse during the day, 40-50 mph. When I went out around 7PM they were only 20-30 mph when they did kick up. I only felt them if I had an open stretch that faced west. I even stopped once to exhange my balaclava for my beanie because I was overheating. My right Achilles just ached a bit.

My darling wife, Christine, had hot chocolate ready for me when I got back. She also didn't serve leftovers for supper until 8:30PM. She is so sweet!

Friday, 2/1/2013: Rest day.

I was in an income tax filing frenzy after work. I filed our taxes, my youngest son's taxes and my daughter's taxes. I have been using TaxAct for 13 years now.

Meanwhile, the LA Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 111-100, link here. They stopped their road losing streak at 8, won 4 out of their last 5 and pulled to 1-1 on their 7 game road trip.


Saturday, 2/2/2013: 8 miles, 1:06:10, 8:16 pace, 16F, cloudy, SW wind, no stops, light right Achilles ache

Garmin Connect Activity for Cold 8 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I got out relatively early while Christine was still snuggled in bed. I took it a bit longer with a loop down Chapel Hill Drive. The SW wind almost froze my face ... Brrr! My right Achilles was just a mild ache which is an improvement. After a cup of coffee, I headed out to get some stuff done. A haircut and getting my father's mail soon followed.

Later, Christine and I headed out to Seneca Falls to stay overnight at the Hotel Clarence courtesy of Christine's daughter and her boyfriend and their Groupon.

We found that the hotel was furnished in a very modern style. Our room was very austere, pristine and very white (ceiling, walls, woodwork, bed, sheets, comforter). Their free Wi-Fi worked on three out of our four devices. My laptop wouldn't hook up at all. We both had prime rib for supper which was excellent!

Meanwhile, back up in Rochester, the Rochester Knighthawks beat the Washington Stealth, 7-6, link here. Our defending National Lacrosse League (NLL) champions are now 1-3.

Sunday, 1/20/2013 to Saturday, 1/26/2013 - Freezeroo #4

I ran 4 times this week, 21.72 miles

Sunday, 1/20/2013: Almost run .... err, rest day.

I woke up twice during the night to the sound of howling winds outside. I finally woke up around 8:45AM and gave running a thought. The winds were whipping between 30 to 50 mph. The temperature fell from 48F at midnight to 20F by the evening. Other runners on Facebook ran, I decided to take a rest day after running two days in a row. I still felt like a wuss.

My youngest son called and said that his laptop was telling him that he had a virus and that he had to pay $200 to the FBI via Geenpak. Google helped us to determine that he had the Ukash virus. He downloaded Malwarebytes and killed the virus.

I woke my darling wife, Christine, with coffee, a bagel and the Sunday Democrat and Chronicle. I read it while Christine played with her phone. Later, we (OK, I) watched the NFL Conference Finals games. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons, 28-24, link here. The Baltimore Falcons beat the New England Patriots, 28-13, link here. The away team won both games. Christine cooked up spare ribs for supper. She really knows how to cook 'em ... fall off the bone ... delicious!

Monday, 1/21/2013: 6.2 miles, 49:29, 7:59 pace, 20F, night, a bit windy, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Cold 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I was a bit on the fence about going out for a run. I could hear the excuses in my head ... "it's too cold, or I'm tired" But Christine told me that she was holding supper until I was back from my run ... so my decision was made. It was 20F ... so I dressed for it and went out for a run. I ran a bit hard since it was a bit cold. I concentrated on my running mechanics and only felt a mild right Achilles discomfort. So ... it was a sweet run!

I stayed up a little to watch the LA Lakers play the first three quarters versus the Chicago Bulls in Chicago. The score was tied but I set the DVR and went to bed. Well, the Lakers lost by 12, 83-95, link here.Their record fell to 17-24 and their road loss skid continued.

Tuesday, 1/22/2013: Rest day.

Some runners ran in the cold, some runners didn't. I was part of the latter group. It was just too cold and windy, 12F and with wind chills below zero.

Wednesday, 1/23/2013: 6.5 miles, 57:15, 8:49 pace, 10F, night, a light wind, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for Out to the Zoo and three times around the pond

Christine knew I had a run planned so she let me eat a bit of Cheerios and just chill before I got dressed and headed out.. There had been a light snow during the day so there was about an inch of snow on all the roads. I put on my Yaks and headed out. It was 10F, with a light snow and a slight wind chill of 3F. I headed over to the Seneca Park Zoo and then down to the pond for three loops. The crunch of the snow underneath my Yaks was loud but nice to hear.

Yes, the Lakers lost on the road again to fall to 17-25. This time to the Memphis Grizzlies, 93-106, link here.

Thursday, 1/24/2013: Rest day.

I took Christine to New Nails for her bi-weekly nail appointment while I shopped for groceries at Wegmans. She chose China Glaze's Winter Berry as her nail color ... nice!

Friday, 1/25/2013: Should have been a run day.

Work was an absolute beast today. I walked 11,974 steps during the day ... which was enough for the day. I am running the Freezeroo #4 tomorrow, the Hearnish 10K through the hills around Powder Mill Park. Sounds like fun! Oh, the Lakers beat the Utah Jazz at home,102-84, link here.

Saturday, 1/25/2013: 3 runs for 9.02 miles, 2 runs to warm up and the Freezeroo #4

Christine and I woke up early to snuggle for a bit before getting up to get ready for Freezeroo #4, the hilly Hearnish 10K out in Powder Mill Park. It was 10F so it was frosty too! We got down to the race start around 8:40AM. So I had plenty of time to warm up for not one but two warmup runs.

Garmin Connect Activity for 1st warmup before Freezeroo #4 - 2013
I headed out a long 2 miles warmup at a nice and easy pace, . I didn't really feel warm until after a mile and even then I wasn't really warm until 1.5 miles.

Garmin Connect Activity for 2nd warmup before Freezeroo #4 - 2013
I hung around the lodge trying to decide whether I wanted to ditch my Brooks jacket and just go with a heavier base layer and my Brooks Racking Team t-shirt but I decided to stand pat. Then I took a really nice and easy run from the lodge to the race start.

The 10F cold start of the Freezeroo #4, the Hearnish 10K

Soon after the start, I am still wearing my black balaclova

I lined up next to Bill Beyerbach as I usually do. He started hot and pulled away though I reeled him in before mile 2. I settled in and found a good spot to run and warm back up. The first mile passed in 7:21. This was my third time running this race so I knew the hills were coming. The long gradual hill on Probst Rd at mile 2, the hill at Miles Cutting Lane at mile 4, the beast of a hill on Railroad Mils Rd just before Fishers Rd at mile 5. Though the downhills were sweet when I encountered them. The miles did seem to fly by.

I changed to my beanie ... cruising down to the finish!

Bill Beyerbach cruising to the finsh!

The tank top and shorts clad Tom Butler with the finish in his sights!

The incomparable Charlie Sabatine, 79 years young!

Soon the finish line was in sight. I tried to pass one more person but he held me off. It turned out he was in my age group!

All in all, I did OK. I was 65th out of 208, link here. I was 4th out of 21 in my M55-59 age group, link here. The 3rd guy in my age group held me off and finished  1 second ahead of me. My right Achilles continued to feel better. It was only a minor discomfort. So the race was ... nice!

Christine and I relaxed for a while. Then we got ready for the Greater Rochester Track Club (GRTC) annual banquet. We had pushed our overnight stay at the Hotel Clarence in Seneca Falls that Christine's daughter had given us for our wedding to next Saturday to attend this banquet. Oh, it was also my wife's, Christine, 55th birthday today! She laughingly referred to the GRTC annual banquet as her birthday party.

2012 GRTC Annual Banquet swag

I received my GRTC MILEstone gold patch for racing greater than 200 miles (40 races for 259.9 miles). I was also picked at random to receive the GRTC Consistent Participant Award which included a $100 check (kind of sweet). We sat with Bill Beyerbach and Deb Wyspianski. Bill won his M55-59 age group in the 2011 Rochester Runner of the Year (RROY) series. We learned that the 2013 RROY series will include 12 races, 6 of them 5Ks. Maybe I can break my 20 minute barrier in one of them! Lowering my 20:13 5K PR would be ... sweet!

Sunday, 1/13/2013 to Saturday, 1/19/2013

I ran 5 times this week, 27.5 miles

1/13/2013: 2 runs of 4.8 and 5.2 miles

The January thaw continued today. When I finally got out for my at  2PM it was 68F ... in January ... in Rochester NY! I wanted to go for a long run to honor those runners who had done the Goofy Challenge down at the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Running a half on Saturday, then running a full marathon ... awesome.

Garmin Connect Activity for North to Lake Ontario
Garmin Connect Activity for South from Lake Ontario

So I headed up to Lake Ontario, 4.8 miles away at a nice and easy pace. It was downhill (about 200 feet) and downwind to the lake so I went at a nice and easy pace, 8:15 pace. I got to the lake and walked around for a couple of minutes while I took a Gel and drank some water. Then I headed back, 5.2 miles,  uphill and upwind at a slower pace. My right Achilles started hurting around mile 2. I slowed some more and just endured the pain and discomfort. When I got back up to the apartment I was a bit cranky when I asked Christine to get me a bag of ice and some coffee. Soon I felt better and apologized to my darling Christine.

Later I watched the last minute of the game between the Seattle Seahawks versus the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks scored a TD to go ahead 28-27. The Falcons got the ball back with 0:25 left with 2 timeouts. Two long passes later and the Falcons kicked a FG to win 30-28, link here. Then we watched the New England Patriots carve up the Houston Texans, 41-28, link here.

So ... the NFL Conference playoffs are set for next Sunday: the Atlanta Falcons versus the San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots versus the Baltimore Ravens.

Monday, 1/14/2013: Rest day.

Just your average rest day. Just before I went to be bed I realized that my mother had died 9 years ago on this day. May she continue to guide me and may she rest in peace. I wish I could talk to her.

Tuesday, 1/15/2013: 5.5 miles, 43:38, 7:55 pace, 30F, night, calm, no stops.

Garmin Connect Activity for 5.5 miles across the streets of Irondequoit

I wanted to go out for a run but the couch seemed so warm and inviting so I puttered around. Finally ... the will to run won no matter the temperature. After all, "Now is now" not "Maybe later" which usually becomes "Not tonight". So ... I got out there for a short, up tempo 5.5 mile run. I had to run a bit fast ... it really was a bit chilly out with enough wind to make you feel it. But it felt pretty good after I warmed up. My right Achilles didn't really bother me so I ignored it.

Wednesday, 1/16/2013: Just your usual rest day ... nothing unusual.

Though ... down at Cobbs Hill, the usual winter trail racing in the dark crew were running Snow Cheap #3: snowshoe results for 25 runners here, no snowshoe results for 212 runners here.

Thursday, 1/17/2013: Another rest day.

I had wanted to run ... but Christine had other plans. So ... who was I to disagree, ;-)? Later, I stayed up late to watch the LA Lakers play the Miami Heat out in LA. The game was see-saw. The Lakers tied the game at 90 late in the 4th, then Miami scored the last nine to win, 90-99, link here. My take was that their center, Dwight Howard, learn to shoot some free throws!!! 5 for 13 from the free throw line?? He is a liability late in the game! Opposing teams can and will foul him when he gets the ball, send him to the line and chuckle when he misses both! Kobe was at one point 3 for 17 and finished 8 for 25. He did score 13 in the 4th to try to pull out the Lakers but Ray Allen and Lebron James were too much.

Friday, 1/18/2013: 5.8 miles, 46:54, 8:05 pace, 25F, night, calm, no stops

Garmin Connect Activity for 5.8 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I had to get out for a run after two rest days. So, I did after a bit dilly dallying. I just did my usual solo run around the streets of Irondequoit. I had to be a bit careful on some of the side streets. Portions of them were a bit icy. But it was a nice run. My right Achilles was merely a mild discomfort so it was all good!

Christine was starving so really soon afterward we were eating salmon, rossetti and green beans for a delicious supper. Then we watched the series finale of Fringe.

Saturday, 1/19/2013: 6.2 miles, 51:52, 8:22 pace, 42F, cloudy, windy, 1 stop, moderate right Achiles discomfort

Garmin Connect Activity for 10K around the streets of Irondequoit

I got out fairly early ... around 10AM. It was a lot warmer and windy than last night. I dressed pretty well for the weather. I felt sluggish compared to the previous night. I was sure that I was running 9:00 miles plus my right Achilles discomfort bothered me. So I dialed my effort back and still I ran 8:22 pace.

Later I took Christine to her MassageEnvy appointment at 2PM. I stayed out in the car and read the Saturday issue of the Democrat and Chronicle. I had made Christine a PB&J sandwich to eat afterward and placed it on the dashboard for her to eat when she got back to the car. She put the sandwich on her lap as we started to head out to Newark to see my daughter. But somehow it disappeared before we got to Pittsford ... believe it or not! We had to make a pitstop at Wendy's as we both were crabby from hunger. We had a nice visit with my daughter. She wanted to shop for workout clothing so we took her to Wal-Mart.

Back at our apartment in Rochester we caught the second half of the Rochester Knighthawks - the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse game off of TWC channel 26. The Knighthawks lost a heartbreaker to go 0-2 as theBandits scored on an over the head shot at 0:11 to win 13-14, link here.

Sunday, 1/6/2013 to Saturday, 1/12/2013 - Freezeroo #3

I ran 4 times this week, 22.4 miles

Sunday, 1/6/13: 7.3 miles, 1:04:45, 8:52 pace, 36F, cloudy, calm.

Garmin Connect Activity for 7.3 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I felt like a slug so I got out and ran around 11:30AM on Sunday morning. The roads were clear so I settled into a really nice and easy pace and ran my usual route with the Chapel Hill Drive addition. My right Achilles started to ache around mile 4. I endured and cut the run a bit short.

I watched football again the rest of the day. The Baltimore Ravens beat the Indy Colts, 24-9, in Baltimore, link here. Then the Seattle Seahawks beat the Washington Redskins, 24-14, in Washington, link here. I still felt like a slug but at least I was a slug that had gotten out there and ran earlier.

Monday, 1/7/13: Rest day.

Christine and I had pizza from Papa John's again. This time a large pizza with pepperoni, saugage and pineapple. The deal was spend more than $12 and get one free pizza if you order it by 1/20, a win-win! We also watched "Cinderella Man" off of the DVR. A great movie!

I received an email that I had won $100 for the Rochester Runner of the Year's Consistent Runner Award for 2012 from the Greater Rochester Track Club! The only thing is that the GRTC Annual Banquet is slated for Saturday, 1/26/2013. But ... we have a conflict. We received a free Groupon night at the Hotel Clarence in Seneca Falls from Christine's daughter for a wedding present and chose Saturday, 1/26/2013, which is Christine's birthday. Decisions, decisions.

Tuesday, 1/8/13: Another rest day, ugghh!

My right Achilles really bothered me today. I walked over 9000 steps during the day and it ached by the time I got home. I wanted to run but decided that rest and discretion was the best way to go.

I so long for the old days when I could rip off a ten mile run without a care! OK, I would ache and be stiff afterward but it was a good pain that went away! Arrrgggghhhhh!!!!!

Wednesday, 1/9/13: 7.3 miles, 1:04:39, 8:51 pace, 41F, night, cloudy, windy.

Garmin Connect Activity for 7.3 miles around the streets of Irondequoit

I didn't walk as much during the day, only 6000 or so steps. I needed to run so I did. I limped a bit at first but after a 1/2 mile I settled into a nice and easy pace. My pace is slower than it was pre injury but ...it is what it is. The rising temperature had melted a lot of snow on the road so the footing was better than it was on Sunday afternoon. My right Achilles started to ache after 4 miles or so just it did on Sunday. I take what it gives me.

The Wednesday issue of Rochester Democrat and Chronicle had an article titled "Running Alone is Asking for Trouble". I think the article went a bit over the top to describe that running alone is too risky. I run alone, in residential neighborhoods and sometimes in the dark. I know the risks. But I wear reflective clothing, believe that cars don't see or care about me, wear a headlamp at night, carry a cell phone and wear my RoadID. But I am a guy too. I do believe that people would hassle a woman runner sooner than they would hassle me. Unfortunate but true.

Later, Christine and I watched the latest Lakers game. They were down in San Antonio and lost to the Spurs, 105-108, link here. They were undermanned with 3 players out but made a game of it. They were down 16 with 7 minutes to go, got within 3 and had 4 chances to tie. But the 5 game losing skid continued and they fell to 15-20 on the young season.

Thursday, 1/10/13: Rest day

I took Christine to New Nails for her bi-weekly nail appointment while I shopped for groceries at Wegmans. She chose China Glaze's Thunderbird as her nail color ... nice!

Friday, 1/11/13: Another rest day.

Just getting stuff done day. I took down all my 2012 race bibs, medals and plaques down. The wall by my dresser is crying out for some 2013 race bibs.

We watched a bit of the first half of the LA Lakers versus the Oklahoma Thunder out in LA before heading to bed. The Lakers were down by 16 at half after playing "matador" defense. The Lakers ended up losing by 15 to extending their losing streak to 6, link here. Not a good year to be a Laker fan!

Saturday, 1/12/13: Freezeroo #3

Christine and I woke up early and got out on time at 8:15AM. Christine had an appointment with her therapist at 9AM so she dropped me off with my running gear out at Casey Park in Ontario NY at 8:35AM. The weather was warm for a Saturday in January.  I hung around for a while and then went out for a warmup run of 1.6 miles. My right Achilles felt tight so I was a bit apprehensive about the upcoming race.

Garmin Connect Activity for Warmup before Freezeroo #3
1.6 miles, 14:04, 8:47 pace, 44F, cloudy, calm, no stops



I hung around a bit more before the race. I started the race next to Wendy Abbott and Bill Beyerbach, fellow Brooks Racing Team members. Wendy and Bill had already warmed up with 10 mile runs. They both wanted to do 16 miles for the day.

At the start, Wendy said she was going to run 8:00 pace so I hung with her. She was really running 7:40 to 7:45 pace but I loosened up and stayed with her until I let her go at mile 3.5. I eased up a bit to 7:50 pace at mile 4 and 8:30 pace at mile 5. I picked my pace back up and started to pick off runners, 7:44 pace at mile 6. I kicked to a 7:31 pace during the last 0.2 mile to pick off a girl wearing a tutu at the finish line.

Wendy Abbott smiling as she comes to the finish!

I kicked to nip the woman in the green tutu.

Bill Beyerbach cruising into the finish.

My right Achilles didn't really bother me much during the race. I could feel it but it was more an ache which was nice. All in all, a nice race  I called up my darling wife, Christine, who soon joined me at the lodge where we talked to fellow runners.

All in all, I did OK. I finished in 49:06, 47 seconds behind Wendy, 105th out of 289, link here. I finished 6th out of 22 in my M55-59 age group, link here.

We headed back home with a side trip to ESL where Christine changed her last name on her bank accounts and we opened a joint saving account. We want to start saving for our major purchases. One thing that come to mind is saving to move to a two bedroom apartment or townhouse where our lease is up in May.

Meanwhile down in Walt Disney World, some runners from Rochester were running in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. There was a half marathon on 1/12 and a full marathon on 1/13. Some runners were going to do the Goofy Challenge, which is to run both. A whole lot of running in two days!

Later we watched lots of football. The first game was the Baltimore Ravens versus the Denver Broncos out in Denver. It was a very entertaining game with 5 ties on the way to 35-35. The Raven kicked a FG early in the 2OT after a Peyton Manning interception to win 38-35, link here. Then we watched the Green Bay Packers versus the San Francisco 49ers in SF. The 49ers won 45-31, link here.


I did something a bit different while watching the first game. I saw on Facebook that the registration for the Boilermaker 15K had opened at 12:01AM. Running the Boilermaker has always been on my mind but something had always gotten in the way. I think I was injured one year, just didn't pull the trigger a couple of years or forgot about it other years. Well ... this year I pulled the trigger at 2:47PM when 4676 out of 14000 slots in the 15K were already taken. I will be a newbie but it will be a short destination race with 14000 fellow runners from all over.