Sunday, 5/1/2016 to Saturday, 5/7/2016

I ran 3 times this week, 26.65 miles.

Sunday, 5/1/2016 and Monday, 5/2/2016: Rest days ... uuuggghhh!

Sunday ... I read all the Facebook posts of people being awesome. Let's see: the New Jersey marathon, the Pittsburgh marathon, the Flying Pig marathon down in Cincinnati, the Mississauga maration up in Canada and the Sehgahunda Leg #3 preview down in Letchworth. Meanwhile ... I felt like a slug. I just couldn't get motivated. So ... I played tech geek on my laptops.

Monday ... I did manage to make it so that any external link in this blog opens in another tab by using Google, link here and choosing link here. A small victory.

Tuesday, 5/3/2016: 9.35 miles, 1:19:33, 8:28 pace, 55F, 54% RH, 6 mph NNE wind, overcast

Garmin Connect Activity for 2 loops of RTP

Mind over matter ... the mind won this time. It would have been so easy and lazy to blow off this run. I worked a bit late. Yes, I clocked out at 5 PM but I got up on some emails plus there was a printer that needed to be checked over due to a service error. I ended up just rebooting it ... and it was OK. So ... it was 5:30 PM. What to do? I had my running gear in the Equinox so I went out, got it, changed at RTP-B6, and ran. I didn't travel to Cobbs Hill, I didn't go home ... I just ran where I was. Boom. My splits were: 8:22, 8:28, 8:37, 8:19, 8:29, 8:29, 8:32, 8:33, 8:31 and 8:17 over the last 0.35 mile. I thought I ran around 8:10 or 8:15 but I guess I didn't.

Wednesday, 5/4/2016: Rest day ... boring.

Thursday, 5/5/2016: 6.25 miles, 50:38, 8:06 pace, 57F, 59% RH, 9 mph ENE wind, partly cloudy.

Garmin Connect Activity for A quick 10K

My darling wife, Christine, was out and about when I came home. She was picking up a pizza from Papa John's on her way home at 6:45 PM so I only had a limited time to run if I wanted hot pizza. So I went out hard on my 10K out and back route. My splits were: 8:20, 8:12, 8:07, 8:02, 7:58, 8:02 and 7:52 over the last 0.25 mile.

Friday, 5/6/2016: Rest day ... boring.

Saturday, 5/7/2016: 11.05 miles, 1:36:12, 8:42 pace, 57F, 72% RH, 10 mph S wind, sunny.


I wanted to run either a 15K or a half. So ... I compromised. I just happened to find a route that was 11 miles. I took it really nice and nice on a beautiful sunny morning. My splits were: 8:44, 8:30, 8:36, 8:48, 8:36, 8:36, 8:36, 9:07, 8:58, 8:43 and 8:31.

I thought about running Mind the Ducks next week. I have run all my 372 races for a distance. In other words run as fast as you can for a distance ... be it 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon. This will be my first race for a time ... in this case 12 hours. How far can I run in 12 hours? I know I can run during the first few hours. I think a run/walk will involved in the last few hours.

Sunday, 4/24/2016 to Saturday, 4/30/2016 - Flower City Half

I ran 4 times this week, 44.72 miles

Sunday, 4/24/2016: 2 runs of 1.75 and 13.25 miles, 39F, 80% RH, calm, sunny

I had the alarm set for 5:15AM for my seventh Flower City Half. My times were: 1:46:43 in 2010, 1:40:11 in 2011, 1:39:23 in 2012, 1:44:44 in 2013, 1:47:12 in 2014 and 1:46:08 in 2015. My plan was to just run for fun not time. I am not as fast as I used to be so I had no dreams of a PR. I was still not 100% (maybe 95% with a tail wind) from a cold 2 weeks ago. I puttered a bit before I had a bagel for breakfast along with some juice. I programmed the coffee maker for 10:15AM. I kissed my darling wife, Christine, goodbye and headed out in the Cruze (with its lockable trunk) at 6:24AM for the short 16 minute drive down to the Blue Cross Arena. I got lucky and got a parking spot six parking slots down from the intersection of Exchange Blvd and W Broad St. I could see the BCA and hear Ellen Boutillier with her pre-race announcements. She sounded in fine form!

It was just above freezing so I wore the usual: CW-X tights (couldn't find my Brooks), Darn Tough socks, short sleeve tech (an old Flower City Half tech), Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I donned my sunglasses, tucked an Amphipod with 2 HammerGels on my waist and carried a 10 ounce water bottle. The conditions were excellent for a spring half marathon. Runners like it cool, calm and sunny!

I headed into the BCA to hit the head and stretch. I didn't see anyone I knew before the race just lots of nervous runners. Over 2000 were registered for the half at 7:30AM and over 1000 were registered for the 5K at 7:45AM. Then I got out for a really nice and easy 1.75 mile warmup run up and down Exchange Blvd at 8:45 pace, link here. I sipped some water from the Cruze and headed to the start on the E Broad St bridge with 8 minutes to go.

Getting water at the Cruze ... photo courtesy of GameFace

I had put on my Garmin Forerunner 220 and I struggled to get it synced with my work Samsung but couldn't. So I couldn't get a Live Update going and then ran out of time to get a RoadID eCrumb going before the race. And .... we were off! I had to carefully put my heavy running gloves on while I was starting to run. I certainly didn't want to drop them!


I tried not to go out too fast but also didn't want to get bottled up behind slower runners ... always a delicate balance between sprinting out and settling for a too slow beginning pace. I got ahead of the 1:45 pacer in the first 1/4 mile down W Broad St and settled into a nice and easy race pace. My aim to keep him behind me.

The start ... photo courtesy of GameFace

Looking down W Broad St at all the runners ... photo courtesy of Kim Smith of Fleet Feet Rochester

Here is what I remember from the race. I settled in behind a pair of ponytail runners ... a blonde and a brunette that were going my pace. I'm a guy ... I needed motivation and kept them in sight for the next 12 miles, lol! The Susan B Anthony neighborhood on Madison St at mile 1 was nice with its people in period costume and the "Failure Is Impossible" signs. Next we ran Frontier Field on Silver Stadium Way and the first water stop. I ran on by. Next came State St, Main St and East Ave. The 5K mat was on a short construction jog on Pitkins St at 24:25, 7:52 pace, 247th ... onward.

Somewhere on the course ... photo courtesy of Gameface

Somewhere else on the course ... photo courtesy of Gameface

Down East Ave until Argyle St and then back on Park Ave until S Goodman. I waved "Hi" to the Lonely Ones who were playing some tunes on Park Ave. John Muoio was playing the bass fiddle. Then a left onto S Goodman and over I-490. I took a cup of electrolyte at the water stop on the run with no coughing. I crossed the 10K mat in 48:52 (2nd 5K in 24:27), 7:53 pace, 248th. My plan now was to try to get the electrolyte cups from rest of the water stops and not take my HammerGels. I'm no rookie and knew I could do it ... I might be a bit hungry but I was pretty sure I wouldn't bonk. I could see the hill up into Highland Park ahead. There was good crowd support here. Lots of signs, some music and a few high (or low) fives from some kids were given (and taken). I endured the rolling hills of Highland Park, crossed South Ave and Mt Hope Ave, then into Mt Hope Cemetery. I walked for a hundred feet just after the run up the cobblestone hill to catch my breath.

Runners in Mt Hope Cemetery ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

I knew that I would be in the cemetery for the next two miles ... it was a bit hilly at first. I crossed the 15K mat in 1:14:05 (3rd 5K in 25:13), 8:08 pace, 239th. Out of the cemetery and the 10 mile marker ... only 5K to go! I knew I was slowing but I soldiered onward. The stretch up the east side of the Genesee River on the Genesee Riverway Trail with the U of R on the right was always a bad stretch for me in previous years ... but this year I did better and picked up a bit of speed. Mile 11, then mile 12 just before the Ford St bridge, curl around and then up onto the bridge ... less than a mile to go!

Running coming down Exchange Blvd towards the finish ... photo courtesy of Kim Smith of Fleet Feet Rochester

Coming down Exchange Blvd ... photo courtesy of Gameface

The usual grimace with the finish line in sight ... photo courtesy of Kim Smith of Fleet Feet Rochester

In the finish chute ... photo courtesy of Gameface

Onto Exchange Blvd ... homestretch ... 20k marker ... pick it a bit ... the Freddie-Sue bridge and I-490 in sight ... the finish bubble arch in sight ... sprint ... the finish line in sight ... 1:43 on the clock ... Ellen calling my name ... done ... medal around my neck ... a concerned look by a paramedic ... water ... feeling better ... coughing ... a pint bottle offered by another paramedic. Done!

A post race selfie with the medals ... which didn't make it into the frame.

Flower City Half swag

I headed into the BCA for my Four Season Challenge medal and some food. I was famished. I had a half of a bagel, banana and a slice of pizza. I eased down to sit on the arena floor ... I hoped that I would be able to get back up ... I did! I felt better.

I soon was headed home with my seventh Flower City Half under my belt. I did OK. I finished in 1:43:33, 229th out of 2111, link here. I was 9th out of 77 in my M55-59 age group, link here. My splits were: 7:46, 7:47, 7:53, 7:38, 7:46, 7:50, 8:08, 8:04, 7:35, 7:50, 7:59, 7:39 and 7:20 over the last 0.25 mile. Miles 7 and 8 just over 8:00 pace were in Highland Park and just into the hills of Mt Hope Cemetery. I also learned that 1011 finished the Wegmans 5K, link here.

My usual mugs of coffee with my feet up went down well after I got home. I thought I ran well. I might be getting the hang of this running thing. The rest of the day was just a maze of relaxing and hobbling around trying not to get too stiff. I did read on Facebook that the temperature at the start of the Winter Warrior Half on 1/9/16 was warmer than the Flower City Half (48F with wind chill of 43F on 1/9/16 versus today's 39F).

Update: I spent the next two days reading Facebook about people's stories. They were moving as usual. Here are some: one 12 year old Monroe Miler accidentally ran the half instead of the 5K, link here (her mother was more than a bit worried but race officials and police did find her with a few miles to go) and lots of runners ran their first 5K or half. Ellen Brenner had some thoughts, link here. Darth Vader racing in a gas mask carrying the US flag. Me ... I have been running 11 years with 379 races (23 half marathons) under my belt. I race because I love it. I love to compete and try to keep old age in the rear view mirror and not in front of me. I would like to thank Ellen and Boots (link here), Fleet Feet Rochester, Yellow Jacket Racing, Rochester Police Department and all the volunteers for a fabulous race. My life would be very null without running ... and probably 30 pounds overweight!

Monday, 4/25/2016: Rest day ... totally needed!

Tuesday, 4/26/2016: 8.22 miles, 1:10:45, 8:37 pace, 41F, 75% RH, 5 mph N wind, wind chill 38F, overcast.

Garmin Connect Activity for A really nice and easy recover run

I want to get to 100 mile for this month and only have a bit over 70 miles. So ... out I went. Trust me ... the first 1/4 mile and the last mile hurt even at a nice and easy. I was really glad that I chose my 8.2 mile route. My splits were: 8:55, 8:53, 8:41, 8:45, 8:31, 8:24, 8:10, 8:31 and 8:27 over the last 0.22 mile.

My darling wife, Christine, surprised me with a steak dinner after my run ... yummy! She was quite happy that she had found her mother of the bride dress along with the necessary jewelry and heels for her daughters' wedding in August.

Wednesday, 4/27/2016: Usual rest day.

Thursday, 4/28/2016: 8.25 miles, 1:09:45, 8:27 pace, 45F, 33% RH, 13 mph NE wind, wind chill 38F, overcast.

Garmin Connect Activity for A nice and easy run on Edgemere

I want to get to 100 miles for the month so I got out there. My splits were: 8:49, 8:30, 8:22, 8:20, 8:28, 8:30, 8:20, 8:24 and 8:08 over the last 0.25 mile. Not bad ... got it done.

Friday, 4/29/2016: Usual rest day.

Saturday, 4/30/2016: 13.25 miles, 1:51:44, 8:26 pace, 46F, 66% RH, 5 mph NNE wind, wind chill 44F, sunny.

Garmin Connect Activity for A nice and easy half

Well ... I had 87.39 miles when I woke up. What to do about it? Well ... go out and run. So ... I did. It was like pulling teeth but I got it done. It helped that it was sunny out. My splits were: 8:24, 8:14, 8:13, 8:19, 8:17, 8:16, 8:24, 8:35, 8:38, 8:20, 8:22, 8:46, 8:52 and 8:16 over the last 0.25 mile.

My stats so far ... I ran 13 times in 30 days during the month of April for 100.64 miles (but it's over 100 miles), 7.74 miles/run. I ran 4 races: the Syracuse Half, Mess the Dress, the River Run 5K and the Flower City Half. I have run 65 times for 460 miles,  7.08 miles/run, along with 11 races.

Sunday, 4/17/2016 to Saturday, 4/23/2016 - Rochester River Run 5K

I ran 4 times this week, 15.05 miles.

Sunday, 4/17/2016: 3 runs of 2, 0.6 and 3.12 miles

I woke up around 7AM. I knew I wanted to run the Rochester River Run 5K. It was a Rochester Runner of the Year (RROY) race, I was signed and do like to run the races that I have paid and signed up for. What to do? Go out for a practice run to see how my body reacts? You betcha! So ... that's what I did. I had a banana, threw on a long sleeve tech, sweat pants, hat, sunglasses, light gloves and out I went. I had my answere two miles later at 7:49 pace, link here. I might cough a bit, I might not enjoy having a really dry throat but I could run.

So ... I had my usual pre-race bowl of cereal, Googled where I had to park on the U of R campus and headed down to the Genesse Valley Park venue. I arrived around 9:20 AM in plenty of time for the 10 AM start. I even had time to take a 0.6 mile warmup run to take my nice long sleeve cotton race shirt back to the Cruze with its lockable trunk (nice for concealing a running bag), link here. It was relatively warm so I just had on shorts, short sleeve tech and sunglasses. I carried a 10 ounce water bottle.

I saw Bill Beyerbach and Jim May briefly before the start. A lot of speedier runners were in Boston so I lined up really close to the start line on the right side since the left side was taken up by slower runners/walkers in blue T-shirts.


And .... we were off! I settled into a fast race pace. This course was a bit twisty in the first mile. Mile 1 passed in 7:10. I wasn't being passed by very many runners and I was passing a few runners.

The start .... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

Another view of the start ... unknown photographer

Bill Beyerbach passed me in the first 1/2 mile and Jim May was just passing me. Both went on to win their M60-64 and M65-59 age groups, respectively ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

Racing with the lady in purple ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

I stopped for a sip of water just after mile 2 passed in 14:10. A lady passed just then and we went back and forth on the way back to the finish. She finished just ahead of me at the line in 22:36, 7:17 pace. I was thirsty and quickly had a bottle of water. I had an unexpected treat at the post race grub ... a jelly donut! Mmm .... tasty!

Post race ... what a beautiful morning!

I checked out the leader board and found that I did OK for not being 100%. I was 34th out of 801, link here. I was 4th out of 57 in my wide M50-59 age group. I looked closer because I knew that this was a RROY race that would break it into the narrow M5054 and M55-59 age groups and found that I finished first in my M55-59 age group. Bam ... 10 RROY points, baby! OK ... all the speedy guys in my age group were in Boston but a win is a win. My Garmin FR305 splits were: 7:09, 7:18, 7:24 and 6;23 over the last 0.12 mile.

Soon enough (a side trip to Wegmans at Latta and Long Pond was necessary) I was lounging with my feet up and drinking coffee ... I'm glad that I got out and raced. It felt good. My darling wife, Christine, was recovered from her cold/flu to make ribs with homemade barbecue sauce ... scrumptious! She's definitely a 10 at keeping me happy!

Monday, 4/18/2016 to Wednesday, 4/20/2016: Rest days

I had a couple days of zero motivation while I tried to slowly get better. My darling wife, Christine, is still not well. I wish I hadn't signed her up for Mind the Ducks on May 14th.

My mind was in Boston during the late morning and early afternoon thinking about the local Rochester runners running in the 120th Boston Marathon, wiki here and news link here and here. I did manage to watch the live feed off the BAA website, link here. I saw Chris Patterson coming up Boylston to the finish just before the feed ended. One of these days I hope to qualify (maybe Rochester Full 2016?) and then run it.

Thursday, 4/21/2016: 9.35 miles, 1:16;12, 8:09 pace, 66F, 49% RH, 6 mph W wind, overcast

Garmin Connect Activity for A back in the saddle 15K

I needed to run so run I did. I eased into my usual 15K route at a nice and easy pace. My body tried to get me to turn around in the first mile but I ignored it and ran onward. Result ... a good run. My splits were: 8:16, 7:58, 8:02, 8:12, 8:24, 7:52, 8:07, 8:19 and 8:00 over the last 0.35 mile. My thoughts drifted to my seventh Flower City Half coming up on Sunday. I thought of places where I had difficulties in the past and resolved to do better this year.

I picked up my Flower City Half packet at Fleet Feet Armory during my lunch hour. I have everything I need so I managed to escape without buying any more running supplies.

Friday, 4/22/2016 and Saturday, 4/23/2016: Rest days.

Friday should have been a run day and Saturday was the usual rest day before a race. My darling wife, Christine, is still down getting over the flu(?).

Sunday, 4/10/2016 to Saturday, 4/16/2016 - Dirt Cheap #1 (DNS)

I ran once (only!) this week, 9.35 miles.

Sunday, 4/10/2016: 9.35 miles, 1:18:00, 8:20 pace, 28F, 59% RH, 7 mph W wind, wind chill 21F, partly cloudy.

Garmin Connect Activity for Another 15K

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, I was up early like usual so I needed to run. I didn't get out as early as I would have liked but I did get out. It was another cold and brisk early April morning in Rochester up almost a stone's throw away from Lake Ontario. I wasn't feeling like a long or fast run so I settled for a really nice and easy 15K at a "get 'er done" pace. I could tell that my legs weren't 100% so I didn't push. My splits were: 8:18, 8:12, 8:12, 8:20, 8:40, 8:03, 8:17, 8:20, 8:18 and 8:17 over the last 0.35 mile.

My darling wife, Christine, got sick with a 102F fever during the afternoon and went straight back to bed. I watched most of the Masters while Christine called out for water and aspirin occasionally.

Monday, 4/11/2016: Rest day.

Christine went to the doctor during the morning but her fever had climbed to 103F before I got home with some prescription cough medicine to help ease her cough. Her temperature was still high when I went to bed.

Tuesday, 4/12/2016 through Saturday, 4/16/2016: Sick days .... *&@#^%*!!!!

Well ... Christine's fever broke during the Monday night so that it was only 100F on Tuesday morning. But ... I developed a head cold that seemed to get worse as the week progressed. I had all my gear stashed in the Equinox to run Dirt Cheap #1 at Devil's Bathtub at Mendon Ponds Park on Wednesday. But ... I was way too sick. It was around 40F with a cold wind in the evening. I knew that if I raced I would just fall over and probably hurt myself. Christine was amazed when I came straight home after work. It was the best decision but it still sucked! I checked and 431 runners completed Dirt Cheap #1, link here.

The rest of the day was just a continuation of taking TopCare Tussin CF Max every 4 hours, blow my nose, cough, go to work (and try not to do much). try to take care of Christine (who was worse than I was) when I could, eat, sleep ... and repeat. It sucked ... sucked .... and sucked some more.

Sunday, 4/3/2016 to Saturday, 4/9/2016 - Syracuse Half and Mess the Dress

I ran 4 times this week, 32.18 miles

Sunday, 4/3/2016: 2 runs of 0.65 and 13.24 (Syracuse Half) miles, 25F, 86% RH, 18 mph WSW wind, wind chill 11F, overcast with periods of snow and sleet

Christine and I stayed overnight at the Quality Inn and Suites at 454 James St in Syracuse in preparation for the Syracuse Half. I had set my alarm for 6:30 AM but I was awake at 6 AM..

Yeah ... there was 2 to 3 inches of snow overnight!

Holy crap did the weather change overnight! Our hotel room door opened onto a gated hallway that was also open to the outside. This made a simple walk to the front desk more of a challenge because the hallway was cold and also wet from the snow. Hearing it being predicted on TV the night before and actually seeing it the next morning were two different things!

The Syracuse Half Facebook page was active with people posting about the snow, traffic and difficulty getting to Syracuse. I threw on some clothes and headed to the free breakfast area. I saw a girl who was running her first Syracuse Half. I imparted some advice and wished her luck.

I went back to our room and started to prep. It's not like I'm a rookie ... I knew what to wear for these conditions. I put on my old tried and true standbys: Brooks tights, Darn Tough socks, short sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, balaclava, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I added my GRTC shorts for a bit of added protection to my boy parts. I also carried a 20 ounce water bottle and had 2 HammerGels in an Amphipod on my waist. Boom ... I was ready.

A pic by Christine before I headed out for the start

Christine wished me "Good Luck", kissed me and sent me on my way. It was only a left onto East St for a hundred yards, a left onto State St and a 1/2 mile down to the OnCenter. When I turned the corner onto State St and felt the full wind I thought that I might want to turn back for my Brooks jacket but kept on going. I had asked my darling wife, Christine, to bring my dry gear down to the OnCenter around 9:45 AM and meet up so I could change out of my wet gear.

The 0.65 mile warmup run down to the OnCenter was uneventful at 9:06 pace, link here. I arrived about 10 minutes before the start of the race. The weather at the start was not too bad. Overcast, no snow and a bit of wind.

The start ... photo courtesy of Syracuse Half

And ... we were off! The course of the Syracuse Half went right by the Quality Inn and Suites where Christine still was.

I almost put my left foot in a pothole as I turned right onto James St. I got my left foot wet and could feel the edge of the pothole but didn't go all the way in ... lucky for me! Christine was not out and I continued onward. I had signed her up for progress pages at 5K, 10K and 15K plus I had started up the Live Update on my FR220 so I knew she would know where I was. Wendy Abbot passed me and said "Hi" around mile 1 as we climbed a long hill. I recognized her because of her trademark running skirt. She sure is speedy! The first 5K was uneventful. The footing was good, a bit wet with some water puddles but no troubles. It passed in around 25:00. Then ... it started to snow. Mile 5 was especially delightful. The course was twisty and I turned into a 20 mph wind ... a little bit further ... it started to snow ... a little bit further ... it started to sleet! The ice pellets stung! It was tough to see with the snow and wind obscuring my vision.

Somewhere on the course ... photo courtesy of T Willott Photography

Yeah ... then the footing started to get worse as the snow accumulated. The 10K mark passed in 50:20. The road became more like a trail with snow and a bit of ice for good measure. The snow and wind came from all angles as the course twisted and turned. I had a bit of vomit in my mouth for a long second or two at mile 8. Joy! I ran onward. I stopped for a bit of water from my hand bottle. The 15K mark passed in 1:17:00. I was slowing. It was hard to run in the slushy snow. I had to be careful due to ice on some of the turns. Runners passed me. I pressed onward. Mile 10 ... a bit of water or was it mile 11?

I remember this RWB guy with the flag passing me around mile 6 ... photo of MW Stout  at mile 11 taken by Bill Hansen

The photo above from mile 11 got picked up by Runner's World and made it onto their website. It and a video were posted here.

Onward ... no more stops. A long stretch on South Salinas St. Mile 12, a turn onto East Water St ... onward ... the final turn onto South State St. The home stretch ... the finish line in sight! I pushed it as much as I could ... which wasn't much. I was mildly disappointed to see the clock over 1:50 but I was glad to be done with 13.24 miles in 1:50:40.

Crossing the finish line ... photo courtesy of T Wellott Photography

I staggered a bit after I got the finisher's medal around my neck. I walked and ended the Live Update on my FR220. I tried to call Christine but it went to voice mail which I kind of expected. I figured she was close by and couldn't hear her cell.

I made my way to the OnCenter Exhibit Hall where I got my most excellent post race food: a pancake, bacon, sausage and 2 pieces of pizza. Christine found me and led me to where she was sitting. I ate ... then I hugged and kissed her (runners priorities, you know). I changed my wet upper clothing into dry clothing since I was starting to get chilled. Christine got me more food ... chocolate milk, Greek yogurt and a banana ... yum! She had brought hand warmers and I tried to keep my hands warm but they didn't really work.

We left to hoof it back to the Quality Inn and Suites around 11 AM since we hadn't checked out yet. The sun had come out! We saw and cheered for Tina Pellegrin as she motored her way toward the finish line. She yelled about how she thought this was a trail race ... which was true for most of the race. The walk back was long and cold. We had to stop for a bit to check our bearings. Thankfully, we were going in the right direction. The guy at the front desk seemed interested in how I did. I told him that we would need about 15 to 20 minutes before we were out the door. I changed out of my wet tights and socks ... which felt nice. Then I lugged all our luggage to the snow covered Cruze. We don't pack light.

The drive out of Syracuse was aided by Google Maps. What did we do before smart phones and Google Maps? I seem to remember wrestling with paper maps. We stopped at the Waterloo Premium Outlet Mall on the way back. I finally picked up a new leather coat at Wilson Leathers. A girl named MJ gave me a 15% discount. My old one was greater than 30 years old and had seen more than its share of wear.

Soon enough we were back home. I headed right back out to Wal-Mart to get new wiper blades for the Cruze. The old ones were 2 years old. The drivers side wiper that started to break apart. Then I got unpacked and sit down to catch up on Facebook, look at the results on www.leonetiming.com and upload my Garmin.

I did OK with a 1:50:34 gun time. I was 451st out of 3730, link here. I was 15th out of 124 in my M55-59 age group. Interestingly, I was 360th out of 1289 males. Which means that 2441 runners were female, a 34.55% / 65.45% split which is common in half marathons. I tried to keep a few cute females in sight but most were behind me. I was more interested in watching my footing anyway. My splits were: 7:53, 8:11, 7:54, 7:44, 8:01, 8:23, 8:28, 8:41, 8:13, 8:50, 9:00, 8:37 and 7:53 over the last 0.24 mile (according to my Garmin).

What a race! Facebook posts were posted fast and furious about how difficult and gnarly this race was. The Syracuse Half was 2 weeks later this year to try to avoid a repeat of the cold conditions of the 2015 race (16F with a wind chill of 3F). But ... old man winter had other ideas!

Monday, 3/4/2016 through Wednesday, 3/6/2016: Rest days.

I was a bit gimpy on Monday due to a blister under my left big toe. But I went to work and did my normal amount of walking ... a bit slower than usual though. I could have run Wednesday but bagged it.

Thursday, 3/7/2016: 13.15 miles, 1:50:33, 8:24 pace, 48F, 62% RH, 11 mph WSW wind, wind chill 43F, overcast.


I needed to run and knew it would be not a short run. It was a bit cool but I wore shorts (with no calf sleeves), a long sleeve tech, a short sleeve tech, light gloves and a hat anyway. I really should have worn my Brooks beanie because my ears were cold due to the wind. I knew I was going to do at least 8 or 9.3 or 12 or ... yeah ... 13.1. I made up my mind on the fly and did my half marathon course at a bit above a nice and easy pace once I settled. I carried my 20 ounce water bottle and no HammerGels. I gave myself just a couple squirts of water during the entire run. My splits were: 8:07, 8:14, 8:20, 8:34, 8:28, 8:16, 8:23, 8:27, 8:47, 8:17, 8:38, 8:24, 8:21 and 8:11 over the last 0.15 mile. Boom!

I was dumbfounded when I looked down and saw my time after this run. I just ran a practice half under optimal conditions at the same pace that I just ran the Syracuse Half four days prior under much worse conditions during the last 2/3? Either I ran faster than I think during a race or else I was in a hurry to get done on Sunday!

My darling wife, Christine, had left for Lakewood OH to visit her daughter during the day. She had a medical appointment at Cleveland Clinic on Friday morning and then they were going to some outlet malls in Sharon PA to shop for mother of the bride dresses.

Friday, 3/8/2016: Rest day ... like usual before a Saturday morning race.

Saturday, 3/9/2016: 5.14 miles, 47:55, 9:19 pace, 28F, 74% RH, 15 mph NNE wind, wind chill 17F, overcast with a bit of light snow at times

I was still in bachelor mode since Christine had stayed another night in Lakewood OH with her daughter. My second Mess the Dress out at Black Creek Park didn't start until 10 AM so I had plenty of time to eat my usual pre-race bowl of cereal with banana and get my gear ready. It was cold so I wore the usual: Brook tights, Darn Tough socks, long sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, Brooks beanie and ski mittens. I dug out my Salamon Speedcross 3 trail shoes ... necessary for a muddy trail race. I also wore a multi-color tutu that I had bought off of Ebay.

Styling at the door before leaving

I got down to the Sunnyside Lodge about a hour before the race so I had plenty of time to chill. There were a lot of different costumes for both sexes for sure. I guess I don't have much imagination since other costumes were so much more colorful. Prem Kumar wore tights along a white shirt, tie and old suit jacket. I just did a 1/4 mile warmup run before the race ... not worthy of a link. Eric Eagan, the race director, was his usual boisterous self before the race.

I had not run on trails all winter. I really think that trails are a bit too dangerous to run on during the winter because they can be so full of ruts and ice. I have been running enough to know that there is "road ready" and "trail ready" for a race so I was a trifle nervous. And ... we were off!


I settled in at a bit over nice and easy pace for a nice 5 mile trail race. Black Creek Park does have mud and water and I found most of it. The first couple of miles were mostly twisty and slightly muddy with some patchy mud slogs. The middle part of the course had the really deep mud slogs that were a hundred feet long or more. That's when the race got tough. It's tough to keep moving when your trail shoes are water logged or make a tight turn when your trail shoes are full of mud. But keep moving I did. I concentrated on keeping pace with the person in front of me. I remembered the course from last year so I knew that the end was near ... keep moving ... and done with 5.14 miles in 47:50 according to my Garmin FR305 (I went old school).

Prem Kumar took this post race pic

I was the only one in a tutu!

I did OK. I stayed upright and didn't fall. My official time was 47:50, 22nd out of 118, 4th out of 13 in my M50-59 age group, link here. My splits were: 8:51, 8:52, 10:27, 9:17, 8:54 and 8:07 over the last 0.14 mile. Soon enough it was time to head home.

I had done a lot around the townhouse while Christine was gone (5 loads of laundry on Friday night) and more needed to be done. I did another load of laundry (my muddy tech clothes) right away plus mopping the floor, making the beds, vacuuming the upstairs, doing the dishes .... etc.

My darling wife, Christine, arrived home around 5 PM while I was out shopping for supper. We had a bit of supper but she felt out of sorts and quickly went to bed. She said that hated shopping for "mother of the bride" dresses. It seemed that her and her daughter disagreed on the color and style of dress that was "appropriate" for her to wear.

Sunday, 3/27/2016 to Saturday, 4/2/2016

I ran 2 times this week, 18.5 miles.

Sunday, 3/27/2016: 6.5 miles, 54:15, 8:21 pace, 34F, 93% RH, 5 mph E wind, wind chill 29F, sunny


I woke up at the Microtel in Streetsboro OH on Easter Sunday. It was your standard two double bed hotel room, Christine slept in one bed and I in the other. It was 7:17 AM ... I needed to run. I checked the temperature (34F) and dressed accordingly with what I brought in my running bag. It turned out to be: Brooks running tights, Darn Tough socks, short sleeve tech, long sleeve tech, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I kissed my darling wife, Christine, good bye (she mumbled) and ducked out the back door of the hotel. There was frost on the windshields of the cars in the parking lot. The high was forecast to be in the mid 70s by afternoon but it was cold now. We have stayed in Streetsboro a bunch of times so I knew the route. I was a bit stiff when I started out but loosened up. It was quiet and peaceful. Boom ... my splits were: 8:27, 8:22, 8:22, 8:25, 8:11, 8:11 and 8:32 over the last 0.5 mile. Just nice and easy miles.

The breakfast at the Microtel was skimpy ... I had just a bagel, oatmeal and coffee while Christine had a mini-muffin and coffee. We headed over to her niece's (Brook and her husband Mike) house in Ravenna for the real feast ... yum! I almost fell asleep after that big Easter lunch.

We started back for Rochester at 3:30 PM. Christine's directions from her phone (88 to 528 to I-90E) led us up through Amish country in OH. We must have seen 12 horse and buggies during a 20 mile stretch. We arrived back home just before 8 PM. My oldest son, Michael, had IMed Christine as we got near Rochester that the SU men's basketball team was down 15 to the number 1 seed, Virginia, in the Elite 8 game. SU was climbing back and down 6 by the time I got the game on. SU (aka 'Cuse) went on a 25-4 run and won by 6, 68-62, link here. Wow ... lots of links out there for more coverage if you are looking for 'Cuse coverage.

Monday, 3/28/2016 and Tuesday, 3/29/2016: Rest days.

Tuesday could have been a run day but I am pushing to Wednesday and Friday schedule with a rest day on Saturday because of the Syracuse Half on Sunday.

Wednesday, 3/30/2016: 12 miles, 1:38:42, 8:13 pace, 64%, 19% RH, 11 mph WSW wind, partly cloudy to overcast.


It was going to be warm and I was determined to run so I packed my running gear into the Equinox when I went to work. I changed at work but I wanted to run long so I just went home and modified my regular half route down to 12 miles. I wore CW-X shorts, short sleeve tech, light running gloves, calf sleeves and carried a 20 ounce water bottle with 2 HammerGels in an Amphipod tucked on my waist. It's a pretty flat route but I pushed it a bit above nice and easy pace. It felt good so I am confident I can hold that pace for the Syracuse Half. That is if I don't get sucked into going out too fast ... which I usually do. My splits were: 8:11, 8:16, 8:11, 8:11, 8:07, 8:05, 8:09, 8:24, 8:16, 8:22, 8:16 and 8:12.

Thursday, 3/31/2016 through Saturday, 4/2/2016: Rest days

Stats for March 2016: 18 runs in 31 days for 126.9 miles, 7.05 miles/run.
Three were warmup runs (Johnny's - 1.47, Spring Forward - 1, Syracuse Half - 0.65) and one was a cooldown run (Johnny's - 1.11)
Stats for 2016 (so far): 52 runs for 360.8 miles, 6.9 mile/run.

I could have run Friday but didn't. We had reservations at the Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Syracuse at 454 James St. I chose this hotel because it's only 0.6 mile away from the OnCenter and the Syracuse Half runs right by the hotel. I can run to the race start instead drive and potentially get stuck on I-690 like I did last year.

The hotel did call on Saturday afternoon just before we were going to leave to warn us that their hot water was out and ask if we wanted to book a hotel at a sister property. I declined. The weather forecast was for colder temperatures and snow on Sunday morning. We left for Syracuse around 2 PM. Our first stop was Fleet Feet Syracuse for packet pickup. I do like this store. It has a better selection of stuff to buy than either of the Fleet Feet Rochester locations. We checked into our hotel next. After some waiting around for my brother, Don, to call or text us back we went out to dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse. We all had the Lasagna Platter ... no food pics though, we were hungry ... mmm!

Don took us on a tour of the area around where the Syracuse Half would run tomorrow. Soon enough we were snug as a bug in our bed. Visions of half marathons danced in my head ... OK, maybe not! My alarm was set for 6:30 AM. The race was due to start at 8 AM.

Oh, a shout out for everyone who ran a fat ass 50K down at Palmer Ponds, links here, here, here and here. It was cold, wet and muddy ... and suffering ... err, fun was had by all!

Sunday, 3/20/2016 to Saturday, 3/26/2016 - Spring Forward 15K

I ran 4 times this week, 26.76 miles.

Sunday, 3/20/2016: 10.2 miles, 1:24:28, 8:17, 36F, 37% RH, 5 mph NE wind, wind chill 31F, partly cloudy

Garmin Connect Activity for A fast MTD preview run

I wanted my darling wife, Christine, to have another whack at the Mind the Ducks course so we headed out to North Ponds Park in Webster. She headed out while I was still gearing up. I set out at a quick pace because it was cold with a cold wind. I passed her the second time just as she finished her first loop. She said that she was cold and was going to the Equinox. I continued on for 8 more loops. My splits were: 8:18, 8:04, 8:04, 8:17, 8:11, 8:07, 8:22, 8:25,8: 33, 8:28 and 8:12 over the last 0.2 mile. This pace is definitely NOT what I will run during MTD but I was cold and needed to run fast to keep warm. She said that the cold wind hurt her lungs but was glad that she got out for a mile. I surprised Christine with brownies and coffee afterwards.

Monday, 3/21/2016: Rest day

Tuesday, 3/22/2016: 6.2 miles, 51:20, 8:16 pace, 52F, 40% RH, 8 mph SSW wind, overcast

Garmin Connect Activity for 10K around the RTP

I almost bagged this run. I was tired and hungry during the day. I checked the weather forecast and saw that the weather for the next day was worse in the afternoon (cold/windy/rain/sleet) so ... I found the energy to get out and get it done. I had all my running gear in the Equinox so I dressed at RTP-B6, bagged the drive to Cobbs Hill for a hill workout and just ran where I was. I struck up a nice and easy pace and just did a 10K. My splits were: 8:21, 8:10, 8:36, 8:5, 8:15, 8:14 and 8:00 over the last 0.2 mile. Boom, done.

Wednesday, 3/23/2016 to Friday, 3/25/2016: Rest days

I should have gotten out Thursday but didn't. I just felt like a slug.

Saturday, 3/26/2016: 2 runs of 1 and Spring Forward 15K, 27F, 93% RH, calm, light overcast.

I "slept in" until 6 AM, had my usual pre-race bowl of cereal and banana, dressed for the weather, kissed my wife goodbye and headed down to Mendon Ponds Park for my tenth (yes, tenth) Spring Forward 15K. I saw a couple of deer cross Lake Shore Blvd a couple of hundred yards ahead of me as I drove but no worries. I arrived around 7:25 AM and parked up on Douglas Rd in between the Beach parking entrance and the Stewart Lodge entrance ... so I would pass the Cruze on the way to the finish. I packed a "go" bag with the Spring Foward tech shirt, my Brooks jacket and a bottle of water for after the race. I noticed that I had almost no water stashed in my running bag. I headed down to Stewart Lodge to stash the "go" bag and prepped for the race. I dressed like usual: my Brooks tights, short sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I didn't carry water or wear my sunglasses. It was cold and overcast but calm as a bell.

I got out for a nice and easy warmup run of 1 mile at 8:21 pace, link here. It was 8 minutes before the race and I needed water so I raided my "go" bag for water and then walked to the start line at the exit of the Beach parking lot. I met up with Andy Ciaio and settled in my usual spot ... right side about 10 yards behind the leaders.

The start of the 15K ... photo courtesy of Kim Smith of Fleet Feet Rochester

Mile 1 ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

And ... we were off! I got up to speed quickly with just a shift to the right to get around a slower runner. I basically started fast and held on as well as I could. Mile 1 passed in 7:15. I passed Andy at mile 2 and then he passed me back at the halfway point.

Mile 5 looking down ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

Mile 5 looking up ... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier of Fleet Feet Rochester

The hill of Mendon were just as rolling as ever. I stopped to drink water as mile 7.5 ... 4 runners passed me. I was slowing but I picked up the pace when I saw that I was about to re-enter the park. Only just over a mile to go ... Canfield Rd rollers ... take the tangents ... left onto Douglas Rd ... up the hill by the cobblestone house, up the hill by the Beach parking lot ... down into the finish at Stewart Lodge ... hearing Ellen call me into the finish ... done in 1:11:14!

Turning the corner from Canfield Rd to Douglas Rd with just over 1/2 mile to go ... photo courtesy of Kim Smith of Fleet
Feet Rochester

Ellen broke out her bunny ears ... unknown photographer

Yellow Jacket Racing link to video at 40m20s
I quickly had some water and then ambled in to have a couple of hot dogs. I checked the results, 56th and 4th in my age group so I changed into my dry clothes and headed up to the Cruze to head home. Another excellent race by Yellow Jacket Racing ... thanks to everyone involved! Rochester is fortunate to have YJR ... they are the best!

A couple of mugs of coffee ensued along with uploading my FR220 to my usual running websites (Garmin, Runningahead, Dailymile and Strava). I did OK, with my third fastest Spring Forward of ten, a 1:11:14, 56th out of 467, link here. I was 4th out of 32 in my M55-59 age group by 13 seconds, link here or here. My splits were: 7:18, 7:28, 7:18, 7:28, 7:33, 7:51, 7:55, 8:14, 7:40 and 6:54 over the last 0.36 mile.

Soon .. my darling wife, Christine, and I started to get ready to go to OH for Easter to see Christine's father and family in Ravenna OH. We had reservations at the Microtel in Streetsboro OH waiting for our arrival. I've been married to Christine for almost 4 years now so I knew better than to hurry her up. I just worked on getting myself ready. She beat me at getting ready again. She just is ... boom ... ready. I think she just throws everything in a couple of suitcases and ... boom, she's ready! We started around 3 PM and got out to the Microtel just before 8 PM with a short stop at Fleet Feet Ridgeway for her Tons of Fun weigh-in and a stop in OH for fuel. We packed our swimming suits but were disappointed when we got there and saw a "Swimming Pool Closed for Season" sign.

We met up with her daughter, Beth, and her finance, Nick, for supper at the Happy Moose Bar and Grill for some well needed supper. Soon ... zzzzzzz out in OH!

Sunday, 3/13/2016 to Saturday, 3/19/2016

I ran 4 times this week, 37.1 miles.

Sunday, 3/13/2016: 2 runs of 9.35 and 6.25 miles, 45F, 57%, 10 mph ENE wind, wind chill 39F, mostly cloudy.

Garmin Connect Activity for A quick 15K

Daylight Savings Time happened overnight so I lost an hour of sleep. I had a plan of doing a long run and then another run out at North Ponds Park in Webster for another Mind the Ducks (MTD) preview on tired legs. First ... the long run. I got out around noon and pushed the pace on my usual 15K route. It was a bit cold and breezy. My splits were: 7:44, 7:27, 7:32, 7:34, 7:57, 7:46, 7:43, 7:58, 7:52 and 7:31 over the last 0.5 mile. Definitely not a nice and easy pace. It felt good.

Garmin Connect Activity for Another MTD preview

I relaxed a bit before I asked my darling wife, Christine, if you wanted to do another Mind the Ducks preview. It was about 3:15 or 3:30 PM. She begged off saying that it was too late and that exercise would keep her awake. I was a bit miffed. I am trying to awaken her inner athlete  .... but she is fighting me. Whatever. I geared up and headed out. I knew my legs were tired so I just ran around the MTD course at a really nice and easy pace. I decided to stop after 10K. My splits were: 9:21, 9:00, 9:06, 8:58, 8:53, 8:46 and 8:48 over the last 0.25 mile. I was tired and hungry so I picked up some food from KFC on the way home ... supper done. Sunday's mileage, 15.6 miles ... done.

Monday, 3/14/2016: Rest day ... very needed after 23.2 miles during the weekend.

Tuesday, 3/15/2016: 7 miles, 57:56, 8:16 pace, 48F, 93% RH, 6 mph NW wind, wind chill 46F, light mist

Garmin Connect Activity for Cobbs Hill run

I brought my running gear to work in the Equinox so I could run right after work. I went to Cobbs Hill for a small slice of hills. There was a light mist but I just concentrated on running. Soon there were a lot of runners as Fleet Feet and Genesee Valley Harrier (GVH) runners joined in at 6 PM. My splits were:  8:59, 8:30, 8:14, 8:04, 8:08, 8:07 and 7:54. Boom ... done.

I followed a guy, Ben Murphy, via Facebook posts from his friends during the day. He started at 4 AM and did a fat ass 100K during the day. FYI ... a fat ass is a seat of the pants, unsupported, unsanctioned, usually gnarly race or run. He did 66.26 miles in 20 hours and 43 minutes on the Crescent and Seneca trails. Respect!

Wednesday, 3/16/2016 through Friday, 3/18/2016: Rest days ... uugghh!

Thursday should have been a run day. I had my running gear in the Equinox but ... I let getting out of work late and Christine having supper cooking give me an excuse. But there will be other days to run.

A guy named Ben Murphy did a Fat Ass 100K on Saint Patrick's Day, his blog link here. Oh ... Fat Ass means an unsanctioned run with no reward except the satisfaction of doing it. I followed Ron Heerkens Jr posts on Facebook. Ben started around 4 AM and finished 20:43 later after midnight for a double transverse of the Crescent and Seneca trails.

Saturday, 3/19/2016: 14.5 miles, 2:07:51, 8:49 pace, 28F, 50% RH, 9 mph NNE wind, wind chill 20F, sunny


I had it in my mind to run Round the Bay again ... this time up Culver Rd instead up 590 from the swing bridge. So I set my alarm for 5:45 AM so I could start at 7 AMish. Well ... I got up, turned off my alarm, laid back down and fell back asleep. I got up around 7 AM ... puttered around a bit, ate my usual pre-run bowl of cereal and banana, got ready, thought "Runs don't get down by themselves" and got out and down to the swing bridge at 9 AM. It was a bright, cold and brisk morning. I had on my usual running gear for 32F (OK, 28F): Brooks tights, short sleeve tech, Brooks 1/4 zip long sleeve pullover, Brooks beanie and heavy running gloves. I kept on my Brooks jacket since it was windy. I put on my sunglasses, carried a 20 ounce hand bottle and had 2 HammerGels tucked in an Amphipod. I headed out at a nice and easy pace ... solo just me and my thoughts. I ditched the jacket at just before mile 5 and tied around my neck. I looked at bit preppy but I don't like to take a jacket around my hips but it always tends to slip down. I stopped for a bit of water just heading down the Empire Blvd hill and then once I climbed back up it. Bay Rd was a bit busy as was Lake Rd as I got closer to where I had left the Cruze a bit over 2 hours ago. Boom ... done! My splits were: 8:52, 8:33, 8:28, 8:27, 10:00, 8:39, 9:40, 8:13, 9:30, 9:13, 8:35, 8:20, 8:41, 8:21 and 8:38 over the last 0.5 mile. The Round the Bay run is a good long run route with a good set of hills on the west side of the Irondequoit Bay. One of these day I will take this clockwise instead of counterclockwise.

I went back home and had my usual coffee and bagel. I asked my darling wife, Christine, to cut my hair. I like my hair short now and she had been asking to try to cut my hair again off and on. She did it once before ... I had to go to a barber for a "touch up" (repair cut). She got everything ready and proceeded to cut my hair. I took a shower afterward and found some uneven ends as I was combing what was left of my hair. She cut some more and voila! Everything was the same length ... about 3/8 of an inch all around. I did do a wee bit more with my electric razor around my ears. It looks good and I don't feel the need to go to the barber for a "touch up". So ... the second time was the charm! I thanked her like a good husband should. A bit later, we went out to New Nails to get her nails touched up. Not a bad day!

Sunday, 3/6/2016 to Saturday, 3/12/2016 - Johnny's Runnin of the Green 5 Mile Race

I ran 5 times this week, 20.83 miles

Sunday, 3/6/2016: 5.1 miles, 43:42, 8:34 pace, 39F, 44% RH, 6 mph S wind, wind chill 35F, sunny

Garmin Connect Activity for MTD Preview #1

It was a beautiful day so my darling wife, Christine, and I headed out to North Ponds Park in Webster to preview the Mind the Duck course. She geared up and was out walking a good 5 minutes before I ventured out at a really nice and easy run. The loop is 1.01203 miles according to the MTD website, www.mtd12hour.org. I ran around 5 times before I developed a mild pain behind my right knee ... so I stopped. My splits were: 8:17, 8:23, 8:34, 8:40, 8:43 and 8:50 over the last 0.1 mile. Christine had walked 2.4 miles according to her phone app. We were pleased that we had gotten out rather than being slugs.

I had trouble turning off my Garmin Forerunner (FR) 310XT after I uploaded my data to Garmin so I posted about it on Facebook. A running buddy, Prem Kumar, replied that he was going to sell his FR220 (a dcrainmaker in-depth review, link here) since he had upgraded to a VivoActive in December 2015). We arranged to meet up so I could test run his FR220 on Tuesday.

Monday, 3/7/2016: Rest day.

I met up with my youngest son, David, to get back Christine's FR305 that he had been not using since he borrowed about 2 years ago.

Tuesday, 3/8/2016: 8.1 miles (took FR305), 1:08:41, 8:29 pace,

Garmin Connect Activity for Cobbs Hill with FR220
Garmin Connect Activity for Cobbs Hill with FR305

I met up with Prem at 5:30 PM at the Fleet Feet Armory parking lot so he could let me test out his FR220. He briefly told me how to use it and then went home. I had on my Christine's FR305 and my FR310XT (which I had gotten to turn on) on my left wrist and my Vivofit 2 and Prem's FR220 on my right wrist. I felt like an American dcrainmaker (see www.dcrainmaker.com for the real McCoy). I started each one up and headed up to Cobbs Hill for some ... wait for it ... hills. A nice and easy pace soon ensued as I powered up and down each loop. One ... two ... and up to seven loops. It was a beautiful evening for early March and the roads were crowded with walkers, runners and cars. Weird but true ... the north side of Cobbs Hill was noticeably colder than the other side! I decided that seven loops was my limit so I exited and took the long way back to the Equinox. I was a bit peeved when I stopped and noticed that my FR310XT had died during the run. The FR305 had 8.1 miles and the Prem's FR220 had 8.08 miles ... not bad. My splits according to the FR305: 8:56, 8:35, 8:11, 8:17, 8:10, 8:13, 8:39, 8:45 and 9:11 over the last 0.1 mile. My splits according to the FR220 : 9:02, 8:37, 8:18, 8:20, 8:16, 8:12, 8:39, 8:42, and 9:50 over the last 0.08 mile. Kind of close, I guess. The FR220 also has something called Run Cadence which was 158 spm (steps per minute) average for this run.

It took a bit to figure out how to upload to Garmin Express. marry up my Droid Max to the FR220 and get MyFitnessPal , Withings (my Withings FR50 scale) and Garmin to "talk" to each other.

Wednesday, 3/9/2016: Rest day ... yada, yada, yada ... like usual.

Thursday, 3/10/2016: 7.5 miles, 1:01:37, 8:12 pace, 55F, 94% RH, 8 mph NNW wind, light wind

Garmin Connect Activity for A RTP run with FR305
Garmin Connect Activity for A RTP run with FR310XT
Garmin Connect Activity for A RTP run with FR220

I packed all my running gear in the Equinox so I could run after work plus I had all my Garmins (FR 305, FR310XT and Prem's PR220) fully charged this time. I decided to just run where I was after work .. no driving, just run, get it done and go home. So I geared up and just ran with not one but three Garmins tracking me. There was a sprinkle at the start which became a light rain by the end. Drivers probably thought I was crazy but I do what I do. I noticed that my three Garmins were within 0.01 mile of each other. My FR220 splits were: 8:10, 8:18, 8:06, 7:50, 8:03, 8:17, 8:15 and 8:16 over the last 0.5 mile. Boom ... done.

Friday, 3/11/2016: Rest day ... plus packet pickup for Johhny's.

My darling wife, Christine, didn't feel like cooking so we went out to The Charbroil house for their excellent beer batter haddock for supper ... tasty!

Saturday, 3/12/2016: 3 runs of 1.47, 5.05 and 1.11 miles,

The start time for Johnny's Runnin' of the Green 5 Mile Race was 9:30 AM and the venue was the Blue Cross Arena downtown. This was my sixth Johnny's and it was the first Rochester Runner of the Year (RROY) for 2016. I packed up my gear and took the Cruze so I could hide my gear in the trunk. I paid $5 for parking (never had to before!) at my usual lot just past the BCA. I thought I was there in plenty of time as I started to look for my bib at 8:30 AM ... and then I realized that I left in the Equinox. I muttered some swear words (in my head), breathed a deep sigh or two and headed home to get my bib. No worries ... didn't let it bother me since I knew I had plenty of time. It took 15 minutes to get my bib and 15 minutes to get back. I packed on Platt St at High Falls and ran to the BCA as a warmup run of 1.47 miles at 8:30 pace, link here. I had time to use a real restroom inside the BCA and then take my usual spot (right hand side and toward the front) before the start. I wore my Garmin Forerunner 305 on my left wrist and Prem's Forerunner 220 on my right wrist. I saw Prem Kumar, Bill Beyerbach and Heather Patterson before the race.

The start ... photo courtesy of the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

And ... we were off. I got a bit blocked in but went to the right and got up to speed pretty quickly as we headed down Exchange Blvd.

Just after the start ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

Runners running up Exchange Blvd ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

Heather came up alongside as we crossed the Ford St bridge and then pulled ahead as we turned right onto Wilson Blvd. Mile 1 passed in just under 7:00 according to Pete. I saw Barb Boutillier taking pictures on the right and then saw Ellen Brenner of Fleet Feet Rochester with her cheer section on the left just after mile 1. Mile 2 ... and then the turn around ... mile 3. I had passed Heather when she stopped to walk just before the turnaround, then Andy Ciaio passed me. I was hurting but I kept my pace. I shorted my stride and increased my turnover. I saw Jim Roche on my left for a few seconds. He was in my age group so I dug down and put him behind me ... he's was in my age group.

Trying to hold on at mile 4 .... photo courtesy of Barb Boutillier

Crossing the Ford St Bridge with less than 1 mile to go ... photo courtesy of Tim Matthews

This time Barb was on the right when I passed mile 4. Back over the Ford St bridge ... less than a mile to go ... along the Genesee River ... the Freddie - Sue bridge and the I490 bridge over Exchange Blvd ahead ... don't sprint yet (still 1/2 mile to go) ... Heather called from behind "Don't let me catch you" ... seeing the finish line 1/10 mile ahead ... can't catch the person in front ... sprint ... time under 36 ... done!

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle had a video about the race, link here.

I got some water and then a bagel as I talked with Bill (125th, 34:43, 2nd in his M60-64 age group) and Prem (36:27, 175th, 13th in his M40-44 age group). Bill told me that Kevin Clinefelter had run a 32:32 (81st, 1st in Bill's M60-64 age group) after running 10 miles before the race. Andy ran a 35:01 (131st, 12th in his M50-54 age group). Heather was right behind me, 35:44 (147th, 4th in her F40-44 age group. She was a bit miffed that she was 4th by 14 seconds after taking a walk break. Me ... I ran a 35:40 officially, 7:08 pace ... good for 146th out of 1557, link here. I was 6th out of 99 in my M55-59 age group, link here. My splits were: 6:49, 7:06, 7:17, 7:10, 6:56 and 6:00 over the last 0.05 mile. Not bad. It hurt a bit but I managed to run 1.11 miles back to the Cruze at 9:36 pace, link here.

Some runners really got all out and dress up for this race. The pictures really speak for themselves.

Later, Christine and I managed to get out for her Tons of Fun weigh in at Fleet Feet Ridgeway. The NY Yankees had scored 6 runs so we used the YANKEES6 code to get 50% off a pizza at Papa John's for supper.