Streaking again...

It's that time of year... time for streaking!!!  No, I don't mean running around in my birthday suit.  It's time for the annual Memorial Day to Fourth of July running streak.  I did this last year, and when I saw that Runner's world suggested it again, I thought "Why not?"

All that's required to keep a streak alive, is a minimum of one mile a day.  As long as it's on foot, it counts.  It should be running, but walking is okay too.

Last year, I made it the entire way, and then did another one in November-December.

This year, it seems that a few more of my friends are attempting it.  Let's see who goes all the way.



Today's totals  -  3.32 miles  /  455.14 total for the year.

Run 2 Remember

Today, for the second year in a row, I took part in South Hadley's Run 2 Remember.  This race is held to benefit the city's veterans programs as well as the USO.

With most of my concentration having been on long "slow" distance runs, I was unsure how I was going to do in a 5K.  I wanted to push myself, and see how fit I am, as this is the beginning of the summer racing season.  The course is neither flat, nor hilly, it's somewhere in between.  Two down hills, and two uphills, none of which are steep, but the hill in the last mile is about a third of a mile.

I started out with what felt comfortable, and picked up the pace.  I wanted to run hard, but not burn out.  I passed mile one with a 7:27.  Better than I had expected.  Mile two, and another 7:27.  Now the uphill, and a flat finish.  Official finish time 22:39, but was it actually a 5K?  I looked at my watch and saw 2.98 miles, a friend of mine had registered 2.97.  OK, so it wasn't quite 3.1 miles... not quite a 5K.  On the bright side, I did run a 22:39, and that worked out to a 7:36... My fastest pace since the "Flat Fast Westfield 5K" that I ran in March 2013.  It was also a minute and a half faster than the same course last year.

Maybe all this distance running will pay off in the long run.


Today's totals  -  2.98 miles  /  450.31 total for the year

Western Mass Mother's Day Half Marathon

Last year, I was looking for a local half marathon, and came across the Western Mass Mother's Day Half in Whately, MA.  This run was so enjoyable, that I wanted to run it again this year (even if it's only been three weeks since Boston).

 The weather today couldn't have been much better... mid 60's and clear blue skies.  Luckily the race starts at 8:00 AM, when the sun isn't at its strongest.

My plan was to treat this as a long training run, and not try to push too hard.  That just wasn't going to happen today.  I ran the first mile (the only significant hill on the course) in 9:06.  The second mile was even worse with it's downhills.  I ran mile two in about 8:35.  Change of plans... keep the good pace for as long as I could.  What that meant was a few walking breaks between the 8 mile mark and the finish.  No problem.

One of the things that I like about this course is that it is completely in Whately and Hatfield.  Two picturesque small towns in Western Mass.  Most of the course is rolling hills.  We run through the Historic section of Whately, and past small horse farms as well as open fields that are being prepared for planting (maybe corn?).

The final mile and a half has two slight uphills.  The first goes by the East Whately Cemetery.  This is symbolic to me, because my 6th Great Grandfather is buried here.  The second "hill" is the overpass to interstate 91.  On the other side of the bridge is a downhill finish for the last tenth of a mile.

All-in-all it was a great day.  Unofficial time was 2:07:42.  Official time was slightly more due to the "chip start" not working, and all finish times were by the "gun time".


Today's totals  -  13.1 miles  /  423.37 total for the year.

Post #100, and An Easy Five

Wow, this is my 100th post!

It's amazing how on some days it seems effortless to run.  On others, it's a chore from the first step.  Today was one of these in between days (more towards the easy side).

I had a five mile run scheduled, at an easy pace.  Right from the start, I knew it was going to be a little better pace than most days.  In spite of doing a multitude of "yard work" and other "chores" at work yesterday, my legs were feeling good.  Five miles at a 9:30 pace... I'll take it.

In addition, it was a day where the lights were in my favor.  The course that I was running has two lights (at very busy intersections), and both changed to green just as I was approaching!  What luck!  I should have bought a lottery ticket.  Oh well, maybe next time.


Today's totals  -  5.18 miles  /  406.28 total for the year.

400 Miles Complete

Another milestone!!  As Homer would say... "Woo Hoo!"

When I got back into running (back in 2009), I was only able to manage about 480 miles for the year.  Now, after four months, and a few days, I've hit the 400 mark.

I've established a goal of 1,000 miles for 2014, and as long as I can remain injury free I should be able to do it.


Yesterday's totals  -  3.31 miles  /  401.10 total for the year

That time of year

Today was the day that I had to take my Air Force Fitness Test for the ANG.  The test consists of an abdominal measurement, push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run.  Normally, I'd give 100% and see how high of a score I could get, but my goal this year was just to achieve a passing score.  With all the build-up to running the marathon, I was neglecting the other components of the test.  Now came the test... would I be ready.

Figuring that I wasn't fully prepared, and that I'm still in recovery mode from the marathon, I opted to "ease up" on the test.  Abdominal... check (a little better than expected).  Push-ups... check (one more than the minimum needed).  Sit-ups... check (I felt good, and did 10 more than I had planned on).  And a nice easy 1.5 mile run (13:13 without pushing hard at all).  Mission accomplished... test passed.

Later in the day, after the scores were input into the computer system, I found out that I had actually scored a 90% (rating of EXCELLENT).  If I can do this good without trying, what will I do if I actually prepare?  I can only imagine.



Today's mileage  -  1.50 miles  /  397.79 total for year.