Motivated to Succeed

8:00 AM - Work was crazy last night, as Saratoga Springs does a First Night celebration every year. For once the bookstore wisened up. Usually people use Borders for one of two reasons: 1. a meeting place/warming hut for the New Years festivities or 2. the bathroom. Borders is the only place in the city with public restrooms (unless you run into the McDonald's I suppose). This year they let us close early, at 6, but it wasn't until 6:40 that I got out of the store, as the store was utterly trashed. I came home and had dinner and then got ready for bed. Tossed and turned though and didn't doze off until about 11. Was up at 5am to the dog barking. Oi. Off to work today too.

Read more from the book on the Bunion Derby of 1928 today. It's getting really good. Am up to page 92 now. Also read another 60-ish pages in the McCullough biography on John Adams at work yesterday before clocking in . It is amazing when you read about the 1928 derby, just how crazy people were! And the guy that organized the race, C.C. Pyle was a shrewd son of a gun. He basically held a monopoly on the runners, making them pay for food, lodging, etc. from only him during the course of the event. I was laughing at one point as I ran because I imagine Pyle as this shrewd businessman kind of like the legendary Jock Semple of the Boston Athletic Association. And lo and behold a vagabond named Ukelele Jake with two mangy muts crashes the party for nearly a week, coming in amongst the leaders despite not paying the $125 entry fee. Well Just like Semple tried to pull K. Switzer from the marathon, he concocted a plan to pull Ukelele Jake from the race by calling the SPCA on the dogs! When he went out to search for them Jake landed in the slammer for vagrancy and that's all she wrote. Classic.

A recurring theme in the book is that everyone had their own stories, and all the favorites (the Finns, the Euros, the elites) seemed to suffer in the opening days of the event, many dropping out. But the sheer magnitude of running and racing across a continent the magnitude of these United States has failed to be acknowledged or recognized as of yet by the runners (at least as far as I've gotten in the book). Can't wait for the next episode.

Left achilles felt a bit better. Did 3 x 15 sets of eccentric exercises on the stairs before bed yesterday. Will do some after my shower and then again before bed tonight. Here's to 2010.

Total Time: 50:00 Total Distance: 5.17 miles Average Pace: 9:40

11:00 AM - Went to bed late last night after driving Ellen home with Jonn. He can't drive after 9pm with the license he has now so I didn't mind. Better than him driving and getting pulled over or something. Got up this morning and was just about to go for a jog, had literally hit the start button on the treadmill and phone started ringing. It was Emmy. I got a late start. Usually by the time she calls I'm done with my run, but not the case today. I told her I'd call her as soon as I finished. Going to go do that now!

Ran on the 'mill and read more of C.C. Pyle's Amazing Footrace about the 1928 Bunion Derby. I implore every running enthusiast out there to pick this book up. It is absolutely amazing. And amazingly horrid. It's crazy to think that a scam artist like C.C. Pyle was able to concoct a scheme like this. He was a vagabond who owed everyone money and constantly skipped town rather than settle debts. He at one point sold 1/2 of his share in a movie buisness to pay off the other guy that bought the other 1/2 and then left them with the whole debt! He promised money to the runners at the end of each stage and so far, as I'm up to page 190 or so, he has yet to pay any of the runners a cent! Can't imagine an idea like this going through in today's world. I'm surprised so many runners pushed through the pain and sweat and tears just to finish the race. This book is definitely on my favorite list.

Working tonight at the bookstore until 1130ish. Tomorrow, Emmy and my mom and me are all going to Copake Country Club to get some of the wedding stuff sorted out. Should be fun.

So today was a first. I guess my treadmill shuts off after 100 minutes? Who would've thought. Ran the whole time at 1-2% grade with a little water at 60, 75, and 90 minutes in. Next time need to set up an aid station.

Total Time: 1:41:30 Total Distance: 10.5 miles Average Pace: 9:40

5:30 PM - Yesterday was a trip! Got up super early and went to Emma's, only it took about three hours to get there because of a big snow storm that dumped 9-10" of snow in that area. Slow and steady my little Chevy Prizm made it. Then we briefly saw Emma's family and said hi to Scott, Rose, Liana, little Janey and then went down to Craryville, NY to Copake Lake Country Club where we are getting married. Ended up meeting Mary who is going to be the event coordinator and as soon as we walked in she recognized my mom from somewhere. Turns out she had lived in Galway at one point and has a couple sons that are a few years younger than Harry (my youngest bro!). Pretty cool! She is really sweet and knows what she is doing. Then we met John and Glen who are the Head Coordinator and Head Chef respectfully. I feel like we got a lot of questions answered and that Emmy felt a bit more relaxed afterwards.

Today I went to work and basically redid the magainze/periodical section. So much work! Found magazines hiding that should have been sent back in March or April! Afterwards, I needed to come home and jog off some stress. Getting excited for the trip though! Going to California the day after tomorrow!!! Woo hoo!

Continued reading Geoff Wiliams's book C.C. Pyle's Amazing Foot Race. Am up to about page 270 and they are less than a week away from ending in NYC. I encourage everyone to read it. It is full of hopes, dreams, adversity, drama, illness, misfortune, hate, triumph, and so much more!

Total Time: 51:30 Total Distance: 5.30 miles Average Pace: 9:43

8:40 AM - Last run in New York before going to Massachusetts to Emma's house and then to Boston to fly out to California! Finished reading Geoff Williams's book on C.C. Pyle's 1928 Bunion Derby today. It kept me hooked until the end. One of the best books I've read about distance runners. Next on my list I am going to reread Running Through the Wall: Personal Encounters with the Ultramarathon. I liked it the first time I read it so hopefully it will be a love the second time around :). Felt good on the treadmill this morning. Will be nice to run on the beaches though in California! Can't wait!

Total Time: 50:30 Total Distance: 5.31 miles Average Pace: 9:30

6:30 PM - Just got back from going to the beach with Emmy. This vacation has been anything but "grand", mainly because of yours truly. To put it blandly I've been a real "DB" because starting the second day I was in a lot of pain in my right hip that just seemed to continually get worse. Finally went to the ER yesterday, had been putting it off because I don't really have health insurance right now. They diagnosed me with bursitis on the hip bone on my right side. I forget the technical mumbo jumbo of it now. The doc was real nice and I told him there was no way I wanted to consider cortisone or surgery so they were off the table. After telling him how many extra strength Tylenol and IBU Profen I had been popping though, I told him it was a good idea to get something maybe a bit stronger?  He gave me a prescription for Tylenol with codeine which seems to be helping more now. However, I owe a huge apology to everyone else on the trip, especially Emmy because I have been irritable, moody, as well as tired, cranky, you name it. She doesn't deserve that. 

Today the rest of the family, Scott, Liana, little Jane, and Kara went up to Monterey in California, but we only had one car so Emmy and I were stuck here. We made the best of it and she mapped out a route to get to Pismo Beach I think it was where we could go kayaking and whatever. Only we went to the bus stop and there was no sign! Then the bus showed up and hung a left and we were left holding the bags and yelling "Hey! Hold that bus!" It didn't stop so we walked to another stop, only to discover we'd be on the bus about forty minutes longer if we took that than wait the hour for the bus to return. So sure enough at the top of the hour again, :08 after is when the bus comes, we were there on the right side of the road and ready! But he saw us, hung the corner and again kept on going. So by 1:30pm we were back at the house where we started, having walked about 2 miles and not really getting anywhere. I told Emm my hip was okay so we decided to bike the 3 miles to the beach. My hip was okay, the biggest surprise was that Scott's bike you have to use clipped shoes. I slowly got the hang of them, this being the second time in my life ever trying them on and first time outside of a parking lot!

Made it to the beach fine and went thumping through the waves. Hip still hurts. We fed a bunch of seagulls that almost attacked us! I was scared but of course Emmy wasn't. Afterwards as the sun was setting we biked home, stopping at the grocery store Vons for some salad and soup stuff! Through the stuff in the panier (really nice invention for a bike!) and came home. Just about to turn the left corner to come up to the cal-de-sac and boom! Emmy stopped and I saw too late and couldn't get the clip out and down I went on my right hip (the bursitis one). Luckily my right kneecap absorbed the brunt of the blow on the curb and my left hand went out to help too. Now going to have some soup and salad with a cutie, tell her I love her and am sorry, and going to ice ice ice, codeine, ice, and watch a movie while we snuggle! A good end nonetheless to a junky week. Going to see a specialist and doctor when I get home. Tomorrow's flight should be interesting to say the least! 

11:00 AM - Snowing outside. My mom and I drove to the local YMCA about twenty minutes away. It was the first time that either of us had gone to swim there in probably a year if not more. I got set up with a new YMCA ID since I lost the one that I had previously. It was good because I got a new photo. (No more 14 year old baby face!)

The rest of the California trip went significantly better than it had prior to the doc. visit. The tylenol with codeine helped make the plane ride bearable, even though the long flight was made an hour longer because we were out on the tarmac idling for about that time.

Yesterday, Tuesday 1/19, I went with my sister down to Albany to see my mom's friend Inez who is a doctor. I currently do not have health insurance because after graduation I was kicked off of it. Thankfully my mom has known her for like thirty years and she only charged us each $10 to be seen! She gave me a scrip and I took it to Walmart and was able to get 2 months of a prescription painkiller for only $8. What I found funny was that both the doctor and the pharmacist at Walmart told me to STOP RUNNING because it was BAD for me. (HA! Like that'll ever stop me!)

I did 2 warmup laps in the pool and then eased into a steady freestyle and did 500yds, stopped for a drink from my waterbottle and then did another 300yds. Then eased into a combination of freestyle and breastroke, but the breaststroke was hurting my hip so I stopped that quickly. I believe I went through the 1000m mark in about 17:35, with about 25:00 of swimming total today. I am so exhausted that I think I want a nap!

Yesterday the doctor was also concerned because my blood pressure was elevated to about 154/90 and it is usually 130/70 or so. In addition, my weight was a whopping 209.6 yesterday. Ick. So today I started a new plan to elminate salt and prepackaged foods which are usually laced with salt my buddy Jeff told me.

Breakfast was a bowl of raw oats and skim milk with a spoonful of sugar. Lunch was a homemade salad of carrots, grapes, tomatoes, lettuce, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fat free vinagrette dressing. Dinner is a bean stew my mom has been making all day.

Now off to go figure out wedding communicant stuff, health insurance, do some loads of laundry, and find a frame for my newly arrived NEW YORK STATE TEACHING CERTIFICATION!! woo hoo!

Total Swimming Time: ~25:00 Total Yards: 1200 yards

11:30 AM - Drove to the YMCA with my mom again before she had to go do Cub Scouts stuff at the elementary school. Jumped in and did 2 laps warm up and then my mom proceeded to teach me how to breathe while swimming. It sounds simple enough, but let me assure you it is not as easy as it sounds! It takes some practice learning how to breathe out and getting into a rhythm. Yesterday I was just exhaling after three strokes and then inhaling quickly. What I found was that I was extremely tired and was short of breath and almost hyperventilating. After she told me to exhale through the three strokes and then just inhale rather than trying to do both, I tried it and picked it up quickly. Then my mom wanted to teach me how to do a flip turn. I tried three or four times to no avail. I think I will have to work on that. So I resigned myself to swimming the 25 yard pool, touching the wall, turning and pushing off the conventional way. Flip turn will be a short term goal!

Did 500 m freestyle just arms with a floatie between legs, stopped for a drink. (10:50)

Another 500 m freestyle without a floatie (11:30). Water stop.

800m Freestyle in 22:03 (really feeling the burn through here!)

Overall, a great workout. Today was my second day of eating raw oats with skim milk for breakfast. Put a little cinnamon on today, and no sugar. For lunch I am having a gigantic salad with an entire cucumber, a tomato, a little cheese, and iceberg lettuce with fat free balsamic vinagrette again. Oh and a sodium free seltzer. Blood pressure was a little lower today.

Also, according to my scale I lost another 2 lbs. WOo Hoo! Getting fit rocks!

Total Time: 44:23 Total Yards: 1800 yards (1.022 miles)

7:00 PM - 300 crunches.

11:30 AM - Sunny out. Ran errands with my mom and then after going to the bank and pharmacy, stopped at the YMCA to go swimming with my mom.  Started with 50 yard freestyle warmup, and then did 500 yard freestyle, 200 yards with the floatie, 500 yards free, and then finished up with freestyle after a water break. Was really crowded today with 2-3 swimmers in all five lanes! Then we hopped in the hot tub and listened to two old men talk about their vacations and seeing lions and tigers and bears oh my!

Sent Emmy some daisies that got there there this morning as apology for the rough vacation. She was so surprised! I denied it at first that they were from me but she said when she saw the delivery person she said, "Yup! Those are Benn flowers!" (white and yellow daisies!)

Am completing my online application and account for several jobs around the region. I am excited. I just want to get a job! 

Total for today was 1900 yards. I am getting better at this swim thing!

Total Time: 47:00 Total Yards 1900 yards (1.079 mi) 

4:00 PM - Read Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus this afternoon. A story kind of like "curiosity killed the cat" where a German doctor dabbles in witchcraft but ends up signing over his soul in blood to Lucifer and the Devil. Even though written so many hundreds of years ago, it still works today with people wondering what is out there and so quick to put down those that don't agree with the same ideas as them. I read it nonstop in an hour and highly recommend it. Marlowe writes with such energy that you can literally see the play performed before your eyes!

10:30 PM - Read first 45 pages of Edward Larson's A Magnificent Catastrophe and then picked up Harry from ski club at the school. 300 crunches before bed. 

10:00 AM - Sunny out today. My brothers both went snowboarding with their friends. My mom took Harry up to snowboard while she snowshoed. I was left home to watch the dogs. I haven't run since before the trip to California and I wanted to see how the hip felt as I haven't had any real pain in about a week since we got back. I stretched and did a warmup, then stretched again. About halfway through I switched to Vibrams and then finished up the run and stretched. Didn't feel like reading the Larson book today on the 'mill so I picked up Dean Karnazes's 50:50 again. I read it the last two years. I like how he rights matter of factly and I understand where he's coming from.

My mom says it's good that I am a distance runner because it is my grit and determination to go long that allows me to swim lap after lap in the pool, even if I don't know how to flip turn! That means a lot. I hope to get to the pool another 1-2 times to swim this coming week.

I know I have posted these quotes here before I believe, but once again I will quote Karno:

"There's no cure for an addictive personality. If you're going to express a compulsive tendency, it might as well be through running. As Lily Tomlin once joked, "Exercise is for people who can't handle drugs and alcohol."' - pg. 27

"Like a lot of runners, I am an introvert by nature. Running naturally appeals to introverts because it's a solitary activity, unless you go out of your way to make it otherwise, and it has a way of dampening external stimuli, bringing your feelings and thoughts to the fore." - pg. 55

Total Time: 41:43 Total Distance: 4.32 miles Average Pace:  9:39

11:30 AM -  Rain, Rain, RAIN! Temperature is crazy hot for January. I think the bank said it was 52 degrees just before I got home. Had to run a bunch of errands, including printing, sealing and mailing my first post-grad application for a real job! Then went to fax some stuff to the college, called and e-mailed the college about job fair stuff. 

Went to the YMCA to swim before my mom had cub scouts this afternoon. It was the strongest I felt during swimming since I started. I only stopped once, at lap 22 because my mom was trying to talk to me so I stopped for 10 or so seconds. I feel my breathing and arms and torso are getting in swimming shape! Hopefully I don't start to grow a tail or fins! Hit the 1 mile in 41:07.

Total Time: 46:52 Total Swimming Yards: 2000 yards (1.136 miles)

6:30 PM - After making the family dinner I decided to read a little of DK's 50/50. Well one thing let to another and decided to jog while I read on the treadmill. Ended up doing a half hour nice and relaxed. Read another 35 pages or so. Hip feels okay, but still a little tender. No long runs for a while I guess. Hopefully swimming will be a good xtraining activity though. 200 crunches.

Total Time: 30:04 Total Distance: 3.11 miles Average Pace:  9:40

 "We are all teachers and we are all students in this sport." - page 69

8:30 AM - I'm subbing at my dad's school for a 5th grade teacher for a 1/2 day today (I am welcoming it even though I'm nervous because I am broke right now and it's an easy $45.00). Decided I needed some Dean Karnazes in my morning and hopped on the treadmill and jogged 3.25 miles in 31:00. Felt pretty good. Hip doesn't hurt too bad. I am constantly monitoring it as I run just in case. I found it hurts more if I try to make sure my feet are straight as they land then if I land with my feet slightly splayed in a "v" shape. This is probably because I am bowlegged. Plan on going to the YMCA to swim tonight with Su and Emmy.

1:00 PM - Have been super busy sending out applications for jobs for social studies teachers. Emmy called yesterday with an ad in her local paper The Berkshire Eagle about a long term sub for social studies teacher that opened up just a half hour from her house. I wrote up a cover letter yesterday, got a copy of my references and resume and took it to the post office this morning. Then went food shopping with my mom and decided I needed to get a jog in because I haven't exercised in a while. I have been so busy trying to get my stuff in order to get a job!

Tried to read a bit from Larson's A Magnificent Catastrophe about the election of 1800, but was too tired to concentrate on reading. Instead I rigged up my laptop and watched a couple episodes of "The Cleveland Show". Felt good. I did 3.15 miles in about 30:02 and then stopped and changed into my Vibrams, stretched out the legs and then finished the run in the Vibrams. I feel much stronger in the Vibrams lately. I think I am finally starting to develop some of those muscles that might atrophy in conventional shoes. Oh, finished reading Dean Karnazes's 50/50 again last night. Really like reading his two books. I might read Ultramarathon Man for about a 5th time in the near future.

Total Time: 52:54 Total Distance: 5.55 miles Average Pace: 9:32

11:30 AM - Went with Su and Mom to the YMCA. It's my dad's secretary's 50th birthday today so we had to stop at get a card and some leftover things on his list. I guess when she went out on a coffee break today he ran around painting the windows writing "AARP" in big letters and "You're really over the hill now!". Then her boyfriend had sent her flowers, and my dad crossed off his name and wrote his own! HAHA. Then my mom brought the two St. Bernards in to school with 2 dozen black helium filled balloons. Hilarious!

At the YMCA, I hadn't swam in a while. My arms were little tired, but I still managed to do over a mile. Ended with 1850 yards of freestyle, despite a cramp in my right foot only three laps from the end. Took a twenty second break and then finished up. Fifteen minutes in the hottub afterwards.

Total Time: 43:42 Total Yards Swam: 1850 (1.0511 miles)

1:30 PM - After getting home, I decided to do a jog. Hopped on the treadmill. Was really cranking out the sweat. Probably a bit dehydrated from swimming too, despite eating and drinking a ton as soon as I got home! Kept the treadmill at about 6.3mph the whole time. Everything feeling good. Going to stretch now and grab a shower.

Total Time: 33:21 Total Distance: 3.5 miles Average Pace:  9:32

1:00 PM - Went and did taxes with my mom today. Since I paid for a semester of grad school out of pocket I'm getting more money back than usual. I get something like $83 back from NYS (huge because usually I owe them money) and $595 from the feds. This is great because I am broke beyond brokeness and still can't get hours at work.

Hopped on the treadmill and just relaxed and took it easy. Weight is down to 193 today. It's okay. I really need to lose 15 lbs or so more though. Ended up going 5.6 miles in 52:59.

Total Time: 52:59 Total Distance: 5.6 miles Average Pace:  9:27

5:00 PM - I subbed in Schuylerville again. Saw most of my seniors that I student taught with. Today I subbed for Physics and 8th grade life science. I was a bit nervous because I hadn't done either of these subjects since the last time I took them in high school! Everything went fine though. The last period of the day, the entire school went to the high school gym for a pep rally. It was spirit week and the students raised close to 2,000 dollars for the relief for Haiti. It was great to see grades 7 through 12 get involved. All the kids were shouting, yelling, clapping, laughing. Such a great time. And then after the classes were yelling across the gym to each other about which grade was the best, the seniors started shouting, "Mr. Griffin! Mr. Griffin!" HAHA . I think I went about 10 different shades of red!

Tonight I tried to watch a bit of "Running on the Sun" which is a DVD I own about Badwater. I have been toying with the idea of just trying to go for it and run a 50k. My heart and soul want to. Just have to convince these legs to want to go the distance!

Total Time: 1:00:02 Total Distance: 6.33 miles Average Pace: 9:29

6:30 PM - The last few days have been a whirlwind. I enjoyed the Super Bowl. Emmy came up for a couple days before her mom left for California to go see her kiddos and her granddaughter (my soon to be niece! Janey). Got a call yesterday (Monday 2/8) morning at about 8:30am from the Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter School (one of two that I applied to since graduation). They want an interview! They gave me a time and topic (Wed., 2/10 @ 830am). So I spent all yesterday typing up a lesson plan at Emma's house. See the funny thing is that in the middle of the Super Bowl we decided I should take Mary Rose's (Emma's mom) offer and move into the basement at her house. We packed up all my stuff within an hour and then I got the phone call the next day. Got here to Emma's, wrote up the lesson plan on the Bill of Rights, and then unpacked and set up my new room. I absolutely love it! It only took about 1.5 hrs to set up.

Today Emm and I ran errand after errand. We hit up several grocery stores to get the food situation squared away, printed off some stuff for my interview tomorrow, and then after a yummy lunch decided we would frame my h.s., undergrad, and grad diplomas as well as my NYS teaching certification and put it in my new room! They look awesome! She is so helpful!

We had an exercise date afterwards. I went jogging on the treadmill while she did the elliptical because her foot is still bothering her. With the wood stove going though it was like a sauna down there! We watched an episode of "The Office", although I had to take my shirt and glasses off after fifteen minutes because I was dying of sweat! Felt good. Her treadmill is locked at 2% grade and can't go any lower so it was a real challenge to keep up the pace. Left knee hurt for about a minute, but no pain in the hip that had the bursitis last month! Yay! Kept it around 6.5-6.6 mph, though last .33 I bumped it up to the 7.2-8.0 mph range with the last .10 miles @ 7:30 pace. A strong run, especially while blind and sweaty on the 'mill.

Total Time: 37:01 Total Distance: 4.05 miles Average Pace:  9:08

5:00 PM - So today I was supposed to have an interview for the opening for a long term substitute history teacher at Berkshire Arts & Technology Charter School (BArT), only I got there early and Emmy drove me around Adams for about twenty minutes. My appointment was for 8:30, so I aimed to get there somewhere around 8:10 or 8:15. I ended up having an interview with the principal, also named Ben. Things went pretty well. It's a really great school. There are about 220 students from 12 different municipalities throughout the county, some kids driving nearly an hour to get there. It has longer school days (8am to 330pm) each day, and teachers stay after at least two days a week to be there for students. I also was given a tour of the school. All the rooms were really great. The school even has its own dentist office! Ha! But however, there was a snowday and alas, no students. I have to go back tomorrow to do my lesson plan. They told me I have to do a 20-25 minute lesson on the Bill of Rights. I was really nervous this morning, and when I was leaving Ben's office I saw that there were about 5 or 6 other applications and resumes on his desk. I am hoping for the best. I hope that I can get the job! Wish me luck tomorrow!

Tonight, before making dinner I organized my filing cabinet and everything in it. I really like my room in the basement at Emmy's! It's getting to be quiet the little bachelor pad! Then we went to the bank to look into getting a checking/savings account. All the money we've saved for the wedding needs to be spent soon!

Went on the treadmill in the fiery furnace basement of doom. Did 30:00 in my Brooks's Addictions and then switched to the Vibrams for about 20:00. Felt really good. The last .25 I opened it up a bit and did about 7:25 pace.

Total Time: 50:46 Total Distance: 5.55 miles Average Pace:  9:09

7:50 PM - So yesterday I was supposed to give my lesson, but the school had a snow day. Today, I had an appointment at 1pm at BArT to give my lesson. I was exhausted last night and fell asleep on the couch at about 8:30pm. I ended up waking up and going downstairs and slept straight through to 7:30am this morning. I woke up had some yogurt, banana, and a couple cups of coffee and then went over my lesson again.

Emmy drove me to the school and I got there a little early. Waited in the office and then Ben with one n met me and took me upstairs to the history room. They had told me Monday to prep a lesson on the Bill of Rights for 15-20 students. I walked in and there were 4, two 9th grade boys and two 10th grade boys. In addition Ben (the principal), the executive director/superintendent, and the current teacher were all in the room. So there I was ready to teach, but had to change my lesson on the fly since there were so few students. It went well though. I opened talking about what are "RIGHTS" and what do they mean? Then went into talking about what types of rights do we have today and why? Did some history from Magna Charta (1215), into John Locke and the English Bill of Rights (1689), to the Articles of Confederation (1777), and then the Constitution (1787) and our own Bill of Rights (1791). I think the lesson went well. They really enjoyed it. I gave them a handout of the actual Bill of Rights, and went over it with them, and then gave them a "cheat sheet" I had made up of all the ten amendments in the Bill of Rights. Then we looked at newspaper articles I had come across, including a local one and they had to choose which amendments each article pertained to. (One article had to do with a school board and citizens allowed to speak out, the other about bringing Michael Jackson's doctor to trial for manslaughter, and the last was about a drug dealer who got convicted because cops looked through his cell phone contacts without a warrant.) I really had a great time and they were great kids.

Went afterwards for my second interview with Ben and also with the executive director Julia. We talked for about fifteen or twenty minutes. Afterwards I walked across the street, met Emmy and updated her and we drove to Williamstown, MA and I got a coffee (Organic Ethiopian) and a chocolate chip and peach muffin (interesting and YUMMY combination!). So Ben said I would find out one way or the other by the end of the day tomorrow if I did in fact get the job. It's out of my hands I guess.

Later tonight after errands to Walmart, the food store, and the bank, I had an exercise date with Emmy. She ellipticized while I ran on the 'mill. We watched an episode of "Kitchen Nightmares" (after dinner thankfully!). Felt pretty good. Stretched and then took fastest shower of my life :45 seconds!

Total Time: 41:44 Total Distance: 4.55 miles Average Pace:  9:10

12:00 PM - With the "hard part" done and over with for the interview process yesterday I slept pretty well, though I was still up by 7am. I didn't want to just sit around the house all day waiting for the call, so I went and did errands with Emmy and then decided to go running. I drove over to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail off of Rte. 8 in Landesborough, MA and stretched and started jogging. It was interesting because I noticed that there were a ton of footprints when I first started, and then they became fewer and more sparse until finally there were none and I was left trudging through 8-12" of drift snow that came off the lakes onto the path. It was slow going, but I took it in stride (ha ha stride literally I guess!) and listened to an episode of Car Talk. This must have been my week because my mom called last night and what I thought was a $300 repair on my 2001 Chevy Prizm for a new exhaust system actually only needs a $5 one! Plus I got my tax refund today in my account, 600 bucks!, and also got a 37 dollar check for a 1/2 day of subbing a few weeks ago, and then a 90 dollar check for working at the bookstore. Oh yeah!

So I went out 33:45 and decided that was good. It was cold and windy and I didn't know how my legs would hold up with all the running lately. Trying to maintain and build slow and steady for July! I came back about a minute slower, finishing in 1:08:51, a 35:06 return (coming back INTO the wind though). Got back to the van, stretched and then drove to Emmy's. Had just come over the hill back towards Pittsfield when my phone started ringing. I pulled over and answered it. It was Ben from the BArT school OFFERING ME THE JOB!! It was hard to control myself but I accepted the offer graciously. I start next Wednesday, and first day with the kids is on Monday! How cool is this! I at least have a job until June 23rd anyways. Then who knows what I'm going to do. I think we might get Indian take out from our favorite Indian restaurant to celebrate tonight as we watch the opening ceremonies for the Vancouver Olympiad! 

Total Time: 1:08:51 Total Distance: 7.6 miles Average Pace:  9:03

1:00 PM - Worked Saturday and Sunday at the bookstore in New York. Kind of weird right now working in two states at once! Had a quiet night in last night after work with Emmy for Valentine's Day. We got Chinese take out. I tried the General Tso's Tofu. I am still trying to eliminate meat from my diet. It's been about a week. I am planning on still having fish. Guess this makes me a pescatarian?

Hopped on the treadmill and watched as Charlotte Kalla took the first gold medal for Sweden in nordic skiing since 1968! I loved watching it! And as I'm part Swedish and have a Swedish middle name (mom's maiden), I feel as though I could identify with Kalla as she skiied to gold. Did 4.25 miles in 40:30 on the treadmill in my Brooks, then hopped off and switched t-shirts because it looked as though I'd jumped in a lake, and put on my Vibrams to do the last 2.1 miles Felt really good.

Total Time: 1:00:00 Total Distance: 6.35 Average Pace:  9:27

6:30 PM - My mom, Jonn and Harry all came up last night to see Emmy and me and my new room! Drove them up to Adams today to see BArT (I start tomorrow!). Then we went to House of India for the lunch buffet. Watched a little bit of the Olympics, including the women's biathlon. Then all five of us went out on the hill and went sledding. This was fun because I cannot remember the last time I went sledding and believe it or not it was the first time I've ever gone sledding with Emmy (in nearly five years!!). Came in for yummy tea and then my brothers and mom had to go because Jonny and my sister Su had a soccer game in Clifton Park tonight.

While we were out sledding, I had the bright idea to both get extra runs down the hill behind Emmy's and also get an impromptu workout in. Ran up the hill with my sled between runs for 5 runs. Probably about .15-.2 mile hill. Was winded needless to say. 

Hopped on the treadmill and I think I tasted Indian food every four or five steps. Oii. Pushed through it though! Felt good. Stretched afterwards. A good tired.

Total Time: 41:00 Total Distance: 4.32 miles Average Pace:  9:29

6:00 PM - Today was my first official day at BArT. I got there at 9am and did all the paperwork, got a tour and got to meet Sue Moore, the lady who I am am subbing for. I settled in to the room (Four other teachers share the same planning room I guess.) and got to work. Ben, the principal, suggested I get about two weeks worth of plans in order before Monday. Oii. I am teaching two different history classes, two sections of American History I (Columbus to 1877), and two sections of American History II (1877 to now). I stayed and worked until a little after four. Everyone else in the building was already gone. 

Drove back to Emmy's house and made sure to check on Ruby Gato. Emma is in Boston for doctor's appointments and to see her sister until tomorrow night. HA, as I'm writing this the cat is massaging my stomach. She needs it like a baker making dough. So funny!

Went running on the treadmill before dinner. Needed to relax a bit. Ran 3.30 miles in my Brooks and then switched to my Vibrams for the last 19 or 20 minutes. Legs feel pretty good.

Total Time: 51:12 Total Distance: 5.55 miles Average Pace:  9:13

6:20 PM - Had a long day at work. Wide awake at 5am and then did some chores, fed the cat and went into work. Got there right before 8am. I stayed until about 3:40 PM. Spent all day doing lesson plans. Oii. I'm exhausted. It was nice though because some of the students were in prepping for a Mock Trial debate tomorrow. Met one of the teachers I share a prep room with, April. She was really nice. There are 8 teachers with desks in a single room. Talk about harnessing brain power, eh?

Afterwards I met Emmy and we went to Walmart so I could pick up some school supplies I needed and then we went to the food store. Finally got home around 5pm, had a snack and then went on the treadmill. Ran 3.5 miles in my normal Brooks's and then switched to the Vibrams for the last 2.1 miles. 200 crunches before the run.

Total Time: 50:16 Total Distance: 5.6 miles Average Pace: 8:59

7:00 PM - Had a really long week. Still trying to plan for Monday. Kind of hard to do because I still am not sure what is expected of me when the kids come in. We shall see. I am feeling this next week will really be a doozy. I had to wake up at 630 this morning and I drove to New York to work at the bookstore. Kind of sucks working in two states at once. It's about 1h30m drive to the bookstore. I got out and drove back to Emmy's (might of sped a little but what are you going to do!). As soon as I got in I gave her a hug and kiss and then got changed and we had an exercise date. Little did I know... that I'd be 

 RUNNING IN DANTE'S INFERNO!!!

I ran on the treadmill and Emmy ran on the elliptical. I did about two miles before picking up the pace, and when I got to 28:00 in I decided to do a bit of a workout. I alternated 1min "on" at about 6.7-6.9mph and 5% grade to 1 min "off" at same speed but only 2% grade. Did 4 x this and ten eased into the end. Could have gone farther but I have to do some homework before bed tonight. Blargh! Cool Factoid: At the end of the run, I asked Emmy as I was stretching if the treadmill looked weird. I had moved it backwards on the floor almost 3 feet during my run tonight! Legs of Steel?!

Total Time: 41:15 Total Distance: 4.6 miles Average Pace: 8:58

12:00 PM - Woke up and did some work on school stuff. Getting nervous and such about meeting all of the kids tomorrow. First days (or weeks for that matter) are always tough. Thankfully the curriculum coordinator of the school is allowing me to send her ideas and she is helping me refine ideas to make sure they are good.

Needed to get a long run in because I'm not sure how much I'll be able to run in the next week, and I needed it to relieve some stress and feel better about myself. Hopped on the treadmill with a CamelBak on with 2L of water in it. I drank it all before the end of the run! Ran at 2% incline and about 9:40 pace I believe the whole time. Watched the Olympics. Ran with the lights off to imagine some coolness. Didn't help much. I was sweating like crazy! Ended up running just over 10 miles.

Total Time: 1:35:15 Total Distance: 10.10 miles Average Pace: 9:25

6:20 PM - Went to bed at 8pm last night; Tired from the run and also today (Monday) was the first day at BArT with students. I was nervous and up at about 5:45am. Had to get dressed, shower and be in the car by 6:40 to drive the 35-40 mins to the school. What a day! I was very happy to meet all of the kids and they were very nice. I really like them already! Had a really hectic day however, and didn't even get a lunch break until nearly 3pm! Every day starts with a faculty meeting at 7:40 am where I was introduced today. Then I had a 1 hour class called Math Boost which had two very find gentlemen (seniors) that are cramming to take and hopefully pass the MCAS state math exams in a few weeks. From there I had to go right upstairs to W.E.B. DuBois (all their rooms are named after famous artists/writers, etc. where I had 2 history classes (1 9th grade AH1 and 1 10th grade AH 2). Had 11th grade advisory after that, a half hour break for lunch which went too fast, and then 2 more 1 hour classes teaching history, followed by a supervised study period. The school operates on 16 periods a day! It's crazy. Students get there at 7:45 and leave at 3:40. I stayed until 5pm, and then drove home. I am exhausted.

Emmy did a lot of errands today, including a somewhat amusing car story trying to get it inspected. She is truly the greatest! She went grocery shopping and got some of my favorites for lunches! :D Am excited! Is it the weekend yet? Oi! Going to try to do some more planning and such now.

When I got home, Emmy had tilapia and rice and some Baked Lays ready. I ate dinner with her and we opted to "share" the treadmill. I went first and did 36:00 minutes on the 'mill. Started slow. Wanted to see how the legs felt. No real soreness or anything though! Felt good! Ended with a couple laps around 8:00 pace and the last lap I did at 6:40 pace. Did 200 crunches afterwards.

Total Time: 36:00 Total Distance: 4.16 miles Average Pace: 8:39

6:20 PM - Oii. Long day. Slept well last night. I was exhausted. Today seemed to fly by. I was supposed to have time to plan and such, but it slipped away from me and before I knew it it was the end of the day :(. To make matters worse we are in the middle of our first big winter storm of the year. It made the buses late and the kids were still getting on the bus at 4pm about 20 minutes after "dismissal". I decided it was better to head home, so I headed out to the car and swept off all the snow. I drove across the street to the McDonald's and bought a large coffee for only $1.06! Woot! Then began a harrowing drive home...

I had a lot of trouble in my Chevy Prizm going up hills. Long lines of cars going both directions. Average speed was only about 20 or 25. What is usually a 35 minute commute to BArT became a 1h30m ordeal from Hades! I barely got into Lanesborough, and then I have to go around the mall road and up over the huge mountain into Pittsfield. I got about 1/3 of the way up and I went slower, slower, slower to the point where my car stopped. Thankfully no one was behind me. I was able to somehow go in reverse and kind of sling shot around to the other side of the road. Then came the long way through the city of Pittsfield. Then ran into another problem. Emmy lives on a hill and I ended up having a lot of problems getting up her hill. There are 3 possible ways up to Emma's house. The first was blocked because of snow from a snowplow, the second road was blocked by two snowplows facing each other (drivers were talking). 3rd time was the charm - barely. Barely made it over the hill. Thankfully Emmy is a gem and shoveled the driveway for me including writing a huge "I <3 U" in the snow :D. She is so adorable :). 

Jog on the treadmill before trying to do hw. Would be nice if there were a snow day tomorrow. I am super tired and struggling to stay afloat right now. Felt pretty good. Just forgot a water bottle so I started to get really thirsty. Surprisingly no real pain anywhere. Just tired.

Total Time: 40:30 Total Distance: 4.30 Average Pace: 9:25

6:00 PM - Long day at BArT but a fun one! Today was the school's Science Fair and I was an honorary judge and got to judge about 11 or 12 of the 130ish presentations. Grades 7, 9, 10, and 11 competed (determined based on what course you were in for science), and a lot of the presentations I graded were my own kiddos. I had about 5 supported study periods today, and the last one was the only one that really tried my nerves. But it was expected with such a disrupted schedule today and the rest of this week. I stayed at work until about 5pm and then headed home for a quick jog. Tomorrow is a half day and then a half day of personal development time. Switched after 30 minutes into Vibrams to finish the run.

Total Time: 50:13 Total Distance: 5.60 miles Average Pace: 8:58

6:35 PM - Finished my first week at BArT today. The students had a half day. It was a crazy week with a snowday on Wednesday, Science Fair on Thursday, and then a 1/2 day today. I am exhausted! After the kids left I had lunch and then had meetings all afternoon. One of the great things about BArT is that they stress horizontal team meetings (all the teachers in the grade level), as well as vertical team meetings, which is in my case all the history teachers meeting together. 

After school I drove home and got there around 5. Yet another storm is dumping snow on the Berkshires tonight. We already had over a foot and a half the other day, and then 2 or 3 inches of rain yesterday and today. Oi. I guess it is winter!

Emmy made us Mexican dip and we had a fiesta snack/dinner and then I got changed into running clothes while she was doing crunches on the mat. I opted for a Vibrams workout even though I was tired. Felt fine except for some hot spots on the balls of my feet towards the end. I really need to invest in a pair of those toe socks! I did 1.50 miles and then did 3 x .5 miles "on" with .25 miles "off". The first 2 800s I did at 7:30 pace, and the last 800 was at 6:58 pace. Felt pretty good. Now going to rest and watch some Olympics. Have to drive and work in New York tomorrow. :(

Total Time: 33:00 Total Distance: 4.05 miles Average Pace: 8:09

2:30 PM - Went running while I watched the last 3 x 5k loops in the Men's 50k Classic XC ski race today. Was wearing my SWEDEN t-shirt with pride. I do like rooting on my Swedes! This has been a great Olympics for us. Was great to see Peter Nortug of Norway finally break into stride. His closing speed is amazing! Swedes got in there for Bronze though! My favorite race to watch this entire Olympiad!

So, anyone want to hear about my crappy day yesterday?

Woke up with 8" of fresh snow and I had to shovel out at 6am to drive 1.5 hours to Saratoga Springs, NY for work.  On the way there, snow still falling. I had to pass a plow truck on the 3 lane highway. I moved out into the 3rd lane and slowed to about 45mph and the plow was in lane 1. Well a truck decided to blow past us in the middle lane and it shot up rock salt and BAM BAM BAM! 4 new divits in my windshield. Oii. Got to work and worked til 1pm. Saw my mom and sister. Went to the bank and wanted to deposit checks in the ATM room since the bank was closed. But I found that I was LOCKED IN! I waited about ten minutes and was thinking about calling 9-1-1 but then a guy showed up and let me out! Went over to Jiffy Lube and spent $200 bucks! I was originally just getting an oil change and tire rotation but then they said I had a dead battery! (100 bucks to replace) My mom told me later on that that was probably a gimmick. The car has been starting alright the last couple weeks so it probably would have been okay. Then I had to drive to get pants and shirts for work, but they didn't have my size so had to drive to Albany to get some. Then on the way home, right about where I got pulled over for the headlight out (and only 2 hrs after the JiffyLube experience mind you) I heard a clink-clank-clunk and saw cars behind me changing lanes. I pulled over and found that my exhaust system was dragging on the road! Called my mom and Emma. And they couldn't believe the day I was having! Haha. I pulled over and listened to some NPR and waited about 1.5 hrs for mom to get there and she helped tie it up and we switched cars so I have a car to get to work. Maybe this is a sign I need to quit my job in NY at the bookstore? Finally got home 14 hrs after leaving, just before 8pm. Oi.

On a plus, today's run was fun and besides sweating a bunch the only pain I had was inside of my left knee, a bruise that looks like it's from kneeling on the road yesterday. 

Total Time: 1:05:00 Total Distance: 7.27 miles Average Pace: 8:56

7:00 PM - Long day at school. Went last night to see Emmy's grandpa in the hospital. Was the first time I had met him even though I've known Emma for like 5 years. He is recovering from a heart attack and surgery. Good news is Emmy said she went today to see him again with her dad and he is doing better.

Even though I had "free" periods, I did a ton of planning, grading, and meeting. There is something new to learn every day and today was filled with learning opportunities. I left the school about 5:30pm tonight and got home around 6:00 pm. When my bed time is about 9pm at the latest, doesn't leave much time for anything. Still managed to get in a run.

Running is good for the mind. It cleans the conscience and relieves the stress.

Total Time: 50:34 Total Distance: 5.555 miles Average Pace: 9:06

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

5:15 PM - I really love this first full week at BArT. Times for smiling. Times for frowning. Times to learn from for the future. I really like the atmosphere of the school. It is all about the kids. It is centered around being the best we can to bring out the best in them. I am so glad to be a part of it.

Today at 1:30 was the recognition for the science fair projects. It was so great to see all of my 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders come together in the atrium. The high school is significantly smaller than the middle school, as after 9th grade you can't apply to get into the school. You have to be promoted. Well after the awards, we had about 10 minutes to kill and Ben Klompus (the principal) decided to have a community meeting where the students are given the opportunity to give "shout outs" to others that have helped them this year. It was great to hear the students thanking one another for being there for them through the good times and the bad. Students genuinely thanked their teachers for helping them progress from where they were at the start of the year to where they are today.

Well I was completely taken aback when TWO different students said that they wanted to give a shout out to Mr. Griffin. One said that he believed I deserved a shout out for, "coming in here so far into the year and actually teaching us history!" And another gentleman gave a shout out for Mr. Griffin having 'the best beard in the school!'. Haha. It made me laugh :D.

I drove home a little early. It was pay day! And even though I only worked 4 days last week I had a paycheck that equaled the biggest paycheck I've gotten at the bookstore (which was when I had 10 days of 8 full hours of work!). Granted a lot more goes into teaching and there is a lot of outside prepping, etc. that the bookstore doesn't have.

Emmy and I went jogging on Cadwell Road, running from the Causeway (Dan ___ Memorial Drive) at Onota Lake. This was the first real run outside I think that I've done this year since my injury). Phew. My quads are shot! I can't wait for the tired feeling tomorrow morning. Mm. Ran down to the end of the road and back. I ran the first 3 miles with Emmy, and then I sped up and ran 2 miles of tempo. Then I circled back to get her, but found she was only .10 miles behind! She is a trooper! She was really hammering the downhills too! We finished up together to the car and ran a loop of the causeway to get her to 6 miles. Felt good! I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE RUNS IN THOSE SHOES.. She runs in a pair of just lounge around Pumas (Pumma Pumas!). Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:44
• Mile 2: 9:22
• Mile 3: 9:07
• Mile 4: 8:06
• Mile 5: 7:38
• Mile 6: 9:13

4:15 PM - I went running at the same place that Emm and I went running at on Friday after school. I did a faster paced run. My legs were still sore from Friday. I was going to go longer but it was really windy and nippy out there. Decided to do a harder shorter run than an LSD today. Hoping to get back to 25 or 30 miles soon. It will be tough with all the work I need to do however. Slow and steady.

Yesterday after work went to Fleet Feet in Albany. Really love this store. They actually know their running stuff. I bought a pair of Injinji toe socks for my Vibrams and stocked up on HAMMER Gel. (They're the only place that has HAMMER products). I also tested out a pair of Adistars and a pair of Reebok shoes which I ended up buying. I was going to get Brooks's Beasts, but they don't sell them. And rather then get another pair of Addictions since I still have some life on the ones I have now, I opted to try another pair. I am really tempted to get those Adistars though. They would be nice for the road, though they would get ripped apart on the trails I think. (Added in .30 miles that I ran yesterday testing out 3 pairs of shoes into today's mileage.) 

Saw one other runner out there today on the causeway. It was way windy though. Getting ready for my next work week. I put in another notice at the bookstore. After next Saturday I am going "contingent". :( They will miss me and I will miss them. Splits today were best this year so far:

• Mile 1: 8:34
• Mile 2: 8:31
• Mile 3: 8:31
• Mile 4: 8:33
• Mile 5: 8:36
• .22: 1:53 (8:44)

Total Time: 44:37 Total Distance: 5.22 miles Average Pace: 8:33

7:00 PM - Long day at work. Happy Monday! Mondays are always the worst because I only have 1.5 hours the whole day without a class or supported study to oversee. Got out around quarter to five and made it home by about 5:20. Had dinner with Emmy and then decided to go jogging while she did the elliptical. Had to wear the new shoes because I must've stepped in some dog business while running yesterday. Washed my other shoes and now they are drying downstairs.

New shoes feel pretty good. I like the way the Reeboks feel. These are the first pair of Reeboks I've ever bought. Always time for something new. That is after all the essence of the long distance runner. Trying new things to see if they work. Keeping those that do, tweaking and adapting for those that don't. Only time will tell what might come.

Total Time: 30:02 Total Distance: 3.26 miles Average Pace: 9:13

4:50 PM - One thing is for certain - working at a charter school sure makes you sleep at night. I got home exhausted but knew I had to go for a run. Today was crazy busy with near-riots, a fire drill caused by a burning bagel in a toaster, and students all over the place. Somehow got through it. One thing is for certain, the week seems to fly by when you have a busy job!

Went running from the Causeway again. Emma had gone walking with her dad 4.5 miles earlier in the day and then also went along with me. She is such a trooper. I ran the first mile with her and then sped up, turning around at the 2.6 mile mark. Came back and picked her up around the 2 mile mark and then she ran with me a bit. The 5th mile I sped up again, though she is fast going downhill! Emm really knows how to throw on the afterburners going downhill whereas I am pretty slow and steady. Cooled down around the Causeway which stunk because all the snow is melting and it reeks of old goose poop. Splits were:

•  Mile 1: 9:22
• Mile 2: 8:36
• Mile 3: 8:38
• Mile 4: 8:22
• Mile 5: 7:56
• Mile 6: 8:03

4:40 PM - Cloudy and overcast. Windy. Had a 1/2 day today but then a 1/2 day of training for MCAS. Wanted to go home before going back to the school for the high school dance. Ben asked if any teachers would make an appearance as a chaperone and only 1 or 2 ladies raised their hands. So I said I would be there :D. It was a lot of fun to see the kids after school and I even got dragged out onto the dance floor and danced for a couple minutes doing the "Mr. Griffin Dance" (which closely mirrors Kevin James's character's dance from the movie "Hitched"). Went jogging along the causeway. It really stunk like low tide and goose poop! But most of the run was good. Saw a guy walking and said a friendly Hello. Trying to get better about taking gels, so I had a Hammer Gel halfway through, even though I was only running like 45 or 50 mins today. Experimenting with different flavors.  Splits were good.

• Mile 1: 8:46
• Mile 2: 8:28
• Mile 3: 8:16
• Mile 4: 8:49
• Mile 5: 8:33
• .5: 4:08 (8:16) 

5:55 PM - It has been quite the week. I haven't been able to get a run in. Saturday was my last day at Borders. Now I'm going contingent. In addition it has been one monster of a week. Struggling right now because I thought I was doing the right thing assigning a take home final project since I was only there for a couple weeks at the end of the trimester. However, very few students "delivered". There were the few exceptions including one student who did a newscast on Shay's Rebellion. There are quite a few 0's going out. No matter how much I stressed that it was 25% of the trimester grade, they didn't seem to care. I also have stayed after school until 5pm four out of five days every week and very few students show up. I feel a bit dejected and let down. Oh well. Monday starts a new trimester. 

In addition, there is a lot I have to do now in charge of 11th grade advisory with SAT Prep, college visits, portfolios, etc. Oi. I am exhausted at the end of the day. I am essentially working from 5:30am to 9:30pm every week day. I can't wait to have weekends to hang out with Emmy! One fun thing was I did get to go to the museum with her last Sunday and we got to dress up in knights's gear and stuff. It is a History of War exhibit :D.

I went running with Emmy at the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail starting from Lanesborough. There were a lot of people out. Perhaps because it was so warm? It has been in the high 50s and low 60s for three days and projected to maybe hit 69 on Sunday! Ran 3.05 miles with Emmy and then she turned around. I kept going to LuLu on the Lake and turned around about 3.6xish miles in. Splits got progressively faster on the way back including a pick me up last mile.

• Mile 1: 8:55
• Mile 2: 9:00
• Mile 3: 8:44
• Mile 4: 8:19
• Mile 5: 8:16
• Mile 6: 8:24
• Mile 7: 7:48
• .28: 1:49 (6:27) inc. max pace of 4:44 a mile!
  

Total Time: 1:01:15 Total Distance: 7.28 miles Average Pace: 8:25

5:30 PM - Sunny and temperature around 65 at the start! It's crazy how warm it is! Running date with Emmy to end the week and then back to her house to hear about her grandpa. He is not doing well. He had an operation to put in a new pacemaker but then he got sick and the new pacemaker isn't working either. He is back in the hospital and he signed a DNR order and they took him off the ventilator. :-\. It has been hard for her. He is the first grandparent that she is old enough to remember losing. I have already been through this 4 other times as I remember all my grandparents dying. It is always a sad time. I secretly hope that he pulls through, but it's not looking too good at the moment.

We went running on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail again. It's amazing how much ice melted on the lakes in just the last day! A lot of people out. Just wanted to go nice and slow. I ran 19:59 out with Emmy and ran back in 19:49. Wasn't really pushing it. My legs were super sore from yesterday. Taking just a week off really does a number on you! I have to make the time to get in runs. Felt good though except for the end of the run almost stepped in a fresh dog pile. I hate how people walk their dogs on the bike path and then don't even pick up after them. I'm pretty sure I know what dog it was too.

I have to try to get some long runs in if I really think I might do the 50k on Fourth of July weekend. At this point I don't know. I still want to push for a 24 miler on my 24th birthday, though it's on a Friday and I work. Speaking of which I finally got my first official full time work check! I knew it was going to be big when I saw that I had lost $340 just to taxes! It was the first time I ever had a comma(,) in front of the decimal point(.)! But as Emmy pointed out, "[I] definitely earned this paycheck." All I have done is eat, sleep, and breath charter school. I kind of miss the book store only because when you clock out you know you're done and can go do whatever. Though the pay is atrocious. Oh well. Maybe the summer will be better!

Forgot GARMIN watch.

Total Time: 39:48 Total Distance: 4.3 miles Average Pace: 9:15

12:00 PM - Sunny and gorgeous. Projected high of 66 today and maybe 67 tomorrow! Feels like late June. So many people out today. Usually as you drive past the bike path you are lucky if you see 1 or 2 people on it every couple of miles. Today it was madness. We stopped by Walmart to buy a new bike pump. Emma rode her bike today while I ran. I ran from Lanesborough to BArT in Adams and then finished up with ~1.25 miles or so of cool down around the parking lot and up and down the main drag Rte. 8. Felt good today. Surprisingly well actually considering how tired my legs were after the run on Thursday. My legs ached before the run, and they most certainly ache now! This was my longest run I think since Thanksgiving! Woo Doggy! 

Oh and the "Woo Doggie" is also what Emmy said as I crammed my smelly clothes and CamelBak into the washer after my shower. I stank something fierce! Muahaha. Took a ClifBar at 5 miles about 45 mins in and then did a GU at the 1:30 mark. Also saw one of my freshmen biking the other way on the trail and I waved as she went by listening to her iPod. She looked at me weirdly and kept riding either because she didn't recognize me in non-teaching attire, or more likely she DID recognize me and was mortally embarrassed that her history teacher runs in short shorts. LOL Splits were nice and even and consistent.

• Mile 1: 9:05
• Mile 2: 8:58
• Mile 3: 9:07
• Mile 4: 9:09
• Mile 5: 9:13
• Mile 6: 9:16
• Mile 7: 8:54
• Mile 8: 9:17
• Mile 9: 9:12
• Mile 10: 9:13
• Mile 11: 9:23
• Mile 12: 8:58

4:00 PM - Sunny and temperature was in the high 50s. Cooler than yesterday and more clouds in the sky. Today was a good day. I helped Emmy and Sky-boy plant some seeds to start some seedlings for our garden while I watched a stream on the computer of the L.A. marathon. Pretty cool stuff. We had a little fire to get rid of the brush from the winter and then took Skyler to go get ice cream on the way to drop him off at his mom's. Afterward we went over to the bike trail and went jogging. Ran most of it slow, but then the last mile or so started to pick it up. Emmy totally called me on it and we were clipping along at about 7:30 pace. Well she really took off after that though she said she didn't even notice. By the last 300m we were cruising at 5:57 pace. This was a good run, especially on tired legs! Yesterday's long run kicked my butt (in a good way though!). Now time for a shower and some prepping for tomorrow's classes. Man the weekend sure goes by a little too fast for my liking! Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:34
• Mile 2: 9:24
• Mile 3: 9:29
• Mile 4: 8:42
• .70: 5:22 (7:42 pace)
  

 Total Time: 42:31 Total Distance: 4.70 miles Average Pace: 9:03

5:30 PM - Long day at school. Got to see Emmy when I got home though and the Ruby Gato. That made it better. I was able to talk about Obama's Health Care bill with my 4 classes today. However most of my classes are shot these next few days because there is MCAS state testing for my kids in the morning. Legs are still shot from the long run 12 miles this Saturday. Going to focus on building up the long run so that I can hit my 24 miler on my birthday and finish the 50k on July 3rd. SO, the question is now, when to fill out and send in my application!?!

Total Time: 30:00 Total Distance: 3.30 miles Average Pace:  9:05

Registered for my first ULTRA today! Out in Fabius, NY. I was going to do the Finger lake 50s however there are no hotels near there and the B&Bs cost a bit too much. We found a Comfort Inn for only $68 bucks and plus this race is only $10. It is earlier than the FL50s. This one takes place right around my birthday, Saturday MAY 29th. It is put on by the Syracuse Chargers Track Club and is called the:

HIGHLAND FOREST 1-2-3 Trail Race.

 
Runners can choose to run 1, 2, or 3 laps. Oh, and you can switch on the day of the race. I am going to gun for 3 laps. However as per the race site I have to start the 3rd lap before the 4.5 hr mark. So I have to push it the first 20 miles to make the cut off methinks. Check out the website!

http://www.syracusechargers.org/highland123/index.html

This is the training plan it drew up for me. I am in Week 3 I believe right now. I only have 10 wks to train. From what I've read the Saturday and Sunday runs are the most important so they are the ones I need to MAKE sure I do! Do you think this schedule will be adequate to finish? I have 4 x 20+ long runs and considering I ran 2 marathons on runs never exceeding 15 miles, I think that this would be more than enough? Thanks!

Week Of Week Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Miles Mar 1 1 CD 0 2 2 2 0 8 6 20 Mar 8 2 CD 0 2 2 4 0 10 6 24 Mar 15 3 CD 0 2 2 4 0 12 8 28 Mar 22 4 0 2 4 6 0 14 8 34 Mar 29 5 0 4 4 6 0 16 10 40 Apr 5 6 0 4 6 6 0 18 10 44 Apr 12 7 0 4 6 8 0 20 10 48 Apr 19 8 CD 0 4 8 6 0 10 8 36 Apr 26 9 0 4 8 8 0 22 10 52 May 3 10 0 4 10 8 5 12 10 49 May 10 11 5 4 10 8 0 24 10 61 May 17 12 CD 0 4 10 6 0 10 8 38 May 24 13 4 3 2 0 0 50K ultra 0 55

Something that I have learned this week is that we cannot always control our lives and our training. However what we CAN do is control the quality of it. I have spent a lot of time with Emma this week. She lost her grandfather on Wednesday morning and I have spent a lot of time with her just sharing time with one another. I went to the wake yesterday after school. The funeral was today but Mary Rose (Emma's mom) said it was probably better if we did not go to it. I know I have a hard enough time going to a wake. It was the first time for me anyways and I didn't want to tell Emma how much it made me anxious. Ever since my own Poppy died when I was 9 I have had a really hard time dealing with death. 

10:00 AM - Went jogging on the treadmill as I watched an episode of "Dirty Jobs". I'd been up since 6am and really needed to get a jog in. Was going crazy not running this week.

Total Time: 30:00 Total Distance: 3.30 miles Average Pace: 9:05

3:30 PM - Today was pretty cool. I loved it however. I always feel and run better in the cool spring and late fall weather because I sweat less. I always sweat profusely when running, but I was able to run relatively comfortably at the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with Emmy this afternoon after lunch. Despite only being 40ish out, it was sunny so there were a decent amount of runners and bikers out. We ran out to the duckpond where the guy has built a mini condo for his geese and ducks and stretched. Emma wasn't feeling too hot on the way out, however she felt better after stretching. We really started to pick it up on the way back. This was the longest continuous run outside in my Vibrams. I did buy a pair of those Injinji socks but did not think to bring them for the run today. Will try that next time. Felt good. We were flying as usual at the end. Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:08
• Mile 2: 8:27
• Mile 3: 8:34
• Mile 4: 8:22
• .7: 5:30 (7:54 pace) 

8:00 AM - Overcast, windy and cold. Saw some snowflakes. Temperature was about 30-31 when I started with a 12-15mph wind. Going out along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail wasn't that bad. However coming back I really hit the wind. Experimented with a new technique for long runs using the 25:5 (minutes of running: minutes of walking). I found that I was able to maintain a consistent and faster pace during the runs and my 5 minute walking stints were a welcome break. It breaks the long run up and I only slow to about 14 minutes per mile pace when walking so it's not bad. Felt pretty good. Opted out of the 5 minute walk at the end and just pushed to the car. Finished the run just under two hours. Listened to two old CarTalk podcasts. I love NPR!

 Total Time: 1:58:11 Total Distance: 12.50 miles Average Pace: 9:27

RUNNING (25:00)	WALKING (5:00)
2.81 miles (8:54/ mile)	.34 miles (14:36/ mile)
2.78 miles (8:59/ mile)	.31 miles (15:51/ mile)
2.80 miles (8:56/ mile)	.35 miles (14:24/ mile
3.11 miles (9:03/ mile)	N/A

2:30 PM - Emmy wanted to go for an exercise date so I hopped on the treadmill while she was on the elliptical. I did another 3.60 miles while we watched a little bit of "Superbad" on FX.

Total Time: 33:33 Total Distance: 3.60 miles Average Pace: 9:19

6:00 PM - I hurt all day yesterday after the 16+ mile Sunday. Felt good though. Longest run I think since at least September, if not longer. I feel stronger, despite still being "heavy" and about 196lbs. As Emmy points out, maybe I'm gaining muscle instead of fat. Who knows. Had a long day at school and really needed to destress and take some "me" time. I hopped on the treadmill when I got home after picking Emma up because it has been raining the last two days. I ended up feeling pretty good. The plan said to shoot for 4 so that's what I did. Looking forward to this weekend where they said we could be in the upper 70s!

 Total Time: 38:00 Total Distance: 4.12 miles Average Pace: 9:13

6:20 PM - Yet another morning of torrential rain. There are a lot of towns and cities in New England that are flooded. Thankfully we live on a hill! I tried to get to work early. Lots to do today. Had four classes to prep for, as well as several meetings at the end of the day. I managed to forget my lunch and Emmy drove it up to me in Adams! She is a sweetheart. I was go-go-going all day long! Have several hours of homework still to do tonight. It is terribly hard work and the week goes by fast! However, I feel that it is worth it and if I can even impact one child in one way then it is a worthwhile investment. Teaching is very much a performance and by the end of the day I am spent like an off- Broadway actor! Emmy went hiking earlier today and bonked her knee up good so no Ashuwillticook Rail Trail for us tonight. Instead I ran in my Vibrams on the dreadmill. First run with Injinji socks. I love them! No hot spots at all!

Total Time: 40:00 Total Distance: 4.34 miles Average Pace:  9:13

6:00 PM - Sunny and temperature in the high 60s today. We are in for a warm spell the next several days! Came to a few conclusions today:

1. My students need to think before they act. Nearly 20 students got I.S.S. today and then O.S.S. tomorrow for deciding that April Fool's Day was prime time for a game they called "Slap a f*g" in which they use obscene language and slap each other in the face. Oii. Stressful.

2. My students seem to like me enough not to pull any pranks on me (that I know of). They are for the most part great kids!

3. I am getting stronger. I am logging some decent miles now.

4. REEBOK SHOES STINK!!!!!  Less than 20 miles on the $134.00 pair of sneakers and the heels are nearly completely trashed. I need to stick to the shoes that are worth it for big runners like me, the Brooks Addiction and the Brooks Beast! Grr. Just angry I blew all that money on them.

Went to the bike trail and ran by myself. I wanted to do a couple faster miles so I did mile 2 and mile 4 "on", not all out, but steady, as if I were running a steady 5k or something. I felt good and not too out of breath. This is good considering I haven't done any speedwork this year. Splits were:

• Mile 1: 8:16
• Mile 2: 7:19 "on"
• Mile 3: 8:09
• Mile 4: 7:48 "on"
  
• Mile 5: 8:48
• Mile 6: 8:24

4:45 PM - Sunny and temp around 74 degrees!! Despite it being good Friday BArT had a 1/2 day for students today. I let my two classes go outside and work on political cartoons and throw a football around. I didn't see any point in trying to introduce new material with in some cases 1/2 of the class missing! After the students left, staff still had a full day so we had meetings and assignments all afternoon. Got to leave around 3pm however so I rushed home and got changed and went with Emmy to the bike trail.

Emm and I wanted to do an hour. It was really tough because the bike trail was packed today! I didn't want to push it too hard. I'm supposed to do a long run tomorrow and then we are driving to NY to see my family for Easter this weekend. We rode out 30:00 with the wind, and then battled it on the way back, coming in the second half in 31:48. Not bad however too considering how many people we had to dodge, not to mention roller bladers, toddlers, Chihuahuas on 20' leashes and bimbos. Time for some television and resting up a bit. Up early to try to do some miles.

P.S. Today was the first day we drove by and Dairy Kone was open!!! So naturally we had to stop and get some ice cream!

Total Time: 1:01:48 Total Distance: 14.51 miles

Highlight of today: running up the mountain road in Pittsfield State Forest. ~2.5 miles up and down; Starting Elevation: 1200' Ending Elevation: 2400' :D

8:00 AM - Today is going to be a gorgeous day! I woke up and it was sunny and 60 degrees at 6am. I made coffee and watched some Law and Order and then Emmy woke up. We were going to run together but her knee is still sore from bonking it on the hike the other day. I headed off to the Causeway and parked my car and then jogged to the trailhead at Pittsfield State Forest, about 2 miles away. I decided to run up the Berry Pond Circuit Road. It was a tough climb. I see now how MOUNTAINS HUMBLE BOYS AND MAKE MEN OUT OF THOSE THAT KEEP CLIMBING. Was huffing and puffing and huffing some more. The road is closed to traffic and I only saw one woman and her dog. I like running without running into people and bikes and rollerbladers. Much better than the other day at the bike path! I was sweating a ton however and by the time I got home I STANK so much Emma said I had to take a shower immediately because she said my smell lingered in the room. I told her I'd just dry my clothes in the sun and use them tomorrow and she gave me one of those "Oh no you wouldn't... but wait.. yes, yes you would!" looks. LOL. 

 Coming down the mountain, my quads were burning. I like running UP mountains much more than running DOWN them. I feel like going up I can dictate the pace and control a steady output of energy. Coming down you're just fighting gravity and inertia. It is good training though I suppose. Once I was down the 2.5 mile circuit road I ran back to my car at the Causeway. Next time I want to do the entire circuit road up and down which I believe is 8 miles from the start of the park. :). Feeling good! Now to enjoy this weather. They say a predicted high of 81 degrees and sunny!! Splits were a bit over the place, especially with the 2.5 miles of climbing. However, to me, the thing that stood out the most was my sheer consistency running on the flats and downhills and running 5 miles at a steady clip: 8:44, 8:43, 8:43, 8:44, 8:39

• Mile 1: 8:44
• Mile 2: 9:04
• Mile 3: 11:13
• Mile 4: 12:02
• Mile 5: 10:00
• Mile 6: 8:43
• Mile 7: 8:43
• Mile 8: 8:44
• Mile 9: 8:39

Total Time: 1:27:29 Total Distance: 9.18 miles Average Pace: 9:32

1:00 PM - Sunny and 77 degrees. Gorgeous out today. Went for a fast walk with Emmy up Dublin Road and then onto some on East Slope. On the way back we noticed that there was a crazy amount of cans. Emma and I have come up with a neat idea. We want to be scavengers at least once a week now and pick up cans and see how much $ we can collect. Today in just about 10 minutes we collected $2.35 in cans on Dublin Road. I guess those Irish sure like to get their drink on. I want to save up the money and do something fun with it!

Total Time: 37:00 Total Distance: 2.30 miles Average Pace: 16:05

12:30 PM - Sunny and temperature in the low 70s. Went running at Spa Park in New York after church with the family. Harry and Emmy came with me. Harry decided to go longboarding while Emma and I ran. Emma didn't know how far she wanted to go and my legs were tired from the run yesterday so we opted for a short, faster run. We were really slicing and dicing at the end and we duked it out. Emma barely beat me. We were running 4:58 pace the last bit. Flying. Afterwards I played about 30 minutes of bocci and then 30 minutes of tag with Harry on my team and the two of us vs. our two St. Bernards. We beat them but barely. Turns out St. Bernards like to find people (go figure for a rescue dog eh?) and they would do whatever it took to find us in the trees. A very fun time. Counted the tag for about 2 miles of barefoot. Probably ran more. We were running the whole time! Exhausted! Splits at the park:

• Mile 1: 9:06
• Mile 2: 7:53
• Mile 3: 7:56

6:00 PM - Overcast and temperature of about 60 degrees. Long day at school made longer by not getting enough sleep last night and forgetting my lunch again at home. Got home from school and scarfed down a couple bagels w/ cream cheese and then went to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with Emmy. On Saturday I helped her get her first official trainers (a pair of Brooks's Defyance). Also, the place is taking back the P.O.S. Reeboks and ordering me a new pair of Addictions. Sweet. Well Emmy is fast in her Defyances! She was really cruising at the end and I was laboring hard to keep pace. Funny that I can go long and slow for hours and yet we "whip" up the pace to 8:00ish or faster and I die. Got some work to do on speed. Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:02
• Mile 2: 8:44
• Mile 3: 8:47
• Mile 4: 8:19
• Mile 5: 7:18

6:00 PM - Sunny and 84 degrees! at the start. Talk about a warm spell! I had a long day at school, but I still do like working at BArT. The kids make it worth it. Lots of correcting to do tonight. I had them do political cartoons on War of 1812 and Spanish-American War. I can't wait to read them.

So my run. I started at the Causeway and went up into Pittsfield State Forest via Caldwell. It was mucho calor out. Highlight was that at about the 3 mile mark as I was busting up a huge 10-12% incline and the quads and hammys were burning,  I came across 4 high schoolers smoking up some reefer. I must have scared them because 5 mins later they were gone as I came back. Phew. Didn't want to have to call the coppers. Splits were slow considering the heat and the trails:

• Mile 1: 9:09
• Mile 2: 9:26
• Mile 3: 11:28
• Mile 4: 10:02
• Mile 5: 9:27
• Mile 6: 9:37

6:00 PM - Temp of 71 and gusty winds 20-30mph. A hot summerish night. Have had quite the week. I feel bad because I am sure my crankyness has been noticed by Emmy. I am hoping to make it up to her this weekend with a hike and lunch out on the town. We had plans to go to Mission and see a musician tonight but I was too tired and once we got there it was packed and I was just ready to sleep. I can't even tell you how drained I am. I ran as soon as I got home, a Vibrams run. Went to the Causeway and ran into Pittsfield State Forest and back. Just wanted to do a good run. Started clicking miles away somewhere around: 9:00, 8:44, 8:18, 7:50. Pounded out the last one. Felt good.

Total Time: 34:07 Total Distance: 4.07 miles Average Pace: 8:23

Today's Run = LONGEST run ever in a training run besides the 2 marathons. :)

1:00 PM - North Adams, MA. Emm and I went to see two of my coworkers up in Williamstown last night. We didn't get home until 2:30 and I was wide awake at 7. Not exactly a restful night's sleep. To make things worse, today was supposed to be my long run and it was overcast, temperature of 46 at the start and winds steady at 25mph with gusts up to 35 to 40mph (Found these gusts at the summit!)

Today's mission: Summit the tallest mountain in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock (3491' elevation). The mountain road going up is 8 miles up. I was running by myself and had my 24 oz Amphipod and 2 HAMMER gels. I ran out of liquids 1:45 mins into the run so I need to plan ahead for the next long run and keep a stash either at the car or prestash another bottle out on the route.  I followed the route up from the Williams Resevoir where I parked my car to the summit, same route as the road race that's held every September here. Going up is always a beast. Especially in the first few miles where there are seriously some 12-15% grades and numerous hairpin turns.

I got some weird looks from people, especially some hikers that I came across at mile 6. Miles 6-8 had snow covering the roads and there is still upwards of a foot up there! Crazy considering we had 4 days in a row last week with temperatures between 75-87! At the summit I ran around the top and took a couple pictures with my cellphone and then started down because it was incredibly windy and cold! At some points the wind ripped through two layers of spandex, my fleece and long sleeve shirt, and hat/gloves. Coming down felt faster and I had to lean back to keep from falling.

The way down went well overall and I got to the car and was planning on pushing the run out to 18 miles but I had run out of liquids and I was dying. My mouth was so dry and I decided that I had had enough. I wonder what my first 20 miler will feel like! :D HAMMER gels were at 45:00 and 1:30:00ish. After I got home I downed 2 powerades and my first recovery drink a 4:1 carb:protein drink. It said Fruit Punch, but Emma pointed out that it looked like toxic Pepto Bismal. HAHA. Splits:

Going Up:

• Mile 1: 10:13
• Mile 2: 11:34
• Mile 3: 11:59
• Mile 4: 11:38
• Mile 5: 12:28
• Mile 6: 10:50
• Mile 7: 10:47
• Mile 8: 10:45
• .2: 2:05 (10:39 pace) 
• Total Time for Climbing the "Beast": 1:32:21
  

 Going Down:

• Mile 9: 9:03
• Mile 10: 9:07
• Mile 11: 8:44
• Mile 12: 8:56
• Mile 13: 8:57
• Mile 14: 8:58
• Mile 15: 9:03
• Mile 16: 9:34
• Mile 17: 10:00
• Total Time for Descending the "Beast": 1:12:25 (omits mi. 17)

Total Time: 2:54:46 Total Distance: 17 miles Average Pace: 10:17

War Memorial at the top of Mt. Greylock (above) View from top (below)

10:00 AM - Legs were trashed when I woke up this morning from the 17-miler yesterday. Went to Emm's work and hopped on a pretty fly treadmill and cruised at 9:13 pace for majority of run. Walked to make it to 50:00 the last .25 miles. Felt good by the end though. Afterwards I went with Emm to get tea and a muffin at Dottie's cafe and then we went to TJ Maxx/Marshall's/CVS, etc. and errands.

Total Time: 50:00 Total Distance: 5.26 miles Average Pace:  9:30

6:00 PM - Sunny and temp around 55 or so. Breezy. A little cool. Long day at school. We had an official lockdown with the Adams police coming in to inspect and do a walk-through. Will be interesting to hear how it went. I fortunately was "stuck" in my office writing progress report comments. Shh! Don't tell! Got home and met Emmy and Mary Rose was on break. Decided to go for a jog and then go to Mission for open mic night. I needed to do 4 miles so I went with Emm to the Causeway. I decided to run up into the entrance of Pittsfield State Forest and back. Well going out was nice and easy but woooeeee can Emmy run. I don't think she has any idea how fast she was going.. but we were going sub: 7 pace for the last .5 miles and sub: 6 minute pace for the last .1. She is a speed demon! I am sure I will feel this workout in the a.m. :D Happy Tuesday! Splits:

• Mile 1: 9:40
• Mile 2: 9:29
• Mile 3: 7:58
• Mile 4: 7:12

6:00 PM - Sunny at the start and about 58 degrees. However it was getting late and the sun set and after the first two miles I started to get cold. Ran up into Pittsfield State Forest and hit the trails. Not too bad. A bit slippery in spots on the oak leaves from last fall, yet the surprise came around mile 3.25 when I came around a corner and ran into another Reefer Monkey Hang Out group. Grr. Just really makes me mad that they bring their junk in there. That's what I get for running late at night though. Felt good; legs were not that tired from the tempo run that Emm dragged me through yesterday. 

Today at school we were happy to welcome a woman that produced an independent documentary called "Shooting Beauty" about a group of people with disabilities that allowed them to "shoot" (or photograph/videotape) a day in their lives. I was surprised that all my kids were able to take it seriously and were actually on the verge of tears. I truly have some good kids though. Afterwards we worked on my president assignment I gave them.

My run was good. I got an extra helping of protein today because I ran into a cloud of gnats or black flies at mile 6. I swallowed several and got another one up my nose and one in my left eye (not to mention however many got lost in my hair and beard!). Fun fun :). Looking forward to this weekend. I am going to try to do a long run on the Appalachian Trail on Saturday - first official run on the trail!! Exciting! Splits today:

• Mile 1: 8:57
  
• Mile 2: 9:05
• Mile 3: 10:48
• Mile 4: 10:27
• Mile 5: 9:41
• Mile 6: 9:10
• Mile 7: 8:57

7:00 AM - Rain and overcast 40 degrees. Went out this morning with the intention to do a long run. However it was raining and then it turned to SNOW. I had trouble finding the AT because it is not well marked and the access road was closed. I jogged 1-1.25 miles on the fire road and then got to the trail but it was so wet and uncleared that it was downright nasty. On top of that it was raining and my sunglasses kept fogging up so I couldn't see (prescription sunglasses). Blargh! Decided to save my effort for another day and bagged the run and back to the car. I am hoping to get another run in later today of 5-6 miles, even if I have to get it in on the treadmill.

 Exciting news: I called "Tux Express" and made reservations for me and 6 other fine fellows to get measured for our tuxes next Saturday! This will be the first time that Emmy sees me in a suit (if I try one on.. not sure how the whole thing works).

8:30 AM - Overcast and downright cold. Temperature around 36 at the start. Felt like those December days before snow as I headed out. Went running in the Pittsfield State Forest today. I am going to try to get a few more miles in later too. Did a full loop this time of the Berry Pond Circuit Road. As I was going up I saw a group of hikers coming down. They gave me a thumbs up and one lady said " Way to go guy! Keep it up! You look strong!" I said thanks and continued on. About .5 miles from the summit a white-tailed deer when sprinting out across the road, startled by a dog I think. I continued, enjoyed the view at the summit and came down the other side of the circuit road, passing this pond "Berry Pond" which I found out was the highest elevated natural lake in the state of Massachusetts! Emm took some pictures of me after the fact. I will try to post them in a little while. We are still celebrating Nonno's 87th birthday. At the end of my run at the Causeway I ran into two runners. One heading out. Seen him before. I waved and so did he. The other was a high school age boy and he was coming down the hill and I found him trailing me and trying to race me to my car. At least I turned it into one. The last .3 or .4 I steadily increased pace from 8:00 to 7:30, to 7:00 and eventually down to 5:46 a mile. Felt strong. I beat him to my car by 3 seconds. My splits were:

• Mile 1: 8:42
• Mile 2: 8:35
• Mile 3: 10:31
• Mile 4: 12:12
• Mile 5: 10:33
• Mile 6: 9:12
• Mile 7: 8:28
• Mile 8: 8:29
• Mile 9: 7:24 

 4:30 PM - Put on the new pair of Brooks this afternoon after going to Nassau to meet my mom and dad for coffee. Just went 30:00. Nothing fancy. Emm did the elliptical and then we both did crunches afterwards. New shoes always feel weird. I like them after they are broken in I have decided!

Total Time: 30:00 Total Distance: 3.333 miles Average Pace: 9:00

5:20 PM - Happy spring break indeed! Spent the day with Emmy and Mary Rose. We went to Silvanus Lodge and booked the place for the Friday and Saturday of the wedding and then went to the country club and met with Mary McGuire our event coordinator who actually worked with my dad! Small world :). Afterwards on the way home we went to a really sweet diner "Dad's Diner". Really cute place and super nice waitress and SUPER GREAT food! I ate so much food! (including SIX pancakes!) mmmm. When we got home I went for a jog with Emmy at the bike path. First mile hurt a bit but then I started to warm up and it hurt a little less. The way back was better. Emma helped me along and I helped her and by the end we were flying. We like finishing up the runs on the bike trail with the last .5 miles from the bridge at a progression run usually ending in a good speed by the end. Today we got down to 5:21/mi pace in the last stretch :). Splits:

• Mile 1: 9:18
• Mile 2: 8:58
• Mile 3: 9:07
• Mile 4: 9:00
• Mile 5: 8:08
  

20.75 miles - 17.3 up and down Greylock and then another 3.45 @ the gym after bringing Emm her chapstick. More to come later. I am going with Emma to an open mic night with some coworkers. Was a good run today. What I learned is need to overplan for water. Despite 64 oz of water I ran out at mile 13. Also, learned what hurts more than actually running 20.75 miles... CHAFING for that 20.75 miles lol. More to come when I have time to do a real entry. Time for some much needed FOOD and cervesas.

10:00 AM - Sunny and about 55 degrees at the start. I drove the 40 mins up to Greylock and parked on Notch-Pattison Road by the Williams Reservoir. Brought a Camelbak and some snacks for the way. Way up was really tough. My legs were shot from doing the mountain in Pittsfield State Forest on Sunday. Maybe this is good practice to know what it feels like to run on tired legs? I went a bit slower on the way up than last time, though I felt better as a whole. I got a wave from a maintenance guy driving a lawnmower on the mountain road. He saw me ~2 hours later on the way down and he waved again, but it was funny because he waved 200 yards before I actually got to him. He was cute. He turned the lawnmower off as I jogged past and took out a piece of fruit. Overall a very nice guy. There was still snow up at the summit in the shade. Windy at the top and I was glad I brought my hat.

The way down was fun. It is such a blast to enjoy the scenic overlooks. I got squeamish one time as I looked down where the electricity wires were coming up the side of the mountain and kind of got vertigo. Despite bringing 64 oz. of water in my Camelbak I ran out of liquid 13 miles into the run, thwarting any ideas I had had about doing an 18-20 mi single run. I had a CliffBar at 45 mins, Gu at 1:30, and another CliffBar at 2:20. Splits:

• Mile 1: 9:58
• Mile 2: 11:55
• Mile 3: 12:39
• Mile 4: 11:54
• Mile 5: 12:17
• Mile 6: 10:19
• Mile 7: 10:38
• Mile 8: 10:59
• Mile 9: 9:34
• Mile 10: 9:29
• Mile 11: 8:42
• Mile 12: 8:39
• Mile 13: 8:55
• Mile 14: 8:47
• Mile 15: 9:40
• Mile 16: 9:54
• Mile 17: 10:06

Did 17.3 miles and then drove home, showered and got changed into another set of workout clothes. Went to Berkshire West Athletic Club where Emmy works and got on a treadmill and did a short run before she got out of work.

Total Time: 31:00 Total Distance: 3.45 mi Average Pace:  8:59

I am writing this the morning after and my legs actually don't hurt too much. The thing that hurt the most especially yesterday was the chafing! Have to remember to wear more body glide next time.

7:00 PM - Today was a very productive day. I woke up and actually wasn't that sore from the 20+ miles of running yesterday. I had breakfast with Emmy and then we commenced a ton of errands and yard work. Cleaned up the back yard and got a fire permit for the day so we were able to get rid of a lot of brush. Also went grocery shopping, returned our cans and bottles for the scavenger can $ (Current Total : $6.50), got my hair cut because it was time, and then hung out a bit before going to get a free engagement photo taken that Emma won.

Got home and was feeling really blah despite Emm trying to cheer me up with some softserve ice cream yummyness. Went for a jog while I watched Seinfeld. Really felt the 2% incline from Emm's treadmill even though I was running at a fairly slow pace. However, I think running on tired legs is good. This will make me stronger :).

Total Time: 40:00 Total Distance: 4.27 miles Average Pace: 9:22

5:00 PM - Temp around 62 at the start and sunny. Drove with Emm to Monument Mountain and decided to try something new. We ran to the top and down again. Never tried it before but we both did real well. I felt fine and actually felt pretty strong going up. I seem to be a goat going up, but she is a mountain goat coming down and left me in the dust! She told me I just have to let gravity do the work and not ride my heels, but I can't help it. I would rather be slow and cautious and limit the damage of falling I guess. Took us 16 minutes going up and 19.5 minutes coming down. Coming down was slightly longer, but we were clipping along at a good pace at the end.

Total Time: 35:30 Total Distance: 3 miles Average Pace: 11:50

This is the 3rd mountain I've scaled this week. I am getting in good form for this trail race! I did Pittsfield State Forest on Sunday, Mount Greylock on Tuesday, and not Monument Mountain today.

5:00 PM - Sunny and temp around 64. I went running with Emmy at the bike path. We had a big day of things planned because my groomsmen are coming up tomorrow to get sized for tuxes AND it's my little sister's 22nd birthday! We're going to have a barbeque here at the house :). On the way back Emm said she wasn't feeling well so I decided to go ahead and use it as a tempo run. I tried to get back as fast as possible. I was worried Emm might faint. I really pushed it in the last two miles. Was about 7 minute pace for a good portion of it! Running on adrenaline. Luckily she was fine. I went and bought her soft serve ice cream from our favorite ice cream stand and now we are chilling here at home.

• Mile 1: 9:16
• Mile 2: 9:06
• Mile 3: 8:48
• Mile 4: 8:07
• Mile 5: 7:03
  

2:00 PM - I went to BWAC with Emm. She went on the elliptical and rowing machines while I went on the treadmill. I started reading the April edition of RT but had to ditch that as the sweat started to flow. I wanted to get in a good run so I decided to try and get some hills in. I did the majority of my run at 5%-7% grade and ended up with more vertical feet gained then calories burned for the run which was a good feat. Felt pretty good and now I am tired out. Good run for a rainy day. 

Total Time: 56:00 Total Distance: 6.03 miles Average Pace:  9:17

Yesterday was tux fitting/measurement day and we had a blast. Joe, Dad, Jonn, Me, Steve, Emma, my Mom and others all went to Tux Express in Pittsfield and Jonn helped pick out our tuxes. They look really snazzy :D. Mine is only slightly different because I have both a brown and ivory pocket square whereas everyone else will have just brown. Jonn posed to let me snap a shot :D.

6:20 PM - Rainy and drizzly in the mid to high 50s when finally got home from work today. Exhausted. I ended up hopping on the treadmill and then doing 6.10 miles as I read a back issue of RT that they mailed to me. Have not been getting them since I moved to Massachusetts. Felt pretty good, but afterwards I was exhausted and unable to do any school work. Got up at 5am on Tuesday to do some instead.

Total Time: 56:00 Total Distance: 6.10 miles Average Pace:  9:11

7:00 PM - Really long day with a poor amount of sleep. Was up tossing and turning all night. Alarm went off at 430 and I was out the door by 515. I was taking my junior class with Barbara's seniors to the statehouse in Boston for the Diploma Plus exhibition. They had to bring a project that they were proud of that represents their hard work to share with other DP schools. BArT is not a full DP school, however despite this we represented well. I was really proud o the kids and they did a super job. I blundered a bit however when they called us up to give out awards and made us go first. We did not really know that much about the exhibition as I had never gone before, however all the other schools knew what was up and named each kid as "most improved in English", "most outstanding essays" etc. etc. Some of the kids felt let down but I told them afterwards how I was still very proud of them and I apologized for not knowing about how we had to give them awards. It was difficult because I don't teach any of them in class, I only have them in advisory. Oh well. Next time perhaps. We left the school at 6am after some issues with laptops. I ended up letting one of my students use my personal laptop. Got back to the school at about 630pm, drove home and hopped on the treadmill. Felt blah because I did not run yesterday. Ran 40 minutes easy, then got 2 x footlong "Veggie Delite" sandwiches from Subway. Didn't eat much all day and was HUNGRY! Haha. 1 month until my birthday today! :)

Total Time: 40:00 Total Distance: 4.34 miles Average Pace:  9:13

6:00 PM - Cool, 55 degrees. Long day at work. Got home exhausted but needed to get in a run to relieve some stress. Went running up into Pittsfield State Forest and did the mountain loop, 2 miles up and 3.25 down and around. Going up I averaged ~11:00 minute miles; pretty strong! Coming down I had a 7:50ish and a 7:24. Really cruising. Hurt on the way down, however it felt good afterward. Went home and had dinner with Emm and then passed out. Long run on Saturday. Oh, the top of mountain had almost every tree down. Wind was ~43mph when I ran. Gusts of 50+ though earlier in the day. No trees fell on me however. Hopefully do 20-22 miles on Saturday!

Total Time: 47:30 Total Distance: 5.25 miles Average Pace:  9:03

4:45 PM - Partly cloudy and temperature in the low 60s. Perfect spring weather. Emm asked if I wanted to go hiking. It was wonderful and I had a great time. It was also the start of a crazy 24 hours with over 6 hours of exercise squeezed in. How about that for ultra conditioning? (hiking, running, biking). It took us 1:09 to get up the mountain and 1:01 to get down. Went up the Cheshire Harbour Trail. Took a few photos at the summit before heading down. Got down and went out to dinner at Zucchinis. A lovely night. I have such a wonderful fiancee :D.

Total Time: 2:10:00 Total Hiking Distance: 7 miles

8:20 AM - Partly cloudy and in the low 60s at start. Sunny and 72 at the finish. Projected high of 85 today. Phew! Went down to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and parked by the Lanesborough Mall. Jogged next to the bike trail the whole time. Felt good. Took the Amphipod with me, however I ran out of water with 3o mins left to go and it hurt on the way back! Eeck! Turned around at 1:00 and came back in 59:00. 4 weeks until my ultra! Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:04
• Mile 2: 8:47
• Mile 3: 8:43
• Mile 4: 8:44
• Mile 5: 8:41
• Mile 6: 8:41
• Mile 7: 8:59
• Mile 8: 8:52
• Mile 9: 8:40
• Mile 10: 8:45
• Mile 11: 8:37
• Mile 12: 8:57
• Mile 13: 9:10
• .5: 4:18 (8:36)
  

Total Time: 1:59:00 Total Distance: 13.50 miles Average Pace: 8:49

1:00 PM - 82 degrees and sunny. Went home and got Emmy. We went to the bike trail and then biked down to BArT. The kids are getting ready to present their musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" next week and they were looking for volunteers to help paint props. Emmy and I biked down. It was hot hot hot out!! It took us about 40 minutes to bike down (slightly downhill). It took us 51 minutes to bike back with about 3 miles of gradual uphill. It was a fun bike trip. We got SUBWAY for lunch. We ran some errands and then got home and I am ready to pass out! Going to eat another salad however I think! Yummy! Quite the day of exercising! The hike yesterday afternoon, the long run today, and now the bike ride.

One thing I have to take away is that I have to plan better for long runs. I nearly died at the end and my left hamstring was starting to tighten up.

Total Time: 1:31:00 Total Distance: 22 miles

 Earlier, 2 miles picking up cans and bottles with Emmy. Not sure of time.

7:00 PM -  Running on tired legs from yesterday and the hike the day before. Does this count as ultra training? :) It was a high of 88 degrees today. Downright crazy end of August hot. I worked doing homework and lesson planning all morning and dealing with a plagiarism situation and then I had lunch and went this afternoon with Emmy to pick up cans and bottles on Dublin Road in Hancock. Bought some groceries and then we came home and fired up the grill. Emmy made grilled Portabella mushrooms and I made Turkey burgers. I haven't been eating that much meat at all and I don't know - - maybe it was because I ran so soon after dinner - - but my stomach did NOT like the Turkey Burgers.

Went to Taconic High School's track after dinner and stretched and went running. I was shooting just for a 40:00 run. The first mile really stunk. Every step was like a zombie from Shaun of the Dead or like Frodo carrying the weight of the ring to Mordor. After the first 5 laps or so I started to warm up and felt alright. I tried to run in Lane #6 the whole time but it is different than Galway's track... People actually go to this one. Had to fight people over it actually! I really think my aerobic base allowed me to carry on the speed in the second half of the run despite the heat! It was still about 80 degrees when I started the run. Splits: 

• Mile 1: 8:26
• Mile 2: 8:04
• Mile 3: 8:02
• Mile 4: 7:35
• Mile 5: 6:58

6:00 PM - It was muggy this morning and about 70 when I woke up. Long day at work including dealing with the plagiarism issue. Came home and needed to destress. Emm said she would go with me so we went to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. I was fine the way out but at about 3 mile mark my stomach started to act up. Really had to work hard to kick it in. Emm left me in the dust and finished about a minute and change ahead of me. Also this is the 6th day of running in a row so legs are a bit tired maybe? Splits:

• Mile 1: 9:12
• Mile 2: 9:01
• Mile 3: 9:18
• Mile 4: 9:23
• Mile 5: 9:07  

6:00 PM - Sunny and temp around 75 at the start. Pretty warm. Had a really long day at work and don't know really how to explain it. Found out two coworkers are leaving.. I know I've only been here three months but it makes me really sad :-\. Have to keep plugging along. Went with Emma up to Olivia's Lookout. There are trails across the road and Emm had hiked them with Lindsay before. We went running. It is supposed to be a 3.2 mile loop, but we took a wrong turn and it was closer to 4 miles. I am thinking about doing my 4+ hour run here on Saturday. ~ 540' of elevation gain per lap. If you go to the left you get killer up hills the first ten minutes of the loop and then you can relax and coast and work the downhills. I DO need to get better on the downhills. I am pretty excited. So long as the weather holds out for Saturday it should be a fun time. I plan on bringing powerade and pb and j and stuff to refuel while I'm out there.. I'll hide a mini cooler in the woods I guess haha .

Total Time: 44:00 Total Distance: 4 miles Average Pace:  11:00

6:15 PM - Rainy and windy. Looked like a "twista"! as we made our way up to Olivia's lookout again. Strong winds the whole run, but It got sunny towards the end. We ran a lot faster today than yesterday, but I am just physically and mentally exhausted. I need to rest up for the race on the 29th. One more long run and I think that's going to be about it. It is just too hard right now to lesson plan and to fit runs in. Ran the 3.5 miles in 33:00 and change.

Total Time: 33:20 Total Distance: 3.5 miles Average Pace:  9:31

12:00 PM - Last night after school I went with Emmy to get dinner at CJ's in Adams, MA and then we went to see my kids from BArT perform the musical "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". They were awesome!! Such a great show! 

Woke up this morning to rain, rain and more rain. It was forecasted to be sunny later, though I didn't really see more than 5 minutes of continuous sun all day. I headed up after breakfast once the rain had settled a bit to Olivia's Lookout and went running on the nature trails across from it.

Emm stayed at home initially. I told her I was doing a long run so the plan was for her to show up after a couple hours. I got there and set up an aid station at the start/finish area for each lap. Each lap is about 3.5 miles with 540' of elevation gain. I figured good practice for the race coming up in three weeks.

My Aid Station:  3 x 32 oz. Powerades & a sleeve of Reduced Fat Ritz Crackers.

Lap 1: Heavy fog. Started slowly and right at the beginning there are significant uphills. Plan was to walk uphills for each lap and see where I got by the end. I wanted to remain pretty steady and on pace, and also have some energy left at the end. Ran the first lap somewhere around 36:30. (Refilled water bottle at end)

Lap 2: The fog gave way to a steady rain. I was glad to have the reflective waterproof bike jersey on today as I ran. It kept some of the water off. I was getting annoyed because my sunglasses kept fogging up. They are prescription and I can't see without them so I had to keep them clear so I wouldn't trip and fall over roots and rocks. Best time to do this I realized was on the uphills where I was choosing to walk anyways. Finished the second lap around 1:14:00. (Refilled water bottle at end)

Lap 3: Rain on half the course and sunny and windy on the other side of the mountain. Weird. Feeling pretty good. At the end of this lap I refueled my water bottle and ate about 7 Ritz crackers. Time was around 1:52 after the 3rd lap. (Refilled water bottle)

Lap 4: Rain stopped for part of this lap while I was on the uphill portion. Saw a mountain biker and he looked gnarly. I got out of his way as he came down a rock face like it was nothing. He had more guts than me. About halfway down the downhills I ran into a cute girl in a hoodie that was running. I said "Hey!" and she ended up running with me for the rest of Lap 4. Then I convinced her to run the 5th lap with me. Fiancees are so cool :D. Emm and I finished the 4th lap together. I ate some more Ritz and told her about my run. Most of the time we just ran in silence though listening to the raindrops in the trees and being in the moment. Time was somewhere around 2:33. (Refilled water bottle)

Lap 5: Emm is such a good sport. Made it through the uphills and then on the way down we started noticing all of the red spotted newts on the trail. I commented that I hoped I hadn't accidently annihilated one but statistically the fact that this was my 5th lap it was not too good. We saw one every fourth or fifth step the whole way back to the aid station! Crazy! Never seen this many in my life! Felt good at the end, thought about another lap, but I was soaked and tired and it was time to go home. Time at the end was 3:09.

Total Time: 3:09:00 Total Distance: 17.5 miles Average Pace: 10:48

1:30 PM - Crazy go nuts wind today. It had to be 50mph or so. Knocked over the grill outside. Afraid trees might fall on our head, Emmy and I went to the gym. I ran in my Vibrams while she did the elliptical and rowing machine. Then she helped show me around the weight room a bit. I need to get in the habit of trying to go to the weight room at least monthly lol. The run was good. Only one or two other people in the whole gym. I eased into the run because of yesterday's long run. Legs were remarkably pretty in tact! A little soreness in the left leg but feels better now. First two miles were done about 9:13 pace, and then I decided to test my speed/endurance I started opening up on the treadmill and ended up running the third mile in 6:34!! Then I scaled back some and ran the last 1.55 miles slower. Felt really good.

Total Time: 37:53 Total Distance: 4.55 miles Average Pace:  8:19

6:00 PM - Not as windy as yesterday and warmer. Partly sunny and temp around 54 at the start. Went with Emm to Burbank Trail across from Olivia's  Lookout. Just needed to get rid of some stress. Found out two more coworkers won't be there next year, but there are openings now and the principal told me he "expected a letter of interest and resume" to be submitted. Got to get on that at some point. Ran the loop pretty hard. Only walked up one really steep incline. On the way down, really hammered. Tried to keep up with Emmy and felt pretty strong and just went... Almost took her out at the corner by the bridge at the pond. Finished and it was good enough to relieve some stress. Felt good to get in a nice hard run with Emmy despite being kind of tired and "blah". Going to go see Open Mic night maybe tomorrow with Emmy.

Total Time: 34:06 Total Distance: 3.6 miles Average Pace:  9:28

6:00 PM - Went to Olivia's lookout. Cool in the mid 40s and overcast. Wanted to try wearing Vibram FFs on the course.. verdict is in - not a good choice. Too many rocks and roots, especially on the downhills. Really roughed up my feet.  Could only manage a loop in close to 38 minutes, quite slow. Then went on the road and did about .55 miles downhill @ 9:00ish pace, turned and found my second wind. I really have the strength for uphills now. Steadily increased pace and by the time I got to the top of the rise where the parking lot was I was cruising hard at 6:55 pace. Good way to end the run. Came home. I feel bad because I am gone each morning by 6:40am and don't get home until 5:30ish or so at night.. then have to go running.. in bed by about 9. I think Emm misses me. I know I miss her!!!

Total Time: 47:00 Total Distance: 4.25 miles Average Pace:  11:03

5:15 PM - Sunny and humid, temp around 78. Had planned on doing my long run today as Emm and I are gone all weekend to Boston to help our awesome friend Missy paint and move into her new condo she just BOUGHT!! Started the run and legs felt dead in the water. Had been on my feet for 6 hours of teaching with only one 27 minute "free" time today which I spent calling a place about a field trip for the kiddos. Was just exhausted. Still managed 7 miles on trails however.

Total Time: 1:12:00 Total Distance: 7 miles Average Pace:  10:17

7:00 PM - Long day at work. We had a long weekend because we drove out to Boston/Chelsea area to see our friend Missy and to help her move into her very own condo. It was on the third floor and we ended up getting a lot of painting and cleaning done. At first I wasn't so hopeful because it was a foreclosure, however it really is starting to look cute! :D. Dragged through work today because we didn't get home until nearly 9pm Sunday night. Emm rode her bike up to BArT and I waited for her and then met her outside.We stopped to get potting soil and then came home. I just hopped on the treadmill. I didn't feel like going outside and as I did not finish until 8ish it would've been dark!

Total Time: 46:00 Total Distance: 5.10 miles Average Pace:  9:01

6:30 PM - Very rainy and wet outside. Emm got stuck working a 12-hour shift at the gym to cover for another girl who was taking finals. I went to meet her. Plan was to do a workout together but we didn't know she'd be working 12 hours :(. I went upstairs and got on the treadmill and this lady came over and asked if she could turn off the fans. I said sure?. I think I regret that now. I'm writing this on Wed a.m. and I woke up at 4am with a huge charley horse in my left calf. The only thing I can think of is how much I sweated yesterday because of no fans. I think I was dehydrated. I am limping around the school now. May take today off and/or just do 2 miles or so tonight. Other than that the run was fine. Included a 6:38 mile in the middle. Felt pretty good overall!

Total Time: 44:00 Total Distance: 5.10 miles Average Pace:  8:38

7:00 PM - Long day at school made longer by the cramp in my left calf. Woke up wide awake at 5:30 with a severe charlie horse in my left leg. Tried to stretch throughout the day and brought a powerade with me to work today. Seemed okay once I started to run however. Wore my Vibrams. Hopefully a good nights sleep and drinking a few glasses of water will help. Only did a 20 minute run to test the waters. Didn't want to overdo it.

Total Time: 21:00 Total Distance: 2.30 miles Average Pace: 9:08

9:00 AM - Partly sunny and temp in the low 60s when I got to the Taconic Track. No one else there this a.m. Emm is still out in Boston. I haven't run much in the last two weeks because I've been swamped at work and also nervous about the race on Saturday. Now we are in the WEEK OF THE RACE! I am getting excited to slice and dice at the Highland Forest 1-2-3. Woke up pretty sore because I helped cut down a lot of trees at my parents's place yesterday. Went home because Jonn had prom with Ellen on Friday! Today's workout was pretty strong. It included a good warm up and cool down, 1 x mile, 1 x .5 mile, and 2 x 400m.  Highlight of the day was running the fastest mile I have since undergrad in 2007. Splits for the intervals:

• 1 x mile : 5:55!
• 1 x .5 mile: 2:51
• 2 x 400m: (1:15, 1:23)
  

6:00 PM - Super hot today. High of 82. Projected high tomorrow is 90 and Wednesday is 92. Yuck. Going to be in the 80s+ until Saturday. Thankfully the weather in Syracuse is tentatively only a high of 68. Today was a really long day. I had an interview and model lesson today at BArT. It went alright. Not as well as I thought it was going to go, but considering the wild cards thrown at me at the last minute (including two students that hadn't been in my class for over a week coming back) I think it was okay. I was just nervous because the principal, executive director, and the the chair of the history department were there. Got home and needed to do a short run to test the waters and relieve a bit of stress. Relief that it is over. Getting through the week and then I can relax on the weekend!

Total Time: 21:00 Total Distance: 2.10 miles Average Pace: 10:00

The last few days have been a whirlwind. Thursday was my last full day at school this week and it ended on a SUPER NOTE! I was in the office with Ben the principal and I was running a field trip by him and he said, "If it's okay with you I'd like to switch the subject.... I'd like to offer you the job!!" I nearly jumped out of my chair! Talk about a super birthday present! So I have been officially offered a full-time social studies position in the fall!! It was a great moment! :) So excited!

On to the race...

6:00 am - Woke up on Friday morning and drove with Emmy to her Dr.'s appointment and then to Syracuse. We grabbed lunch at a diner and then headed off to find Highland Forest. We checked into our hotel after driving back from the forest. Highland Forest is absolutely amazing and I plan on running this race again! They have one of the best state park lodges and setups I have ever seen. It is immaculate and maintained and the admission price is ONLY $1.00!!! Friday night we relaxed and went out to a restaurant in Syracuse called "Pastabilities". Mmmm mmm good! Went back and tried to sleep in the hotel but it was difficult. I kept waking up and tossing and turning.. nerves.

Saturday morning was spent getting ready by about 6:30. Race time was 8:30 am. Grabbed breakfast as soon as the continental breakfast started at 7:00 and then we were off for the 35 minute drive to Fabius, NY. Fabius is a very small town. I believe the 2005 state census listed only 344 people! Had a very small-town NY feel (much like the town I grew up in). We pulled into the parking lot right around 8:00 am and headed over to the registration table. I got there and gave them my name for the pre-registered runners, only to find out he DIDN'T SEE MY NAME! My heart started pounding and I was like, "what? I sent it out in March!". Thankfully the RD decided that he wouldn't hold it against people if they sent in their registration and it somehow got lost. I filled out the sheet again and they said the fee was waived! Phew. Time to relax and get ready for the race.

Emm was there to keep me talking so nerves wouldn't get to me. I was just excited and ready to go! I was wearing my custom made running jersey I made a few weeks ago that quotes Quentin Cassidy from John L. Parker's "Once A Runner".. "The Trial of Miles... Miles of Trials". One last sip from my Amphipod and I was ready to go!

Loop #1 : 2:02:07 (Miles 1-10)

I started off in the back of the pack. Didn't know the course so wanted to be conservative. My goals : 1. start off slowly, 2. walk all uphills, 3. Finish with a smile on my face! I fell in behind two groups of runners and immediately started listening to their conversations. One group consisted of two couples and from the sounds of it they had done a 5-6 hour bike ride yesterday and were pretty beat (perfect for pacing off of). Another group in front of me consisted of two barechested 20-somethings and an older gentleman with a heavy accent. He knew his running however and immediately struck up a conversation with me about running books and what books were my favorite (I told him I worked in a bookstore for four years and know every book out there!). He was quite funny and I ended up following the three of them the entire loop. There were aid stations at about miles 3, 6.5 and 8. I filled a bottle at each station, drank it down while I was standing there at the table scrounging for other goodies like granola bars, and then refilled it again for the distance in between the next aid station.

It was already warming up by about an hour into the first loop. The projected high was 83 for Saturday (a big change from the initial 68 projected at the start of the week). I knew hydration was key. I kept plugging away and was astonished at how EASY the course actually was! The 5k loop I run @ Olivia's Lookout is way harder than this course was! I was stoked for a good time. Some mud here and there but overall nice. No significant hills after the first mile until mile 7. Most of mile 7-8 was spent walking up to the highest point on the course and from there it is a nice and fast downhill to the start/finish area. I kept about :30 to :45 behind the pack of 3 chitter chatters after leaving the pack of 4 bikers in the dust at mile 6 for good. Turns out all of these I paced off of were only doing 1 loop. Came down the hill and saw Emmy waiting with a smile on her face to greet me after the first loop. I was drenched in sweat but smiling like crazy. I told her I felt like a million dollars :) . She talked to me for a few minutes while I refueled. (I spent about 3 minutes refilling my bottles and grabbing pretzels and cookies.) As I left the aid station Emm wished me luck and headed back to the hotel.

Loop #2 : 2:06:58 (Miles 11-20)

Much of the second lap I ran alone. I didn't see anyone for about twenty minutes and actually thought I had taken a wrong turn, until I caught a glimpse of someone ahead of me as I approached the first aid station. It was the first of four people I ended up catching on the second lap. I like the mentality of trail runners. They are always up for a conversation and the sheer nature of trail running is much simpler and basic than the fast-paced fury of road racing. The man I came upon told me I looked strong as I plugged along to the next station. Picked up a banana and GU and took off. Ended up seeing two more runners (a man and a woman ahead of him) as I started up a long .5 mile uphill. I worked out that it was more efficient to eat as I walked rather than eat while running, so I had carried the banana about 1 mile until I got to the uphill and then I gulped it down. I really relied on HEED during the race to keep me going. Love that stuff! Caught up to the guy and we started chatting and he ended up following me on my heels for about two miles down the downhill. We caught and passed the woman and then I kept plugging away on the flats through knee high grass that made a double-track a single-track. Really beautiful scenery though! Pulled away by about :02 going into the next aid station, but as I refueled they ended up catching me. Pulled away again and never looked back. Put serious distance on them going into the 8 mile aid station.

I was feeling super strong going into the last part of this loop. Despite the sun beating down I thought I was hydrating okay. I knew I had to. I ended up downing 16 x 20 ounce bottles over the course of the 4+ hours for the two laps. I think I was sweating HEED for days afterwards! Didn't really start to tighten up until after passing runner #4 on the second lap going into the long two miles of downhills leading to the start/finish area. I really started to feel my quads tightening up. I let who I thought was the winner of the 3 lap go past me and I exclaimed, "Wow you're fast!" Turns out he wasn't the winner of the 3 lapper. Hhaha. Saw another runner in a red shirt ahead of me and I really thought I could catch him. My 5k/10k racer mentality told me I could, but it is amazing after 4 hours of running how slow the body is to react to normally "easy" tasks. Despite only being :15 to :20 seconds behind him, I never could close the gap. Looking at the results the day after, if I had only known how close I was to others, I might have been able to make up some ground and finish close to the top 10. There's always next year though!

20-Mile FINISH : 4:09:05 (15th place of 24, 2nd in age group)

So, if you are still reading you'll notice I wrote "FINISH".. sans 30 mile split. It turns out it was too sunny and hot for many runners on Saturday. Many other of the 20 miler finishers that were welcoming me in after the second lap said they too had succumbed to the heat and decided against a third loop. After talking with the race officials who informed me I was indeed within the cutoff time of 4h30m, I decided not to go back out. The last person to attempt a third loop left at 3:42:00. I would have had a 27 minute deficit from the beginning of the 3rd loop and would have come in dead last. This way I finished smiling and feeling accomplished and knowing I could have gone a bit farther. Oh well, there's always next year. This gives me something else to shoot for next time! They had really yummy soup and snacks so I got some of that and watched the first place man and woman for the 30-miler come in what seemed like effortlessly. Truly amazing! BUT, I didn't get lapped! Woohoo! :).

Waited for Emmy to drive back from the hotel. Felt kind of bad she had to come all the way back out to get me. We went for a 1.10 mile cool down around the nature trails leading up to about mile 19.5 of the race. I remarked to her that this was the first trail race I hadn't actually fallen! Though I had one close call as my quads seized up and I started to hobble at mile 19.5 and just couldn't lift my legs over the fallen tree in front of me! Like I said, amazing how easy tasks become not so easy.

After the cool down and congratulations from Emmy we went to an Alpaca Shearing Festival (how cool is that, huh?!) at Springside Farms for a few hours before going back into Syracuse. Really had a great day with her, minus that evening when I was starting to get a little cranky and we went to a Chinese restaurant that didn't give you silverware. In retrospect I must have appeared really funny to all of the Chinese in there trying to eat with chopsticks and not being able to pick up any of the rice or stringbeans! I almost resorted to just stabbing them! haha. So in conclusion,

1. This was by far the most fun I've ever had in a trail race.

2. This was my longest trail race EVER!

3. This was the best I've ever felt in a race ever!

4. I DID finish with a smile on my face!

5. I have to thank EJC for being the best fiancee in the world! :)

7:00 PM - A very pleasant day today. It was sunny in the morning in Galway, NY. Emmy and I went to the Galway Memorial Day Parade and I caught up with some old friends and family. After a pleasant weekend we headed for home. I wanted to get a jog in. My legs were pretty sore on Sunday but really sore when I first woke up this morning. It always hits me two days afterwards. Got back to Pittsfield and I went on the treadmill because I wasn't sure how far I'd go. Ended up doing 30:00 and felt alright! Nice to know I'm not too sore after that long run. Need to concentrate on getting a few more long runs together.

Total Time: 30:00 Total Distance: 3.25 miles Average Pace:  9:13

6:30 PM - Hot, around 82 degrees with some torrential rain when I got out of work today on the way home. Did not bode well for a run outside so I decided I needed to make the most of it and jog inside. I grabbed a snack and then went downstairs. Watched an episode of "Seinfeld" and drank some Powerade. No real soreness in my legs. They're just fatigued and a bit "blah" feeling.

Total Time: 38:00 Total Distance: 4.25 miles Average Pace: 8:56

7:00 PM - Long day a work. Had to proctor a state test for the first time and it was actually kind of fun - - not at the time but in retrospect. I got placed in a room with 7 of my freshmen and they each had about 7 accomodations. The only casualty I had was an exploding highlighter from a student that was frustrated with the Biology test and then the same individual at the end of the test was huddled under his desk "bombing drill" style. But I made it through it :). Was stoked about that. Temperature was a high of 85 degrees today, and very very humid. Highlight of my commute was my Chevy Prizm ticked over to 170,000 miles. Still going strong and no major repairs! (**Knock on wood**)

I drove to Taconic High School Track tonight. Emm wanted to go running at her work. I got to the track and stretched and started jogging. My legs felt really heavy and I felt like I was barely moving. However looking at my splits, I was going faster than I thought. Mile splits were:

• Mile 1: 8:16
• Mile 2: 7:53
• Mile 3: 7:45
• Mile 4: 7:28

7:45 AM - The Northeast stinks as far as humidity is concerned! Tossed and turned all night because I kept waking up sweaty and uncomfortable. Wide awake at about 7 this morning. Temp was about 70 and rain. I had read thunderstorms were expected today so I bagged my run and started on the treadmill. Ended up doing 10.1 @ 2% incline in 1:35:50; changed and went to the track but it was just too humid! As soon as I got out of the car and walked to the track I was already sweating again. Only did 2 and change at the track between 7:40 and 8:20 pace. Then came back and switched into my Vibrams and jogged another 3.5 miles on the treadmill in the basement. Legs feel good. I am ready to ramp up training again. My only concern is trying to fit in long runs during the end of the school year and during the summer when it's going to be hot, hott, hotter! I sweat profusely and it's not a good combination. As it was today I changed my shirt 3x!

Total Time: 2:25:23 Total Distance: 16 miles Average Pace:  9:05

Hard to believe this time last week I was running a 20 mile race!

10:00 AM - Overcast and humid, temperature around 73 degrees. Emm went with me to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. First time here in probably close to 3 weeks. She was away this weekend at her cousin's high school graduation, so it was nice to get a jog in with her today. We headed out at an easy pace and went out about 2.6 before turning around and coming back. Splits were pretty consistent. My goal was to run the first 4 relaxed and then run a tempo mile at the end to see how I felt. Legs were surprisingly fresh considering I logged 16 miles yesterday. Splits were: (9:05, 8:55, 8:50, 8:33, and the TEMPO MILE was 6:40!) This 6:40 mile felt much easier than the 6:38 and 6:39 I ran a few weeks ago at the gym. My goal is to consider working on speed since I have good endurance now at least once during the week. I think it will help break things up as well. I will alternate between 800m repeats and then 1600m repeats the following week. We'll see how it goes.

Total Time: 43:27 Total Distance: 5.20 miles Average Pace:  8:21

3:00 PM - I went and had lunch with Emmy at Panera after going to pick up some necessities at Walmart. We just missed the rain yet again (a theme for the day). Came home and after a little cleaning I jogged 2.25 miles on the treadmill in my Vibrams. Everything feeling good. Now time to do some homework and think about school tomorrow.

Total Time: 20:46 Total Distance: 2.25 miles Average Pace: 9:14

6:30 PM - Sunny and temperature around 72 or so. Actually "cool" for once. I have been downright sick of all of the 80+ degree days. Emm met me after work. The kids had a half day but I had to stay the entire day to grade the junior portfolios. We went to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail and went jogging from LuLu on the Lake. I owe Emm $1 because I was afraid of this Momma Goose and her geeslings and I bet her she wouldn't go near them. The Momma Goose was all "hisss hissss" at me so I figured would be the same for Emm. But not so. Momma Goose must have realized Emms good intentions. Stretched afterwards.

Total Time: 25:34 Total Distance: 3.02 miles Average Pace: 8:28

5:00 PM - The kids had another half day today. I stayed until 3:45 and then headed home. Emm had just got out of work at the gym too. We decided to go for a jog together. I should probably mention that Emm had a job interview yesterday at a spa as a receptionist. She found out she got the job and she starts tomorrow! We went running up on the trail across from Olivia's Lookout. Emm did one loop and then went walking/jogging on the road. I did two. Plan was to go faster on the second loop but there was a guy with a yellow lab that was running in front of me and I let him stay ahead. The dog was off a leash and ever since the dog bite last year I am afraid of any dogs not on leashes. Splits: 

• Mile 1: 11:48
• Mile 2: 9:39
• Mile 3: 9:33
• Mile 4: 12:03
• Mile 5: 11:20
• Mile 6: 9:30

6:30 PM - I had a long day. Thunderstorms rolled through this afternoon and at times were quite fierce. When I came home I waited for Emm to get out of work. One of her last days working at the gym. She did Power 90 upstairs while I went on the treadmill. Field Day is getting ever closer and looming on the horizon and I wanted to start working on trying to increase VO2 Max. I did a warmup mile and then 1 x 800 and 2 x 400 with a jogging lap in between all @ 10mph and 2% grade (5:52 mile equivalent). I was pretty beat afterwards. I'm not joking when I say that a 2-3 hour jog is much easier than a fast mile or 5k. Woot for weekends!

Total Time: 25:00 Total Distance: 3.10 miles Average Pace:  8:04

7:00 AM - Woke up early because Emmy had to get up too. She went to work at her new job at Elle Day Spa in the Crowne Plaza. I went to Olivia's Lookout and ran. Things were okay, but I ran into two significant problems that I need feedback on please! (WARNING: Parental Discretion is Advised!)

Problem 1: On lap 2 I ended up having severe stomach cramps and having to "pop a squat". Thank God for the Goosefoot Maple! I had coffee with milk about 45 mins before the run. Maybe it was the milk? I was fine after this.

 Problem 2: This has happened the last three long runs. It seems when I sweat a lot and my shorts get wet I get severe chaffing on my "nether regions", specifically the "tip". I had put Body Glide on before the run but it did not help! I heard Vaseline will just stain my shorts and I don't want that. What is a solution I can do? I never had this problem before this year! (But then again I used to wear spandex shorts under my running shorts.) Emm said I have to wear a pair of underwear or something under my shorts? They have a built in liner. PLEASE HELP!!

 Splits today were:

• Mile 1: 13:24
• Mile 2: 10:25
• Mile 3: 10:33
• Mile 4: 12:54
• Mile 5: 11:58
• Mile 6: 10:21
• Mile 7: 12:58
• Mile 8: 11:53
• Mile 9: 10:03
• Mile 10: 12:36
• Mile 11: 12:59
• Mile 12: 9:36
• Mile 13: 12:04

9:00 AM - I woke up wide awake before 6am today. I'm "trained" with school mode to get up early even on weekends. I came upstairs and had a blast reading from Ben Cheever's "Strides: Running Through History With an Unlikely Athlete". Believe it or not this is the first book I've been able to start reading since coming to BArT. It feels good to read again. I also caught two episodes of one of my favorite shows of all time, MacGyver. I didn't know they had it on SLTH network!! I'm excited to catch it again! I went running with Emm on the bike trail today before running lots of errands. We ran together the first half basically. She turned around at the bridge 2.6 miles in and I kept going until 3.0 miles. I turned and accelerated and did a progression run and really felt great considering a long run yesterday! Kicked it in the last mile and would have had a sub 7:00 if it weren't for the thick tree canopy I suspect interfering with the signal. Splits were:

• Mile 1: 9:09
• Mile 2: 9:07
• Mile 3: 8:50
• Mile 4: 7:46
• Mile 5: 7:25
• Mile 6: 7:02
  

Total Time: 49:25 Total Distance: 6.02 miles Average Pace: 8:13

Later today I worked with Emmy and Mary Rose in the garden. We're setting up a veggie garden in the FRONT yard! Setting a new trend for others to follow I think! :D Exciting to finally put our babies out front of the house!

6:15 PM - Partly Sunny. High today was 78, but projected highs this weekend should be in the mid to high 80s. Heard the weather report at 6 and it was 98% humidity. Today was my last day of after school tutoring! Only 7 more days of school this year. Getting there! Went running at Olivia's Lookout on the Burbank Trail because Emm was still at work. I did not eat breakfast or lunch today :-( but had two bagels and a turkey and lettuce sandwich about twenty minutes before the run. Just didn't have the energy I needed today. Lost over 6 lbs in sweat too. Was 202.5 at the start and 196 at the end. Yikes! Splits:

• Mile 1: 11:30
• Mile 2: 10:46
• Mile 3: 10:10
• Mile 4: 15:44
• Mile 5: 11:38
• Mile 6: 11:55
  

6:00 PM - Crunch Time! Lots going on in school right now. Final exams are due, my juniors have their gateway portfolio presentations in front of the school board (if they don't pass it then they can't become seniors!).. all equates to less than ideal conditions for training. Emm is working long hours and it is 98-100% humidity almost every day (exception being this morning when they said 97%). I was exhausted yesterday, but managed to do a short run. 2 miles at 9:13 pace (18:26) and then did 4x400m repeats with 200m "off" and cooled down. 2 miles in 15:15. (400m repeats were done at 6:00 pace and 2% grade). Trying to get in shape for the BArT Mile Race at Field Day!! Ahhh! Don't know if it will happen.

 Also, today is my brother Jonny's 18th birthday! Going to drive to NY tonight to go say hi and see the family! :)

http://runwmac.com/images/greylocktrail-map.jpg

 Above link will take you to the topographical map which I suggest before you judge too much for having a 3+ hour 1/2 marathon. Also you will see there is a 2200' elevation gain in just the first 3 hours. I am writing this race report in parts and chunks as I have been so busy with work that I have not had time to do so otherwise.

• Mile 1: 17:17
• Mile 2: 17:43
• Mile 3: 23:21
• Mile 4: 13:54
• Mile 5: 15:00
• Mile 6: 12:39
• Mile 7: 12:41
• Mile 8: 12:24
• Mile 9: 13:46
• Mile 10: 11:07
• Mile 11: 10:19
• Mile 12: 11:03
• Mile 13: 11:33
  

Total Time: 3:01:09 Total Distance: 13.5 miles Average Pace: 13:25

I got to the Glen where the Start/Finish area was about 1-1.5 hours early, so I had time to chill in the car and listen to NPR before starting my warm up. I registered and spent an extra $5 to get a tshirt. This was nice because generally the races here don't give you shirts and/or don't choose to sell them. Did about a mile warm up in 9-10 minute pace and used mother nature's facilities. Believe it or not they only had ONE RESTROOM at the start/finish area and there was a line 30 deep. No thank you!

As I was waiting for the start of the race, I saw a running friend Laura Clark who does most of the trail races in these parts. She's from upstate NY too and made the trip down. I also heard a guy talking about how he'd done Mt. Washington the day before (hardest road race in New England). He said an elite woman had locked her shoes and singlet in the car and she had to borrow some from another runner. She went on to win the race and set a new course record by more than two minutes.

On to the race report:

THE ASCENT (Miles 1-3, 2200' elevation gain)

Miles 1-3 were rough. The field started in a field and bottlenecked into a single track after only 200 yards. I find with trail races, I know that I am not going to finish up front so I like starting near the back and working my way up to mid-pack. I let the rabbits go, and bided my time. As it opened into a double track after about .25 miles I started to kick it into gear. First 3 miles were all race walk style. I passed a good 20 people the first mile, blazing with my 17:17 uphill first mile. Continue to push the pace but the last 1.5 miles up was a doozie. Deerflies were biting my back and sweat was cascading down my face. I looked like I had taken a shower with my clothes on, no joke. It was 82 and humid, humid, humid! Got to the top in 55:00 and change. Only one problem... NO WATER STATION! Thankfully as I had ran the mountain road so many times this spring I knew where a water spicket was. I went off course to briefly fill it and then DOWN, DoWN, DOWN I went!

THE DESCENT (Miles 4-13)

Going downhill is always much harder for me. As I went down I made my way down slipper rocks and single track. Tons of roots, and I almost lost my shoe no less than 3 times in ankle deep mud! It was such a great time. This one lady in front of me that let me by said, "Man! This is nothing like running on the West Coast! You can't take a break here!" You got that right Cali-forn-i-an!

I started to pick off a few stragglers. Made my way into the first aid station at mile 6, filled my bottle and off quickly, trailing a group of 4. I made it a plan to stick with them. An odd assortment we were, a geriatric, a 20-something kamikaze gal that literally jumped off the rocks going down, a guy with a camelbak, me, and another gentleman. I ended up wedging myself behind the kamikaze lady until about mile 8 where she literally must of evaporated into air. She simply disappeared!

Next aid station was mile 8. I got in there and most of the powerade was gone. One bad thing about this race, was only powerade and water on the course. Very hard to run strong without food! Must invest in a fanny pack methinks! ((HAHAHAHA Imagine the Howling Commando with a fanny pack. I almost said that with a straight face!))

I got passed in mile 9 by a young kid (about 14 or 15). I had given him a look at the mile 8 station, and I could hear him trailing me for the mile 9 going downhill along the ridge. I let him go and he caught the girl that flew down the mountain.

I started to pull them back, but I think he sensed it and he took off. I caught the girl at mile 10 and kept on running past her. She was fading fast; she was not carrying a bottle of any kind! I can't imagine running this race without a bottle or camelbak!

Miles 10-13 pretty much ran by myself. Last aid station was unmanned at mile 12. There were jugs of water on the ground. Filled my bottle and took off. I thought I had a chance in the last mile of breaking 3 hours. This is an unbelievably hard course!

THE FINISH (13.5) I came running strong down the hill and cruised through the finish. A lot of people still hanging out and bbq-ing. I grabbed a few cookies and went and changed clothes before heading out to go home. I am still waiting for results to be posted on the website.

So all in all, a fun race: 1. Would I run it again? YOU BET! 2. Was it a hard course? YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! 3. Do I love trail runs?  WWWoooOooOoo WoooOOoOOoooO  I DO I DO!!!