The Long Run

6.06 mi, 01:03, 10:24 pace

15.07 mi, 02:08, 08:28 pace

10.27 mi, 01:27, 08:27 pace

10.2 mi, 01:22, 08:00 pace

10.04 mi, 01:15, 07:30 pace

Ran from my house, onto SR54 to Starkey Blvd for my warm up and then did the tempo portion up and down the Starkey Blvd bike trail.

4.55 mi, 00:39 08:29 pace

9.66 mi, 01:26, 08:53 pace

15.01 mi, 01:58, 07:51 pace

1.4 mi, 00:13:00, 09:17 pace

4 mi, 00:43, 10:37 pace

5.1 mi, 00:42, 08:14 pace

Hotel treadmill in Marietta, GA

5.1 mi, 00:53, 10:18 pace

4.6 mi, 00:36, 07:47 pace

2.58 mi, 00:23 , 09:03 pace

Neighborhood run.

5.56 mi, 00:49, 08:43 pace

AM

3.22 mi 00:28 08:44 pace

7.21 mi ,00:57, 07:56 pace

4.1 miles, 37:34, pace 9:09

It was raining out this morning, and of course dark, but at least it is not snowing.  Contemplated not running then bargained to just run out a half mile and then back and see how the rain was.  Went out 2 miles and back instead, rain was steady the whole time but it really wasn't all that bad. 

Maybe run a little later tonight with the boys.

6.06 miles, 47:25, 7:50 avg pace

Chickened out and ran on the treadmill.  It had been raining all night and didn't look like it would stop, but when I pulled into the Y parking lot it finally seemed to stop.  Would have been decent to run outside.

But, the treadmill wasn't all that bad and there were several other of the Striders who were already there and Jessica joined me on the treadmill next to mine about half way through my run.

Right foot has been bothering me, shifting between big toe and a little bit to the right, ok once warmed up.

5.14 miles, 43:10, avg pace: 8:24

Unappealing morning for running.  Was going to meet Jamie for one last run before her marathon but she wisely chose to stay in and not risk getting sick.  I slept in a little bit longer then went out finally for 2 miles, stopped back at the house to wake up Thomas so he could finish his homework, then back out for 3 miles.  Still raining for the last part but at least it had gotten light out.

15.03 miles, 2:16:54, 9:06 avg

5:30ish start from Longleaf with Cynthia and Jolene for 2.5 miles, then met up with Scott and Rudy, all ran together for about another 3 miles then split off.  Ran to Diane's house (she left stuff out even though was not home this morning), into Starkey Park, then back to Longleaf.  Feeling of relief to run longer after not running long last week.  It had been rainy and cold almost the entire week but was back to low 60's, overnight rain had stopped.  Maybe the best day this week for running.

5.52 miles, 45:33, 8:15 avg

Slightly late start, ran outside in the neighborhood.  Nice morning.

4.21 miles, 35:44, 8:29 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Kept it short.  Toes on my right foot were bothering me a bit at the start but better after I warmed up.  Foggy, slightly misty out this morning.

First place for "mixed" division (i.e. 6 women/6 men), 4th overall

Leg 1 - 3.9 miles, 28:10, 7:13 pace

Leg 2 - 11.81 miles, 1:30:19, 7:38 pace

Bonus (pacing) leg - 7.79 miles, 1:20:39, 10:21 pace

Leg 3 - 4.17 miles, 31:59, 7:39 pace

Miami to Key West, with team "B12".  Start time 12:45 on Friday 2/7, somewhat hot start, cooling down at night and then hot again the next day.  This was my first relay experience.  Team did great, lots of organizing and planning.  My running wasn't quite where I wanted it to be.

Started off the first mile of the first leg at 6:35 pace, second mile a little slower at 6:55, but still under 7:00.  For just a 4 mile run I think I was carrying too much stuff.  Into the third mile there was a traffic light I was stopped at for quite some time, a couple other people were waiting also.  Light was changing and the woman who had been waiting took off, crossed two lanes, then past the median and came within inches of being run over by a car trying to beat the light (both the runner and the car could not see each other due to cars in the left turn lane).  I was pretty sure I was about to witness my first traffic fatality, but fortunately that did not happen.  I was more than a bit shook up though.  Started going again, passed the woman who had almost been hit, then was passed by another guy.  Third mile was in the low 8:00's.  Picked it back up the fourth mile but just missed getting under 7:00.

The exchanges went pretty smoothly although I saw a number of teams not do so well - e.g. runner shows up but his/her van is not waiting.

After our van's six runners finished we stopped by Pollo Tropical for dinner then headed to the major exchange at Miami-Homestead Speedway to wait for the other van.  The next leg was more interesting.  There were sections on trail and two legs run on a canal road running through some remote area.  We had some of our best legs there though, with Ryan getting a 6:50 average and Jeremy getting a 6:04 pace for his 9 miles.  My next leg started at the end of the canal road, where I had to run up a ramp to get on US 1 for my long 11.8 mile leg.  I ran up the ramp and was on a 7:00ish pace when I heard something fall off of me.  The red blinking led tail light came unclipped.  I had to pick it up, snap it back together and attach it securely.  Got going again but couldn't seem to get back on pace.  Next 10 miles were between 7:17 and 7:50.  Finally reached Key Largo but then ran on roads and shoulders not nearly as smooth and the shoulder on the divided section of US 1.

Passed off to Jean who did great on his 7ish mile leg.  Next up was Jessica who I ran with for her 7.8 mile leg.  I figured that since it would be at a slower pace might be a good recovery, good night running ultra experience as well as keeping her company through some middle of the night miles.  It was actually quite challenging the first couple of miles, with my legs, especially quads my sore than I thought.  Finished finally and were at a high school were they had showers available and the cafeteria open. Stayed there a bit before driving to the next major exchange and a couple hours of sleep.

By the time I was up for leg 3, it had gotten hot again.  Mike, Ryan and Jeremy again did awesome but each one had more heat to battle.  Lots of runners were having issues with heat at this point and I was started to feel overheated waiting my turn to run again.  My leg started off with just 0.3 miles until I would hit a stop light with a police officer assist in crossing.  Lost a little time there but not too much.  Ran by feel at an effort adjusted for the heat (did not try for sub-7:00) but still did pretty decent.

Jean and Jessica finished up their legs and that was it for Van 1.  We headed to the finish line, waited for van 2 and their six runners, and that was it.

Our start time of 12:45 was one of the later starts (last one was 2:00).  We had informally kept track of "road kill" at a bout 400 runners, but it was maybe a little bit more since we finished 4th overall out of over 500 teams.

I learned a few lessons along the way and was happy to do my part - although would have liked to have done more, but oh well, maybe next time!

Also, hats off to Jessica who bravely agreed to jump in and fill a vacant spot without any hesitation.  Had some time in Key West but would have also liked more time after the run.  Again, maybe next time!

6.57 miles,51:52, 7:53 pace

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Nice temps in the low 50's.  First run since the race went better than expected.  Left quad a little bit sore but felt better after the run.  Ran the 5th mile in 6:40 as a pickup and then did the rest as a cool down.

5.07 miles, 39:02, 7:42 pace

Treadmill at the Y.  I drove there because I needed motivation to get moving before I could start running.  Glad I went.  Saw Darrin and a few other friends working out/running.  Started out slower (about 8:50 pace), then varied the speed with some short sprints and a few hills.

1.02 mi, 00:08:54 ,08:43 pace

I didn't get much running today, but at least managed to narrowly escape the goose egg.

4.2 mi, 00:34, 08:00 pace

15 miles, 2:15:45, 9:03 avg pace

Met Cynthia at Longleaf at 5:30, looped through the neighborhood before picking up Renee for another 13 miles where we did and out and back to/from Starkey park.  It was warmer this morning than it was last night (low 60's), but on the run back the temps dropped again and we were rained on.  Before the rain we could see a very vivd rainbow and a second dimmer one next to it.  Already warmed up, the rain didn't matter.

Drove to the park for Key Lime cupcakes and to get the award batons from Ragnar and a few group pictures.

A little bit light on miles this week, will try to get back to it next week.

4.21, 35:53, 8:32 pace

6.46, 50:39, 7:51 pace

Two part run.  1st part was just after 6:00, out and back from the house to Trinity Blvd.  Then came home, went out and brought some breakfast back for the boys, ate, then headed back out for another 6 miles on a clear beautiful day, still low 50's.

"Easy" feeling 10 miles and a great way to start a Monday.  Next two days will most likely be on the treadmill.

28:00, 3.34 miles, 8:38 avg pace

Hotel treadmill, Albuquerque.

I was supposed to do this run this morning, but fortunately I was stuck in Houston after a missed connection, only 2 1/2 hours of sleep, almost not worth it to go to the hotel but it was paid by the airline so might as well.  Eventually made the meeting, although two hours late.  After checking in, went straight to the treadmill to avoid 0 miles for the day. 

Feel better now!

5.14 miles, 44:30, 8:39   pace

Hotel treadmill in ABQ again.  Slogged through 5 miles.  Blaming it on the altitude, but probably more to do with the travel schedule lack of sleep, and drinks I had last night.  Beautiful morning here.

8.17 mi, 01:08, 08:18 pace

15.29 mi,  02:11, 08:35 pace

5 miles easy, Davis Island

A.M.

46:36, 5.88 mi, 7:55 pace

Out and back to golf course, woke up the boys then another 1.2 miles up and down the street.  Wore new pair of Skechers Go Run which I saw on Sunday and heard about, they felt pretty good.

P.M.

1.03 mi 00:09:33 09:16 pace

Woke up feeling very sick (intestinal) and decided not to run.  Needed to make it through the day at work where I was scheduled to teach a class.

Made it through ok and was feeling a bit better by the end of the day and almost all better by the next morning. But still, a bit guilty feeling about missing a run.

Felt much better this morning than yesterday morning but decided to maximize sleep for recovery purposes.

I did however run with the boys for their mile run after dinner.

1.03 mi, 00:09:09, 08:53 pace

6.53 mi, 50:23, 07:42 pace

6.19 mi , 50:56, 08:13 pace

13.38 mi, 01:58, 08:48 pace

Spring Lake area of Brooksville

9.13 mi, 01:14, 08:04 pace

9.17 mi, 01:14, 08:02 pace

7.52 mi, 58:43, 7:48 avg

Slightly late start in a very light rain which turned to a medium rain as the run progressed.  Easy-ish first mile, a little bit faster the next two miles, then 7:20-7:30 for the next few with last mile at 7:08.
 

9.2 mi, 1:13:01, 7:56 avg.

Cool and breezy, started just after 7:00, headed out to 54 and then Starkey Blvd.  Not feeling very energetic but thought I would try at least a short tempo run, so after 4 miles and just before the turn around picked it up and ran 2.81 miles at about a 6:40 pace (was going to stop at 2.5 but decided to go to the end of Starkey Blvd, hence the odd mileage).  After an easy mile (8:11), did the last mile at 6:52, then a very short cool down.

Felt pretty tired afterward but also a sense of accomplishment for picking it up when I felt like I was dragging.

13.01 mi, 01:53, 08:39 pace

17.51 mi, 02:27, 08:22 pace

1.33 mi ,00:13:21, 10:02 pace

8.12 mi , 01:01 ,07:32 pace

6.15 mi, 51:22, 8:21 avg

First time in a while I managed to get in 6 miles before 7:00am on a Wednesday. Feeling slightly more motivated since last week.  Cool and damp this morning after last night's rain, perfect for running.  Typical neighborhood route over to golf course, t-shaped route and back.

PM

3.06 mi, 32:08, 10:30 avg

Talked the boys into a 3 mile run tonight.  Out and back to the water fountain.  Tom did no walk breaks this time (we did stop at the fountain though), much better than the last time we tried this in October.

8.72 mi, 01:09, 07:51 pace

6.34 mi , 00:49, 07:46 pace

30.12 mi 04:46 09:29 pace

9.18 mi, 1:16:15. 8:18 pace

Ran in the neighborhood, 1 loop, then out to the golf course and back.  Warm and windy and a little bit humid.  I enjoyed these miles today, woke up feeling good.

10.21 mi, 01:22, 08:00 pace

Ran at the Y with the Striders, 5:30 start.

8.05 mi, 1:04:41, 8:02/mi

Ran in the neighborhood, out to Heritage Springs, then back the other way and a bit out onto Trinity Blvd on the grassy shoulder.  Beautiful, cool morning perfect for running, thankful.

(started a little bit late, extra sleep was good)

9.13 mi, 01:13, 07:57 pace

9.19 mi, 01:16, 08:15 pace

21.68 mi, 03:10, 08:45 pace

Lake Tarpon Loop

AM

4.83 mi, 42:49, 8:52 avg

Raining this morning, but it stopped briefly.  Had  thought about not running when I saw the rain but glad I went anyway, it really wasn't that bad.

PM

1.38 mi 00:12:43 09:12 pace

7.13 mi, 01:01, 08:29 pace

Ran at the Y with the Striders

AM - bad thing about not blogging each day, I really can't remember why I didn't run this morning, maybe it was rain? or for tapering or maybe a little bit of both?

PM

1.02 mi 00:09:19 09:08 pace

8.31 mi ,01:01, 07:17 pace

4.15 mi, 00:38, 09:04 pace

One last easy run before the big race, just a quick out and back from the house to Trinity Blvd

50 mi, 08:48:32, 10:34 pace

AM

4.86 mi 00:41 08:29 pace

7.32 mi ,00:57, 07:46 pace

5.11 mi, 00:46, 08:58 pace

13.12 mi ,01:56, 08:50 pace

Brooksville Spring Lake area

8.15 mi .01:06, 08:07 pace

4.32 mi, 00:36, 08:20 pace

8.22 mi, 01:08, 08:13 pace

4.66 mi, 00:39, 08:23 pace

11.09 mi, 01:42, 09:14 pace

5.11 mi, 00:42, 08:11 pace

Hotel treadmill run in Albuquerque

5.21 mi ,00:43, 08:20 pace

Day two , treadmill run hotel ABQ

5.35 mi , 00:44, 08:13 pace

4.09 mi , 00:35, 08:26 pace

6.35, 52:36, 8:17 pace

Ran in the neighborhood, pretty cool out and nice routine run, first one since Monday after the two treadmill runs and yesterday's broken up run.  Got an early enough start.  Enjoying the last of the cool morning.s

19.55 mi, 02:48, 08:35 pace

7.07 mi , 00:58, 08:09 pace

5.18 mi , 00:43, 08:17 pace

6.01 mi ,00:52, 08:35 pace

7.6 mi , 00:59, 07:45 pace

9.57 mi ,01:23, 08:43 pace

7.61 mi , 01:03 ,08:14 pace

AM

5.64 mi 00:44 07:47 pace

7.74 mi 01:01 07:52 pace

AM

6.12 mi 00:49 07:56 pace

PM

1.79 mi 00:16 08:49 pace

8.71 mi, 1:05:19, 7:29 pace

5:30 am run with the Striders at Longleaf.  3 mile warm up then 4 mile tempo run, first one in what seems like forever.  Splits were 6:41, 6:38, 6:35, 6:34.  Fortunately it was a nice morning, still cool enough.

7.29 mi, 00:58 ,08:00 pace

5:30 am start at Longleaf with Joe and Cynthia, easy paced miles to Diane's house to pick up Diane and Renee and then into Starkey Park for a bit.  Very humid today but some of it was chilly at first (but that didn't last long).  Return trip from Starkey park back to Diane's house was faster (except for the section on the way out where everyone was getting buzzed by horse flies - I hate horse fly season). 

Last four miles by my self with last mile at 7:21 followed by a short cool down.  Good run and good friends as well as a decent week of running.

Celebrate America Run

10.17 mi, 01:25, 08:24 pace

8.17 mi , 01:04 ,07:48 pace

9.08 mi, 01:16, 08:21 pace

7.05 mi 01:00 08:31 pace

8.43 mi, 01:15, 08:54 pace

I was hoping to get in at least 8 miles but was also dreading it a bit.

16.63 mi , 02:09 , 07:46 pace

AM

5.15 mi 00:44 08:29 pace

7.82 mi 01:01 07:45 pace

10.32 mi, 1:18:28, 7:36 pace

5:30 am run at Longleaf with Striders, although most of it was done by myself since I was a couple of minutes late, but still benefited from being with the group (also was just in time to grab a cup of coffee as the last ones there were breaking down the table).

I started out easy, eased into it some more then finally I decided on a progression run, but after the first faster mile I decided to just go with tempo, so last 5 miles were:

6:49,6:48,6:54,6:48,6:35

The faster miles all felt hard, like I couldn't do them but somehow still managed and with a pretty decent last mile.

Temperatures still in the low 70's.

47:00, 5.25, 8:57 pace

Ran a little over three miles with Jess then 2 miles on my own. Picked it up a little at the end but mostly even.  Warm and humid this morning but easing into the hot stuff.

16.07 mi, 02:33,  09:31 pace

9.06 mi, 1:16:45, 8:28

Run around the neighborhood and past the golf course.  Slow start then a good steady pace, was able to get one more mile than what I had hoped for.

7.26 mi, 57:51, 7:57 pace

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Was not feeling up to tempo or interval paces, so just ran steady.  A lot of people seemed to be dragging this morning.  It was humid but the temps were below 75 so that was good.  Despite all that it turned into a rejuvenating run.

3.63 mi 00:32 08:53 pace

6.23 mi 00:56 09:03 pace

6.13 mi, 54:53, 8:57 pace

Back home after two days of driving and just over a week away.  Fun visit up north to see family.

Run felt long this morning, but ran into Joe and ran with him for a bit which helped.

4.32 miles, 37:53, 8:46 pace

Where does the time go?  I've been running, although last week was sparse while traveling on vacation.  Ran today and yesterday, as well as two days last week.

Hot, low 80's and sticky but felt like I got a little in at just over 4 miles. Time to get back on track!

Despite the hot and humidness, still a beautiful morning to run.

7.18 mi, 1:04:52, 9:02 pace

Getting back into routine.  Around the neighborhood, out past golf course to Trinity Blvd and then back home.  Very slight breeze to cut the heat, so not bad at all.

13.03 mi, 2:05:59, 9:40 avg

Met Joe at Longleaf just after 5:30 and set out at an easy pace.  My hip flexor had been bothering me slightly this past week but felt good at first, but after a few miles it felt like I just couldn't move my legs that fast and stayed in the 9:00s. 

Just inside Starkey park I told Joe to go ahead.  I walked a bit, then ran, so run-walked the 7th mile to the parking area.  Waited there a bit and thought about getting a ride home, but the run-walking felt ok.

So, managed to make the run back and then run a little farther to make 13.  Stretched a few times and feel ok.  I've been skipping too many core exercise routines and I think it's starting to catch up on me.  Being out a little too late last night didn't help either!

7.28 mi, 1:04:31, 8:51 avg

Hot and sticky morning run, felt a bit draggy for the first couple of miles, then it was ok.  Neighborhood route with a trip down through the c-shaped gate first before going to Trinity Blvd.

PM - 1.01 mi, 9:30, 9:26 avg

Quick evening run with the boys.

7.04 mi, 56:11, 7:58 avg

Ran with the Striders at the Y.  Plan was to just survive between the humidity and the not so great hip flexor.  But, both of those things became non-issues after the first mile.  Had a pretty good run with one of the miles at 7:11.

6.22 mi, 53:36, 8:37 avg

Ran in the neighborhood, aout 6:45am start.  Slighlty cooler than yesterday (still fairly high heat index).  Nice skies and clouds to look at.  Listened to music a little bit before it died on me.

5.34 mi, 44:55, 8:25 avg

Treadmill run, Ft. Worth downtown Hilton.

Struggled a bit for a while but finished strong.

6.07 mi, 51:09, 8:25 avg

Neighborhood run, not too hot this morning, hint of cool (if you use your imagination).  Felt a bit tired for a while but picked up the last mile to  7:06

18.03 mi, 2:35:15, 8:36 avg

Started from Longleaf at 5:30, but without my usual group.  Ran to Diane's house and met up with the others, did 10 miles with them into Starkey and back and then ran to Longleaf by myself with a little extra to get to 18.  Last two miles about 7:40 pace.  Much better run than last weekend!

Sat with Keith, Victoria, Jammie, and Jorge after the run for a quick cup of coffee.

7.31 mi, 1:02:28, 8:32 avg

Simple run in the neighborhood and about a mile on the Trinity Blvd grassy shoulder.  Much better feeling than the runs at the end of last week when I was getting a very run down feeling about 5  or 6 miles in.  Felt good throughought the run today.

Weather - hot and humid, less wash to do, no shirts.

8.12 mi, 1:03:28, 7:48 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Did three tempo intervals, about 0.62 each, first attempt in a while.  Second one felt really good but third one was slowed down by traffic and speed bumps but good feeling effort.

Weather was noticeably cooler and/or I'm getting used to it.   Must have been below 75 degrees, that's when I notice it the most.

9.13 mi, 1:17:29, 8:29 avg

Slightly extended neighborhood run with a short out and back on the grass along Trinity Blvd.  Started out feeling coolish.  Pretty good run overall.

9.13 mi, 1:13:04, 8:00 avg

5:30 am run at Longleaf with the Striders.  First 6 miles were mostly easy, then did last three at 7:24, 7:17, 7:06

Extra hot and sticky this morning.  Had ideas of doing more of a tempo run but ended up modifying for conditions.  Great morning sky on return trip.

8.04 mi, 1:07:16, 8:21 avg

Loop through neighborhood, over past golf course to Trinity Blvd and back.  Hot and humid but had a pretty good pace and felt reasonably good.  A perfectly ok run to have.

Looks like I made my goal of hitting 40 miles by Friday also!

14.53 mi, 2:08:10, 8:49 avg

Went up to Brooksville with Renee and Cynthia.  Temps were just a little cooler there and most of the course is shaded.  Took it easy until the last few miles.

The last section is around a small lake, Renee skipped that so she could run down the road to where our cooler was.  I finished the usual course then ran to where Renee was supposed to be and eventually saw her.  I had never run that way before and there were a few pretty big hills.  I kept going to the cooler, grabbed a cold water then headed back to the parking lot.  Ended up with about a mile and a half more than I had planned.

It was a nice change of scenery, I think the last time here was in April.

10.72 mi,  , 8:22 avg

Met Joe at Longleaf at 6:25.  Didn't see Jason or Beka who were probably going to be there so we started out a bit after 6:30. Ran into Jason who was finishing up his first half, so we headed back and then out again.

Joe turned around at 4 miles, then Jason, Brian and I ran into the park a bit before turning around.

Felt like I was going faster than we really were but kept a slightly quicker pace than yesterday.   Legs were a little tired starting out after yesterday's hills but ended up feeling great at the end.

7.1 mi, 58:55, 8:17 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Over 81 degrees at the start.  Heard some thunder when I first woke and secretly wished it would be too much to run in but it was a very small system and quickly passed.  Very muggy and felt sluggish at first.  Ran with Michelle H. for the second half which helped a lot and ended up feeling pretty good the last few miles.

9.04 mi, 1:17:42, 8:35 avg

Did a loop around the neighborhood, then out past the golf course and a bit out and back on Trinity Blvd.  Reasonable weather although I started a little later than ideal.

10.08 mi, 1:22:53, 8:13

Ran at Longleaf with the Striders at 5:30.

Easy paced start until about 3 miles.  No tempo run but progressed a little bit faster and did two of the miles at 7:11.  But most of the miles felt faster than they really were.  It was nicer this morning, maybe down to 74 or 75.

I saw Joe M. this morning who helped me out last night, made sure to thank him for my help. He's the service manager for a local HVAC company, Ierna's.  Made sure I was taken care of when I put in a service call last night about 9:00.  AC went out, condenser unit wasn't turning out, turned out it was a blown capacitor, and was a quick fix.  Big relief to get the AC back on so quickly without having a huge repair bill.

7.28 mi, 1:03:14, 8:41 avg

Standard run in the neighborhood, out and back to golf course as well with stop at the water fountain.  Left ankle was rolled slightly earlier this week, can't remember when but it feels stiff at first and then gets better.

Temps were really nice again this morning.

25.26 mi, 3:51:38 , 9:10 avg

5:00 am start from my house then met Joe at the back gate just before 5:10.  Continued on to Diane's house where we met up with the group including Jamie (and her triumphant return to running after a short hiatus), Cynthia and Renee.  Stayed on an easy pace to the shelter in Starkey Park. 

Jamie was heading back, only doing 8, so Joe and I went with her back to Diane's house.  Headed back out toward Starkey and ran into Cynthia, Renee and Diane, then ran back to Diane's house.  Filled up my drink bottles one more time and headed back towards the house.  Took the long way home and overshot a little to get over 25 miles.

It wasn't easy but it was a good stepping stone to get ready for 46 miles at the end of August.

6.58 mi, 58:13 , 8:50 avg

Decent run this morning, easyish pace mostly throughout.  Weather decent, not bad for pre-rain which is usually more muggy feeling.  Could hear some thunder in the distance but didn't come close until after the rain.

Neighborhood route and out past golf course then back home.

Three separate groups of Sandhill cranes by the bridge, each group spread out about a 100 yds from each other having a squawking contest.

7.37 mi, 59:20, 8:03 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders, no intervals but did a pretty good pace most of the way through.  A bit warm this morning.

3.33 mi, 30:48, 9:15 avg

Ran along the water in Santa Barbara.  Didn't get in until 1:15 but fortunately didn't have to start that early.   Was pretty cool out, low 60's and very pleasant.

3.5 mi, 32:22, 9:15 avg

Day two in Santa Barbara.  Same route as yesterday but a little bit farther.  Went to the end of the beach paved trail and onto a dirt path for a bit.  I couldn't get my garmin to get past the start page so I ran the same route and I think it was about the same pace.

6.58 mi, 59:46, 9:05 avg

Garmin was down once again so I ran the same route as last Monday and just brought a stop watch for the time.  No music again either, that was broken also.  Weather was good though.  Pre-rain humidity but a slight breeze, almost didn't feel like summer.

7.2, 58:49, 8:09 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Arrived just as everyone else was starting so played catch up during the run.  Picked it up the last three miles.  Ankle started bothering me a little bit toward the end of the run.

Coolish (not really cool, but not sweltering either), humid and a little damp

6.18 mi, 53:51, 8:43 avg

Ran around the nbhd loop, out to golf course water and a little beyond, then reverse route home.  Started out at what felt like a shuffle averaging 10:11 for the first mile, but last three miles were much faster.  Typical humid and warmer this morning than yesterday (also because I started later!)

8.1 mi, 1:12:13, 8:55 avg

Ran at Longleaf w the Striders group, specifically with Joe.  Told him I needed to start slow it keep it pretty easy while ankle gets better so he stuck with me and we did just that.  Warmish 80 degrees at the start, after about 3 miles it cooled a little and there was about 15 minutes of very light rain which felt good.

People stuck around a little bit longer as this is the last Thursday for a while when people don't have to rush off to get kids ready for school.

3.25 mi, 28:04, 8:38 avg

Short and quick run - by quick I mean I was pretty efficient in getting out the door, doing the run and getting in the shower.  Ran out to the fountain and back.  Pre-rain clouds and some thunder grumbling but it wasn't oppressive at all, kind of nice out.

20.12 mi, 2:26:50, 8:47 avg

5:30ish start at Longleaf by myself (although lots of other people starting just before me).  Ran into group of Dixie, Jammie, Jorge, and Victoria just leaving from Diane's house, so turned around and ran with them to the park.  Stopped at the shelter briefly then headed out farther into the park.  Turned around with Diane and then ran with her and Beka back to Diane's house.  Refueled there and headed back to Longleaf with a little extra down and back Towne Ave to get over 20 miles.

Felt pretty good overall, first mile was 10 something, then 9:10, then the rest mostly around or in the 8:30's

With 76 degree start temperature and some cloud cover once it got light out, pretty good conditions for running.

Joined the group at Havana Dreamers for a coffee before heading home.

10.05 mi, 1:31:07, 9:04 avg

Ran w Renee and Cynthia on the Upper Tampa Bay trail.  This was a tired legs run for me but definitely needed it.  Haven't been out on this trail for a long time.  Nice with lots of shade and good water stops.  Started out slow, then mostly just under 9 for the rest of the miles.

7.51 mi, 1:01:11, 8:09 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders.  Ran first couple miles with Joe and Michelle, then mostly by myself.  Picked it put for the 4th mile, runing 6:51 which felt pretty good despite 80 degrees and humid.  Felt pretty good overall.

3.05 mi, 26:31, 8:47 avg

Just a short run around the neighborhood block this morning, late start again and needed to drop off a book at the bus stop for Thomas.

Hopefully some more tonight.

6.74 mi, 58:00, 8:36 avg

Run around the neighborhoods and past the golf course.  Yes, a bit warm out again this morning.  Beautiful in a Florida summer morning way.

I wore old ghosts again which I had retired a while ago but are feeling good these days vs running in just light shoes.

8.14 mi, 1:17:01, 9:27 avg

I ran with Joe this morning starting at 6:00 and meeting him along the way.  When we reached the water fountain at 3.1 miles I was thinking about how easy the run felt and then I realized the average pace to that point was 10:01.  The remaining miles were a little bit faster but still at a very relaxed pace. 

This morning felt a lot cooler and less humid than the past few mornings.

12.2, 1:44:27, 8:33 avg

Ran from Coachman Park in Clearwater with the Striders group.  Started at 6:00 am, still dark but was already kind of warm.  Got cooler slightly as it got light out with a nice breeze starting.  Ran across the Clearwater bridge, over the Sand Key bridge and about a mile past S K park, then turned back around.  Made it to 10 miles after crossing Clearwater bridge.  Headed back one mile to run across the bridge again then down the helix back to the parking area, then spent some time socializing with the other runners.

I wore new Asics Nimbus which I bought last night.  $89 for the Nimbus-15 vs $149 for the Nimbus-16, so $89 made sense to me!

3.77, 33:31, 8:53 avg

Quick morning run in the neighborhood.  Getting back into the back to school routine.

6.31 mi, 56:39, 8:58 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders. 5:30 start, a few degrees cooler this morning than yesterday.  Stuck with Joe for the run and talked about this Saturday's race.  I somehow rubbed off on him and got him to sign up for 46 miles.  He can definitely do it, he's a mentally tough runner.

3.69 mi, 31:08, 8:26 avg

Abbreviated run in the neighborhood.   Basically out and back to the golf course water fountain and just a little bit past.  Was in the low 70's, teaser hint of fall.

5.43 mi, 49:42, 9:09 avg

Ran at Longleaf with Joe during the 5:30 Striders run.  Kept it easy and cut it slightly short so I could get back home early enough.  Nice morning out again - although the mesquitoes were kind of thick after the run was over.

Pinellas Trail Challenge

46.26 miles, 9:54:30, 12:51 avg pace

The name of this race had new meaning after I finished it.  The challenge is to run the entire length of the Pinellas Trail - a seemingly innocent looking rails-to-trails bike/running path which starts in downtown St. Petersburg and finishes in John Chestnut park in Palm Harbor.  I've running many sections of this trail.

Last year only about 14 people participated for its first year.  This year they had over 70 people sign up, 58 starters and 39 finishers.  Course time limit of 13 hours and a 6:30 start.  I talked my friend Joe into giving it a try.  Although he'd never run this distance before, he's done well in marathons and is also very mentally tough.  I did however underestimate the severity of the heat and humidity.  I had reasoned that since I've run the Key 50 mile ultra in May one year and last year did the Western States 100 where it reached up to 100 degrees that this wouldn't be so bad, because it's mainly flat and "only" 46 miles.

Miles 0-9

These miles were great, especially for Joe.  For some reason my legs felt tired the first mile (slightly uphill the whole way but not by much).  I told him we would take a walk break for 1 minute each mile, do that as long as we could until we had to take more walk breaks.  He loved that idea.  So, things went exactly as planned.  We reached the first aid station at 8 miles.  Getting a little bit hot but the pace seemed reasonable.  First two miles were just under 11:00, followed by a bunch right about 10:00, then 11:00 for mile 8 which included the aid station, followed by 9:21 just after.

Miles 10-16

My dead legs feeling had gone away.  Next two miles were under 10:00.  Things started to change about mile 12.  It was getting hotter and I had a new problem - hip flexors were bothering me.  Maybe a combo of the slower pace and more bridges than I had expected.  Maybe 6 or 7 so far.  About mile 13 I realized that 10:00 was too ambitious for today and we should go with closer to 11:00.  So the next few miles were 10:50 to 11:20 range.

Miles 17-21

Miles were getting slower now.  At mile 19 Joe wanted me to go ahead.  I told him we'd at least go to mile 20 together.  When we got to 20 he told me to go ahead.  I felt pretty good through mile 21 and reached the next aid station where they had our drop bags.  Refilled my bottles there and had an ice pop.  I looked in my drop bag, thought about putting on more sunscreen and taking a muscle milk but decided to just go.

Miles 22-27

Miles got even slower but things weren't too bad.  At almost mile 25 I stopped in a small store on the trail called the Dunedin Boxcar and bought a bottle of water and a cola (Blue Sky natural soda).  The store guy asked if I was running today, yes 46 miles, the whole trail.  He gave me a cup of ice for the soda, I dumped the bottled water into my water bottle and went on my way.  Just after leaving the Boxcar, I ran into Didi (Joe's wife).  He had already texted her that we had slowed down and that I had gone ahead.  She had some ice and a cold towel and I took a handful of peanuts which tasted very dry which worried me a little.  I had slurped down the cola already and still had the ice cup, so I poured a muscle milk over it.   I thanked Didi and then headed out again, but at a walk.  With the stop, mile 26 was about 18 minutes, the next mile was 17 minutes.  It felt like I'd never run again for the rest of the race.

Miles 28-36

After I finished the muscle milk a guy came up behind me, asked how I was doing - hot and tired.  He said he had started out too fast, had a rough patch and was better now.  Just up ahead he said his friend had an unofficial aid stop with water, ice, beer, and pork sandwiches (it did not sound odd to me at all).  He also invited me to run with him sometime  - they meet on Wednesday nights at the Tarpon Tavern, he also knew some people from my group as well.  Next, from behind comes Oliver.  I've seen Oliver at a lot of races - (he's a very tall fit guy and a dead ringer for Yul Brynner as pharoah in the Ten Commandments movie).  This was his first ultra and he had a goal pace of 12:00 and seemed to be right on track.

Finally I started running again after a good two miles of pretty much not running.  Actually, these were short bouts of running.  Go as far as I could without my heart rate shooting up too high (I was not wearing a heart rate monitor but I could hear the pulse in my ears telling me to slow down).  I ran into Joe's brother Tony, said hi to him and told him Joe was maybe 10 minutes back.  Went over the last pedestrian bridge for the trail and then saw Didi again, grabbed some more ice, thanked her and went on.

There were several miles of mainly open trail and almost no cloud cover.  At one point I saw shade from a cloud up ahead but it kept on moving, just staying out of reach.

As I got near Wall Springs Park, there were two women and two little girls with an impromptu aid station - ice, water, ice pops and a chair with a shade umbrella.  I sat for maybe a minute while they filled up my bottles with water and ice.  Got going again with two nice cold bottles against me.  Still felt like a long way to go to get to the Tarpon Tavern at mile 36.  Stuck for a little bit at the traffic light crossign Klosterman, but once I did was feeling closer - at least no longer impossible far.

At about mile 35 another couple had a small aid station.  They had fruit, so I at a slice of pineapple which had never tasted so good as this one.  They asked how I was doing and if I knew who the president was - I really had to think about the answer and pretended that I was joking when I told them I almost said Bush.

And then finally, the Tarpon Tavern aid station, just past mile 36, only ten miles left to go.

Joe was there, he had dropped out at mile 29, had eaten lunch and had a beer at the Tavern and was in great spirits.  I apologized for dragging him into this but he was ok and having a good time now.

Miles 37-46

I left the Tavern and continued heading north, looking forward to when the trail turned to the east in just a little while.  It felt like there was a small rock in my shoe so I stopped at a bench and sat down to check it out.  Right calf charlie-horsed on me and I actually screamed a bit and then waited for it to go away.  At that point a young lady (later found out her name was Tracy) who was just behind me at the aid station went ahead of me.  I followed her for a bit but then she disappeared.  Like all the other runners (and volunteers) she was very friendly and encouraging.

The trail went under US 19, then headed south a bit, and then east again.  I was not looking forward to the stretch on Tarpon Ave with its rolling hills (which although somewhat small would feel like mountains).  But soon I saw Joe again and Didi- more water, ice, gatorade and encouragement.  As I was moving again I saw a green pickup truck which beeped and then pulled over.  It was my long time friend Dixie.   He knew I was running today and wanted to find me.  He had driven to the finish line, asked about me and was told I had made it through mile 36.  He ran with me just a bit and pointed to the hill up ahead and told me the downhill would feel easier and when I turned onto East Lake Road there would be shade.  It felt like a blessing of sorts.  Shade did not come right away but it did eventually.

I also stopped again at someone's SUV and took a banana from them along with some more ice, one last top off.  It was another couple of volunteers who were hopping from place to place to help out the runners on the course.  I talked to them after the race and thanked them and found out I kind of knew them.  Had seen them at other races - the guy is usually about 10 minutes ahead of me at half marathons - super awesome people who know how to give back.

6 miles left, 5 miles left, 4 miles left...  These miles felt like I was getting closer but still too far away to feel almost done.

Joe intercepted me a few more times but I was pretty well stocked up and hydrated.  The last two miles there was some cloud cover with a storm not too far away.

And then finally I saw the brown and white sign with the words "TRAIL ENDS"

That was it, I had made it (although still about 3/4 of a mile into the park to get to the finish line).

It was great to hang out with the other runners, volunteers and friends.  Saw a few more people finish.  As I was leaving later, saw a few more people making their way down East Lake, on their way to finishing their races.

3.26 mi, 29:41, 9:06 avg

Easy short run, out and back to the water fountain.  First leg trials after Saturday's race.  Was thinking about running yesterday but decided on one more day off.

5.04 mi, 44:24, 8:48 avg

A little bit longer than yesterday and felt great.  Run in the neighborhood and out and back to golf course water fountain.

6.22 mi, 54:33, 8:45 avg

Ran in the neighborhood, pleasant morning, pace felt good.

13 mi, 1:53:37, 8:44 avg

Ran in Starkey Park, arriving at 6:30 and waited for the gates to open shortly after that.  Met up with the Keith, Dixie, Jammie, Greg, Jorge, Victoria group although mainly ran with Dixie out to the 4 mile point.  Continued on by myself to where the park's bike trail ends and meets up with the Suncoast trail and turned around there.  Pace was a bit slower, then about mile 10 it felt easier and I sped up slightly, felt like something just turned on.  Cloud cover stayed which kept the run pleasant. 

Can't believe how different it was one week ago running 46 miles in much warmer weather.  Now getting early September fall teasers.

4.55 miles, 42:44, 9:23 avg

I just couldn't get my legs going this morning so decided to not try and just go with whatever.  There was a little bit of a speed up for the last half mile at least.  Ran in the nbhd and out and back to the golf course.  Weather was amazing.

6.55 miles, 55:03, 8:24 avg

Ran at the Y with the Striders, starting time 5:30.  Smaller sized group this Tuesday, decent weather.  I felt faster and lighter today with the pace feeling easier than yesterday's pace.

5.22, 45:57, 8:47 avg

Run in the neighborhood.  Coolest morning so far with a nice full moon to start with.

7.26 mi, 1:01:1 , 8:26 avg

Ran at 5:30 with the Striders at Longleaf.   Ran a bit with Joe but I was kind of dragging at first so let him go.  Last two miles were in the 7:40's but it felt harder than it should have.  Overall it was a pretty good run.

4.13, 36:38, 8:52 avg

Squeezed in a little bit of a run between being slow to get out of bed but still having to get ready by the same time.  Run was good, weather was good, but still feeling like I've slowed down a lot recently.