They all can't be "easy" runs.

St. Patty's Day 8k

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Location:

Venice,FL,USA

Member Since:

Oct 31, 2012

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

5k:
21:01, (6:46 pace) 11-19-11.
20:08, (6:29 pace) 9-1-12 (Part of a Mini-Triathlon Relay).
19:17, (6:12 pace) 11-17-12.
19:19, (6:13 pace) 11-23-13.
19:30, (6:17 pace) 1-4-14.
20:34, (6:34 pace) 9-13-14
19:49, (6:23 pace) 10-25-14
19:32, (6:17 pace) 11-22-14
19:40, (6:19 pace) 12-19-14
19:49, (6:23 pace) 1-31-16

8k:
34:42, (6:57 pace) 3-17-12.
32:11, (6:28 pace) 3-16-13.
32:32, (6:33 pace) 3-15-14. 

34:00, (6:50 pace) 3-14-15.

33:09, (6:40 pace) 3-11-17.

32:56, (6:38 pace) 3-17-18.

10k:
44:18, (7:08 pace) 4-14-12.
41:22, (6:39 pace) 12-15-12.
42:11, (6:47 pace) 4-13-13.
41:06, (6:37 pace) 12-8-13.

42:03, (6:46 pace) 3-5-16

44:35, (7:11 pace) 8-26-17
12k:
53:53, (7:14 pace) 3-24-12.
49:20, (6:37 pace) 3-1-14
15k:
1:18:16, (8:24 pace) 2-26-11.

1:04:37. (6:56 pace) 2-20-16

1:08:25 (7:18 pace) 2/22/20

Half Marathons:

1:37:57 (7:28 pace) 1-26-20. Fort Lauderdale - A1A 
14 Marathons:
1.  4:12:08, (9:37 pace) 1-9-11. Disney.
2.  4:18:18, (9:51 pace) 10-30-11. MCM.
3.  3:42:26, (8:29 pace) 1-14-12. Charleston.
4.  3:13:15, (7:22 pace) 10-7-12. Steamtown.
5*.  3:12:26, (7:20 pace) 1-19-14. Louisiana.
6*.  3:14:06, (7:24 pace) 4-21-14. Boston.
7*.  3:19:38, (7:37 pace) 7-19-14. U. of Okoboji.
8*.  3:16:27, (7:30 pace) 2-22-15. Mercedes-Benz
9*. 3:30:38 (8:03 pace) 5-15-16 Sugarloaf

10. 3:24:21 (7:48 pace) 11-5-16 Savannah RNR

11. 3:27:37 (7:56 pace) 5-12-18 Brookings

12. 3:46:02 (8:38 pace) 10-7-18 Towpath

13. 3:35:11 (8:13 pace) 9-12-21 Med City

14. 3:45:45 (8:37 pace) 4-16-23 Coastal Delaware

* = These 5 races were run at 67.9 seconds per pound. If I want a PR, I need to weigh less than 170 pounds.

Short-Term Running Goals:

2024 GOALS:

to not get fat

Long-Term Running Goals:

Continue running as often as I can, as far as I can, as fast as I can. Teaching my kids (by example) the rewards that come from putting in the work. Very slowly get to 50 states.

Personal:

I'm married, with two sons, 17, and 18.

I started running because someone dared me to.

I ran my first race 3 days after my 40th birthday. (Disney)

My profile picture story: http://www.melissajill.com/blog.cfm?postID=1492&boston-marathon

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 27.00 Year: 243.50
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1895.50119.112014.61
Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail. 1:20:43. 7:55 pace. And more importantly, Dad is coming home from the hospital tonight.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jan 02, 2013 at 09:00:05 from 67.79.11.242

That sounds like really good news!!!

And a good run also :-)

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 02, 2013 at 15:09:51 from 69.131.141.92

Sounds great!

From I Just Run on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 08:05:11 from 67.79.11.242

I set my Blog up with the Easy Miles, Marathon Pace Miles, Threshold Miles and VO2 Max Miles. I consider anything 8:00 and below as a Marathon pace and the rest I measure by a %HR chart based on my HR Max and HR Min. It makes it interesting to look at in the "Graph View" but I don't know how to use the data. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

Back in the groove at the Ringling Bridge.

5.2 miles. 38:11. 7:21 pace.

Had another "race" with shirtless backwards-visor dude over the bridge. He was faster than me on the flat parts, but not on the climb, or the descent. Some day I will inform him that he has been racing me, or not. 

Amazing scenery today. Fog rolled in while I was running at sunset. As I was going up the bridge, I could see below me a flock of pelicans coast by, with their bellies inches above the water, and then "vanish" into the fog. Whoa! Awesome piles of awesomeness!

It was a bit crowded out there because 1. resolutions, and 2. people TAKING PICTURES OF THE FOG! Ringling School of Art kids with cameras on tripods. In their defense, it was that cool. I hope some of the pictures they took can do it justice. Anyway, I have become much more adept at dodging pedestrians over the last 8 months. 

This run will be tough to beat tomorrow.  The scenery, I mean. The running was tough, with the humidity, and I was kind of plodding along. But there was some killer stuff to look at. At one point, it looked like the fog "ate" half of the bridge. Amazing!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 03, 2013 at 07:51:47 from 67.79.11.242

Psalm 19:1-2

God’s glory is on tour in the skies,

God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.

Madame Day holds classes every morning,

Professor Night lectures each evening.

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 09:14:51 from 71.228.90.171

You know what happens when you take a picture of fog? this:

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/602830_10151454653435499_1349083966_n.jpg

although this one is okay:

http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/mysuncoast.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/21/e21ad91e-5554-11e2-8098-0019bb30f31a/50e4fa6ccd3c3.preview-300.png

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:44. 7:46 pace.


Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Thu, Jan 03, 2013 at 17:53:31 from 69.131.141.92

I always picture the circus going on all around you when I see Ringling Bridge.

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 04, 2013 at 06:56:14 from 71.228.90.171

Funny. Yesterday, I ran in clown shoes.

There is a lot of circus history here. I guess you take it for granted after a while.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 04, 2013 at 07:48:16 from 67.79.11.242

After all the talk yesterday...this is all we get today?

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 04, 2013 at 08:15:31 from 71.228.90.171

It was a gray, overcast evening, void of a sunset. The tide was low, so I enjoyed the pleasant aroma of decaying seaweed and pelican droppings. Shirtless backwards visor dude wasn't out yesterday, so I had to imaginary race myself.

I don't know what to tell you. Some days are just more special than others.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.500.009.50

.75 mile warm-up. 8 miles in 1:05:23. 8:10 pace. .75 mile cool down.

I was trying something new this morning. It did not work well. Apparently, the less information I have about how I'm doing while running, the better. Usually, I go out, start my watch, and run, and I don't look at my watch again until I finish. Sometimes I look at halfway. For example, I ran my first marathon without a watch! So for the most part, I don't know how I'm doing while running. So, I've been looking at some folks on here, who could tell you what their 4th mile split was, etc. and I thought I should try that. So I mapped out a run that I could figure out my mile splits. Long story short- this gave me analysis paralysis.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 miles. Legacy Trail. 1:45:09. 8:09 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jan 07, 2013 at 09:26:01 from 67.79.11.242

Good start for the week!

From Tom K on Mon, Jan 07, 2013 at 09:42:11 from 71.228.90.171

It was the "Dead Varmint" run. I passed a dead snake, a dead armadillo, a dead possum, and 2 dead squirrels! 84 degrees. It was fragrant, in spots. Perfect birthday run.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.805.80

5.8 miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:41. 7:11 pace. There were a lot of fast people out there last night. (New competition!)

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Jan 08, 2013 at 07:48:16 from 67.79.11.242

Remember :-)

"Train to Race don't Race to Train."

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jan 08, 2013 at 08:12:18 from 155.219.241.10

I'm kinda glad I never see any runners. I'd never get any decent recovery...gotta catch everyone.

Hope you won!

From Tom K on Tue, Jan 08, 2013 at 11:13:19 from 71.228.90.171

IJR, come on, man. We're only talking about 15-20 sec faster pace than any other day. Although I have been calling it "racing" it is really just "mildly faster."

SlowJoe, No, I lost yesterday. This dude flew past me on the last downhill @ 4 miles in, and as he went bye he said "Nice run." I'd prefer it if he'd said nothing.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Jan 08, 2013 at 11:41:32 from 155.219.241.10

I got chicked in out local half marathon this October, and she said "great job" as she flew past me while I was in a total bonk state. Deep sting right there.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

 

5.5 miles. Hood route. 42:24. 7:42 pace. I put my folks' Christmas stuff in the attic, and then went out. Not as long as I wanted to go because of the very late start, but the pace felt pretty good. Then I caught up on sleep.

I'm thinking that I will revise my short term running goals after my next race. I can't see past Baton Rouge right now. 

Also, January 9 marks 2 years of racing. It's one of those weird anniversaries that only I care about. It has got me thinking about what I used to think was possible, and how that has changed. I look at the (chubby?) guy in these pictures, and try to recall what was going through his head:

 

http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event_video.asp?EVENTID=74488&BIB=10461&S=230&PWD


 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jan 09, 2013 at 08:39:51 from 67.79.11.242

Good running Tom. I'm curious to see your new goals, you have made so much improvement in such a short time!

BTW...who is the "chubby" guy in the pictures and why are wondering what was going through his head? You are a different person now. It reminds me of the bible verse:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

From Ken Bess on Wed, Jan 09, 2013 at 10:51:36 from 174.52.144.177

You've lost a lot of weight - you're doing awesome! Way to go Tom.

From Tom K on Wed, Jan 09, 2013 at 15:02:27 from 71.228.90.171

Ken, @ 30 pounds since Disney. I probably lost @ 30-40 pounds BEFORE Disney. To be honest, the weight loss goals were done by the time I finished MCM. Since then, it has just been about paces, and the weight loss has been a side effect.

IJR, the old has gone. But sometimes it's fun to think about what you didn't know way back when. For example, when I walked to the parking lot after Disney, I saw a guy wearing a 50 Marathons in 50 States shirt. I asked him "Is that a real thing?" Now, we plan our family trips around these races. I realize I've only been doing 2 races a year, so I'll be done when I'm 65 (in theory), but still. A 2 minute chance meeting in a parking lot changed the way I look at running, vacations, budgeting, etc. This is just one example. I find these moments fascinating (and, probably a little too deep for this forum).

Okay, I have had my day of profundity. I’ll go back to making jokes now. Is this thing on? Wakka Wakka!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. I accidently double clicked my stopwatch, so no time today. felt slow, though.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From PRE on Wed, Jan 09, 2013 at 17:15:38 from 99.50.213.11

Tom,

Hi. Yep. The watch issue. I have done that. Sometimes notice it around a mile into the run and then get the watch going from there. You have some nice times for your race results! That 3:13 marathon is incredible!!! I came here because you commented on my blog site. And nice blog pic with you crossing or about to cross the finish line with the clock showing the time.

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 10, 2013 at 09:48:24 from 71.228.90.171

Yeah, maybe I should legitimately purchase the picture! Ha! Thanks for the kind words. I find out in 10 days how much of that 3:13 marathon time is due to gravity, and how much is due to me. I know I benefited greatly from running downhill. The next race is pancake flat, so this will be a good test.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:38. 7:37 pace. Great sunset. Cotton Candy Pink clouds. I saw a kid catching a fish, with his dad racing over to help him. Shirtless backwards visor dude was running without a visor. I don't know how I fared against him today. We were going in opposite directions. Also, I saw a very old man running up the bridge. We gave each other thumbs up. That would be cool to be out there pushing it like that guy some day. 10 days to race day. Every little ache in my legs is causing panic. Taking tomorrow off. I'm shooting for 16.25 Saturday, under 8 minute miles. Sunday is still a little up in the air. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 07:26:27 from 67.79.11.242

I don't know how you run with all of the distractions :-) I think you're ready for the race!

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 07:30:02 from 71.228.90.171

I feel less ready for this one than I have for other races. It should be fun, though.

What is your schedule like leading up to your race? Are you just shutting it down, hoping your knee will heal, or do you plan on running in the next 2 days?

From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 08:24:49 from 67.79.11.242

Ha ha..."fun" is a relative term when talking about running :-)

I may try to run a mile or so at race pace tomorrow if my knee feels better just to get the feel for the speed.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail. 2:14:33. 8:17 pace. Not as fast as I wanted, but it felt very smooth today. I didn't have to push hard to finish, and there were no alarming pains. Since I ran before sunrise, there were no amazing wildlife sightings. The stars were very clear, though. I have some ideas for what type of run I should have tomorrow ( week before race day), but I'm still undecided.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 19:09:27 from 98.201.152.210

non-existent or short and slow, I say... Have a nice taper week.

From I Just Run on Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 14:06:36 from 67.79.11.242

Nice run. Smooth is GOOD!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.500.009.50

9.5 miles Hood route. 1:14:11. 7:48 pace. Interesting run. I passed a woman riding a horse. So, I thought to myself "I'm faster than a horse!" This now extends the list of things I have passed while running to: Trucks (going up a bridge pulling a crane), Bicycles (same bridge), Boats (in a no wake zone), the Wind (a sailboat on a calm day), and now a Horse.

Later, an older woman riding her bike followed me for over a mile. I didn't know she was there for the first 3/4 mile of it. then I heard this voice come up from behind me. It was like Fran Drescher, but with a Wisconsin accent. She said "Criminy! You keep running like that, and you'll live forever!" She scared the snot out of me. I later yelled across the street to her, after she told me how long she was behind me, "SORRY I HAVE BEEN SO GASSY!" (Yes, I yelled that across a 60' right of way.)  We yelled back and forth across the street for a while. She said "I hope you win your race!"

Son #2 has a fever. I'm staying home with him today. Spouse will be home with him tomorrow. Come on kid! Get better!

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 14:05:39 from 67.79.11.242

Interesting run. Are you sure you're not in Texas?

Did you think about asking the lady to pace you in your next race?

From Tom K on Tue, Jan 15, 2013 at 20:46:59 from 108.9.33.153

I think her voice sounded more like Mrs. Forman in That 70's show. Would you want that lady nagging you while you ran?

From I Just Run on Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:22:24 from 67.79.11.242

Good point!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. 42:24. 7:42 pace. Hood route.

Okay, the whole family now has the flu besides me. I am now changing my goal for this weekend's race to "getting to Louisiana."  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 12:23:07 from 67.79.11.242

Oh no... I'm praying you don't catch it!

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 16, 2013 at 14:24:18 from 155.219.241.10

Yikes. Leave now. They'll be fine.

But in seriousness, hope eveyone is feeling better soon, that's a nasty bug.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.604.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:17. 7:14 pace. 

I intended to go much slower, but then I got this stuck in my head

http://youtu.be/c-mH29_0CoY

and faster paces than expected happened.

The good news is I guess I'm still not sick. I just need to stay healthy for 4 more days!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 08:54:48 from 67.79.11.242

Stick that in your Ipod and turn it on about mile 20...No, I take it back! I listened to it and I'm afraid your head will explode if you listen to it for 45 minutes straight :-)

BTW..I agree with Joe, get the heck ot of Florida and away from all those sickies!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

No run tonight. I had to work late. Next update will be after race day.

Have a good weekend, all. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 17, 2013 at 16:16:56 from 67.79.11.242

Run like a Kenyan!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I finally got the flu last night at 9:30. 15 hours from leaving for the race. I coughed, and I just knew it was over."Dissapointed" does not cover this feeling. I haven't really been sick in years. I was due, but the timing sure does stink. This race was not meant to be.

This experience does make me realize how cool Spouse is. If she felt like this all week, and the kids felt like this all week, and she was STILL telling me to go to the race, she is one supportive wife!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 13:36:03 from 69.131.141.92

Unbelieveable timing. Get better soon, and start shopping for a backup race. Sorry about missing this one, it's gotta suck.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 13:43:22 from 67.79.11.242

Ohhhh Mannnn ... !!! I can't believe this. I know you probably don't want to think about anything but getting well right now but I'm with Joe, you should start looking for a back-up race immediately.

From Tom K on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 14:06:12 from 108.9.33.153

Thanks, guys. She will allow me to be mopey and gloomy until the race is over. After that, I better be one upbeat husband!

Since I can't run right now, this does kind of put a dent in my training. How far down the line do you recommend the replacement race be? Let's say I can't run for the next 5-7 days. I will need to build up miles again before the next one, right? So, am I shooting for March? April?

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 14:25:35 from 69.131.141.92

Yeah, that's my vote, March/April. I don't think you would run your best race in February. With a later race, you'd have enough time for a week or two of recovery, 4-8 weeks of solid training, and a 1-2 week taper. Thr only issue is you might have to go north a little to find a cool enough race, depending on when it is.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 at 14:37:51 from 67.79.11.242

I've read that you don't really lose aerobic conditioning for about 2 weeks and physical conditioning for 5 weeks. In my mind that says you can go quite a while and then jump start your training pretty quickly. I was just reading today, in a cyclying magazine, that for burn-out they recommend taking that 2 weeks off and then when you go back to training you should be revived and actually be able to perform better.

Or you could back off and aim for a February marathon....say Ft Worth on April 24th :-)

From Tom K on Sat, Jan 19, 2013 at 06:41:52 from 108.9.33.153

Fort Worth? Never crossed my mind.

I'll look into it.

From I Just Run on Sat, Jan 19, 2013 at 07:09:50 from 12.162.141.2

"Does Ft Worth Ever Cross Your Mind" is a very famous George Straight country song :-)

I really enjoyed the race last year. The course didn't seem that tough with just a few rolling hills.

From Kendall on Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 17:54:16 from 74.81.231.133

Oh...that bites. Sorry. Something about getting sick prior to a race. I don't get it and it happens way to frequently.

Just think how fast you'll be now that you've shed a few pounds!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:52. 8:14 pace. 

1st run back. Still sick, but no fever. Stopped 10-12 times for coughing fits.

Shoes felt weirdly large, like my feet have shrunk? 

Tomorrow will be better.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 10:00:09 from 67.79.11.242

I'm sure dehydration makes all of your body shrink!

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 11:01:21 from 71.228.90.171

Ha Ha, yes.

Wait, what are you implying?

From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 13:25:36 from 67.79.11.242

You better ask your wife about that :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 24, 2013 at 13:45:33 from 71.228.90.171

www.sadtrombone.com

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 08:11:44 from 155.219.241.10

Welcome back. Good luck with the shrinkage - I have absolutely no experience with that, ever.

From I Just Run on Fri, Jan 25, 2013 at 09:31:19 from 67.79.11.242

Did you check into Ft Worth Cowtown? I wouldn't think a flight to DFW would be too expensive :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.000.002.00

2 mile coughing fit, interruted by occasional running.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. home course. 42:42. 7:46 pace. Not much coughing WHILE running. As soon as the running stopped, I started hacking until there was bloodshot eyes and fear.

Long story short, I'm not going to be ready for a marathon for a while.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jan 28, 2013 at 09:00:06 from 67.79.11.242

You caught some really nasty stuff. Hopfully in a few days you'll be posting that you are ready for a marathon!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:38. 7:58 pace.

Meh. I'll take it. I had to stop 2X for cough fits. 

I'm taking tomorrow off from running.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Mon, Jan 28, 2013 at 17:47:43 from 69.131.141.92

That bug is hanging around, yuck. The good news is that a coughing fit converts to 0.52 miles.

From Tom K on Tue, Jan 29, 2013 at 06:33:57 from 71.228.90.171

Ahhh, yes! The "Lung Butter" miles. Those are key to my training. I pass someone going up the bridge, go beyond them 50 yards, then bend over hacking for 1 minute. Then they say "See that? That's how you're supposed to run this bridge!"

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Part of the reason I didn't run 1/29/13: 

http://youtu.be/O_rtlchIm8E

Get off my sidewalk, people! 

At 10 seconds into this video, there is a pretty good shot of the Ringling Bridge that I run @ 3 times per week. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 07:23:10 from 155.219.241.10

Wow, that is a gutsy dude.

I wish I lived there - seems like it would feel like I'm on vacation every day. I'm sure you just get used to it though, but SW Oklahoma is just depressing 24/7.

From Tom K on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 07:35:32 from 71.228.90.171

He had to get approval from a dozen entities to walk across US 41. This makes me think I really need to put more planning into my runs.

I try not to take living here for granted. Are you being held against your will in Oklahoma? Free SlowJoe! Free SlowJoe!

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 07:43:11 from 155.219.241.10

I am definitely actively looking for a different job...maybe a nationwide Free SlowJoe campign would help!

From I Just Run on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 08:05:56 from 67.79.11.242

Lots more scenery than where I live and run :-)

From Kendall on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 14:47:24 from 208.187.252.10

Ah the "ringling bridge," with another 4-5" of snow today, that suuuuure looks nice. Tear it up!

From Tom K on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 14:49:59 from 71.228.90.171

They just posted the view from the pole. He's talking while he walks across. This is crazy! Especially the last 10-15 feet of the walk, where he runs.

http://youtu.be/gb3N0KpXlrE

From Kendall on Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 14:54:30 from 208.187.252.10

That's insane.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:08.7:38 pace.

No high wire acts today. Kind of windy. Only 1 coughing fit (or 0.52 Lung Butter miles). I'm starting to finally come out of this flu, I think. Also, I think the running helps a bit. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 09:53:17 from 67.79.11.242

Why do those high wire guys always do their thing on calm days? I say make it interesting and do it in gail force winds!

Glad the crud is almost gone. You have four weeks to get ready for Ft Worth :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 10:05:34 from 71.228.90.171

Nik says he trains in 90 mph winds. I don't know "how" exactly, but that's what he says.

I'm not in any rush to race a marathon. In fact, I'm considering going without one of those this year, and attempting my first half. Long story short, I will not be at Cowtown.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:58. 7:23 pace. 

Some coughing, but I didn't have to stop.  

Song stuck in my head for the run: http://youtu.be/ADMPoimDXt0

 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy trail. 1:27:23. 8:34 pace. Constant throughout.A little coughing, but I didn't have to stop again, whch is good.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 Miles. Legacy Trail to Venice Avenue. 1:44:48. 8:07 Pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Feb 04, 2013 at 08:42:34 from 67.79.11.242

Good running and no coughing, that's actually great!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:15. 7:53 pace. 

I saw a guy running in Chuck Taylors. Now THAT is a minimalist shoe. I saw a bunch of kids that said they were looking for Blackbeard's Treasure near the marina. The imagination of children is awesome. It got me thinking about what I miss every day with my own kids. 

I might have overdone it this weekend. I'm excited about having this flu leave me, and I might have done too much.  I didn't feel like running tonight, but I'm glad I did. I'm looking forward to NOT running tomorrow. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Feb 05, 2013 at 08:50:45 from 67.79.11.242

Did his shoes squeek when his feet hit the ground? I wore a lot of Chuck Taylors growing up. I remember the basketball shoes had, what seemed to be, gum rubber on the soles. It was really sticky and squeeked like crazy when you played basketball on a hard court. Hope you have a good rest on Tuesday!

From Tom K on Tue, Feb 05, 2013 at 11:00:12 from 71.228.90.171

He was running on concrete. So, no squeaking. He was moving along at a pretty good clip, though.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Feb 05, 2013 at 15:47:14 from 155.219.241.10

Every so often I'll overhear my 2 girls playing together - it's pretty priceless stuff.

The day off will reset the system and you'll be ready to go tomorrow.

From Tom K on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 at 06:36:19 from 71.228.90.171

I think now, my problem was sleep deprivation, more so than over training. I slept 10 hours last night. I had some catching up to do, apparently.

From I Just Run on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 at 08:02:02 from 67.79.11.242

Great new blog picture! I've had the same thoughts :-)

From Tom K on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 at 08:27:12 from 71.228.90.171

Thanks. The pic is from last years' St. Paddy's Day 8k (although my boys have made similar signs at other races).

http://www.ra50.com/rite-aid-station-visits-the-steamtown-marathon/

From SlowJoe on Wed, Feb 06, 2013 at 08:32:09 from 155.219.241.10

Cool, I bet they loved seeing their picture posted up like that.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:40. 7:32 pace.

Cons: Run never felt "right." It was not smooth running. It was super-crowded. I lost big time to shirtless backwards visor dude. 

Pros: Nice sunset. I saw a group of 6 dolphins surface multiple times.

Pros wins! 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Feb 07, 2013 at 08:01:52 from 67.79.11.242

All milage is good and counts! Keep running!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:35. 7:18 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Feb 08, 2013 at 07:53:21 from 67.79.11.242

Pretty snappy pace there man. It scares mee too!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. hood route. 47:09. 8:34 pace. Then spent the day picking oranges and grapefruit for church. Like, a LOT of oranges! I hope to get a longer run in tomorrow.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Feb 09, 2013 at 17:45:50 from 12.162.141.2

Was that just a "hood" run or "in the hood" run?

From Tom K on Sun, Feb 10, 2013 at 18:39:02 from 108.9.33.153

Just near my house. nothing special. I forgot the "Kendall report" from yesterday: I saw a bald eagle at the end of my run. I was fairly close to it. Then when we went picking fruit, we saw a couple groups of deer, some wild boars, and more varieties of birds than I could count. The kids went nuts about the wild hogs. "It's PUMBA!" (Lion king reference).

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 miles. to Legacy Trail and Back. 59:30. 7:56 pace.

I need to sign up for a race soon. Not training "for" something makes for unfulfilling training miles. I considered the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon next weekend, but I can't see myself going into a race, knowing I will not be at my best. I'm still coughing a bit, and my paces haven't bounced back, like I had hoped. I wasn't going to run tonight, at all. But then a recap newsletter from Steamtown came in the mail yesterday, and I looked at it tonight, and then I went on to FRB, to see what everyone had done this weekend. I saw that the folks in Utah did a snowy 10k, and I was inspired. So, other than running a lot slower, at night, with no precipitation, or wind, or hills, by myself, in 50 degree warmer temps, they were, like, IDENTICAL runs!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Feb 11, 2013 at 07:42:09 from 67.79.11.242

Good job on the virtual Utah run! Would you like to virtually run Ft Worth with me in two weeks? :-)

From SlowJoe on Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 12:49:22 from 155.219.241.10

Way to force yourself out there in those temperate conditions! Now, next time you have to race in mild weather, you can be like, "yeah, been there, done that....I GOT THIS!"

From Tom K on Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 19:11:04 from 108.9.33.153

Yes, it was a real confidence building run. I can't talk about weather here. I'll either sound like I'm complaining about insignificant stuff, or I'll sound like I'm bragging. Either way, it's not good.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:37. 7:18 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 12:41:02 from 67.79.11.242

Seems this is the same time you ran this route last time. Did I catch you just cutting and pasting?

From Tom K on Tue, Feb 12, 2013 at 12:44:13 from 71.228.90.171

Yes, but I changed the font to cover my tracks. Busted!

You were really moving this morning!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:28. 7:29 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Jake K on Wed, Feb 13, 2013 at 16:33:14 from 155.100.226.191

Hey Tom I see that you're looking for a good marathon in the May-August time frame... obviously "off peak" marathon season... especially down your way... I do know Cleveland is a flat course... same time (May) would be Pocono "Run for the Red" which is a fast course. The Foot Traffic Flat marathon in Portland on July 4th is (as you might expect by the name) incredibly flat as well.

From Tom K on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 07:01:58 from 71.228.90.171

Jake, thank you. The Portland race sounds like the front-runner right now. It sounds like a great family vacation - race combination, which is what I'm looking for. We'll see how the finances / scheduling / life plays out. I see that they only take 600 entrants, so I have to make up my mind pretty quick. Thanks, man.

From Jake K on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 at 09:05:26 from 155.100.226.191

Yeah that seems like a good one... weather is usually pretty consistent (a lot cooler than you are used to!)... and apparently its a super flat course. Portland is a cool area... we went up for a couple days last June, and we're going back for 4 days this spring which I'm really looking forward to.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:46. 7:20 pace.

Intermittent rain, but no wind. No crowds! Just me.

My stride felt longer, if that makes any sense. This was a satisfying run.

I think today officially ends my flu. What a month! 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Feb 15, 2013 at 12:31:26 from 67.79.11.242

Glad you're well! Now...go race!

From SlowJoe on Sat, Feb 16, 2013 at 10:08:47 from 69.131.141.92

It does makes sense. Longest flu ever, glad you are back.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.850.0011.85

11.85 miles. 1:36:29. 8:08 pace. Fort Lauderdale Bridges: Las Olas (x2), Oakland Park (x1), Sunrise (x1). Felt fine, had to stop a couple of times for traffic, etc. I Should have got to bed earlier the night before. @ 5 hours sleep. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 09:06:32 from 67.79.11.242

Sleep is good! I need to work on pacing my sleep a little more consistantly.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:16:17. 7:28 pace.

I had the Primanti Brothers kielbasa, cheese, cole slaw, and french fry sandwich for dinner last night, and was worried about how it would affect my run today. ...

Apparently, I need to work more of those into my diet, because I am pleased with this result.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Feb 18, 2013 at 09:05:17 from 67.79.11.242

I'd say so, this was almost as fast as your 5 mile runs!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:00. 7:50 pace. Right achilles feels tender for some reason, so I took it slow. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.004.605.60

So, the kids have a run-athon at school this Friday. They get them out on the track and let them run for X minutes, and see how many laps they can do. Last night my 6 year old, Johnny, asked me if he could run with me today to get ready for his race. I got up early today, and woke him up. I said "Do you want to run this morning?" He was super excited. I told him not to wake up his brother. He put on church clothes. I had him change and we headed out, and did some stretches. He said he wanted to run around the block. I asked him if he wanted to time it, and he said no. He started off slow, and that discipline surprised me. He ran the whole thing (0.45 miles). When we were done he wanted to do another run to the bridge at Curry Creek and back (0.55 miles round trip). He sprinted the last 100 yards. His brother has better form, but this one has all of the determination and competitive drive. I kept trying to run next to him, which he thought was me making a passing move, so he would swerve to cut me off. I told him that the goal is not to waste any energy, that looking back over his shoulder and swerving like that was slowing him down. I told him that in his race on Friday, to “not look at the people behind you, focus on the people in front of you and pick them off one at a time.” He said “There won’t be anybody in front of me.”

Today is going to be a great day. 

 p.m. 4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:05. 7:11 pace. Right achilles feels fine. song running through my head: http://youtu.be/b-nsLFSqu2c See, I told you this was going to be a great day.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 07:17:01 from 155.219.241.10

Awesome! When I run with my girls, they do the same thing (swerve to cut me off). Must be some innate win-at-all-costs instinct. I like it. Let us know how the run-athon goes.

From Tom K on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 08:21:53 from 71.228.90.171

I'm considering making this a Wednesday morning thing.

I'll be at work for Johnny's race, but I might make it to Tommy's race. I should make a sign that says he scares me!

From I Just Run on Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 09:57:22 from 67.79.11.242

Great times with your kids! I love his determination :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:00. 7:36 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.000.001.00

Spouse went to Johnny's run at noon (mid-80's). He did 9 laps. He says he did 10, and was upset, because 10 would have tied him with the girl in his class that had the most. (Just for fun, say her name to him, and see how mad he gets! "Oooh! I think somebody likes Jasmine!") But I digress.... I told him I thought he could get 7. So he was happy that he got more than that.

I went to Tommy's run at 2. Super hot. He did 11 laps. I think he could have done more, but he spent a lot of time either; a) consoling friends that weren't doing so hot, or b) bragging to non-friends abouth how good he was doing. It was a rough dad moment. Anyway, I paced him for the last 4 laps, mostly to shut him up. 

All in all, it was pretty fun, and fairly well organized. However, I don't think they counted the last lap for Tommy's run, though. So I can see why Johnny might be upset.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Feb 24, 2013 at 10:20:38 from 69.131.141.92

hah - sounds like a good time. Your gonna have 2 competetive little dudes on your hands!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

14.75 miles. Legacy Trail 2:06:34. 8:35 pace. Then walk / run 1.5 miles home.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. 26:55. 7:41 pace. Hood route.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:02. 7:24 pace. Breezy. Winter Low Tide. Ahhhh! What a fine aroma!


Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 16:35:06 from 69.131.141.92

Maybe you can bottle it up and send me some. I'll send you Essence d'Cow Farm.

From Kendall on Wed, Feb 27, 2013 at 21:56:13 from 208.54.4.183

Nice pace. Love the picture of your sign-holding fan club.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.604.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:18. 7:14 pace. This could have been faster. I was stopped 3X by traffic. oh well. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.604.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:07. 7:12 pace. Great way to end the month. I'm starting  to feel like I'm coming back. I'm taking tomorrow off from running. I'd like to get somewhere in the  8:20 pace range for 16.25 miles Saturday. I think that would be a pretty good gauge of where I am, fitness-wise.

Now, if I didn't have 6 tacos with hot sauce for lunch, my time could have been....


Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Mar 01, 2013 at 06:50:30 from 71.228.90.171

Also, I am starting to see a connection between the humidity levels and my performance. Last Saturday had @90% humidity, and I tanked the run. Wednesday and Thursday had @ 70% humidity, and I am much happier with the results. There were a variety of other factors, I'm sure, that contributed to the success / failure of each run. Given where I live, this is a huge revelation. The downside of figuring this out though, is the potential of using humidity as an excuse for poor performance. I just didn't realize until now, after 3 years of running, how much I could be impacted by humidity levels.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail. 2:14:13. 8:15 pace. I started at 5:15, so I had the place to myself. Very serene this morning. Great sunrise!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 miles. to Legacy Trail and Back. 59:26. 7:55 pace. The run felt smooth. I'm going to be away for the next couple of days, and likely not near a computer. I'll try to see how everyone is doing when I can. If I can't get on, I'll catch up with y'all Friday. Have a good week.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Tue, Mar 05, 2013 at 07:46:49 from 155.219.241.10

Hope you're having a good trip and managing to get in some miles. See ya next week.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.500.004.50

In Charleston. Went to hotel and siad Hi to everyone, then tried out a treadmill for the first time. I don't know how I feel about it. The machine said I did 4.5 miles. I feel like it was really slow. There are pros and cons to it that I can see. Then I got cleaned up, and we went out for the bachelor party.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.600.005.60

5.6 miles 42:58. 7:40 pace. Ran Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and through downtown, the morning after the bachelor party. This is a big bridge. there are markers on the bridge to give me an idea of my splits. it is 2.5 miles long, with the highpoint at 1 mile south of the north end. I ran the uphill southbound, so my first mile was at 8:00 even, which I thought was pretty good, considering it was uphill. Running through downtown was a little trickier, because of all of the historic, uneven pavement types. Really nice day and a great run. Then wedding rehearsal, and dinner.

http://daveallenphotography.com/arthur_ravenel_bridge.php

 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.600.005.60

 5.6 miles. 47:47. 8:32 pace. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Same route as yesterday, only super windy. At the 1 mile point on the uphill of the bridge I was at 9:50. To lose almost 2 minutes on a mile in less than 24 hours is pretty telling of how stout the wind is today. As I am typing this, I have the ring in my pocket, and my speech wired. It's an outdoor wedding, and the conditions are very sketchy, but this is what winners do when the game is on the line, people! Congrats to Mike and Allison.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.600.005.60

 5.6 miles. Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. I met spouse with about .5 miles to go on the bridge. At that point I was at 43:12. So, I don't know my time. I ran today's run in reverse direction, with traffic. I liked running against traffic better. If I was going against traffic, I could see opportunities to get off of the uneven sidewalks and on to the road. Despite the rough weather, the wedding went great. The food was fantastic. I'm going home tomorrow. I miss the kiddos.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Mar 08, 2013 at 08:33:10 from 67.79.11.242

You're not missing many days running.

Oh, and by the way, don't close your eyes when you run on a treadmill ;-)

From Tom K on Fri, Mar 08, 2013 at 19:48:19 from 108.9.33.153

He's back! Man, I go away for 5 days, and looky here! I Just Run is back! Sweet! I have a lot of reading to do on your site. Well, everyone's site, really. Thanks for the treadmill tip.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail. 2:11:27. 8:05 pace. I started at 5:50 am. I was ahead of the 8 minute man, until about 90 minutes into it. Then I slowed a bit. Cool sunrise! Lots of birds munching on exposed oyster beds at low tide. At the end of the run, the Sand Hill Cranes were whooping it up. They have such an unusual call. http://youtu.be/eAqcpMEoLa0

It's Good to be home.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Mar 09, 2013 at 08:14:34 from 12.162.141.2

Nice run Tom! This wasn't anything like my run. Mine was short and boring...well it was actually hot and sweaty.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.503.007.50

am: 3.5 miles. 26:33. 7:35 pace. hood route.

Then church, sign up for 8k next weekend, lunch.

pm: At school track with the boys.

1 mile 7:48 warm up. 3 minutes rest.

1/2 mile 2:58, 3 minutes rest.

1/2 mile 3:01, 3 minutes rest.

1/2 mile 2:59, 3 minutes rest.

1/2 mile 3:01, 3 minutes rest.

1 mile 7:05 cool down.  

I think I might have sabotaged this run with a big lunch. Also, it is pushing 80 degrees here. I'm glad I got some speed work in before next weekend. This is a little confidence booster. I should be able to break 33 minutes for the 8k, I think.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 13, 2013 at 08:12:29 from 155.219.241.10

Pretty good paces given the heat and lunch belly! Should be a good race for you next weekend, it'll be nice to get out there and race again.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:20. 7:41 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:09. 7:38 pace. Crowded and Windy.

What is it about race week that makes me feel like screaming "EVERYTHING'S MESSED UP!"? Nothing felt right on this run. The week before every race I have run, this hyper analysis kicks in. "What is that weird feeling in my footcalvesshinskneesthighsbackneck? OH NO! This can't happen! Not THIS week! Why are all of these people staring at me running? Oh yeah, like YOU have never run while crying! Go back to your shanties!"

I might be over-dramatizing this, but you get the idea. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.604.60

Not running related, but this has been bothering me for a while. Every Thursday, on the sidewalk in front of my office, is an empty wheelchair, locked to a handicap parking sign. This is not a motorized or specialized wheelchair, it is completely average. Every week, I get caught up in trying to find plausible explanations for this. It just doesn't make sense. 

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:06. 7:12 pace. Less Windy. Legs feel better. I had a slight cramp on my left side, though. 

Weight: 0.00
Race: St. Patty's Day 8k (4.97 Miles) 00:32:11, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.005.009.00

Cool morning, by my standards @ 50 degrees. 2 mile warm up. At race start, and for the first mile, I was comfortably in 2nd place. At the 1 mile mark, I was passed by the guy that held the 2nd spot for the rest of the race. He was about 50 yards ahead of me until @ the 3 mile mark. Then I kind of lost him through the turns. So, for a race this short, there were long stretches of running by myself. @ 3.5 miles, a guy was setting up a water station. At this point, I didn't know if the runners were to stay on the walk, or go on the road. I yelled to him, to ask. He said "go left,..... NO RIGHT!" By then, I had already gone @ 20 yards to the left. So, I had to hop one of those rope-bollard fences to get back on track. Not a big deal, but it definitely affected my run. Especially since the next part of the course was sandy. I was passed by a guy with 1/4 mile to go, and then I really let off of the gas. Could I have got under 32 minutes? I dunno. My watch said 32:11, which is @ 6:28 pace. I don't know my official time yet. That will show up here later: http://www.zoomersrun.com/2013_Race_Results.html

Despite the wrong turn, I am pleased with this outcome. Great green eggs with the family after. And sister in law's first race! She ran the whole thing. I ran back and did the last mile with her. Good job Shannon!

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kendall on Sat, Mar 16, 2013 at 17:08:43 from 74.81.231.133

Nicely done Tom. Sorry about the wrong turn business. Those things do affect both time and attitude. Great speed and overall time--congrats on the 1st in AD!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Mar 17, 2013 at 12:25:31 from 69.131.141.92

Great effort Tom. Definitely sub-32 without the wrong turn. That kind of stuff takes a toll in a high-intensity race distance like that. Nice to see you running well again!

From Jake K on Sun, Mar 17, 2013 at 17:38:40 from 98.202.146.178

Good running Tom!

From Tom K on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 08:41:35 from 71.228.90.171

Thanks for the support, guys. Although I am really happy with my time, and I am not that concerned with placing, I feel like my placing in this race requires an asterisk, for 2 reasons:

1. There were several races run in the area this weekend, including the Sarasota Half Marathon. I would be lying to myself (and to all of you), if I acted like this was the only race in town, and I beat the best local runners. Some folks ran both races, and I’m sure they didn’t put the effort into this race that they normally would have.

2. Ricardo Lomas. He pushes his son, Sammy, in a wheelchair really, really fast. Sammy is 18 and is a special needs person who has the rare Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Mr. and Mrs. Lomas are wonderful people, here in Venice, that I have spoken to at a couple of races and events. When my kids met Sammy at the Sharks Tooth Festival last year, and reacted as children that age do – “What’s wrong with Sammy?! “, Mrs. Lomas was very kind and understanding, and calmly explained his condition to my kids. That was a pretty powerful moment for me, and probably fairly commonplace for her. When Ricardo and Sammy get a few yards from the finish line in most races around here, Ricardo will take Sammy out of the chair, and Sammy will walk himself across the finish, using the chair as support. I have seen finish line cheering crowds reduced to tears, quiet applause, and a couple of “Way to go, Sammy!” yells, at many races. This is an old video, but you can learn more about them here: http://team22q13.org/teamsammy/18-teamsammy/36-2011-gulf-coast-journal-interview or here: http://www.sammysrun.com/ I tell you all that to say that I was passed by The Lomas’s with @ quarter mile to go. I then went past them, as Ricardo was helping Sammy out of the chair near the finish. Had they simply run across the finish line, they would have beat me handily. I should have been 6th, not 4th.

From I Just Run on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 09:37:51 from 67.79.11.242

Way to run Tom. Now I know why your kids hold up those signs :-)

BTW...I know all about running the wrong way, I just didn't have anyone nice enough to tell me I was going in the wrong direction!

From Tom K on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 10:01:33 from 71.228.90.171

"Nice?" Okay, yeah, he volunteered to support the runners. I don't think I used that exact word in the heat of the moment, though. I might have been a little angry at the time.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:25:02. 8:20 pace. Great day for running!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Mar 18, 2013 at 09:31:31 from 67.79.11.242

Hi Tom K.

I ran my 10 miles this morning but a little slower than yours :-) Hope you had a good weekend!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.000.002.00

2 miles. 15:15. 7:37 pace. run cut short for time. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Mar 19, 2013 at 13:45:08 from 67.79.11.242

I bet that seemed really short! I can remember when I ran my first mile and just about died! ...Ha ha, not too long ago.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

No running, But I slept for 11.5 hours! I guess I needed that. 

In other news, my sister in law (that ran her first race with me, last Saturday) has inspired her daughter to take up running. They are shooting for a 5k race in the Jacksonville area, May 11th. So I checked on line, and what did I find?

http://connectrace.net/event/chick-fil-a-connect-race-series-jacksonville-fl

"Slow"Joe, I think your girls would love this race! 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 09:44:02 from 155.219.241.10

I bow my head to you, sir. Bravo!

From Tom K on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 09:49:25 from 71.228.90.171

I never thought I would boast about sleeping.

From I Just Run on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 10:12:58 from 67.79.11.242

I could use some of that!

From Tom K on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 10:19:33 from 71.228.90.171

Boasting? Have at it, man!

From I Just Run on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 10:21:02 from 67.79.11.242

Ha Ha...no, SLEEP :-)

From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 20, 2013 at 10:33:10 from 155.219.241.10

But the nightmares have only now just subsided!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:36. 7:31 pace. Considering the wind, it felt pretty good out there. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 09:59:08 from 67.79.11.242

I'm always wondering what the temperature is in Florida when you run. I'm imagining it to be really hot and humid!

From Tom K on Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 10:28:58 from 71.228.90.171

Yesterday was 74/56, avg. humidity 53. Yes, hot and humid, almost all the time. I'm used to it. The humidity is sometimes rough, but compared to the conditions that most of the other folks on this site are running in... I'll take my no-snow, super-muggy running. Similar to Texas, correct?

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 10:37:55 from 67.79.11.242

Our humidity is almost always high early in the morning when I run 80+ and starting soon it will be 65+ degrees. We will sometimes get mornings in the 50's but typically no breeze. By May it will almost be 75 degrees and 80% humidity every morning at 5-6 when I run. I'm thinking you get some ocean/gulf breeze that cools you down more at night. I'm not sure why our humidity is always so high.

From Tom K on Thu, Mar 21, 2013 at 10:47:26 from 71.228.90.171

I remember Gainesville and St. John's County (in-land) being much warmer and muggy-er than here. Yeah, I get a gulf breeze every now and again.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.004.604.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:15. 7:13 pace. Less Windy. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 13:00:45 from 67.79.11.242

You're bumping the speed up a little I see! Good run!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:31:57. 9:01 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:27. 7:24 pace. A little windy. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Mar 26, 2013 at 09:09:22 from 67.79.11.242

You're running quit a few of these 5 milers at a pretty good clip! Good consistancy :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:55. 7:17 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 08:53:37 from 67.79.11.242

This is right on pace with your run a few days ago! Speedy :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 09:01:05 from 71.228.90.171

Hey, Sorry I haven't been around lately. Life gets in the way of running (and blogging!) sometimes. You seem to be ripping along just fine. Are you signed up to run that Army race?

From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 09:03:45 from 67.79.11.242

I'm going to play it by ear. I've emailed the race director to find out how late you can sign up. Problem is the weather could be 75-80 degrees and 90% humidiy or (hopefully)50 degrees and 50% humidity this time of year over here. I sure want to run it!

From Tom K on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 09:15:08 from 71.228.90.171

Ha! I call those weather conditions "Saturday"!

I know what you're saying about humidity. I have really started to see that mess up good runs lately.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.205.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:45. 7:04 pace. Smooth gliding today. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 16:30:51 from 67.79.11.242

Are you copy and pasting again? ...Oh wait; definitely NOT, I see the even speedier pace! It's going to be cool to see all 6:?? soon!

From Tom K on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 at 16:34:21 from 71.228.90.171

Sooo close to that today! Arrrgh!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail. 2:17:03. 8:26 pace. Fantastic morning. Lots to see. Then Church Easter Egg Hunt setup, Then kid's baseball, then trampoline bouncing with kids, then beach with kids. What a day!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.500.001.50

1.5 mile RUNFAIL! Okay, there are several possible reasons things fell apart, in no particular order: Easter food is horrible for runners. Seriously, what "athlete" eats ham with spicy mustard, hard boiled eggs, Jello eggs, Reeses Peanut butter eggs, Peeps, and bread and butter pickles? Also, we ate this meal at the beach (79 degrees, and 80+% humidity). Sitting in the sun for a couple of hours, eating this "Easter goodness", about a half hour prior to running is not the smartest thing I've done. Also, there was a little bit of sleep deprivation thrown in there. Anyhow, given the conditions leading up to the run, I am amazed I made it as far as I did. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Apr 01, 2013 at 14:21:53 from 67.79.11.242

Ha ha, I ate like that but I think my run scheduling was a little better than yours. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:57. 7:36 pace. In the words of Joe Namath, I was

STRUG-GULL-LING!

I better get used to these new weather conditions soon.  Oh yeah, good diet today, no sweets. I feel like I'm wasting the investment I've made to the  girls scouts of america, but what are you gonna do? 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 at 08:01:56 from 67.79.11.242

If I had to get used to the weather conditions I had today I think I would quit! (66 degrees, 90% humidity)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.503.005.50

At the track. 1.5 mile warm up. 4 minutes rest. 1 mile @ 6:03. 4 minutes rest. 1 mile @ 6:15. 4 minutes rest. 1 mile @ 6:17. 8 minutes rest. 1 mile cool down. 

The goal was to get 6:20 pace miles. I came out too fast on the first one. I think I need something that paces me, as I am getting into a new pace range. If you ask me to go run a 7:30 or an 8:00 minute mile, I know what that "feels" like, and I can be close. If you ask me to run a 6:20 mile, all I know is that it is much faster than I normally run. I need to find a way of knowing what 6:20 "feels" like. I guess the short answer is: I need to do this more often than once every 4 months, or so.

Also, I am stunned at the 6:03. I know that for a lot of people around here, 6:03 ain't that fast. In my world, that is pretty fast. In high school, I remember they timed us for a mile after soccer practice a couple of times. I think my best mile was @5:53. I've slowed 10 seconds in 25 years? Really?

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 at 07:55:50 from 155.219.241.10

6:03 is fast in any world, as far as I'm concerned. Nice going.

As far as pacing, it's an issue for me too at the track. For the first couple laps, I'm checking my splits every 200m and making small adjustments to get the pace right. We need a mechanical rabbit lure, like they have at the greyhound track.

From Tom K on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 at 07:57:35 from 71.228.90.171

I was thinking the same thing about the Rabbit. Although, in my case, it wouldn't be a rabbit, it would be a fast moving box of Samoas.

From I Just Run on Wed, Apr 03, 2013 at 08:03:46 from 67.79.11.242

I call that "FAST" ... !!! Nice work. I do the same thing as Joe, checking every 200 meters or so and make adjustments. I actually have more of a problem on the road where the terrain is uneven and it's dark. I don't know what the darkness has to do with it unless maybe I get scared and start running faster!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:30. 7:24 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:52. 7:35 pace. It rained all day and all night, except for the 1 hour I had to go running. I'd like to think that the clouds parted, and the sun came out, BECAUSE I was going to run. Still a little stiff from the Tuesday milers, but it felt like my feet were hitting the ground differently. It's weird, but it felt like my toes were contributing more to the cause, than they normally do. Or I was more aware of the work they were doing, or something. Good Job, Toes! The strides felt more like "pulling back" than "pushing down." It's hard to explain. 

Yesterday at lunch, I was entertained by watching a man cut down an Oak tree in chunks. Usually, this is no big deal. But this guy was running a chainsaw 20-25' off the ground, using ropes, spikes on his feet, over a roof, next to power lines, IN THE POURING RAIN! I guess some local folks were more concerned than I was. The city arborist received a TON of phone calls. So he came out to the site, to see what was going on. The lunatic with the chainsaw climbed out of the tree, pulled his tree removal permit and licensing credentials out of his truck, and screamed red-faced at the city arborist, in the rain, for a good 15 minutes, then he went back to work. I considered giving the tree removal guy $10 for the show I just witnessed, but then I thought maybe approaching an angry, crazy person with a chainsaw wasn't such a hot idea.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, Apr 05, 2013 at 08:39:15 from 155.219.241.10

Nice weather control! Here it never rains UNLESS I run. Severe droughts except from 5-6:30am.

Sounds like a pretty interesting lunch as well - conflict is always entertaining.

From I Just Run on Fri, Apr 05, 2013 at 10:41:52 from 67.79.11.242

Good "Light-Foot" running! I've always wondered what the perfect stride would feel like, it seems you might have found it!

I agree with Joe, it sounds like great entertainment :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:22. 7:34 pace. Windy. I don't usually run on Fridays. I have found that it messes up my Saturday long runs. So today is an experiment, to see if that is still the case. There is such a perfect window of time on Friday afternoons to run, that I hate to waste it by not running. I was trying to go slow today. 7:34 pace is a little quicker than I was shooting for. We'll see how this plays out tomorrow.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 miles Legacy Trail to Venice Avenue. RUNFAIL. Untimed. But I don't blame Friday's run for this. The results of the experiment are still inconclusive. Getting warm.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

8 miles. Legacy Trail. Venice Avenue to Caspersen Beach and back. Un timed. With the boys on bikes. Last time I tried this, Tommy broke his finger in the most odd and expensive fashion. We had 2 crashes and 4 stops on the ride south today. Only 2 stops on the ride back. The Gopher Tortoises were busy today. Nothing like a child's scream to stop you cold, then to find out it was only a turtle. So the run was fairly broken into shorter runs, but I think it was a pretty good outing. It only took a few steps to get back into the groove each time, so weather permitting, we'll be doing this again. Just not at 2 pm.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Apr 07, 2013 at 16:27:30 from 96.61.24.215

I'm impressed they went 8 miles! My little one starts whining about halfway around the block.

From Tom K on Sun, Apr 07, 2013 at 16:43:55 from 71.203.20.181

Yeah, I'm proud of them. The good news is that the snowbirds will be leaving soon, so I wont have to worry about kids vs. bike traffic on the trail. The bad news is that it will be too hot to do this after church soon. It's always something, right?

From I Just Run on Sun, Apr 07, 2013 at 19:20:04 from 12.162.141.2

Nice to have good company on a run ! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:38. 7:37 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Apr 09, 2013 at 08:31:01 from 67.79.11.242

You're pretty consistant on about a 7:30 pace. Do you run the entire run at that pace or do you vary the speed?

From Tom K on Tue, Apr 09, 2013 at 08:49:05 from 71.228.90.171

Most of the time, I try to hold the same pace throughout the run. Recently, I have attempted to push it on the uphill of the bridge.

You know, all of this studying of the weather for you and Joe, I should check the weather for my own race this weekend... http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=KVNC&hourly=1&yday=102&weekday=Saturday

GREAT! 70 DEGREES! 99% HUMIDITY! 50% chance of rain! I will not be denied! I'm gonna get my stinking 40 minutes, if I have to run it in hip waders!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:22. 7:22 pace. Fighting for air today. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 07:35:44 from 67.79.11.242

Job 33:4

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:57. 7:23 pace. Is it bad luck to run in a race shirt prior to the race? 

p.s. 81 degrees. I may never stop sweating. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 at 08:30:34 from 67.79.11.242

If you're talking about the shirts they give away at the races the answer is NO but it is very NERDY!

Have you quit sweating yet?

Race: Shark's Tooth 10k (6.21 Miles) 00:42:11, Place overall: 12, Place in age division: 2
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.006.2010.20

2 mile warm up. 10k in 42:11, 6:47 pace. 2 mile cool down.

Not the time I was looking for, but I feel pretty good about this result. It was crazy hot, and crazy humid. Not making excuses, though. I gave this my best effort. For the eleventy-eth race in a row, I came out too fast for my abilities. I was running sub-6:15's for the first 2 miles. Right after mile 3, things slowed way, way down.  The legs and back felt great. The problem was entirely with my breathing. I just never felt right. It was funny, I was with the race leaders for the first mile. They were all looking at each other, as if to say "do you want to lead? I don't want to lead." I know they were all much faster than they were running.

After the race, I met up with Spouse at the kids' baseball game. Apparently, I missed out on Tommy knocking the snot out of the ball. He had a pretty good hit when I got there, but a couple of people described the liner he hit to right field before I got there, and it sounded amazing.

One of the best things about this race is that my father made it. Last year, right before this race, he went into the hospital. We didn't know if he would make it through that. It's been a rough year, with a couple of hospital stays in between these races. I feel blessed that he is here, and could make it out.

Someone gets "the sweaty hug" after my races. Everyone was expecting me to get dad, in "honor" of him still being around. I got mom, instead. Sneak Attack! She was NOT  happy about it. This might be the end of "the sweaty hug!"

Results and pictures will be here: http://activesuncoast.org/ST-Results-Photos.html eventually.

2nd place in my age group. I won a coaster!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 13:53:05 from 67.79.11.242

Nice race Tom! I saw there were a lot of entries in your age group. You know the heat and humidity probably added a minute or two to your overall time so I would say it was a great effort! BTW...did you beat the Shark?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:32. 7:43 pace. Wasn't feeling it today. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Apr 17, 2013 at 13:53:50 from 67.79.11.242

You just raced Saturday so I understand why you wern't feeling it today!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:09. 7:38 pace. Okay, this is getting kind of rough. At the end of my runs lately, I yawn. That tells me that I'm not getting enough air while I run, right? I know it ain't because I'm sleepy. Maybe I'm just in a little running funk lately. Or maybe it was because I accidentally knocked my knee with a concrete block today. Or maybe, it was because it was SO HOT,...(How hot was it?)...It was so hot, my sweat started sweating! Anyway, I'm going to keep on pushing through this. Something good will shake out. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 10:40:34 from 67.79.11.242

Maybe you need to mix things up a bit. Try doing some fartleks. If nothing else it will make you laught when describing to your friends what kind of training your're doing. :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 10:43:22 from 71.228.90.171

http://3zigs.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/fartlek.jpg

This picture always cracks me up.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 14:38:28 from 155.219.241.10

I guess it's about time for the 8-month summer in Florida...don't envy you guys for that.

On the plus side, I'm sure you have an excellent complexion with all the humidity.

From Tom K on Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 06:22:01 from 71.228.90.171

yes. yes I do.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:42. 7:45 pace. I was slightly re-routed by the boat show. I had to run on grass. I felt like I was a step quicker than yesterday, but maybe not. I'm starting to get used to the heat, I think.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Apr 18, 2013 at 17:52:34 from 24.218.176.97

I like this goal:

"In general, my goal for this year is to limit the number of times I impulsively sabotage my training runs with poor diet and sleep."

I feel like I should adopt this one.

From Tom K on Fri, Apr 19, 2013 at 06:16:48 from 71.228.90.171

I'm not doing too good with that goal this year. Thanks for reminding me that I need to get back on track.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:20:35. 7:54 Pace. Very slow, but very steady. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 13:04:26 from 67.79.11.242

Steady is GOOD! How hot is it getting there? I'm planning to cut my miles back an start cycling since most of our mornings are 65 degrees now and the evenings are just brutally hot!

From Tom K on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 13:20:06 from 71.228.90.171

65-85 deg. 50%-90% humidity. You know, the usual. It ain't that bad. Good for the pores, I hear.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:43. 7:46 pace. Meh. I'll take it. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:52. 7:22 pace. Shirtless backwards visor dude was doing hill blasts with 5 other dudes. I caught up to him on the way back. He passed me on the uphill, stopped at the top and gave me a high five. Okay, maybe he isn't a jerk. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 16:55:18 from 24.218.176.97

Nice running Tom!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Apr 23, 2013 at 18:01:44 from 96.61.24.215

Unless it was one of those condescending high-5's. Backward visor guys are known for that. Especially when shirtless.

Anyhoo, nice run!

From I Just Run on Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 07:53:19 from 67.79.11.242

Sounds like he is an inspiration to you...! :-)

From Tom K on Wed, Apr 24, 2013 at 08:12:16 from 71.228.90.171

To run shirtless? I dunno, man. There's still a lot of residual chubby guy self-image over here. I don't think I could do it.

I'm just happy to get down below 7:30's running again. I'd like to consistently get below 7:30's or 7:15's for these weekday bridge 4.6 / 5.2 / 5.8 milers, and then below 8:15's or 8:00's for the weekend longer runs (10.2 / 12.9 / 16.25 / 20.75). Ideally, those runs would add up to @50 miles per week. But lately, there has been too much stuff getting in the way. I need to lock in a new schedule, and then just go through the motions of the schedule for a couple of months here, and then re-group at the end of the summer. (I don't know where all of this came from. I guess I was just trying to think out some non-race-related running goals for myself.)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

5.5 miles. Hood Route. 43:19. 7:53 pace. It felt very smooth. The inside of the left knee was a little off at the start, but after a mile it went away. The full moon brought about lots of animal activity. I saw raccoons, like any other run, but also a fox crossed my path 2x. Well that was cool! Got home and didn't feel like I was done running. So I went around the block, throwing in some speed here and there, but mostly concentrating on form, for 2 miles. I don't usually get to warm up or cool down, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity last night.

The kids' Pinewood Derby was last night. We spectators ate popcorn. Lots of it. Then I went running. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Apr 25, 2013 at 07:52:00 from 67.79.11.242

Good workout. Hope the knee is nothing! Enjoy the pinwood derby and popcorn, time will fly by with your boys. Mine is off to college in the fall ... happy and sad time. :-)(

From Tom K on Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 06:52:44 from 71.228.90.171

I should take more pictures of my kids. I swear the youngest one grew 6" last night. I can't believe how fast this is going. I'm considering signing them up for their first 5k next month. They are pretty good runners, but 3.1 miles is a lot to ask of a 6 and a (by race day) 8 year old. I want to run a race WITH them. If I wait too much longer, they will be leaving me at the starting line!

I hope beating my qualifying time by 1:45 will be good enough to get into Boston. I'd like to meet you up there.

From I Just Run on Fri, Apr 26, 2013 at 07:36:19 from 67.79.11.242

You better race them now while you can beat them! :-)

I'm really curious how Boston will take entries next year. With all of the people last year that were given a deferment because of the heat and then this year with so many not even being able to finish the race no telling what they will do. It will be the year to be there if we can get in!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:01. 8:02 pace. Left knee ain't cured, yet. It looks like I have to take tomorrow off. Dadgummit!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Apr 29, 2013 at 09:13:20 from 67.79.11.242

How's the knee?

From SlowJoe on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 11:08:47 from 155.219.241.10

Consarnit! Hope it's better now.

From Tom K on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 11:52:13 from 71.228.90.171

Knee pain AND back pain now! Woo-hoo! Bonus pain!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:19. 8:07 pace. The knee and back pain are very bad. I went to the doc on Tuesday. I have to cool it for a while. Next appointment is Friday. We'll see what happens after that. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 19:07:09 from 24.218.179.128

Good luck at the doctor.

From I Just Run on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 at 20:59:14 from 12.162.141.2

Oh man. ...! This is not good news. Hopefully a fer days of rest will do the trick!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:45. 8:00 pace. In the rain.

Hey, if the Doctor is going to use vague expressions like “cool it,” then I’m going to run, because NOT running STINKS OUT LOUD. Anyway, the back feels much better, but not completely right. I believe the back thing came from throwing the kids around in the pool. They are 60 lbs. plus now. If that was the cause, it was totally worth it, and this will be a constant problem. The knee is still a little off, and I have no idea what caused that issue. Hopefully, I’ll be done with knee pain Friday.

By the way, running in the rain is awesome. I can see why my kids want to go outside every time it rains.

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, May 01, 2013 at 18:19:20 from 96.61.24.215

Sounds like the knee, at least, is a little better? I agree, that doctor's gonna have to be more specific than "cool it."

From Tom K on Thu, May 02, 2013 at 06:43:55 from 71.228.90.171

Yes. A little. I guess the best way to describe it is that the inside of the left knee cap feels a little sloppy. I have had this feeling before, like when the kids started soccer, and my legs weren't accustomed to the "instep" pass. For the most part, if I keep things moving north- south, there is not much of a problem. It is the lateral movements that sting.

From I Just Run on Thu, May 02, 2013 at 08:14:11 from 67.79.11.242

Glad to hear it's all better so quickly. Hopefully the doc can figure out a little more on the knee. We don't need to loose another runner on the blog!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:14. 7:40 pace. Back is much better, but I'm still not entirely over it. Left knee is still weird. I will "cool it" tomorrow, when I go back to the Doc's, I promise. I love it when random songs pop into my head while I'm running. The one I got today, I haven't thought of in YEARS! http://youtu.be/Z_4Uwx2v1KA

I'm on a Vision Quest! Whatever that means. Good song, though.  

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Not running today, but I Just Run's post of his awesome age group trophy got me to thinking. We should have a board where people put up pictures of unusual / interesting awards they have won.

That coaster I won a couple of weeks ago (2nd place in age group) with the picture of a running shark on it is ridiculous. I keep putting it under the kid's drinks on the coffee table, but Spouse won't let me use it AS A COASTER! Am I supposed to hang it on the wall? What would you do with it? What did Jake do with his Moose trophy?

On the other hand, I earned a coaster with a picture of a running shark on it. Not many people can say that, right? I waited around after the race for about 2 hours to get the thing, so it's not like I didn't want it. But now what?

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, May 03, 2013 at 08:31:08 from 67.79.11.242

Ha ha... I've only been running about 3 years and I already have a shelf full of trophies. I don't dare clutter up my house with them so they are on a shelf at work. I guess some day my kids will throw them away. :-(

From Bam on Fri, May 03, 2013 at 08:44:56 from 89.126.28.24

Excellent and what a great idea. I'll have to get fit enough to see if I can win something; if not, I'll buy something and pretend I won it:)

From Jake K on Fri, May 03, 2013 at 11:04:19 from 24.2.76.138

The moose trophy is hidden in the corner behind several of the giant "Stanley Cup" style trophies that Andrea has won.

Allie has about a dozen of them.

From I Just Run on Fri, May 03, 2013 at 11:25:15 from 67.79.11.242

Jake K,

Bam might want to buy that moose trophy from you. Aren't there moose in Ireland?

From allie on Fri, May 03, 2013 at 11:29:11 from 97.126.221.226

the moose trophies are very, very difficult to find shelf space for. they are huge and they come with a bunch of very sharp sticks. they only look good in cabins or cabin-themed homes.

the most unusual thing i have ever won is a dr. suess-esque christmas tree from a race held in early november.

From Bam on Sat, May 04, 2013 at 09:57:12 from 89.126.28.24

There are loads of mouses in Ireland:)

From Tom K on Sat, May 04, 2013 at 11:52:05 from 71.203.20.181

Wait, the plural of moose is moose?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:21:19. 7:58 pace. Constant pace run.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, May 06, 2013 at 09:46:37 from 67.79.11.242

Nice 10 Miler!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. Hood route. 46:56. 8:32 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Mon, May 06, 2013 at 08:39:03 from 155.219.241.10

Congrats on the AG award in your 10k, just noticing the new picture. I missed the report back when it happened, but congrats on running a good race. Tough combination when it's hot AND you go out hard (I've done that a lot) but still a pretty good result.

A mere 3 weeks late on my comment...

From Tom K on Mon, May 06, 2013 at 09:03:53 from 71.228.90.171

Dude, weren't you running in a slightly less significant race that same weekend?! I'll give you a pass for not commenting!

I didn't run this race smart. Coulda/Woulda/Shoulda - blah blah blah. It was still a lot of fun. I'd like to think I learned something from the experience, but,...

From I Just Run on Mon, May 06, 2013 at 09:46:02 from 67.79.11.242

Tom,

I'm assuming the knee and back are doing better.

From Tom K on Tue, May 07, 2013 at 06:30:52 from 71.228.90.171

IJR(Fast!)Not exactly. It's a long-ish story, but I wanted to see how I did Monday afternoon before responding. The Doctor visit on Friday kind of flipped me out, so I ran slow all weekend (MY definition of "cool it"). I was able to give it a little more speed on Monday, so I don't really know where I stand. It is something I'm going to have to pay attention to, at least for a while.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:02. 7:24 pace. Cautiously quicker. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, May 07, 2013 at 08:27:48 from 67.79.11.242

Much quicker I would say!

From Derunzo on Wed, May 08, 2013 at 19:51:30 from 24.218.179.128

Moving!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:15. 7:53 pace.

I looked at a picture someone took of me at the Shark’s Tooth 10k, and it occurred to me that I run with a heel strike. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151586871282457&set=a.10151586861387457.1073741826.78049147456&type=3&theater

(I have no idea who took the picture, or why I look like I’m holding back gas.)

My toe is @ at a 45 degree angle to the ground! Do I really run like that? Whoa! That is terrible form! I feel like I have plateaued somewhat, and that maybe I need to work on my form, if I want to get faster, have less wear and tear, etc. I’ve been thinking about what I want to do with this summer, now that I will not be racing for a while. So I watched a couple of videos, which show some drills that promote a mid/fore foot strike. I think I’m going to try to change the way I run. If it works out that this doesn’t help, I’m assuming it won’t HURT, and I’ll still be putting down miles. (Ideally, 40-50 per week + the form drills.) I just will try to not be concerned about paces for a while. So this is the first run to that agenda. I tried to think about not letting my feet get out in front of me, leaning forward at the ankles, lifting my heels higher (as in the buttkick drill), etc. the whole time I was running. I realize this is going to be a long process, and that it is nearly impossible to maintain focus on these things for any considerable distance run. I managed to think about my form the majority of the time on this run. What I noticed is that my hamstrings were contributing more than usual, and that I was only looking @ 10-20 feet in front of me, as opposed to looking further down the path.  

Anyway, I didn’t mean to go this long on this post. This is the early stages of formulating a plan. If anyone would like to give advice about any of this, I would appreciate it.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Bam on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 10:21:00 from 89.126.28.24

Tom, if you do the form drills that break the stride down into its various components, this should help with your foot strike and help your form.

If you think about your stride and foot plant etc, while you are running, you are likely to come a cropper.

That said, if you do some drills and then some short hill blasts, you'll find this session helps with your foot strike and overall form. In fact, when you do the hill blasts after doing the drills, you can feel the different elements of your stride while you are doing the blasts. This then transfers to you normal running - not in terms of tuning into to your stride, rather it happens naturally.

From Tom K on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 10:27:54 from 71.228.90.171

1. "Cropper?"

2. Drills like this? http://youtu.be/0qQIQ624M7s

3. Thanks.

From Bam on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 10:39:52 from 89.126.28.24

Yep, they are good drills. There are loads you can do. But they seem like a great place to start.

From I Just Run on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 11:30:26 from 67.79.11.242

Tom, Not that I know a lot about running form (I know I have a lot to learn) but I studied the "Pose" running form and have tried to mimic it. It seems to take a lot of shock off of your knees, hips and legs in general. I noticed that my natural comfortable base became faster when I ran this way too. I believe, when I run "slow" I revert back to less efficient way of running. It took me a while to get the leg muscles used to the new form but now it's very comfortable. Go to this photo website and see several photos of me in my last marathon and see the way my feet hit the ground. Again...I'm no expert I'm just giving you my observations. (You may have to search under my last name - Tatum)

http://www.kreutzphotography.com/Photo_ViewTN.asp?DID=16&FID=7595&GID=1680&IMG=1&PAGE=1&PWD=&SRCH=1552&TYP=PUB

From SlowJoe on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 11:47:21 from 155.219.241.10

interesting...I've seen pictures of myself landing mid-foot and with a bit of a heel strike (depends on how tired I am, I think). I think I just stopped paying attention or caring.

But hey, Ryan Hall changed his foot strike so it can't be a bad idea, right?

From Tom K on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 14:50:01 from 71.203.20.181

I have a couple of other theories about this. For example, If I ran barefoot once in a while, would the form sort itself out? If I do more speed work, would the inefficient movements naturally be eliminated? I don't know. Part of me thinks this is just how I run, Part of me thinks trying SOMETHING will make me a better runner. I'm not in a position to add many miles or specialty runs, so this is what I have to work with. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Thanks all.

p.s. IJR, Seriously, What's with the tongue?

From Chad Robinson on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 15:08:52 from 50.73.39.89

Barefoot running is certainly a viable method of moving to a mid-foot strike but you have to be careful - your calves and ankles are really going to hate you for it. Something like Vibrams are a good way to create a consequence for landing on your heels without tearing your feet apart over a relatively long distance. Vibrams on a track would be a really good idea so you don't have to deal with any rocks. You could also give Altra's a try with their zero drop, then virtually all surfaces are fare game. Whatever you decide take it slow and easy.

From I Just Run on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 15:19:23 from 67.79.11.242

Tom,

If you stick your tongue out you won't heel strike for fear of biting it off from the impact!

From Tom K on Sun, May 12, 2013 at 06:45:02 from 71.203.20.181

So what I'm getting from this isthat I should keep my form work separate from my runs. I shouldn't try to do them at the same time. Okay, makes sense.

Chad, given where I live, I think this presents a perfect opportunity (excuse) to run barefot on the beach. The sand is pretty hard packed down by the water. That might be a fun transition! Thanks for the help.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:06. 7:38 pace. Focused on Form.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, May 10, 2013 at 11:20:04 from 67.79.11.242

Your form looked good from here!

From SlowJoe on Sat, May 11, 2013 at 21:28:58 from 96.61.24.215

I can tell by the way you capitalized "Form."

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 miles Legacy Trail to Venice Avenue. 1:51:25. 8:38 pace. Summer is here. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:25. 7:42 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, May 14, 2013 at 08:22:42 from 67.79.11.242

Nice trophy for the Shark's Tooth 10K. :-)

Who comes up with these trophy ideas anyway! :-)

From Bam on Wed, May 15, 2013 at 14:44:46 from 89.126.28.24

Psssst - Tiddles Maloney told me to say, Rodeo Boy loves Morgan Freeman. Laters, I'm off to bed.

From I Just Run on Wed, May 15, 2013 at 15:12:11 from 67.79.11.242

Morgan Freeman did play God in "Bruce Almighty" :-)

From Tom K on Wed, May 15, 2013 at 15:16:33 from 71.228.90.171

Bingo! Yahtzee! Is that your final answer? Our survey says... God! Bing bing bing bing bing! Well, it was nice to meet you, God. Thank you for the Grand Canyon, and good luck with the Apocalypse.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:18. 7:40 pace. Life-saving breeze. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 33:42. 7:20 pace. Once again, life-saving breeze.

A little bit snappier today. Good. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. un timed. 1:15 pm start. It was U-G-L-Y! Anyhow, then I picked the kids up from school and cut the grass. I got winded cutting the grass. And I have a riding lawnmower! go figure. Then we ate, and then went swimming. Just messing around, I got in 3'-4' deep water and started "running" laps in the pool. The heel strike was completely gone! This is interesting. I should do this more often. I must have done 20 laps or so. The kids thought... meh. Tommy turns 8 tomorrow, so there will not be much time for running this weekend. That's why I tried to get something in today.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, May 17, 2013 at 18:52:07 from 24.218.179.128

Excellent job squeezing in the miles & Happy Birthday to Tommy!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:22:29. 8:05 pace. Kind of a surprise run, but I had 2 goals for this run: 1. Don't think about form or anything to do with running, until the last mile and 2. Run the last mile faster. Simple. The non-running related stuff that was going through my head for the first 9 miles of this was crazy! Saving Private Ryan to Creationism to people in motorized wheelchairs to Run DMC to how saltwater makes your skin sticky to sunsets to... etc. Crazy! And the miles just passed. Anyhow, I have no empirical evidence to prove I ran the last mile faster. I just put forth a lot more effort, more than someone fading at the end of a run. I got gnat attacked with 1/2 mile to go. I had a "great" pre-run meal of fried chicken, cheezy noodles, broccolli, watermelon, and birthday cake. Derp.

Spending the day yesterday on a fossil dig with the boys in the Peace River Was great. We came home with zip lock bags full of teeth, ribs and other bones of all kinds of animals. In fact, I can't think of another reason to tell someone to go to Arcadia, other than to dig fossils there.

Tommy's birthday party at the beach was also a huge success today. I have to re-wax those skimboards! That's all the boys wanted to do. I can't believe he's 8.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Bam on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 06:14:47 from 89.126.28.24

Nice run. It's great how the mind just goes off and does its thing if you let it.

The youngsters grow up quickly. I can't believe my eldest girl is 10! I'm starting to panic - don't know if the wife will have any use for me once the girls scarper. Better start making myself useful.

From I Just Run on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 08:31:43 from 67.79.11.242

Great run Tom. At least you didn't start counting your steps like I do. :-)

Sounds like you had a great day with your son! Enjoy!!!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:13. 7:44 pace. Little breezy. 

19 years married today. I still dig that chick.   

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 07:27:34 from 67.79.11.242

Which "chick" ... I hope it's the one you married. :-)

From Bam on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 15:04:06 from 89.126.28.24

Haha - over here to dig somebody means to give them a cheeky little dig on the the chin - punch them. I hope you still don't punch your old lady, especially on your anniversary:)

Congrats.

From Tom K on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 15:34:16 from 71.228.90.171

What a strange language barrier we have. Is there anything that translates directly from English to American English? I'm still trying to figure out what "cheeky" means. Next, I'll say that I went for a drive, and you'll tell me that over there it means I hung drywall, or something!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:59. 8:02 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 16:54:25 from 24.218.179.128

Nice miles & it's only Tuesday!

From Tom K on Wed, May 22, 2013 at 06:42:40 from 71.228.90.171

I made it to page 2 of the mileage board. A new record!

From I Just Run on Wed, May 22, 2013 at 10:37:51 from 67.79.11.242

I had to look. I am on page 2 also...but I'm the very last one. :-(

From Tom K on Wed, May 22, 2013 at 11:19:46 from 71.228.90.171

Well, that was short-lived!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:07. 7:38 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, May 23, 2013 at 08:19:40 from 67.79.11.242

Nice running!

BTW...I cut and pasted that reply. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.700.704.40

2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @  >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. Times are irrelevant for this purpose. Attempting to use speed to fix form. No running on Friday. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Bam on Fri, May 24, 2013 at 07:48:08 from 89.126.28.24

That's a cheeky little session: well thought out.

From I Just Run on Fri, May 24, 2013 at 09:38:40 from 67.79.11.242

I'm going to run exactly what you run on Friday. Our training ora must be in sync!

From Tom K on Fri, May 24, 2013 at 10:03:42 from 71.228.90.171

Since you're a day behind, here's what you can expect Saturday - PAIN. Don't know about Training Auras. Are they available at Sports Authority, in the Gu section?

From Tom K on Fri, May 24, 2013 at 10:13:34 from 71.228.90.171

Wait, If I have this right, you plan on doing a bunch of short interval stuff Friday (like I did Thursday), and then racing a 5k Saturday? Dude, I do NOT feel like racing today. I am not one to coach up folks around here, because I know very little about good training myself. But I have to question you on this one.

From I Just Run on Sat, May 25, 2013 at 12:02:39 from 12.162.141.2

I did have the "PAIN" but it was because of the 5K I ran. I didn't run on Friday, I planned to take the day off for rest and did. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
13.000.0013.00

AM: 5.5 miles. Hood route. 48:58. 8:54 pace. Did not run yesterday. the weather was fantastic, but this run was awful. The anniversary dinner from last night did not sit well.

Then church, then scraping the indoor outdoor carpet adhesive off the back porch, then painting. ....then the family left for a church outing...

PM: 7.5 miles. Hood route to Legacy Trail. 59:11. 7:53 pace. I saw a chance to run, and I took it. Ha!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Sun, May 26, 2013 at 11:46:17 from 71.203.20.181

By the way, the sermon at church this morning was on Hebrews 12:1-3. That verse will preach to a runner.

From Bam on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 05:06:56 from 89.126.28.24

Careful!

From Tom K on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 11:03:11 from 71.203.20.181

yeah yeah. I know. I was bummed that I didn't get a run in on Saturday, so I doubled up Sunday. I plan on doing 5.5 today. tomorrow off. is that cool?

From Bam on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 11:20:24 from 89.126.28.24

Yeah, that's cool. Do you know why? Everything about you is cool - you're a cool dude!:)

From Tom K on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 12:35:46 from 71.203.20.181

Ha Ha. Why have you got to make it weird, man?

From I Just Run on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 12:56:09 from 12.162.141.2

Good FOCUS man! Keep your eye on the goal!!

From Bam on Tue, May 28, 2013 at 14:32:13 from 89.126.28.24

"Life is far too important to be taken seriously". Oscar Wilde:)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 fartlek-y miles. Hood route. 28:02. 8:01 pace. On the way out, my neighbor was blasting Wham's Careless Whisper. What kind of Memorial Day party are you having, bro? I'm never gonna dance again.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 19:16:30 from 166.137.119.48

It's just not right to add a -y to that word.

From Derunzo on Mon, May 27, 2013 at 19:55:18 from 24.218.179.128

Guilty feet have got no rhythm.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:08. 7:32 pace.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, May 30, 2013 at 14:00:38 from 67.79.11.242

Clipping along there dude!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:05. 7:25 pace. Fairly windy on the way back. On my way up the bridge on the way back, I was fighting the wind so hard, my heels might not have touched the ground. Once I was down the hill, I didn't push against the wind. I took what it gave me. Just feeling really thankful today that I can run at all.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, May 31, 2013 at 07:55:21 from 67.79.11.242

...And you dropped the pace even lower! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 slow, ugly miles.Legacy Trail to Colonia. Starting a run at 11:30 am right now is a BAD IDEA. but that's when I had to run. Still sweating.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, Jun 02, 2013 at 17:22:01 from 24.218.179.128

Tom K. runs big miles..... and then laughs at you. Nice run!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.700.704.40

Same drill as last thursday. Big difference is this run was at 3 pm. A little warmer. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. Times are irrelevant for this purpose. Attempting to use speed to fix form. The kids were very well behaved at the track, so we went swimming right after. Nice.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jun 03, 2013 at 16:14:36 from 67.79.11.242

I'll be watching for those times to drop! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.205.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:35. 7:14 pace. After yesterday's track work, I have no idea where this came from. Must have been the song I had stuck in my head, that I can never remember the title of:

http://youtu.be/X5eHfn3UWno

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Mon, Jun 03, 2013 at 16:58:49 from 65.116.3.92

That doesn't seem like a song that would get stuck in your head, but whatever works!

I gotta go take 2 aspirin now.

From I Just Run on Wed, Jun 05, 2013 at 13:18:33 from 67.79.11.242

I say put it on repeat for 3 hours and go run a marathon. You'll probably be deaf and insane by the end but you'll have a huge PR!

From Tom K on Wed, Jun 05, 2013 at 13:27:10 from 71.228.90.171

Joe: All Right.

IJR: Oh Yeah.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:31. 7:24 pace. Light drizzle for the whole run.  I saw the guy that snaked past me at the finish line of 2 races last year. It kind of fired me up to run. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

Andrea Hits Florida! (Did we do something to Andrea to deserve this?). Also, there are a variety of ways to pronounce "Andrea", and I'm already tired of being corrected. 

Everyone go crazy, and use all of your tropical storm phrases / buzzwords!:  Hunker Down, Spaghetti Model, Cone of Probability, We’re not out Of the Woods Yet, Go Bag, Or (Survival Kit), State Of Emergency, Pounding the Coast, Or (Lashing The Coast), Dodge a Bullet, Storm Surge, Feeder Bands, Storm Front, Low Pressure, El Nino, Eyewall, Water Temperature, Wind Sheer, Coriolis Effect, Direct Hit, Landfall, Doppler. I wonder which catch phrase the newscasters are going to latch onto this year. 2004 was the year of "Hunker Down." Ah, those were good times! 

PM : 7.5 miles. 1:05:18. 8:42 pace. I'm trying to keep the slow ones slow. Every time I felt my speed creeping up, I forced myself to breathe through my nose for a while. That seemed to slow me down. Sounds silly, but it worked. And the "storm seems to be winding down" run was mildly creepy. We have had more rain here in the last 6 days than we usually get in the entire month of June. Make way for the bugs and red tide!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Thu, Jun 06, 2013 at 11:17:17 from 71.228.90.171

For when I watch the news later:

https://bingobaker.com/view/107977

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jun 06, 2013 at 17:07:09 from 65.116.3.92

I was stationed at NAS Pensacola for Ivan, it was great. I got paid to fly airplanes out to St Louis while my wife had to fend for herself. Run away bravely. Good luck in this current storm.

From Tom K on Thu, Jun 06, 2013 at 20:25:06 from 71.203.20.181

We were living on an island in August 2004. What a month. Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. We lost power for a couple of weeks. 9 months later....

Maybe we should have named him "Charlie."

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy trail to Colonia. 1:32:16. 9:03 pace.

Then to the beach with the family for the morning. This is our usual summertime saturday routine - I run early.  I meet spouse and the boys at the beach. We leave the beach at lunch time. I love this season! The barefoot walking in the sand, and the waves are somehow therapy for my legs. We go home early enough that the summer sun doesn't scorch us. These are my favorite days. There were large groups of dolphins out in the gulf today. Some even jumped all of the way out of the water, like you would see at seaworld! I got a late start running today because I didn't want to run in the dark. It's gator mating season, so it's not a good idea to be running down a path in the dark next to a creek by myself right now. There was a 4' gator two doors down in the front yard yesterday. The kids were pretty psyched about that. Lots of wildlife sightings lately.

Junky-ish run, great life!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.700.704.40

 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. Fairly hot today.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:41. 7:49 pace. No life-saving breeze today. Wow.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Mon, Jun 10, 2013 at 18:37:14 from 24.218.179.128

It's HOT in FL!

From Tom K on Tue, Jun 11, 2013 at 06:34:32 from 71.228.90.171

By August, my sweat will be sweating.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:45. 7:46 pace. Muggy. Weatherman says "Feels like 101 degrees." 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Kendall on Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 17:26:34 from 208.187.252.10

Heat training!

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jun 12, 2013 at 19:22:35 from 12.232.117.226

Funny, this afternoon it really was 101 degrees here and the "feels like" was 96. Looks like you got in a pretty good run for 101!

From Tom K on Thu, Jun 13, 2013 at 07:04:26 from 71.228.90.171

I might have to break down and run without a shirt. IN PUBLIC!? Criminy!

Maybe I'll just wear short sleeves.

From Derunzo on Thu, Jun 13, 2013 at 17:19:01 from 24.218.179.128

As long as you don't have man-boobs, no shirt is allowed.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:56. 7:36 pace. The Heat Miser turned down the temps by the slightest bit today. So, I had a chance to run a little quicker. No running Friday. I'm going to catch up on sleep. I have a work schedule change next week, so my weekly routine will go away for a week. I don't know why I'm telling all of you this. It's not like this kind of news requires a "brace yourself" post! I'm hoping that the work schedule change will allow me to sleep better, and run more. Next week is an experiment, of sorts. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, Jun 14, 2013 at 08:27:27 from 12.232.117.226

If it's running related, and this is, it belongs on FRB. That's the rule. Good luck next week.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 miles. Legacy Trail to Venice Ave. 1:51:10. 8:37 pace. The way out was miserable, hot and muggy. Even at 6 am. I turned around at halfway, and the sky was black. I didn't realize a storm was following me. Relief! Driving rain and puddle running on the way home. I ran the second half @ 5 minutes faster than the first half. The rain stopped almost entirely at the run finish. Then we spent the rest of the morning at the beach again. Good day.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 07:27:06 from 67.79.11.242

Summers here! Good running in the heat and rain!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 Hood route. 40:22. 7:20 pace. Started the run at 10:45pm. 10 degrees cooler than most of my recent runs. Ran in the new Father's Day shoes the family bought me. (they have good taste). I ran without a shirt. WAY outside of my comfort zone, over here!

I missed Running Sunday. I wanted to get that speed work in, but just couldn't find the time. Plus, it was killing me not to run the new shoes. I have been taking Tuesdays off recently, but I'm considering working in a run tomorrow. It will be tricky. We'll see.

p.s. I passed a sign on the side of the road that said "GARGE SALE" That made me chuckle.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00


Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. Hood Route. 30:54. 8:50 pace. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jun 20, 2013 at 14:32:54 from 67.79.11.242

Wish I could do that! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 Miles. Hood Route to Legacy Trail. 58:32. 7:48 pace. 
11 pm - midnight run. Constant pace throughout. Shirtless run #3. Given where I am mentally and physically right now, I feel pretty good about this one. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. Hood Route. 28:03. 8:01 pace. 4 pm start. buggy.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. Ugly RUNFAIL. 5:30 am start. I had to walk / run on the way home. Legs felt tlike lead.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jun 22, 2013 at 17:08:18 from 24.218.179.128

At least you were out there man..... good job.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:20:29. 7:53 pace. 6:30 pm start. I considered doing the speed stuff, but I felt like I needed to redeem myself from yesterday's blowup.

Now watching Nik W. That place looks windy. The "belly cam" on the website is BANANAS!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:04. 7:31 pace. 5:30 pm start. Hot winds. This was...

work. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.700.704.40

 Track-form-fixing workout. 6 pm start. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I do the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warm up. I have done this for every one of these track sessions. I think it's making a difference. Yes, it was hot and humid, as usual. But today, becuase of all the rain in the last week, I got to run through swarms of gnats! My chest / face / arms were covered by the end of the run. Then I had to go to church to pick up the boys from VBS. I guess I did a bad job of wiping off the bugs. The pastor had questions about the gnats. I don't think he understood my answers.

They might have a prayer request for me this Sunday.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 04:08:02 from 24.218.179.128

I could use some track myself.... nice work.

From Tom K on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 08:06:31 from 71.228.90.171

Of course, you realize I have to run a half mile more than you tonight.

From Derunzo on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 15:48:38 from 24.218.179.128

Ha ha.... shouldn't be hard. I only ran 3.1 today.

From Tom K on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 16:30:55 from 71.228.90.171

thanks for taking it easy on me today.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:51. 8:01 pace. 5:30 pm start.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Jun 26, 2013 at 17:26:33 from 24.218.179.128

1.05 miles up on me.... damn you Tom K!

From Tom K on Thu, Jun 27, 2013 at 09:20:39 from 71.228.90.171

I’m sure it won’t last. Hey, and check the pace, man. You are still leaving me by 20-30 seconds per mile, no matter what distance! But I will enjoy this minor victory for the next 4 hours, or however long this lasts. I’m going to do 5.2 miles tonight, nothing Friday, and then (hopefully) 12.9 Saturday. This will get me my first 40+ mile week since March. (Wow, I’ve been slacking lately!) What have you got planned? I’m sure you will end the week with at least 42.500000000001 miles!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:41. 7:37 pace. 5:30 pm start.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 07:01:51 from 24.218.179.128

Nice run Bro! Good luck with the longish run today.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.900.0012.90

12.9 miles. Legacy Trail to Venice Ave. 1:50:40. 8:35 pace. 6:30 am start.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 09:16:56 from 24.218.179.128

Nice run Super K!

From Tom K on Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 10:38:10 from 71.203.20.181

At that pace, I am sensing a bit of sarcasm. Whatever, I'll take the compliment. Thanks. I'm just glad to finally break 40 miles this week, after so long.

From Derunzo on Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 16:05:57 from 24.218.179.128

No sarcasm here.... we are all just running. Great job on the 40.

From Derunzo on Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 16:07:41 from 24.218.179.128

.... and by the way, you own a faster time in the marathon.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:20:39. 7:54 pace. 2:45 pm start.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 01, 2013 at 15:24:46 from 67.79.11.242

I bet this run was HOT!

From Tom K on Mon, Jul 01, 2013 at 15:28:19 from 71.228.90.171

It was not that bad.

Anyway, How are you, man!? Do you feel / look / function any better than last time we talked?

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 01, 2013 at 15:33:37 from 67.79.11.242

I'm pretty stiff. I feel if I make a quick or strong movement something is going to break loose..again. Easy does it for a while. I keep hoping I can start walking some distance soon. The doctor sad "NO" running as the jarring may break it loose again. (He obviously doesn't know how smooth my stride is!) Hopefully the incision will heal over in a few days and I can get in the pool and swim (paddle) a little. Keep up the good running, don't look back or I'll catch up with you!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:25. 7:35 pace. 5:30 pm start. Heavy Rain. This was fun. I was not the only runner out there. There must have been @ 25-30 people going over that bridge. I thought I was going to have the place to myself. 

p.s. Happy Canada Day.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Jul 03, 2013 at 18:23:24 from 66.69.93.8

Gotta love rainy summer runs...so nice.

Canada is so great. There's Niagara falls, hockey...Niagara falls...and so on

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:02. 7:30 pace. 5:30pm start. Light Rain, but I had to run through some ankle deep flooded areas. Song stuck in my head - I can ride a bike with no handlebars, no handlebars, no handlebars.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Brdge. Noon start time. I haven't run this far since March 30th, and that was obvious. Things went bad. I took a walk break at halfway, then alternated run 10 minutes / walk 3 minutes the rest of the way home. I ran out of water with @ 5 miles to go. Then the rain came with 3 miles to go. Then stopped raining with 2 miles to go. Anyhow, we'll see if we can get some sort of redemption run tomorrow. I think it's time to work some longer distance runs into my weeks. I think doing this short stuff all the time is taking its toll.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 15:05:11 from 24.218.179.128

Holy cow... nice mileage today!

From Tom K on Thu, Jul 04, 2013 at 15:19:01 from 71.203.20.181

thanks. I have sweet camelpak-shaped sunburn to show for it. I look pretty dumb right now.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
13.002.0015.00

7.5 Miles. Hood Route to Legacy Trail. 58:21. 7:47 pace. 9:00 am start.

Track workout. 4:30 pm start. 2 mile warm up. 800 fast / 800 slow (x4) 1.5 mile cool down. ("cool down", Ha! yeah, right!). Times for the fast 800s- 3:11, 3:11, 3:19, 3:19. I think I'll add more once I can get 4 of these below 3:10. My spirit broke in the middle of the 3rd one. Lanes 1-4 were flooded from all of this rain, so I ran the fast ones in lane 5, and the slow ones in lane 7. At the end of it all, once again, my face / chest / neck were covered in dead gnats.

I plan on doing 10 super easy miles tomorrow. This will be my biggest mileage week of the year. Spouse took the kids to visit family on Thursday at 11:00 am, and I have been running  or recovering since then. Hey, she should have left a bigger honey-do list!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 05, 2013 at 08:25:02 from 67.79.11.242

I'n must curious, do you normally run constant pace on your runs or do you mix it up with some fartleks?

From Tom K on Fri, Jul 05, 2013 at 08:32:25 from 71.203.20.181

I don't know about pace, but I can tell you that today the effort was constant.

From Derunzo on Fri, Jul 05, 2013 at 21:20:05 from 24.218.179.128

Nice work!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

10 super easy miles, with an old friend. Untimed. From Island side of circus bridge to Laurel road and back. 9:00 am start time.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jul 06, 2013 at 11:59:43 from 24.218.179.128

You crushed it this week!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 very slow miles. 8:30 am start time. legacy trail to colonia. muggy. no breeze.

song stuck in my head - http://youtu.be/8F6EoMdn95E

then to the Rays' game. the kids got to pet sting rays. what a day!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 08, 2013 at 10:16:58 from 67.79.11.242

I intentionally didn't listen to the song. I didn't want to be humming something all day long!

From Tom K on Mon, Jul 08, 2013 at 10:26:13 from 71.228.90.171

Today, I looked at the mileage board for this year's miles. It occurred to me that this afternoon, I will pass you. I don’t feel good about this. Get back to running soon.

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 08, 2013 at 10:28:11 from 67.79.11.242

You better get all the distance you can because I'm going to come back with a vengeance! :-)

From Tom K on Mon, Jul 08, 2013 at 10:29:09 from 71.228.90.171

THAT's what I needed to hear! Thanks, bro!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Worked late, muggy conditions and I was a bit beat up from the previous 4 days effort, so no running. I still think I could have worked in a run of some sort. Yes I wimped out.

There are so many ways to describe pace > MP, LT, 5k pace, etc. I think "Running away from a bull" pace is faster than 5k pace. But that's just a guess. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 09, 2013 at 18:07:07 from 66.69.93.8

maybe 100m pace?

That was quite a 4-day stretch, lots of good mileage; a day off is probably a good thing. Smart, not wimpy. Wise, not lazy. And etc.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

To Dr. T.'s office and back. 8:30 pm start. 4 miles out. 32:14. 8:03 pace. Then goofed off for @ 15 minutes. 4 miles back. 33:40. 8:25 pace. This is a new route I'm trying. No Street lights. A little too dark, I think. Although, the heat lighting on the way back was fantastic! On the way out, somebody pulled off to the shoulder of the road and recorded me running.  Just,....WHY?

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 11:51:18 from 67.79.11.242

They probably saw your boys holding up the signs saying "Tom K. Scares Me Because He's Fast". I'd stop and take a video too!

From Tom K on Thu, Jul 11, 2013 at 06:55:59 from 71.228.90.171

Maybe they were making an instructional running video - "Look at the insane heel strike of this Bozo!"

Either that, or they were paparazzi in training.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:01. 7:24 pace. 5:40 start time. this rain is getting old. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Jul 10, 2013 at 17:40:05 from 24.218.179.128

Nice pace after a monster previous week. I've never hit 60 mpw before.

From Tom K on Thu, Jul 11, 2013 at 07:05:26 from 71.228.90.171

Thanks. It didn't feel that fast. I would like to be sub 7 min. pace (like you) on these weekday 4-6 milers. I just can't seem to get off this 7:30 pace plateau. It might be tough during the summer months. I am hoping for big gains this fall.

@ 60 mpw: Spouse left town with the kids for 4 days. Very short honey-do list. If you had 4 days like that, I'm sure you would rack up the miles.

From I Just Run on Thu, Jul 11, 2013 at 13:57:53 from 67.79.11.242

Nice running Tom. Send some of that rain to us in Texas!

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:42:30 from 12.132.197.125

My brown lawn would like to echo IJR's statement. nice run though

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:33. 7:36 pace. 5:30pm start. NO RAIN! no wind, either. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. Hood Route. 47:15. 8:35 pace. 5:00 am start time. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 12, 2013 at 15:33:37 from 67.79.11.242

You run faster in the rain! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.700.0016.70

16.25 miles Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 5:15 am start time. Rain started at 5:20, ended at 5:30, ruining everything. I wanted to make sure I finished (because I have been not finishing the longer runs lately), so I ran this one SupahSlow, and only pushed the last mile. 2 ways of looking at this: A) 16.25 miles. 2:31:00. 9:18 pace, or B) 15.25 mile warm up, 1 mile in 7:20. Your choice.

Couldn't stand having 49.75 miles for the week, so I ran around the block with Boy #2. 0.45 miles. 9:00 am Start time. Untimed. He cut me off, and swore he wasn't going to race me, and then of course he took off with 1 house to go. Stinker!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jul 13, 2013 at 07:44:23 from 24.218.179.128

Nice miles.... once again! Do you have any upcoming race plans?

From I Just Run on Sat, Jul 13, 2013 at 09:53:54 from 166.137.119.35

16.7 miles is a good run no matter how you look at it!

Derunzo, he is going to fly to San Antonio and run the Rock N Roll marathon with me on November 17. Do you want to come along too?

From Tom K on Sat, Jul 13, 2013 at 11:38:58 from 71.203.20.181

The only thing I have planned is the running leg (5k) of a sprint triathlon relay August 30th. Our team name -"SIDE MEAT" Much better than last year's "Hear no swimming, See no biking, Speak no running." IJR, We'll see. A whole lot of stuff has to change for me to make that one.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.200.7011.90

7.5 Miles. 6:00 am start. Hood Route to Legacy Trail. 1:00:48. 8:06 pace. Last mile- 6:55.

Track-form-fixing workout. 3:30 pm start. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. The boys kept themselves busy the whole time. Good kids. Each boy did a 200 with me. Tommy even did the 50's with me. I'm not going to beat them for too much longer. Also, the post-church-BBQ-pig-out-session might have come back on me during this run a little bit. Mmmmm! Very Vurpy! Then a short swim. Just beat the storm.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Jul 14, 2013 at 07:16:44 from 66.69.93.8

The great thing about getting up that early on Sunday - no traffic. Good run, good finish.

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 15, 2013 at 16:10:53 from 67.79.11.242

Nice...sound hard...workout! Vurpy Man :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:13. 8:18 pace. 5:40 pm start time. This one hurt. Forgot running shoes. I had to wear old shoes I found in the trunk of my car. Don't care. I'm going running. Sun Shower during run, making for "bonus gravity." Don't care. I'm going running. Legs are shot from yesterday. Don't care.  I'm going running. It's going to be tough to force the issue tomorrow. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. Hood route. 29:06. 8:19 pace. 9:15 pm Start Time.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 14:32:38 from 166.147.72.37

18 back :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 42:29. 7:19 pace. 5:40 pm start time. Okay, turn off the rain now, please!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Jul 17, 2013 at 17:38:47 from 24.218.179.128

Nice run & pace!

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jul 18, 2013 at 04:27:16 from 66.69.93.8

Will do. Only because you helped me out with race weather earlier this year...

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:17. 7:33 pace. 5:30pm start. Drizzling. Sleep deprivation. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. Hood route. 5:45 am start time. I was thinking of humorous ways to describe how slow this run was, that I would write here later. But, about 1 mile into the run, I heard some rustling and snorting coming out of the woods next to me. A Wild Pig! Running slow was no longer a problem. I have been chased by a couple of pigs in my youth. That sound flips me out. I didn't know I could run that fast. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 09:34:31 from 166.147.72.30

I need some pigs to chase me.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jul 19, 2013 at 18:29:44 from 66.69.93.8

It's pretty weird to be chased by a pig. But it's happened to you more than once...? I was just thinking about what it would take to get me to do some strides..

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 5:00 am start time. 2:25:11. 8:56 pace, last mile in 7:33. Perfect time to start. No rain. Great sunrise. Now off to the beach!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.750.009.75

7.5 Miles. 6:00 am start. Hood Route to Legacy Trail. 1:00:08. 8:06 pace. Last mile- 6:55.

About the beach yesterday: It is manatee mating season. There were a dozen manatees in 3' of water for 4 hours, just moving 100 yards, up and down the beach, with crowds of poeple following them, taking pictures and video recording them......Manatees have no shame!

3:45 pm. Went to the track, intending to do the form fixing wrkout. Did my 2 mile warm up. I was half way through the first 200, and jogged the rest of the way around. I fought the sun, and the sun won. Then I took boy #2 swimming.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Jul 21, 2013 at 08:14:47 from 66.69.93.8

When you're a manatee, you gotta get some when you can.

Good run today.

From Tom K on Sun, Jul 21, 2013 at 15:50:41 from 71.203.20.181

Manatees, come on, there are kids out here! Also, the lifeguard repeatedly yelling out of the megaphone, telling everyone NOT to touch the manatees was annoying. Enough about sea cows....

I just realized this is now my biggest mileage month this year! Cool!

From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:39:56 from 67.79.11.242

Good running and I bet the Manatees were quite a sight. BTW...you're not going to let me catch you on the mileage board, are you?

From Tom K on Mon, Jul 22, 2013 at 07:52:52 from 71.228.90.171

How sailors used to think those fat cabbage eating slugs were mermaids is beyond me. I was at 825 miles on July 1. Now I have to step it up to get 2k this year. I don't want to come up 35 short like last year.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:25. 7:55 pace. 5:40 start time. no rain. hot. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Jul 23, 2013 at 08:44:40 from 67.79.11.242

You have our weather!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 Miles. 9:00 pm start. Hood Route to Legacy Trail. 1:01:47. 8:14 pace. Last mile- 6:47.

This makes 3 runs in a row that I have impulsively sabotaged with poor diet and sleep. Although I am fairly pleased with the outcome of this run, I know it could have gone much better, with a little self-discipline. Without any races on the horizon, it is hard to hold back. I need to sign up for something, like yesterday!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Tue, Jul 23, 2013 at 20:32:14 from 24.218.179.128

I hear you Tom.... I just can't stop eating!

From Tom K on Tue, Jul 23, 2013 at 20:38:49 from 71.203.20.181

It's not THAT I'm eating, it's WHAT I'm eating that is so very bad.

By the way, I SEE YOU ramping up the miles this week. I'm on to you, man.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jul 24, 2013 at 04:37:07 from 66.69.93.8

Oh no, looks at your running goals on the left!

I can't talk, my diet is ridiculous right now. I'm asking for a heart attack at age 34.

Good finish to the run though.

From Derunzo on Wed, Jul 24, 2013 at 05:05:00 from 24.218.179.128

I can't let you make the push to 2000 miles alone!

From I Just Run on Wed, Jul 24, 2013 at 10:32:51 from 67.79.11.242

All you have to do is sign up for SA Rock and Roll and buy a plane ticket to SA...I'll take care of all the rest!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:40. 7:38 pace. 5:30pm start. a little warm. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jul 25, 2013 at 09:10:08 from 67.79.11.242

Someday I'm going to get down to that 7:30 pace like you. :-) Again, a good run!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.000.002.00

Does anyone need a temporary tattoo to tell them when they’re bonking? 

 

 

http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2013/acs-presspac-july-24-2013/first-human-tests-of-new-biosensor-that-warns-when-athletes-are-.html

... If it had sweet graphics (like a sneaker with wings on it) I'd do it.  

2 slow miles. 9:00 pm start. @9 minute pace. Something feels off, so I pulled the plug on this run.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Jul 25, 2013 at 19:46:27 from 24.218.179.128

I ate Wendys for lunch. Bacon Cheeseburger, dollar menu crispy chicken, medium fries and a 5 gallon Coke. My gastro issues which are still with me tonight made me bag my second run. I am awesome at undermining my training!

From Tom K on Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 06:04:23 from 174.58.4.250

Ha Ha. Welcome to my tragic diet! Last night, my run was botched by sleep deprivation. I was actually yawning while I ran!

From I Just Run on Fri, Jul 26, 2013 at 09:29:49 from 67.79.11.242

I don't know why you need a lactate tattoo to tell you when you're bonking...it's pretty obvious by the pain!

From flatlander on Sat, Jul 27, 2013 at 11:40:08 from 76.31.9.237

I don't want to know when it's about to happen, I just keep hoping it won't.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:24:43. 8:18 pace. 5:30 pm start. Got rained on at @ mile 5. then the rain stopped, and I saw an outstanding rainbow. I cant usually see the purple part, but it was really clear today. very nice.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 5:30 am start. u-g-l-y. but done.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Jul 27, 2013 at 07:30:27 from 24.218.179.128

Back to back 10 milers! You're the man!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.200.709.90

5.5 miles. hood route. 5:30 am start.48:04. 8:44 pace. 1st mile - 9. last mile - 8.

Track-form-fixing workout. 1:05 pm start. (after church and yard-work) 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. Whole time on track - 50 minutes.

This is now my biggest month of mileage ever.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 08:50:25 from 67.79.11.242

Good workout Tom! You're bound to pick up some speed with all the "form-fixing" work you are doing.

BTW...can you cut down on the miles so I can catch up with you?

From Tom K on Mon, Jul 29, 2013 at 10:45:15 from 174.58.4.250

That workout kills my legs! I'm not feeling especially "speedy" today. You're only 27 miles back. You could pick that up in a month.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:09. 7:54 pace. 5:30pm start. This run was bad. Legs still stiff from yesterday. (I guess I really did go 100% on some of those.) Hot and stagnant today at the start. When I rounded the corner to run by the bay, the hot winds coming across the water were brutal. Got onto the portion of the run on brick, and the heat was coming up from my feet. I fought my way up the bridge, and then at the turn around I saw a storm had come in behind me. A big one. So on the way back I had cooler winds, but they were gusty and inconsistent. I don't think my feet touch the ground for a few paces, when lightning strikes nearby. So, I picked up the pace on these beat up legs, jumping puddles, wincing at lightning strikes, getting bay sand blown in my eyes, and finally I have @ 50 yards to the finish of my run. It was at this point, a guy in a pink golf shirt, passing by me in a SUV, hangs waist far out of the window, and screams at me "TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!"

What in the wide world of sports is going on here? I hope tomorrow's run is boring. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 30, 2013 at 06:33:05 from 66.69.93.8

The pink guy kind of added a nice surreal touch there at the end. Did you lick any strange-looking stamps before you left?

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:00:03 from 67.79.11.242

This is a great "race" report :-) You should be a writer!

BTW...seems you made the guy's day on his birthday!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

The thought of paying to run over a bridge that I run over @ 3 times a week bugs me. but, I might have to run this eventually.  http://youtu.be/cQc97JlNqAg That is one big medal. 

The streak ends. 21 days. 155.3 miles.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:00:54 from 67.79.11.242

This is boring!

From Tom K on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:02:15 from 174.58.4.250

I have set the bar too high?

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:20:12 from 67.79.11.242

I'm talking about the run report. It's nothing like the one the other day with the guy in the pink shirt! :-) Actually, you want boring, come run where I run.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:09. 7:38 pace. 5:40 pm start time. Light Rain with Rainbows. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 18:47:40 from 66.69.93.8

was it a double complete rainbow?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQSNhk5ICTI

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:01:23 from 67.79.11.242

I'm catching you :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:11:30 from 174.58.4.250

1. 5 months is a long time.

2. I realize the only reason I am within 200 miles of you is your bike crash.

3. I am going to enjoy beating a one-armed cow wrestler.

4. I could get a lot more miles in, if I didn't spend all of my time crying while looking at rainbows.

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 01, 2013 at 08:21:47 from 67.79.11.242

Don't worry, I'll probably fall off my horse or something and be out for months again. :-(

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:23:19. 8:10 pace. 7:30 pm start. Last mile - 7:14.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Aug 02, 2013 at 07:56:51 from 67.79.11.242

Nice running and finish! You're getting strong.

From I Just Run on Mon, Aug 05, 2013 at 08:17:25 from 67.79.11.242

Tom,

What's up...Is everything okay?

From Tom K on Mon, Aug 05, 2013 at 13:30:58 from 174.58.4.250

Yeah. I just got back from a mini-vacation with the family. All of the family fun, with very little running. It was great, but it kind of killed my running momentum from last month.

From Tom K on Mon, Aug 05, 2013 at 13:31:42 from 174.58.4.250

See, I told you it wouldn't be long until you were beating me again.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.000.004.00

Hotel treadmill - 4 miles. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:19. 7:28 pace. 5:30 pm start. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 44:49. 8:09 pace. 5:30 am start. Last mile - 7:18. Steam coming up from the road at 5:30 in the morning? I came home soaked. 

for IJR: 81 degrees. 89% humidity. dew point - 77.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Tue, Aug 06, 2013 at 06:34:55 from 66.69.93.8

Sounds like Houston - true misery!

From I Just Run on Tue, Aug 06, 2013 at 09:50:46 from 67.79.11.242

Nice torture point...I mean "Dew Point"!

I'm glad I live in Texas, our dew point was only 75 today (I didn't run). :-(

I see you took the lead again. :-)

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 06, 2013 at 11:26:28 from 174.58.4.250

The lead will not last.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.700.0010.70

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 43:37. 7:56 pace. 5:30 am start. Slightly cooler than yesterday.

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:40. 7:26 pace. 5:30 pm start.  Rain stopped so I could run, then started again. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 07, 2013 at 08:09:53 from 67.79.11.242

"Slightly cooler"...maybe 1 degree?

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 08, 2013 at 16:55:30 from 166.147.104.43

Doubles...that's going to make it hard to catch you!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.300.0011.30

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 47:39. 8:40 pace. 5:45 am start. Nice and easy. 

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 45:33. 7:51 pace. 12:15 pm start.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Aug 09, 2013 at 09:08:25 from 173.26.70.132

Doing a double today?

From Tom K on Fri, Aug 09, 2013 at 09:21:23 from 174.58.4.250

That is the plan, anyway. The second run is to be at noon, so there's a chance I might go outside and melt. 87d, 63%hum, 73 d.p.

From I Just Run on Fri, Aug 09, 2013 at 09:40:08 from 173.26.70.132

Don't hurt yourself just for the sake of mileage!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. Untimed. 5:45 am start. I didn't have 16 in me today.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 08:57:09 from 173.26.70.132

10 was it for me too!

From Derunzo on Sat, Aug 10, 2013 at 19:40:16 from 24.218.179.128

Nice run TK!

From Tom K on Sun, Aug 11, 2013 at 06:44:59 from 71.203.20.181

It was really nice. I went 4.5 miles-ish to the Dona Bay Bridge, watched the sunrise over the bay for a bit, then ran to halfway and back, stopped and watched sunrise some more, then I ran home. It was peaceful. Then we met up with some other families at the beach for the morning. The water was super clear yesterday, with a big sand bar. I got some skimboarding tips from a 12 year old expert. Great day.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.200.7011.90

7.5 miles. hood route. 6:15 am start.1:04:17. 8:34 pace. I saw 4 dead snakes on the side of the road. And I found a golf ball. nice.

Track-form-fixing workout. 3:30 pm start. (after church and yard-work) 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. Tommy did @ 1.5 miles total. Johnny didn't run. Then swimming, then Slurpees and Slim Jims. Life is good.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Aug 11, 2013 at 07:44:38 from 66.69.93.8

titleist?

From Tom K on Sun, Aug 11, 2013 at 15:57:34 from 71.203.20.181

Nike

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Aug 11, 2013 at 16:36:38 from 66.17.102.185

One mile of EVERY day is spent running by a golf course, and I have never found a ball.

Nice workout. I need to do some "form-fixing".

From I Just Run on Sun, Aug 11, 2013 at 20:25:32 from 173.26.70.132

Having fun!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:51. 7:51 pace. 5:30pm start. Legs still sore from yesterday.

for IJR: 91 degrees, 61% humidity, Dew point 76. ("feels like" 103). 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 10:52:53 from 173.26.70.132

Ouch! With that high a dew point I bet you sweat like crazy!

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 11:13:53 from 174.58.4.250

It was rough.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 46:17. 8:25 pace. 5:45 am start. Nice, easy, smooth. 

82 deg. 74% hum. 73 D.P. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 miles. Hood route. 5:30 am start.1:02:13. 8:18 pace. Last Mile - 7:08. 

82 deg. 84% hum. 77 D.P.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 08:51:28 from 173.26.70.132

I almost feel guilty to tell you but go look at my run today and see the difference when the temp and dew point drop.

I bet your run was a harder effort than mine :-( Sorry!

From Tom K on Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 09:49:08 from 174.58.4.250

It wasn't that bad. YOU had a great run, though.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 19:31:50 from 63.149.157.76

Sauna-like conditions! Good running.

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Aug 14, 2013 at 21:32:14 from 66.17.102.185

That's a great run in that weather. Nice work!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.300.0011.30

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 47:08. 8:34 pace. Last Mile -7:21. 5:45 am start. 

77 deg. 89% hum. 73 D.P. 

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:54. 7:34 pace. 5:30 pm start.  It rained @ 3-4:30 today. I'm glad it was still overcast. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Thu, Aug 15, 2013 at 09:27:47 from 198.207.244.102

Gotta love the DPs, I think you and I are winning that contest.

From Tom K on Thu, Aug 15, 2013 at 09:32:16 from 174.58.4.250

Sometimes I look at folks smoking one of those fake cigarettes (where they inhale and exhale water vapor), and I think "What's the difference between that and simply BREATHING here?"

From I Just Run on Thu, Aug 15, 2013 at 18:11:29 from 173.26.70.132

Slow down, I can't catch you if you keep running these doubles! :-D

From Derunzo on Thu, Aug 15, 2013 at 21:12:03 from 24.218.179.128

Tom K is "too legit to quit" Hammer time!

From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Aug 15, 2013 at 21:33:36 from 66.17.102.185

Nice double! Those post rain runs kill me. The air is way to thick.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
20.750.0020.75

20.75 miles. Legacy Trail to Caspersen Beach. 3:07:32. 9:02 pace. Last mile- 7:37. 5:15 am start time. 77 degrees. 94% humidity. 75 Dew Point.

I believe this is my first 20 miler this year. I'm not as fast as I need to be yet, but I feel that this is a good start. Now I'm off to meet the family at the beach. I might take the day off from skimboarding!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Aug 17, 2013 at 07:37:00 from 166.147.72.38

NO SKIMBOARDING!

From Derunzo on Sat, Aug 17, 2013 at 11:51:39 from 24.218.179.128

SKIMBOARDING IS A MUST!

From I Just Run on Sat, Aug 17, 2013 at 11:57:29 from 166.147.72.21

NO SKIMBOARDING!

From Tom K on Sat, Aug 17, 2013 at 13:08:58 from 71.203.20.181

I did not skim. The shore break was too sloppy. It was still a lot of fun today.

From SlowJoe on Sat, Aug 17, 2013 at 18:18:35 from 24.32.57.229

MAYBE SKIMBOARDING!

oh, too late. Hey, great 20+ miler. I don't remember what those are like, but I'm guessing pretty hard.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.750.008.75

3.5 miles. Hood Route. 26:42. 7:37 pace. Last mile -7:10. 9:15 am start time. 90 Deg., 62% hum. 75 DP.

1:15 pm. (after church and lunch) 2 miles with Tommy. He says he wants to run a 5k with me. I told him we'd talk about signing him up after he could run 2 miles without stopping. today was his 2nd attempt at the distance. We did 2 miles today through the trails by the soccer fields. He stopped for a drink once, Stopped to pee once (and MAN did he have to go!), and stopped for a very short time, after he tripped over a root. Anyhow, he did WAY better than I expected.

Track-form-fixing workout. 2:15 pm start. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 2x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR.

Then the sun destroyed me, and I stopped. That's enough for today.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sun, Aug 18, 2013 at 14:35:00 from 12.162.141.2

You got a little of everything today! Great job!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Aug 18, 2013 at 16:37:23 from 66.17.102.185

How old is Tommy? Sounds like a good day (other than hot sun).

From Tom K on Mon, Aug 19, 2013 at 08:40:08 from 174.58.4.250

Tommy is 8. He seems pretty serious about this 5k business. We'll see. We're not signed up yet. I read this article in running times sunday morning, and then talked to the boys about it before we ran. It had an amazing effect.

http://i-i-i-work--out.tumblr.com/post/58236342367/distancejunkie-this-was-my-favorite-thing-in

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Aug 19, 2013 at 21:10:42 from 66.17.102.185

Sounds like Tommy's ready to go! That's a great little article. My biggest challenge with Brayden (my 6 year old) has been convincing him to run slow. He runs like a cheetah. :) After supper tonight I "read" this article to him. I think he finally has it figured out. We'll find out! Thanks for sharing the article.

From SlowJoe on Mon, Aug 19, 2013 at 21:14:25 from 24.32.57.229

Sun destroys everything. Awesome that the boys are into running.

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 06:46:29 from 174.58.4.250

I wish I could have posted the entire article. I haven't found it on the interwebs yet. it's in here, somewhere:

http://m.runnersworld.com/rt-back-issues/back-issue-september-2013

1st day of school Monday. Tommy said he ran 12 laps around the basketball court during recess for "training" (his word). Good job squeezing in a run, boy! If he ends up talking about running as much as I do, I think Spouse will just snap.

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 07:00:39 from 174.58.4.250

Joe: I'm taking this thing with the sun personally. I need to show the sun who is boss!..... (or just run at night)

BTW, I have been having trouble adding a few folks as "favorite blogs." Flatlander, Matt S, and Jake K end up giving me someone else. I'm missing something.

From SlowJoe on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 07:14:29 from 24.32.57.229

you have to go to their page and see what their web address is, then add the part that comes before .fastrunningblog.com

like "jkrong" for Jake or "thurm" for flatlander

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 07:24:55 from 174.58.4.250

got it. thanks.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:16. 7:45 pace. 5:30 pm start. 80 d. 81 hum. 72 d.p. Heavy rain at 4 pm today. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

I just signed up for Louisiana Marathon (again). 

Good times for a change. See, the luck I've had can make a good man turn bad. So please, please, please, let me, let me, let me, let me get what I want this time. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Neasts on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 09:24:12 from 71.32.227.124

May the flu stay away from you this time. :-)

From I Just Run on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 11:05:28 from 67.79.11.242

Caught Ya...! :-)

What is the date on the Louisiana Marathon?

You're not going to "get" ... You're going to "take"!

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 11:43:39 from 174.58.4.250

Neasts: Thanks.

IJR: January 19, 2014.

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Aug 20, 2013 at 21:44:02 from 66.17.102.185

Sounds like a fun one! Good luck with the training.

From derhammer on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 09:11:14 from 64.245.52.2

How does it compare with the New Orleans Marathon? I have heard that one can be fast if the weather is cool. I am not a fan of the Rock and Roll franchise though.

From Tom K on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 09:42:47 from 174.58.4.250

I haven't run either of them, so I can't really compare them. I prefer the smaller races. I picked Baton Rouge because I have a buddy that lives there, the race is capped at 2,000 runners, and it is FLAT.

From derhammer on Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 08:14:43 from 64.245.52.2

Flat sounds good to me. I have only run 1 flat marathon and it was a good one.

From Tom K on Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 08:44:22 from 174.58.4.250

was that Marathon to Marathon? That race interests me, as well.

From derhammer on Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 11:35:58 from 64.245.52.2

Yes, it was. I am tempted to go back some time. June in Iowa can be hot though. I am with you, I prefer the low key marathons.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.700.0012.70

7.5 miles. Hood route. 5:15 am start.1:03:42. 8:30 pace. 78 deg. 94% hum. 75 d.p.

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:42. 7:15 pace. 5:45 pm start. 76 d. 91% hum. 73 d.p. Heavy rain at 4:30 pm today.  The sky was so dark the streetlights turned on. Fun run.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 07:50:46 from 67.79.11.242

I got 7 in but didn't get up until 6:15. Needless to say I was a little late to work. :(

Do you know what's up with the Linked-In link that's now showing up in everyone's blog entry?

From Derunzo on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 18:57:32 from 24.218.179.128

Nice double!

From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 19:20:05 from 166.147.72.25

Showoff...Oops, did I say that out loud?

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 21:30:58 from 66.17.102.185

Nice miles today. It always amazes me how dark it can get during the day when a heavy rain rolls in. Sounds like a great run.

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 21:32:27 from 66.17.102.185

IJR - Check out Sasha's most recent blog post about the links.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:04. 7:25 pace. 5:30 pm start. 78 deg. 91% hum. 73 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 07:56:09 from 67.79.11.242

I need to pick up my pace to keep up with you! These low 7's seem to be getting easy for you.

From derhammer on Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 08:13:40 from 64.245.52.2

Nice paces!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.500.001.50

1.5 mile runfail. I didn't have it today. 5:15 am start. 75d-94h-73dp.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 07:45:53 from 24.32.57.229

had my share of those this summer. You'll be ready for a good one tomorrow.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.001.004.00

2 up. 1 mile. 6:06. 1 down. Hood route. 6:30 pm start. 75d-94h-73dp. light rain.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 20:49:35 from 66.17.102.185

Luckily there was a light rain. It should have been with that kind of humidity.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.250.006.25

5.5 Miles. Hood Route. 48:54. 8:53 pace. 5:45 am start. 75d-100%h-75d.p. Great RUN! (). Blister on right "had-no-roast-beef" toe, police cars circling the neighborhood (filling my head with all kinds of "what-if's"), ran through clouds of gnats, hit my head on a low branch hard enough to knock my hat off, stopped to scratch the mosquito bites on my ankles 2x, passed a guy with questionable control of his dogs, you know, just a JOY to be out! Saw my brother walking to work afterwards. I walked/talked with him for a while, then ran the half mile back home. So THAT was a positive. It was good to catch up with him. I'm going to try to get something better out of this evening. It shouldn't be that difficult to do, with the bar being set so low this morning. 

6:30 pm. I got 1 warm up lap in with Tommy at the track before the lightning started. Not a good day. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From derhammer on Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 11:28:18 from 64.245.52.2

Wow, that was quite a run. The last time I hit a branch I got my forehead glued together after a trip to the emergency room. I did finish my run first, though, of course.

From Tom K on Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 12:49:53 from 174.58.4.250

DerH, I knocked my dome in the first half mile. It was humbling to go back and pick up my hat. In other news:

I want to believe this is real, but there is nothing to back it up on the BAA website:

http://www.necn.com/08/02/13/Ed-Davis-9K-additional-runners-to-run-Bo/landing_features.html?blockID=848305&feedID=8505

From I Just Run on Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 13:17:20 from 67.79.11.242

Fun run :-)

It may be hard to find a place to stay this year at Boston!

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Aug 26, 2013 at 21:40:06 from 66.17.102.185

Well hopefully you are looking back at your run and laughing now. Sorry, but I am.

I had to share this with you.. My family and I were on our way home after heading out for ice cream tonight. Brayden saw a girl running and started telling us she wasn't running good. At ALL. He then proceeded to tell us she wasn't running like a human. I was thinking, wow - that's kind of harsh. Especially for my 7 year old to say. Natasha asked him what she was running like and he without a beat said "a cheetah".

Apparently that little talk him and I had about your article had left a pretty lasting impression on him. More of an impression than it did on his dad. :)

From Tom K on Tue, Aug 27, 2013 at 08:16:25 from 174.58.4.250

Awesome! Those little sponges! We were @ 200 meters into our run last night at the track when the lightning started. I told Tommy that we were going to finish this lap, and then that was it, so we might as well go fast for the rest of it. He yelled something kooky, like "TIME TO TURN ON THE GAS!" and then he took off. For a second I thought "Where did that come from?" That second gave him @ 20 yard lead. I couldn't catch him after that, and I was seriously trying. This glimpse of my future is bad. The boy is not a gracious winner. Everyone has heard about his victory, including the cashier at the 7-11.

From I Just Run on Tue, Aug 27, 2013 at 08:21:03 from 67.79.11.242

I know...I stopped by the 7-11 here in San Marcos, Tx and they were talking about it too! :-(

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Aug 27, 2013 at 20:38:07 from 66.17.102.185

Sponges they are.. What a quick Tommy! Needless to say Brayden's shocked me a few times when I try to "jog" next to him. I'm really surprised how quick kids can be. They're so small.

That gracious winner thing is funny. Looks like you can't LET him win at anything. If you're going to hear about it, it might as well be legit!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 miles. Hood route. 6:00 am start.1:05:54. 8:47 pace. Easy. 79 deg. 83% hum. 73 D.P.  

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.505.208.70

3.5 miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood route. 5:45 am start.28:41. 8:12 pace. 73 deg. 94% hum. 72 d.p.

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:38. 7:03 pace. 5:30 pm start. 78 d. 79 hum. 71 d.p. Heavy rain at 4 pm today, FLOODING EVERYTHING. I think I could have ducked under 7 minute pace, had it not been for dodging / running through the puddles. I'm a bit tired of this rain, now. Please make it stop. Anyhow, cool song stuck in my head: http://youtu.be/mW6G3nh5S3I

 

.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 08:33:06 from 67.79.11.242

Definition of "Hood" according to the Urban Dictionary:

Hood

1. The ghetto.

2. Someone who is from the ghetto.

3. Someone who acts like they are from the ghetto.

Other Slang: Hoodlum, Gangsta, Thug, Nigga, Pimp, Street-rat, Street Urchin, etc.

From Tom K on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 08:35:16 from 174.58.4.250

edited.

From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 08:40:44 from 67.79.11.242

I figured so much. If you were truly running the the "Hood" you would be running much faster!

From Tom K on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 09:41:46 from 174.58.4.250

Due to zoning ordinances, and an exceptionally vociferous septuagenarian - dominated population, Venice doesn't have a "Hood." I did not intend to mislead you.

This is the hood route (and I hope this works):

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/fullscreen/277606119/

It is basically a ¾ mile run to a 1 mile by 1 mile square. I can use this route to do 1.5, 3.5, 5.5, etc., mile runs. I have, on occasion, run 5 laps for 21.5 miles, but since they have opened up the Legacy Trail, I would rather use that, and run over the bay waters.

Legacy Trail here: http://youtu.be/fF04jeikcYM

It’s an old video (The bridge over US 41 was completed a while ago), and the video sponsor is my Dad’s competition (Sorry, Pop!), but it provides a decent idea of the Trail where I run my long runs.

This concludes your City of Venice running tour. I hope you have enjoyed it. Please gather all personal items before exiting on the right side of the bus. And have a nice day.

From I Just Run on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 10:33:14 from 67.79.11.242

Very nice running routes! I would be embarrassed to show you a video of mine. I Think I'll rename it the "Texas Hood".

One final and very important question...Do you run clockwise or counterclockwise? :-)

From Tom K on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 11:29:07 from 174.58.4.250

Wow, that link works? cool!

Um, mostly clockwise. But....whyyyy?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:40. 7:26 pace. 5:40 pm start. 89 d. 57 hum. 72 d.p. NO RAIN!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Aug 29, 2013 at 19:59:32 from 66.17.102.185

Great pace in the heat. I had the same DP in my run today. Kinda tough.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 31:11. 8:55 pace. 5:30 am start time. 77 Deg., 89% hum. 73 DP. Super Easy. But not bad for 4 hours sleep.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 06:41:44 from 174.58.4.250

http://www.baa.org/news-and-press/news-listing/2013/august/boston-marathon-registration-dates-and-field-size.aspx

From I Just Run on Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 08:48:20 from 67.79.11.242

We ran (virtually) at the same time. :-) That's when I got up. I did get 6 hours of sleep though.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Aug 30, 2013 at 13:22:24 from 66.69.93.8

Thanks for posting the link. Man, I really need to make a reminder or something.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 5:30 am start time. 2:20:24. 8:38 pace, last mile in 7:11. 79 deg. 83% hum. 73 d.p. Fairly even and smooth run throughout. Spouse got me new socks. Seriously, I can think of 3 things that feel better than putting on new socks. (1. Q-tips, 2. Waterslides 3. I forget the third one.) Nice heat lightning before sunrise, and cotton candy clouds after. I'm a little bummed that I'm not doing the The Venice Tri this morning. We sure had fun last year, and I love the feeling of race day. Next year, Team Side Meat will return!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Aug 31, 2013 at 06:43:54 from 66.17.102.185

"Team Side Meat".. Interesting.

I didn't get to watch heat lighting or wear new socks this morning, but the sunrise run was sure nice on a quiet Saturday.

Nice finish Tom!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.7010.90

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 45:06. 8:12 pace. 5:45 am start. Last mile - 7:31. Just Cruising. 77 Degrees. 94% humidity. dew point - 75.

Track-form-fixing workout. 3:00 pm start. (after church and 2 HOURS OF yard-work) 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 2 miles down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. The high step form drill felt really easy today. I usually can feel that one in the top of my thighs/ lower abs. I timed a couple of reps to get an idea of how fast these are. 200's- @ 41 seconds. 100's- @14-15 seconds. 50's- @ 7 seconds. I have no idea if that's fast or not, but it is as fast as I could get. Doing these the day after a longish run, in the mid day heat will probably not yield the best results, but this is the time I have available to do these. 86 Degrees. 70% humidity. dew point - 73.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Sep 01, 2013 at 21:16:51 from 66.17.102.185

Killer heat for that workout. Nice job on the reps and AR.

Way to get out early this am, too. That's tough with that temp and humidity.

From SlowJoe on Mon, Sep 02, 2013 at 07:05:27 from 66.69.93.8

Nice double - now that is a productive Sunday!

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 03, 2013 at 08:49:10 from 67.79.11.242

You're wearing me out just reading all of this stuff. I feel lazy, I need to do some quicker track workouts but just can't seem to muster up the energy. Great running!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 45:59. 8:22 pace. 5:15 pm start. Last mile - 8:12. 86 Degrees. 78% humidity. dew point - 75.

I got up early this morning, intending to run, but my legs were too beat up from yesterday's track stuff. So I spent about a half hour on the foam roller, and then @ 6 hours at the beach, then slept for an hour, and THEN went running. The gulf was super clear today with a great sandbar. Not a bad holiday.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 03, 2013 at 08:50:57 from 67.79.11.242

Doing a double the day before and then running at 5:00 am the next morning is a triple in my book! You're a tough man!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.000.001.00

5:30 am - 1 mile runfail. Maybe I should have taken yesterday off running entirely, because the legs felt no better this morning. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 03, 2013 at 08:51:23 from 67.79.11.242

Rest!

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 03, 2013 at 14:14:59 from 174.58.4.250

Not sure if you are looking out for my well-being, or if you are interested in maintaining your mileage lead. Hmmm.

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 03, 2013 at 14:43:42 from 67.79.11.242

Ahhh ... Caught me TK. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.300.0011.30

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 44:12. 8:02 pace. 5:00 am start. Last mile - 6:52. 77 Degrees. 94% humidity. dew point - 75. I'm glad I decided to not run last night. I needed to recover, I guess.

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 42:27. 7:19 pace. 5:30 pm start. Raining. 75 deg. 87% hum. 71 D.P.

Song stuck in my head - "Jenny Says" By Cowboy Mouth. Let it go, let it go, let it go!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Sep 04, 2013 at 07:24:16 from 67.79.11.242

I was dragging this morning. I'm sure ready for some heat relief, I bet you are too. Our extended weather says one day next week will be a high of 80 degrees. I don't believe it but it's nice to imagine. :-)

From derhammer on Wed, Sep 04, 2013 at 16:01:24 from 64.245.52.2

Rest is always good. (Not that I am good at taking a day off)

From SlowJoe on Wed, Sep 04, 2013 at 18:24:36 from 66.69.93.8

The runfail was trying to tell you something. It does that to me too.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.500.004.50

3.5 Miles. Hood Route. 30:53. 8:49 pace. 6:00 am start. 75 deg. 94% hum. 73 D.P. It Felt cooler out, but I still wanted to take this one slow. 

Sunny all day, then a lightning storm came in at 5:30 pm. I tried to take it on, and run anyway. A mile into it, I got a little freaked out, so I went back. As I am typing this now, a half hour later, it is still raining, but no lightning. I see blue skies to the east. Aww, Come on, Man!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Sep 05, 2013 at 09:06:17 from 67.79.11.242

Let's keep up the grind...It will be winter soon!

I actually can't believe I'm looking forward to winter. I don't do well when the temperature gets below about 50. :-(

From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Sep 05, 2013 at 20:44:12 from 66.17.102.185

I like lightning storms quite a bit.. From inside my house.

I can't decide weather (get it?) I'm looking forward to winter or not. Those 50 degree days sure sound good about now.

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 06:22:42 from 174.58.4.250

I decided to turn around and go back to the office when the homeless guy, that I usually pass, asked me what I was doing outside. If it was too nasty out for THAT DUDE,it was time to hang it up for the day.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 Miles. Hood Route. 31:14. 8:55 pace. 5:30 am start. 77 deg. 94% hum. 75 D.P. Sleep deprived miles. I'm not sure I was awake for this. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 06:29:12 from 66.69.93.8

Maybe you dreamed it. Check the date on your garmin.

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 06:31:02 from 174.58.4.250

What's a garmin? Say Hi to Shamu for me.

From derhammer on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 07:22:49 from 162.197.29.194

Sleep running and alligators? Is that a wise combination?

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 07:41:36 from 174.58.4.250

I needed the miles (padding...cough, cough). I wasn't planning on running today, at all. Since I was lightning-ed out of running yesterday, I had to sleep run. Which is more wise - Running through lightning, or sleep running through alligators? There are no winners, here.

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 10:15:59 from 67.79.11.242

I completely overslept this morning. :-( Now you're within 1 mile of me! Big miles for me this weekend. :-)

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 10:16:58 from 174.58.4.250

HOW BIG?

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 10:31:39 from 67.79.11.242

Maybe 10-12 tomorrow (slow) and 18-20 Sunday (8:00 pace).

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 06, 2013 at 10:37:43 from 67.79.11.242

Revised...LR (8:15 pace)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 2:11:27. 8:31 pace. Last mile - 7:04. 78 deg. 94% hum. 72 d.p. I was looking at 3 kayak fishermen at sunrise, as I crossed roberts bay. The stern lights against the mangrove siloutte were amazing. pastel skies, then BAM! face full of gnats.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Sep 07, 2013 at 07:25:36 from 24.218.179.128

You had me at mangrove silouette.... then ruined my daydream with the gnats. Nice run today..... 1300 on the year baby!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.200.7011.90

7.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 1:01:49. 8:15 pace. 6:00 am start. Last mile - 6:37. 72 Degrees. 100% humidity. dew point - 72. I was really dragging it for this whole run, and then tried to make something respectable out of it wth the last mile. It was more like swimming today.

Track-form-fixing workout. 2:45 pm start. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. 88 Degrees. 66% humidity. dew point - 73.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Sep 08, 2013 at 09:53:54 from 66.69.93.8

Nothing like following up a LR with a nice swim. I like your style.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Sep 09, 2013 at 08:47:58 from 66.87.112.175

Wow! That's all, just wow!

From I Just Run on Mon, Sep 09, 2013 at 10:31:09 from 67.79.11.242

Nice running day. That last mile was pretty speedy!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:20. 7:34 pace. 5:30 pm start. Warm. 93 deg. 47% hum. 68 D.P. I slowed  wayyyy down on the last mile. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Sep 09, 2013 at 17:07:36 from 66.17.102.185

93 degrees. Yikes.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 Miles. Hood Route. 30:57. 8:53 pace. 5:30 am start. 73 deg. 100% hum. 73 D.P. Late Start.

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/4000-sign-up-for-boston-marathon-on-first-day-of-registration

4,000 signed up on day 1? Aw, man!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 08:01:51 from 67.79.11.242

We were running in the same conditions. Hopefully you had a little breeze!

From derhammer on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:03:13 from 64.245.52.2

A runner in our group started a mild panic when he emailed out his registration number was 29,000 - we all thought it was about to sell out. I have no idea how that number relates to how many runners have registered, but it is good to get confirmation it was only 4,000 yesterday. Don't get too worried.

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:15:17 from 67.79.11.242

I hope they don't fill too quickly, I already booked my room. :-)

Maybe they are giving numbers in reverse, meaning there are 29,000 slots left?

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:23:15 from 67.79.11.242

Oops...I just went and read the article. It looks like they only have 18,000 slots left. (22,000-4,000)

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:23:32 from 174.58.4.250

I have given in to the fact that my time will most likely not be good enough.

I do question the math of all of this, though. Out of 36,000 spots, if 4500 went to those who didn't finish last year, that leaves 31,500 spots. If there are only 22,000 spots for actual qualifiers, that means they are giving out 9,500 spots for charity, which would be much higher than normal. So when BAA says they are expanding the field by 9,000 runners, they do not mean qualifiers, correct? Something seems off about this.

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 12:32:09 from 174.58.4.250

Okay, I found the math. They are expanding the number of QUALIFIERS by 400, not 9,000.

"In normal years, roughly 80% of entrants, or about 21,600, are time qualifiers. For 2014, "we are preparing for a 70/30 ratio, with 22,000 of the qualifier field coming through the open registration process," B.A.A. spokesperson Jack Fleming told Runner's World Newswire."

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.700.0010.70

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 47:25. 8:37 pace. 5:15 am start. 73 Degrees. 94% humidity. dew point - 72

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:11. 7:21 pace. 5:30 pm start. Warm. 91 deg. 50% hum. 68 D.P. Once again, I had to slow down on the last mile.

I got a thumbs up from the guy running over the bridge with the gimungous American flag. He heard me clapping my hands and saw me pointing from the other side of the bridge. 

That made my day. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 10:53:51 from 67.79.11.242

I wimped out and went to the gym today. Luckily they had the AC on!

From SlowJoe on Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 17:56:36 from 66.69.93.8

Gooooo America! Nice double.

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Sep 11, 2013 at 20:06:51 from 66.17.102.185

DP 72... Yuck. Nice miles today!

From I Just Run on Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 09:13:37 from 67.79.11.242

These doubles are killing me. :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 09:18:15 from 174.58.4.250

Sometimes they are rough on me, too!

p.s. - 10,500 spots gone.

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/boston-marathon-field-almost-half-full

From I Just Run on Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 09:49:11 from 67.79.11.242

Those doubles kill me. It doesn't give my body time to rest and heal.

Ahhhh...on the registration! When do you register? I register on Friday at 10:00 am (if I don't forget). :-)

From Tom K on Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 10:38:00 from 174.58.4.250

If you don't forget? hilarious!

I will register Monday at 10 am..............possibly.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:51. 7:28 pace. 5:30 pm start. It felt hotter than yesterday, but the weatherman says no. 86 deg. 70% hum. 70 D.P.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 20:52:21 from 66.17.102.185

My high for Saturday is 68. Not sure where that came from, but maybe you should head up here for a run this weekend.

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 06:32:02 from 174.58.4.250

That would be great. I'll hop on my jet and .... wait, spouse has us scheduled to attend a wedding Saturday. Maybe next weekend.

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 08:06:48 from 67.79.11.242

Thanks Matt for reminding us how miserable it is running down here in the south!

Just wait until January and we'll be sending you arrogant messages!

From Matt Schreiber on Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 12:53:33 from 66.17.107.219

I was hedging on those mid January comments.. :) I'm currently attempting to fix my treadmill. Not looking forward using the darn thing.

Tom - have fun at the wedding! Hey, I'll be as far south as Lincoln, NE next weekend..

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Scheduled day off from running.

Tonight, we are taking the kids to see "School House Rock- The Musical" My brother gave us the DVD a while back, and we are all big fans in my house. I'm  very excited about this show tonight, Way more than I should be. I'm sure they'll play "I'm just a Bill," and "Conjunction Junction." I hope they play "Counting by 5's," "Mr. Morton," and "Verbs." Those are my favorites. 

Mr. Morton is the subject of the sentence, and what the predicate says, he does!

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 21:43:44 from 66.17.102.185

Hope it was fun! Sounds like it!

From Tom K on Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 06:20:38 from 71.203.20.181

It was great! although, I had "interplanet Janet" stuck in my head, while running this morning.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 2:26:14. 9:00 pace. 76 deg. 94% hum. 73 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 15:04:06 from 12.162.141.2

Ouch

From Tom K on Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 16:04:21 from 71.203.20.181

yes. It was rough.

From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Sep 14, 2013 at 21:15:35 from 66.17.102.185

Wow. Way to get it done.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. untimed. 5:15 am start. 75 Degrees. 94% humidity. dew point - 73.

3-ish pm. At track. 2 mile warm up, then wind lightning storm. Bad weekend for running, I guess. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 08:21:06 from 24.218.179.128

I was just getting inspired by reading your Steamtown report again. I want to run that race in 2014!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 15:56:18 from 66.17.102.185

Well at least you're attempting to avoid the heat. Seems like some rough humidity.

Derunzo's comment was intriguing. That was quite a race you had there. Congrats on it! bGreat report, too!

From Tom K on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 07:39:57 from 174.58.4.250

Thanks guys. I left a ton of stuff out of the race report. eg- The race director is really funny. He sends out these great e-mails leading up to the race. archive here: http://www.realbuzz.com/forums/steamtown-marathon/

Almost worth the price of admission.

My family wants to go back, but in my mind: PA is done, and that race experience will be tough to beat.

From I Just Run on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 08:16:19 from 67.79.11.242

I thought every weekend was a "good day for running". :-)

This is the week for you to jump me on the mileage board as I'll only be running about 30 miles. :-) ...but they will be fast ones!

From Tom K on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 08:17:15 from 174.58.4.250

I'm busy signing up right now, Dude!

From I Just Run on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 08:21:08 from 67.79.11.242

Sorry to bother you! Good luck!!

From Tom K on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 09:28:41 from 174.58.4.250

Thanks, but there's not a snowball's chance. I have to try anyway. 5,000 spots left.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 35:10. 7:39 pace. 5:40 pm start. Cut short for the late start. 77 deg. 90% hum. 74 D.P. We had a mini-monsoon at 3:30. debris scattered around. 

Signed up for Boston this morning. I guess I'll know by Friday. Gonna be a long week. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 17:32:09 from 66.69.93.8

Good luck - I bet you get in. We don't get many monsoons here, I don't think.

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Sep 16, 2013 at 21:22:21 from 66.17.102.185

Good luck!

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 07:02:42 from 174.58.4.250

Matt, that "inner cheetah" article we talked about before is finally on line: http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/the-runners-inner-cheetah

Joe, I'm a bit more optimistic than I was earlier.

Thanks guys.

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 08:27:09 from 67.79.11.242

I saw a post on facebook about something like 5,000 entries left. I also read that they would sort through all the entries and accepts the fastest entries first (based on qualifying times). I think you'll get it! It would be cool if we could run a little of the race together although I know you'll blow me away overall.

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 11:45:46 from 174.58.4.250

http://www.runnersworld.com/races/7500-more-submit-boston-marathon-entries

I think it would be cool to meet all of you guys. I hope it works out. I’m Still optimistic.

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 20:43:16 from 66.17.102.185

Thanks for the link Tom! It's a great article I think everyone (especially with kids) should read.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:00. 7:18 pace. 5:30 pm start. 80 deg. 76% hum. 72 D.P. Light Rain

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Sep 18, 2013 at 21:25:52 from 66.17.102.185

Nice pace for the weather!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.300.0011.30

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 47:36. 8:39 pace. 5:15 am start. 75 Degrees. 100% humidity. dew point - 73. EZ Cruising.

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:32. 7:30 pace. 5:30 pm start. 80 deg. 81% hum. 74 D.P. Lightning, traffic, and rain. A trifecta of stink. It felt smooth, though. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 08:12:32 from 67.79.11.242

We started running at exactly the same time this morning (except I'm on central time:-)

I wish I could say I it was "EZ Cruising" but it was sadly not the case.

BTW...Is your BQ qualifying time 3:15?

From Tom K on Thu, Sep 19, 2013 at 08:38:41 from 174.58.4.250

Yes, but I'm trying not to think about it today. That didn't last long! 30 more hours of waiting.

The thing I'm trying to keep in perspective is that I didn't run Steamtown to qualify for Boston. I ran Steamtown because it is a race I wanted to run. No matter what happens tomorrow, If I never run a faster than I did up there, I'm okay with that. It is only now, in these late hours, where on-line chatter about "what time do you think will be the cut-off?" becomes all-consuming, that I start to think of Steamtown as a tool, and not an experience with intrinsic value. It is hard to fight that urge. Looking forward to Baton Rouge - I don't want to think of that race as a stepping stone either. Is this too deep?

I better keep running.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:48. 7:39 pace. 1:15 pm start. 85 deg. 55% hum. 70 D.P. Mid day no es bueno. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Fri, Sep 20, 2013 at 16:12:39 from 71.203.20.181

Boston update - The website says they will send me an e-mail on Wednesday next week.

From flatlander on Sat, Sep 21, 2013 at 09:45:05 from 76.31.9.237

Good luck on getting in. From what I can tell, with the expanded field it appears that most qualifying times are going to get in.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 2:23:14. 8:49 pace. 77 deg. 78% hum. 70 d.p.6:15 am start time.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 08:33:00 from 67.79.11.242

Nice long run, I've been struggling with these.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.200.709.90

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 46:22. 8:26 pace. Last Mile - 6:51. 6:15 am start. 75 Degrees. 100% humidity. dew point - 75. Very Smooth run.

Track-form-fixing workout. 2:00 pm start. 2 mile up. 2x200 @ 75% w/ 200 AR. 4x100 @ >75% w/ 100 AR. 6x50 @ 100% w/ 50 AR. 1 mile down. I did the form drills (buttkicks, etc.) while I warmed up. 86 Degrees. 70% humidity. dew point - 75. Total Time on track: 48 minutes. I must be running my recoveries / warm-ups faster or something, because this is @ 20 minutes less than when i started doing these.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 14:41:10 from 66.69.93.8

Nice work today. Have you been able to feel your form-fixing stuff do anything for you?

From Tom K on Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 14:47:39 from 71.203.20.181

Yeah, at this point, copy clipping that seems a little silly! I think so, I mean, I feel like I have a smoother stride. But eventually, someone will take pictures of me running, and I might say (again) "Good Lord! Is that what I look like running!?" We'll see.

From Andrea on Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 15:37:04 from 67.177.11.154

Short speed reps are great for improving running economy. They are pretty fun too!

From Derunzo on Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 15:56:54 from 24.218.179.128

Nice running Thomas!

From Tom K on Sun, Sep 22, 2013 at 22:29:13 from 71.203.20.181

Andrea's right about the fun of this. As a distance runner, I log most miles in a controlled, pre-determined pace. But when was the last time I ran with everything I've got, even if it is only for 50 M? It's fun.

I like to finish with the Bolt pose, although mine's a little different, because I'm breathing like I'm in labor.

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 08:31:26 from 67.79.11.242

Great workout Tom. I like the track stuff! :-)

From derhammer on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 16:04:26 from 64.245.52.2

Nice job on the track. I found one of the best things for form is to run on grass - a large park works best. A mile or two is all it takes. I focus on not letting my toes touch the grass on the way up. That really helps get the hips involved. Once you get back on the road or trail immediately after you will feel a big difference in your form and stride. At least I do.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:14. 8:05 pace. 5:40 pm start. 79 deg. 89% hum. 75 D.P. Heavy downpour. No lightning, though. The slower pace is not because of the weather. My legs are pretty beat up from yesterday's track stuff. I should be fine tomorrow. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Sep 23, 2013 at 21:35:51 from 66.17.102.185

Nice workout yesterday. I have yet to run in a downpour this year. Weird stuff.

From I Just Run on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 08:32:12 from 67.79.11.242

You blew by me on the mileage again. :-) Keep it up!

From Tom K on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 08:36:54 from 174.58.4.250

Those 12 miles ain't gonna last.

From Derunzo on Tue, Sep 24, 2013 at 16:54:28 from 24.218.179.128

Beat up from the Feet up!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

I don't mean to jump the gun here, but it looks like I'm in. Cut off was BQ -1:38. 

http://www.baa.org/news-and-press/news-listing/2013/september/2014-boston-marathon-qualifier-acceptances.aspx

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:17. 7:21 pace. 5:30 pm start. 79 deg. 79% hum. 72 D.P. breezy. 

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Tom K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 11:55:53 from 174.58.4.250

WELL, I SEE MY NAME ON THE ENTRY LIST, SO I GUESS IT'S OFFICIAL NOW! 2,000 miles of training, 3+ hours of racing, and I get in by 7 seconds! Holy Smokes!

From derhammer on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 13:24:02 from 64.245.52.2

Wow - awesome - congrats!!!!

I always think of all of those sacrifices whenever I put on my jacket. It makes it all worth it!

From I Just Run on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:14:39 from 67.79.11.242

Whoooo....Hooooo....!!!!!

NICE !

I'm so happy for you. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Now, let's go train. :-)

From Tom K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:47:18 from 174.58.4.250

Thanks, Guys. I ran 0.3 seconds per mile faster than I had to at Steamtown. Ha!

From Andrea on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 14:53:28 from 72.37.171.52

Yea!!

From I Just Run on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:28:12 from 67.79.11.242

.3 seconds...what a waste! :-)

From Jake K on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 15:28:59 from 67.177.11.154

That's why you kick at the finish!

Congrats!

From Derunzo on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 16:42:27 from 24.218.179.128

I'll be looking for you at mile 19 in Newton. Too bad I don't know what you look like.... ha ha!

From flatlander on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 16:50:03 from 198.207.244.102

Congratulations. I just looked at the website, apparently they are giving 30% of the slots to non-qualifiers (charities, etc.) -- I didn't realize it was so many.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 18:54:54 from 66.69.93.8

Wow! Awesome news. Congratulations - you could have moonwalked the last few meters and still made it, no sweat!

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 at 21:44:17 from 66.17.102.185

Congrats man!! That's awesome you made it in!

From Tom K on Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 07:12:27 from 174.58.4.250

Thanks, all. I feel like I'm getting interweb high fives for the same race twice. I slept 3 hours last night, so I expect today's run to be interesting. Spouse is already on the job of making plans for us. She sent me a balloon bag full of Boston-related stuff last night (Clam Chowder, Boston baked beans candy, Necco wafers, etc.). Everyone - "What is it, your birthday, or something?" Me - "No, I just got into the Boston Marathon today." Everyone - "Your wife sent you a gift just for signing up for a race?" Me - Sigh. ".... yes."

Derunzo, Since I just did the bare minimum to get in, you will know me by my 37 pieces of flair!

From JG on Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 07:23:20 from 99.141.151.28

Congrats Tom! I am sure it was a long 10 days waiting for the news ... give thanks for your awesome supportive wife! :)

From allie on Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 17:02:01 from 97.117.90.140

congrats, tom!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:36. 7:31 pace. 5:45 pm start. 85 deg. 68% hum. 74 D.P. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 21:38:39 from 66.17.102.185

Yikes. That's a tad warm.

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 08:11:02 from 67.79.11.242

Nice pace...but I can't say that about the weather!

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 08:13:27 from 174.58.4.250

At least it wasn't raining when I ran.

Have you passed me yet?

From I Just Run on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 08:24:01 from 67.79.11.242

Are you kidding...Every time I get close I feel like you look back, laugh, and hit another gear!

From Tom K on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 08:27:28 from 174.58.4.250

If you are going to get me, this is your week. Work has really been cutting into running time this week. My streak of 50 mile weeks ends this week. Today, no running. I need sleep. I'm getting a little goofy over here.

From flatlander on Fri, Sep 27, 2013 at 09:10:17 from 76.31.9.237

Just let him pass you. He has already done it to everybody else.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.200.006.20

6.2 miles, untimed. 10:30 am start. 86 deg. 62% hum. 72 d.p. Venetian Waterway Park. Well, Boy #1 (Age 8) is determined to run a 5k with me this fall. So, I told him to prove it. I mapped out 3.1 miles, and we headed out. He was skipping, hopping, jumping on to light pole bases/benches, going on to the grass, jumping up to smack tree banches, etc. I kept telling him to just run, but he wasn't having it. He was falling apart by mile #2, but to his credit, he finished. Spouse and Boy #2 (age 6) were waiting for us at the finish. Boy #2 said he wanted to run back with me. That went bad. I told spouse he was done @ 1.5 miles in. Then i finished the run as fast as i could. I feel like I needed a weekend off from trying to just get miles. I'll get back to the grind next week. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.250.009.25

9.25 miles. Legacy Trail / Venetian Waterway Park. Laurel Road to South of Circus Bridge and back. 1:07:28. 7:17 pace. 10:30 am start. 82 Deg. 62% hum. 68 d.p.

Boy #2 "paced' me on his bike, and he did it perfectly. I am so stoked about the possibilities from this run. I didn’t notice any pains, I just focused on the kid on the bike. I didn’t notice the heat, or sun, or anything. I just focused on the kid on the bike.  After about 6 or 7 miles, I thought he was speeding up, so I was going to yell for him to slow down. But then I realized that I was slowing down, so I said nothing, and tried to catch that kid. He was courteous to the other trail users. He did a great job, and if we can work out a few details (hydration, for example), I’d like to make this happen more often.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 20:10:55 from 24.218.179.128

Tommy K! Stellar run!

From I Just Run on Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 10:57:21 from 166.147.72.42

Nice Running... that Boston entry gave you a huge boost of energy! My 10 miler was @ 9:00 pace and it about killed me!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:20. 7:22 pace. 5:40 pm start. 86 deg. 63% hum. 72 D.P.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From nevels on Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 17:39:48 from 75.76.63.142

solid, man.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.502.0010.50

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 45:55. 8:21 pace. 5:30 pm start. 72 Degrees. 100% humidity. dew point - 72.

At track - 6:30 pm start. 2 up. (4) x 800. 1 down. (800 times: 2:46, 2:53, 2:55, 2:54.) 85 degrees. 70% humidity. dew point 70.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:22:16 from 12.237.165.2

I just went ahead and ran on the hotel TM this morning instead of trying to find a route outside to run. The temp was the same as yours but the view was very boring! I don't think I'm going to catch up with you this week. :-)

From flatlander on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:25:21 from 76.31.9.237

Are y'all in the same town?

From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:28:44 from 12.237.165.2

No, I'm on the east coast and Tom lives on the west coast. Wish we were so we could get together.

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:28:50 from 174.58.4.250

IJR is directly across the state from me. He's East Coast, I'm West Coast. I was just looking up places for him to run over there, and I think I found a cool one: The Palm Beach Lake Trail. On the website they say "Because it's Palm Beach, many of the people using the trail are unusually well dressed and polite." Ha-Ha! Well, I better keep looking!

http://trails.fateback.com/palm_beach_trail.html

From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:36:18 from 12.237.165.2

Thanks Tom for the run route, I'll look it up this evening and see if I can get to it. I don't have a car so i'll have to run wherever I go.

Now off to the trade show. :-)

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:42:22 from 174.58.4.250

Nah, forget that route! I'm sure you forgot to bring your fancy running pants! WPB is a big place. Where are you? Near 95? Near the Beach?

From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 09:07:31 from 166.147.120.176

I am at the west palm beach Marriott

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 14:15:48 from 174.58.4.250

I don't know how long you want to go, but you are 1.4 miles from that trail. you could get 10.6 on an out and back run, but you'd have to be unusually well dressed and polite.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/copy/301003385/

From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 14:43:15 from 166.147.120.144

Tom

This looks good. I may try it in the morning.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:39. 7:26 pace. 5:30 pm start. 90 deg. 52% hum. 69 D.P. It felt much slower than this. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.700.008.70

3.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 29:41. 8:29 pace. 5:30 am start. 73 Degrees. 88% humidity. dew point - 70. It felt much hotter than this. it was just a drag from beginning to end.

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:54. 7:52 pace. 5:30 pm start. 86 deg. 72% hum. 74 D.P. Completely miserable running today. 

107 days until Baton Rouge.

199 days until Boston.

Better get my butt in gear. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 at 16:51:57 from 166.147.120.40

I've been thinking the same thing..."gotta get my butt in gear". :-)

BTW...update your mileage...you only entered the 3.5.

From SlowJoe on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 at 17:24:34 from 66.69.93.8

I've been saying "better get my butt in gear" for a few months now, but my butt is still in neutral.

Great start though - nice double today.

From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 at 21:41:42 from 66.17.102.185

Nice miles Tom! Especially despite the heat.

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 04, 2013 at 06:34:02 from 174.58.4.250

IJR, fixed the miles. Thanks. Joe and Matt, could be the heat, could be the obscene amount of pizza I ate at midnight Wednesday. I'm not sure. I just haven't felt that bad running in a long time. I think I'm going to keep posting countdowns for the races. Since I haven't raced a marathon in 362 days, I need to get back to that mindset. It might be a good suggestion for Sasha to have a race day countdown feature on the site. It's good motivation, and could probably help others (that look at your page) know where you are in your training cycle. Just a thought.

From I Just Run on Fri, Oct 04, 2013 at 15:50:35 from 166.147.121.166

So what do you think your goal pace will be for Boston?

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 04, 2013 at 18:50:40 from 71.203.20.181

I can't see past Baton Rouge yet. I need to put down some shorter races to figure out what my pace for that race should be.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 2:15:20. 8:20 pace. 73 deg. 94% hum. 72 d.p. 5:45 am start time. 6:50 last mile. 1:10:xx at halfway. Very pleased with this run. Great sunrise. There was a rainbow to the west, as I crossed Roberts Bay that was perfectly reflected in the still bay waters. I actually yelled out loud for that one. Crazy.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Oct 05, 2013 at 18:41:45 from 166.147.72.35

Good running Tom but the yell was great!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Oct 06, 2013 at 11:32:34 from 66.69.93.8

Great run - still hot there, huh? Rainbows...what do they mean??

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Oct 06, 2013 at 15:33:49 from 66.17.102.185

Great run Tom. We need to invent a small runner friendly camara. Or maybe it's better some of the stuff we see on runs stays there.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.000.0011.00

5:45 am: 1.5 mile Runfail. I didn't have it. legs too beat up from yesterday/ brown rice, chicken, sausage pig out at midnight / back chaffing from camelpak - take your pick.

3 pm. 3 miles to the track with 2 boys on bikes. 2 miles on track. 4 miles to pool. 0.5 miles home. 85 deg. 75% hum. 73 d.p. totaly different dynamic than last weeks' run with only 1 kid on a bike on a trail. this week we had to watch for traffic, i had to speed up to catch the one kid, slow down for the other kid, etc. It was still an enjoyable experience, and (I think) a good workout (lots of speed variation), that can be improved upon. I must have worked out the kinks from yesterday's stuff with this morning's little runfail, because this all felt great. Boy # 1 did 3 laps on the track with me. He really wants to do that 5k, and I think i found a good one for him in mid-november. Also, today was his first time serving as an acolyte at church. big day for Tommy. I got pretty choked up.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Oct 07, 2013 at 08:11:43 from 67.79.11.242

Looks like a little of everything in your running today. :-)

Enjoy the time with your boys...it goes fast! (kinda like you run)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:42. 7:59 pace. 5:40 pm start. 84 deg. 74% hum. 75 D.P. "Feels like" 93. Windy. Light rain at the end. Today makes 1 year since I ran a marathon. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From derhammer on Tue, Oct 08, 2013 at 09:10:16 from 71.20.127.71

Congrats on the anniversary!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Oct 08, 2013 at 12:23:00 from 168.215.171.129

Happy..anniversary? Good run, don't worry about the run fail this weekend; they are usually followed up with a redemptive run soon after.

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 08, 2013 at 13:35:03 from 174.58.4.250

Yeah. I'm not really celebrating. It’s just noteworthy, and it feels like an ETERNITY. Sometimes you just have more important stuff to do, You know, for like a YEAR!

I’m going to the track tonight. I expect big things. (at least beating last week's stuff). We'll see.

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Oct 09, 2013 at 19:52:55 from 66.17.102.185

Hope the track goes well! 93 is kind of rediculous for for mid October.

From I Just Run on Thu, Oct 10, 2013 at 09:28:16 from 67.79.11.242

So what's up...have you retired after your anniversary? No blogging since Monday?

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 06:30:48 from 174.58.4.250

Reporting to the FDOT is complicated. Crazy week. Sorry, man.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.501.002.50

At track. 1.5 up. (2) x 800. I could have run more, but I wasn’t feeling it. 6:15 pm start.  83 deg – 74 hum – 73 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.805.80

5.8 miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:30. 7:09 pace. 5:30 pm start. 78 deg – 71 hum – 68 d.p. (I'm still using the 7:15 mark as the difference between fast / slow miles).

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 15:59:07 from 24.218.179.128

Tom K. scares me!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:24. 7:46 pace. 5:30 pm start. 85 deg – 51 hum – 65 d.p. The dolphins are out again! 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 08:07:23 from 67.79.11.242

You need some cooler weather. Do you ever get it in the winter?

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 08:17:09 from 174.58.4.250

We don't really have a "winter." It just gets windy. I'm okay with the heat most of the time. I'm not being forced to live here, you know.

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 11, 2013 at 08:34:00 from 174.58.4.250

Ha! The other comment you posted (about yesterday's run) ended up on January 1st.

I think I'll keep it simple with the slow / fast categories.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
21.900.0021.90

5:15 am. Legacy trail. Intended to do more, but @ 6.75 miles the mouthpiece of the Camlebak just popped off, draining water on me. Weird. I looked for it in the dark for @ 15 minutes. To stop the water from running out, I drank too much of it. So, I ran back home with the hiccups. No fun. When I got home, Tommy was ready to run with me, so we did 0.9 miles together. I'm going to try to get a couple of more miles this afternoon.

4:30 pm run: Hood route. 7.5 miles. 58:21. 7:47 pace. 82 deg. 58% hum. 66 d.p. This is about as far as I want to go without water, I think.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Sat, Oct 12, 2013 at 16:28:36 from 76.31.9.237

Sorry about the malfunctioning equipment, looks like you got it in finally though. Nice pace on those p.m. miles in some significant heat.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.250.009.25

9.25 miles. Legacy Trail / Venetian Waterway Park. Laurel Road to South of Circus Bridge and back. 1:09:40. 7:32 pace. 3:00 pm start. 82 Deg. 73% hum. 63 d.p. Johnny was pacing me again on his bike. Things were going great until.... he wrecked pretty bad going down hill on the 41 overpass. We kind of limped it in the last 2 miles. He's okay. He was wrestling his brother as soon as we got home. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 08:05:45 from 67.79.11.242

Great pace Tom! Do you think the "form" exercises you are doing are helping?

From derhammer on Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 14:02:34 from 64.245.52.2

Glad you son is OK. If you limped it in the last 2 and your AP was 7:32 your first 7 must have been pretty fast.

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Oct 14, 2013 at 21:27:09 from 66.17.102.185

Good to hear Johnny was up to wrestling when he got back. Those bike crashes can be ugly.

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 20:37:13 from 71.203.20.181

Sorry so late to respond, as the last 36 hours or so have been wacky.

IJR, I feel like I am running more efficiently, but I can't tell just yet.

DerH, He was really moving at the start, but 1. I don't like yelling all the time on the trail, and 2. I wanted to see if I could keep up with a 6 year old on a bike. Yes, it was way fast for me.

Matt, there were a couple of skateboarders on the bridge that also yelled out loud when he wrecked. They came down to check on him, and then show him THEIR cuts and scrapes. They told him how he left tiny pieces of his skin on the bridge wall, and that now the bridge was "his.” He could not wait to get home, and brag to mom after that. They changed his attitude immediately.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.000.000.00

Life got in the way of running today. My car of 13 years / 277,000+ miles, finally quit today. I lost the whole day dealing with that. I might have to lose Tuesday to burying my old car, as well. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 08:25:05 from 67.79.11.242

Oh no...sorry. Let me know when the service will be. :-(

From SlowJoe on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 09:07:12 from 168.215.171.129

Just think of the good times....

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 09:36:41 from 174.58.4.250

In 13 years, and 277,048 miles, the Toyota Echo was best investment I've ever made. 36 mpg, original purchase price of less than $10k, and I have only replaced the starter, once, in all that time. That car will be missed. This concludes the eulogy of the Echo. You are all welcome to punch and cookies in the lobby.

Oh, look! A shiny new car! Sweet!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 09:39:04 from 168.215.171.129

I've had my silverado for 11+ yrs but have not had quite the same cost efficiency - very impressive!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 18:03:55 from 98.203.229.149

Sorry for your loss. I'm sure Echo is in a better place now. I have 2 very elderly cars and my be facing the same difficulty soon.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.500.009.50

9.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 1:15:15. 7:55 pace. 8:30 pm start. 74 Degrees. 83% humidity. dew point - 68. The run felt easy. I added 100 m sprints every 2 miles or so, to keep it interesting.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Oct 16, 2013 at 21:29:58 from 66.17.102.185

Fair number of miles for planning on a burial. Nice job on the sprints!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 miles. Ringling Bridge. 42:23. 7:18 pace. 5:30 pm start. 81 deg – 71 hum – 70 d.p. Crowded out there. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Oct 17, 2013 at 10:00:08 from 67.79.11.242

How do you run in the city? :-) I think I would always be trying to catch the next person in front of me.

Also, what do you do at traffic lights? When I run in the city I seem to catch all of them red!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:57. 7:41 pace. 5:30 pm start. 83 deg – 69 hum – 71 d.p. 4 hours sleep. zzzzz-running.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 08:49:24 from 76.31.9.237

Yikes, sounds like a sweatfest. So I guess the circus winters close by, is that why you have a Ringling Bridge? (I'm thinking of applying for a job, or just running away.)

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 09:49:11 from 174.58.4.250

I'm used to the sweating. No big whoop.

John and Mable Ringling are a big part of Sarasota's history.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Oct 18, 2013 at 18:54:49 from 66.69.93.8

Hey someone is sleeping less than me, awesome! sorry about that

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
20.750.0020.75

20.75 miles. Legacy Trail / Venetian Waterway Park to Caspersen Beach. 2:57:02. 8:32 pace. 6:00 am start. 81 deg. 83 % hum. 73 d.p. 7:22 last mile. Full moon start was awesome. Great sunrise over the bays. Mullet jumping like crazy at half way. A lot of runners out this morning. Off to baseball!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Oct 19, 2013 at 11:24:12 from 67.79.11.242

Very nice run Tom! I see no complaining in your blog after this 20+ miler ... Unlike when I run a 20 miler. :-(

From Tom K on Sat, Oct 19, 2013 at 14:36:45 from 71.203.20.181

If I ever do a 20 miler at 7:42 pace, I might complain.

From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Oct 19, 2013 at 21:43:40 from 66.17.102.185

Great run Tom! Very impressive, and you look like you felt "good" for the last mile. Very nice.

This full moon business is kind of fun ro run in. I did a track workout the other night under it. It got cold, but it was fun.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 Miles. (NEIGHBOR)Hood Route. 46:35. 8:28 pace. 2 pm start. 84 Degrees. 74% humidity. dew point - 75. Legs felt great. I don't think the slow pace has much to do with yesterday'srun.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sun, Oct 20, 2013 at 14:15:16 from 12.162.141.2

I feel guilty looking at your running conditions. Compared to mine. Wish you could at least experience a couple of days like I had today.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:48. 7:28 pace. 5:30 pm start. 83 deg. 69% hum. 72 D.P. I had to run through a 10' stretch of rotting bait fish. First time for that one. I guess someone did well with the cast net, and then forgot to put the baits in a bucket.

I had to go to the Dr. this morning. Spouse printed out a list of Dr.s I could go see, and I picked the one who's name I saw on the Boston Marathon entry list. Is that wrong?

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.002.505.50

at Track. 2 miles up. 1 mile @ 5:58. 3 x 800 (2:54 Avg.) 1 mile down. 82 Deg. 79% hum. 75 dew point. Pretty good workout.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Oct 22, 2013 at 21:12:19 from 66.17.102.185

"Pretty good" workout? Looks great to me! Nice job in that heat!

From Tom K on Wed, Oct 23, 2013 at 06:53:48 from 174.58.4.250

If I was out there by myself, I would be really excited about the run. But the Venice High Cross Country team was on the track at the same time. And they were just Flying. I felt like telling them...

http://youtu.be/o5gw0qUPxgU

From I Just Run on Wed, Oct 23, 2013 at 09:46:35 from 67.79.11.242

I don't believe they were all "flying". 5:58 mile is fast for anyone...including a bunch of high schoolers. :-)

From DLTheo on Wed, Oct 23, 2013 at 17:21:04 from 76.28.161.119

I bet sharing the track with those high schoolers gave you a boost of adrenaline! Great workout.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:49. 7:16 pace. 5:30 pm start. 76 deg. 38% hum. 49 D.P.  

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Oct 23, 2013 at 19:28:30 from 66.69.93.8

Way to follow up yesterday's great workout with a good, brisk pace today. At least your evenings are getting a little cooler? Do fall, winter, or summer exist down there? I'm Ron burgundy?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.805.80

5.8 miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:40. 7:11 pace. 5:30 pm start. 73 deg – 51 hum – 53 d.p. This little dip in temps is helping me out a lot. I wasn't even pushing that hard today. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Oct 24, 2013 at 21:35:58 from 66.17.102.185

I hear ya on that! It's amazing what a little relief in temps will do for you.

From Tom K on Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 06:14:09 from 174.58.4.250

Well, it's no "31 degrees" but I can sure feel a difference.

From I Just Run on Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 10:37:42 from 67.79.11.242

You need to put the "Tom K is FAST" picture back up!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:07. 8:17 pace. 2:00 pm start. 79 deg. 35% hum. 50 D.P. I kept it slow because I want to go long tomorrow. This might be the end of this shirt. The perma-stink is revolting.

25 year high school reunion tonight. Yeesh! 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 13:35:28 from 198.207.244.102

Good luck tonight, maybe leave the tech shirt at home?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 79 deg. 42% hum. 54 d.p. 10:15 am start time. It went bad.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sat, Oct 26, 2013 at 17:44:28 from 24.218.179.128

Good or bad, it will all pay off in Boston! See you at mile 19!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Oct 27, 2013 at 09:15:57 from 66.17.102.185

Derunzo's right. Pushing through bad runs is going to make you stronger. Nice work.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 Miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge. 2:11:00. 8:04 pace. Last mile- 7:00. 1st half 1:05:12 (8:01 pace) 81 deg. 42% hum. 55 d.p. 1:00 pm start time. It went better. REDEMPTION RUN!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Oct 27, 2013 at 14:12:54 from 66.69.93.8

That's awesome, love the redemption run. Didn't expect it so soon - back to back 16 milers, wow! Tough to go that long in the afternoon heat.

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Oct 27, 2013 at 15:21:48 from 66.17.102.185

Impressive runs Tom. 81 degrees is hot! Hopefully the air being dry as a bone helped a little. Great even split, too.

From I Just Run on Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 09:36:01 from 67.79.11.242

Nice running Tom! You've got to be ready for a race.

From flatlander on Mon, Oct 28, 2013 at 12:31:13 from 198.207.244.102

Congrats, super fast finish in the high heat.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 40:31. 7:47 pace. 5:30 pm start. 80 deg. 50% hum. 59 D.P. Kept it slow. Track stuff tomorrow.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Oct 29, 2013 at 09:16:37 from 67.79.11.242

50% Humidity and 59 degree Dew Point....Is that a "typo"?

Must have felt wonderful!

From Tom K on Tue, Oct 29, 2013 at 17:28:24 from 71.203.20.181

I wanted to do the track stuff today after my Dr.'s appt., but the Doc said "No." Bummer. Back to running Wednesday.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:08. 7:20 pace. 5:30 pm start. 81 deg. 58% hum. 65 D.P.  Smooth cruising.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Oct 30, 2013 at 20:16:21 from 66.17.102.185

Smooth cruising.. That's what I like to hear.

From I Just Run on Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 07:44:59 from 67.79.11.242

Caught you...tag, you're it!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:38. 7:32 pace. 5:40 pm start. 80 deg. 71% hum. 70 D.P.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Nov 02, 2013 at 21:05:11 from 12.162.141.2

Sorry, I had to run on a little ahead of you this weekend. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.500.001.50

1.5 mile RUNFAIL. Some thing is wrong with my right shoulder, and also my left groin / quad. just couldn't get going. I'm taking Sunday off, and probably more. This ain't good. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:45. 7:27 pace. 5:30 pm start. 76 deg. 56% hum. 59 D.P. The right shoulder thing has mostly gone away. I blame the car for that one. Crazy? For 13 years, I drove a car that had a certain height of center arm rest. Now that height is different. That's my theory. The left groin thing - I looked into this on the interwebs. It could be a hip flexor injury. I don't know. I had to go slow for the first half mile, then everything was fine. It hurts to walk and sit, but not to run. Go figure. I just have to chill out for a while, and let IJR rack up the miles on me, I guess. 

I'll be running this Friday with Tommy in his first 5k. 

http://www.rev3glow.com/florida-venice.html 

Running in Venice? With smoke effects and glow sticks? Next to the beach? With a movie afterwards? Come On! WHAT MORE COULD AN EIGHT YEAR OLD WANT?! This is gonna be great!

....I might be a little too excited about this.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Tue, Nov 05, 2013 at 17:49:44 from 166.147.72.20

Glad you're running again. Height of car armrest is definitely one of those first world problems, but from where I sit, I think you nailed it!

From SlowJoe on Tue, Nov 05, 2013 at 17:50:58 from 166.147.72.20

Wow, and you didn't even mention the free glow-in-the-dark t-shirt!

From Tom K on Wed, Nov 06, 2013 at 08:11:18 from 174.58.4.250

Our un-timed running rave!

oontz...oontz...oontz...

From I Just Run on Wed, Nov 06, 2013 at 09:43:14 from 67.79.11.242

I didn't realize you were having a problem. Hopefully it goes away soon. If its a groin problem, get a tennis ball and basically sit on it where it hurts the most. do this 2-3 times a day for several minutes. I think you will find it will fix the problem.

From I Just Run on Wed, Nov 06, 2013 at 09:43:42 from 67.79.11.242

Oh...BTW, after next week I'll be taking it easy for a while! :-)

From Tom K on Wed, Nov 06, 2013 at 10:51:09 from 174.58.4.250

You have 22 miles already on a taper-ish week, so obviously, you and I have different definitions of "taking it easy." That said, I am wondering if averaging 210 miles per month for the last 4 months was beyond my limits, or if I ramped up too fast from averaging 150/month, or if 1.5 years of 43 hours of sleep/week has finally caught up with me, or if this whole "no-racing-therefore-no-recovery-weeks" attitude is flawed. I think I needed some relief. The leg feels good while sitting today, so do I run tonight, or give it another day? I've been lucky, over my 3 year running career to have very few strains, so this is kind of new to me.

Hey look!, My Boston Confirmation Card came in the mail today - better go run!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:23. 7:28 pace. 5:40 pm start. 80 deg. 58% hum. 64 D.P. I only noticed the left leg hitch on the downhills. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Nov 07, 2013 at 13:19:26 from 67.79.11.242

Don't run downhill!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:40. 7:32 pace. 5:40 pm start. 75 deg. 76% hum. 67 D.P

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.100.004.10

Rev3 Glow Run 5k. Tommy's first race. 1 mile up. 5k in 28:46. 9:16 pace.

The course was more like an adventure run, than it was a true road race. .We ran on asphalt, concrete, grass, the beach (for about 3/4 mile), gravel, up and down wood stairs on the dune crossover, and finshed on carpet. At one point, as we were running through the dunes, dodging the plantings, in the dark, I thought "How is this legal? There are signs everywhere telling you to keep off the dunes, and we're running through it? Okayyy?" The course length is unofficial. The time is unofficail. But the whole thing was a lot of fun. We started near the front, and were about 5th and 6th @ a mile into the race. We hit the beach @ mile 2, Running in the soft sand wrecked our pace, and I was really happy to get back on pavement. While on the beach, we saw a great sunset afterglow over the Gulf (Tommy says this was his favorite part.) Once we heard the music coming from the finish line, Tommy really pushed it through the smoke effects and black lights. I'm guessing we were in the top 25, out of 200, or so. Then we ate hot dogs, and watched Monsters University outside. I'm really impressed with these Rev3 folks. They really cater to families. I think this was a great first race experience for Tommy.

And now I am really curious what the kid could do on a flat, paved track. Hmmm.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 04:50:03 from 66.69.93.8

That does sound pretty cool. Congrats on not getting arrested and the good finish.

From I Just Run on Mon, Nov 11, 2013 at 08:15:38 from 67.79.11.242

Nice job Tommy! Glad you drug you old dad along for the race, sorry he slowed you down so much. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia. 1:19:33. 7:48 pace. 6:53 last mile.7:00 am start. 73 deg. 73% hum. 64 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Nov 09, 2013 at 10:33:47 from 137.216.102.219

Nice run Tom. Looks like you felt like moving there on that last mile!

From Derunzo on Sat, Nov 09, 2013 at 12:53:06 from 24.218.179.128

1700 miles on the year..... BOOM!

From Tom K on Sun, Nov 10, 2013 at 07:03:33 from 71.203.20.181

Thanks. It felt great. I didn't even notice the miles, D! But, as soon as the run ended, I got a cold. It is the weirdest thing. I'm missing church today. I will not be out there today, cheering for the triathlon folks. I've got a 5k in 13 days. Oh well, it is what it is, I guess.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:43. 7:59 pace. 5:40 pm start. 79 deg. 60% hum. 64 d.p. I'm still a bit sick, and maybe shouldn't have run. I had a nice coughing fit at the end of it. 11 days from the 5k. I should be okay. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 07:37:41 from 76.31.9.237

Hard to know, but I usually don't worry about running with a few symptoms, doesn't seem to make things any worse. Just knowing you can do it is part of the reward of what we do.

From I Just Run on Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 08:43:36 from 67.79.11.242

You must have given me my cold...I'm having the same symptoms!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:37. 7:26 pace. 5:30 pm start. 62 deg. 62% hum. 49 D.P. Last mile - straight coughing.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 17:14:12 from 24.218.179.128

Nice pace for an "Old sick man"!

From Matt Schreiber on Wed, Nov 13, 2013 at 21:49:47 from 66.17.102.185

Agree with Derunzo! Nice pace.

From Tom K on Thu, Nov 14, 2013 at 06:09:02 from 174.58.4.250

You guys are great. Thanks. If I was running in 27 degrees, or 36 degrees, like you, I'm sure I wouldn't have done so well.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.000.001.00

1 lung butter mile. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. forgot my watch. in the rain. still coughing. 70 deg. 88% hum. 66 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Nov 16, 2013 at 07:28:19 from 12.162.141.2

What did it feel like this morning? Those are the exact same conditions predicted for my marathon tomorrow. I'm thinking about switching to the Half.

From Tom K on Sat, Nov 16, 2013 at 12:21:34 from 71.203.20.181

I guess it was okay. I'm sorry. I was too distracted by the fact that I forgot my watch, a really scratchy shirt, and coughing. I barely noticed the weather. You can switch to the half this late in the game?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. Hood route. still coughing. 73 deg. 83% hum. 68 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, Nov 17, 2013 at 07:03:56 from 24.218.179.128

You should change the name of your blog to "I cough all the time". All kidding aside, I hope you feel better soon.

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Nov 17, 2013 at 12:43:51 from 66.17.102.185

Coughing before, during, or after running is no good. Get better! Way to keep geting miles in.

From I Just Run on Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 14:56:32 from 166.147.72.48

Stop coughing, please!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 34:08. 7:25 pace. 5:40 pm start. 75 deg. 87% hum. 71 d.p.

cough. cough. this is getting old. 

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.001.255.25

5:45 pm. Ran a different track than normal in Sarasota, in an attempt to run in daylight. 75 deg. 70 % hum. 65 d.p.

2 up. 800 (fast). 400 (slow). 400 (1:27). 400 (slow). 400 (fast). 400 (slow). 200 (fast). 200 (slow). 200 (fast). 200 (slow). 1 down. It was dark by the end of warm-up. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 11:01:30 from 64.134.25.189

Good change-up! I think that's good sometime.

I was back in Florida monday night thru today but again not close to you...maybe ill get to your area sometime.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:04. 7:19 pace. 5:40 pm start. 75 deg. 90% hum. 72 D.P. In the rain. A little less coughing. Song stuck in my head: http://youtu.be/bBb-J0hcBQA

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Nov 20, 2013 at 17:59:51 from 24.218.179.128

Nice run, pace & song! I have it open in another window as I type right now.... rocking back and forth in my chair right now!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:58. 7:30 pace. 5:40 pm start. 77 deg. 79% hum. 69 D.P. Stout headwind on the way back.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Fri, Nov 22, 2013 at 09:11:47 from 67.79.11.242

That headwind should have counted for a couple of extra miles. :-)

Race: Harvest Hustle 5k (3.11 Miles) 00:19:19, Place overall: 7, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.003.115.11

My 3rd year runing at this event. 79 Degrees, 63% Hum. 66 d.p. For the second straight year, the timing of the race was incorrect. This year, it was off by 22 seconds, or so. The timing folks are aware of the error. I really like the course, the food after, the time of year, the charity, but this timing issue has got to go. Anyway, I went into the race with low expectations, because I still have a bit of a cough.Warm-up went fine, with little coughing. The race started, and I went out at a comfortable pace. I held the pace great, unil 2.5 miles. then the coughing fit hit. Then my pace was altered from that point on. I was really holding on at the end. Official race results will be here http://www.harvesthustle5k.com/ eventually. 

I think I might have a sub-19 5k in me someday, if I can just not get sick, or have my toes crushed (like last year). Congrats to my friend Brian, for running his first 5k today. 

Then I went to the kids' baseball game, Then there was a kids birthday party at the YMCA pool. I'm beat. 

(Edit) The official timing is out here: http://www.suncoaststriders.com/results/20131123_harvesthustle5k.htm  my time was not 19:18, it was 19:19.5. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 14:31:43 from 66.69.93.8

Nice race. Definitely not tough to believe you can drop those last few seconds without the coughing fit.

From I Just Run on Sat, Nov 23, 2013 at 16:07:38 from 12.162.141.2

I think a 19:18 with your cough is great! I'm proud of you! :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.400.0016.40

12.9 miles. Legacy Trail to Venice Avenue. 5:30 am start. 1:51:19. 8:38 pace. 66 deg. 94% hum. 64 d.p. Still coughing.  Great sunrise over Roberts Bay. 

5 pm: 3.5 miles hood route. New shoes test run. 26:31. 7:35 pace. 66 deg. 77% hum. 75 d.p. 

Also, I’m getting pretty psyched about this: http://youtu.be/xXU7wy6rmUA

 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 16:02:08 from 67.79.11.242

Looks fun...are you running it this coming January?

From Tom K on Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 16:43:29 from 174.58.4.250

Yes. It's coming down to crunch time.

From Derunzo on Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 17:00:11 from 24.218.179.128

What would the new shoes be?

From Tom K on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 00:01:54 from 71.203.20.181

ride 6.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 39:06. 7:31 pace. 5:40 pm start. 72 deg. 64% hum. 59 D.P. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Nov 25, 2013 at 21:27:31 from 66.17.102.185

I have no idea what Ringling Bridge is, but it sounds way better than my crappy routes.

From Tom K on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 00:09:39 from 71.203.20.181

http://aroundsarasota.com/Ringling-Causeway-Bridge

I've been running that bridge @ 3 times per week for over a year now. Your routes ain't bad. You have found more golf balls than I have!

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 07:04:36 from 66.17.107.219

Well I can see why you wouldn't find too many golf balls on your runs.. Looks awesome from the pictures.

From I Just Run on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 07:47:35 from 67.79.11.242

I bet I've found more dead animals than either of you! I'll post a picture of my route today. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.001.005.00

6:15 pm. On the track, in the dark, in the rain, with a tornado warning... Why did I think this would go well? 2 up. 1 mile @ 6:12. 2 down. Honestly, there was a cool reflective light on the track, almost as if the clouds were glowing. It was kind of neat. I signed up for a 10k today. I hope to use it as a tune-up for the marathon in January. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From allie on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 18:12:47 from 161.38.221.168

track workout in a tornado warning. i like it.

i watched the video you posted the other day -- seems like a really cool race. good luck with your training.

From Derunzo on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 18:24:00 from 24.218.179.128

Damn! 6:12..... In a tornado warning? Running for your life brings on the speed.

From Tom K on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 18:34:56 from 71.203.20.181

Allie, I might be too excited about the post-race food!

D, I'm at the point with the track stuff, where I'm trying to include a little bit of distance. It was fine (over the summer) to be doing 200s and even shorter (when I was afraid of melting). But now, I feel like I need to start stretching that same pace into the repeat mile distance. So, for whatever reason, when I didn't hit my mark for the first one, I just pulled the plug, and ran a cool down. Ideally, I'd like to be able to do 5-6 repeat miles at 6:00-6:10 pace, at some point before my marathon. Sorry for the long post. I'm kind of sorting things out as I go here.

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Nov 26, 2013 at 21:45:46 from 66.17.102.185

Good call on the 10k tune up.

Glowing clouds, tornado warning.. No pictures? :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:34. 7:31 pace. 5:20 pm start. 60 deg. 73% hum. 52 D.P. 15-20 mph winds out of the north + chop on the bay waters = Salty spray over the seawall + ringing right ear!

I'll be in Fruit Cove tomorrow, watching my sister in law finish her first half marathon, and then getting some deep fried turkey! I talked her into running that St. Patty's Day 8k with me only 8 months ago, and now look at her! Go Shannon! Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Nov 28, 2013 at 12:42:31 from 12.162.141.2

Way to go sister in law! Nice you've been a positive influence to her. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.850.007.85

7.85 miles in Fruit Cove, Fl. Began run 2 hours AFTER dinner. 4:30 pm start. 1:00:11. 7:40 pace. 56 Deg., 53 hum., 37 d.p. The food was fantastic. I forgot how awesome the sweet potato casserole is. Wow.

I was still on the drive up here when Shannon finished her race. Her goal was below 2:30. She got 2:10:58, I think. So she is pretty excited.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.850.007.85

7.85 miles. Fruit Cove. 1:02:59. 8:01 pace. 64 deg. 63 % hum. 51 d.p. 9:30 am start. 1800 miles on the year.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, Nov 29, 2013 at 10:43:47 from 24.218.179.128

BOOM!!!!

From SlowJoe on Fri, Nov 29, 2013 at 11:52:01 from 166.147.72.24

Nice going - any big races on the horizon now that it is cooling off a little?

From Tom K on Sat, Nov 30, 2013 at 08:44:20 from 98.82.164.47

I have a tune up 10k on the 8th. Next Marathon is in Baton Rouge in January.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.850.007.85

7.85 miles. Fruit Cove. 1:01:25. 7:49 pace. 57 deg. 87 % hum. 53 d.p. 7:00 am start. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Nov 30, 2013 at 13:57:47 from 66.17.102.185

Ringling Bridge, Fruit Cove... I at least need to come up with names for my routes so they sound sweet like yours. :) Nice run.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.850.007.85

7.85 miles. Last run in Fruit Cove. 59:43. 7:36 pace. 54 deg. 83 % hum. 49 d.p. 7:20 am start. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Dec 04, 2013 at 14:50:33 from 67.79.11.242

"Last run" .... ? How's it been going, sorry I haven't blogged lately?

From Derunzo on Thu, Dec 05, 2013 at 16:04:34 from 24.218.179.128

Where is T to the K?

From Tom K on Thu, Dec 05, 2013 at 16:54:04 from 174.58.4.250

I haven't run in the last 3 days, but I've been keeping up with the tales of “The Rattler Assassin” and “The 7 Minute Man”! I have found that I comment more, when I run more. I’ll get back to it tomorrow. I gotta go to work now, though.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:50. 7:13 pace. 5:20 pm start. 76 deg. 76% hum. 66 D.P. Great sunset! Lots of folks taking pictures. 3 day non-running streak broken. My first one of those since April. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Dec 05, 2013 at 22:01:05 from 66.17.102.185

Those little breaks will do your body good. If not your body, your mind!

From flatlander on Fri, Dec 06, 2013 at 08:14:30 from 76.31.9.237

Nice run in some pretty warm temps. I think I am in the lead on the non-running streak.

From I Just Run on Fri, Dec 06, 2013 at 13:08:45 from 67.79.11.242

I'm picking your streak up of not running...no immediate goal and cold!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 miles. Hood Route. 70 Deg. 97% humidity. Kept it right at 8:00 minute pace, until the last mile, and then picked it up a bit. I have since deleted the time on my watch, so I do not have exact pacing info., but I'm pretty sure about the pace. I have been holding back all week, in mileage, and paces, because of a really bad knee pain in my left knee. It scared me, but apparently not enough to keep me from going to LegoLand for the day for Boy #2's 7th Birthday. It also did not stop me from racing my 10k on Sunday. I really did not let on last week how much this was bothering me. So, I went to bed Saturday night, with an Icy Hot patch on my knee, and hoped I would be able to give it a decent run on Sunday. 

Weight: 0.00
Race: Scrooge 10k (6.21 Miles) 00:41:06, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 1
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
2.006.208.20

http://www.suncoaststriders.com/results/20131208_scrooge10K.htm

PR! Like outa nowhere! 6:37 pace. Yes, a pretty weak field, but still, a PR is a PR. I am happier with the time, than the placing. 71 deg. 95% hum. I don't know what the dew point was, but I'm guessing "High." I was really uncertain about my abilities in this race, because of the goofy left knee, and spending the previous day walking around a theme park (And eating "Theme Park Food" for the day). Great, Low-key event. And a great tune-up Shot of Confidence for next month's marathon. I did way better than I thought I would. Anyhow, they asked for the faster runners to line up near the start, and the only people up there were two 11 year old kids (That finished 4th and 5th! Say What?!), and the eventual winner of the race, then a 15 foot gap to the next level. I didn't know anybody at this event, except for my friend Brian (Race #2 for him, BTW). So I felt weird being on the start line. I usually like to be @ 2-3 bodies back from the start. The course winds through some golf course communities, and then finishes the last 2 miles on an asphalt trail around a lake. The 24 year old that won the thing was out of sight after mile 1. 2nd place kid (I could tell he was younger, but I didn't know he was 15 until after the race) was an excellent pace setter for me. I was within 20' of that kid for the whole race, until mile 5. If he took decent tangents (as I did), he would have left me earlier. It seemed like he was choosing the outside edge of the course for the entire run. After the race, he told me it was his first 10k. I talked to him about the faster lines he could have taken during the race, and he seemed to appreciate the advice. But with a 15 year old, who can really gauge sincerity? I hit halfway @ 20:00 on the nose. Very pleased at that point. Right before mile 4, I had a mini-coughing fit, and momentarily thought there would be a big collapse, but I held on. Right after that, the course has 1 hairpin turn. Navigating the hairpin turn didn’t bother me as much as the 15 year old being almost conversational, as we passed each other. He said something like “Well, you seem to be running a fine race, sir. I look forward to consuming Gatorade and donuts with you at the finish line.” (My memory of this conversation may be a little off, but not much.) I grunted and cleared my throat, in response. Then we got to the part of the race that goes around the lake. There is @ a half mile stretch of this that goes directly into the morning sun, and that’s when my pace fell off. I was really struggling at this point. If I had to guess where the 1 minute positive split came from, this would be the spot. I rounded the corner to where the sun was at my back, and my pace picked up again. Coming into the finish, the announcer said “And this must be our Master’s Winner.” Oh Yeah, Obviously this guy is a masters runner! Look at how ridiculously old and broken-down he is! I am impressed that you actually made it to the race, gramps! Dude, I ain’t THAT old! Come on, man! So they gave me a nice plaque, and a $25 gift certificate to New Balance of Sarasota. I know nothing of New Balance products, but this is still pretty cool that I got something of value. That has never happened before. Went home. Changed clothes. Went to church stinkin’. Great sermon. I took the boys to lunch, then the beach for a couple of hours. Then we unpacked Christmas. Excellent day. I think I’d like to get in another 10k before Baton Rouge, but I’m less than 6 weeks out now. Time is tight. Sorry this is so long, but I really needed some good news in my running, and this PR qualifies. I have been on what feels like an eternal plateau, and this might be an indication of good things on the way. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Mon, Dec 09, 2013 at 11:10:06 from 198.207.244.102

Congratulations, very impressive pace for an old guy! I love the hilarious description of the kid who obviously hasn't taken geometry yet. Either that or he zones out whenever he hears the word "tangent".

From I Just Run on Mon, Dec 09, 2013 at 15:21:45 from 67.79.11.242

Wow....Way to go Tom! I bet all of the form work you have been doing had something to do with your improvement. (Also all the great encouragement I've been giving you!) :-) I'm really happy for you!

Great race report!

Maybe you should have went and punched the announcer in the nose and then run, I'm sure he couldn't have caught you. :-)

From SlowJoe on Wed, Dec 11, 2013 at 20:32:18 from 66.69.93.8

Nice!!

Great PR in some soupy weather. Good things indeed. You'll sprout wings in the cooler stuff over here - should be a nice big PR.

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 21:18:19 from 66.17.102.185

I completely missed this one Tom. Congrats on the PR! It's always good to have someone in your sights to chase. Great report. Looking forwad to seeing what goes down in Baton Rouge!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 44:05. 7:36 pace. 5:40 pm start. 75 deg. 79% hum. 68 D.P. Just plugging along the day after the race. Pink cotton candy sunset clouds behind a class of paddle board silhouettes. Pretty cool view. I now have to average 8 miles per day to break 2,000 for the year. This is going to be tough. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 14:17:02 from 67.79.11.242

It's kinda funny to look at Dave S's blog and then come over to yours. He ran in -24 degree weather today!

I'm hoping to break 2,000 this year. :-)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

9.5 miles. Hood route. 6:20 pm start. 1:13:16. 7:43 pace. 72 degrees. 94% hum. 68 d.p. Then 0.5 mile to my folks' house. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Dec 10, 2013 at 21:40:30 from 66.17.105.52

Well, there you go. Not bad for a Tuesday run.

From I Just Run on Wed, Dec 11, 2013 at 12:46:22 from 67.79.11.242

Ahhh...we should have run together. :-) Very close to the same pace but mine was Wed morning.

Nice Run!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.805.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 41:55. 7:14 pace. 5:20 pm start. 68 deg.39% hum. 42 D.P. Shirtless Backwards Visor Dude is back. He sped up on the downhill, after he saw me behind him. I let him go. I didn't feel like racing today. I was just taking in the sunset, and enjoying the run. 

I'll get him Monday. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Dec 12, 2013 at 18:04:57 from 24.218.179.128

Shirtless Backwards Visor Dude needs to be put in his place..... which is 2nd behind TK.

From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Dec 12, 2013 at 21:47:33 from 66.17.102.185

Keep us updated. I now have something to look forward to on Monday.

From Tom K on Fri, Dec 13, 2013 at 07:20:30 from 174.58.4.250

I want to beat this guy in a real race. (Like, one we both are aware we are running). He is fast, and I'd like to see how we would do.

About training, this 7:14 pace is my GMP. That will get me the 3:09:30, that I'm shooting for. The 41:06 10k from Sunday, indicates that I am capable of a 3:09:36 (If you believe those calculators). I think it's more important that I learn to hold that pace, than it is to outkick this guy for 100 yards on a random Thursday. The heart vs. the head, I guess. Sometimes you want to stick with a plan, sometimes you want to take a guy down a peg or two.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
4.600.004.60

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 36:55. 8:02 pace. 12:20 pm start. 77 deg.46% hum. 54 D.P. Nice and easy. I met a guy with a shirt that said "26.2 is the new 40". I had to run with him for a while to get that backstory. He put together a marathon for him and his friends for his 40th birthday. Then they ate an obscene amount of BBQ. That's a good birthday. Pretty cool, I think. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, Dec 13, 2013 at 17:39:53 from 24.218.179.128

Tom.... we're climbing out of the 5th page of "Miles This Year" together! 20 or so more miles and we should be cracking page 4!

From Tom K on Sat, Dec 14, 2013 at 09:00:54 from 71.203.20.181

You mean we could get in the top 100?! Sweet!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
20.750.0020.75

20.75 miles. Legacy Trail to Caspersen Beach and back. 5:40 am start. 2:56:21. 8:30 pace. 77 deg. 74% hum. 68 d.p. I was cautiously slow this morning. I'm still testing the left knee out. Everything seems okay so far. Lots to see this morning. Mullet fishermen throwing cast nets everywhere. There must be a fish dip shortage!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 14:19:16 from 12.162.141.2

I would say a 20+ run is a pretty good test for a questionable knee. :-) Nice running.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia and back. 5:30 am start time. 1:29:56. 8:49 pace. My legs felt dead from yesterday, and this didn't help, either: 75 degrees, 94% hum. 73 d.p. It was a struggle, and I'm glad I finished. Left knee is still holding up nicely.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From flatlander on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 07:29:01 from 70.195.195.38

You must have the last warm weather left in the country -- hard to believe those kinds of temperatures this late in the season. Good job grinding them out.

From Tom K on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 07:40:41 from 71.203.20.181

I don't think I would have had a better pace if I was running 3 miles! It is just like summer. I'd like to turn off the AC at home, at some point. We're supposed to have highs in the 80's this week. Crazy!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 07:47:37 from 66.69.93.8

Brutal! Nice job making it through the 20+ yesterday. Pretty sure my legs would feel dead too, if I ran at all the next day.

From I Just Run on Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 14:17:53 from 12.162.141.2

It's just not fair...you never get any cool weather. Glad you could grind it out!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 43:29. 7:30 pace. 5:40 pm start. 63 deg. 49% hum. 43 D.P. Shirtless Backwards Visor Dude was a no show. The bay was like glass, Spectacular sunset. Someone should sell tickets. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Mon, Dec 16, 2013 at 17:30:40 from 24.218.179.128

Shirtless Backwards Visor Dude is a P#$$Y!

sorry 'bout that I just dipped into the tequila :)

From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Dec 16, 2013 at 21:00:24 from 66.17.102.185

If I get down there towards Ringling bridge anytime soon I'll definietly be looking to run it. Nice run.

From Tom K on Tue, Dec 17, 2013 at 08:37:02 from 174.58.4.250

Tequila? On a school night? What in the world? It is really hit or miss when I see S.B.V.D. I haven't worked out the timing of my route yet. I've got Wed. and Thurs. We'll see.

Matt, I don't know what it is, but the sunsets are really awesome in the winter time, when the snowbirds are down here.

From I Just Run on Tue, Dec 17, 2013 at 10:38:11 from 67.79.11.242

If I get down to the bay I think I'll just set back, relax and watch the sunset!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1.000.001.00

6:30 pm. At the track. 1 up. then I did a couple of strides. I didn't like the way my knee felt, so I stopped. I think I am just going to go with a slow and steady kind of training, leading up to Louisiana. I might do a 5k to get some speed. Right now, (And sadly, like last year) my goal is to make it to the start. I am certainly fit enough to run a marathon. But, I doubt my knee is healthy enough to run as fast as I think I could. 4 weeks of 7:30-8:30 stuff, and then race. I'll figure out what to do after that.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 08:07:05 from 67.79.11.242

Sorry about the knee but good decision to cut it short. Have you thought about some Elliptical work to take the pounding off of the knee? I ran my second fastest half marathon with hardly any road running and only elliptical and biking for two months before it.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.200.005.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 38:44. 7:27 pace. 5:20 pm start. 70 deg. 37% hum. 43 D.P. 

1900!

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.500.003.50

3.5 Miles. Hood Route. 5:30 am start. Untimed. 48 degrees. 87% hum. 45 d.p.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Dec 19, 2013 at 12:40:26 from 67.79.11.242

So you are planning to run the Louisiana Marathon right...? What is the date?

From Tom K on Thu, Dec 19, 2013 at 12:42:15 from 174.58.4.250

January 19, 2014.

http://www.thelouisianamarathon.com/

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia and back. 1:00 pm start time. 1:10:06. 7:36 pace. 1st mile:7:05. Last mile: 7:28. 83 degrees, 58% hum. 66 d.p. Still aware of the left knee.We'll see how this plays out tomorrow.

Weight: 0.00
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
16.250.0016.25

16.25 miles. Legacy Trail to Circus Bridge and back. 2:08:45. 8:24 pace. 6 am start. 77 deg. 78% hum. 70 d.p. This is not as quick as I wanted, but the pace felt steady and strong thoughout. Then to Boy #2's 1st flag football game.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Dec 21, 2013 at 09:30:05 from 66.17.102.185

Great run Tom. Even though the pace wasn't as low as you wanted you still got the miles in. Your legs won't be as beat up as if you went faster.

I keep forgetting you're in FL. It was zero degrees for my run today, and that's what immediately popped into my head. How are you letting him play in that! Good luck to him!

From I Just Run on Sat, Dec 21, 2013 at 16:26:20 from 12.162.141.2

Are you shooting to break 2,000 for the year?

From Tom K on Sat, Dec 21, 2013 at 17:26:03 from 71.203.20.181

Yep. I need @ 8 per day. It seems reasonable.

Matt, I feel bad for those coaches. It was chaos. There are, like, 2 or 3 kids per team that "get it." The rest are just kind of bouncing around, bumping into each other. Entertaining, for sure.

From Matt Schreiber on Sat, Dec 21, 2013 at 23:16:16 from 66.17.102.185

I like to think I have patience when it comes to kids. When it comes to coaching lots of little kids all at the same time when most of them have no clue what they're doing.... I have absolutely no patience. As a spectator/parent I'm sure it was fun. Can't wait til mine gets to football. :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia and back. 6:00 am start time. 1:27:52. 8:37 pace. 70 degrees, 100% hum. 68 d.p. Yes, it was a struggle. Spouse hinted that she got me some very expensive running shoes for Christmas last night. I need to hit the stores after church, or else Christmas morning will be awkwardly lopsided. After 19 Chirstmases with this woman, how do I still mess this up?

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sun, Dec 22, 2013 at 15:07:37 from 12.162.141.2

2.2 to spare today....nice!

I know what you mean about messing up. :-(

From Tom K on Mon, Dec 23, 2013 at 07:48:53 from 174.58.4.250

Because of the 46.65 mile weekend, I'm down to needing @ 6.5 a day. I'm feeling like 2,000 might happen. Then I'm looking at a 5k January 4th. Maybe.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.800.005.80

5.8 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 42:27. 7:19 pace. 4:40 pm start. 81 deg. 74% hum. 71 D.P. The Boss took us to lunch at Hob Nob. (Burgers and Onion Rings that are Sooooo bad for you, but Sooooo Good!) http://hobnobdrivein.com/

I am proud of this pace,.... in context. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Matt Schreiber on Mon, Dec 23, 2013 at 22:11:21 from 66.17.102.185

That place is straight out of the 50's. We have a pizza place in Brookings here that reminds me of. Nice run!

From Tom K on Tue, Dec 24, 2013 at 00:01:38 from 71.203.20.181

Matt, I have been thinking about how crazy cold it is where you run, and how hot it has been here. I should point out that I have been getting bit by mosquitoes for the last week!

From Matt Schreiber on Tue, Dec 24, 2013 at 11:55:10 from 66.87.75.162

A buddy of mine just got back up here from a week of vacationing in FL. I couldn't believe it when he said it was 85° down there! It's unreal that at the same time our wind chill was -45°. If I could lend you our weather for 10 minutes your mosquitos would be gone. :)

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 Miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia and back. 5:30 am start time. 1:20:56. 7:56 pace. 6:43 last mile. 64 degrees, 94% hum. 63 d.p. 41 miles to go.

There was a bobcat on the sidewalk in the first 100 yards. That flipped me out. "Christmas Bob"cat? No. His name was "Sandy Claws." Yeah, that will work.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Dec 24, 2013 at 08:02:31 from 12.162.141.2

Nice miles you're almost there!

From Derunzo on Tue, Dec 24, 2013 at 20:54:05 from 24.218.179.128

2000+ miles for Christmas!

From flatlander on Wed, Dec 25, 2013 at 15:10:13 from 76.31.9.237

Good run, hope all is well at your house.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Dec 25, 2013 at 15:28:38 from 66.69.93.8

41 miles in the next week... You got this! Merry Christmas to you and Sandy Claws!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.500.007.50

7.5 miles. Hood Route. 54:16. 7:14 pace. 5:30 pm start. 70 deg. 68% hum. 59 d.p. After swimming in the Gulf with the boys. 71 degree water temp. Almost too cold.

New shoes test run. Long story short- Me Likey Da New Chews!

Merry Chrstmas, Party People!

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 10:27:09 from 12.162.141.2

What are the new shoes?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.503.2510.75

AM: 5.5 miles. Hood Route. 43:17. 7:52 pace. 6:30 am start. 63 deg. 82% hum. 57 d.p.

PM: At track. 2:00 pm start. 77 deg. 61% hum. 63 d.p. My last few trips to the track have been really depressing. (The goal was 2 up, 3 repeat miles in @ 6:15. 1 down.)

2 up. 1 lap in 1:18. I was really upset that after all of this time, I still have no control of my pace out of the gate. I was ready to throw the entire workout (like I usually do), but I regrouped, and decided to give it another shot. 1 mile in 6:05. 4 minutes rest. 1 mile in 6:10. 4 minutes rest. 1 mile in 6:11. I ran out of time, and could not run a cool down mile.

I'm glad I followed through on the workout. But I have to wonder why I psyche myself out at the track, and I'm relaxed before a 5k or 10k? Shouldn't it bethe other way around?

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 10:28:57 from 12.162.141.2

You're almost there! Have you ever run 2000 miles in a year before?

From Tom K on Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 14:24:50 from 71.203.20.181

No, man. I've only been running for 3.5 years. I've already passed last year!

From I Just Run on Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 14:48:51 from 166.147.72.15

I think this is my first 2000 mile year too. Ill have to go back and look.

From Matt Schreiber on Thu, Dec 26, 2013 at 21:41:09 from 66.17.102.185

2000! Looks like a bunch of people are hitting a new milestone this year.

Nice workout, too. I always psych myself out going to the track. I think about it during the day and get nervous. Why? Not a clue. No pressure and you're by yourself.

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.500.005.50

5.5 miles. Hood Route. 42:35. 7:45ace. 4:45 pm start. 77 deg. 69% hum. 66 d.p. Rough start, but then I settled into a Nice and easy groove. I'm trying not to mess up tomorrow's longer run today. Plus, my legs are still a little trashed from yesterday's track stuff.

17 to go. Your move, Derunzo.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Derunzo on Fri, Dec 27, 2013 at 22:56:27 from 24.218.179.128

Ha Ha! You'll run 17 before I run 25.

From Tom K on Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 07:10:03 from 71.203.20.181

I was planning on being done today, but I didn't feel too into it today, so I stopped short.

From Derunzo on Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 07:11:27 from 24.218.179.128

What's the damage?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.200.0010.20

10.2 miles. Legacy Trail to Colonia and back. 1:24:35. 8:18 pace. 7 am start. 68 deg. 94% hum. 66 d.p. I wanted to do the 16.25 mile run, and then party like I had 1,999 miles, but I ddn't feel that into it today. It was nothing specific, Just blah.

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 15:04:01 from 166.147.72.49

You're in easy striking distance now. 60 miles this week...wow!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.000.007.00

7 miles. (1.5 + 5.5) hood route. My worst run of the year! Started out in the rain. 72 degrees. 2 bathroom stops.

Don't care. broke 2,000 miles. Moving on......

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 12:39:26 from 166.147.72.33

Nicely done! That was just your digestive system celebrating your accomplishment.

From Derunzo on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 12:42:56 from 24.218.179.128

Nicely done..... 2000!

From Matt Schreiber on Sun, Dec 29, 2013 at 21:35:15 from 66.17.102.185

Congrats Tom on 2000! Two pit stops? Been there. Not fun.

From I Just Run on Mon, Dec 30, 2013 at 08:10:00 from 67.79.11.242

You can't call it the "worst run of the year" when you broke 2,000 on it!!!!

Congratulations to the 2000 club! :-)

Are we shooting for 3000 next year?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
0.005.205.20

5.2 Miles. Ringling Bridge. 37:27. 7:12 pace. 5:35 pm start. 66 deg. 75% hum. 58 D.P. 

Computer service guy came to the office today.....with the flu! I am a little angry. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Tue, Dec 31, 2013 at 07:55:48 from 67.79.11.242

I really hope you don't get the flu...It's no fun. It took me a full week to get over it! A 19 year old girl (friend of a coworker) died this weekend from the flu here.

From Tom K on Tue, Dec 31, 2013 at 08:08:33 from 174.58.4.250

I don't need another $85 t-shirt from a race I didn't run! Sick people need to stay away!

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.200.009.20

4.6 Miles. Ringling Bridge (x2).  untimed. 12:30 pm start. 68 deg.50% hum. 49 D.P. I forgot my running shorts. That's why I didn't bother timing this. 

Happy new year, all! Be safe. 

Weight: 0.00
Comments
From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 02, 2014 at 08:09:23 from 67.79.11.242

??? Do you carry your watch in your running shorts? :-)

From derhammer on Thu, Jan 02, 2014 at 10:27:57 from 64.245.52.2

Were you the guy on the local news - I heard there was a story about a local streaker in running shoes.

From I Just Run on Thu, Jan 02, 2014 at 10:31:05 from 67.79.11.242

I thought that only happened in Austin?

Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
1895.50119.112014.61
Weight: 0.00
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