The Long Cold Run

Another view of the marathon

2007-04-21T19:52:00.000-05:00

For the first time in several years, I spent marathon Monday on the sidelines behind my Nikon D59 taking photos of the runners. I had a good time and will admit that taking a year off was the right thing to do -- but that didn't stop me from missing being out there. I was at the finish line for the elite racers and then headed out the Cleveland circle for the rest of the day. In the end, I had about 500 photos and managed to get enough good shots to put together a set on Flickr.

On the training side of things, I am enjoying the start of training. After tomorrow's run, I will have run 18 miles this week which was right on target for the jump in mileage planned. I have an 8 mile run tomorrow and then rest on Monday (I'll be at the Red Sox game!). Tuesday brings speedwork during lunch and a 3 mile easy run with Speedy after work. The weather will hopefully allow me to bike to work and get a little skating in during the week as well. I recently switched gyms and will be heading in this week to get a tour of the new gym and start increasing my weightlifting and use the elliptical.

We hopefully will close on our new house this week so my running at this point is one of the few things helping to keep me sane! The new place is near the area where I do hill repeats so I'm looking forward to just heading out for a warm up and being right there. We will also have enough space to set up the bike trainer and weights in a permanent fashion. I am guessing this will make for a very happy family of runners.

Putting one foot in front of the other

2007-04-08T17:49:00.000-05:00

Today's run was simply a process of reminding myself to put one foot in front of the other. The weather was sunny, around 45 degrees, and super windy where I was running. I hit a head very strong headwind going out and was looking forward to a good push home and then found that the wind had changed. As a result, I found myself pushing 45 pounds of running stroller and screaming toddler for 6 miles. Pushing Speedy was something like running with a parasail - good for training but not exactly what I had planned!

In the past 4 months I've torn a ligament in 1 shoulder (picking Speedy up) and dislocated the other one (sleeping) but todays run is the first that I've done pain free in several months. This was good news as I have begun the start of training for Boston's Run to Remember and Dublin in October. The Run to Remember will be slow - just a long training run. I'm really focused on spending time base building and focusing on form, speed, and strength over the next few months. Dublin's course is flat and presents a good opportunity to PR - I'd like to train to get the most out of the Dublin course.

My training also has to prepare me for 2 weeks of hiking/climbing in Morocco right after Dublin. I'll have a week off before heading into the High Atlas Mountains...then 8 hour hikes for a week! Hopefully I'll be strong enough to comfortably do the hiking so soon after completing the race.

The next few weeks are filled with training, work, and closing on our house!!!

Dublin, Morocco, and Disney

2007-02-19T21:05:00.000-05:00

So, after running with Dean Karnazes, tearing my rotator cuff, and agreeing to take a year off of running the Boston marathon, I had a hard time deciding what to do for a running/racing schedule this year. So, I've decided to run the Dublin Marathon this October to raise money for Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership. After Dublin, I'll be heading to Morocco for an 8 day trek through the High Atlas mountain range and then home again. Finally, I'm planning on running the Goofey challenge at Disney in January. My hope is that by running Dublin and the Goofey so close together that it will inspire others to give more money to my fundraising efforts.

Want to know more about why I'm running for MBHP? Checkout the Somerville Journal article

For now, that's it here in runningville...I'm off to rehab my shoulder, do some dishes and hit the hay. Take a moment to go to firstgiving.com and make a small donation - $5 is a cup of coffee in some places - skip the coffee and help someone have a place to sleep for the night.

Back to Training

2006-06-05T16:13:00.000-05:00

With summer upon us, I'm back to training and looking forward to some summer fun runs and preparing for the fall race season. So far, I'm registered to run the Let's Run, Have Some Fun series in Cambridge. The series has 4 races, each with a different music theme, after-party, and band.

I'm also excited to report that Speedy Ima and I picked up our brand new B.O.B. ironman running stroller. I took Speedy for a rollerblade trip last Wednesday afternoon and if the weather holds, we'll be going out for another 12 miles tonight. I suspect that pushing that extra 40-50 pounds of weight while still going fast enough to pass most everyone on the path will help my training. Hopefully, Speedy will continue to giggle as the world flies by while we are out. This weekend, I'll take him out for a short run and start building from there.

This time around, I'll be posting a weekly training schedule so that I can stay accountable and motivated. I can say that there will be some changes to my approach -- lots more jumping, speed work, and flexibility drills. The focus will be on speed and form this time around. I feel like I'm in a good place to build distance for the BAA Half-Marathon this fall and want to focus on lowering my 5K pace over the summer.

Finally, my friend Blair successfully completed her first marathon in San Diego over the weekend while raising money for Teddy's Team -- YAY BLAIR!!!!!!!!!

Taking a break...

2006-05-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a while since my last post -- I've been running around trying to catch up on the parts of my life I ignored while marathon training. Preparing for my final papers has been a big focus lately. The semester ends this week and everything is due on Monday. I had a touch of food poisoning today which didn't help me get any work done. Instead, I came home sick and slept all afternoon so as to pretend the nausea didn't exist -- oh how strong pregnant women are...we guys are mere mortals in comparison!

My son is almost 6 months old and his running stroller is on the way! Speedy Ima and I will be hitting the bike paths and trails soon so that Speedy can see the world, or atleast our little patch of it! I'm looking forward to running with him. We go for a walk when I get home after work each night and soon it will be a nightly run. My guess is that eventually I'll be able to take him on my 10-15 mile training runs as I prepare for the BAA half marathon this fall. The big factor at the moment is how long he goes between feedings -- his growth spurt should be over by the time we pick the stroller up so hopefully I won't have to interupt my run to give him a bottle or some mashed up bananas.

Other than finals and family, it has been quiet on the exercise front as of late. I've been doing a few miles of walking each day and when it stops raining I'm looking forward to getting out on skates or a bike. Friday, I'll run home from my therapy appointment rain or shine.

Next week, I'll get to explore lovely Long Beach, CA as I'll be on a business trip. The conference that I'm going to is about hoarding so I'll definately be in need of a break in the evenings. The hotel also has a pool and weight room so I'm hoping to resume my regular early training routine while there.

Speedy Ima and I have signed up for a fun summer race series by the Charles River. She'll run 2 races and I'll run the other 2. They are only 4 miles per race and there is a BBQ event after each one -- sounds like a fun way to spend the summer. I'm also hoping that these will help me prepare for the Somerville Homeless Coalition 5K this fall. The 5K is the week before my half marathon but I'm actually more worried about hitting my 5K race goal than about my half-marathon time...more on that another day.

I promise to start posting more - and answering the knee injury questions that I've gotten....thanks for reading!

2006-04-23T16:02:00.000-05:00

I had a good post-marathon recovery week. Between taking Tuesday off, the last day of Passover, and my usual half-day at work on Fridays, I'm feeling fairly rested compared to the week after Boston last year. I over did it cooking and carrying Speedy on Friday and my ankle has been bothering me since. I had hoped to run 3 miles this weekend but think that I need to ice my ankle, stick it in a brace for a few days, and hit the Advil before trying to run. So, Tuesday I'm going to take my bike out for a spin and then will attempt to run 3 miles at a relaxed pace on Wednesday after work. I want to take it easy for the rest of April and most of May before jumping back into training.

I know that I want to run a couple of 5K races this summer and the BAA half-marathon in October but I'm still trying to decide which races to really push for. Likely, it will be the Somerville Homeless Coalition 5K this fall. That way, I can spend some time on speedwork and getting a stronger stride.

I've also set a goal of doing an Ironman Tri by the time I'm 40. That gives me 10 years to understand the training needed for triathlons and as Speedy grows up, hopefully finding time to train will get a little easier.

Click here to see photos from Marathon Weekend courtesy of DFMC. Also, for those who have time to search through hundreds of photos, you are virtually guaranteed to find yourself by looking through photos from Jim Rhodes and company!

On the fundraising front, I'm going to continue to try to raise money until July 31st final deadline. Please, if you haven't given, contribute a small amount. DFMC needs you -- $1, $5 -- anything helps in the race against cancer. The finish line is still a ways away but with your donation, we come a little closer! I'll continue to say it -- IF A 6 YEAR OLD CAN GIVE HIS ALLOWANCE, YOU CAN MATCH IT!

It was only a dream....

2006-04-19T20:33:00.000-05:00

So, the process of blogging about marathon weekend will take a few days -- here is another story about the big weekend...

On Thursday afternoon, I made a mental note that after the festival days for Passover and then Shabbat were over, I needed to clip my toenails (which were REALLY REALLY long and grazing the toe of my shoes...). On Saturday, I made another mental note to do this before race day and then promptly fell asleep on Saturday night without doing so.

I got dressed on marathon Monday, proceeded to Hopkinton, and started the race (read previous post for list of things that hasn't gone quite as planned). Down the road a good bit, I started to notice that my feet and toes felt irritated. I chalked this up to rubbing on my socks despite all of the lubrication I put on them to avoid blisters. I was thinking about what else the problem could be and eliminated toenail problems since "I cut them on Sunday evening."

With the race completed, I headed back to the DFMC runner's center to change out of my stinky running clothes and put on a nice comfortable pair of dry socks and my flip-flops. When I took my race socks off, I found a bloody toe - nothing compared to last year but bloody none the less. Upon closer evaluation, I also found that I had not trimmed my toe nails and the irritation I felt during the race was my toenails rubbing the end of my running shoe briefly during each stride.

The medication I am on for depression has listed as a potential side effect "vivid dreams" and I've definately been having some. Apparently, the toenail cutting that I thought happened on Sunday was simply the product of a worried marathon runner on medication that causes vivid dreams! Sadly, it was only a dream. Lesson for next time: double check the toes when getting dressed before a big race.

Thankfully, once cleaned off, the blood was only from a tiny nick in the skin on one toe -- disaster averted (atleast this time)....

Race Recap

2006-04-18T10:38:00.000-05:00

So I'm going to do a couple of posts today, starting with a general recap of the race.

Race conditions: 55 and overcast at the start but it got warmer and sunny through most of the course. There was a significant headwind for much of the way. At several points, I couldn't hear the music on my IPOD because of the wind!

As for the race itself, once we got moving to line up I removed the sweatshirt I was wearing and felt fine. With the wave start, there wasn't as much excitement and buildup as there is when the entire field starts at once. It lacked the celebratory quality that I felt last year. The upside of the wave start is that we all cleared the starting line VERY quickly!

I had prepared a goo bottle full of honey and attached it to my fuelbelt in place of the goo that I would normally need during the race. Just after crossing the starting line, my fuelbelt came loose and started to fly off. While I caught the belt, my honey was lost -- talk about panic. This left me with only orange juice and oranges passed out by little kids along the way. My major source of energy was gone less than a mile into the race!

At about 5 miles, I miss stepped and had a shooting pain in my right (not surgically repaired knee). This lead to freakout #2 of the race -- do I keep going or stop? I kept going and after about 1/2 a mile it calmed down. This morning it is a little sore but nothing that ice won't cure.

I was slower than I wanted to be for much of the race -- once I lost my honey container, I switch to conserve and finish mode rather than break a PR mode. I had friends planted along the route with orange juice mix in case I needed it. These people also helped break up the race as I focused on running from person to person. Navah was at mile 7 or so with a sign, a smile, and much needed OJ. At Wellesley College I found Lisa and Kerry with bananas and was pleased to have Lisa as a brief running companion. A mile later, Larry met me with a smile and refreshed water bottle.

Speedy Ima and Speedy were at the firehouse turn onto Commonwealth Ave at the base of the Newton Hills. Seeing them really gave me a needed recharge before hitting the hills. I managed to pull of for a quick kiss to both of them before heading up those brutal hills. About a mile later, my legs turned to lead and I had to walk. This is where I started to identify lost training opportunities and had to resist the temptation to beat myself up. This is also where I was sorely tempted to just walk or quit. I had to keep reminding myself that as a full-time student with a full-time job and new baby, that something couldn't be full-time but that does not mean that I don't take my running seriously. This conversation with myself also helped as a reminder that just because I was undertrained didn't mean that I didn't deserve to finish...a break from my normal, do it right or don't do it at all tendancy.

So, I found myself walk/running the hills but was reenergized by seeing David and his camera and Boston College. A couple of miles later, my friends Ben, Ruth, and their son Aaron Solomon were out with a juice cup and bananas. Ben ran along with his camera for a section of the race bringing a smile to my face at a difficult point in the race for me.

Next thing I knew, I was running the last downhill miles into a headwind and smiling again. The Beacon Street section was a little difficult because of potholes and drunk students in the middle of the street for a mile or so. At some point, I remember thinking that I wish these people understood that I could barely hold my arms up to run much less to slap their outstretched arms. One guy was running along drunk and high-fiving runners so hard that he almost knocked a few folks down.

The last mile or so brought a huge DFMC cheering group at Kenmore Square complete with Jan yelling "Go Jesse" on the bullhorn. This was a definate highlight. Seeing all of the kids and their families out was a great reminder that if we run enough miles we can beat this disease. It was also a reminder of the kids that were with us last year and lost their fight against cancer -- making it more clear that we have to raise more money, one step at a time.

Just as I ducked under Mass. Ave, my friend Karla greeted me with waves and smiles -- like many of the folks who came out to support me, Karla has seen the struggle from walking with a cane to health. Because we worked together in a small office, she is perhaps the only person in Boston other than Carolyn who clearly understands how difficult life was during the last year before surgery. She had to watch me struggle to get into the office on cold mornings -- but her family were also some of the first to celebrate the success of my knee surgery. Having her on the course was a real joy.

Once I made the turn onto Boylston St, I could see the banner at the finish line and my legs received the "Back to the barn" message. I ran faster at that point than I had in the whole race. Crossing the finish line last year was never in doubt. To quick would have meant letting Chris down -- and 12 days after his passing, I wasn't about to let that happen. This year, despite having several friends touched by cancer, I did have some doubt but along the way I conjured up their names, the names of Jimmy Fund patient partners, and of those in my family lost or battling cancer. Their strength and a bit of grit and determination on my part got me through to the finish.

Once I got my medal and retrieved my baggage, a wonderful DFMC volunteer escorted me back to the Marriot runner's center. Along the way, someone from the media asked me to pose for a portrait and I should get that via email in a few days. I'll post it here when I do. Once back at the DFMC site, I changed and called SpeedyIma who picked me up and we headed home for a bath, hot chocolate and matzah lasagna. At 10:30, I finally hit the hay and slept like a rock.

Thanks to everyone for the support. I'll be resting for the next month or so with minimal running and some cross training. I'll still be blogging though, there are summer races around the corner with the BAA half-marathon in October. So, stay tuned in -- I may be resting but there is still plenty of life and running to explore!

The Marathon is Coming....

2006-04-16T20:02:00.000-05:00

I'm back from the DFMC dinner and am hoping to hit the hay soon. My running shorts for tomorrow are in the dryer, dinner is in the oven (there was a snag in the kosher dinners at the event), and I'm about to tape my race bag so that is doesn't break and go to bed.

I've loaded the IPOD with lots of music to keep me going, and at this point the only thing left to do is remember to relax and get some shut eye. I have to be at the Boston Common tomorrow morning between 7:30-8 am. That's much better than when I arrived with other DFMCers earlier. The Common is easy to get to from here so I'll be able to squeeze in an extra hours of sleep.

Hopefully at this time tomorrow I'll be sleeping off another successful Boston Marathon!

WWW.BOSTONMARATHON.ORG
BIB # 18639

2 Days and Counting

2006-04-15T19:05:00.000-05:00

The marathon is right around the corner and now that the Passover cleaning frenzy (and the late night seders) are complete, I've gotten the chance to rest up for the race. Speedy Ima and Speedy have both had colds this week so it has been a struggle to stay healthy. I've been VERY tired the past 2 days and think my body is working to fight off whatever they have. So far, I only have minimal congestion and a slight headache. Strangely, someone told Speedy Ima that eating the pith of lemons along with the rind helps like any medication would -- I tried it and sure enough, it works for hours.

On the fundraising front, I've raised just under $4500 to date. Thanks to everyone who has donated! The folks at Figaro's Boston gave me a check on Wednesday morning for $250. Again, they've been incredible -- give them your business!

As for the rest of the weekend, I'm planning on picking up my number tomorrow morning sometime and then heading home to rest before going to the DFMC pasta party. We'll be back around 7 so I'll be sure to post a party re-cap here before heading off to bed.

The race weather is predicted to be 55 degrees and partly cloudy -- let's hope that my race goes as well as the weather forecast!

For those running on Monday -- good luck! I hope that those of you who are keeping Passover have found tricks that work for you.

The Swadfather

Final Stretch

2006-04-09T14:20:00.001-05:00

While my training is wrapping up, the fundraising has really begun to sprint off! My class at CPCS raise $90 to meet my challenge of matching or matching + a 6 year-old's donation to help the Barr Program find cures for cancer to help people like his mom. In the past 7 days, I've raised $1732. If you haven't chipped in your coffee money for the week, do it now! Marathon Monday is just 1 week away. I'm doing the hard part by running, giving is easy! $2, $10, $20, $262, or more -- any of these makes a huge difference in the fight against cancer. You know people touched by cancer -- and you have the power to make a difference!

Figaro's of Boston will be wrapping up their fundraiser at the end of this week -- they have been unbelievably involved both in the fundraising but also in training updates, food, and support. Go give them your business -- the food and staff are fabulous!

I'll post a few final things before race day -- right now, I have to get in 10 miles and finish the pre-pesach cleaning frenzy (space aged foil kitchens anyone? I hear they are fashionable in the Jewish community this time of year!)

The big 3-0

2006-04-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

The big 3-0 has arrived...that's right readers, I turned 30 last Thursday. Along with it came a minor freak out about having a career, partner, child, etc. Speedy Ima threw a party for me on Shabbat complete with my favorite Carvel ice cream cake --- yummy junk food goodness! I had asked for donations to Dana-Farber in lieu of gifts and was happy to have raised some good $ for the Marathon Challenge Team.

Along with the freakout over being 30 came the realization that I'm getting more comfortable with parenting (atleast for now). At the moment, I mostly know what Speedy needs when he cries, laughs, etc and I have gotten better at anticipating diaper changes, bottles, going for a walk, etc. We start him on solid food the week after Passover and I am interested to see what changes in our lives that brings! He is holding himself up when we get him into a sitting position and has started to roll over in his crib. Watch out world (and parents!), mobility is just around the corner!

Updates

2006-04-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

The taper has begun and there are less than 2 weeks left before Marathon Day.

The fundraising has picked up in the last week. Tonight, my classmates met my challenge to match or more the donation made by my friend's nephew. 12 people gave a total of $76 while we met for our Program Evaluation class at UMASS-Boston. Thanks all! You've done a great thing!

The other big news is that tomorrow I turn the BIG 3-0....I'm not sure how I feel about this other than some excitement that I'm now at the bottom of my age group in most races again. I guess there is something to be said for getting older...

Speaking of older, I'm exhausted....when is it that I start needing LESS SLEEP like my grandmother????? She gets by on 3 hours of sleep but could run circles around me!

Just In Case You Needed Some Motivation...

2006-04-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I had the best reminder of why I run and raise money for DFMC that I've had all year. Some friends of mine invited me over to talk with 2 kids that are living with them about the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge and why am running a marathon to raise money for them. When they get their allowances each week, they put money in a tzedakah box to save and give to cause they believe is important. The kids' mom has cancer and they wanted to know what people are doing to help people like her to get well, or to keep them from getting sick in the first place.

They also had LOTS of questions about the marathon, the course, etc. We watched a video clip of the course and I tried to answer their questions. At the end, they counted up the money from the tzedakah box and the younger child kicked in his allowance to raise the total amount going to Dana-Farber. So, for those of you who are reading this and listing all of the reasons why you aren't clicking on the DFMC link on the sidebar, a 6 year old gave his $2 allowance for the week -- surely you can give $5 dollars, $10 dollars, or even match his donation times 10 ($20). The amount isn't as important as your participation in the fight to beat this disease.

People like their mom, my mom, my Uncle, grandfather --- and your friends, family members, and your friend's family members need for you to join us in giving to fight cancer. A 6 year-old gave his allowance - can't you forgo a cup of coffee and join him in giving?

Pesach Prep Test Kitchen Part II

2006-03-30T19:43:00.000-05:00

Valuable lessons learned during last Sunday's long run:

1. Use orange juice not grape juice for your drink base (the acid helps your body to absorb what it needs). Grape juice was a huge failure for me

2. Honey in a goo flask is easier than small packets - I needed to hit the honey more often on this run than with goo but found it easier to eat and less upsetting for my stomach. I'm also wondering about how royal jelly would impact a run....I'll try that one later this summer

3. Sweet potato is too fiberous -- I'm going to stick with regular potato slices/kugel for my pre-race eats.

Planning my food ahead of time is going to be a key to successful running on Marathon Monday. I didn't plan ahead for my dry run this past weekend and made whatever we had the ingredients for --- I paid the price during my run. I don't think you need to obsess about what you eat race weekend but giving it some thought ahead of time would be wise.

If you are running during pesach, let us all know how things are going -- I know that some of you are running and keeping pesach....

The latest update

2006-03-28T20:25:00.000-05:00

I did my second to last long run this past Sunday. It was a complete weekend of testing for the marathon. Yes, I subjected my very patient friends to a Shabbos meal that would be similar to what I'll eat during Passover (minus the ring-gels, I just can't bring myself to go through that twice!) I put honey in my goo flask and set out for a 19 mile run. Along the way, I did some off road running in the Fells and then missed a turn on my route and some how ended up in Winchester. Luckily, I knew roughly where I was (have I mentioned my really excellent internal GPS system?) and ended up running back through Medford along the Mystic Reservation.

Talk about a beautiful return trip -more hills on the lost part of my route than I had planned but the return trip by the lakes was gorgeous! There were ducks and geese out, the weather was cloudy and not too hot -- a perfect day for a long run. Hopefully, I can find an equally beautiful route for my last long training run before the big day.

At this point, I'm starting to think about getting in quality runs and cross-training this week and tapering next week through marathon weekend. I also want to make sure I get enough sleep and stay hydrated. That will be a tough task with school and Pesach (Passover) preparations/frantic cleaning.

In the meantime, we had a great fundraiser at O'Naturals in Davis Square tonight. Thanks to everyone who came out! In addition to the 10% of sales donated by O'Naturals, I raised another $70 or so while there. Figaro's by South Station in Boston is still collecting donations. I'll let you know totals as soon as I hear.

Another round of fundraising letters/emails will go out this week. I don't think that I'm going to come anywhere close to the 10K goal I set but would like to try to raise as much money as possible between now and the end of May. Thanks to everyone who has given!

That's it for now -- I'm heading to bed (it's only 8:30 and I can go to bed -- YAY! A parent's dream!)

BIB NUMBER!!!!

2006-03-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

18639

That is my marathon bib number. Just go to www.bostonmarathon.org on race day and you can track my progress!

Bone Crushing Headache

2006-03-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

I started my medication for depression over the weekend and have had a bout of nausea and an off and on headache for 2 days -- all expected side effects that should go away in a few days. Unfortunately, it is 4 weeks minus a day until the marathon so I had to get out there and do a run. This is especially true because I didn't workout yesterday or Sunday (unless you count lots of walking carrying a 15# Speedy)! I'm hopeful that the meds will positively impact my battle with depression. I'm still less than thrilled about taking them but I had to do something. For now, I have friends checking in and Shabbat is rapidly approaching so I can have some time to relax (kind of relax I should say).

As for running this week, I have a big 20-22 mile run on Sunday so I'll run again on Friday for 5 nice easy miles and do some cross training. The anxiety is kicking into high gear because I'm so UNDER TRAINED and worried that the course is going to chew me up and spit me out. I must remember to stick to the training plan, cramming at this stage of the game doesn't help --- can someone write that on my forehead for me so that when I look in the mirror that is what I see??? Ack, 4 weeks -- not much time!

Gut Check

2006-03-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a gut check run --the makeup run from Monday's bailout in NC. I did 19 on the course and back to my house. It took a while for the anxiety of a bad training run to work its way out of my system but once that happened, it was quite enjoyable. There were a number of runners on course doing some of the last long runs before race day.

I turned around at Walnut St. so that I could get a good look at the John Kelley statue. It was the first time I've seen it since I'm always coming from the opposite direction. The turnaround point was perfect for giving me the extra kick I needed to head back up Heartbreak Hill. In all honesty, my experience has been that Heartbreak Hill isn't that bad of an uphill -- I have had a much more significant challenge feeling comfortable on the downhills that make up much of Boston's course. The impact of that much downhill on my leg muscles and my surgically repaired knee is a bigger problem. This year, I need to remember to start out slower than I'd like to that the sharp downhill followed by an almost imperceptible uphill going from Wellesley into Newton Lower falls along with the last 4 miles at Boston doesn't hurt too much.

At this point, I'm still not feeling ready for race day but I'm feeling better than I was last week -- a few more long runs to go and lots of cross training will hopefully help me to win the all important mental race.

In the meantime, Speedy Ima and I are running a 5k tomorrow. There is a slight chance that I may have to pull out in order to watch Speedy while Speedy Ima and some of my friends run but hopefully, we'll all be out there running. I'm not looking to go too fast this time - with a 19 mile run yesterday, I'm trying to focus on enjoying the run and allowing my body to recover. This summer I'll focus on getting back to 6 minute miles for my 5k pace -- for now, I just don't want a repeat of last year's pulled hamstring 3 weeks before Boston.

Secret Pesach Marathon Fuel???

2006-03-15T20:50:00.000-05:00

I was wandering the aisles of the local grocery store this evening after going to the gym when I noticed that they had put out Pesach products already. Like most Jews, I have a few items I look forward to from year to year and others that I would just like to forget exist (like Ring-gels..sorry David!). One of the things I look forward to are chocolate covered marshmellow cookie things. I only eat them once a year and while standing in front of them and telling myself "it isn't Pesach yet, you have to wait" I realized that they might be my secret power fuel for the marathon....which, of course, means that I have to test them on this week's long run.

I'll keep you posted...at the very least, I'm going to enjoy eating the leftovers!

Back in Boston

2006-03-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well, we got back from NC yesterday and arrived home to snow flurries and chilly weather today. I'm looking forward to a long run on Friday (to make up for "the incident" on Monday). I hit the gym after work for a good elliptical workout and will be back tomorrow for a little weightlifting.

The nerves are starting to hit about the marathon. I haven't put nearly as much work and time into this year's training as I would have liked. I'm trying hard to think about this as a step to a higher fitness level and better running during the summer/fall season but it can be tough. Worst comes to worst and I suppose run/walking is better than a DNF but it ain't what I'm shooting for! Hopefully, the long runs will go well from here on out and things will be okay come race day.

In the meantime, I'm running a 5k on Sunday that should be fun. I'm not going out to break any speed records - just a nice St. Paddy's day race with a beer afterwards. A number of my friends are running the race so it will be nice to celebrate a run with them. More importantly, it is Speedy Ima's first race since Speedy's delivery!! Go Speedy Ima, Go!

Yankified

2006-03-13T19:09:00.000-05:00

My grandmother is constantly telling me that I have been "Yankified" when she asks me to slow down when I talk or complains that I go to work when there is snow in Boston. Normally, I laugh and ignore her. I've run 2 times since I arrived in NC and now, after wilting in the mid-80s heat while running, I believe her.

On Thursday, I ran 13 miles in Charlotte's concrete sidewalk jungle (you can't run in the road because of traffic and the fact that Southerner's don't know what to do with runners or bikers except smush them). During the run, I had to stop and refill my waterbottle at a fountain outside of someone's house. It was a lovely setup -- a nice bench in the shade, a dog bowl chained to the water fountain base and a nice faucet for grabbing a drink. It was 82 degrees in full sun on the course and what I really wanted to do was fill the water bottle and take a nap on the bench but I pushed on. I was slow but managed to get the mileage in feeling like I had just completed a marathon and needing a nap.

Today, I didn't fare as well. In fact, after 8 miles I called my partner to say "come pick me up." BONK!! I should have known that the run wasn't going to go well when I stepped out into the 85+ degree sun only to have to run back and get my route map after a mile. Next, in my rush, I closed the screen door on my ankle leaving a nice imprint on the little knobs. Finally, out on the route I started to relax into things trying hard not to think about the sun/heat. After running in the teens and twentys all winter, 80+ is just brutal. About 3 miles in, my digestive system started to threaten rebellion. A mile or so later, I wasn't paying attention to the ground under my feet and stepped onto a very dead and decomposing racoon -- you could only make out the striped tail. At that point, my brain started to join my digestive tracts protest. Finally, after pushing 4 more miles, my digestive system fully rebelled and I gave it up. This one, I'm calling a mid-week run and will do the long run back in Boston later in the week. There are times when you can push through a run -- this clearly was not one of them.

So, yes grandmother, I have been "Yankified" -- I live in a place where I only see raccoons on snowy, very early morning trash day runs when the weather is in the teens. And frankly, I think my running is safer that way. I'll be staying above the Mason-Dixon line with the rest of the folks you think of as a little "off."

The M-Word...

2006-03-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

So I met on Friday with a shrink about starting medication to treat my depression and PTSD symptoms. As I mentioned previously, I've been battling depression for quite a while now but things have just gotten to the point that I can't fight it without a little additional help. In the course of trying to decide on meds vs. no meds, I was really concerned with the possibility of anything interferring with my running. Luckily, the medication that I'll be taking doesn't usually cause weight gain, though it can cause sluggishness at first in some people.

We are heading down South later in the week to visit our families so I'm going to hold off on starting a new medication until after the trip. I don't see any point in risking an allergic/bad reaction and ruining a week of warm weather running and spending time with the family. Especially when my stress level should be lower which will hopefully make interacting with the outside world a little less paralyzing....in the meantime, I've got to manage to get through one more day at my office (not a small feat these days!).

On the upside, yesterday's run was good for the most part. My feet were hurting by the end because I failed to think about running surfaces when I mapped my route and ended up running on concrete, cobble, and slate for much of the run. I was worried that they would hurt this morning but it seems that the post-run foot massage did the trick.

The only adventure of the evening was a near decapitation of my head by a 8-10 year old boy standing on the steps of a brownstone with his mother! He smiled as I passed and I smiled back, next thing I know a 2 foot stick is buzzing my head (yes, I could feel the breeze) and bouncing off of a near by car. He had to have launched the stick 15-20 feet from the top step. I opted to keep running as I heard his mother crying and screaming "Not at people, you don't throw the stick at people!" For me, that begs the question - what does he normally throw his sticks at? I hate to think...

Well, that's it for now...the next post will be from the warm, hopefully sunny south. The forecast is for 70s-80s while we are there which is a significant change from the weather here in New England of later...until then, waddle on...

Bush proposes cuts in cancer funding for FY07

2006-03-02T21:57:00.000-05:00

The President's administration has proposed a $40 million cut in cancer research for the FY2007 budget. Federal funding of cancer research has declined since 2003, despite the federal government's goal to end all cancer deaths by 2015. In addition to the cuts to cancer research, the administration has also proposed a $1.4 million cut to the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program -- this program provides FREE cancer screenings for low-income and uninsured women. At it's current funding level, the program is only able to assist 1 in 5 women -- a funding increase would be significantly more appropriate (and likely long term cost saving) than a cut to this program.

Private fundraising, while important, can only do so much. Researchers, like those at Dana-Farber, need these valuable federal dollars to find new options for cancer treatment. Without these dollars, the 2015 target for ending deaths from cancer is slipping further and further away. Without free early detection, thousands of women risk more significant and costly treatments (difficult to afford while living in poverty or without healthcare), and what is worse, the lack of early detection will cost some of these women their lives.

Take a moment to contact your government officials. Contact local advocacy groups or Livestrong.org to find out how you can make your voice hear to prevent these cuts.

An Empty Place at the Starting Line...

2006-03-02T21:39:00.000-05:00

This morning's Boston Globe carried the story of Dan Peterson, a 24 time Boston Marathoner hoping to make it long enough in his battle against cancer to start a 25th Boston this April. A little while after I read the story, Boston.com updated its website: Dan Peterson passed away at his home this morning. His friends will be carrying his number along the route of this year's marathon.

Even for those of us who didn't know him this provides us with the perspective to keep pounding out those miles and raising the dollars necessary to reach our ultimate finish line -- a world without cancer.