So I haven't posted anything in ten days, mainly because I worked all weekend last weekend and then took some time off this week. I was trying to stay away from the computer as much as possible.
Last week was actually pretty good for training. I ran nearly every day and swam a few times as well. On Saturday (3/22) I went for about 22 miles. I ran 1:20 before practice and then ran 1:20 with my distance boys, then tacked on another 20 with Gorecki for 3 hour total.
It was a good run. The first part was pretty easy and no problems really. I went out a ran "queer loop" and tacked on a little powerlines on the way back. After meeting the boys we headed out to Angle Fly, which is loaded with hills. We went looking for some new trails and ran abour 20 minutes just through the woods, no trails. I somehow got us back on the trails before hading back to reis Park for 20 minutes, then back up to HS. It was nice to talk about next XC season with the team - what meets we are going to go to, how we could match up against Fox Lane and Brewster (both will be tough to beat).
I drank accelerade and ate some Hammer Gels (or just sucked them down - is that eating?) I felt very good and the proper fuel helped me not bonk as badly as I did last week. I guess I'll do one more 20 miler next week before Boston. After that I'll try and throw in a hard 10-15 miles as the final prep.
Sunday I headed to the gym to swim. Did a mile in 38 minutes, my best yet. I've realized that from 8 to 20 laps I usually drag ass but then get in a groove until about 45, then tire for a few laps before the last 20, which usually feel pretty good.
Sunday was also "spring cleaning" day for my apartment. It felt pretty good to do and I can relax a little more now that's it's not so gross.
Busy week coming up with two late nights, Tuesday and Thursday, so fitting in training will be a little tricky but shouldn't be too hard. I keep missing Vinyasa Yoga though and that's annoying me. Three Thursday in a row I've had something. This should be the last one for a while.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Mead Orchards - Long Run
It was a rainy day for my long run today. I started out around 11:30 and headed down the back hill behind SHS and made a left on the old railroad tracks and headed towards Mahopac and Avalanche Mt. I was going pretty slow but I finally warmed up around 45 minutes when I turned around.
The footing is quite rough on this trail but I like it because it's very secluded. A doberman barked at me as I passed and continued to bark for another ten minutes. I could still here him/her for another mile.
As I headed out I passed LPLC, my mothers nursery school, and she happened to be out front at the time. Good timing I guess.
I got back to my car at 1:20, changed my shirt since it had soaked through from sweat and rain, drank some accelerade, and strapped on my fuel belt for the final 1:20. I headed toward Reis park this time and bumped into former SHS XC team captain Greg Maroni ('90). Greg works from the Parks Department. We talked for a few minutes, about the team and getting old, about him getting married and how someone destroyed the fields at the park with their car. Just a nice small-town-america conversation.
I continued out from the park toward Angle Fly Preserve, what will become the new park in town. It's a hug piece of property that I've been on one before but I had never run on the trails. I assumed there were some deer runs and rough trails. It was better than expected.
I ran on old farm roads that had become overgrown but are still quite wide. It reminded me of parts of Muscoot and Pound Ridge. There are some huge, rolling hills - up one, down, and then up again. You crash down for a while, the climb way back up and hit some trail formed when ATT buried some cable. If you make a left there you can keep climbing, then crash down a huge hill, then come back up yo the top of this hill. It was here that I saw one very large apple crate that simply said "Mead Orchards". Mead is my girlfriends last name. Sort of random.
This is where I turned around though I had a feeling I was getting close to rt 35. I'm going to google earth this place and see where the heck I was.
After that is was back to SHS, a quick trip to my parents to shower, then back to practice. Had the boys distance just do some 800m threshold runs today. I had like 25 boys and every one was a 9th or 10th grader. Young but so much potential.
THIS BLOG WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE http://shortcoachtim.blogspot.com/
The footing is quite rough on this trail but I like it because it's very secluded. A doberman barked at me as I passed and continued to bark for another ten minutes. I could still here him/her for another mile.
As I headed out I passed LPLC, my mothers nursery school, and she happened to be out front at the time. Good timing I guess.
I got back to my car at 1:20, changed my shirt since it had soaked through from sweat and rain, drank some accelerade, and strapped on my fuel belt for the final 1:20. I headed toward Reis park this time and bumped into former SHS XC team captain Greg Maroni ('90). Greg works from the Parks Department. We talked for a few minutes, about the team and getting old, about him getting married and how someone destroyed the fields at the park with their car. Just a nice small-town-america conversation.
I continued out from the park toward Angle Fly Preserve, what will become the new park in town. It's a hug piece of property that I've been on one before but I had never run on the trails. I assumed there were some deer runs and rough trails. It was better than expected.
I ran on old farm roads that had become overgrown but are still quite wide. It reminded me of parts of Muscoot and Pound Ridge. There are some huge, rolling hills - up one, down, and then up again. You crash down for a while, the climb way back up and hit some trail formed when ATT buried some cable. If you make a left there you can keep climbing, then crash down a huge hill, then come back up yo the top of this hill. It was here that I saw one very large apple crate that simply said "Mead Orchards". Mead is my girlfriends last name. Sort of random.
This is where I turned around though I had a feeling I was getting close to rt 35. I'm going to google earth this place and see where the heck I was.
After that is was back to SHS, a quick trip to my parents to shower, then back to practice. Had the boys distance just do some 800m threshold runs today. I had like 25 boys and every one was a 9th or 10th grader. Young but so much potential.
THIS BLOG WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE http://shortcoachtim.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Early Track Season
So I decided to send the girls team out for a run OYO today (on your own) and took the distance boys on what has become known as "queer loop". I didn't name the run, that's just it's name. I blame Porteus for the name.
It's about a 3 mile jog to get to the dirt road just east of JFK HS on rt. 138. It's mostly trail and dirt road with a short stretch on pavement. I generally like the run except for the hill back up to SHS.
I ran with the JV/B group guys, mostly new to running. It was a nice change of pace as I talked about how to run in a pack, how to regroup, how fast to go, etc. All the things you tell newbies. It's always interesting to see how the rookies handle a 6 mile run, who pushes the pace, who slacks off. Overall I'd say we need A LOT of aerobic work. Nothing fast for this group for a while.
So I got in about 7 miles with these boys and then met Lou Caporale for another 3-4 miles after. I was just too tired at that point after skipping lunch (busy day at work) and I basically just jogged it in. (Lou could finally keep up)
So 10-11 miles today the day before a scheduled 20 miler may not have been the smartest plan but I needed to build mileage anyway. I was so tired afterwards that I skipped the gym, went to Whole Foods, and went home. I was THIS close to a nap at 7pm but I decided to battle through and try and go to sleep early instead.
Long run tomorrow. I went from 10 miles to 15 last time and this time I'm jumping to 20 - might not be ideal marathon training but this is sort of a crash course in Boston training - let's hope I don't "crash" in Boston.
It's about a 3 mile jog to get to the dirt road just east of JFK HS on rt. 138. It's mostly trail and dirt road with a short stretch on pavement. I generally like the run except for the hill back up to SHS.
I ran with the JV/B group guys, mostly new to running. It was a nice change of pace as I talked about how to run in a pack, how to regroup, how fast to go, etc. All the things you tell newbies. It's always interesting to see how the rookies handle a 6 mile run, who pushes the pace, who slacks off. Overall I'd say we need A LOT of aerobic work. Nothing fast for this group for a while.
So I got in about 7 miles with these boys and then met Lou Caporale for another 3-4 miles after. I was just too tired at that point after skipping lunch (busy day at work) and I basically just jogged it in. (Lou could finally keep up)
So 10-11 miles today the day before a scheduled 20 miler may not have been the smartest plan but I needed to build mileage anyway. I was so tired afterwards that I skipped the gym, went to Whole Foods, and went home. I was THIS close to a nap at 7pm but I decided to battle through and try and go to sleep early instead.
Long run tomorrow. I went from 10 miles to 15 last time and this time I'm jumping to 20 - might not be ideal marathon training but this is sort of a crash course in Boston training - let's hope I don't "crash" in Boston.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Back on Track
So Saturday was work all day and dinner and drinks with Tony and Liz at night. We went out to a cajun place for dinner. I had a pulled pork sandwich, some fried green tomatoes, and a few UFO pints. Then me and Tony went out and drank too much. I crashed in his spare bedroom and took a taxi back to the hotel the next morning.
So needless to say, I didn't run on Sunday. I came home and took a nap after the 4 hour drive home from Ithaca. Then Carolyn came over and we went to Rory's Dolans and saw Shileagh Law play a free show. There was a St. Paddy's Day parade around there somewhere and the place was JAMMED. We had dinner at Rambling House, sort of a warm up for next week.
After eating and drinking too much this weekend it was back to my routine today. I didn't have much time to run after practice as I had to get to a 6pm meeting so I just did 45 minutes hard. The old do quality when you can't do quantity. I did feel pretty good running today. I just ran from SHS (Somers HS) down to Reis Park, did some laps up top, and ran back up. Trails are sloppy but not too bad. Still, I ran in my back-up sneaks instead of the new brooks.
After the meeting it was pool time. I swam a mile again, this time a little faster, about 40 minutes. Usually I'm closer to 45 minutes and I really need to get down under 35 minutes soon. I had to share a lane too so I know if I have my own I can go even faster. I'll have to work on stretching my breathing out next time - tonight I just swam.
Afterwards I did arms and abs. I've been doing the pull up where you pull your knees to your chest on each rep a lot lately. It's getting easier and is a full body movement I've been trying to do more of.
I really need to finalize my racing schedule soon. I am still very upset about not being able to do the VT50 this year. It's messing up my whole plan right now but I'll work it out.
So needless to say, I didn't run on Sunday. I came home and took a nap after the 4 hour drive home from Ithaca. Then Carolyn came over and we went to Rory's Dolans and saw Shileagh Law play a free show. There was a St. Paddy's Day parade around there somewhere and the place was JAMMED. We had dinner at Rambling House, sort of a warm up for next week.
After eating and drinking too much this weekend it was back to my routine today. I didn't have much time to run after practice as I had to get to a 6pm meeting so I just did 45 minutes hard. The old do quality when you can't do quantity. I did feel pretty good running today. I just ran from SHS (Somers HS) down to Reis Park, did some laps up top, and ran back up. Trails are sloppy but not too bad. Still, I ran in my back-up sneaks instead of the new brooks.
After the meeting it was pool time. I swam a mile again, this time a little faster, about 40 minutes. Usually I'm closer to 45 minutes and I really need to get down under 35 minutes soon. I had to share a lane too so I know if I have my own I can go even faster. I'll have to work on stretching my breathing out next time - tonight I just swam.
Afterwards I did arms and abs. I've been doing the pull up where you pull your knees to your chest on each rep a lot lately. It's getting easier and is a full body movement I've been trying to do more of.
I really need to finalize my racing schedule soon. I am still very upset about not being able to do the VT50 this year. It's messing up my whole plan right now but I'll work it out.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Ithaca Night Run
So after arriving in Ithaca and settling into the hotel I went out for a quick 30 minute jaunt. First thought - spring is coming. It was very warm. I actually had to take off a layer and my hat.
I ran with my headlamp on past the Ithaca Airport, which may be the least active airport I have ever seen. It was a beautiful scene though, with all the blue lights and planes lit up.
Whenever I go away I obviously don't eat quite as well as I'd like to so I knew I just had to get out tonight. It will be tough to run tomorrow with work all day, from 8am t0 8pm.
Not sure where I'm going to do my 2.5 hour run on Sunday. I was thinking I'd stop in New Paltz on the way home but there have to be some amazing places to run up here so I'm gonna look into that before I leave.
Felt much better running today after getting some new shoes - Brooks Glycerin. I've never had these before but they feel good so far. A lot of cushion.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Dragonass
Today I was just draggin-ass. My hour run was so slow. Usually I start slow and speed up but today I thought of old George Sheehan's advice on how to run a Marathon - "Start slow and taper off". That's what I did.
When you're training hard AND trying to lose weight by watching calories, you have days like I did today. I was low on protein and had no juice in my legs.
So after running in Somers and going to my parents house after to clean up and say hi, I headed to the gym for my first Yoga session. I had some time to kill before yoga so I figured I'd swim 30-40 laps just to work on form and stretching my breathing from every 2 strokes to every 4 strokes. Same deal in the pool - I had nothing, zip, zilch, nada. I quite after 12 laps and headed to the steam room.
I felt much better after the steam and was in a great frame of mind for my first yoga class. I've done some yoga on my own over the years, primarily in my early 20's when I was coming back to running after college. But tonight was my first real class.
I really enjoyed it and I think I did alright all things considered. I went to Vinyasa yoga. It's challenging but that's what I was looking for.
Tomorrow I head up to Ithaca for the NYS Indoor Track and Field Championships. This weekend I'll be mainly a photographer and videographer but I do have one girl I coach competing in the race walk. She's pretty good and should medal. For some reason, I'm a pretty good race walk coach. Who knew?
Went out to dinner with my girlfriend Carolyn after the gym. We went to Coyote Flaco on Port Chester, one of our favorite mexican joints. Everything they have is good but I've been on an enchilada kick of late so that's what I had. I can already feel my energy coming back.
It's gonna be 65 on Sunday so it looks like I'll be heading out for 2.5 hours. Boston Marathon is only 6.5 weeks away and it's time to get serious.
I need to find a new 50 milers for September/October now that I found out that my buddy Mikey's wedding is the same day as the VT50. I am so upset. I loved that race and felt ready to run well there. Plus I know a few people running it. Oh well, maybe next year.
When you're training hard AND trying to lose weight by watching calories, you have days like I did today. I was low on protein and had no juice in my legs.
So after running in Somers and going to my parents house after to clean up and say hi, I headed to the gym for my first Yoga session. I had some time to kill before yoga so I figured I'd swim 30-40 laps just to work on form and stretching my breathing from every 2 strokes to every 4 strokes. Same deal in the pool - I had nothing, zip, zilch, nada. I quite after 12 laps and headed to the steam room.
I felt much better after the steam and was in a great frame of mind for my first yoga class. I've done some yoga on my own over the years, primarily in my early 20's when I was coming back to running after college. But tonight was my first real class.
I really enjoyed it and I think I did alright all things considered. I went to Vinyasa yoga. It's challenging but that's what I was looking for.
Tomorrow I head up to Ithaca for the NYS Indoor Track and Field Championships. This weekend I'll be mainly a photographer and videographer but I do have one girl I coach competing in the race walk. She's pretty good and should medal. For some reason, I'm a pretty good race walk coach. Who knew?
Went out to dinner with my girlfriend Carolyn after the gym. We went to Coyote Flaco on Port Chester, one of our favorite mexican joints. Everything they have is good but I've been on an enchilada kick of late so that's what I had. I can already feel my energy coming back.
It's gonna be 65 on Sunday so it looks like I'll be heading out for 2.5 hours. Boston Marathon is only 6.5 weeks away and it's time to get serious.
I need to find a new 50 milers for September/October now that I found out that my buddy Mikey's wedding is the same day as the VT50. I am so upset. I loved that race and felt ready to run well there. Plus I know a few people running it. Oh well, maybe next year.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Planning out a good year
So I'm trying to be a little more organized with my training this year. I've already planned out 5 major events I'll be competing and figured I needed an outlet for all my thoughts on the process.
EVENTS
April 20- Boston Marathon
June 6 - Pawling Trialthon (sprint)
July 26 - Tupper Lake Half Iron Man (might switch this one)
September 27 - Vermont 50 Mile Trial Race
November ? - flat, fast marathon
I'll be talking a lot about where I run and my journey from basically a trail jogger in my twenties to trail runner and triathlete in my thirties. I hope to see you out on the trails.
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