Checking in

I am slowly getting back into running more miles. I am looking forward to a nice 4 mile run tomorrow.

First run in a long time

I have been taking it easy for the last 4 weeks, just stretching and almost no running. I only ran a few times to test the leg, each time leading to some pain. I took it easy today, just a simple 3 miler on my treadmill. I had some mild discomfort in the first mile but after the first mile it went away as I warmed up. A slower, easier run than I am typically used to but I do not want to push too hard since recovery is the most important thing right now. I stretched for 10 minutes afterwards and so far the leg feels ok. I hope to try another 3 miler tomorrow. See how it goes. I feel like I am finally back to running. I won't be at the weekly mileage I am used to for a while but every little run along the way is worth it.

My mileage for the year is now at 682.6 and I plan to pass 700 by end of year. I would like to run a full 900 miles next year but I still have some time to think about running goals for 2009. That is all for now.

On a side note, the tackiest Christmas sweaters.

Rest, rest, rest

I have about another week before I can start running again (darn hip). Anyways, not really missing my run outside today. Currently 37mph winds, temp is -4F with wind chill and the high is only 25F tomorrow. I miss running and I have have been pretty good about stretching twice a day so I can get back to running soon.

The physical therapy should get me back on track. My total mileage for this year will be my lowest in many years. I started this year with very little running and I am ending it with no running. Prior to my hip issue I was on track to run almost 900 miles for the year. Oh well, I just need to sit back and be patient at this point.

I am reading a good book about running right now. It is "A Race Like No Other" by Liz Robbins. A great read about the New York City marathon. Not just a book about running a marathon but one that describes it from the perspective of elite runners and non-elites with interesting stories and perspectives.

Happy Thanksgiving

I can't remember the last time I slept past 7am. I guess I am conditioned to get up early, even on holidays and weekends. If I am headed out for a morning run I would be up at 6am anyways. Unfortunately my running is on hold for a while until I take care of my hip flexor/IT band injury. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, I rate this a 5. I started going to physical therapy and they have me stretching a lot. I just don't know how long it will be until I am able to get back on the roads and get the miles back in. I am taking care of this now so it does not get worse. At least I was able to run strong through the summer and fall. I was able to complete another marathon and set a PR in the half marathon in Hartford.

I won't recap the past year of running. There was a large gap between posts from last year to present and I was not sure if I would continue this blog. I decided to start posting again mainly to function as a running journal.

Anyways, I am confident I will be back out running soon. Until then, hopefully your running is going well. If you don't run now maybe I can convince you to give it a try. Don't worry, I could not even run one mile when I first started but it all can change quickly. I have been having a blast. Now I am thinking about which marathon to run in 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Checking In

A lot has happened this past year since my last post. I had a recent PR in the half marathon: 1:39:55 at the Hartford Half Marathon. I have a bunch of things to recap but just wanted to post again since I plan to keep this blog active. I am now on Twitter "mattr262". I'll be back more more soon.

NEW PR IN HALF MARATHON!

Final chip time: 1:43:21 (7:54 pace)

Finished 144th out of 1049 runners in the half marathon.

Finished 11th out of 65 in my age group.


I am very happy with my race performance. The speedwork, hot weather running and faster paced long runs over the last two months definately helped me race better than I ever have on Sunday. This is the best race experience I have had in my years of running.

Here is the recap:

Mile 1 = 7:01
Mile 2 = 7:24
Mile 3 = 7:34
Mile 4 = 7:50
Mile 5 = 8:07
Mile 6 = 7:44
Mile 7 = 7:50
Mile 8 = 7:55
Mile 9 = 8:01
Mile 10 = 7:58
Mile 11 = 8:03
Mile 12 = 7:59
Mile 13 = 8:27

I felt great the entire race. Around mile 8 I needed to dig deep and focus on the miles ahead. I took it one mile at a time and stayed focused on running 8 minute miles or better. The temps were perfect, it was a very cool morning. I could write much more about the race but I have no time or reason to do so at this point.

My 2007 racing season is over. I am pleased with my performace this year. I only wish I set a new PR in the 5K (missed by seconds). This year I ran a PR in the 15K and half - I am happy. I plan to run a marathon in 2008, most likely in the fall. I plan to set a new PR. The marathon is a completely different race and after running five of them, I still have things to figure out. My goal is a sub 4 hour in the marathon next year.

For now, I will enjoy running for the sack of running. I won't race until next spring and I won't have a formal training schedule. I will run. That is all. Run for the fun and pure enjoyment.

Happy running!

7 days to go

The Rochester Half Marathon is just 7 days away now. I am really looking forward to the race (and hopefully good weather!) I am determined to set a new PR and I know I am ready to do so. Although my weekly mileage is on the low side, I feel good about my overall running performace. I still have a nagging left ankle/knee issue but the minor pain has been going away as I warm up in my runs. I am due for a new pair of shoes soon, maybe that is part of the issue. I hope to run another 60 miles or so in my last pair of Asics-2100 (pair number 6 for me). I plan to get into the new Asics-2120 next. That is all for now. I'll post again after the race.

Happy running!