Up & Down

Not sure what it is, but my training runs have been very up and down these past few weeks. I think I need the adrenaline of races to help me -- but no adrenaline is to be found as I grind it out solos through the streets of suburban Boston. Oh well. Spring is on the way -- today was mid-30s, bluebird and lovely. Tomorrow forecasts to be a bear. Winter returns. Pitchers and catchers report soon, this weekend maybe. Almost there. I think I can I think I can I think I can.

This post pretty much appears verbatim on my posterous running site -- I don't have it in me to be creative there and here and here and there today. Hope you guys are good. Can't wiat for winter to end.

Late Three

I hit the gym late night tonight and got in a great workout. Mrs. VTR was very supportive of me breezing in at home at 6:30, spending an hour with the kids, and then heading out to the gym at 7:30. Without spousal support, workouts wouldn't even be a glimmer to me, and based on the blog you guys are in the same boat. Yes! to the ladies.

Anyway, I got in a good three on the treadmill, followed by about 25 minutes of weight work on the shoulders, back and chest. It felt good to work hard, and even better to have done it after work, which is when I am usually pretty much worthless. (Could it have something to do with the fact that I taste-tested a bunch of new coffees between 3:00 and 4:00 today? Hmmm....)

Now the goal is to get on a schedule with Mrs. VTR, so we can both get our workouts in. You'll see how that goes right here.

Race Report: Super Sunday 10K

I headed out on a beautiful bluebird of a day to run the Marathon Sports Super Sunday 5k/10K race. Held along the Boston waterfront this race is only it's third year and it is well attended, and, like Marathon Sports other races very well run. This years course was very similar to last years except that we started at 390 Congress St which was much more roomy and comfortable for the large field. Last year we started from in front of the Harpoon Brewery and it was a little crowded -- so that was a good move. This year's race also went off on time which was appreciated because it was only about 20F with a stiff breeze.

The course wound its way through the rapidly changing Boston waterfront, down Congress St and back, around the new courthouse, by ICA etc. The course was pancake flat as is to be expected on harbor roads and quite fast. The filed was quick -- lots of Boston trainers I think -- and trending young. One of my favorite sites on the course is the tiny Our Lady of Safe Passage Chapel -- located between two huge parking lots and across from some very new, sleek glass office buildings (the thought of the value of that property is astounding -- it's diagonally across the street from 56).


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I ran a nice first half, 23:43 or something and felt pretty good coming into the second half (the race was a couple of loops of the same course). Out to mile four was a nice tail wind, but mile 4-5 was right back into a stilff headwind, and I sort of flagged on this leg and recorded what was probably my slowest mile ~7:55 (39:35). The buildings broke the wind around this point and I dug down and worked a bit harder. I crossed 6 miles at just about 46 even and finished around 46:43, I think, it was definitely below 47 which was cool but the official results will be posted and I'll know for sure tonight. I had a nice kick through the last .2 and was working hard down the home stretch and trying to catch a guy who was in front of me. He picked it up too and held me off by a step. After we crossed the finish line he turned to me with a huge grin and said "thanks for pushing me!" and shook my hand -- that was cool. I had a huge rush at the end of this and totally felt that ever elusive runner's high, It was fun. I remembered why I love to run. Bennu did a nice 5 K as well,it was good to see him.

Lift and swim

Hi all,

Got a lift and swim in yesterday. Probably worked out for 45 minutes. Felt good.

Hope all is well out there.

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Treading for three

I got in a quick three miler today on a treadmill. It actually wasn't bad, considering that I generally don't like and avoid treadmills. Check it off.

100 on 100

The yearly call. Who's interested?
100 on 100 -- August 28, 2010.
http://www.100on100.org/

February Begins

February is here. I got out today after a meeting north of Boston. I headed out for 4 miles at 3:30 this afternoon. It was brisk, in the low-30s but that's hot compared to what we've been experiencing. There was a stiff head wind on the way out, and a nice tail wind on the way back. It wasn't a great run, but it will do: a solid 4 miles, covered briskly. On the way back my hands actually got too warm in my warmer gloves and I removed them. The days are getting longer -- the sun wasn't plummeting at 3:30, it was still bright out when I got home, I'm noticing some buds appearing on trees. I'm feeling positive, feeling good. Today's run left me energized and focused. I'll get out tomorrow too.

One run

So, I went for a run today and it felt good to be out. Sure, the legs were stiff, hammies were tight and I was fairly slow, but it still felt good to be on the road. We had a little snow flurry while I was out, so the scenery added to the overall vibe.

This morning, I had a killer ski day at Sugarbush while the kids were in lessons. It was cold, but I managed to get lifts with cool people and find some really good terrain. I got a couple of tips that Stein's Run, which I usually avoid, was beautiful due to four days of blowing snowguns on it. I went for it (despite some trepidation at the top) and made four more return trips. Challenging, but with great snow to make it doable. Fun.

Looking to get out running a few more times this week.