Official Gridiron Classic Stats

My official time was 38:24, a 9:36 pace.

Among men aged 35 to 39, I finished 404/495, and 3430/5256 overall.

Mrs. FA and I are not competitive with one another but we do compare our individual results. I am proud to note that she is far more competitive in her age and gender classes, finishing, for instance, 223/376 women aged 35 to 39.

Peace, fellas.

Run 6, The NYRR Gridiron 4-Miler

Mrs. FA and I ran the Gridiron 4-Miler this morning in Central Park.

Though the weather warmed to the mid-30s, there were not nearly as many runners as at the frigid holiday classic in December and that made for a much easier start. There was also less fanfare and celebration, and NO music, so the start was less exciting. I think this race is a box-to-check for folks working towards a marathon qualification. And it is mid-winter, after all. The whole race had a let's-get-this-one-done vibe.

My unofficial time was 38.25, and given my lack of training I'm happy with that. It's a fine benchmark for the rest of the year.

I started out super strong and felt great for the first 2 mostly up hill miles. The third mile threw some hills at me that I wasn't expecting, and shortly after the 3rd mile marker something happened and from then on I was just happy to finish. I regretted passing on the water breaks and not eating more breakfast. If that's what bonking feels like, then I did it.

I'll post my official time tomorrow when I check in on your adventures. Peace,

Run 5

I've been called out. I deserve it.

I ran SLOWLY for 30 minutes on a treadmill at a very nice gym in Saint Louis yesterday morning. Have to say that this particular treadmill has given me second thoughts on treadmills, about which I've complained before. Yesterday's treadmill was all tricked out, way more comfortable than the one in our basement gym. It had more useful features and its own TELEVISION. Nice!

Between work and the cold weather, 2009 has been tough for my running. (This post is Run 5 for '09.) Interestingly, it just occurred to me today that the decline in running must be contributing to my palpably heightened stress this year. So a greater effort I must make.

Sunday is the NYRR Gridiron 4-miler, and Mrs. FA has convinced me to stay in the race. She's been running like a jackrabbit lately, so I plan to throw myself at the race and try to keep up with her lovely form. I'm certain to underperform my December 4-miler, though props to Agricola for pointing out its usefeulness as a baseline. And if I can run 2x before Sunday, bully for me.

Peace, fellas.

P.S. I've got a great one coming for the "running as experience" crowd on the blog....will be in Milan for several days mid-February, and am bringing my running shoes.

Run 4

Mrs. FA and I got out at her parent's house Saturday afternoon on the three mile out and back I've posted about before. It was 14 degrees and I'd forgotten my long pants, so I ran in shorts, which in hindsight was plenty stupid but tell you what, it was my best run since the race on December 13.

The Feb 1 race approaches and with only five runs since Dec 13 I don;t feel remotely ready. I am going to make the effort for the next 10 days and re-asses, but am thinking I'll run it one-way-or-the-other and see what happens.

Peace, boys.

Struggling in 09

I am struggling to get out on the road, boys, and stay out while I'm there. I've been out 2x in 09, and they were short, slow, uncomfortable, and lazy efforts. I have many theories about why it's so, none of them are satisfying.

So I am hoping that a change of pace helps. I am in San Francisco Mon - Thurs this week, and Boston on Friday, and aim to run at least 3x. So if any of you guys wants to join me for an EARLY run Friday morning in Boston, I'm staying near Post Office Sq, and can send my coordinates by e-mail.

Peace, fellas.

Run 61

Got out for 30 minutes at about 5:00p. It was a beautful evening for a run. It must have been 65 degrees today, with a steady breeze from the west. Anyway, for a change I crossed the 102 Street transverse, then ran against Park Loop traffic to the Resevoir Entrance at 90th Street before doubling back along the resevoir track to rejoin my usual route home. I am still clearly clawing my way back to some semblence of running form after a fairly intense Christmas season, and now leaning heavily toward running the February 1 NYRR Gridiron 4-miler. The motivation will be, well, motivating? Huh? I'll be allright...