Work to do...

Congrats to the CIM runners! Way to set PR's as well. It looks like I've got some work to do if I want to join Todd and Abby at Boston in 2012!

I've been logging some good mileage over the past few weeks and actually set an unofficial PR yesterday in training for 13.1 (1:32:23). I have two half marathons planned in the first half of 2011, building mileage to hopefully running a Boston qualifying time in the fall of 2011. I'm targeting a half ironman at the end of June and then will transition to building up to a marathon in mid October.

With speculation about new qualification standards, I'm aiming for 3:00 instead of the current 3:10 standard. That probably means that I'll need to get my open half time to 1:24-1:25.

Happy holidays and enjoy the rest and recovery after all of your hard work!

CIM Results

Runners are Ready

Support Team is Ready

It was a great day for the runners and for the support team.  That means the weather was wonderful and the runners did well.  The rains held up until after the race and jackets came off early for the support team.  Abby, Alexa, and Todd Z all broke 4:00 with PR's for Abby and Alexa, and BQ's for Abby and Todd.  Little Big Todd held in there despite some recent set-backs in training.  John Bricher finished his third marathon well and Katy Gifford paced the 5:00 group, getting the job done on time.  Chad, Todd Farmer, and Janet raced from spot to spot to cheer on the runners.  As the runners became more spread out, it was more difficult to see all the activity.  Janet was sad to miss Abby's 3:38 finish ... I guess that's the price you pay by going so fast.  Todd Y left from the race to catch a 1:30 flight.  I'm anxious to hear about the "Van Bath" with camp stove heaters and all.

     Net Chip Times:

Abby with Medal

• Abby    3:38:17
• Alexa    3:57:30
• Todd Z    3:59:21
• Todd Y    4:07:28
• John Bricher    4:33:57
• Katy Gifford    4:57:14

Chad and Alexa

Abby, Alexa, and Todd Z

Janet and Todd Z

Todd F and Abby

Great Finish at the Capitol

Pacer Katy

Beach House Deli - Yum

After the race, lunch at Beach House Deli made the day all worth while.  Time to take a nap and dream about the next race.  Till the next Starting Line, Todd.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already here. Katie and I are on Nantucket to have a small Thanksgiving with Lynn, George, and Ember.

Katie and I realized last night that there was a 5K we could do this morning, so we showed up a little early to get in a little warm up. There was also the option of doing the 'plunge' afterwards at Children's Beach, which raises money for the local library. This event has raised over $50,000 each year, but we opted to watch instead.

As for the race, I was shooting for a time around 19:00, but I didn't want to lead and the pace group was going around a 6:20 pace into the wind. I ended up with 19:24 and Katie got a time of 25:27. After the 5K we went for a 6 mile run out at Sanford Farm, getting in around 11 miles today.

A few weeks ago I did a 10 mile run a bit north of Boston. Somehow I ended up winning my AG, and in the process got a $60 gift certificate to a local running store. My time was 1:05:34, which would have been 8th in the 40-49 AG, so I didn't really deserve the win, especially since the overall winner was from my AG - essentially I defaulted into first place because of that!

The following weekend I used my gift certificate towards two new pairs of shoes, going from a 'Brooks' to 'Saucony' runner. One of the pairs are Kinvara's, and I really like their minimalist feel. I did some mile repeats with them earlier this week and loved the light weight feel.

With my goal of qualifying for Boston in 2012, I'm starting to up my mileage. Over the summer I was running around 20 miles per week. This month will be around 125 miles, which is a good start. I'll try to hold that mileage over the winter and build up in the spring for a early fall marathon, doing some halfs and a half ironman before the marathon.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Beware of Clear Ice

Frost in Granite Bay

A Happy Chilly Thanksgiving to all.  Wow, 27 degrees this morning in Sacramento makes for a cold run.  First time this year for 3 layers for me.  Finally got warm by mile 2 into an 8 mile run.  I noted some ice along the way.  I cross some wooden bridges that frost over pretty quickly making the way slippery.  Careful out there.

We decided it was too cold for Eleanor to be out for the annual Run to Feed the Hungry Race in Sacramento.  It's always fun to have the runners on the 6.2 mile course competing with the walkers on the 3.1 one.  Maybe we can return to that tradition next year. 

Miss Eleanor and Grandma

The training seems to be going well.  The hamstring now seems to be a thing of the past.  I'm afraid new injuries lie ahead.  I have been working diligently trying to strengthen my back going to Physical Therapy once a week.  I'm into the third week and it seems to be making a difference.  First week was stretching, then core strengthening was added the second week.  I'm been doing some on my own but with little commitment.  I seem be getting on track with a little more commitment now.  It's probably going to be a life time commitment but, hopefully, will result in some improvement.  Stretching twice a day and working on strengthening once a day added to running has turned my conditioning into a full time job.  But I guess the alternatives are not so good.  I seem to be feeling better.  Time will tell.

Autumn in Granite Bay

About 10 days to CIM.  I hope all are well and warm.  Right now I just looking to finish.  I need to get Alexa to pick our target time.  I must say I have already started to look ahead to Napa for a BQ.  Well, time to get going on the turkey and stuffing.  Happy Thanksgiving to All.  See you at the starting line.  Todd.

3 Layers on a Cold Morning

2 Weeks to CIM

Craig, Janet and Todds at soccer

We're starting the two week countdown to CIM, the California International Marathon) and everyone is scampering to get those last  training miles in.  Usually I like to taper for three weeks, but still recovering from my hammie I hated to cut down too soon.  Little Big Todd  and I did a 15 miler yesterday (after he ran 10 from his house to mine for, yes, a total of 25 for him).  An added highlight of the day was going to Craig's soccer game after our run.  Todd has been fighting illness with lots of traveling added in so he has had little running the past few weeks.  Alexa also had a cold and she cut down her running early.  I'm not sure what her weekly mileage is these days.

Abby, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Alexa

Katy Gifford is pacing the 5:00 group and I'm pretty sure she's gotten in her training miles.  She has continued her training from her recent trail marathon with Alexa.  Abby did a 22 miler last week and I think she has been doing well with her training program.  I haven't heard her time goal yet.

I'm happy with my progress with my sore hamstring.  I've managed to continue my running 5-6 days per week with 40-50 miles per week.  I have not done any speed work and really lack any real endurance.  It has been more base running than anything else.  I would like to be doing some longer runs (20 milers) and some intervals but decided to wait until after after CIM hoping to avoid injuries.  Alexa and I have been talking about aiming for 4:00 but I'm thinking that may be a little too hopeful.  I guess we'll have to see how we feel that day.

Harriot & Eleanor

Time to go check on Eleanor who is visiting us this afternoon.  Right now she's taking a little nap probably dreaming of running in Boston with her Grand-dad.  We both can dream can't we.  Stay well and run long.  See you at the starting line.

Back on the wagon

Although I had a temporary scare, I will indeed be running CIM this December. My company, Hankook Tire, has its US headquarters in New Jersey. Hankook will be flying Rebbie and I out to NJ on December 5-8 for a company Christmas party. Management has excused me from the opening night social so that I can run CIM. I haven't quite worked through the details but mostly likely I will take some sort of "wash cloth" shower before boarding a 1 pm flight to Newark. This is not a gross as it seems. I did it at Hartford about 5 years ago.

I'm thankful that I will be running but my training took a big-time downward slide last month. After a tough sickness that beat me up for a full week, and then a week long trip to South Korea, and then a extended weekend at PSU with my son, I'm back and ready. To illustrate my decline let's look at September versus October. In September, my best month ever, I logged 232 miles in October I ran 109. I'm very happy to have October in the rear view mirror. I hope everyone is healthy and not pushing too hard like I mostly likely did.

It Pays to Go the Extra Mile

Having not run Saturday and Sunday, I planned to do a medium run today before going to work ... at least 8 and probably 11.  Woke up feeling well; got off to an early start.  At four miles made the turn to extend to 11 feeling good.  Approaching home, I decided to run past our neighborhood to the one behind us to make it 12.  As home was getting near, I thought, "Gee one loop around our subdivision and I will have done a half".  With less than an quarter to go that's when it happened.  Looking down, I saw the JACKPOT!  PAPER MONEY!  I had never seen it before on a run.  Sure, nichols and dimes; sometimes even a quarter ... but PAPER MONEY, now that's a find.  Soaked to the pavement, it took some prying to get it loose.  At first, I wondered if it was glued in place.  But no, it was mine.  Now don't get any crazy ideas about calling me for handouts.  I'm thinking I may need to set up a trust to regulate things.  So, now I understand why they say that it pays to go the extra mile.  By the way, I had a great run.  No rain.  Perfect weather - cool and calm.  Less than six weeks until CIM.  I'm still wondering if I have a sub 4 in me.  Alexa and I are planning a long one this next weekend.  Keep running and stay well.  See you at the starting line, Todd.

First Rain Run

I always look forward to autumn and running in the rain.  Well, we don't have much of an autumn in California and certainly get only a little rain, but I can imagine, can't I?  This morning with it in the low 50's and with a few drops of rain, it's about as close as we get to that ideal autumn day.  Running is going well.

Only 6 weeks, I think, until CIM (California International Marathon).  Katy, Alexa, Abby, and I are all signed up.  Little-big Todd (Y) is also registered but may be out of town on business.  Katy is pacing the 5:00 group so Alexa and I may run together - aiming for that 4:00 target.  Not sure if Abby will be ahead or not.  I think everyone is getting their miles in.  I know LBT was tracking a 3:20 BQ (Boston Qualifier) but may have to delay that until spring.  Did you figure out LBT was little-big Todd Y?  Abby recently ran a fast Half at San Jose and hopes to make her debut to blog posting soon.  She and Todd are busy moving this weekend.  I look forward to hearing about her new running routes in the city once she gets settled.

My "hammie" is hanging in there.  I'm still icing at times, right now sitting on ice after an easy 5 this morning.  I have been steady at 40 or so miles per week for the past 4-5 weeks.  No speed work which is a little disappointing to me.  I miss those "street-intervals" and tempo runs.  It seems that everything is about the same pace.  Long runs are not much slower than the easy recovery ones.  I think I will wait until after CIM to think about speed.  Maybe that will be future blog posting.  Right now I am just trying to stay running fit to be able to run the next day.

Well off to work.  Keep running and supporting those runners.  Feel free to add your comments.  Enjoy Autumn.  Oh, by the way, that's a picture of our dogwood with it's "autumn berries".  Too early for leaves here in the west.  It must be gorgeous about now back east.  See you at the starting line, Todd.

Last race of the multi-sport season

Glad to hear that Alexa's trail race went well. I'd like to try one of those one day once I build up my run mileage!

Sunday was my final race of the multi-sport season here in New England. We're starting to get some chilly mornings (30's) so triathlon season is over. The race on Sunday was a duathlon - run/bike/run - and a short one at that. I went into the race with high expectations, wanting to win my age group, and I was able to accomplish that goal.

The length of the legs were 2 miles, 10.3 miles, and 2.3 miles. It was a chilly morning with temperatures in the low to mid 40's. Katie and I arrived at the transition area about an hour before race time, and I helped Katie set up for her first duathlon. Eventually, we made it to the start, debating what to wear - I ended up just wearing my club's tri suit even though it was around 45 at race start.

My wave of runners went out at a fast pace, and I clocked a sub 6:00 pace for the 2 mile run. My bike time was 3rd overall, and only 20 seconds off the fastest pace. The last run was a bit more hilly and my pace was around 6:20. My overall time was good enough for 5th overall and 1st in my AG, which was my goal going into the race. Katie, placed 6th in her age group and right in the middle of the overall field, and she finished with a smile on her face in 183rd.

Next up is  a 10-miler in early November - my plan is to try to run a road race every month as I keep up with the triathlon training over the winter. Heading into next year my goal is to win an overall triathlon and to qualify for Boston 2112.

Results can be seen here:
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/10/ma/Oct17_Scitua_set1.shtml

Sierra Nevada Endurance Run Marathon: update from Alexa

I completed my 8th marathon 2 weeks ago (and it was my first trail marathon) with my running partner Katy. We had a great day out there and appreciated the support from our family (thanks Dad, Chad, Tracy, and Reagan for cheering and Elizabeth for your texts). It got pretty hot at the finish, but we were happy with our day and sure enjoyed the popsicles at the end.

We got an award for finishing in our age group! Very exciting. We officially tied for 3rd in our age group :) Yes, it was small field, but there were runners behind us.

I am looking forward to more trail running in the future. I wasn't even sore the next day, even though the course was challenging and pretty technical. I think that the trails are more forgiving on my body. I am considering signing up for a 50K trail run in early March (Way Too Cool).

But in the near future, we are looking forward to CIM in 8 weeks! We hope to maybe PR again there.
Happy running,
Alexa

Applefest 1/2 Marathon

Yesterday was our big race this fall, a 1/2 marathon in Hollis, NH. The weather was far from a typical New England fall day. Race time was 10:00 to probably allow people from Mass to get to the race.

It was already sunny and 70 degrees when Katie and I left our house around 7:45 - not a good sign!

The temperature was at least 80 degrees by the time the race began, but I still decided to shoot for my goal of 1:30. The race course is quite hilly (see pic below), and the first half of the course is mostly downhill. By the midpoint I was still right on pace: 44:47, but I knew what was coming.

However, soon after that the heat and humidity began getting to me and then the hills began. My pace went from a little under 7:00 to over 7:30 pretty quickly. It seemed like I was constantly looking up at the next hill.

It didn't help that I started getting blisters on my toes - I need to remember not to wear my tri shoes for longer races next time!

I guess the good news is that the heat and humidity seemed to get to everyone - quite a few people were walking some of the hills. I finished in a time of 1:36:42, which was surprisingly good enough for 32nd overall and 2nd in my age group, winning us an apple pie! The same time the previous year would have put me 69th place. Katie finished in just under 2 hours (1:59:27), which was her goal!

While in line for food after the race, Katie and I talked to another runner who ran the course two weeks ago in training and was six minutes faster than he was on race day. He said the temp in training was around 60 degrees. That 20-30 degree change made a big difference.

Considering the weather conditions, it was a good day of racing. I set a PR by two minutes on a pretty hilly course under far from ideal conditions. My IT band, which had been giving me some problems, was a non-factor. Now, I'll just have to find an early spring 1/2 to break 1:30 in.

http://www.coolrunning.com/results/10/nh/Sep25_28thAn_set1.shtml

Update from Alexa: Run on the Sly race last weekend

Hello running friends! My trail marathon is in 2 weeks and I am enjoying the taper. Last weekend, I completed Run on the Sly 20-mile race with my running partner Katy. It was a fun day, the trail course had quite a bit of elevation changes, and we had to cross through a creek! Yes, we had to submerge our sneakers and then trudge for the next few miles with soaking wet feet...that was not the highlight of the run. I contemplated taking my shoes off to cross it, but Katy bravely charged into the water! She took a fall about a mile from the finish...from my angle it was like she was sliding into home base and she was covered in dirt and skinned her knees. Also not the highlight. She is okay by the way. I thought the best part of the run was the trail around Jenkinson lake. It was more similar to the trails we have been running in GB, compared to the rest of the course. I kept thinking that these trails were easier than our trail marathon will be...I guess we will wait and see. I also loved the aid stations: candy bars, potatos dipped in salt, rice krispie treats! yum!!! I think we spent 5 minutes at each aid station enjoying the grub. I was ready to pull up a chair at the last one and have a feast, lol!

I ran 12 hard (and slow) miles today at Lagoon Valley. Chad was out there mountain biking and we got a late start so it was pretty hot and dry in the exposed sun. Not my favorite run, but I was happy to go out for lunch at the new Five Guys Burgers with Chad afterwards. It was a treat since I have been watching my food intake :)

Here are some photos from last week's race and my run today at Lagoon Valley:

Running Flats

Looks like things have been fairly quiet with all the other authors holding their tongue.  My rehab continues with my hammie getting better each day.  During our east coast visit I have been able to get some running in with my traveling running flats.  They are thin soled shoes with thin uppers that travel well ... light weight taking little suit case space.  Proabably the closest I will ever get to going bare foot.

Running in Chatham the last three days has been great.  I'm up to six easy miles with no twinges or soreness.  Janet says that's good, especially since I couldn't run at all a month or so ago.  Now in Nantucket, looking forward to some longer runs, but not too far, before we return home later this week.  I still have to watch my distance not to increase it too quickly.  Maybe I will be able to increase it up to the magic 26.2  miles to get a Parrot Predictor Time.

New England Racing Update

Hello to all of those west-coasters! The New England race circuit is going strong. Yesterday I completed my fourth triathlon of the summer, posting my best results. I placed 2nd in my age group (out of 33) and 41st overall (out of 636) in an Olympic distance tri in southern MA. I'm happy with my results, but was aiming for a bit faster pace on the run - shooting for 6:50 pace and was at 7:04. The swim is by far my weakest of the three, and I'm taking masters swim classes over the winter with the goal of getting my Olympic distance swim time down to around 22-23 min (from current time of 26 min).

The prior week was a 7 mile race in Gloucester (or for those of you familiar with New England, pronounced as 'Glosta'). Went 47:07 and 68th of 841.

Next up is a 25K on the 'North Shore' on September 6th, then a half marathon on the 25th, and a duathlon on October 17th. I'm shooting for 1:49 in the 25k and really hoping for 1:30 - 1:32 in the half. My plan is to build to a marathon in the fall of 2011 with the hope of qualifying for Boston - I'd need a 3:10:59 or less! I'm only running around 25-30 miles per week now, so with building up my mileage I feel that qualifying for Boston is definitely feasible.

Uncle Todd - hope your recovery is going well!

Rehab with envy

Rehab continues ... this morning I went 4 miles and still felt well at the end. It took everything in me to limit it to only 4. I already broke by 10% rule, but I have to think that 26.2 is too may 10%'s away for little jumps. I now have changed my rule to 10% or 1 mile, which ever is greater ... increase then hold steady for a while, that's the ticket. A slow steady return will hopefully be the trick to get the hammie back in shape.

As Alexa gets ready for her September trail race, I watch with envy as she goes out the door to do some real running. She is visiting for golf with Janet and needed to get nine in tonight ...  lucky for her, too many for me to even think about.  She is really enjoying her trail training.

I added a page to the blog with "Upcoming Races". It can be found with clicking on the page name to the right (but don't click yet). Links to the web sites are attached and will hopefully work ok (this web stuff is confusing). If you have never done trails before, it really seems interesting to me. Todd Y, "the little, big one", runs the Tahoe Trails Ultra in 2 weeks; Alexa and Katy do their Marathon in 4 weeks. So as I continue to ice, run on! (try that click to the right now).

Ice - My New Best Friend

Half committed!

Big thanks to Todd for putting together this blog. He's been our inspirational leader over the years. His interest, knowledge and communication has helped many of us progress as marathoners. I'm excited for a strong fall running season in spite of the fact that last week was one of my worst weeks in a few months. The Saturday before yesterday I got sick after a strong 50 mile week. As a result last week I logged only 6 miles. I'm ready to get back after it this week. No running injuries - so I should be all set.

I'm going on the record... I will try to qualify for Boston this CIM. I know this is a long shot given my current fitness. In order to have a chance I need to focus on the following 3 things over the next 16 weeks.

1. High Mileage - average 55 miles per week.
2. Lose Weight - shed by about half pound per week so that my CIM weight is at 174.
3. Avoid Injuries - sleep a minimum of 7 hours per night.

Time will tell if I have the discipline to stay on goal. I'm looking forward to reporting my progress over the fall and using this blog as a vehicle for personal accountability. With that, here are my weekly Goals.

1. 55 Miles.
2. Parrott 3:59.
3. 182 Lbs.

Keep moving forward!

As my dad mentioned, I am busy training for my first trail marathon with my running friend Katy. We both PR'd last year at CIM and she is also an accomplished 50-miler! We are running the Sierra Nevada Endurance Run marathon on Saturday 9/25 and I am looking forward to it. I just started running on the trails a month ago and I love it so far. It is slower, tougher, more beautiful, you get really dirty, and I love my new Nathan hydration backpack! I have also learned to do a rub-down with Technu to prevent poison oak after my runs! good times. This will be my 8th marathon and we are also signed up for CIM in December.

I am looking forward to an 18-miler tomorrow morning. We are going to run from Twin Rocks in Granite Bay to Auburn, which is the same trail as our upcoming marathon.

Dad, thanks for setting up this blog. I am happy to hear you are "slowly" getting back out there.

Here are some photos that I wanted to share:
1. After a recent trail run
2. Beautiful Folsom Lake where we have been running on the trails
3. Yes, this is dirt on my legs. I was shocked after my first run. I have also purchased black socks, which help because the white ones are hard to clean after that.
4. Here is one of my favorite running photos with my sister Abby (from the finish of Run to Feed the Hungry 10K last year). Abby, I love how much fun you are!
5. And lastly, here is a video from a recent trail run (not the greatest quality, but you get the idea)

Our Newest Member

Eleanor in the hospital.

Gloves On Ready for a Morning Run

With this blog still in it's infant stage, I thought we needed to pep it up a little.  So, of course, I thought about trying to put some pictures on it.  What could be better than to welcome our newest member, Eleanor.  Now I can no way compete with Elizabeth's blog.  I must say that Eleanor is beyond cute (aren't all babies?) and she is more joy than a runner's high (I'm not really sure if I get that).  Anyway Elizabeth and Eleanor have been occupying the heart and minds of many.  After weeks and months of anticipation we Welcome Eleanor.  No marathons for her now.  But ... the other day I was wondering if we just might some day run one together.  How great would that be?  We both will have to do work hard on our training.  Which reminds me.  Since this is suppose to be about running, I thought I might just talk a little about running.

How cute is Eleanor?

Today was my first day out in 17 days.  I last ran on August 4.  Nursing a "hammie" since early July has been miserable.  I tried resting a week but then reinjured it.  Another 9 days off and still no good.  This morning I just couldn't take it any longer.  I decided to do a "walk-jog."  Walking at a 14:30 pace leaving home seemed OK, but when I tried running down the first hill, I felt a slight tightening of my hamstring.  Better back it down to a fast walk!  Seemed like it felt better "running" up the small inclines.  Turned at 1 1/2 miles; still OK.  I followed the same routine to home, jog uphill, walk downhill, with only slight tightening of the leg.  Sitting with a bag of ice under my left leg feels great right now.  What a crazy way to have fun.  Anyway, feels pretty good now.  I may skip tomorrow and try the same on Monday.  The CIM, marathon in Sacramento in December, seems like it is rapidly approaching and it may be hard for me to keep my training at a low enough level long enough not to get reinjured.  It sure is hard to follow my own advise to increase mileage slowly.  All this came about by jumping from 25 mile weeks to 45 miles week as I was getting ready to train for a PR.  Stupid me!

Abby, Elizabeth, Alexa, and Eleanor

You can tell you are a runner by the amount of joy you get when running.  It was a GREAT morning to be out there today.  Leaving home at 6 AM, there was a slight coolness with some clouds in the sky.  Getting ready, I grabbed a long sleeve top and noted it was from the 20th annual CIM in 2002.  It reminded me I have been at this for a while.   Hopefully, I will be able to rehab over the next couple weeks to months.  I started to think about some goals as I was on my way back home and then remembered I just have to get healthy now.  One step at a time.

One of the things I hope to soon add is a page with upcoming races.  I know a lot of us are planning on CIM in December.  Alexa has a trail marathon next month and Todd Y has an ultra 50K trail run in Tahoe.  Not sure what else others are planning.

This blog stuff is confusing.

Finally, this is suppose to be a community blog, and I want the others to WRITE not just comment.  We can give author rights to you.  I look forward to seeing this site grow.  Stay well and I hope to see you at the starting line.

Welcome to the Mighty Marathoners

Six years ago two of my daughters and several of their friends decided to run a marathon with me.  All of them were first timers to the marathon; it was my eleventh one.  As we trained, we sent emails back and forth updating others with our progress.  As the excitement grew to race day we included notes to the support team that grew around us.  We needed a name for ourselves and thus we became the "Mighty Marathoners".   Many years later and lots of runs behind us, we still need encouragement.  The group email just does not seem to work anymore.  This blog, hopefully, will provide a way for us to easily communicate with others, giving information about upcoming runs, training programs, race results, and anything else we want to talk about about.  I hope to set up different sections for results, photos, bios, and who knows whatever.  It's for both runners and supporters.  Blog on.