Z-DOG BLOG

Pineland Farms Trail Challenge

2009-05-24T12:18:00.012-04:00

Well, the summer is officially started for me with the Pineland Farms 50K. This race had been up in the air if I was going to run it or not, but with the plan of stacking races though the spring and summer for Burning River, it ended up being a prefect time to jump to a longer race.

Getting up to Maine was absolutely beautiful. I had not been to Maine in a long time and was pretty happy to mark it off my state list. My third state for the year already!

I had saw on the Ultra list that some folks, Mike and Paige, were going to be heading up there. I actually ran into them in the parking lot before the race. Mike’s colorful chili pepper shorts gave him away. I chatted a bit with them and it was time for me to get ready for the race.

While getting ready, I started talking the guy in the car next to me. His name was Blaine and he was a local runner who ran with the Trail Monsters running club who runs trails in the area. I got some course tips and advice from him. As we talked more, he saw my Vertical Runner shirt and realized he knew my friend and fellow VR runner Lloyd! Small world.

The Course

The Pineland race course is made of a 25K figure eight (or what felt like a figure eight) loop. Basically, about 10 miles on the first loops that weaves in and out of single track pine woods to tall grassy fields. The back 5 miles was mostly trail with some bigger hills.

The hills on the course were constant. You were either going up or down. No flat really. The toughest sections for me were the grass fields. The angle of the trail in those sections had you running almost sideways. But the change of terrain was pretty constant which helped.

The Race
We gathered in the start corral for the pre-race meeting. We got the low down on the course and also instructed not to bitch about the fields. Everyone got a laugh out of that.

Then we were off! I went out a bit fast early on. (Shocking I know.) But after 7 or 8 miles I settled into a good pace. It was about then my stomach started flip-flopping on me. After a bit, another runner started running with me. She recognized my VR shirt and ended up being VR’s Inov rep! This world keeps getting smaller! We talked for a bit while holding a pretty good pace. My stomach was still going nuts so I was quietly looking for a strategic place to puke. The company did me wonders and eventually, I got things under control.

After hitting the back loop, I went through the first lap in 2:08. A bit fast, but I was very happy I was on pace to finally break 5 hours (my goal for the day.) Bad news was I had missed my drop bag somehow. DOH! Oh well.

I kept an even pace and ran all the hills until finally about mile 20 which has a pretty big hill. By now it was nice, the 25kers were out on the course with us and they were awesome to run with and being very encouraging.

As I headed back towards the final back loop I was starting to feel a bit tired. I needed those gels that were in my drop bag. As luck would have it, an aide station appeared! Perfect timing. I grabbed some food and left the aide station while they were playing one of my favorite songs of all time, Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers…

“Oh Lord, I feel like I am dying, yeah…” echoed from the station as I ran out towards the final back loop. Rather appropriate timing for that song.

Feeling better but still feeling a bit low once I got to the back loop, I decided it was time for the old standby. I hit another aide station and it was time for some tunes.

Funny how songs take on a new meaning when hear them in a new light. The first tune started playing and it was The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. For the most part, I really hate most EMO crap. I mean seriously, how you can put Emo bands on the same playing field as The Sex Pistols, Black Flag, or Bad Religion is a joke. Anywaaaaaay, this song has a lot of meaning to me and got me moving again.

I pushed through the final back loop. It was then I was passed by the 50 mile winner, Leigh Schmidt! He said hi and hung with him for a bit. I was fighting off some quad cramping issues, but was still able to run some hills.

Next, I came up on Paige. She was doing great and running still very strong. I had read on her blog she was very happy to be there in Maine and was really excited. So, it was nice seeing she was having a great day, too. We talked a bit and I pushed on as she stopped to stretch out her legs.

The last few miles I ran with this guy who was hilarious. He was a 25ker. We kept playing leap frog. I would pass him, and he would pass me back. Each time he gave me the rocker sign and put his fist out to give me “knucks.”

I hit the last aid station and by my calculations (or as I call it, Finish Line Algebra), I was hoping I could finish in the 4:30s which would have been sweet. By now my legs were pretty shot so the last mile took a bit longer…ended up 4:41 on the clock. A PR by 31 minutes! Pretty thrilled with that.

The Stats

I am still collecting data about my races and using my heart rate is working very well. I had misjudged a bit in the early stages of this race and went out about 7:20 pace. Once I found a better pace I hung in the 8:30-9:30 pace for most of the race.

As you can see, I spent most of the time in Zone2 (132-147 bpm) and Zone3 (147-162 bpm) which is where I wanted to be. My overall average was 150bmp which is about 73% of my maximum heart rate based on a max of 192 and a resting heartrate of about 40.

For this kind of race, I think this is where I should have been. So, all in all, pretty good results. I am getting on track with where I want to be by August in the heat.

Great Kobe vs LeBron commercial

2009-05-23T16:35:00.000-04:00

If you have not seen this commercial yet, it is awesome! I loved it!

Pacing at Cleveland Marathon

2009-05-17T13:25:00.005-04:00

The email came in Tuesday morning…”Cleveland Marathon lost it’s second half pacer for the 3:20 pace group.” Being only days away, this isn’t good. Since I wasn’t going to run Cleveland this year and taper for the 50k the next weekend, I was like, what the hell. Nice fast run..1:40 half marathon then back off the rest of the week. Sounds like fun!

Ok, so for all you non-runners out there…a MARATHON pacer is a person who runs with a sign as a specific pace so people who are trying to run a certain speed or qualify for Boston have some one to help them. They are free of charge and supplied by the marathon for it’s participants.

So, I got the call from Kelly, who heads up the pace group. She informed me that 3:20 was covered now, but they had some problems with the 3:00 pacers. Hmmm. 1:40 half marathon a week before an ultra..sure…, but a 1:30 half might hurt a bit more. Doable…but would probably impact my race. We then worked out a plan to have three people instead of two cover the 3:00 group. Cool.

She then asked me if I had experience pacing. I told her I had. But it usually involved a head lamp, being up all night, and at least one person puking. Kelly informed me that it should be that bad. Bummer!

I went to the expo and got to meet all kinds of people and also met some folks who were going to try and break 3 hours the next day. Vince was there with Vertical Runner. Talked to him a bit while there too. Also got to see tons of the VR Training group folks. It was a total blast.

Some of the perks of the weekend was a hotel room downtown in the Radisson (great view of the city), valet parking, VIP access to everywhere, food, shirts, more food, more shirts…it was great. So, I got to do what I love doing and got paid for it. Sweeeet.

So, the next day was crazy. Got up and headed down to the Galleria to meet up with the other pacers. Found Sean, one of the other 3 hours guys (pictured above next to me with his tongue out Gene Simmons style), and headed to the start coral. Right up front and center. Right behind the elites. Pretty damn cool. Having trained with a few of the folks up there, I talked with them for a bit. Wished them luck and BANG...off we went!

We shot out the start a bit quick and rounded the stadium at about 5:30 pace. A bit fast. The guys were going to back it down and get in a groove. I hit the first mile marker so my watch was synced and bit them farewell until mile 18.

We were then rushed to a car and escorted out to Mile 18. And waited.

I got warmed up and started running in reverse to meet up with the group. Saw the leaders going past. A bunch of the SERC guys came flying past. Everyone looked and was running very strong. Then I saw the balloons. It was Sean….RIGHT ON TIME!

I started running with Sean and got a quick briefing of how things were going. We were a bit a head of schedule, but we wanted to run around a 2:59. We were at 6:46 pace so things were looking good. He still had a group runners, and in the group was the first place female. I took the balloons and Sean dropped back to help another VR runner qualify for Boston (way to go, Sean! and congrats Howard!)

For the record, it isn’t easy running with those balloons in that wind. But, I found a way to rest it on my shoulder and pushed through it. The group pasted Mile 23 and we were still on time. At this point, I started to pick up people who were ahead of me and told them this train was pulling in BEFORE 3:00 on the clock. A few guys were hurting, but some encouragement helped and they were hanging with us. The group kept growing.

As we rounded towards the finish, the wind got worse and worse. I began to yell at people to get behind me so they could draft a bit and get out of the wind. I remembered how windy it was at Boston this year, so I knew it was beating on them pretty good by now. By mile 26, I had a line of guys in a train. Not realizing I had picked up about 5 guys. I guess I wasn’t joking about bringing this train in on time! They got a kick out of the “Pain Train” comment ala Terry Tate.

As we pushed down the home stretch, the crowd was going nuts. It was great. Then I could see the clock…oh yeah!

We did it! 2:59:16! On the money!!!!

I crossed the timing mats at the finish line and I walked to get a drink of water. On my way, I was tackled from behind. One of the "Pain Train" members was hugging me, completely out of breathe, and saying he could have not done it without me. What cool experience….except the whole guy hug thing and all…well, you know.

As for pacing, sign me up! I told Kelly, I had a great time and would LOVE to do it again. However, my next pacing gig is going to be back in the woods in June.

Divided by Night: New Crystal Method Album!

2009-05-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

Finally! After 5 years, a new album from one of my favorite groups out there, The Crystal Method, has released Divided by Night. I grabbed it the day it came out on iTunes and listened to it at work all day. Great album! Not quite as good as their first album Vegas, but it keeps growing on me the more I listen to it.

If you jump on iTunes, check out tracks: Divided by Night, Smile?, Double Down Under, and my favorite Drown In the Now featuring Matisyahu (awesome song!)

Sadly, checking their website, no Cleveland dates have been released for the tour. I have caught them several times over the years and they still rank as one of the best shows I have ever seen.

However, there is one in Vegas…hmmmmm.

Run 4 Life

2009-05-09T13:11:00.001-04:00

While I was in Boston, my roommate, Joe, and I had many discussions about training. Joe is a bit heart rate training guy. It is how he has trained for many years and credits it to staying healthy and injury-free. He has been running a very long time and still gets it done. (Over 50 years old and runs a sub 3 hour marathon!) He credits it to his heart rate based training. Thinking he might be on to something.

Now, the funny part is I have been wearing a HRM for quite some time. You would think I would be looking at that data more closely. I review it after a race, but that is pretty much the extent of it. I guess I approached it from the idea of seeing what my heart rate was at a certain pace and distance instead of looking at it the other way around, what my pace is at a certain heart rate.

Basically, my racing is very similar, I typically go out too fast and never, NEVER adjust for things like wind and hills on my pacing. I always jokingly say my race strategy is this: light my hair on fire and run to towards the finish line. (Which explains the second half of Boston.) For the most part this has worked pretty well, but I see some huge gain if I were to even out my pacing. Paying closer attention to the down hills in the beginning of Boston may have helped in the second half. So, I have decided to really bring in HR based training and racing.

First, I needed a bench mark. So I thought this race would be good. I used a previous 5k as a guide and determined my pacing from there. However, at the last minute, I changed my heart rate zones to be a bit more aggressive. What could go wrong, right?

Read on.

So, at the race I saw some folks I knew and chatted with them while I got ready. Got warmed up with Tracy and Paul, then headed to the start. And off we went.

Like in typical fashion, my pacing was dead on my new expected rate and hit the first mile marker 5:59. Hmmm. I was had originally was thinking 6:15 pace was a better starting point. But I was feeling pretty good. Who doesn’t at mile one, right?

At this point, I had moved into the number 5 slot was right behind number 4 guy and I had Tracey and Paul right behind me. We hit mile two at 12:20 and still held our same positions. I was right behind 4th place guy, and Tracey and Paul and drifted back a bit. Still going well, but starting to feel it a bit. At this point the wind really picked up on the course.

We hit mile 3 at 18:50, but now 4th place guy was pulling from me and I was really feeling it. At about 3.5 miles Tracey caught me. I had thought about pushing it again, but didn’t want to jeopardize 6th place as well and let her go.

We round the corner and finished the race in 25:26. A new 4 mile PR! Good for 6th overall and 2nd in my age group. Not bad for a “test” race. My fifth PR of the year, too!

So what did I learn?

My max heart rate isn’t as high as I had thought. The last minute change in zones nailed me a bit in late stages of the race. However, I have a great plan for a 5k now.

Wind really does impact your heart rate…Joe you were right!

Over the summer, I am going to do much more heart rate analysis on my runs and races and see what I can do by fall.

First Place at Run for the Border!

2009-05-05T23:57:00.001-04:00

I teamed up with Steve H from Vertical Runner for this race in downtown Cleveland. It was a total blast. Here is how the race goes down…you run from station to station. At each station you get a clue where the next one is. No one knows the exact route. All we knew was it was 3-3.5 miles.

Not knowing until just before we started there was going to be drinking involved. I am not sure, but it was right then I knew this was going to be the greatest race ever.

So, 3-3.5 miles, 1 shot of tequila, and 1 corona later Steve and I cross the line. Almost 20 minutes flat. Cleared second place by 10 seconds. Two minutes faster than last year's winning time. So, it was a course record, too! How 'bout that!

I have to say, it wasn’t pretty. Holding a 6 minute pace after a shot of tequila and chugging a beer was ROUGH. ROUGH! But they say you learn a lot about yourself running. I wasn't expecting learning this.

But a win is a win. Guess Steve and I have to return next year to defend our crown.

Until then, I will be drinking, err, I mean training.

Boston Marathon

2009-04-25T16:00:00.001-04:00

It has been a bit since my last update. Things have been really busy since Boston. But here goes…

Wow. I don’t even know where to start with this one. This past weekend was really indescribable. Events were very surreal upon arrival. Strangely, everything I saw was how I had always pictured it: people with Boston Race jackets on the plane, banners all over the airport welcoming runners, the cold, wet spring time Boston weather.

I really don’t think it all hit me until I got to the expo and picked up my number. The room where you get your number and shirt was this long, long hallway. Along it are the numbers for pickup. Most marathons, packet pickup is just a line or two. This one had rows and rows of numbers. I couldn't believe my eyes. And that was just the numbers! In the next room, there were dozens of people handing out the race shirts. Once again, most races have one person doing this. Boston had teams of people based on size.

As for the race, it was a great time. The fans and folks of Boston are amazing. They are Bostonians though and through. In one cheer they are loving you…and ripping you at the same time. It is great. But no matter what, they are cheers and love the runners. Best rip said to me at a water stop…”Thought you guys were supposed to be the best???” Damn! Where did that come from!?!

I can’t say I am totally satisfied with my time. The course beat me up way more than I expected. Heading into the Newton Hills, things were starting to get ugly.

I had been warned by several veteran runners about this. They had done the exact same thing. I told folks after, it was like watching a train coming right at you, and you don’t move. You know it is going to hit you, and there you stand. Boom. Too late.

All said and done. 3:20 was the time. I placed in the top 5,000 people (80% finish) in the arguably most competitive marathon in the world. That makes me a solid B runner in the big picture. I will take that. Aside from my time, those were my goals. And I have a sweet jacket now to boot.

I learned a lot in Beantown this year and can’t wait to try it again. Booking my hotel now for next year. The countdown has started…342 days, 18 hours, 3 minutes and 32 seconds until Monday, April 19, 2010 at 10:00:00 AM. See you all in Hopington…again.

Boston

2009-04-19T10:13:00.003-04:00

Well, I am here. Back in Boston. Great to be back with a sort of prodigal son like feeling. Lots of memories. I know many of you are going to be tracking my progress so I wanted to post some info about the race ccoverage.

Go USA! Keep an eye on Hall and Sell on the men's and Goucher on the female. It would be great to bring the cup home and get Hall higher in there Marathon Majors.

My bib number is 5675. I will be starting at 10 in wave 1, corral #5.

AT&T has set up Athlete Alert where you can track people's progress. You can get there HERE. On that page is a nice listing of the top runners, both male and female. Go USA! Keep an eye on Hall and Sell on the men's and Goucher on the female. It would be great to bring the cup home and get Hall higher in there Marathon Majors.

There is also Internet TV coverage on WBIZ and on Universal Sports.

Boston's WBIZ also has an entire section set up with all kinds of marathon info like a Heart Break Hill Webcam. Pretty cool site.

Well off to the expo to get my number and then head to dinner with the SERC runners tonight!

12th place at Spring Classic

2009-04-06T12:00:00.000-04:00

It looks like spring time is finally here. This past weekend was the annual Spring Classic Half Marathon in Strongsville. With Boston just two weeks away, I had originally wrote this one off. After a workout this week, Vince talked me into it.

I had gotten some calls later in the week that Kevin and Rob were also going to be running it. Talking with them, we formed a basic plan: go out easy, about 6:55-7:00 min pace then pick it up in the second half. For once, that is what I did.

The race started and settled in the pace. It felt good holding that pace and was able to talk to Kevin about Boston a bit. As this thinned out, we formed a group which was Kevin and myself holding the line, and Michelle (another VR Runner who was holding 1st place Masters and 2nd female overall.) An update from Corigan informed us at that time, we were about 25th place overall.

As we made our way out to the first turn around, the wind started picking up quite a bit. But the group held. Kevin and I formed a wind wall for Michelle. As we made our way to half way, I wanted to jump the pace, but keep pulling myself back.

As we hit the second turn around which though the running path, the group started to splinter. At this time, I figured it was time to get the party started and I finally picked put the pace and started moving on folks. I passed a few by mile 7. A second update told me I mad moved to 20th place.

Hold the pace, I caught a number of folks to the next turn around. Going into mile 10, the wind REALLY picked up. I pushed even harder, but my pace seemed to hold the same. My final update as that I had passed 15th pace and was gaining on 14th and 13th.

The wind was crazy. Holding my visor as I ran, it was getting impossible to hold the pace I need to go sub 1:30. I was able to pick off a few last folks to come in just over 1:31 and 12th place overall. Sadly, 9th ,10th ,11th were all with in seconds of each other and also ages 30-34. Left me 4th in my age group! Oh well. I was happy with my placement and a new PR.

So that is it. That was my last long training run for Boston. It is taper time. 4th race of the year and my 4th PR! Nothing else I can do now, but rest and work on my race plan.

Steak on a Stone

2009-03-30T16:31:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I had heard of this place you can go eat called Steak on a Stone <http://www.steakonastone.us/> Basically, this restaurant brings you a plate out with a stone on it heated to about 700 degrees. On it is an uncooked steak. So, while you eat it, it cooks it slowly. Different idea all together. I had to check this place out.

Basically, the principle of it is the first bite and the last are exactly the same. So, Jeff and I headed there and I got the filet. Wow. I have to say, it may have been the best steak I have ever had. Plus, I cooked it. It was awesome.

If you are in the Montrose area, there is one there. I heard there is one up in Cleveland as well.

The wine selection was not the most indepth I have seen. But, it did have some by the glass that were pretty good. You mght be better off ordering bottle serivce is you are there with a group who like wine.

After the weekend I had a steak really hit the spot. I hadn't had a good steak in a long time. Going to have to get there again very soon.

Last Long Training Run for Boston

2009-03-29T12:24:00.002-04:00

Every year Vertical Runner organizes the Are you ready for Boston (Hope you Like Hills) Group Run. This is a 19 mile run through the CVNP on the some of the worst hills there. Basically, the course tries to simulate the Boston Marathon course. Long down hill, then some small rolling hills. Then a tough climb up Oak Hill. More rolling hills. Another big down hill to the Valley again. Then up Hines Hill (about a 2 mile climb) to the Hike and Bike to head back.

This year Vince talked me into making it a little different and doing what he did last year which was to double Hines Hill. Hmmm. Ok! What could possibly go wrong. Well, we did it. And it sucked. We even finished off on the Boston trail instead of the H&B. Guess Vince didn't get enough.

Final stats for the day way just over 23 Miles at just under 8 minute pace. The combined vertical was 6,300 feet (3187 gain & 3144 loss).

Elevation Chart

Run For Your Life! 5k

2009-03-28T11:19:00.002-04:00

I have to say that this race was completely unexpected. The week got away from me and I started an unintentional taper (which means I blow off some workouts during the week.) This left me pretty well rested. So, I looked for a 5k in the area on Saturday morning.

For some strange reason, whenever I now look for a random 5k and check the results the previous year, my buddy Lloyd has ran it. Never fails. Once again, checking there was Lloyd. The other good token is that this usually means good luck for me.

I had done pretty well in the early part of the season on some very hilly courses and was wondering how I would do on a flat course. After warming up and seeing it, I knew this was going to be a good race.

I went out a tad too fast again (big surprise) but managed to settle in just after mile 1. By mile 2, we had separated ourselves pretty good from the rest of the runners. I glanced back just before mile 2 marker and didn’t see anyone. Hit mile 2 at 11:30 and realized that I had a good chance at PRing. I held the pace and stayed with the guy right in front of me. Rounded mile 3 and head the time 17:30! We pushed in pretty hard and managed to hit an 18:40! PR!

So, my third race of the year and my third PR in a row. I am pretty happy as of right now with my Boston preparation. Going into a half marathon next weekend should be the final test. But all signs are looking pretty darn good.

As for the race, I placed 8th overall out of 500 people and won my age group out of 27 guys. Bad news: I missed the course record for my age group by just 15 seconds. Have to work on my pacing before Boston.

Next up Spring Classic Half Marathon!

Song of the Week: Sex on Fire by the Kings of Leon

26.2 Days to Boston!

2009-03-26T11:09:00.002-04:00

That is what the email read from the race I received yesterday. Hard to believe it is that close. Along with the reminder, I did get my bib information and starting assignment. I was pumped to see that my qualifying time got me into Wave 1. Wave 1 starts at 10am with 14,000 other people broken up in 14 1,000 person corrals. Wave 2, with another 14,000ish people, will go at 10:30am.

Crazy.

In my starting corral alone is about 6 times larger than my qualifying race. The gravity of the race is starting to really grow.

Along with my starting info I got my Bib number which is #5675. The bibs are assigned by your qualifying time. So happy to have made the 5000s! You can follow the progress of the runners on the website by the bib number. If all goes according to plan, I should be rounding the last corner just after 1:00pm.

St. Malachi 5 Mile

2009-03-15T17:07:00.002-04:00

The entire week I was out in Boulder, once again. I wasn’t able to climb any mountains this time, but did get a few nice runs in. The Rockies had their snow caps and look amazing in the blue sky. I still managed to get a sun burn while out there. Lucky me.

While out there, my buddy Jim talked me into running the St Malachi race back in Cleveland. I had a late flight coming back, so I know it wasn’t going to be pretty. My flight ended up having delays and I got in even later. Saturday morning came EARLY and next thing I know Jim is in my driveway waiting to head up. We swung through Independence and picked up another runner Courtney and head to downtown Cleveland.

The St Malachi is known for being a pretty big race in the spring. Lots of folks come out to run it. This year, there was over 1,500 people. Not bad for a 5 miler. Not bad if you figure that is almost as many people who run the Cleveland Marathon! Chip timed and everything.

The race went well. I did my usual and went out too fast. Hit the first three miles in 5:50, 6:00. 6:05. Of course, Jim had told me that the course was a little hilly, but all in all pretty flat. Yeah right. This was a pretty hilly course and hit several bridges around the Cleveland Flats.

I ended up being pretty happy with my overall finish. Final time was 32:46 which was good for 71st place out of 1592 total runners and 11th of 141 guys in my age group. Good for a 95% finishing place. One of my highest finishers ever. And a PR to boot! That’s another PR in 2009 already! Not bad on less than 4 hours of sleep.

So, I also found out the best part of this race is the post race party at McCarthy’s. Got to see a bunch of my running friends (many of which I think have been hibernating all winter!) and got to make some fun plans for Boston. Which reminds me…5 weeks ‘til Boston!

Song of the Week: I will Survive (Remix)

Shamrock 15k

2009-03-09T10:28:00.004-04:00

It is official, the 2009 race season is here. March always mark the end of winter and the running of the Shamrock. And every year I get my ass kicked on this course. However, I have to admit, this year not so much! My Boston training looks like it may be starting pay off.

Last year, we were not sure if the race was going to happen due to a snow storm the night before. This was a complete change from last year. This year was my kind of weather...cold and rainy. However, it could have been a bit less rainy. During the early miles of the race, it really came down.

My final stats for the day was a time of 1:05 (5 minutes off my PR!) 15th overall and 2nd in my age group. All in all, a pretty good day. Next up...good question. Need one more race or so before I leave for Beantown. Hmmm....

2008 Recap & 2009 Update

2009-03-03T00:12:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been a while since my last update. Ok, so I haven't posted one yet this year. Since it is March now, I guess I better get something out there.

2008 recap

Wow...what a year. Seriously, folks. Ok, so the year is over. I was going over things and looking at the year. It was a tough year for me personally. It was also very busy with work and...well...running. My goals were pretty simple for the year: PR in everything and qualify for Boston. For the most part I did that. I didn't actually break my 5k...I tied it. (However, I did tie it running second overall at the race!) But everything else 10k to 100k was set.

Along the way, there were some very cool things that happened:

Climbed my first mountain (Bear Peak in Boulder)
Ran my first 100k
Ran my fist 10 miler...always been on my list of todo's
Ran 27 races total...6 were in one month, July
Ran 10 races straight finishing in the 90 percentile or higher
Ran over 2,200 miles (somewhere between 2200-2400...lost some data early this year)

2009 Update & Plan

So I have been busying trying to figure out the rest of the year and also set some goals like I did last year. Where those are still finalizing I do have things close. At least, I do know my goal races for the year. No surprise that Boston is my number one focus for the first half of the year. For the second half, I am planning on running the Burning River 100. I know that many of you knew this was coming and I jinxed myself by saying that if I made it to Boston, I am going to reward myself with a 100 Miler. What better one to do that one in my backyard.

Of course, this does mean that I mean to make it throw the first half of the year in one piece. This has been a ROUGH winter with the cold, but Spring isn't far off.

Are those my only two races? Hell, no. I hope you all know me better than that! I have some lined up. Beating 27 will be tough to do, so I expect fewer but longer races.

Top 20 Songs in iTunes for 2008

2009-01-10T16:38:00.000-05:00

I was listening to the radio the other day, and the Top 20 Countdown for 2008 came on. I was curious what MY top 20 was. So, as part of my 2008 review, I happened to notice these songs were my most played songs in iTunes. Most of these are from races and workouts. So, I guess this is what I listen to the most. Anyway...here it is....

Country Grammar to Sweet Home Alabama Remix by Lynyrd Skynyrd Vs. Nelly
In the Club to Staying Alive Remix by 50 Cent Vs. Bee Gees
I'm Shipping Up to Boston by The Dropkick Murphys
Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle) by Limp Bizkit
Hobo Humpin' Slobo Babe by Whale
About Mr. Brown by O.A.R.
Jump Around by House of Pain
Thunder Kiss '65 by White Zombie
This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race by Fall Out Boy
Name Of The Game by The Crystal Method
The N***a Ya Love to Hate by Ice Cube
Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue
Lonely Train by Black Stone Cherry
Hotel California by Bob Marley (Remake)
Bullet And A Target by Citizen Cope
Sugar We're Going Down by Fall Out Boy
Billie Jean by Chris Cornell (Remake)
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor by The Arctic Monkeys
Against the Wind by Cornbread Red
Bring tha Noize by Public Enemy & Anthrax

Technical Difficulties

2009-01-09T22:41:00.001-05:00

I am back! Whew!

After some technical difficulties, we now return you to your regular scheduled web page...

GNYER 5K: Last Race of the Year

2008-12-31T17:03:00.005-05:00

Once again, the Great New Years Eve Race (known as the GNYER) marked the last race of the year. Bringing 2008 to a close. I still need to tally up some stats, but this was my 27th race of the year. I had really hoped to stay under 20 minutes here, however, this years conditions made that a bit tough for me. Aside from the ice, wind, and snow, I did manage to place 4th in my age group and 33rd overall. My highest placement at the GNYER. So I was pretty happy with that.

This also marked the last year that Steve is going to be the race director. I met Steve a few years back working the finish line to a race in Stow. At the start of the GNYER, it was announced that Paul Organ is going to be taking the race over. Steve left some pretty big shoes to fill, but Paul will do an awesome job I am sure! Steve, thanks for putting on a great race every year!

I hope everyone had a great New Year and I am looking forward to 2009.

See you all next year!

Cannonball!

2008-12-28T16:44:00.005-05:00

A bit behind from the holidays. Going to be posting some updates to get caught up....

So, today was the 2nd annual Waterfalls run my boy Nick puts on the last Saturday of the year. Basically, it is a trip through the CVNP on trails hitting three different Waterfalls: Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls, and Buttermilk Falls. This year there was a TON of folks out there. Looked like at least 40 people. Crazy!

Luckily, you will see why in a second, the weather was REALLY warm and temps for up to the 40s. Made for a bit sloppy trails, but it was really nice out.

Well, during one of the water crossings by Buttermilk Falls, I see Steve H. crossing the water like a sissy. So, I went flying through the water to splash him. I stopped right next to him and yelled, “CANNONBALL!”

Unfortunately, I fail to realize that I was standing in water that was actually a complete sheet of ice underneath. You can guess what happened next. As I kicked the water at Steve, my other foot gave and I went down in the water like a huge…cannonball!

It was COOOOLD and the water went up almost to my neck. I flew out of the stream laughing with Steve who almost fell laughing as well. I noted this is twice running with Steve on that trail that karma bit me. During the summer, I was in mid sentence making fun of him and Vince when I kneed a fallen tree I was jumping over. This was twice karma got me!

Everyone seemed to think I actually did a cannonball on purpose. I didn’t think I am that crazy, but it seems others do! Anyway, I did a quick poll of everyone with cameras, I thought I was lucky and got away with no one getting a picture of it. Whew! Safe!

Until I got home later that day and received a message from Facebook. It appeared I was wrong. Janet had her Blackberry and caught the fall and posted it on Facebook. Way to be “Johnny on the Spot with the Crackberry”, Janet!

So, here is where it gets good. Seems the picture leaked out at work from fellow Davey-Facebookers and signs began going up along with cannonball jokes. Then I get to my office last week and low and behold. I find a t-shirt with the moment commemorated on it with instructions to where it in Boston. Lucky me! My coworkers are great. Unfortunately, I am going to have to retaliate!

Christmas Ale Night 2008

2008-12-22T15:23:00.003-05:00

Christmas Ale Night 2008 was another complete success. It was great seeing everyone who came out. Trying to get a final count, but it looked like about 30ish people throughout the evening.

If you have any pictures you want to add to the site, just let me know. I got a few that I will be posting shortly...after a bit of editing of course! You can thank Kurt for that. What I get for leaving my camera on a table unattended.

Also a bit thanks for everyone who donated to the cause. A final count of proceeds is being tallied and being sent to the foundation. If you still wanted to make a donation, please let me know.

There will be another chance for that donation. If you were around late in the evening, you might have heard I have an event lined up in 2009. I let the cat out of the bag a bit. If you weren't there...going to have to wait for the formal announcement!

I am in!! Boston here I come!!

2008-12-18T08:08:00.003-05:00

Well it is official! I just got my acceptance letter into the Boston Marathon. I was holding my breathe until I saw it with my own eyes. But it showed up in the mail and I am now listed under the entrants.

I think it has really set in now. I am blocking out a training plan and thinking I will be starting that training very soon. Better get a room and flight, too.

In some very cool running news, Olympian and arguably the fastest US distance runner in quite some time, Ryan Hall has announced he will be running in this years Boston as well. It would be great to see an American win it again. Even better to be there in person!

The count down has begun....122 days til Boston!

X-MAS Ale Night 2008 in one week!

2008-12-12T15:28:00.004-05:00

That's right folks! It is time once again for the 5th Annual X-Mas Ale Night in Kent on December 19th.

More details about the event are here.

I hope to see a great turn out like we have in the past again this year. The charity this year will once again be the Special Operations Warrior Foundation aiding the families of fallen soldiers that are members of US special ops groups who have died in combat.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation anyway, please email me.

As always, we will be starting at the Kent BW3's at 5ish and going until...well....the 20th!

Hope to see you there!

Tecumseh Trail Marathon

2008-12-08T17:03:00.008-05:00

"What was I doing and why?"

That was the question that was going through my head while eating Oreos and drinking Gatorade while running on a trail in Indiana during the Tecumseh Trail Marathon. I can't say I was having the best race. Just a few minutes later it hit me. At mile 23, the course twisted into a pine forest that was simply the most beautiful moment I have ever had. The winds were howling and the snow was coming down in my eyes...until I reached that spot. It was completely peaceful. No sound at all. No other runners. Just complete peace. I have never seen anything like it.

As I pushed through the last few miles I thought about the coolest things I had seen in 2008. I watched the sun rise in the Arizona desert. Ran along the Blue Bells in Virginia. Saw some breath taking views in Napa Valley. I ran the entire circumference of the Cleveland Metro Parks All Purpose Trail nonstop (62 miles) with my friend Nick. Saw two good friends cross the finish line of a 100 mile race. (Saw both of those friends puke, too, but that didn't make the list.) Saw some friends run their first marathons and got to see them push through "it" to get there.

That is why I was there and do this stuff. Moments that I would never have experienced if I wasn't there. Moments that no matter what happens to the medals, results online, or the shirts I get will be there to remember.

So, there I was in the middle of that Indiana Pine forest. Completely taken in by it. I totally stopped running for a second. Watched a few snow flakes drift down slowly. "Wow", I thought. As for the race? I finished. It was marathon (0r longer) number 10 of the year and 26 overall total for me.

Afterwards, the crew went down to the Upland Brewery. Ate a great dinner and had some really good beer. If you are in the Bloomington area, I highly recommend it.

That about does it for 2008. Now...about 2009....I got this idea...

Picture courtesy of Nick. Thanks Nick!

Turkey Trot & Tapering for Tecumseh

2008-12-03T10:22:00.004-05:00

Well, I think I am finally getting back to normal (if you can call it that) after the back-to-back marathons. This past Thursday was the Akron Home run for the Homeless which is one of the most competitive races in the area. It's a 4 mile hilly course through Akron & Glendale Cemetery. I wasn't sure how it would go still recovering and all and getting ready for Tecumseh.

I didn't make the same mistake as last year and got out fast and early. At the first mile, saw Mom & Dad at the family plot (always a good reminder to keep on running there since that is where I am going to be buried one day.) Maintained things through the hills and pushed it the last mile trying to catch Aaron aka the "Mayor of Bolanz." Funny part where I was trying to catch him, Nick B was trying to catch me!

Ended up 86th overall out of about 1700 folks and 5th of 76 in my age group and a new 4 mile PR! WOOT! Wasn't expecting that at all.

The next day, had a great trail run in the valley with some folks. Took my buddy Jeff from my Akron relay team on his first trail run with Jim C, who is also running Tecumseh. After that, got some miles in over the weekend despite being out of town and started my taper. Feeling pretty good now. I was feeling pretty burned out last week, but the energy levels are coming back now.

4 days to Tecumseh!