I'm ready....

I ran 12.8 miles (according to MapMyRun.com) this morning. It was good run. Felt good all the way through. I hit a wall at about the 10 mile mark but I shuffled my way through it and finished strong.

I wanted to be out of the house by 6-6:30 this morning, but I never set my alarm clock. I woke up at 7 and really not feeling like running at all. I think what motivated me was knowing that the half marathon is next Sunday. No time to slack off!! Brushed my teeth, got dressed, munched on an energy bar and out the door I went.

I'm ready for Providence. I think I will do good. It's gonna be a fun run!

Ankle update:

I decided to run with that ankle brace today because it felt funny this morning. Bad idea!! At the one mile mark I had to stop and take it off. It was way to tight for running! It was driving me nuts!

My ankle felt fine the rest of the day though,... so I dont know whats up with it.......

I love reading other runners blogs

I started following a lot of blogs about running lately. I really enjoy reading about what other runners are up to and about how they are doing it. Especially when it comes to training or about their up coming races. They are all very informative and entertaining, but most of all they are very real and inspiring! They are the reason I started my own.

The biggest reason I love following these blogs is that it makes me feel like I'm not alone. I'm not the only nut out there in this world that has a passion for running. There are others out there like me and it makes me feel good. They go through the same struggles, they have the same thoughts and they love to run!

As of this moment, I have no followers, but thats OK. So far my blogs have been kind of boring. I'm glad no one is following me .. LOL ... for me this is just a place to put down my thoughts. That is all. If I my random post someday somewhere inspire one person, that's more than I can ask for... :)

Ankle\Run update:

My Ankle hasn't bothered me today. I planned a short (2-3 mile) slow run today, but ended up doing like 6 - 1/2.... If you are a runner, I dont need to explain what happened. The run just got the best of me....

Planning 12 tomorrow... Let's see how that goes..

I think I sprained my ankle..

I don't remember when. I dont actually know if I did. But I have this weird discomfort on my left leg around the ankle area. I wouldn't call it pain, but it bothers me. Especially when I stand or walk. It's kind of like a sharp pain except it doesn't really hurt. Sounds weird but that is the best way that I can explain it. It started on Wednesday and it didn't hurt when I ran on Thursday. I actually felt good after my run. But today it was bothering me.

Massaging feels great. I was rubbing my foot just about all day at work :) ... I stopped at Walgreens this afternoon and bought an ankle brace:

It feels good on my ankle. Tried to stay off it today as much as possible. I planned on running tomorrow, but will have to see how it feels in the morning. Maybe I'll just do a short and slow 2-3 miles. But I still plan on my long run on Sunday.

Grrr!! This frustrates me! I just signed up for those two half marathons. I keep telling myself "Just hold until next Sunday... I'll rest you after Sunday".... and I will too. For a few days. But then I have to get ready for Springfield on the 28th. I'll be fine.... I hope.

I done did it now!

Yes I did...... I signed up for two half marathons next month! The Rock 'n Roll Providence Half on Aug. 7th (Next Weekend!!!!) and the Springfield Half on Aug. 30th... I know one is less than 2wks away, but I'm ready. I've been running like I have been training for it. This will be 2nd and 3rd half marathons for me. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. Thinking about it gives me that " I need to go to the bathroom" feeling.... if you know what I mean. -_-

Yesterday I ran 5 miles during lunch. It was a weird run. I felt good at the start, but half way through I struggled to stay in pace. I almost wanted to stop and walk for a bit. It was like my feet were on fire. I didn't stop though. As with most runs, any pain of discomfort I get usually goes away after a while. It was the same with this run, but it lasted for about a mile and a half. I should be used to it by now, but I still struggle to understand why it is I have these ups and downs during a run. The last mile of the 5 mile run was ok. I ran all the way into my work parking lot, which I normally start walking right before I get to it. I felt great after the run.

I plan on doing another 5+ today. I'll take tomorrow off. Do another 5 to 7 on Saturday and a long run on Sunday. I'm going to shoot for 12 miles. That should prep me up for Providence next week.

I excited!!! I can't wait! ................ I need to go to the bathroom now.

Tired today

Day two of work after vacation and I feel beat! There was a lot of catch up to do, but I got most of done today. The phone calls died down after lunch which helped a lot. I think I'm more mentally beat than anything. I have deal with people all day long and as you can imagine, it can take a toll on you.

Being busy all morning long, it made it fly by. It was almost noon time before I realized it. Running time! That's where I lock up my computer, put my cell phone away, grab my running shoes and head for the shower room to change up. The shower room is actually a room that was originally designed for nursing mothers. There has only been two nursing mothers during my 4 yrs of work. But for the most part, since the room is mostly used by 3 guys (3 runners), the women never bothered using this room that now looked and smelt like a guys locker room. They could have made a big deal about it and kicked us out of there, but they were cool and instead used a small office that wasn't being used.

Today's run was really good. I felt great from start to finish. I ran 6.5 miles at about an 8min mile pace. The weather was good too. I'm guessing low 80's and not too humid. I love this weather. I wish it could be like this all year long.
I left work around 5pm and it was dark out. Clouds filled the sky and you can tell that it was going to downpour any minute. And as if in queue, when I pulled out of the parking lot, it came down!... all the way home! Can't complain though. I think this is the first time it has rain in over two weeks. It kept me in for the afternoon. I needed the rest anyways... ;)

Vacation is over

Tomorrow I go back to work.... yuck! It's not that hate my job. I really like what I do. It's just that Mondays in general are usually busy. And the fact that it's Monday after vacation makes it worse! I'm actually logged into work right now going through emails and workflows just to get a jump start. Plus I'll be there early tomorrow as well.

Today I woke up around 7am. Last night I took my 10yr old daughter and her friend to "Cosmic Bowling" and the local bowling alley. It was from 10 to midnight. I went to bed around 1am. So walking up this morning was tough. But I wanted to go out for my run before it got hotter. I was out the door by 7:30 and did a good 10 miles. I didn't beat the heat though. It was muggy as heck. But at least it was cloudy. Not having the sun beating down at me made it easier.

The SheRox triathlon was today here in Webster. It's an all women triathlon. Coming back home from my run, I ran on the opposite side of the road that they were running on. I cheered them on and gave a couple of thumbs up as I ran by. Great job by all who ran!!!!

Yay, back to work... :(

I set a new PR today!!

The CMS 52 week 5k race is a weekly 5k race held by The Central Mass Striders (CMS) group at Worcester State University. It's a low key race and any one can run it. Show up, pay $4 and run. I have done this run plenty of times. Especially during the winter. What else is there to do on a 20 degree Saturday morning???

The last time I did this race was back in April where I came in at 22:41. At that time, a new personal record for me. Today I came in at 21:44!!! Almost a full minute faster!!!! Through the whole race I felt good. I had a feeling I was going to break my last PR. I am super excited!!

There were two guys there that ran 10miles to get to the race and still came in at faster times than me!!! That blows my mind!!! I hope to one day have that kind of determination!!


- Jose

***Edit: I actually came in at 21:41... an actual minute!!!!!

I run alone....

When I decided to quit smoking, I knew that I was on my own. I quit for me and for no one else. I was just tired of it..... I was ready to quit.
When I started running, I knew that I was on my own as well. I didn't know anyone that ran. So I just ran alone. As I mentioned before, as long as I have my iPod, I'm good. I do at times run with a coworker during my lunch runs. I like running alone only because I run to where I want and for as long as I want. Plus, running for me is like my "ME" time. I deal with people all day long at work. It's good to just be out there by myself for a while.
Could be also that I just haven't found the right person to run with. Not that I have been looking. I just haven't bumped in to that person. When running with someone, I need someone that runs at my pace or faster. I dont mind picking up the pace if I need to, in fact it's probably better training for me. I just dont want to slow down or wait for someone that runs at a slower pace. Plus, if running with someone, I want to talk. Otherwise, I would rather run alone. I am a big talker when running. I know some people that do not like talking while running. It throws off their breathing. Understandable if in a race or doing a fast pace run. But in a everyday workout run, I don't have a problem with my breathing. Talking also helps pass the time. Especially when doing long runs.

For now, I'm content running alone.


Today I did not run. It was another 100 degree day and I woke up a bit later than I wanted. No way I was running in this humidity. Tomorrow will be hot as well. But as long as I get up early, I'll be hitting the roads. Debating if I should do CMS Worcester State 5K tomorrow. It's only $4 to enter. I guess it depends how I feel tomorrow.....

Good run, good day....

Today we had plans of going to the Museum of Science in Boston. It was going to be a 100 degree day. So indoors plans were a must! With this in mind, I knew that if I wanted to get a good run in today I had to get up early. One to beat the heat and two, to get on the road as soon as possible.
At 6am this morning I was out the door. I wasn't really sure how far I planned on running today. But at the 3 mile mark I felt really good and decided to go for as long as I could. I ran from my house to Dudley District court and back. Roughly shy under 10 miles. It was a good easy paced run. I love it when they feel that good all the way through...... though, I have to admit, at the 8 mile mark, thoughts of stopping ran through my mind. Luckily, my iPod, which is set to random, started playing some good tunes to keep me motivated! The turn around song, the song that changed the pace of my run at the 8 mile mark was "100 miles & Running" by N.W.A. Its an oldie to me. I know all the words to it and it lifted me up as I lip synced the words as I ran.

Good run today. Good vacation day. I don't want it to end.


- J

Vacation runs...

Sunday I only ran for about a mile and a half. We ended up going to Ocean State Park beach in New London, CT. It was perfect for a beach day. Temps were in the 80's, bit breezy at the coast and not a cloud in sight! I actually forgot my sneakers at home, so I just ran the shore line from one end of the beach to the other. It wasn't a big run, but it's better than no run I guess....

Monday we did not bother going back to the ocean as we had planned. We all had a pretty good sun burn from Sunday that we decided to stay away from the sun for a day or so.. I woke up around 6am and went for a good 6+ mile run.

Today, I had planned a long run, but I woke up around 7 this morning and it was already hot and muggy. I decided against it and just went for a fast paced 5 mile run. I dont usually time myself when I do my daily runs. I only concern myself with times during a race. Today I'm guessing I had good under 8min per mile pace. Not my fastest, but when running alone without having another person motivate you, it's pretty dam good in my book.
In races I have pushed the 7min\mile pace. That for me is outstanding!! But that's because I have competition. When running alone I will tend to go slower. Its all mind games at that point. Maybe I should start timing myself. I need to start setting some PRs. That should keep me motivated.

Might just rest tomorrow from running. I think we are heading to Canobie Lake Park in NH. It should be a long day of walking so that in itself should be good enough exercise for the day. But, then again... I might wake up with itchy feet and go out for a morning run :)

10 miles....

If you have never ran before, you probably will never understand what goes through a person mind during a long run. I wish I could perfectly express my thoughts, feelings or emotions during a race or a long run. Its a feeling of excitement, of self doubt, of accomplishment, of pain, and more all wrapped up into one weird indescribable emotion... I hate it..., but I love it even more. I live for that indescribable emotion!!

Today's run was all that and more. Walked out the door by 6:30am..The first mile was good. By mile 4 I was ready to call it quits! My feet for whatever reason were killing me today! I didn't give in though.... by mile 5 1/2 I got a new wind and was cruisin'! Mile 8 I started doubting I could finish. With one mile to go, again I got new life to my feet and finished the 10+ mile run with no problem! I could have probably gone more at that point, but I was already home... I did a cool off walk and then some good stretches to relax the muscles...

Its like this every time I do a long run or a race. I just have to remind myself that I have done it before and I know that I can finish it. I try to stay positive and so far it has helped. The feeling of at least finishing or coming in at a good time trumps any other feeling I had prior to that point and makes it all worth while.

I plan at least 2 more 10+ runs this week. Probably one on Tuesday and another on Thursday. I'll see how my days work out. Tomorrow and Monday we are planning to go to the beaches. Probably Misquamicut in RI and\or to Hampton in NH. I'm bringing my sneakers just in case I get the running bug while I'm out there :). I Love running into the ocean after a run!!

Day Off Ramblings....

Took a day off from running today. I ran 3 days in a row, a total of about 18 miles. I usually don't like to push it to 4 days. I like to give at least a days rest. Sometimes even 2. It all depends on how many miles I have done so far that week or how I feel. Plus I ran 10 miles on Sunday. That brings my total miles to about 28. I'm planning a long run tomorrow. 10+ hopefully. Saturdays are usually my long run days. Last week my long run was on Sunday for some reason. I'm struggling to remember why that was. My mind fails me at the moment. Old age I guess :) ......

Old age? I don't know about that. At 37 I feel better than I did in my 20's. I'm healthier at least. 37 still sounds like a weird number to me. Like I'm suppose to feel different or something.

Anyways... I'm looking into some upcoming races. Some half marathons actually. The B.A.A Half Marathon sold out in 4 hrs and I'm kinda pissed that I didn't jump on that one! So I'm looking at the Providence Rock & Roll Half Marathon and at the Springfield Half Marathon. I have only run one half marathon so far. It was the Worcester Half Marathon this past June and I think I did pretty good. 1:44:14 was time. But these two are in August, I'm not sure if I'll be pushing it by doing two half marathons in the same month. I have 'til the end of the month to think about it.

I'm on vacation this week. Not going anywhere far. Just day trips with the family. But will be planning out some good runs since I'll have the time!

Running during my lunch break

I guess I've been pretty lucky that I can run at work during my lunch break. They have a shower room that comes in handy so you are not stinking the rest of the day :) I run anywhere from 5 to 7 miles depending on the day. But I have been known to push an 8 or 9 mile run with Ernie (another runner at work). Usually coming in after my lunch is over. I come in early or stay late, so I always make up my time in some way.

I ran today at work. I pretty much know the back streets of Southborough pretty well by now. I usually see the same people too. A tall lady walking her dogs, the mailman delivering mail in his truck and when school is in session, I see teachers and other school faculty going for walks during their lunch. A friendly wave is always the must as I run by...

The weather was really nice today. Mid 70's around noon time. Ran 6+ miles today. When I got home, after dinner I went for a good 10 mile bike ride. Nothing real strenuous. Just enough to break a sweat. Perfect night for it!

- J

Almost talked myself out of it...

I'm working from home this morning. I'm the Helpdesk Administrator for the company I work for. So as long as I have a computer and internet, I can do my job from almost anywhere. So knowing I'll be home today, I really struggled to get out of bed early. Alarm clock ran at 4:50, but snoozed it 'til about 6. I was up by 6, but laid in bed for about 30mins debating if I should go out for a run. I almost talked myself out of it. I had to jump out of bed and get going though. Got dress, brushed my teeth, ate half of a brick hard powerbar that was in the fridge and out I went.

It was in the 70's this morning. Perfect for running. 5+ miles today.

Time for some work, then it's off to a coworker's lake house for the rest of the day. I'll be taking my laptop with me just in case I get any calls and have to log into work. Hopefully it will be a quiet day.

Hot & Humid today...

Knowing that it was going to be a hot day today. I decided to run in the AM. So at 4:50 I was out of bed. At 5:05, I was out the door. I find it easy to run in the mornings. No coffee or nothing. Just get up and go!.... getting up is always the hard part :) ... once I get past that, I'm ok.

6 miles today at an easy pace.

One day, I just ran.....

I cant really say that one day I just decided to start running. It was more of a gradual thing. It kinda happened by accident. I quit smoking summer of 2008. I was 34yrs old. It wasn't the easiest thing in the world for me! By the end of the year I gain about 30 pounds was pretty close to 200 pounds. I have never weighed that much in my whole life! But I was still smoke free.
I started whole gym thing in the middle of winter, but never really cared for it. I hated the mundane routine of lifting weights. I wasn't crazy about all the people in there either. That lasted for about a 5-6 weeks.
When springtime came around I started walking a lot. I walked everywhere and all the time. I loved being outdoors enjoying the fresh air and I loved the way my legs felt after a long walk.. I remember feeling like running every time I walked so one day I did. I can tell you exactly where it was when I realized that this was I wanted to do. I ran behind the Town Hall on Negus St. It wasn't even an 1/8 of a mile. Probably just the length of the building. But the way my legs felt, the way the wind felt on my face, right then and there I knew. I knew that this was what I wanted to do.

Fast forward 3yrs... to the present... still smoke free.

I like to think of myself as a runner. There is still a lot I want and need to learn. But after many races, after many injuries, after all the pain I have gone through, I think I have earned to be called a runner.

With this blog I want to share with you my experiences as I continue to grow as a runner. I have read many blogs on running and of stories of other runners, and they have inspired me. I hope that my blog can do the same to others.

- Jose