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Friday, October 28, 2011

My Friday post :)

So we got close to 2" of snow last night....... most of it was gone by noon time today. It was cold today in the 40's but sunny which helped melt the snow. Tomorrow night we are expecting a nor'easter to hit the NE area dropping at least another 6" of the white stuff. yay... I'm so not ready for this :(

Today I got a good 7 miles in at lunch time. I wanted to do some more trail runs Ernie, but when I emailed him, his Out of Office response reminded me that he left for Florida for the weekend. So I ended up doing my middle two miles of my seven through some trails that Ernie had showed me. That was good enough with me. I dont like doing trails runs by myself. I worry about getting hurt out there. You just never know. Slipping and falling or twisting an ankle would suck out there by yourself.

I plan on getting a good long run out tomorrow morning before any snow hits the ground. If I get 10 miles in, I will be happy.

Runs this week:
6 miles on Monday Morning... It was cold out!!!
7 Miles of Trail runs with Ernie on Tuesday during lunch
4 easy miles on Wednesday... I was hurting for some reason that day... I cut it short.

Song of the run today:  Snoop Dog- Vato (NSFW)

Have a good weekend everyone!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Long Cold Winter...

Long Cold Winter... A song to set my mood.

Winter time kills me. I know that I posted previously that I was ready for winter.... but as I stated, I'm ready for the cold. What I'm not ready for is the early darkness. It drives me crazy! I know it's not officially winter according to the calendar. But the weather reports saying we are getting 1" of snow tomorrow night!

Sound the sirens, grab your shovels, dust off them snow blowers!!!!! 

Ok..... I'm being over dramatic..... like I was saying, it's the getting dark early that gets me. It puts me in that night time mode early and I start to get lazy over the winter. I go into a hibernation mode. I still get my runs in during the day or early mornings, don't get me wrong, but that's it for me. No more afternoon walks or bike rides like I do in the summer.

I need to join a gym, pick up a hobby or something.... the title says it all for me. It's going to be a long cold (dark) winter.


What do you guys do besides running over the winter months??

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Thank goodness for weekends....

Last week at work was kinda crazy. We had one guy on vacation and we were holding sales meetings at our location which meant a lot more people in the building... and a lot more people with computer problems. The weekend couldn't get here fast enough!

Friday I did some trail runs with Ernie again. What an awesome run it was! I have never been a big fan of the fall season. I'm not into the looking at the fall foliage and all that stuff. When the leaves change color it means only one thing for me...... winter is coming! But I have to admit, these few trail runs that I have done is starting to change the way I think about fall. This could be my new fall thing to do. We were talking about doing this at least once a week. That would be awesome!

Saturday I ran a 5k in the next town over. It was a fundraiser for the music class of the middle school. It was a small race. I would say a total of 150 runners\walkers. I lined up right at the starting line, which I hardly ever do. Half a mile into the race and I had claimed 3rd place and held on to it 'til the end. The course was very hilly. Like ridiculously hilly! I almost felt like walking at one point, but the thought of holding on to third place kept me going. I know the area very well, so it felt like a very fast race for some reason.

Blocked out last names to protect the innocent ;)

1st place (42yr old guy) came in at 18mins and change, 2nd place (17yr old kid) came in at 20 and change, and me 3rd at 21:06. I got first place medal for my age group. This is a first for me! In reality, not that I was any faster, just that their wasn't that many runners. I keep telling myself that if the two guys ahead of me would have stayed in bed, I would have come in first place! Hehehe... 

I'm that weird guy that always asks a stranger to take a picture of me after a race... I have done this for every race! Why stop now.

My younger brother had dropped me off at the middle school before the race. After the race I ran the 7 miles home to make it my long run of the weekend. While running I noticed that I was getting some weird stares from people. It wasn't 'til I looked at my reflection at a store front (about 3 miles in) that I noticed I was still wearing my race bib.... LOL. I took it off but couldn't stop giggling to myself. 

Today was a rest day.... from running anyways. First thing this morning I went for a nice 4 mile walk with 10yr daughter, mowed the lawn and did stuff around the house. It was a good weekend! Thank goodness!!

I hope everyone had a good weekend as well! 


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Wednesday Ramblings....

Busy work week this week. Sales meetings are being held in our offices and the building is packed with sales people from all across the country. These are people that I only see once, maybe twice a year, so when they are here it's time for their computer check up. So needless to say, I have been up to my ears with computer issues....

Let me see, today is Wednesday. No running today. I'ts raining like crazy out there. I ran a good 6.5 miles on Monday during lunch.Uneventful, but it was a really good run. Good fast pace all the way through. Tuesday was a day off. I had already run 3 days in a row and I never do 4, unless they were all 3 miles or less each day.   Tomorrow is suppose to be nice out. I get in a run during lunch.

Saturday I'm doing a local 5K. This is literally like 5 mins from my house, so why not? :) I signed for it a while ago, when it was only $15.

Anyone ever hear of  GoGazella.com?? It's a forum for runners and it seams pretty interesting.  I found it on a link on Facebook. I'm going to use it to find other runners locally. I need to start branching out a bit more. I need more running friends :( .... Seriously, I do. I want to find someone I can get together at least once a week and maybe do some long runs with. That would be cool.

Congrats to everyone that ran marathons and half marathons this past weekend. Loved the race recaps!! You guys are awesome!!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Saturday Ramblings.........

I ran a good 7 miles today while my car was getting an oil change. The guys at the garage know that I'm a runner, so they always tell me to leave the car there while I go for my morning run. To top it off, the oil change was free because I had worked on one of the mechanic's computer last week. It feels feel to have connections.....
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I was contacted by the HR dept. at work regarding a local race that they are sponsoring. The told me that they would like me to run the Gobble Wobble Road race on Thanksgiving.... and they will pay my entrance fee!.. 


They just want me to get other coworkers involved in either participating in the run\walk or in volunteering....  Thanksgiving morning..... I was probably going for a run that morning anyways.... I'm in!! I already have a  couple poeple lined up to join me!!
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I'm soo jealous of all the other bloggers doing a marathon this weekend!! God bless you all and good luck to you all!! You will all do great!! Show 'em what you got!! Can't wait to read the recaps!
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A quick thank you to all of you that have leaving comments in my blog. I appreciate every single one of them!



Song of the run today was: David Guetta - I Can Only Imagine (feat. Chris Brown & Lil Wayne) - this song kicks ass!!


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Some trail running today...

I think about posting on my blog almost every day. I get these ideas or take some pictures during my runs that I want post about..... But honestly it's been way to busy for me lately. Especially with work. I've mentioned before that I deal with computers all day long. When I get home at night, a computer is the last thing I want to look at!.... plus to be all honest, I'm not that much of a writer. It probably takes me a bit longer than most people to actually write down my thoughts. So I make sure I have the time :)

I got in a 5 mile run on Sunday. I ran early in the morning before the record breaking 86 degree heat we got that day. It was hot, but not muggy. It was a really nice day. ......... No run on Monday.

Today I wanted to run, but really didn't want to run alone. I have a coworker, Ernie, that also runs during lunch so I sent him an email to see if he was running today and if he wanted company. He replied saying that he was running some new trails that found and sure I could come along. YES! I haven't run to many trails, only because I don't know of many so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to learn of a few around my work. 

 One of the trail entrances

There were so many trails out there that I never knew existed! Apparently there is a big trail running group out that way and they run these trails and others that stretch out for miles across many of the surrounding towns. We ran roughly about 7 miles at Ernie's 10min mile pace. Which was fine with me. I was enjoying the views of all the nature around me. It was awesome!! I could of run another 10 miles, but my time was limited and I had to had back to work. Unlike Ernie, I'm an hourly employee and I have to punch back in when I get back. I was a bit late but it's never a big deal with my boss. I make up my time during the week.

This a must do again, but would like to plan it out for the weekend so I have more time to explore all these trails!

Any trail runners out there? Would like to lean more about trail running groups. Would be nice to mix up my runs a bit.




Saturday, October 8, 2011

Run a mile in my sneakers.......

10 miles on the books today. What an awesome run it was. Weather was a bit colder than I expected. It must have been in the upper 40s to lower 50 this morning at about 6:30. I took off in shorts and one of my tech T's. My legs were OK but my arms and fingers were freezing!! I warmed up at about mile 3... all was good after that.

 I need to pick up some new sneakers soon. My feet are a bit more achy than normal during the last few runs. That's usually the hint that it's time. I usually keep 2 sneakers in rotation. I really can't afford doing more than that. I'll buy one now and then buy another in about a week. I can get the NB 1226 for about $80-$90 and the sole inserts for about $20 online. A lot cheaper than retail.
I understand the importance of getting the right running gear for me. Between sneakers, sole inserts and my knee braces it adds up pretty quick. It's important to ME. It's what I need to run good, get better and minimize any injuries. My loving wife, who I love with all my heart and who is NOT a runner, has a hard time understanding and justifying these purchases. I get grief every time she hears of me buying another pair of sneakers. :( All I can say is run a mile in my sneakers and you will understand.......

When it comes to race fees, that another story...

From reading other blogs, it looks like most of you have a significant other that runs also or just understands........

Does anyone get grief about the money spent on your passion? Whether it be on sneakers or races?

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Today's Song of the Run: Jedi Mind Tricks - Animal Rap

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Song of the Run

6 1/2 miles today..... done and Finished strong! Kept a good 7.5min pace all the way through. Awesome run!
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When I run, I run with music 90% of the time. It keeps my mind occupied plus I don't have to listen to myself breathing. On every run, there is always that one song that comes on that helps you push a little harder, makes you run a little faster or it just helps you out when you hit that wall! I call it the Song of the Run.

There has been many Songs of Run for me. From "Living in America" by James Brown that helped me out during The Running of the Wolves 10k, to "Pour Some Sugar on Me" by Def Leppard that got me moving at the Worcester Half, to "I like it like that" by Tito Nieves that helped me finish the last 10k I did.
I listen to all kinds of music (Salsa, Pop, Heavy Metal, Rap, Country, Jazz) so I never know what song will be THE song that will give me that extra kick....


Today's Song of the Run was "Lose Yourself" by Eminem.


Do you guys listen to music when you run? What do you listen to?

Monday, October 3, 2011

18th Annual RRI Rise & Run Road Race


This race is held in the town of Sturbridge, Ma. It's a 5k, a 10k and a 1 mile fun run. The race starts and ends in the parking lot of The Publick House . The Public House is one of these places that you MUST visit if you are ever in the area. It's just full of soo much history, plus the food and the atmosphere is great!
Picture of the back of the building

The race itself was small and low key. About 120 walked\ran the 5K and about 70 people walked\ran the 10K. The course was all through very scenic Sturbridge back roads. I have never done this race before, but I have run these roads before. They are close to a camp ground that I stayed at a couple years ago so the roads were familiar.

Team Hoyt blessed us with their presence. This is the second race I have done they have have run also.
If you do not know who Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt are, please click the link above...  grab a tissue and be inspired. Dick is one of the most down to earth guys you can ever meet. 


All walkers and runners started the race at the same time which I thought was weird. Usually you would see walkers head out about 15-30mins before the runners. Then the 10k'ers, followed by the 5k'ers shortly after. But they explained that at a certain point of the course there would be a turn around point for the 5k'ers.
The race started a couple of minutes late, but caught me off guard when it did start. I was actually talking to another runner when a loud horn went off marking the start of the race. The first 1/4 mile was a steep hill that came up to an clearing that gave you a good view of the damage of a tornado that hit this area over the summer.
I took this picture after the race
It looked like a bomb had gone off in this area!

The 5K turn around came quick. I passed a few people before this point. Then I realized I was right behind the first place person of the 5k! It was a lady in her 50's. I was like really?? Up ahead I could see the first place person of the 10k. He was only 4 people ahead of me...... I was fifth! It was hill from there for the next 2 miles. It was brutal but an advantage to me. It helped me get a gap between me and 6th placed. I knew I wasn't catching up to the few ahead of me, but I was determined not to let the person behind me pass me!
As soon as hit the top of the hill, we took a left and it was mostly down hill from there. There were a couple of other hills but not as bad as the one after the 5k turn around. Knowing that I struggle down hill, I looked behind me and I could see 6th place slowly catching up...... Time to bust out  "Jazz Hands!" ..Sorry to steal your move Jamoosh, but I must admit, It works!! I kept pace and widen the gap at the few hills that were left.
I kept looking over my shoulder as I approached the finish line. I hate it when last minute someone comes flying by me and steals my thunder. But I was good. I could see 6th place far enough away. I crossed the finish line at 43:44.  Not my best 10k time, but hell, 5th place, I'll take it!! 

So officially I came in 5th place over all and 2nd in my age group. I am super happy with this! This undid all of last weeks sucky runs. I felt great!!

...... but one thing bothers me. Remember I mentioned I was right behind 1st place of the 5k? She came in at 21:41.... This was the first race I have ever done that it was not packed with young 20yr olds with blazzing speeds. I wonder.........  if I would have chosen to do the 5k instead of the 10K, would I have come in first place? With my time of 21:04 in my last 5K, in my mind, I honestly believe that I could have. What a feeling that would have been....

After the race I hung out and talked with a few of the other runners. Watch the award ceremony. Only 1st place got awards... :( ...  Then I hit the Publick House bakery for some treats to take home!!



Awe yeah...... this was my prize!




Saturday, October 1, 2011

I needed this!

This past week's runs have been horrible. Between the humidity weighing me down and my feet not cooperating with me, I have been in a real bum mood. I was having one of those "why do I even try" days yesterday. I actually started a post about it last night, but got tired so I saved it thinking I would finish it today and then post it. Today it rained all morning long. "Good!" I thought to myself, I didn't want to run anyways. I just stayed in and worked on some computer stuff. I do computer repair from home for extra cash and I have plenty of work!


At about 1 O'clock the rain died down and was just drizzling. Then I started thinking to myself  "Maybe I should go for a run?"... I debated with this thought for a while as I continued working. About 30mins later I put on my running gear and told myself "Let's go...". I figured I would run a bit and if my feet weren't on the same page with me I would just walk. To my surprise I ran strong and with no problems at all. Seven miles strong! I felt great after the run! I really needed this confidence booster.  The rain help up for the most part, but even if it down poured I wouldn't have cared.

I'm back to working on my computers now and deleted yesterday's saved post. I'm glad I decided to run today. I needed this.
There is a 10k happening tomorrow, two towns over. Now that I am in better spirits, I think I'll do it up!