PR's By Decade

Under Construction

Junior High
800m - 2:38.2 - 4/22/82 - Dual Meet, New London, OH (age 14)

Mile - 5:44 - 5/19/82 - Firelands Conference Meet, Mapleton, Ashland, OH (age 14)

2-Mile - 13:00 - 10/3/81 - Ontario Invitational, Ontario, OH (age 13)

High School
800m - 2:02.7 - 5/24/86 - District Meet, Shelby, OH(age 18)

Mile - 4:37.8 - 5/12/86 - Firelands Conference Meet, Mapleton, Ashland, OH(age 18)

2-Mile - 10:19.5 - 4/23/86 - Edison Ivitational, Milan, OH (age 18)

5K - 16:41 - 9/21/85 - Galion Invitational, Galion, OH (age 17)

5M - 31:53 - 6/22/85 - Honeybaked 5-Miler, New London, OH (age 17)

10K - 37:58 - 6/29/85 - Tiffin 10k, Tiffin, OH (age 17)

College
1500m - 4:07.5 - Baldwin Wallace, Berea, OH (age 21)

Mile - 4:28.04 - 2/28/88 - North Coast Athletic Conference Meet, Ohio Wesleyan, Delaware, OH (age 20)

5K - 15:24.8 - 4/19/88 - Cleveland City Championship, Baldwin Wallace, Berea, OH (age 20)

5M - 25:48 : -10/29/88 - NCAC Championship, Denison University, Granville, OH(age 20)

10K - 33:08 - 9/24/88 - Malone Invitational, Canton, OH (age 20)

Half Marathon - 1:21:07 - 8/19/89 - Parkersburg 1/2 Marathon, Parkersburg, WV (age 21)

Age 22-29
5K - 16:12 - 6/26/94 - Two For The Road, Lakewood, OH (age 27)

5M - 28:21 - 8/14/94 - Johnnycake Jog, Painesville, OH (age 27)

10K - 34:28 - 9/25/94 - Great Race, Pittsburgh, PA (age 27)

Half Marathon - 1:16:50 - 8/18/90 - Parkersburg 1/2 Marathon, Parkersburg, WV (age 22)
Marathon - 3:26:36 - 11//91 - Columbus Marathon, Columbus, OH (age 24)

Age 30-39
5K - 19:27 - 9/2/2000 - Firelands 5K, New London, OH (age 32)

5M - 33:33 - 5/27/2006 - Avon Eagle Run, Avon OH (age 38)

10K - 43:27 - 8/12/2000 - North Ridgeville Lions 10K, North Ridgeville, OH (age 32)

Half Marathon - 1:44:00 - 11/4/2007 - Inland Trail Half Marathon, Elyria, OH (age 39)

Age 40-49
5K - 17:41 - 8/7/2010 - Cleveland Clinic 5k, Independence, OH (age 42)
5M - 31:04 - 11/25/2010 - Turkey Trot, Cleveland, OH (age 42)

10K - 38:54 - 5/16/2010 - Cleveland 10k, Cleveland, OH (age 42)

Half Marathon - 1:26:52 - 9/12/2010 - River Run 1/2 Marathon, Cleveland, OH (age 42)

Marathon - 3:59:21 - 10/10/2010 - Towpath Marathon, Peninsula, OH (age 42)

50K - 5:01:53 - 3/6/2010 - Green Jewel, Cleveland, OH (age 42)

December Carnival Of Running

Welcome to the December 4, 2007 edition of Carnival of Running and Racing. I also run the Carnival Of Pizza. This is the inaugural edition of the Carnival Of Running. December is probably not the best month to kick this off, but we've got some good submissions (and some not so good) so we will get started.

First off, we have a pre-marathon carbo-loading dinner submitted by a Manhattan attorney. Katy presents Pasta di Verdure Autunno posted at sugarlaws. Katy ran the NYC marathon last month and this is what she ate beforehand!

Warren Wong presents How To Feel Better And Be Happier posted at Personal Development for INTJs. Warren has some practical tips you can use now to feel better and be happier. And you can bet that exercise is near the top of the list.

Ed H presents Video games as fitness tools posted at A Viking, running, saying, "Video games as cross training? Why not?" I know we have a DDR game for our Xbox and at our house, playing DDR counts as a physical fitness activity.

Finally, we have a post that is directly about running! FitBuff presents Track Workouts | FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog posted at FitBuff.com's Total Mind and Body Fitness Blog. Want to rev up your fat-burning metabolism? Try this challenging track workout.

Now I got 2 more submissions that really have nothing to do with running at all. Alex M presents How to Make Your Car Faster. Driver. Part I. If I'm running, why would I want a faster car? This would almost be more appropriate at my pizza blog, but of course pizza drivers don't speed. Finally, Kevin Fleming presents 5 Great Ways to Watch Live Sports Games Online. Nothing at all to do with running, I'm not even sure why I'm including it.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of carnival of running and racing using our carnival submission form.

Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Thursday Circuits - emphasis on Push Ups

I attended Chris' circuits class today and there was a heavy emphasis on push ups. Not only was there a push-up station, a push up / mountain climber station, and a bench press station, but we also did 10 push-ups after each song ended, for the entire 45 minute class.

And the 2nd group exercise was doing step-ups for 30-45 seconds, followed by 10 push-ups, then more step-ups. The push-ups in this group were wide base, narrow grip, right leg up, left leg up, and normal for a total of 50.

I bet in the entire class we did close to 250 push ups.

Then at the end, before abs, we did arm-walks.

To me, it was quite a work-out.

• Dynaband Row - This actually goes between the curls and the run-in-place / side-hops station I described on Tuesday. Seated on the floor, row using a dynaband wrapped around the bar on the side of the room.
• Wrist Curls - Seated on the bar, we hold our arms still and just curl with the wrists. I used a 45 lb bar for this.
• Step Up With Weight - Stepping up onto an exercise step, holding a 17.5 lb dumbell in each arm.
• Push Ups - As I said, this is it's own station.

Weight = 191 lbs.

Tuesday Circuits

I attended circuits class yesterday with Matt as the instructor. We had 18 participants, not counting Matt.

It was a tough class, I thought, we did alot of arms and shoulders in our group exercises. After one set I was lucky enough to return to the Dips station afterwards. Going back to a station that works the same muscles you just worked is always an extra challenge.

The next stations for me to describe as I continue around the room:

• Step-Ups - repeated stepping up on to a bar, about 16-18 inches high, that runs around the side of the room. Most people always step up with the same foot first, but I always alternate. Also, I make sure to not hold on to the top bar while I'm stepping up.
• Alternate Straight & Hammer Curls - I used 17.5 lb dumbells for this exercise. Hammer curls are similar to regular curls but the wrist is twisted so the weight is up and down (like you hold a hammer.
• Alternate Jog In Place & Side-To-Side Hops - Another cardio station.

I happened to be lined up right next to Matt as we did our stations and suggested that he add a song by Quiet Riot to the next mix tape, to commemorate the untimely death of lead singer Kevin Dubrow. This led to a discussion on a possible mix tape of all dead artists. Blind Melon, Nirvana, Inxs, and Alice In Chains were some of the other artists mentioned.

Weight = 192 lbs

Monday Treadmill 2.5

I ran easy today on the treadmill. I haven't done much running since the half marathon 3 weeks ago so I decided to ease back into it. I started at 6.6 mph (9:05 per mile) and worked my way up to 7.3 mph (8:13) at the fastest. Not very fast at all.

The entire 2.5 mile run took me a little less than 22 minutes.

Weight = 192 lbs

Tuesday Night 4.5 Miles

I ran tonight in Oberlin with the Tuesday night group. There were 7 of us tonight, a pretty big crowd for November. I rode with Ken and rode home with Randy. Greg made it also. The surprise was seeing twins Gabrielle and Danielle, home from college at Malone, and their friend Courtney.

We ran 4.5 miles on the bike path, the same path where we ran the Inland Trail race a couple weeks ago.

Thursday Circuits

I went to Circuits today. Chris was the instructor and we had 11 students for a total of 12. The next workout station, going around the room, is described below:

• Dips - with your arms on a bar about 18 inches off the ground, your back to the bar, and your legs extended out in front of you, dip your body down and then lift it back up (with your arms).

Unfortunately, due to where I started and where we finished class, I didn't get to do the next 2 stations after this, so the descriptions will just have to wait.

I can say that we did alot of legs today. There was a wall sit / lunges station, a squats / reverse lunges station, and a station for stepping up onto a box while holding weights. For our first group exercise, we did sprints. While 1 person sprinted, the other 11 of us ran in place with high knees. Then the 2nd group exercise was lunges, reverse lunges, & squats (with weights - I used 15 lb dumbells).

Then at the end of the class we did 10 push-ups, 10 squats, 9 push-ups, 9 squats, all the way down to 1.

My legs were a little sore before class, I can only imagine how they will feel tomorrow. I am planning on 3 more rest days (Friday - Saturday - Sunday) to help my achilles heal.

Weight = 193 lbs.

Wednesday Run

I ran today, my first run since the day after the half-marathon last week. I intended to run with Kevin D & Matt but they got started ahead of me. I then tried to trace their steps, and eventually caught up with them after they had turned around. (We ran the marginal / aviation route).

It was probably good that I didn't run with them from the start, because even after I met up with them, I only ran with them for about 1/2 mile and then began to fall back.

Physically I did feel ok, achilles is still painful but that is just going to take time and rest (I hope). Total distance for the day was 5.5 miles.

Weight = 189 lbs.

Tuesday Circuits

I went to Circuits class today. Usually on Tuesdays, Matt is the instructor, but today it was Chris. We only had 9 students, all guys.

I will continue from last week to describe the stations.

• Alternate Push-Ups / Mountain Climbers - I was able to do 2 sets of 10 of each exercise before we switched stations.
• Side Bends - Hold a weight (I used a 25 lb dumbell) in one arm and bend your trunk to the side, lowering that arm, then raise it back up. After several repetitions, switch arms.
• Alternate Squats / Reverse Lunges - We do this station with no weights. Do about 10 squates, then about 10 reverse lunges, then back to squats.
• Bent Over Lateral Raises - This is very difficlut for me. Kneeling down with 1 knee on the floor, bend your chest towards your other knee. With a dumbell in each arm, do a lateral raise, lifting your arms up and away from your body. I feel like I'm a bird, raising my wings. I used 12 lb dumbells in each arm.

We had some minor excitement in the fitness center after class. Jose hurt his knee pretty bad playing basketball. Some guys got his stuff from the locker room and he was waiting in the lobby for a ride to the hospital.

Weight = 191 lbs.

Thursday Circuits

After a rest day on Wednesday, I went to circuits class today. Chris was the instructor and we had about 9 students. As I've done in the past, I'll describe some of the stations:

• Crossover Crunches - crunches for your abs while twisting so that your right elbow goes towards your left knee, then alternating.
• Biceps Curls - standard biceps curls with dumbells. I used 20 lb weights in each arm.
• Bench Press - another pretty standard exercise. I used 30 lb dumbells on each side.
• Alternate Leg Lifts & V-Sits - I think everybody knows what leg lifts are. V-Sits are when you bring both your shoulders and hips off the ground at the same time, pulling your body into a sitting-V shape.

Those were my first 4 stations today. I'll describe some more next week.

Jeff and Carlos were joking about being sore and weak due to getting their flu shots yesterday. At least I think they were joking.

My right hamstring is just a little tender. My right achilles is still hurting. I'll probably run just a couple times a week for the rest of the year.

Tuesday Circuits

I went to the Tuesday Circuits class with Matt as the instructor. I'm done racing for the year so I'm going to do more classes and less running from now until next spring.

This week is the start of a new session so we had all new stations.

My right hamstring is still sore from the race so I took it easy on several stations such as step-ups. It will be good to get back into class and work out some different muscles, and give my legs a break a couple days each week.

At this point I'm still planning to run (very slowly) tonight with the Oberlin group.

Weight = 190 lbs.

Recovery Run

I went out and jogged a couple miles through the flats today. My legs were stiff and my quads were very sore, but I have found that after a long race, any easy jogging speeds the recovery along. Indeed I already feel much better.

Weight = 189 lbs.

2007 Inland Trail Race Results (5k, Half Marathon, Marathon)

Although the race was put on by NCN Racing, timing was done by Runner's High and the results are now available on the Runners High website.

2007 Inland Trail Half Marathon Race Report

I ran the Inland Trail Half Marathon this morning. The start was just about 10 minutes from my house. Not only that, the race was on the same trail that our Tuesday night running group runs on every week. Kevin D from work and my brother-in-law Ken were also running the half, while nephew Keith, brother Greg, and friend Randy were all running the full marathon.

We got bussed out to the start in Kipton, where the main activity was waiting in line for the port-a-pots. The race used chip timing but only for the finish times. There was no mat at the start so there was no recording of exactly when each person crossed the start line.

The weather at the start was chilly. I was wearing shorts, a long sleeve lightweight shirt, a short sleeve t-shirt, and a bandanna covering my head. I had decided to pin my number to my shorts in case I decided to ditch the extra t-shirt.

The half-marathon was actually started by phone. A girl was on the phone communicating with the finish line, and they were telling her when to tell us to start. She started counting down from 10 and several of us joined her until many of the runners were chanting together "5" "4" "3" ... and we were off.

Being a long race, my intention was to start easy and pace myself. I thought I was doing ok. Shortly before the 1 mile, 2 girls came up behind me. One of them said "Hey big guy, how fast are we going?" I was amused because, at 6'3, I'm pretty tall, but I'm wouldn't usually call myself big.

"I'm hoping for 1:45" I replied, which would have been about 8 minutes per mile. "Good," one of the girls said back, and they settled in beside me. We crossed the mile mark and one of them said "7:30." I was a little faster than my pace should have been, but the pace was easy and I didn't feel as if I could run much slower.

Shortly we were passed and one of the girls went with the guy who passed us, but the other girl ran beside me until almost 3 miles.

At that point I started looking ahead and passing people. I didn't count but I'm sure I passed at least 6-8 people in the next 5 miles, while nobody passed me. I was moving up through the race and feeling pretty good.

From mile 4 to mile 6.5 we were on the section of the trail that we usually run on Tuesdays. Around 6.5 we passed Keith's family (Tiffani & Kora) cheering for us, and also we started meeting marathon runners on their way out.

Around mile 7 I saw that the next person ahead of me was Kevin D from work, who I didn't really expect to beat. I stayed about the same distance behind him until somewhere between 8 and 9 miles when my legs started to get heavy.

A guy who I had passed around 5 miles caught me at that point and passed me. I then decided it didn't hurt any more to run fast than slow, so I picked up the pace and got even with him. We chatted a little and I found out he was from Cincinnati.

Then just before 10 miles we were caught by 2 other guys. They said their 10th mile was 8:02, so I know mine was slower than that. They joked that since we couldn't see anyone ahead of us, we must be leading the race and should finish together.

After running with them for a bit, once again I realized that I should try to give a harder effort, and I pulled ahead of them.

Then just before 12 miles, I was passed again, this time by an older woman who was moving right along. At this point I didn't have the energy left to respond at all. She went by me with ease. "Very nice" I called out to her in encouragement.

During the last mile, I was struggling to keep any pace, and hoping nobody would catch me. One of the 3 guys I had left around 10.5 did catch me, I tried to hang with him but my legs just didn't have anything left. Besides having run over 12 miles, we now went off the bike path and onto the road, and up a slight hill.

I fought my way to the Murray Ridge School parking lot and turned in. The finish was somewhat disheartening. Even though it was less than 200 yards away, it was behind the school and you couldn't see it until about the last 40 yards.

The guy from Cincinnati caught up with me on the driveway but I was able to stay ahead of him and crossed the line in 27th place with a time of 1:44:00. I had met my goal. Not only that, I was surprised to be handed a medal for 1st place in my age group!

There were 128 finishers in the half marathon. Interestingly, there were 65 men and 63 women.

After the race I got a sweatshirt and long pants on, and then went in to the food area, where I chatted with Kevin D and Ken, both of whom had also won their age divisions. Kevin D left, but Ken and I waited around to cheer on the marathon finishers.

Keith had some IT band trouble and dropped out around 19 miles. Randy ran well but missed his goal of qualifying for Boston by just over a minute. Greg made his goal of qualifying for Boston, but probably won't go by himself. Today was Greg's 33rd marathon finish!

This was my first time running this race, but I doubt it will be my last. It was a very nice "smaller" marathon & half marathon.

Thursday 5 Miles

There were 5 of us today, the largest group we've had in quite a while. Milica, Vicki, Kevin D, Peter, and myself all started together. We ran the marginal route. Kevin and Vicki turned off near the Cleveland Browns Stadium and ran about 3 miles.

The other 3 of us ran out marginal along the lake, and back past the muni parking lots. We added a lap around the building for a total of just over 5 miles. This was my first time seeing the new Lebron James banner.

I haven't found a link to the new banner but here is the old one. The new one has his arms extended, head back, and is a shot of his pregame ritual of chalking his hands and then sending the chalk into the air.

It was sunny but very breezy, when we ran through the alley behind the Rock Hall the wind almost stood us straight up!

My achilles felt much better today. I did have a little tightness in my lower right inside shin area.

And I checked my 2nd newest shoes, they are the ASICS GT 2110 so the new ones I bought are almost the same.

Weight = 187 lbs.

New Shoes

I got new shoes last night. I had a coupon for $15 off $75 purchase at Dicks. The ASICS GT 2120, originally $94.99, were marked down to $79.99. So I ended up paying less than $70 including tax!

Common advice is to break in the shoes but I've never had problems with new shoes. I'll probably run in them once and then use them in the 1/2 marathon this weekend!

Resolution and Rest

First the rest. Wearing the heel lifts yesterday moved the pain from the back of my heel, higher up my leg, to the outside of my right ankle. I'm not wearing them today. My whole ankle seems to stiffen up whenever I sit down for any length of time.

I decided whatever I run this week isn't going to greatly affect my half-marathon time on Sunday so I am resting Tuesday & Wednesday. I'll go for an easy run on Thursday and then rest again on Friday & Saturday.

A couple days ago I wrote how Hermes had lost my registration for the Skeleton Run. Well I have contacted them by email and Drew was very helpful in figuring what probably happened. Hermes moved to a new office recently but their old address was on the entry form for the Skeleton Run.

Drew was also the guy who got us signed up quickly on Sunday morning. Thanks again for getting us going quickly so that we were able to run in the races.

Achilles Pain and Heel Lifts

I've been wearing a heel lift most of Sunday evening and today.

I didn't want to try to wear it while I ran but I decided to give it a try in my work shoes. I think it is definitely relieving some of the achilles pain that I was having, but at the same time it seems to be causeing some tightness in my ankles. As I type, I have my shoes off and my feet under my desk. I hope I don't get any visitors in my office.

I ran today, the homeless route backwards, and then got back just in time to do Jenny's abs workout.

Weight = 187 lbs.

2007 Skeleton Run 5K Race Report

I ran the Skeleton Run 5K in Amherst today. My kids "Levi", "Bess", and "Rae" also ran the 1-mile Funny Bone run.

We were a few minutes late in leaving, and then we stopped to pick up Dunkin' Donuts (for after the race, we had a coupon) and coffee on the way. At this point we were still pretty close to on schedule. But unfortunately I made a wrong turn and it took us about 15 minutes to travel the mile from the donut shop to the race site.

Then we went in to pick up our numbers and Hermes had lost our registrations. The race personnel got us re-signed up but this took some time and "Levi" and I didn't get to warm up as much as we usually would have.

"Levi" ran about the same time as last year, and while he was in the top 10 overall, he didn't place in his age group.

"Bess" started off in the very back and jogged with "Rae" for a while. She ran to the side of the road and high-fived her baby brother "Gabe" around the 1/4 mile mark. The next time I saw her she had moved up past at least half of the field and was the 4th girl in the race. She ran in the low 8-minutes and got a medal for 2nd in her age group.

"Rae" knew if she finished she would have a good chance at a medal so she was just trying to get there. The finish was on the track and she picked up the pace on the backstretch, and then stopped and walked. Another girl came along and passed her, and then she took off like she'd been shot from a cannon, and left that girl (and the next one in front of her) in the dust.

"Rae" won her age group in a time around 11-12 minutes.

Then I had to hustle over for the start of the 5k. It was a narrow start due to the chip-timing and I found a spot about 8 rows back from the front. I got a decent start but never made it up close enough to the front to be able to count what place I was in, something I'm usually able to do in a race this size.

I was hoping for a mile time around 5:50 but the timer called off 5:59 as I ran past. I was slightly disappointed but kept my focus on the race and tried to keep a steady pace. (I didn't realize at the time that my chip-offset was 6 seconds and I'd really run 5:53).

We went up and down a bike path, into a little park past a soccer field, and then back down. The timer called out 12:39. Again, my actual 2-mile time would have been 12:33.

I really felt focused and engaged in the race for pretty much the entire course. I picked up the pace when I hit the track and held off a sizable pack of runners right behind me. I crossed the line at 19:57 but my chip time of 19:51 gave me my best 5k since I ran 19:27 in 2000. I got the medal for 3rd in my age group, finishing 31st overall.

I was hoping the speedwork of the last 3 weeks would have enabled me to run a faster time, but all things considered I was satisfied with the effort.

The weather was cool and crisp but the sun came out and it ended up being a decent day. We saw a parent and another family from our soccer team, as Jason's dad was running, as well as Justin's sister and mother.

Full results for the 5k are posted already.

Friday 6.5 Miles

I ran with Rick & Marty today. Marty always runs out to Aviation HS on Fridays so this was our route. A light rain fell on us for a few minutes, as we were running by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Rick turned around a little early but Marty and I ran the whole 6.5 miles. We kept a nice easy pace and had a good conversation about recent and upcoming races, as well was Marty's daughter and her first season of HS Cross Country. Come to find out she is coached by Keith Gorby, a great runner from a family of runners from Youngstown, who my nephew is acquainted with.

Weight = 185 lbs.

Blood Drive

I gave blood again today. I like going in the morning as it seems to go faster. There aren't as many people waiting.

Interestingly, the nurse that checked me in lives less than 2 miles from me. We discussed the convenience of the new Super WalMart in my back yard.

I think I'm resting the rest of today. Between the achilles tendinitis, the speedwork and 2nd workout yesterday, and the blood drive, I think it's the wise thing to do.

Wednesday Cardio Conditioning Class

I wasn't on the pizza schedule tonight and my family wouldn't be home so I stayed after work for Chris' cardio conditioning class. Once again it was a small class, 5 students plus Chris. This was the last class for a while. Next Wednesday is Halloween and the following Wednesday is flu shot day.

And after that, the class may be moved to Mondays at 1 PM.

The highlight of today's class was Chris' idea that every time a song ended we had to stop whatever we were doing and do 10 pushups. Along with a set of 8 - hover - 7 - hover (down to 1) and another set of pushups where we did the down movement slowly (first 7 counts to get down, then 6 counts, ...) we probably did close to 200 pushups today.

My achilles is still giving me tremendous pain but I have pretty much resigned myself that I'm going to run through it for the next week and a half until these 2 races are done.

Tomorrow is probably a rest day as I am scheduled to give blood in the morning.

Weight = 186 lbs.

Wednesday Speedwork - Part 3

I ran my weekly speedwork today for the 3rd week in a row. Today again I ran on the track at St. Ignatius. The weather was much cooler (53) and a little breezy.

My plan was to run 3 x 400m. Hopefully around 75 seconds or faster. And I succeeded.

• 78
• 75
• 74

Since my fastest last week was 76, I felt pretty good about this. Total distance = 5 miles.

Money found = 6 cents (1 nickle & 1 penny)

Weight = 185 lbs

Tuesday Circuits

The weather was rainy outside today so I went to Circuits Class instead. Matt was the instructor, as he usually is on Tuesdays. Class was very full, with 18 people in all!

It seemed to me like we did alot of pushups, as well as quite a bit of cardo. It was a good class for me.

I hope the weather is better tomorrow so I can go to the track and get my 400's in.

Weight = 187 lbs

Beautiful Day

Ran the lakefront run today, 4.5 miles. My achilles still hurts but it seems to be better than last week. Not much else to say except that the weather was beautiful.

Friday 5.5

None of my regular running friends were running today so I went to the fitness center planning to run alone. But then I ran into Matt, also getting ready to run alone. So we ran together.

Matt said that 5 people from the company, including Marty, Curt, and Troy who I have run with before, are doing marathons this weekend.

Matt was preparing to give a presentation on our company's "wellness culture" to a group of students from Michigan State in some sort of Honors Fraternity.

We ran the homeless route. Matt cut out about 4 miles (behind tower city) while I continued to commercial hill and then added a loop around Jacobs Field. I ran almost 5.5 miles.

Weight = 184 lbs.

Treading Along

I ran 3 miles easy today on the treadmill at our company fitness center. First mile was aroun 9:00 and then I set it for 7.5 MPH and my last 2 miles were 8:00 each. I ran inside because it was rainy outside.

It was my 4th day of running in a row, my first streak of any significance since I ran 19 of 20 days back in late June / early July.

My achilles still hurts for the first mile or so.

Weight = 186 lbs

Trophy-Winning Speedwork

I ran speedwork on the St. Ignatius track today. I took a few sidestreets to get there and noticed something I've never seen before. The birthplace of John Heisman! Yes, the famous football coach who the award for college football's best player is named after.

Anyways, after a 1 3/4 mile warm-up, run partly with Rick and Kevin D, I arrived at the track. My plan was to do 4 x 400 meters, in around 80 seconds. My first one felt easy and smooth at 77 seconds. I guess it felt too easy because the next one I ran in 82 seconds.

I put some more effort into the 3rd one and was back down to 80 seconds, and the final repeat was my fastest of all in 76 seconds. I jogged 1 lap in between.

My pulse before the final 400 was 132 and then immediately after I finished it was all the way up to 204!

My 2 mile cool down took me past the Heisman house again for a total of 5 1/2 miles.

Tuesday Solo 5 Miles

Most of the gang was in circuits class today but with my new plan to run a 1/2 marathon in 3 weeks, I figure it's best for me to run 5-6 days per week. So I ran the homeless route alone today. The weather was great, definitely warmer than expected for October.

My right achilles / heel area is giving me some pain. It hurts the most when I just start out and after a mile the pain decreases significantly. I've been trying to stretch a little more, but I figure I'll probably just run through it.

Weight = 186 lbs

Monday Easy 4.5 Miles

I ran the lakefront route today, a nice easy run. I wore long sleeves but it seemed warmer outside than in my office. After the run I did Jenny's abs class - always very tough!

Also I have decided to run the Inland Trail Half Marathon. The race is coming up in just 3 weeks and is 1 week after the Skeleton Run 5k which I am also running, so I won't do much differently to train, but hopefully I will be a little more consistent than I have been the last few weeks.\

And I found a penny! Right in front of our building.

Weight = 183 lbs.

Thursday Speedwork

I haven't done any speedwork since I hurt my hamstring almost 3 months ago. However, since I am planning on running my last race of the season at the end of the month, I decided to give it another try.

After 1 1/2 mile warm-up, I ran 3 repeats of 1/2 mile, with 1/4 mile walk/jog in between.

• 2:55
• 2:55
• 2:49

The weather was chilly, there was a light rain / drizzle falling, and the pavement was wet. To top it off, I was running alone, which is always more of a mental challenge. So I'm pretty happy with the results.

Next week I plan to do 4 x 400, and the following week 3 x 300, leading up to the race.

With a 3/4 mile cool down, total mileage for the day was 4.

Marathon News, Thursday Circuits

I worked out today but before I write about that, I want to discuss several marathon races that happened recently.

First, congratulations to Ken, Randy, Keith, and Greg for their finishes in the Towpath Marathon and Half Marathon last weekend. Ken finished in the top 3 in his age group for the half-marathon. Randy, Keith, and Greg all finished in the top 10 in their respective age groups, Randy in the half and Keith and Greg in the full marathon. It was a wickedly hot day, congratulations on the effort even if the time wasn't what you were hoping for. The Towpath marathon had 380 finishers this year.

Meanwhile, about 350 miles to the west, similarly oppressive heat plagued one of the world's largest marathons, the Chicago Marathon. I expect most of you have heard about it already. The temperature there was in the high 80's. One runner died, several more were hospitalized, and the race was actually called off around 3 hours.

Any runners still on the course were advised to stop and walk. I don't know all the details about how they collected the runners, but this must have been a difficult decision for the race organizers. This story quotes several runners who claim that there wasn't enough water on the course. The heat, and how it affected the non-elite runners, is an even bigger story than the fact that the first 2 runners in the race finished just 0.05 seconds apart.

Finally, on a lighter note, this story I found on CNN describes how Roberto Madrazo, a Mexican politician, won his age group in the 2007 Berlin Marathon. Madrazo, age 55, crossed the line in an amazing time of 2:41. Race photographers also noticed that he was dressed differently than the other runners near him, wearing a jacket, hat, and long running pants.

Race organizers then reviewed his computer-chip times to see when he passed various checkpoints and discovered that he covered 9 miles in just 21 minutes. They promptly disqualified him for cheating!

Now for today's workout. I went to Circuits Class, led by Matt. Today was strange in that there were just 8 of us in the class, all men. It was a good class and I think now that it is fall, I will start going to Circuits on a more regular basis.

Weight = 187 lbs.

Thursday 4 Easy - Go Tribe!

When I was planning to run today I decided I definitely wanted to run past Jacobs Field, where the Indians open the playoffs tonight against the New York Yankees.

So I decided to run the "bridges plus" route. I was by myself so I was going pretty slow.

As I crossed West 25th by the West Side Market, another runner I recognized from our fitness center was turning the corner onto Lorain Ave. We ended up running the last mile or so together, his name is Steve S. and he works in Purchasing.

Cardio Conditioning Class

I had a meeting last night at 8 so in between work and the meeting I stayed for Chris' Wednesday night Cardio Conditioning Class. There were only 5 of us plus Chris, the instructor.

This class is very similar to circuits, without the stations. A little more running and cardo activity. One of the exercises from last night was 1 push-up, 1 jumping jack, 2 push-ups, 2 jumping jacks, all the way up to 10 of each.

Weight = 186 lbs.

Tuesday Night Running Club - 4.5 Miles

There were 6 of us last night: Randy & Kassie, Keith, Greg, Brad, and I. We pretty much stayed together the entire way, which was rare. The weather was just right but it was very dark out.

Topics of discussion included upcoming races, high school cross country, how much Randy would have to train to qualify for Boston, cell phones, and even typing class.

We ended with the now customary Freeze-Pops.

Thursday Circuits

I went to circuits today for the first time since early May. That is, not counting the very similar Cardo Conditioning class from a couple weeks ago on Wednesday night.

Anyhow, circuits hasn't changed too much. It was a smaller class today with only 11 students plus Chris the instructor.

Chris' new idea / torture today was a series of pushups with "hovering" in the down push-up position: 8 push-ups, then hover, then 7 push-ups, then hover ... all the way down to 1 push-up. I failed miserably.

I'll probably do circuits a little more often now that Fall has arrived and the weather isn't always as nice out.

Elyria Apple Festival 5K Results

The Elyria Apple Festival 5K Results from Sunday, September 23, 2007 are now posted on the Lorain County Community College website.

Separation Tuesday

I ran the homeless route today with Rick, Peter, & Milica, more or less.

I was last to the fitness center. Rick was already dressed, but then he heard it was muggy out (and it was!) so he came back to the locker room to take his inhaler. By the time we got out to the hall, Peter & Milica had left without us.

We ran the lakeshore route yesterday so Rick guessed (correctly) that they had run the homeless route. We ran partway into the flats and then cut over to try to meet up with them. We actually were a little too far ahead of them and didn't see them right away.

Rick was struggling and fell behind. At one point I turned to run a little extra up a sidestreet to allow Rick to catch up. But then I misjudged and went too far and I ended up behind all 3 of them. I caught up and then Rick fell back again.

It seemed like almost never the entire group of us was together.

Total distance about 4 1/2 miles.

Weight = 182 lbs.

Marginal Monday

Rick, Milica, and I ran along the lake today. We run through the warehouse district towards the lake, then cut through a parking lot to end up right by Cleveland Browns Stadium. Around the back of the stadium, past the Science Center and the Rock Hall, and we hit the path along North Marginal.

As you can see, we run alongside the Marginal until the first overpass, at which time we cross the highway and come back along the South Marginal. Up the walking steps across from the football stadium, past Mall C, across public square, and we're back where we started.

This was a slow, easy run for me, which was a good idea due to the race I ran Sunday.

Weight = 181 lbs

How 'Bout Them Apples?

I got up early this morning to run a small local race, the Apple Festival 5K. I've never run it before but my friend Brad has and I knew it was a smaller race. My 10-year old son "Levi" also wanted to run another 5k, having finished the Firelands 5k earlier in the month in just over 30 minutes.

My goal for the race was actually to beat Brad, who had beat me by 1:49 at the Firelands 5K, and also to finish under 20 minutes.

Levi and I got to the race plenty early, picked up our shirts, and warmed up a little. We visited with Brad, Jeremy, Angel & Don, and Paul, Cindy, & Steven. At 8:30 we toed the line, the gun went off, and away we went.

The top 3 quickly distanced themselves from the pack, 2 other high school looking kids were together in 4-5, and I settled into 6th place for the first part of the race. Concentration and focus were good. The course was flat and I hit the mile in 5:43.

The 2nd mile went down a hill, made a couple turns, and then started back up the hill. Brad caught me at the bottom of the hill and we stayed pretty close together through the turns. He took the lead just before we started up the hills. Now I was in 7th. I thought I could possibly reel Brad back in once I got up to the top of the hill.

My 2 mile split was 13:02, just a couple seconds behind Brad. 6:19 for the 2nd mile was pretty good for me.

I worked up the hill and tried to surge a little on the top, but I could never gain much ground on Brad, in fact he ended up pulling away. Also, during probably the last 600 meters, 2 other guys passed me. My fear was that they were both in my age division, but luckily for me, one of them was 50. I ended up 9th overall out of 117 runners, with a time of 19:53. My final 1.1 mile was 6:51, very solid.

I didn't beat Brad but I did break 20 minutes, and I got a trophy for 3rd in my age group!

But the surprise of the day was "Levi", who ran 25:36, about 4 1/2 minutes faster than his 5K a few weeks ago! He finished 65th overall, right around the middle of the race. His age group was 13 and under, so he got beat by several older kids, and unfortunately didn't get a trophy.

Great job son!

Official results should be posted on the LCCC website, and I'll add a link once they are up.

The race was well organized, with one water stop (that we passed twice, once out and once back). There were no raffle prizes, but there were apples, bagels, and granola bars, and of course plenty of water.

Friday Tremont 5.5 Miles - All Alone

I ran alone today and decided to go a little farther and try to increase the tempo in a few sections. I ran the Tremont route which is just over 5 1/2 miles.

My faster sections were up the hill on Jefferson (all the way to Lincoln Park, then again for most of the straight stretch of Scranton, and then finally up Commercial Hill.

I did get a break just before 4 miles when I had to wait about 5 minutes for the drawbridge to be lowered.

Bridges Plus

I ran the "Bridges Plus" route today with Rick. We also ran the first part with Vicki and Blondie, but they didn't run the "Plus". On my wife's suggestion, I am including a map of the route.

This was my first day running with Rick since I upset him about 3 weeks ago by not waiting for the walk signal. I like running with Rick so I was extra-cautious today when crossing any streets.

We had a morbid discussion crossing the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge about a former co-worker whose body was found below the bridge last week. None of us know any details so I will refrain from posting any rumor or speculation, just that it is a sad and tragic situation.

Weight = 183 lbs

Tuesday Night Running Club - 4.5 Miles

Tonight's story actually starts last night. I had just finished refereeing a soccer match when Keith phoned me on the cell phone. His car had broken down in Cleveland on his way to the Indians game and he and his wife were stranded in Lakewood. I drove right in and picked him up and brought him back to my house, where his mother Linda picked them up and took them the rest of the way home.

Now to tonight . . .

I didn't have my kids and it has started getting dark sooner so soccer practice ended at 7:30 and I was able to make it to Oberlin in time for the run. Ken, Randy, and Cassie (Randy's daughter) were waiting and Brad arrived shortly after. The topic of discussion was Keith and his dilemma from the night before.

Come to find out, Randy had been at Friday's game and Brad was at the game last night, both of which included late inning come-backs and Casey Blake home runs!

Well, Keith and Greg arrived and it was quickly worked out that Ken would take Keith on in to Lakewood to pick up his car. But they had to be there by 10 PM. Even though the towing business is open 24 hours.

Our run was uneventful, straight and flat. Ken seemed to be setting the pace on the way out. I fell back a little bit, with Randy and Cassie right behind me. We turned around together and then we met up again with Ken, with Greg, Keith, & Brad up ahead of us.

Keith & Ken quickly took off, Keith transporting soccer uniforms and books to my sister Chris. Meanwhile, the rest of us were bummed about the grocery store closing.

Greg quickly ran over to CVS which was about to close at 9 PM, and we enjoyed a box of Fla-Vor-Ice. They were nice, but nothing compared to the Dole Fruit and Juice bars we used to get at Missler's IGA.

Monday 6.5 Miles

Just a quick post, ran the Aviation HS route today. Weather was beautiful, like a warm fall day. Legs don't hurt anymore (from Wednesday).

Wednesday Cardio Conditioning Class

I had to stay late at work tonight for a software upgrade we are performing at 8 PM. So last week when I saw a sign in the fitness center for a new Cardio Contitioning class, I decided to try to attend.

Well the class was pretty close to the Circuits class I used to attend (and will again once the weather makes it less comfortable to run outside). There were no stations, all group exercises, but the exercises were pretty much the same.

After a warm up of walking, jogging, & jumping jacks, we started off with a series of 1 jumping jack, 1 push-up, 2 jumping jacks, 2 push-ups, ... all the way up to 10 jumping jacks and 10 push ups.

It was a good class, but towards the end, after a series of lunges, squats, high-knees, and a couple sprints, my left hamstring got a little twinge. I hope I'm not injured again, but I think I'm taking the rest of the week off just to be safe.

No More Popcicles?

This is bad news for our Tuesday night running group.

The grocery store that we park next to, and get our popsicles from, is closing at the end of the month. None of us runners live in that town, but we've given them alot of business over the years.

Besides popcicles whenever the weather isn't freezing, we've bought our share of Gatorade there as well. Greg also frequently gets a few donuts from their bakery.

This news will certainly be a blow to the morale of our group.

Tuesday 4.5 Miles

I ran today with Milica, Peter, and Vicki. We left a little early as Peter has a meeting at 1 PM. The sky was overcast and a light rain or drizzle was falling when we started. We ran out along the lakeshore.

By the time we returned, the sun had come out an the sky was bright blue, with still some scattered clouds.

We've started a new habit which I think is a good one. We walk a block (around the building) as a cool-down after the run. This is probably especially good for me as I don't do much stretching.

Friday Easy 3.5 Miles

I ran again with Peter and Milica. We ran an easy 3.5 miles, around both the Browns and Indians stadiums.

On West 9th, while waiting for traffic, a beggar asked if we had any spare change. Runners don't carry money. As Rick said, he'd be better off asking someone with pants.

Then as we were coming south on East 9th, we were joined by another runner. An older man, probably in his 50's, with an ipod. He ran right behind us for quite a ways, without saying a word. Even when I turned and spoke to him, he didn't respond. Wierd!

Weight = 182 lbs

Thursday Easy 3.5 Miles

I ran with Peter & Milica today. It was very hot out. We ran the homeless route but I cut out at about 3.5 miles and went up the stairs by the Justice Center. I decided I'd rather try to run tomorrow than totally wear myself out today. Peter & Milica continued onward, good for them.

Weight = 184 lbs.

I found a cool link today, it's to the '300 Workout' as reported in Men's Health Magazine. Basically this is a workout performed by some of the stars of the movie '300'. It looks pretty brutal.

Tuesday 4.5 Miles

I ran today with Peter, Milica, and Vicki. We ran along the lakeshore, a 4.5 mile route. I found another penny, just as we were leaving the building, and carried it for the entire run.

Weight = 185 lbs

2007 Firelands 5K Race Report

Saturday started early. Due to the events of Friday night, I only got about 3+ hours of sleep. I got up early, packed up the van for a long weekend, helped get the kids around, and we headed for New London.

Brooke was the only person in our immediate family running the 1-mile fun run. The fun run is at the local recreation park where the Firelands Festival is held, and there were many people camping out in the woods along the race course. Brooke dropped out after 1 lap (the fun run is 2 laps), complaining that there was too much smoke blowing in her face from the campfires. Nephew Clayton did run the 1-mile.

I then warmed up a little with Ken and Brad, and headed to the starting line. I gave Luke some last minute advice (start slow) for his first ever 5k. I had decided I was going to try to run with Karl and run even splits, so I would be starting slow also.

Bill Spencer, the father of my classmate Eric, was the starter for the race. He fired his pistol and we were off. I was still in a big pack of runners and lost touch with Karl on the first turn. I still could see him but never quite caught up with him. I made it to the 1-mile mark in 6:24.

I thought if I did run even splits I could be pretty close to my mid-19 minute goal. I tried to keep the same level of effort to the turn-around. But in an out-and-back course, it's easy to get distracted once you start seeing the leaders coming back (and the slower runners still coming out after you turn). I dumped a cup of water on my head at the turn around and headed back, cheering for family members as I saw them. Luke was still running, not too far back. My sister Barb and brother-in-law Bob were also at the turnaround to cheer as usual.

My time at the 2-mile mark was 14:00, a 7:36 mile. That was pretty slow! I had fallen behind Shawn T., who I was even with at the turn-around. I started to focus on not falling further behind him, planning to pick up the pace and catch him by the finish.

With just over 1/2 mile to go, I realized that Shawn was a year ahead of me in school, and I was 39, he had to be 40. That meant he was in the next age-group up and I didn't have to try to beat him after all. I pretty much relaxed and coasted in from that point, getting passed in the last 1/4 mile by the 2nd and 3rd girls in the race.

I ended up 4th in my age group, but I did win a $10 Walmart Gift Card!

After I finished, I turned around and ran back to run in with Luke. He ended up with a time of 30:12, and said that he didn't walk until he got to the 2 mile mark. His legs were sore but he's definitely interested in doing another 5k.

Firelands 5K Results

September 1, 2007, New London, Ohio

The results are posted on the NLHS webpage but they are somewhat difficult to find so I put up this link. I'll write more about my race when I have more time.

"Give Life"

I gave blood again this morning. This was my 5th time donating blood all together, including the failed attempt last June. Today's appointment went very smoothly with no issues whatsoever.

I came in, read the info, did the interview, and went to the donating area with really no waiting. Maybe morning appointments run faster than afternoons, I've always had to wait in the past.

Previous prizes have been a pie (twice) and a shirt. This time we get entered into a drawing to win a 2 year lease on a Honda Civic or one of 6 $500 gas cards. Plus if I visit a local dealer, Jack Matia Honda for me, I can win another $250 gas card. They also gave out $8 discount coupons for Cedar Point.

Of course, the other good part is the post-donation snacks of cookies and pineapple juice!

Two In A Row

I ran today for the 2nd day in a row. Again my running partners were Rick and Milica. Although I upset Rick at the end by dashing across a street while all the cars were stopped, but before we got the "Walk" sign.

My hamstring is pretty much healed but I am getting some soreness / achiness in my legs & feet. I think it's time for a new pair of shoes. In fact, I'm bringing my shoes home from the fitness center tonight and replacing them with my much newer shoes that I have at home.

We ran the 5 mile homeless route, and I snatched the penny from yesterday. Then when I got back to our building, I found 2 more shiny ones! That's 3 cents in all!

Also of note, we had a nice surge today to get across a drawbridge before it started going up. We then picked up the pace a little to try to get to the next one but it started going up before we got there so we had a short wait.

See A Penny . . .

. . . pick it up! Then all day you'll have good luck!

That saying or slogan is one that I usually keep, even when out running. Today I ran with Rick and Milica, we ran the 5 1/2 mile Tremont route. About 4 1/2 miles along I saw a penny on the ground, but was already past when I noticed it.

I debated in my head picking it up for about 50 steps or so, then finally turned back, saying "I'll catch you in a bit."

Then I went back and couldn't find it!

The run felt good, which is a good thing since I have a 5k coming up on Saturday!

Our company is participating in 4 walks this fall and hopes to have 1000 walkers in all. I can't participate as we have soccer in the fall, but I thought I would show my support by putting links here:

• ALS Walk, September 9th, Tri-C Western Campus
• Race For The Cure, September 15th, downtown Cleveland
• Juvenile Diabetes Walk, September 29th, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Autism Walk, September 30th, Jacobs Field
  

Thursday 4.5 Miles

I had planned to run a few times but didn't make it a priority so I didn't get out from last Thursday until today. I ran at lunch again and today all of our regular group was there: Kevin D, Peter, Rick, Vicki, and Milica.

The weather was hot and very humid as we ran along the lakeshore. Peter, Kevin, and Vicki turned off by the Rock Hall but not before Peter announced that his wife Laura was pregnant, due either in late February (she thinks) or early March (the doctor thinks). Peter agrees with the doctor.

Laura just hopes the baby isn't born on February 29th, which is possible since next year is a leap year.

Today was definitely the best my hamstring has felt since the injury, in fact, I didn't notice any pain in my leg at all!

Thursday 4.5 Miles

I ran with the old lunchtime gang again today. The weather was warm and humid, we went 4 1/2 miles along the lakeshore.

My hamstring felt better than it has in a long time. It still feels slightly weak, but I didn't have any pain the entire run.

We did take a couple short walk-breaks.

Weight = 181 lbs

Getting Better

I ran 1 1/2 miles tonight with my son Luke. He stopped to walk a few times. The good thing was, my hamstring felt much better. I think it's totally healed (after 4 weeks rest). Now to try to get my conditioning back.

On The Boardwalk

I ran about 3.5 miles on Tuesday morning, on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. I think my leg is really starting to feel better. I did stop and walk a couple times (it was a 4-mile out and back course) just to be safe, but it was partly because the temperature was on it's way to the 90's and humid.

I love running on the boardwalk, what a great place to people-watch!

Victoria & George biked along also, much faster than my running of course.

I'll try the hamstring again on Thursday and hopefully by next week I'll be back to normal.

Short And Easy

I ran with Rick and Milica today. Kevin D is off for 2 weeks because he had finger surgery. Peter is resting because of the high miles he's putting in training for the Pedal to the Point bike ride.

My leg felt about the same as Monday. No better, no worse. We ran 3 miles, around downtown.

Boot Camp

Well I decided to give my legs a try again today. My last run had been last Monday, a week ago today. I was resting my sore hamstring. Last Monday's run was after 5 days of rest also, but my leg needed more.

Today I joined Vicki's "Boot Camp" class. Boot camp was really just a 3 mile run with some step-ups, jumping jacks, wall sits, lunges, high knees, skipping, and a few hills sprints. Other class members were Rick, Kevin D, Milica, and Gary, 4 people that I run with frequently. There were 2 other girls there that I don't really know, Lauren & Daniella.

I really took it easy. My hamstring felt much better but not totally healed. It went from tingling, to tight, to weak. There was 1 step that gave me pain but I stopped and walked a bit and when I started running again it didn't hurt.

It does still feel weak, low in my left hamstring, right before I land / push off.

I'm not running Tuesday but I'm not taking another week off either. I haven't decided when I'll run again. I may actually try yoga for the stretching.

Tom from Runners Lounge posted that he may have some hamstring advice for me. I'm pretty open to advice from anyone at this point, if you have something to say, feel free to leave a comment! And Thanks!

Weight = 179 lbs

Frustration

I ran just over 3 miles with Rick today. We started on the homeless route through the flats but then we cut it short twice. My left hamstring is still aching even after 5 days of rest.

I'm taking Tuesday off for sure. I'll probably give it another try on Wednesday with an easy run and if it's not better then, I'll probably shut it down again for the rest of the week.

This is especially frustrating since, before this seemingly minor injury, I was running more consistently than I have in about 10 years.

Weight = 181 lbs

Friday Lunch

You may have noticed I haven't posted lately, that's because I haven't run since Tuesday night. I decided my sore left hamstring was not going to heal until I gave it several days of complete rest, so that's what I'm doing. I'll probably run again on Monday.

Meanwhile, Kevin D invited the lunchtime running group to actually have lunch today. Kevin, Peter, Blondie, and I went to Vincenza's, just a short walk from the office. The pizza is decent and the prices are cheap. I got a thick slice of sausage pizza, and 2 thin slices, 1 with pepperoni and 1 with just cheese, along with a Dr. Pepper, for $7.15.

It was an amusing choice, considering my 2nd job, but I like pizza so it's all good.

Talk focused on how dirty and dusty the fitness center is. Blondie is organizing a cleaning crew to stay late next Monday and do some cleaning. Sounds like a decent idea!

Tuesday Night Running Club - 4.5 Miles

I ran with the guys tonight. There were 8 runners plus my son Luke on his bike. Clint, who helps me coach our youth soccer team, came tonight for the first time. Brad and Ken also were there from the north / east. We all drove separately for some reason.

From the south / west, Greg and Keith and the twins (Gabrielle and Danielle) all drove together. Someone made a joke about the farmers being wiser than the city folk.

The big surprise of the night was that Clint and Brad, who had never met before tonight, both know the same person and both stayed in the same condo in Hilton Head, last week (Clint) and 2 weeks ago (Brad) respectively! Small world!

Running, my left hamstring felt good for the first couple miles but started hurting (again). I think I'm going to have to take a few days off. Greg's using a wrap for his chronic sore hamstring, if it lingers more than a week I may try something like that.

Monday 4.5 Miles

Monday is bootcamp for "the kids" as Rick affectionately calls them, so it was just Rick and I today. We ran the 4.5 mile route out along the lakeshore and back past the municipal parking lots.

The set-up for the Dew Sports Tour has come a long way since Friday morning! There are now bleachers up around the dirt piles, and there is much activity going on. Rick said he is taking his niece on Friday night. I am jealous!

Even after a day of rest, my left hamstring still hurts. If it isn't better I'll most likely take Wednesday off also.

Weight = 181 lbs

Saturday 3.5 Miles - Racing The Mail

I ran home from the Swim Meet today, the same 3 1/2 mile route as last week. My left hamstring is still achy but it seems to be getting better each day. I'm planning to take Sunday off and hope that by next week it is pretty much all better. I did notice today that the ache is very low on my hamstring, much closer to my knee than my butt.

One interesting thing today is that as I was running along a residential side-street, I ended up behind a mail truck. This truck would zip ahead and then stop at the (roadside) mailbox to deliver the mail to that house, and then zip ahead to the next house. Obviously when it was moving the truck was faster than me but then when it stopped I would gain on it.

This lasted probably about 600 yards and by the end I had pulled even with and passed the mail truck!

Victoria's friend Jennifer came in from Pittsburgh and they got up early and biked the entire length of the bike path, out and back, for a total of 26 miles. Great job girls!

Friday The 13th AM 7 Miles

I got up at 5 AM again this week to come in and run longer with Kevin D. Before work. The course we run is 7.5 miles.

I started out feeling ok, we seemed to be going slightly slower than 2 weeks ago. Kevin D. was definitely setting the pace, until we got to the Superior Bridge around 4 miles into the run, when he faded behind me and followed me across the bridge. I felt at the time that Kevin was just making me do the work for a while.

After crossing the bridge my left hamstring began to hurt a little more so I slowed up. Kevin went ahead and then suggested I cut across a side-street, and I agreed. This cut about 1/4 mile off of the route for me.

It took Kevin most of the rest of the run to catch up with me again, and his time was just over 56 minutes, about the same as 2 weeks ago. Adding in a couple minutes for the part I cut my time would have been about the same as well.

Kevin did comment to me that I carried him across the bridge. He said he had the song Stacy's Mom going through his head up until that point, when his mind started to wander to the tasks he had to accomplish this weekend!

Sights of the run included the fencing, bleachers, and a mound of dirt set up at the North Coast Harbor for next weekend's Dew Action Sports Tour.

Thursday Hills

I ran hills in the flats today with Milica, Rick, Jason, and Chris. I've never run with Jason or Chris before. Jason knows Milica from volleyball, and Chris is an instructor at the fitness center.

The reason we ran hills in the flats, and the reason Jason came along, was because our fitness center is having a contest this summer. You get a point for every 15 minutes of exercise / activity, and each week there is a bonus activity that you can do for extra credit. You have to provide photo evidence. This week's activity was to run or walk the 4 hills in the flats.

I'm not in the contest but Milica and Jason are, so I served as cameraman for this excursion. The top photo shows (left to right) Chris, Milica, and Jason running up the northern-most hill in the flats. (At the bottom of the hill is the old Fagan's). The bottom photo is Chris and Milica running up the 4th hill at the south end of the flats.

After completing all the hills, we were about 2 1/2 miles so we did one more loop through the flats (without the extra hills) and were back at the office right around 4 miles.

In front of our office, I noticed something I've never seen before. To read about it, check out my pizza blog.

My hamstring is still a little sore. Strangely it felt better going up the hills than running on the flats.

Weight = 181 lbs

Wednesday Speedwork

I ran speedwork with Matt today. This was my 3rd speedwork session in 4 weeks, all on Wednesdays. We ran 4x800 again, in the flats. It was not nearly as warm as the past couple days, and it was a little breezy.

My left hamstring started feeling tender on the 4th repeat so I didn't push as hard, and I stretched a little extra when I got back.

• 2:56
• 2:53
• 2:54
• 3:12

Add in 1 1/2 mile warm-up, 1/4 recovery jog in between repeats, and 3/4 mile cool down, today's total distance was about 5 miles.

Weight = 181 lbs.

Tuesday 5.5 Miles

We ran the long (5.5 mile) Tremont route today. Peter, Vicki, Milica, and I started together. Peter and Vicki faded back and I think they cut out at 4 miles, while Milica and I ran the whole way.

It was another super-hot day.

Weight = 178 lbs

Monday 5 Miles

Rick and I ran 5 miles today in the flats (the homeless route). The weather was very hot, in the 90's. It's the first time I remember thinking, when I run, that a headwind was a good thing!

We got new rubber things last week that close the laundry bags. Closed they look like the top picture.

And open they look like the bottom picture, except that ours are white, not green.

I guess the old safety-pins were damaging to the driers.

As planned, I took Sunday off, so this starts a new streak.

Weight = 180 lbs

Saturday 3.5 Miles

I ran home from the kids' swim meet today. I mapped the distance to just over 3.5 miles. The route I took was a little longer than the shortest possible route, as some of the roads I would have used don't have sidewalks.

This brings my streak to 13 consecutive days, but I expect it will end on Sunday.

Friday 3.5 Miles

I ran with Rick today. Rick had run long (7) last night and had to be back to his desk early so we cut the run short. We ran into the flats, skipped the bridge part of the homeless run, ran across Canal road and up Commercial hill, then around Jacobs Field. Total distance was just over 3 1/2 miles.

Weight = 182 lbs

Thursday 4.5 Miles - With Break

I ran the lakefront route today with Milica, Peter, and Vicki. About a mile into the run I made a quick stop at a port-a-pot in a parking lot. I didn't catch the group until right after we passed the Rock Hall.

On the way back, the other 3 suddenly stopped and walked about a mile from the end, so I finished on my own. It was a very sweaty day. My 11th consecutive day of running!

Weight = 180 lbs

Independence Day - 4.5 Miles

I half expected to not be able to run today. We went to a parade in the morning and a family picnic at Keith & Tiffany's in the afternoon. Some years at the picnic there has been a spirited basketball game or even a half mile race. But this year the most activity I got was a rigorous game of cornhole.

Then we were invited to another picnic in the late afternoon, but we decided to stay home, baby George (and his mother) were still a little tired out from fireworks last night. So I had some free time in the evening and decided to go for a run.

I mapped out a new route that was slightly over 4.5 miles. Not much significant on the run. I did meet 2 other runners, a biker (twice), and ran past several neighborhood get-togethers, including one where I saw a player from my son's soccer team. I also ran through a few clouds of smoke from backyard fireworks displays.

This gives me 10 days in a row, something I haven't accomplished in years.

Tuesday 5.5 Miles

I planned to run with Rick today but Peter and Vicki were leaving at the same time so the 4 of us ran together. We ran the homeless route, the original way (the bridge is done apparently). We did encounter a homeless guy pushing a shopping cart. The bugs (from yesterday) were gone!

We had a slight delay as one of the drawbridges we cross was up when we got there, but it was about to come down. We added the Jacobs Field loop at the end, the route came to just over 5.3 miles but I count by 1/2 miles so I'm calling it 5 1/2.

That's 9 consecutive days for me. I'll likely take July 4th off from running but I may run in the late afternoon if I get a chance.

Weight = 181 lbs

Monday 5 Miles

Rick and I ran 5 miles today at lunch. We ran the modified homeless route with the extra loop around Jacobs Field. The game isn't until 7 PM but by 12:15 there were already workers lining up around the stadium, and a few autograph seekers at the players entrance.

Also, we ran through a huge swarm of bugs in the flats.

Weight = 183 lbs

Sunday Morning 6 Miles

I ran 6 miles on Sunday morning. Victoria (and George) came along on her bike. We ran the metroparks bike path. I encountered another runner (Ron) who I ran with for about a mile between 4-5 miles in my run.

This was my 7th consecutive day of running and gave me 39.5 miles for the week!

Saturday 6.5 Miles

I ran 6.5 this afternoon, through the next development over. I ran really slow, around 58 minutes. The only thing of consequence about this run is that I did go over 100 miles for the month of June!

Friday Morning Long Run

I've been talking with Kevin D for months about coming in early on Fridays for a long run. Well the company picnic is today so the fitness center is closed from 11-3. So I finally decided today would be the day. We planned to meet at 6:30 AM.

I was able to get up and get in on time and shortly after 6:30 we were on the road. We ran a little loop downtown before heading north to Lakeside and then back around the Rock Hall / Science Center / Browns Stadium and into the flats. Mid-run there was a hill out of the flats and onto the Detroit-Superior bridge.

We ran the whole run at what seemed like a pretty brisk pace but Kevin started to get away from me on that part of the run. We ran the extra part after crossing the bridge, then Kevin picked up the pace quite a bit crossing back over the 2nd bridge.

Total distance was 7.5 miles. Kevin timed himself at 57 minutes and me at 59 minutes. He said by himself he usually runs that route in about 63 minutes. For me today's run was about 7:50 pace, and a 7:35 pace for Kevin D.

This gives me 27 miles for the week, which is the most I've run in at least the past 3 years. Also, I have run at least 4 times per week for 7 consecutive weeks.

Weight = 182 lbs

Thursday 4 Miles

We had a group today for the first time in several weeks. Kevin D, Milica, Vicki, and I all ran just over 4 miles. (4.16 according to the Gmaps Pedometer webiste)

Rick started with us also but he had run longer last night (9 miles) so he quickly turned off and went on his own. Milica also had run 7 this morning so on the 2nd bridge she fell back and Vicki slowed to run with her.

Tomorrow is the company picnic, so I won't be able to run at lunch. I'm considering coming in early (6:30 AM) and running with Kevin D.

Weight = 181 lbs

Wednesday Speedwork - Short Track

I ran speedwork today with Marty. Marty likes to run intervals on the track at St. Ignatius HS. The strange thing about this track is it is not a 400m track. The inside lane is short. The 4th lane is actually 400m. There are wierd starting lines spaced out all over this track. The 1600m start is at the start of the home straightaway and the 3200m is near the normal 200m start line.

Anyhow, the warm-up and cool-down is about 1 3/4 miles each way. We ran 4 x 800 but I only ran 3 x 800 and a 400 on the last one. The heat was sweltering! We did a 400 jog in between each 800 for recovery.

• 2:59
• 3:10
• 3:13
• 1:37

Total distance 6 miles.

Weight = 178 lbs

Hoodwinked and Bamboozled

I was a little late to run today and Rick was about to leave the fitness center when I arrived to change into my gear. I asked him which way he was going, and he said "Lakefront. You'll probably catch me."

So I changed quick and was on my way shortly. I kept a brisk pace. Every turn I looked up ahead but I never caught Rick or even saw him.

When I got back to the locker room, Rick was getting changed. "I saw you" he said.

"Where?" I asked.

"Well I was going to let you catch up so I ran out towards the pier. But when I turned around you were already going past. I would have yelled but I didn't think you'd hear."

So I was ahead of him the whole time. This of course, made me wonder how he got back first, so I asked him.

"I just came straight back 9th street."

It was kind of funny, me all the time thinking I needed to run hard to catch him, and him seeing me go past and then taking the short way back to the office.

Oh well.

Monday 5 Miles

Rick and I started out to run the modified homeless route today, but Rick was having right knee and left calf issues and bailed out around 1-2 miles, so I ran most of the route alone (and slow).

Weight = 181 lbs

Thursday Bloody Thursday

Thursday was the day the Bloodmobile came to my place of employment. I was scheduled for a 1:45 appointment, so that I could still run at lunch (which I did).

I went and read the information, and got checked in. While waiting for my turn, there was a minor emergency. A girl from the cookie table became very pale and looked as if she was about to pass out. This got everyone's attention as they moved her to a cot, put her feet up, and covered her with a blanket. Her whole body was shaking! Getting her under control took several minutes of time for all the medical personnel and slowed things down significantly.

Finally it was my turn. The nurse first marked my arm (with a magic marker) to give herself a target. She then went away to tend to another patient. When she came back and looked again, she decided she needed to mark a different spot, a few millimeters over.

She stuck the needle in and the blood started to flow, and then it stopped for some reason. She came back and wiggled the needle, getting the blood flowing again, but while she poked around it felt all of a sudden like I had a charley-horse on my arm.

After a minute or so the blood stopped again. Now I have given blood every 2 months, this would have been my 4th time and I've never had any trouble before. But this time another blood-worker came over and they decided to stop and give up. They gave me a small ice-pack to hold on my arm.

I did get to have juice and cookies but it was very frustrating to spend that much time over there and not be able to successfully give blood.

Thursday 4.5 Miles

Rick and I ran the Burke Airport route again today to see if there was any action out at the site of the Grand Prix.

Alot of set-up going on but we didn't see any race cars warming up or taking test runs or anything. Maybe tomorrow. We did see the Worlds Largest Grill!

Rick was really hoping to see some Beach Volleyball, but all we saw was a pile of sand. It wasn't even spread out into a court yet. Oh well, maybe tomorrow.

Weight = 181 lbs.

Wednesday Speedwork

I ran speedwork today with Matt. Rick started with us also but the pace wasn't to his liking so he continued doing his own work on a different block.

I ran 4x800 today, my times were very consistent:

• 2:54
• 2:52
• 2:53
• 2:51

With 1 1/2 mile warm up, 1 mile cool down, and 1/4 mile jog in between, today's total distance was 5 1/2 miles.

Weight = 181 lbs

Tuesday Night Running Club - Plus Bikers

We had great attendance at tonight's running group. Ken, Randy, Brad, and myself all came from the East and all drove separately. Someone made a joke about the low prices of gas!

In one car from the west came Keith, Greg, Gabrielle and Danielle. The girls are twins, coached by Keith this year in high-school track and cross country.

We also had 7 bikers. My wife Victoria with George in the baby seat, and our 5 elementary kids. It was a good night. I bought 3 boxes of Popsicles!

Monday 4.5 Miles

I ran today at lunch with Rick. We did the Burke Airport route. I'll probably do that a few times this week as they are setting up for the Grand Prix Of Cleveland, to be held this weekend. Rick works out in the morning with our company President, and since we are one of the main sponsors, Rick is getting free tickets to the race. Very cool!

Anyhow, back to today's run. It was very hot and muggy out. I was glad to be done.

I did make plans with Matt to start up speedwork again on Wednesday.

Weight = 179 lbs

Saturday 6 Miles

I ran 6 miles today, on the same metroparks bike path where we run on Tuesday nights. This path is a little over 13 miles long and is on an old railroad track, so it is very straight and flat.

For the first time ever, my wife accompanied me (on her bike). She also had our son George along riding behind her in his seat. Even though she bikes faster than I run and was ahead of me for quite a while, it was very nice to have her out there.

Friday 6.5 Miles

I ran 6.5 today, the Burke Airport / Aviation HS route. I ran with Marty and Matt. Marty runs this route pretty much every Friday. I've run it before with him, but apparently not since I've been blogging my runs.

I felt a little sluggish today, heavy legs, but not really too bad. It would have been worse but neither Marty nor Matt pushed the pace like I would have expected. It really was just an easy, conversational run.

I got some "cross-training" in this week in a fun way. I played soccer with my kids at soccer practice for about 45 minutes on Wednesday night, and basketball at the park for about 1/2 hour on Thursday night.

Weight = 182 lbs

Wednesday Easy 4 Miles

I ran 4 by myself today, the shorter Tremont route. There were 2 very interesting things to write about.

First, I ran past Quicken Loans Arena and saw all the decorations for the NBA Finals, including the huge statue of the Finals trophy! Very cool (even though my Cavs lost last night).

Second, I got stuck waiting for a drawbridge to lower. I was stopped for probably a little over 5 minutes. It was already slowly creeping down when I got there so I waited it out. It was kind of neat to watch.

Weight = 184 lbs

Monday Easy 5 Miles

Rick and I ran the 5-mile homeless route today. We took it pretty easy, it was Rick's first run since he ran the San Diego marathon a week ago yesterday.

The weather was warm and as we ran around Jacobs Field we saw a table selling knock-off NBA Finals gear, including t-shirts that said "San Antonio Sucks."

Weight = 183

Thursday 4.5 Miles

I ran by myself today, it was very warm. I ran the out-and-back course by Burke Lakefront Airport, along Lake Erie. For a while on the way back I picked up the pace to try to catch a guy in a yellow shirt, but I didn't catch him.

I ran in front of the Rock Hall and saw several of the guitars from Guitarmania. My kids and I always enjoy this exhibit.

Weight = 182 lbs

Wednesday Easy 5 Miles

I tried to talk the gang into speedwork today, but to no avail.

Kevin D, Peter, Milica, and I ran the modified homeless route today. We did encounter 1 apparently homeless man with his belongings in a shopping cart.

Peter bailed out around 3 miles and Kevin headed for the office around 4 miles. Milica and I were the only 2 to go the entire route. Kevin had run 7 miles this morning, 3 on purpose and the other 4 trying to meet up with the 7am cardio fitness class.

I added Chris' abs class after I got back.

Weight = 182 lbs

Tuesday Night - 4 Miles

I ran with the gang after soccer practice tonight. Or at least I tried to. I arrived around 8:15 but they had already left. I started west on the out-and-back course and met Greg, Keith, Randy, & Brad a little less than 2 miles out.

Brad let me know that Ken was behind them, so I continued out until I found Ken and turned around and ran back with him. Ken was having some knee pain tonight, and it slowed him down significantly.

Back at the McDonald's parking lot, while eating Dole Fruit Bars, Greg let us know that he was off next Tuesday. Besides hosting the monthly Farm Bureau meeting, it is Greg and Laura's 31st wedding anniversary. Congratulations! Ken is out of town also so it was decided that there will be no run next Tuesday.

Meanwhile Brad and I began making plans to run on Sunday. I said that I had to pick up my kids at 6 PM so we had to run either before that or after that. Keith thought this statement was hilariously obvious.

Brad and I agreed to run at 3PM on Sunday.

Monday 6.5 Miles

Today's run was along the lakefront all the way out to Aviation High School, a 6.5 mile route. I felt much better than I did on Friday!

Weight = 185 lbs

Sunday Easy 3 Miles

I got up this morning and ran 3 miles. Not much remarkable about this, except that I only remember meeting 1 car the entire way. Or maybe I was so much on cruise control that there were others but I didn't notice.

Friday 3.5 Miles Plus Abs

I ran at lunch today with Kevin D, Troy, Peter, and Milica. Or at least I tried to.

We quickly broke into 2 groups, Kevin D and Troy in the front, Peter and Milica in the back. I decided to try to run with Kevin and Troy. I should have stayed back.

The run was enjoyable. Kevin's boss's daughter is running in the Ohio State HS Track Meet today, which brought out a few old stories.

About 3 miles into the run I slowed down considerably. Peter and Milica caught me. I kept up for a while but at 3.5 I stopped and walked the last half-mile back to the office. Milica talked Peter into going on and doing the extra 1.5 miles with the extra hill, but I knew if I tried that I would be crawling.

I did add a little bit by joining the short Abs Class when I got back up to the fitness center.

I know part of my problem was not eating well, 2 days this week I have skipped dinner due to late soccer practice and then wanting to watch the Cavs game. My weight is the lowest it has been in years!

Weight = 179 lbs.

Thursday 4.5 Miles

I ran 4.5 miles by myself today at lunch. I ran the scenic "Burke Airport" route. I don't think I was quite as slow as yesterday but I do run very slow when I am running alone.

This gives me a total of 15 days of running in May for 76.5 miles. I have run 227 miles in 2007.

Comparing to 2006, I ran 16 days in May for 74.5 miles, and had 250.5 miles for the year at that point.

In June 2006 I ran 86 miles. This year I have a goal to run 120.

Weight = 180 lbs.

Wednesday Easy 4 Miles - Very Slow

Most of my running buddies ran at 11 today so I was by myself at noon. I decided to do the Tremont route without the extra hill (and 1.5 miles) at the end. I ran it very slowly.

The weather was warm, and I'm still recovering from both my weekend race and last night's 4.5 miles.

I did do leg-extensions and leg flexes before my run, 3 sets of 10 for each exercise. Doing this every month or so helps to prevent aching in my knees.

Weight = 182 lbs.

Eagle Run - 2006 vs 2007

The table below shows my mile splits from 2006 & 2007 in the same race, also how much faster or slower I was in 2007 for the individual mile, and cumulatively in the race.

	2006	2007	Mile	Total
Mile 1	6:12	6:10	-:02	-:02
Mile 2	6:26	6:36	+:10	+:08
Mile 3	7:02	6:49	-:13	-:05
Mile 4	7:12	7:20	+:08	+:03
Mile 5	6:41	7:04	+:23	+:26

Tuesday Night Running Club - 4.5 Miles

After missing several weeks due to soccer practice, I was back with the gang tonight. There were 7 of us, including nephews Tom and Cory on bikes, my brother Greg and brother in law Ken, along with friends Brad and Randy on foot.

Randy was has some foot pain that he thinks may be plantar fascitis. So he and I ran a little slower. Ken, Greg, and Brad ran "negative splits", or they ran faster the 2nd half of the run, after we turned around, than on the way out.

Brad bought Popsicles after we were done. As usual, many topics were discussed during and after the run, including speculation on whose car-alarm was going off in the grocery parking lot, and why.

Greg, Tom, and Cory were on their way back to Cory's brother Zorlod's apartment to watch the Cavs-Pistons game 4.

5 Mile Race - Official Time

My official time was 33:59.7, I was 30th place overall and 5th out of 22 in my age group.

There were 234 runners in the race all together.

5 Mile Race - 34:00

I had a 5 Mile race today. I ran the same race last year and finished 21st in 33:33. I was hoping to improve on last years time.

There was a light rain falling before the race but it was warm enough that it didn't feel bad at all. Keeping your shoes and feet dry was the important thing. We got to the race about an hour before the start and had plenty of time to warm up, change into racing shoes, and make a last minute bathroom stop.

We lined up, the bell rang, and we were off. I felt pretty at ease the first mile, I was around 25th in 6:10. I was running right behind a very experienced runner about my age, John N.

After the mile mark John picked up the pace slightly but I tried to stay in contact with his group. I still felt pretty good and hit the 2 mile mark in 12:46, a 6:36 2nd mile.

I slowed down a little in the 3rd mile and a group of 2 guys passed me, my 3 mile time was 19:35 for a 6:49 mile. Still doing well and ahead of pace for last years time. The 4th mile I actually thought I was gaining on one of the guys ahead of me but there were several turns so maybe I misjudged my pace. My 4-mile split was around 26:55, I don't remember exactly. Whatever it was, that mile was around 7:20 and that cost me alot of time in the race.

Another pair of runners (older guy and younger girl) passed me about this time. I tried to stay with them but quickly fell off their pace. I high-fived my family as I ran past them and finished right at 34:00, somewhere around 29th place if my count is correct.

At this race they have your age division clearly marked on your number and they pass out the awards right as you come through the chute. As a 35-39 male, I didn't place in my age group.

About a half-hour later, the kids ran the 1-mile fun run. My 10-year old son Levi has run this race the past 2 years and had a 6:10 last year for 10th place. This year he finished 6th in 5:42. I'll probably write more about the kids race in one of my other blogs later this weekend.

Thursday 5.5 Miles

I ran the Tremont route plus commercial hill today with Rick, Vicki, and Milica. Actually, Rick and Vicki cut out at the 4 mile mark. It was warm again, I felt pretty good today.

I plan to run easy on Friday as I have a race coming up on Saturday, a 5-Miler.

Weight = 185 lbs

Tuesday 6.5 Miles

Rick wanted to go a little longer today so he and Milica and I ran 6.5 miles, out along the lakefront to the old Aviation High School and back. It was very warm, there was a little headwind on the way out and then it felt even warmer on the way back.

We ran along the course of Sunday's Cleveland Marathon and noticed many discarded Gu packets.

Weight = 184 lbs

Monday 5 Miles

I ran the modified Homeless route today with Rick. Rick hadn't run for 3 days. Now Rick is a workout fiend, going to the fitness center twice each day. Rick is in terrific shape for his age (50) but one thing he needs to work on is rest.

Today Rick was rested and you could tell. He really pushed the pace in the last couple miles!

Weight = 186 lbs

Friday 5 Miles

I ran 5 miles today and then joined the Abs class right after I got back. The Abs class is only 15 minutes but it is certainly humbling!

Thursday Night 2.5 Miles

I ran an extra 2.5 miles after soccer practice tonight. We had a league meeting at 8 PM at the VFW. Victoria had to get the kids home when practice ended at 7:30 and then came back for the meeting as she is in charge of uniforms. I had to wait at the fields while my 3 got picked up by their mom around 7:45. So I just ran from the fields to the VFW.

Thursday 5.5 Miles

There were 5 of us today and we ran the Tremont route (from yesterday) again. It was Kevin D, Rick, Vicki, and Milica. We added a little bit to the end so it was slightly over 5 1/2 miles total.

One amusing thing, in the locker room I overheard some guys talking about a nacho chip injury ... seems the chip was so large it scraped his mouth when eating it ... the other guy suggested he get the mini-chips and just eat more of them ...

Weight = 186 lbs

Wednesday 4 Miles

I ran 4 miles at lunch today with Matt, Kevin D, and Vicki. We ran a new route to me, starting off heading to the south, down Commercial Hill, and then through the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland.

It was MUCH cooler than the Tuesday!

Weight = 186 lbs

Tuesday 5 Miles

I haven't run for a week, no excuse really, jut busy with various other things. Once again today there was a big group going out, even more people than last week (Peter, Blondie, Gary, Rick, Kevin D, Vicki, Milica, and a new guy, Brandon). The weather was beautiful, very warm and sunny, probably the first day of the year in the 80's.

We ran the modified Homeless Route (due to the bridge detour). Our group broke apart several times and got spread out, but we continued to regroup and there were 6 of us still together at the finish.

Weight = 187 lbs