MattKeutzer

I pushed up my GD run since I pushed up my 13.1 yesterday.  Extremely windy today.   The first 1.5 miles was uphill against the wind and I ran 8:59.   What a difference a turnaround made as I felt I was running very fast at one time seeing 7:04 as my pace.   That obviously didn't last long as I finished right under 26:20 with the last two tenths in a slow jog.  I am already modifying my training schedule but still feel pretty good since I skipped my "off day".   Going to do a 3 miler tomorrow and then school starts back again on Tuesday (my off day) so I am a little nervous about getting all my miles in while I get back into the swing of 2nd sememster.   1 week down and 15 weeks to go.

Whoever said "new shoes = love" was right on!!!  Love the news shoes so much I might go get a 2nd pair.  I hate to complain about the 30 mph wind since it is January and sunny /36 degrees but it was brutal.   School starts tomorrow and my "off day" couldn't have landed on a better day.  Decided against joining a gym (which will probably be packed for the next month anyway) as the weather continues to be tolerable.  We'll see how working and training goes, that job thing can be really inconvenient.

My first run after school today.  Rough parent meeting today so it was great to get out and clear my head.   Weather was good and I feel great.  8:33 miles so hopefully my time will continue to decrease.  Looking forward the next 4 days as it is going to get up to 60 degrees.  

Unbelievable weather... almost 65 degrees in January.   I was looking forward to my run all day (even snuck out a little early from work).   Average 8:38 and ran an extra 3/4 of a mile and just enjoyed the days.  Literally laughed at all those people in convertables with the top up!!!!   Rewarded myself with grilling and a few beers so that 226 may not be so accurate now!!! Looking forward to tommorow's similar weather. 

70 degrees today.   Tough day at school (it was a Friday, fire drill, warm weather) so kids were a little crazy (parents crazier).   Anywho, pretty good run today, slower than I would have liked at 9:08 per mile but another runner (extremely more experienced)  keeps telling me to keep putting in the miles and your time will come down / speed go up.  I am trusting blindly but I have my doubts.   As a quote from my favorite movie goes, "Pressure and time, pressure and time".

Felt very unmotivated and sluggish today but got my run in anyway.  Slept in and didn't get my p90x stretch in that I usually like to do.  The weather was great again for January but my left calf is feeling a little tight.  Hope it holds out for my 9 miler tomorrow.  Averaged 8:45 per mile.

43 degrees which was a little chilly (I know but my standards are pretty high considering yesterday we had 65 degree weather).  I ran 5 miles in under 45 minutes but then my Garmin started acting up.  I was messing with it to get it back to no avail.  I guess I started a new "workout" of 3.19 miles which I never fully completed.   Later checked on gmapedometer.com and it was a hair over 9 miles (9.07).  Anyway, my last 3 miles were pretty slow and think the whole run was somewhere under 1:25 but really have no idea.  I am trying not to think I will eventually have to do this exact run (almost) 3 times.   Nice frosty mug full of chocolate milk, a hot bath, my recliner, and NFL wild card football made it all better.

Also, thanks to my St. Louis Blues scoring 4 goals last night, my ticket is worth a free Big Mac so that 222.2 doesn't have a chance of holding up very long.  Either that (or because of the shutout) it is worth $5 off the bill at Dirt Cheap Cigarettes and Liquor.  I'll splurge on the calories of the Big Mac.

Recovery / glycogen depetion run today.  It went  pretty well but my left calf is a little tight.  Didn't get to stretch this morning before school as I slept in (daughter up in the middle of the night with an ear infection).  I am definitely gonna get my stretch in tomorrow.  Weather is starting to get colder so I may adjust my schedule and not take off tomorrow.   Ran down/ up a huge hill today.   So much the last 50 yards downhill I just went for it... leaned forward and was a bit out of control.  After I hit the bottom and started to flatten out, I glanced at my watch and saw 5:04 pace.  I guess this is what it feels like for some runners but they do it for an entire 26.2 / 13.1 miles.  

Good run today.  I really tried to focus on shortening my stride and making them quicker.  I felt pretty good and the pace jumped up to 8:32 so we will see if I can keep that up.  The weather was in the 50's so I decided to do my Wednesday run today.  Same weather tomorrow for my 7 miler and then snow expected on Thursday (my day off this week).  Got up early this morning to stretch and my legs are thanking me for it.

Slower run today, 9:02 pace.   I thought a lot about this weekend as the cold weather is coming plus a 15 is looming on Sunday.  Thank goodness we are off school on Monday.   Pushed up my Thursday run to today as snow/ ice is coming.   I will take my day off tomorrow and rest up for a colder 4, 3, and 15.   Another teacher told me about a 10K on Saturday so I may just look into that.   Also, a bunch of friends have decided to go to Vegas over Spring Break in March.  I am thinking about declining for various reasons including: having to do a 20 miler that weekend.  Wtf am I thinking?

Thank goodness the sun came out about noon cause the snow and ice was bad in isolated spots but for the most part it was ok.   The sun also helped warm it up a little also and very little wind helped even more.  I ran pretty cautious and loss traction a few times so my pace was 9:10 which I am ok with.   My garmin went into satellite mode again so I wasn't sure how far I was running (hence the extra .25) until I was completely finished.   Feel pretty good and very thankful for my day off yesterday.  Looking forward to it warming up for my 3 tomorrow and even warmer for my first 15 (this will be my longest run EVER).  Can't wait!

I spent the morning watching my former volleyball team that I coached in a local tournament with the family.  Needless to say at noon, we left and everyone was starving.  Can you say Taco Bell before a run?  I came home and took a nap before heading out in the 30 degree cloudy weather.  I have to say this was the first time I actually didn't want to go run.   The first mile was rough and slow (9:40 ish).   I ended up running 8:45 pace.  I guess it is nice to know I can run 3 miles even when I don't want to. 

Looked at the weather tomorrow and can either run my 15 tomorrow early in 20 degree weather or 40 degree and sunny weather in the afternoon.

Well, it wasn't pretty and kind of slow but I feel good and that I got it done.  Started at 7:00 am this morning in 20 degree weather and the sun came out and warmed up to about 25 degrees.   Got a good stretch in this morning before and a great warm up.   Had trouble with my Garmin as it only wanted to keep the time, not registering the distance.   Some quick math and a well marked trail helped get me a little more than 15 so I am happy with my farthest run thus far.   Finished in 2:23 with about a 9:47 pace.  I read somewhere that you should do your "long runs45 seconds to 1 minute slower than the pace you want to run".  I sure hope those people know what they are talking about.    Some snowpacked parts of the trail with a little ice in patches and a "rest stop" about 45 minutes in.  A nice frosty mug of chocolate milk and a hot bubble bath helped (yeah, I know a little feminine but wth if it saves my legs).

Dropped the car off at the Honda dealership and ran 3 mile recovery today.  Temperature was in 50s although it was pretty windy.  I took my time since I had 45 minute wait anyway and averaged about 10 minute miles.  Feel pretty good and looking forward to my rest of the week.

Running at 5 am in sub 15 degree weather was not as bad as I thought it was going to be.  Besides the fact that I was very slow, it wasn't that cold as I bundled up pretty good.  My eyelashes were frozen at the end which I thought was pretty cool.   Ran 9:50 pace and got it done.  Yesterday was interesting as I bought a new truck.  Last night, I didn't sleep very well as my excitement as well as my son had a few bad dreams and was screaming out thru the night.  Looking forward to some warmer weather this weekend.

Got to run during my 45 minute lunch period which was followed by my planning period.  Tried 1 minute "pickups" followed by 4 minute recovery intervals.  The first few were great.  The next few not so great.  The last few were brutal (basically running straight up hill).  I think my watch said 11:23 pace at one point during my "pick up" interval.   LOL.   Actually averaged 8:53 which I am happy with right now.  I weighed myself after the run so I am sure I will bounce back to the mid 220's by tonight but if this continues I hope to be around 210- 215 by April and raceday.   Weather was not to bad as I continue to overdress.  Tights, shorts, running shirt, longsleeve shirt and a hoodie.   Looking forward to an easy 5 tomorrow and Saturday and then 11 on what is going to be a gorgous Sunday afternoon.

Got my 5 in before the sleet and rain came today although it was cold and windy.   I was told to take it easy and averaged 9:43 but I feel really good so I am not worried about the pace.   Looking forward to warmer weather tomorrow and Sunday.  

This was the best run I have had in a long time (maybe ever). I felt really great (maybe the warming up weather, maybe the hour nap righ before the run, possibly didn't overdress).   Either way, I will take it.  I never had a 5K time and after 2 miles of running, I decided to go for it.  25: 25 unofficially (downhill and a very flat trail).  Again, I will take it.  Ended the run with a 8:20 average pace after a long uphill the last 3/4 of a mile.   I guess I will see if I pay for this tomorrow when I do 11 miles.

It didn't warm up like I had hoped (damn weathermen/women).   My 2 and 1/2 year old daughter was up all night last night puking so I didn't get a very good night sleep.  It was a very lazy morning.   Anyway, I got the first 5.5 miles done in 48 minutes and 8 miles done in 1 hour and 11 minutes and then Garmin started acting up.  I finished in about 1 hour and 40 minutes (I think).   I feel pretty good although my right knee is a little tender.  Stretching it out helped but everything else feels pretty good. 

Good recovery / fat run.  It probably didn't help that I had 2 helpings of lasagna last night at dad's birthday dinner.  The 226 was before the run this morning.  45 degrees at 5:15 am isn't bad but the 40+ mile per hour winds didn't really help.  Ran 3 miles in 29 minutes today including a 'rest stop'.   Saw 3 deer down on Gran't Trail which was pretty cool.  

Tomorrow and Thursday calls for rain all day so I thought I would push my 5 miler up today and take off Wednesday or Thursday (depending upon how bad it is raining).  Rough day at school today (lying kid and enabling parent believing lie even though proof says otherwise) so the 5 miler was good escape.  I am starting to put running in the same catagory as golf (although not nearly as expensive or frustrating) in that you can really just "get away from your problems" and escape.  I feel really good although I ran a little slower (average 8:55) so I my have been taking it too easy.  About 30 minutes in, I saw a parent of a player I coached years ago so I stopped to talked to him for a minute or two.  I felt like a brand new runner after my mini-break.    I have read about walking thru water stops during a marathon, I might have to think more about doing that.

Rain, windy, and about 37 degrees.  I tried quarter mile pickups followed by three quarter mile recoveries.   The first one went pretty well and I think I was run faster than 7:00 pace.  Recoveries were in the high 8.   By the last ones, I think I was closer to 8:20 and 9:30.   Finished in 1:00:35 with an average pace of 8:34 so I am pretty happy with that.   Looking forward to getting my 4 miles in tomorrow early (maybe at lunch) so I can go to happy hour.  Been a long week but I know HH won't help my 3 miler on Saturday and 17 on Sunday. 

Snuck out during lunch for a 4 miler.  I felt really good.  Finished in 32 and 1/2 minutes so I guess I averaged about 8:07 pace.  Feel really good after a tough week.  Heading to a much needed happy hour with some co-workers.  3 tomorrow and 17 on Sunday. 

Today was a windy, sunny 43 degrees.  The outside of my right foot felt weird when I started but it went away before  my first 1/2 mile.   The first half of the run I was running into the wind.  Averaged 8:20 and I didn't feel like I was pushing it to hard.  I feel really good and am looking forward to my 17 tomorrow.  I might be getting a little bit of confidence (although I have a long way to go) so I hope tomorrow doesn't kick me in the butt for being cocky. 

Well, being so confident yesterday kicked me in the rear today. The first 5 were gonna be a warm up, followed by 7 at goal pace, and then 5 for a cool down.  I ran the first 5 averaging about 9:33. The next 7 were under an hour (about 7:54 average pace) and then the next 5 was over an hour (ouch!!).   All 17 took 2:44 which is the longest I have ever run.  I started at 5:15 am this morning in 35 degree weather and bundled up pretty good. 

60 plus degrees in January.  I really enjoyed this run and didn't pay much attention to my watch.  I ended up stopping to see some former colleagues about 3 miles in.  I did go a little farther then my scheduled 3 miles and averaged about 8:37.

Might have to run again tomorrow on my off day as it is going to be similar weather.

I got an early start today on my "day off".  Ran five miles at 4:30 am but the weather was about 45 degrees so a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie did the trick.  It was a pretty slow as I was focusing on what was right in front of me at that hour of the morning.  Finished with about a 9:12 average pace.   Weather is going to be nice for the next couple of days with rain on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Looks like I might have to take off Friday and run my 13 miles in the rain before the SuperBowl.

Best day including weather in a long time.  61 degrees.  Snuck out during lunch again.  The first 5.06 miles in 42:50 and went for mile 6 (1 mile pickup).  I ran it in 7:17 (yes I am proud of this which is fast for me).  Finished all 8 in 1:07:59 with an average pace of 8:30.  Brutal hill at the end.   Felt pretty good although I don't know if could sustain the fast pace for longer (but I guess it has been getting longer so who knows).   Feel pretty go but gonna take the 5 tomorrow pretty easy to get ready for 5K on Saturday.  

I got an early start this morning.  Coach told me to cut 1 mile off the 5 mile run and add it to tomorrow after/ before the 3 mile race.   Going to try to run 7:40, 7:30, 7:20 (a guy can dream can't he).  We'll see.  Today was SLOW, 10 plus average pace.   Looking forward to tomorrow and setting a new PR.  PR's count if you if have never had one at that mileage... right?

Warm up for 2.5 in the spitting rain at a very slow pace (around 10:30).  Ran three 50 meter strides right before the race started at a firm pace.  Started dead last and was a little confused where the starting line officially began.   Unofficially I ran 6:30 first mile, ran 7:20 second mile and then finished at 21:09.  Got some water and ran about 1/2 mile cool down and then walked about another 1/2 mile.   Feel pretty good and excited to find out my real time in a few days. I guess officially the time wasn't as good.  I think my average pace was closer to 7:18.. which I am still pretty happy with.

Brutal run. I was not mentally or physically ready for this.  Headphones weren't charged (either didn't turn them off after yesterday's race or kids hit a button) so I went without music today.  I have been eating poorly (this is generous) and not drinking enough water.  Funny thing is after yesterday, I felt really good and pretty confident (this is more frustrating than golf).  Ran the first mile in 8:50, then 8:51, then 8:55 and it kept slipping from there.  A little windy but can't blame the conditions at all.   Ended up finishing just shy of 2 hours with a 9:13 pace. 

Ran 3 a little to hard today for a recovery run.... ok, a lot to hard.  Am still a little bitter about the poor timing issue at Saturday's race and continue to wonder if my times were accurate.  Actually ran a little slower but feel pretty good.  Ran 7:41, 7:31, and finished at 22:58.   I think the weather is gonna be nice tomorrow and worse on Wednesday so I will probably take Wednesday off and move my 4 mile to tomorrow (promise to sun slow... thought I would never say that).

Ran 4 miles today during lunch / planning period and finished right at 36 minutes.  Showered and had to get back to school before my plan was over.  Felt pretty good and took it slow.

Today's goal was:  1st mile warm up, next two pickup miles in 15 minutes (7:30 pace), recovery for 1.5 miles, 2 more pickup miles in 15 minutes, and then 1.5 miles recovery with a 1 mile cool down.

Finished the whole thing in 1:16:41 with 8:31 average pace.  1st mile 8:52,  next two 15:08 (missed it by 8 seconds), next 1.5 in 13:48 and last 2 mile pickup in 15:31.  Last 2.5 miles in 23:23 seconds. 

I feel pretty good and moderately happy about the above times.  Really took the last 2.5 slow.  Get to coach my 6 year old son's volleyball tonight so hopefully the legs won't be screaming.

This morning was a struggle and not cause of the coal.  Legs hurt a bit when I started but felt better toward the middle/ end of the run.  Coach said to take it easy since I did 3 speed work runs in a week and that is exactly what I did.   10:30 pace.  Looking forward to day lights savings time and pitchers/catchers report in about a week!!!!!

25 to 30 mile per hour winds... SUCKS. I have decided the cold weather is fine but the wind is the worst.  I guess it wasn't bad when the wind was at my back.  Took it easy again (per advice from coach).  Finished right at 40 minutes with a 9:50 average.  Can't decide to get my 19 miler out of the way early tomorrow in 15 degree weather or wait until afternoon and run in 25 degree sunny weather. 

Wow, furthest I have run so far and it didn't disappoint. Started early in 18 degree temperature but no wind so it wasn't so bad.  Finished right at 3:04 for a 9:42 pace.  Guess I either got to get it in gear or kiss that sub 4 hour marathon dream goodbye.  

As I was running many thoughts passed thru my head, two of which I will share.  I was thinking "people really love this running stuff, I have not gotten to this point (not a 5:00 am in the cold weather anyway).   Also, since I ran so slow, I was kind of down about not beating the 4 hour mark.  This training really is a yo-yo cycle.   Just this week, I felt like I unbelievable and 3:40 would not be a problem.   Now I can't finish 19 miles in less than 3 hours.  Hopefully, it will get better or at least yo-yo up. 

A little warmer this morning at 32 degrees.  Had to get my run in this morning due to "Armagedon snow" coming today about 10 am.   Anyway, I felt pretty good today.  Finished in 28 minutes right at 9:20 pace.  Didn't have to bundle up as much today so I felt somewhat lighter.  I think I could have gone faster but took it easier on my recovery run.  Looks like the weather will dictate my day off tomorrow.

Watch wasn't working well today as I must have hit a the start/stop button twice before starting my run.  I was about 1/3 done with the run before I realized it wasn't on.  The good news was the weather warmed up and 90% of the snow melted.  It was kind of a wet sloppy one (usually that is not a bad thing!!).   Continued to take it easy to rejuvenate.  I am guessing when I say I was in the 9 minute per mile range.  Used gmappedometer. com and came up with 5.8 miles.   My day off is tomorrow as it is supposed rain almost all day.  I might try to get a short run in even in the rain if it warms up.  We'll see.

Site has been down so I am having to do this after the fact.  Garmin has 1 hour and 19 minutes which is 8:49 / mile.  Can't remember to much about the run although it was a lot warmer and a little windy.   I didn't do speed work today to rest up for 15and speed work on Saturday.

Hectic day at school today so it was pretty good to get a run in afterwards.  It is starting to warm up more which is nice considering I have run in 10-20 degree temperature.  Running in 40 to 50 degree temperature even if it is windy is nice.   Ran easy today to rest up for speed work on Saturday.  Finished my 5.04 in 43:44.98 at 8:41/mile.   I will take it considering I was struggling to get under 9 last week.   We'll see, I have learned my lesson on getting confident to early.   Hopefully this warmer weather will continue.

Gotta soak in the tub.  Details to come plus coach took away my Garmin so I am not sure on the details but 9 of those miles in the middle were fast (8:14 was the slowest and mile 12 was 7:04).

Jeff just posted our times (he really kicked my butt today):  Our splits for the 9.5 were as follows (8:04, 8:14, 8:10 [some uphill during those last 2 miles], 8:02, 7:47, 7:32, 7:55 (included a solid uphill plus a touch of recovery), 7:46, 7:05 (nice bang out to finish 9).  

Ran the last 2.8 home pretty slow and didn't even look at my watch... I learned that today.

Legs were heavy at the end but I am feeling pretty good today.  Gotta see how tomorrow will go as well as Monday which is a day off work.  

Got up early to stretch but after kids woke up, I snuck back into bed for another 45 minutes of sleep.   32 degrees outside so it wasn't bad for my recovery run today.   Switched my long run from today to yesterday as I met up with Jeff, who kicked my butt.   Feel pretty good today and ran steady.   Finished in 26 minutes, then ate a huge breakfast slinger.

Kids slept at G-ma's house last night so after a large meal and a few drinks, I gained a few pounds.   Ran 5 this afternoon at 8:18 / mile and felt really good.  Ran the last 1/8 of a mile or so pretty slow as a cool down.  Think I could have gone faster but just enjoyed the run.  Actually was back to about 214 pounds after the run so pretty happy about the whole day/run.   Trying to convince myself that going out doesn't affect my training. 

52 degrees and a windy.  I was hoping it would have been a little warmer.  Felt good and finished at 8:29 / mile.  I am going to take tomorrow off even though it is going to climb to 62 degrees.   

64 degree weather and it was PERFECT.  Best day I have had to run since I started training.  The plan was run a 1 mile warm up (ended up being 8:29), 3 mile pick up at 7:30 ish pace (23:35) although I could have sworn I was running faster than that, 1 mile recovery (8:46), and another 3 mile pickup (23:55), then a 1 mile cool down that was basically all uphill (9:52).  I have to say I felt like exhausted myself during the second 3 mile pickup.   I felt great after the first 3 mile pickup and must have calculated the time in my head wrong cause I could have sworn I hit 31 minutes at 4 miles but I guess it was 32 minutes.  5 mile tomorrow and my first 20 miler on Sunday looming!!  And yes, I weighed myself after the run because I was about 214 this morning.

Was dreading running this morning in this 30-40 plus mile per hour wind, it didn't disappoint.  Why does it seem when running in wind that 3/4 of the time you are running against the wind?   Finished in 38:22 at a 9:28 pace (was shooting for a little faster but I will take it in these conditions).  Felt like the first 2:28 was into the wind and ran it in 21:42 (9:28 pace interestingly enough).  Then turned around and finished the 3rd mile in another 6:16 (8:51 pace and felt GREAT.. running easy and confident... felt as if I should put up a sail or something).  The last mile was initially flat with the wind still at my back and then uphill climb into the wind (9:49 pace). 

Felt sluggish most of the day. Got up early but sat around most of the morning.  Got sucked into the Blues game and then pulled myself away from the Mizzou / KU game for my 3 miler.  Actually feel better and more energized after my run.  Ran first mile in 8:29, second in 8:24 and 3rd right around 8:35 (don't really know what the consistency means but I feel pretty good about it).   Didn't push it and felt comfortable at that pace.   Gearing up for the 20 miles tomorrow.

Extremely windy but the 50-60 degree weather helped.   Way better then 30 degrees and windy but I still hate the wind.  Finished (sluggishly) in 2:55:29 with an average pace of 8:46/ mile.   The first 10 miles I felt unstoppable (even running straight into the wind).  I learned a lesson about not worrying about my watch last week with Jeff (he took it away) and I think it helped as I forgot a couple times to get my accurate splits.  I definitely wasn't pre-occupied with it (until maybe mile 17 or 18 of course!!)  They went like this (1) 8:22.29 (1.03) 8:49.83 (1.97) 16.24.65 (1.05) 8:35.27 (.96) 8:00.59 (.68 + .32) 5:28.04 + 2:38.02 (.73 +.27) 5:59.98 +2:14.97 (.69 + .31) 5:56.03 + 2:40.10 (.89 + .11) 7:35.91 + 54.29

My watch also sometimes automatically records splits also which explains some of the weird times??? Then the wheels started falling off.   (.16 +.69+.14) 1:20.70 + 5.59+ 1:15.02 (1.06) 1:15.02 (.99) 8:50.15 (.96) 8:42.45 (.99) 8:56.53 (1.05) 9:46.20  (.89 + 396 feet??) 8:05.71 + 39.56 (1) 9:21.55 (1.02) 9:30.60 (.96 + 96 feet??) 9:59.13+ 12.53.

The last mile was straight uphill into that wind.   Felt ok until I stopped running then stopped, got something cold to drink, and the chills and lightheadedness started.   Chocolate milk and a bath helped.  Shower and a 45 minute nap really helped!

Glycogen depletion run today.  Took it easy after the long run yesterday.   It actually was bit cooler (just a tad windy) than I thought it was going to be.  Finished in 34:30 at about 8:42 / mile.

6 miles today after school on Gran't Trail.  It was a little windier and colder than I thought it was going to be.  The first half of the run I ran into the wind.   Finished in 53:22 with about average 8:51 / mile.   First mile 8:31, 2nd 8:45, 3rd 9:09, 4th 8:35, 5th 8:45 and 6th mile 9:04.   I guess I am getting spoiled by this weather because 50 degrees and windy is not ideal.  I really must have forgot about those sub 20 degrees days and I hope they are a thing of the past!!!

Warmer weather at 60 degrees but still windy.   Finished all 10 in 1 hour 26 minutes so I will take it at 8:37 / mile.  Game plan was 9:30 warm up mile, followed by 9:15, 9:00, and 8:45.   Then go for four consecutive miles at 7:30 pace.  Then 2 cool down miles.  It went like this:  9:01, 9:28, 9:15, 8:51... then 7:31, 7:29, 8:04, and another 8:04.   Cool down miles down and up some big hills went: 9:06 and 9:13.    Feel pretty good now but had a slight cramp during the run for a few miles, then it went away.

Crazy wind and the temperature kept dropping.  Goal was to run between 9 and 8:46.  Miles went like this:  9:07, 9:10, 8:54, 8:24, 9:18...(damn wind), 9:20.

Well, I hit 51 miles this week.   Started out a little uncertain about my right knee.  I had a good 40 minute stretch this morning (I haven't stretched in a few days).   Turns out I just needed a mile or so and I didn't even notice it.  A little chilly and windy but the sun helped.  Finished in 42:11 at a 8:26 pace.   Splits were: 8:32, 8:43, 8:06 with the wind at my back, 7:53 with the wind in my face, and 8:56 up a huge hill home. 

Enjoyed myself with a few drinks last night at Molly's wedding then stayed up late to watch the Blues win on the west coast.  41 degrees when I started but it felt a lot colder and 41 degrees when I finished but it felt a lot warmer.  Finished in 2:15:20 at 8:27/ mile.  Plan was to warm up for the first 4, run the next 8 at 8:15 pace and then cool down the last four.  I felt realy good during the run and started after mile 2. Splits were 8:30, 8:36, 8:09, 7:53, 8:06, 8:12, 7:52, 8:16, 8:09, 8:10, 8:20, 8:30, 8:43, 9:07, 9:03, and 9:44.    Definitely feel way better than last week.   

Took it easier today as this was my glycogen depletion run. Didn't feel that great while running but made it thru. My training plan called for 4 miles today but adjustments are going to be made for my 10K race on Saturday. Finished in 43:44 at about 8:40 / mile. A little slower than I would have liked as I took it easy. Splits were: 8:39, 8:27, 8:37, 9:01 and 9:13. It was a little windy but tolerable. Excited about two things: Cardinal baseball and making it to daylight savings time which happens on Saturday.

Snuck out during lunch today to run home but realized I forgot my car keys so I just did a loop (2.17 miles) and went back to work. Did the last 4.95 miles or so later in the afternoon. Finished the 6.1 in 50:56 with a 8:21 average pace. Splits were: 8:09, 8:41, 1:28 (the .17), 8:25, 7:54, 8:01 (the stupid win was finally pushing me), and 6:56 (the last .78). Turns out I did my first double... although a little unconventional since it was a rather short distanced double!!!

Switched up the training schedule so I can take off on Friday and rest for the 10K race on Saturday.  Plan was to get a "up tempo" mile in at about 7:10-7:20 somewhere in the middle of this run and tomorrow's run.   I woke up early (couldn't sleep) and ventured out about 4:30 am.  It was 55 degrees but really windy (although it has been windy for the last 2 weeks so I should be used to running in it).   Splits were: 8:59, 9:00, 9:04, 9:50 (damn wind), 7:04 (tail wind), 9:28 and 9:52.  Finished in 63 minutes right about 9:02 / mile.

I did 8 miles today in fairly cold weather.  Off day tomorrow to get rested for Saturday's race.  I have the splits but not with me right now so I will have to edit later.   Goal was to have 1 mile in the 7 to 7:15 range.   Finished in 1:09:01 with 8:38 / mile. Split were: 8:09, 8:48, 8:53, 8:49, 8:47, 7:15, 9:21, and 8:59.

Parked about 1.2 miles away at a friends house.  Ran to the race to warm up and check in.  First mile split 9:55, another .6 of a mile in 6:09.   Checked in and walked around a bit before running back to the car to drop off extra clothes and then back to start of race.  9:47, 10:02, and another .9 of a mile in 8:39. 

I did five 50 yard sprints before the start of the race and felt pretty good.  Race started and I was among 10 to 12 others right on the starting line (1st time for this, felt pretty cool!)  Course was very similar to Clayton half marathon where I PR'd so I felt good about that.  Finished in 44:21.49 at 7:13 / mile.  Hit my lap button at 5K mark for an extra split.  Splits were: 6:40, 7:08, 7:31, 28 seconds, 7:19, 7:18, 7:21, and 35 seconds.  

http://www.morunco.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Celebrate-Fitness-Results.pdf

I felt like I finished strong.  Was following a guy who passed me at mile 2 and a woman who passed me at about mile 4.  We caught up to another guy and all of the sudden the two guys made a left (when they were suppossed stay straight!).  I followed the woman (no comment ladies) who knew where she was going.   I yelled to the guys who corrected their path.  The one passed me within the 1/2 mile.   With about .6 of a mile left, I left him and the woman in an all out sprint (a sprint for me anyway).  I am puzzled because I really don't feel like my last split was impressive.  Oh well.  I got a water, bananna, 2 cherry pie bars, and a chocolate milk.

Ran another mile back to the car after I got my shirt, a water bottle, and numerous other pamphlets/ notepad in 10:01 and decided to shut it down.

Got a late start because I decided to lay in bed and watch cartoons with my 2 year old daughter (totally worth it).  I took the chance of getting rained on but ended up making it back before the rain started.  Goal was to get 12 miles in at any pace considering my 10k race yesterday. 

Finished in 1:51:05 at a 9:15 / mile pace.  I stopped to use the bathroom at about 5.5 miles.  Splits wer: 8:54, 9:08, 9:14, 9:23, 9:34 and 4:36 (1/2 mile).   Actually a little felt better after my stop.  9:01, 9:29, 9:14, 8:46 (started feeling a lot better the longer the run went), 9:19, 9:23 and 5:05 (about last .6 of a mile).

This 12 after yesterday's 11.7 wasn't aweful butI could feel the beginning of "heavy legs". 

After yesterday's race, I ate pretty good so the weight was up today. I am ok with this. The right knee is a little tender. Almost 80 degrees today and a little windy. I finished in 52:14 and about 8:42/ mile. Feeling a sluggish toward the end. Splits were: 7:59 (realized this was way to fast), 8:46, 8:31, 8:27, 9:11, and 9:43. The last two miles were a bit of a stuggle. It started to get hot and the wind wasn't helping.

Another warm day today at plus 80 degrees. Rolled my knee out last night and tried some "whey" chocolate with milk.  Added some vanilla ice cream and it tasted really good.   The knee felt good today.  Originally planed on going 4 easy miles but ended up going just a little farther.  Finished in 37:48 with an average pace of 8:46 / mile.  Splits were 8:34, 8:55, 8:51, and 8:33.  The last mile and .32 was attacking the hills on Baptist Church Rd.  I figure after these hills, I will be prepared for just about anything.   The last .32 was in 2:55 at 9:16/mile.  The things I noticed the last two days is how salty I feel (my hair) and how the sweat running into my eyes burn like a mother!!!

Had some more whey with milk and ice cream (instead of a beer) while I fired up the bbq pit.  Time to unwind and watch the best team in hockey beat up on the Blackhawks!!!!  Go Blues.

Got an early start this morning.  Decided to run at 4 am in 62 degree weather instead of 80 degree rain/ lightning later.  Goal was to do a 1 mile warm up, 7 miles at 7:30 / mile, and a 3 mile cool down.  The weather was perfect  and the moon provided some light as it was very clear.  I could have used a little more light but I am just being picky.  Only saw 4 bikers (with lights) on the trail this morning at about mile 9.  Finished in 1:33.11 at about 8:28 / mile.  Splits were:  9:50, 7:47, 7:24, 7:25, 7:44, 7:34 7:38, 10:09, 10:23 and 9:33.

Well, it was a rainy morning and I took the day off for B's tonsil/ adnoid surgery. It was an early start, so taking care of B and a nap was a priority before I could get my run in. I ended up going about 2:00 pm and it got really warm as I ran to the dealership to get my truck. Ran pretty well and then about mile 5, my right achilles started shooting pain. Ran thru it but it is still sore. Picked up my truck and got the kdis. Got home and iced, elevated, and took some advil. It is still tender and hurts pretty good everytime I go down steps, not liking this at all. Splits were: 8:24, 8:43, 8:52, 8:44, 8:52, and 9:28. Besides the achilles, my bracket and the Missouri loss has made this a miserable day!!!! B, however, is doing great and the surgery hasn't slowed him down a bit.

Had a scare yesterday with my achilles hurting about mile 5.  Did some stretches that I saw on Runnersworld.com and massaged it a lot.  It didn't hurt going up and stairs today so I decided to do 3 miles (I was scheduled to do 5).  Felt great starting out and ran my 3 miles with a lot more confidence.  Decided to go an extra mile and push the pace a little to see if it would act up.  My achilles felt so go, I decided to keep going and do the 5.  Happy to say, no problems (hope I don't jinx myself).  This training / running thing can really be a roller coaster ride.   Finished in 44:10 with a 8;43 / mile pace.  Splits were: 9:12, 8:50, 8:44, 8:17, 8:40, and the last .07 in under 30 seconds.    Stretched, rolled achilles out, and massaging it as we speak.   16 tomorrow will be a good test.

I got another early start.  Cool morning at 56 degrees, perfect for a morning run.  Had no pain and feel good.   Finished in 2:16.40 at a 8:33 / mile clip.  I feel like I had more in the tank but didn't want to push it.  Saw another runner on mile 7 about 40 meters in front of me, my competitivenes kicked in and I decided to pick up the pace to see if I could catch him.  Splits were: 9:14, 8:59,  8:27, 8:27, 8:06, 8:17, 7:46 (I caught him), 8:12, 8:26, 8:37, 8:41, 8:34, 8:47, 8:27, 8:37, and 9:03.  

Things are looking up.  1 more week and then the taper begins.   Blues are in the playoffs, not only am I winning my NCAA bracket but my 2nd bracket is also tied for 1st place as well, I watched the Rams win the Super Bowl last night on ESPN classic, and I am on Spring Break this week.  

Good slow run today.  Have to change the plan to get ready for the 13.1 this Sunday.  Got a late start as I slept in and then Liz decided she wanted to get a run in this morning before it got hot.  Haven't been sleeping well as we are dealing with B's tonsil/ adnoid surgery.  He seems better today so we may have made it thru the difficult part.   Wasn't feeling great today and it was pretty hot (was thinking about those last 10-12 miles in mid-April and dreading how hot it might be).   Finished in 35:40 at 8:55 / mile.  Splits were: 8:52, 9:09, 8:36, and 9:04.  However, no pain so I will take it.   About a week and the tapor begins.

I changed things up and did speed work today due to the race on Sunday.   Great 60 degree morning for a run.  I got up early and got a good 45 minute stretch in.  Then I drove down to Grant's Trail today so I could do speed work on flat terrain.   Goal was do a 9:00 mile and increase each mile's speed by 15 seconds.  Finished in 1:05:13 at about 8:09 / mile.  Splits were:   9:03,  8:49, 8:29, 8:06, 8:03, 7:55, 7:26, and 7:20.   I felt like I started each of the first few miles strong and then eased up at the end of the mile (obviously easing up to much since I missed my goal by a few seconds).  The last 2 miles were pretty difficult but I didn't feel spent afterwards.  I also thought doing the mental calculations in my head for each mile helped motivate me as well as made the time running go faster (mentally). 

Interesting how I ran 8 yesterday in the same time it took me to run today.  Slow miles are still miles but somehow they affect your brain.   I guess it was a recovery run from the speed work Tuesday.  Anyway, finished in 1:06.56 with a 9:13 / mile pace.  I stopped for a pit stop and water half way thru.  The last .25 of a mile was really slow.   Splits were: 9:32, 9:15, 9:32, 9:18, 8:36, 8:41, 9:13 and cooled down with 10:51. 

I guess that 8 ounce filet and beer(S) didn't really help the scale this morning.  Kids were at gmas for the night so I got to run with Liz this morning.  We broke away around mile 2 "cause she didn't want to slow me down".   In retrospect, I should have just stayed with her cause I ran slow miles today anyway.  It started to mist a little which was not bad at all.   Finished in 53:57  at 8:59 / mile pace.  Splits were:  8:54, 9:08, 8:55, 9:13, 8:39, and 9:08 up the monster hill home.  Interested and nervous about my race on Sunday.  Hopefully the rest day on Saturday will help my body and pace.  

Ran in the rain today.  It wasn't bad but the wind didn't really help.  Last day of spring break so that is a little depressing.   Finished in 46 minutes at 9:07 / mile.  Splits were:  8:54, 9:11, 9:18, 8:53, and 9:11.  Day off tomorrow and race (13.1 plus another 7 in warmups and cool downs) on Sunday which makes me curious because I feel like I am running slower.   Hopefully the day off will help the legs.  Sunday will be my last long run before tapering begins.

Early start with Jeff this morning.  We ended up running 5 as a warm up and then a .25 mile pickup.   Splits for the warm up were: 9:16, 8:47, 8:50, 8:44, and 8:54 for an average pace of    / mile.  The pick-up was a mild quarter mile sprint at 6:47/ mile.   Jeff wanted to do another, I voted against it.  

The 21K started out good and ended poorly.  Splits were 7:33, 7:33, 7:32, 7:33, 7:39, 7:48, 7:44, 7:24, 7:23, 8:00, 9:25, 8:14, 8:15, and the last tenth of a mile was 1:16 (or 8:19 / mile pace).  The hills killed me and I ended up walking a little during the 11th mile.  My left calf was screaming the last 5K.  

I was planning on running another 1.6 but just cashed it in.  My left calf is still tight and  "pulsating" 6 hours afterwards.  Walking around is difficult.  I have eaten banannas, yogurt, rolled it out, tried to stretch it, continue to drink water and nothing seems to work.  Kind of worried about the upcoming week (S) including the full which is just 3 weeks away. 

The original training schedule said 3 miles.  I was nervous and anxious to see if I could run pain free as my left calf started feeling a little better today.  I'm still a little disappointed about Sunday's performance coming up 1.6 miles short of my 20 mile goal.  I started very slow with some pain but continued taking it very easy (about 10 minute miles).   The more I ran, the better it seemed to feel (or I just got better at ignoring the pain).  Jeff is re-thinking my 3 week taper and asked if I wanted to do a 22 miler on/near Forest Park which is part of the course on Sunday.  Also, started back to school after Spring Break and I can honestly say I was pretty spoiled last week.  This work thing can be a real inconvenience! 

6 miles in 80 degree windy weather wasn't really ideal, but my left calf didn't act up so I will take it. I took it easy again today (don't really know IF I could have run faster) and finished in 56:27.05 at 9:24/ mile. Splits were: 9:04, 9:12, 9:23,9:05, 9:36, and 10:06.

7 miles completed. Feel pretty good but just seem like I cannot run fast at all. Averaged about 9:30 / mile as it was 84 degrees and a little windy. The good news is that my left calf feels ok so I feel pretty good about that. I have the splits but will have to wait to put them up. Finished in about 1:07. Weighed myself after the the run and it said 205!!!

UPS man came today with a new scale.  Needless to say there is a 10 pound difference between the new and the old scale????  Liz lost .4 of a pound with the new scale!!!! Half day at school today so Liz and I went out for lunch.  I had fettucini pasta with shrimp and chicken.  Came home lethargic and took a nap.  Got up and did my 3 miles.  Changed the schedule again this week as I am planning for 22 miles tomorrow along most / all of the marathon route.   Today was not my best effort but I ran pain free so I guess I should be happy.  Finished in 27: 39 at 9:13 / mile.   I am concerned about my speed as well as if my body will hold up.  Baseball, golf, school, summer and a few other things are starting to creep up on the priority list and running/ training is starting to drop on the list.  I hope I can stay motivated/ get some motivation and need to do some reflecting on this whole training process. 

I drove down and parked at Forest Park so I could run along the "Go" marathon route.  I picked up the route at about mile 14 and ran 5 miles back toward the start.  I turned around (and got off the trail a bit) around mile 9, then ran miles 9 thru 22 along the route.  I didn't push it very much as I was trying more not to get lost (and digging the map out every mile or two).  I finished about 3:30 and my legs feel pretty good.  My  left calf doesn't hurt and gave me no trouble on the run (the bowl of cereal and two bananas this morning helped).  The first 17 miles were in the 9 minute per mile range and the last 4 were probably closer to 10.    Let the taper begin.

Played golf this morning for the first time this year (shot 77).  Came home and fed the kids, put them to bed for a nap, did some yard work, and then got a nap of my own.  Liz ran tonight as I put the kids down and then I went about 8:00 to run on the trail.  I can't say I was very motivated to do my recovery run.  It was extremely slow and my head and stomach were acting up a bit. I got my 3 miles in and so starts my first week of taper.  My legs feel a bit soar but I just feel slow and lethargic. 

Ran after school in the 90 degree heat.  It wasn't terrible but I certainly wouldn't want to run any long distances in that kind of weather.  I feel like I am lethargic at night so I wanted to get my run in before I got home.  Finished in a little better time at 34:53, so about 8:43/ mile pace.  Splits (I'm not so embarrassed to put them as I was the last couple of workouts) were: 8:30, 8:02 (some downhill), 8:47 (mostly flat), and 9:31 (almost all uphill).

Weather is starting to cool off and the World Champion Cardinals play Wednesday!!!!

I ran after school today and the weather was pretty warm (80s).  Finished in 45:35 at about 9:07 / mile.  Took it easy today as Friday will be my last long/hard workout.  Splits were: 8:58, 9:05, 9:21, 8:50 and 9:22.   Jeff is trying to talk to me about joining the 3:30 pace group in 12 days.   I'm not sure.   Hopefully a day off, the taper and eating right will get me closer to those 8:00 / mile pace.   I think I am going to go back and re-read some of my former posts and re-live some of those 7:30 x 7 miles runs. 

Felt really good after my day off.  Plus tomorrow is Good Friday so I have the day off (maybe something mental).   Finished in 41:37 at 8:19/ mile.  Splits were: 7:58 (a bit fast so I slowed down), 8:14, 8:31, 8:22, and 8:28.   Going out for dinner and drinks tonight and kids are sleeping at Grandma's.   Might re-think the 14 miler,  broken up as speed-work, tomorrow. 

4 miles on the elliptical today (2 twenty minute sessions) as I watched golf, baseball, and hockey.

Did speed work on the track today.  Can't say I like running in circles but I actually think it helped on some of my speed runs (mentally thinking "I only have 3 more laps or do this lap in 1:45).  Goal was to do:  a 2 mile warm up, 3 miles @ 7:20, half mile jog recovery, quarter mile walk recovery, 1 mile @ 8:00, half mile jog recovery, 1 mile at 8:00, half jog recovery, quarter mile walk recovery, 3 mile @7:20, and 2 mile cool down.

2 mile warm up:  9:33 and 9:55, first 3 miles were: 6:46, 7:23, and 7:19, first 1 miler was 7:55,  second 1 miler was 8:01, last 3 miler was 7:36, 7:34 and 7:34.   Cut the 2 mile recovery to 1.5 as I had to get to a soccer game.

Bar-b-que, beer, baseball, Masters golf (go Phil!!!), and hockey led to a poor night of sleep.  Woke up tired, did the Easter baskets and hunt with the kids and then took a 45 minute nap.  Woke up sluggish.  Got a phone call from bf in London who motivated me with some compliments on my training.  This motivated me to get out and run my 4 miler.   Goal was 1 mile warm up, 2 @ 8:00 and 1 mile cool down.   First mile was goofy as my watch GPS wasn't on right away,  probably ran it in about 9:30's.  2nd mile was 7:34 (tail wind) and an ambulance / police officer passed me on the trail.  Elder man who was biking was laying on the trail so that was a little scary.  Turned around at mile 2 and headed back into the wind.  8:02 mile followed by a 9:19 cool down mile.  I feel great now (thanks Scott).  Just looked at the early weather for the marathon next Sunday and they are calling for rain.  We'll see.

Goal was to do a 1 mile warm up, 3 @ 8:00 (race pace), and a 1 mile cool down.  Finished in 40:34 at 8:07/ mile.  Splits were: 7:59 (a bit fast), 7:46, 8:08, 8:01, and 8:40.   Last 5 miler tomorrow.

Last 5 mile run for training.  Goal was 1 mile warm up, 3 @ 8:00 and 1 mile cool down.  It was actually pretty windy which made the work a lot harder.  Finished in 41:13 at about 8:15/ mile.   Splits were 7:59, 7:46 (a little struggle into some wind), 8:08 (a large struggle into wind), 8:01, and 8:40.  

Have to share a story about 2 of my friends playing a joke on me as I hope you will find it humorous.  My bf move to London about 9 months ago.  He called on Easter (we seldom talk) and informed me he was flying back to California for business.   My a-hole buddy Bill calls me today and leaves me this message.  "Hey this is Bill, you are never gonna believe this but I had 2 free airline tickets fall into my lap.  I am thinking about flying out to California to suprise Scott.  I know it is late notice but I was wondering if you wanted to go."   After a moment or two he laughs and says "I'm just kidding, I don't have any free tickets, just wanted to say good luck this weekend".

I almost through my phone against the concrete wall.   For a split second, I was gonna skip the marathon.  Oh well, I looked at the weather and they are calling for thunderstorms.  Looks like I am gonna be racing in the rain.

Two more 4 milers to go.

Skipped my 4 miler today.  Went to a wake and just decided to skip it afterwards because I could.  I don't feel guilty at all as I am resting (I guess the ultimate taper).   Last 4 miler tomorrow.

Enjoyed my last 4 miler today.  Thought a lot about the 26.1 miler coming up, the course, and all the people who have supported me thus far.  Goal was 1 mile warm up, 2 miles @ 8:00 (my new marathon race pace) and a 1 mile cool down.   Have the specific splits at home but these are pretty close:  8:45, 7:49, 7:34, and 8:55.

I re-read some of my blog posts today as motivation.  96 runs ago I started and 1 final BIG one left.  Looking forward to Sunday night but not the pain!!!  Excited and nervous for my first full marathon, hopefully I will enjoy it enough to do another, time will tell.

Well, it wasn't pretty but it is over. Originally signed up for the 3:35 pace group and hung with them through 14 miles. Then bonked, the heat, hills, wind, and my fatness really hurt me. I ended up walking a lot more than I thought. I waved the pace group goodbye, watched later as 3:45, 355, and 405 pass. At mile 15, I decided I just wanted to finish. I am pretty disappointed I walked so much but I finished and it is over. Jeff met me about mile 10 and if it wasn't for him it could have been a lot worse. I don't know if I would have even finished. I will update splits soon but it maybe my last post for a couple of weeks. Felt ok afterwards and waited for my wife to finished her marathon relay. I laid down on the concrete for about 10 minutes while drinking water and gatorade and trying desperately to massage my spastic calf / quad. I ended up getting up to get some food and walked back to my "concrete bed" where I saw Liz and her team walking up. I called her name and then got instantly lightheaded. Laid down again while she got her medal and got up about 10 minutes later and was fine. Weighed 212.0 when I got home.

26.2 (or according to my watch 26.35) - chip time 4:14:58

6 miles - 48:49

13.1 miles - 1:46:47

17 miles - 2:24: 35

21.3 miles - 3:05:09

According to my Garmin, splits were: 8:23 / 7:55 / 8:18 / 7:54 / 8:05 / 8:06 / 8:13 / 8:06 / 7:52 / 8:12 / 7:58 / 8:13 / 8:21 / 8:10 / 9:22 / 10:43 / 10:12 / 10:32 / 13:54 / 11:07 / 11:20 / 12:43 / 11:43 / 11:40 / 12:18 / 11:42 and the last was an average of 10:28.

Did speed work tonight.  10 x 800 meter @ 10k race pace.   I had not run a single mile since April 15th.  I have also been reading a lot about "post marathon syndrome" and I feel like I have been in a huge funk (ie. no motivation to run, lethargic, laying around, slight depression mostly caused by Blues losing to the f&$^#)  Kings).    Jeff told me I probably should skip tonight but I am glad I didn't.   I think this is exactly what I needed to get me out of this funk.   Running with a group is awesome!!!!   Liz and I ran in the 7:45 group and a few colleagues ran with the 7:00 group.   It was not comforting to see the agony they were in as we waited to start but I gotta say I feel really good.   Maybe the month (plus) off was good for me???

I beat 1:42 every time and my last rep was 1:22

2nd week of speed training.  We ran 5 x 800's tonight.   My last and fastest time was 3:19 and my goal was 3:30.   All the previous 800s were below 3:25.  I have been consistent with my P90X 6 to 7 days a week. 

I got up early to meet Billy and Scott (in town from London) for a run.  We were going to meet on Grant's Trail at 6:30 so I decided to make the run from my house.  Ran the 3.23 miles there in 29:36 and felt pretty good.  Pace was 9:23, 9:31, 8:26 and the last quarter was 9:54 although I am not certain I stopped my watch.   After meeting up with them we ran another 4.5 miles in 9:26 average pace.  Splits were: 9:11, 9:20, 9:31, 9:38, and the last half 9:34.  I got a ride back home from Scott and stretched a little as he caught up/ played with the kids.  I feel really good and Scott wants to run again Monday morning.  We'll see how this running thing goes, crazier things have happened.

Well, I have been traing for a half marathon (silently = not blogging... I know bad me).  Anyway, I have been following Higdon's intermediate plan.  Haven't missed a run although my times have slipped since training for the Go Marathon.  My wife ran the Rock & Roll  half with some colleagues from school last week and I really didn't have feelings either way about not doing it.   I feel like I am in pretty good shape (still) but my times are not what I would like them to be.  I decided, after my marathon, if I want to get serious about this running thing I really needed to lose about 20 - 30 more pounds (obviously hasn't happened).   Ran my 12.1 miles in 1:42 ish which would have been my PR if a marathon was only 12.1 miles.  Secretly want to PR next week but it may not be in the Cards.  Speaking of, still completely bummed about those *#%# Giants as well as no hockey.   It could be a long winter.