Winter run -- Thu. Dec. 30

Home from work (still grading stuff, arg!) to get some miles in -- it was a beautiful mild day, but by the time I reached home, already dark and chilling fast. Probably about 28-30 when I headed out just after six into a moonless but starry night. Was planning to do rail trail, but it's too dark, so down GeoHannum then Boardman and Eskett; then right along 202, all the way down to School St, then left along to Chicopee and the turn-back point. Cross 202 and go as far as Rural, then round to GeoHannum: at 8 mile point, step up a bit, but legs are still a bit chilly and stiff--manage two miles at 7:03 each, then slow down for the last mile, coming up through the development to get the 11, thus:

Time: 1:22:02
Distance: 11.01 miles
Pace: 7:27s

Comment: The two tempo miles were on the uphill section, and I felt like I was opening up a good bit, just hampered by the cold and dark a bit. Good enough for now. PLUS: I made my year goal of 2010 miles -- now at 2017 for the year!!

Mixed Twelve -- Tue. Dec. 28

By arrangement (which is what made me actually get up in time) a run with Bill, planning on 10-12. He suggested going onto the lake (Metacomet) so we headed down to Hamilton, then Bay and along Metacomet -- but it was a bit on the mild side, and there were patches of soft darkness on the ice, so I suggested going round via trail: past the town beach, then on the isthmus trail (snow still untrodden there) and then the trail link via Cheryl Circle to the rail trail, for more clean snow, and eventually out on to Federal to take Goodell through to Warren Wright. Very pleasant, not cold, and nice views: come back up Orchard, then to Grela and round the lakes again, then to Federal and directly from there: up to 9, and straight back to the development. Ran a bit past Bill's place to get the dozen, thus:

Time: 1:37:11
Distance: 12 miles
Pace: 8:06s

Comments: nice easy, refreshing mix of trail and snow and interesting roads -- a slightly faster last mile, as we both felt good. Only four miles shy of my 2010 for the year now!

Powertrail foray -- Fri. Dec. 24

Heading out to D'mar in the pm, but determined to get a run in, and aiming for double digits using the powerline trail I started on the other day. So, around 10 out via geoHannum to a stretch at the waterplant--a bit chilly, and slow to warm up, but feeling mainly okay (in shorts, but all layers on top). On to Boardman, then Rural and out to Stebbins; cross and enter the powerline trail. Sure enough the big water section is frozen enough to walk over, and continue up along; progress fine on rough and some v. steep terrain, then trail goes into woods so I have to go through bushes a bit under powerline (choose brambles over wet feet). Then more boggy bits and eventually I choose to follow parallel trail a bit to skirt the water, making sure to avoid turns away. However, just after startling a small flock of turkeys up in to the trees, discover a house ahead and the power lines not in sight. Ouf. As I jog up, the owner looks at me quizzically, and I announce I'm lost. Turns out I was at what used to be Wingate farm; chap said I should go down his drive (which I'd approached from the house end, not the road) across "the brook" and go left before his barn, then follow trail back to power lines. I did, and after that it was fine as far as Bay road, with some spectacular height and views just before the road. Then back along Bay, to Old Bay, then Bay again up the hill and go right on to Hamilton to return that way, staying steady, ending up thus:

Time: 1:26:13
Distance: 10.66 miles
Pace: 8:05s

Comment: this was, as ever with powerline trails, quite a workout, though I didn't pay any attention to speed, and had to stop a few times for directions and picking a way through things. Even on the road, just running easy; slight head cold has really taken the edge of things for me right now, but hopefully in a week or two I'll be over that.

Social Ten -- Tue. Dec. 21

Planned a morning ten w/ Bill and when I went out there was Andy too -- good company, great run! We started down GeoHannum and Boardman, heading for Summit at an easy pace. Once we turned up the hill we stayed steady, but inevitably it picked up a bit, until by the last couple of corners Andy and Bill were ahead and we were moving pretty quickly (I was aiming not to be breathing too hard, so I didn't chase; it only encourages!). Bill had a bit of a cough, which kept things from getting too out of hand; the descent was easy, and then to 21 and right along to OldSpfld, all the way through--Andy pulling away on the hill up past JBMS, but we regrouped at the junction, then into town and straight along 202 down to Rt 9, then round and back to the development. We were a bit short of mileage, so round the development a bit before we got double digits. I peeled off while they ran back to Bill's place, data thus:

Time: 1:17:21
Distance: 10.06 miles
Pace: 7:41s

Comment: useful to get some hill work in -- felt good while I was running, but sundry sorenesses in my right leg after. And tired the next day. Good thing there's no race this week.

SRRC Special -- Sun. Dec. 19

Emailed list on Sat p.m. (as I'd mentioned to Landry at Forest Park) that I was doing a Quabbin run at 10:30 -- went to DnD just in case, and found Nick D and one other (new) lad there, both up for the Q run. Noone else showed, so we headed for the Quabbin HQ; waited until 10:30, then headed off. New lad, John, is a BHS freshman, and hasn't done much running before but plays soccer (football?). Pace is a gentle one, and slower as we go up the hill, which leaves me a bit chilly in shorts (they're both wearing Santa hats), but now worries. Keep steady as far as Enfield lookout, then I make a portapotty stop, and then get to run fast a bit to catch up. Keep steady as far as the Dike, and John picks up into a sprint to the end marker --he wins! but then flakes out flat on the ground. They rest a bit while I jog, then we head back. Nick seems okay, but I'm a bit worried about John; we go past one hour at 6.6 miles or so, his first time to be running for that long. Once we get to seven miles, decide to go on ahead and get my car and meet them back up at the tower. Pick up pace dramatically, all the way up to the roundabout; skip going up to the tower, and chug on down the hill and across the dam to the car, ending up thus:

Time: 1:35:42
Distance: 11.35 miles
Pace: 8:26s

Comment: Strongly negative split there, with sub-7:00s for the last two plus miles. Straight into car and drive the long way round and up the hill, catching the lads as they head down having been up to the tower. Drop them back at their car before hurrying off to chauffeur R, then sleep a bit after eating. Useful if weird run. Nice course, and definitely should be a Swiftie race course!

Snowstorm 10K -- Sat. Dec. 18

Head off in slightly better time, arriving just after 9 am amid lots of runners wearing numbers: it's the GSH Fatass 50K today, as well as a Snowstorm day. Sign up and do a tiny bit of warm up, then line up, chatting w/ Ivan meanwhile. Very gentle start, with the lead group of four (Carlos, Landry, and two others) just ahead -- noone racing, clearly. After a mile I thought I could even move up to join the pack, but then they picked up a bit, and I stayed at 6:30 ish. Kept them in sight the whole way, though the lead two soon disappeared and the other two got steadily further ahead. At the four mile point we joined some of the 50K runners (including a cheerful Sri) and I passed a couple, but one of them was keeping my pace -- while doing more than a marathon... I tried to close on him but no go, so I just aimed to stay steady, and came in thus:

Time: 40:27 (40:25 GPS)
Distance: 6.2 miles (6.35 (GPS)
Pace: 6:31s (6:22s)

Comment: this was enough for fourth place (Carlos was running bandit), which was fine and all but noone else was racing. I guess I wasn't by the end -- first time I've done a Snowstorm where there was no competition -- I'd have had to make more than a minute to catch the guy ahead, and Joe F was nearly 3/4 of a minute behind me. Ah well, next time -- the turn out was solid enough at 100+. Then, after eats, I went for another lap with Landry -- I wanted just four more to get double digits, though he did the whole 6+ miles. We started easy enough, but coming up on three miles I foolishly mentioned the pace (slower than 7:30s) so he suggested upping it. Final mile was sub-6:30! Overall, thus: 4.26 miles @ 31:27 = 7:23s.
Quite a day.

Middling -- Thu. Dec. 16

First weekday run in a while--cold morning, probably about 20 degrees, so three layers on top (but still shorts, as it's not too windy), and head off slowly down GeoHannum. Stretch at usual spot, then head up trail, going right along to come out on Underwood and up to 202, then right and go all the way down past Eskett to Boardman; up to Rural, then round to GeoHannum and go left to Stebbins, crossing over to follow the power line trail for a bit, then turn round and go back more or less directly as far as Jackson, then up past the small farms to enter rail trail, and double back to GeoHannum that way. End up at the development thus:

Time: 1:06:30
Distance: 9.02 miles
Pace: 7:22s

Comment: this ended up much pacier than I'd expected when I set off, though it was pretty even -- only one mile ended up sub-7:00, and that was downhill. A good returning run, enfin.

Rainy club run -- Sun. Dec. 12

Up early to lector, and feeling a bit dodgy after several beers at Ken's place last night. Bill away, but Eddie G called, so get to DnD to find him and also Nick; Ken arrives right after. Lightly freezing rain in the early hours, but we're ready for it (I wear slicker but using hat instead of hood). Out for about 8, planning to go to end of rail trail and back, w/ Eddie turning earlier for his regular 5. Start off with him, running a couple of miles just under 10 min. pace, then head on with Ken and Nick to the end of the trail at 8:30 pace or so. They turn round, but I decide to go back the road way for a bit more distance. Start along 181, and realise off the trail that it's raining a bit more than I expected. Ouf. 181 feels long! but finally reach turn off right for Cold Spring, and decide to take it to be sure of reaching double digits. Full into the wind there, but better as I turn left up the last climb to the Experimental Station, then along to Cordner, and down to 181; back into that flow as far as Jabish canal, clocking a 6:44 mile, but then start to feel a bit off-shine, so no second tempo mile. The slight uphill on the canal trail and rail trail really bites; keep going steadily but realise I've got more than 10 miles. End up back at DnD thus:

Time: 1:28:04
Distance: 11 miles
Pace: 8:00s

Comment: Ken had kindly waited -- I was a good bit longer than planned, and we chatted a bit, then I changed into dry gear and ate a DnD repast (hot & fried = good!) All in all very mixed pace run, quite satisfying, giving a good base for the week. Now that classes are over I can aim for 2 mid-week runs as well, aiming for 30+ miles, finishing with the Snowstorm 10K. On track to complete the 2010 miles for the year, if all goes well. Then I'd better start planning for the Gansett Marathon in a bit more detail...

Snowstorm 5K -- Sat. Dec. 11

Starting the Snowstorm season a bit uncertainly -- another long long week and not a chance to get out after last Sunday. Still, a light dusting of snow on Friday night made the whole thing more appealing, and I headed out around 8:30 (having slept through an alarm, so about 30 mins behind schedule). Arrived and paid up, but then already time to start, so no warm up: decide to start slowly and see how it feels. Ivan's there at the start too, but line up a bit behind him, in a crowd of more than 100 runners. Off up the hill and take the first lap of the playing fields steady, with 6:42 first mile. Inspired by young Beaver lad (9 yr old phenom!) to go with small strides, rapid turnover, to avoid over stretching in my unwarmed up state. Second mile start to move up a bit, turning in a 6:05, and finding Scott R ahead. Keep plugging for mile three: surprised by a 5:41 pace, and the last 0.17 is much slower as I fail to catch the young lad ahead and just cruise in. Come in 5th, with a solid time:

Time: 19:37 (19:35 gps)
Distance: 3.1 miles (3.17 gps)
Pace: 6:20

Comment: jog a bit till Ivan appears, then walk with him and chat briefly, before heading out for cooldown/extra miles. Goal for day was 12.5, so do a couple of loops of the first part of the 10K course, stopping after lap one to grab bag and gear from Skate House lest it be locked in there. Add exactly 10 miles, which because I'm already loose are a bit faster than a slow run, giving

13.17 miles @ 1:34:54, averaging 7:12s.

A good day's work

Hot Chocolate 5K -- Sun. Dec. 5

Late night after several post-long run naps, but up and sorted in time to leave at 8:40 (a tad late...). Icy morning, hard frozen windscreen, but head for Btown DnD for a coffee and bagel to go. Drive is fast, so parked on King St and jogging back to the registration by ten past nine. Cold! Quite a melée at the start, but able to grab bib/chip combo easily enough, and then check out the portaloos: hopeless! Line several hundred people long, so give up and jog back to car, figuring I'll try DnD there. Buy another coffee as they have no Gatorade (feeling quite dry, and didn't get up early enough for breakfast), use facilities (thank goodness no opposition there) and back to car to change.
Only 20 mins to go, so kit up in hat, gloves, shorts and t-shirt, then leg it towards the start. Follow to rail trail and jog out there for a bit, bypassing the actual race start, then stop a while to stretch. Total just over 2 miles of warm up, and with some press-ups I'm *sort of* warm by 9:55, so go to line up.
No familiar faces to line up against, so keep an eye on Tim M as he'll be sure to wind through the opening rush fast. Chip timed, so it doesn't matter too much. . . Off and up the first little hill, already in a fast group though surely 100+ people ahead of me. Try to settle but feeling very stiff. Wind is an obstacle too, on and off. Make it to the first mile surprisingly quickly, 6:00, it just flew by; mile two seems harder, but I'm managing not to lose any places, even gaining one or two.
Mile three starts even harder with a couple of savage little uphills; fortunately I have strength enough for them, so lose another follower, but then people start making moves for the finish. Didn't have enough margin to pick up pace much, but get into a to and fro with one tall guy who I thought was Barry B from UMass at first. Finally we head down the hill and I'm ready to open up but nervous about how much further there is. Once I spot the turn down off the main street pick up a bit and then as the shute comes into view go all out and barrel past the tall guy, watching 19:06 show on the clock as I hit the line.
A mite disappointed, but it seems about right, given my stiffness from yesterday's 12+.

However, later in the day results are posted and *chiptime* shows I was faster -- by ONE SECOND -- than last year's chiptime. Technically, 1.06 seconds:

Time: 18:59 and 94/100 (official) <--new PB!
Distance: 3.1 (official; 3.14 GPS)
Pace: 6:08s

Comment: w00ts! It's a tiny difference, but I'll take it any day: into the 18:00s!! Came in 61/2000+ which is pretty fine too. Saw Landry to talk to (briefly) and Maddie G from BHS, but then finished my cocoa and headed back to car: too cold to hang around. Put more gear on and did a cooldown to end up with 7.43 miles total for the day. Good enough.

Solo long run - Sat. Dec. 4

With the Hot Chocolate 5K up tomorrow this is not such a bright move, but I wanted to get out after a week with no chance to -- so, just before noon on a sunnyish day with occasional icy wind, I headed off via VFW, 202 and Allen to Juckett hill. Slow, aiming for 8:15s or so, with no stop to stretch (just aiming to get *warm* at first). Seems to go fine for the first few miles, though each time I get warm I run into wind again and chill off. Wearing shorts with long sleeve technical shirt, fleece, and windbreaker, plus gloves and hat. Down the other side of Juckett and up to Packardville, crossing 202 along to Gold: the same as with Bill two weeks ago, a favorite run; the Quabbin section was lovely as ever. By 8 miles, pace was about 8:18, but then the downhill started. Relaxed a lot, no trying, just striding, but pace went up to 7:30s or less. Crossed 9 and returned to GeoHannum via the Lord Jeff apts, coming to stop clock at the culvert, thus:

Time: 1:40:23
Distance: 12.56 miles
Pace: 8:00s

Comment: total climb was 670 feet or so, which makes this a varied hill run too. Pretty happy with it, though I wish I could get back to *frequency* running again. . .

SRRC long run - Sun. Nov. 28

Late again, this time as I had to move Alex's car as mine was boxed in. Found Ken and Bill there, so we set off--chilly, but no wind to speak of--and then discussed distance. Ken and I were planning 8-ish, but Bill was aiming for 16. Again, an interesting route (one we'd done at my prompt a while back, Jan. 10 this year in fact) so I couldn't resist. Ouf. All together along the rail trail to NoWash, keeping a very gentle pace; feeling okay. Cross Bardwell and down as far as Barrett, then across to NoLib where Ken heads back up to town. Bill and I move on steadily, to Bardwell and then river, then trail through the factory parking lot and across 181 to enter the main trail. Head along keeping a steady pace, chatting mostly; out on the other end and up the hill, both keeping pretty even, then choose Cold Spring along to Cordner, down to 181, then experiment: take the unknown left hoping to connect into the rail trail--it leads to Sports Haven Mobile Home Park, where we talk in passing to a couple of inhabitants who are ambiguous about the trail. Turns out the river blocking it is wide, somewhat deep, and iced on both sides. While I'm dithering, Bill just plunges in, so I follow: it gets to about knee height and then we're over and sloshing up the hill on the other side. Ice-bath awesome!! Rejoin main trail by Jabish canal, then along to rail trail and back to OldSpfld, then divert to come back through BHS to get to the 16 miles Bill wanted. I'd forgotten my GPS in the rush, but here's Bill's data:

Time: 2:18:57
Distance: 16.54 miles
Pace: 8:24s

Comment: Easy pace, but that was long; definitely tired afterwards, but happy to have worked out kinks from yesterday and started the week with good mileage. Sleep a couple of hours after getting home...

Talking Turkey - Sat. Nov. 27

Car-pooled with Ken (me driving), stopping for gas and DnD on the way. Get a bit turned around in Holyoke (again!) and end up approaching a different way, so drive right up to the Elks Lodge and park up there. Check in -- nice crowd as ever, say hi to Sri -- then head out for a warmup few miles around the reservoir. Ken, just back from Florida, is feeling the chill -- it's not quite as windy as last year, but still cold. We do just over a mile, then turn round after stretching, but there's only 9 minutes to go, so I leave Ken and book it back past the start to the car to change. Opt for shorts and t-shirt, but gloves and hat (nicely warm from racing back to the car!). At the gun, get a bit stuck in traffic, so go to the side and sprint up to the opening pack. Move up to behind Abby M but quickly realise she's going too fast for me: 5K pace, and I need to be conservative to avoid numbleg.

So drop back and find a useful pace, 6:15 for the first two miles. A bit risky, but feels right. Trying to stay with or ahead of another female runner (not familiar -- figure her for a traveller from eastern MA or NY), but eventually she gets away: my mile 3 is a tad slower, more of a 6:20+, though I keep her in sight. Then start to feel the wind as we repeat the opening section: hard work, and that mile is a 6:47. Now I'm with another female runner and a bigger guy, and they're teaming as we tussle. First they pass, then I pass, and I start to hear Mike L's distinctive cough -- the four of us are clustered for a bit, then I get a bit ahead again and look round to check it's him--say "Hi Mike" and find myself smiling and relaxing. Suddenly another gear, and though it's a mile and a half to go I open stride a bit, attacking the uphill slopes, and focus on the guy ahead. Mile 5 is another 6:15 or so, and then last mile and I start to push: finally reel in the guy ahead and go for the end, managing a sub-6:00 last mile as I pass him.

After crossing the line, dry heave, but it passes; all in all, feel pretty good really. Came in 41st, 9/191 in M40-49; pretty satisfying. Here's the data:

Time: 37:48 (GPS 37:50)
Distance: 6 miles (5.97)
Pace: 6:18s (6:20s)

Comment: Congratulated the 2nd place woman, as I was impressed by her run and we'd had a bit of a to and fro (though she was a bit "Who are you?"); then the woman who came in behind me, 3rd placer, who was as I suspected one of the locallyrun photographers! Very nice, and she was first in her age group: impressive. Sure enough she grabbed a camera and started working once she'd eaten. Ken came in a bit later (not so happy with his time, but it's his first go on this course), and I chatted with Mike L and Rich C, then headed off for a cooldown (though it was chilly enough that I grabbed my fleece first!) -- saw Rob L briefly (he too not so happy with his time, though of course it was *fast*) and then headed round the causeways a bit, before looping back to get in line for food. FABULOUS clam chowder, and a generous portion, plus other eats; chatted with Ken, then headed off home -- to do some chores, eat more, and then s l e e p for a couple of hours. Total mileage for the day = 11.14.

Base eight -- Fri. Nov. 26

Looking to get back to building a mileage base (even with two weeks of semester to go, might as well use this vacation week to get a jumpstart), so even with the Talking Turkey tomorrow I wanted to fit in 8 miles today. Tried a new variation on the local roads, moderately hilly: GeoHannum and rail trail to state school (stretch) then out past police station to 202, right to 21 and along as far as Turkey Hill, then right up Summit; down the other side to 202 and left as far as Boardman, then in as far as Rural, and home via GeoHannum. Damp, misty on the higher ground, but mild, though I kept hat on and multiple layers until the very end. Data:

Time: 1:06:14
Distance: 8.66 miles
Pace: 7:39s

Comment: slow start, aiming to avoid stress with the race tomorrow, but on the downhills it was easy to open up stride a bit. Hopefully this won't leave me too knackered for tomorrow -- I'm still a bit short on sleep. We'll see.

Morning shortie -- Thu. Nov. 25

Home too late and tired on Wed. to run, so out before the drive to Delmar for a quick one. Chilly, still ice on puddles; decide to mix it up a bit even on a short run: GeoHannum to rail trail to state school (stretch) then to Checkers and into rail trail again to OldSpfld, right to BHS (past the warm up for the Thanksgiving Day game, go Nick!-- said hi to his mother, in passing) and then cross 202 to enter the picnic trail, round past Wallace Pond to come out eventually back on GeoHannum, and then up homewards:

Time: 48:51
Distance: 6.21 miles
Pace: 7:52s

Comment: Felt much more fluid than I'd expected -- good after-effects of Sunday's long run. Then spent the rest of the day sitting, driving or eating; not so good, but it was a pleasantly social day.

SRRC long run -- Sun. Nov. 21

Showed up at DnD almost late (early start, but delayed at last minute by R breaking bottle in basement!) to find Bill, Andy, Amy, and Nick (Ken still in Florida). Bill immediately suggests 14 miles, and I think he's kidding-but no, and he's got a nice route planned, so I cave and join him. We all go together at first, along 202 to Howard, then up Jackson to common, back to 202 and down Jabish, then up old Enfield to Juckett. Andy, Amy and Nick turn around at gate at top of Juckett, and Bill and I go on: trail all the way to Gate 8 lane, then up to 202 and cross; head to Knight's Pond and down to Munsell, then back to 202 and straight along all the way to town center, then down Maple, under 202 and finish at DnD. Even longer than Bill planned:

Time: 1:58:54
Distance: 14.22
Pace: 8:22s

Comment: perfect day for it and a nice easy pace round an excellent route -- felt great once I was warmed up and am very glad I went along! Bill's GPS combined with mapmyrun to register 14.5 miles, but I'll take the shorter distance.

Evening shortie -- Sat. Nov. 20

After a crazy busy week at work (way too little sleep!) I spent the day in New Haven taking grads to book exhibits at Yale. Home by 7, so time for a quick run to make this a two run week. . . Chilly, clear and very moonlit evening, so head down to water plant to stretch, then along GeoHannum to Boardman, up Eskett to 202, down to Boardman and then all the way home. Hat, gloves, two layers and a windcheater, but shorts: temp. was probably 30 or so. Data:

Time: 54:09
Distance: 6.71 miles
Pace: 8:04s

Comment: gently done, feeling a bit stiff, but finally warmed up toward the end. Worried about bruised right heel (from a stone on bare feet the day before), but no problem in the end

Monson Memorial Classic half -- Sun. Nov. 14

Another beautiful day. After a rather boozy Sat. evening (guests over, with wine and then Galliano's), a feast of Indian-style marinated lamb, and a short night, I was maybe not in the best shape. But, what can you do? So, to Ken's by 10:30 and when Bill joined us we headed out. Arrived and picked up our registrations packs (nice shirts: black, technical), then with Ken to DnD so he can get a sandwich. Then we all headed out for a short warmup (just over a mile), then stretch some. Meet up with tons of people, including Landry, Dawn F, Mike L, Rich C, Billy R and others. Amble to the start and plan to go with Bill and Mike -- both of whom are first-timers on this course -- at 7:00s or so.

GO: take it steady, and all goes more or less according to plan for a while. The hills are just as tough as I remember them, but I'm able to keep close to Bill mostly, Mike too. *No* inclination to bust out and go faster: it's just too hard later in the race, that much I know. I have gatorade for energy, but I can still tank if I go too fast.

As we cross the main road, I catch up with Bill and advise him about the midpoint hill (Landry had pointed out the same). Joe F and a female runner in yellow also in the cluster at this point. More uphills, and we finally hit that left turn onto what used to be the unmetalled road -- sucking wind a bit there, and then my left shoelace comes undone. Stop quickly, and Mike, Joe and the woman runner all pass by. Ouf. Chase and slowly work back up to pass Joe, the female runner, and start to close on Mike. Before we complete the loop section pass Mike and aim for Bill. Feeling okay, and keen on moving up pace from the 6:57s we'd been doing up as far as 8 miles, aiming now for 6:40s or better. Is that a blister starting? But don't slow down...

On the steep downhill before we head back towards the main road, pass Bill who's in trouble with a sore back. Decide this is go time, and aim to keep the 6:30ish pace -- four more miles? Maybe...

But maybe not. As we start down the main road, mile 10 goes by and I start to feel hints of numbleg. Just hints, but I decide to let off a bit, and not challenge when just after mile 11 first one runner passed (thought it was Bill, and greeted him, but it turned out to be the woman) and then near mile 12 Mike did the same. Blister getting pretty sore, and I'm tired at this point, though rhythm is good and I think it was as much that they increased pace as my fading.

End up crossing the line pushing to keep time under 1:30, which was my overall goal; come in 23rd, pretty satisfying, a good bit ahead of chasers and faster than I've done this course before. Then headed out for a barefoot jog until Ken came in. Ended up with a total of about 15 miles, but here's the official data for the run:

Time: 1:29:35
Distance: 13.1 miles
Pace: 6:51s

Comment: most happy with the consistency and according-to-plan-ness of my splits. Here they are:

1~8 = 6:56, 6:57, 6:42, 6:57, 6:57, 6:56, 7:13 (mile 7, shoelace etc.), 6:42 (catching up, transition)
9~13 = 6:31, 6:33, 6:32; 6:48, 6:38

Funny thing is, I got a blister in the same spot last year. Hmm. Forgot everything at the post race (Bill recovered after a massage, fortunately) and enjoyed a big eat, followed by a long nap on getting home. Mission accomplished.

Pre-race shortie -- Sat. Nov. 13

With the Monson on Sunday, I wasn't up for a long or late run, but *desperately* wanted to get out for something of an excursion. So, after catching up a bit on sleep, then sort of waking self up with a chore o three, I headed out on a fantastic sunny, calm day (can't believe it's November!!) to do a local mainly road run. Down to Austin Gaugin, then into the trail through the Yamaha tunnel, through the crow-crowded woods (noisy protestations!) and along the fields to mad pheasant corner, where (at 1.2+ miles) I did stretches. Then continue by road along GeoHannum, Boardman, to Rural and then round to Stebbins before doubling back and heading homewards, stopping at the baseball field again:

Time: 54:37
Distance: 6.97 miles
Pace: 7:50s

Comment: I did a stretch of barefoot again at the end, gently; added maybe another 1/2 mile (I think I might have had the GPS running, but not sure). Felt pleasant enough physically, and I got properly warmed through. Still not enough miles to go into Monson hard, but at least I broke 20 this week.

Solo SRRC -- Sun. Nov. 7

Chilly windy day again, and distracted by R's efforts to teach us all poker, but off to DnD almost in time -- only to find nobody there. Okay. Wait a while, and almost head home to run from there, but then figure that maybe some folks might be out already (I was two minutes late), so run and check back later. Headed out for a reverse Jabish canal with a quick start: to rail trail (past crews working on the track) and at OldSpfld go right, all the way out to 21, then left and along as far as Bardwell; instead of joining canal immediately, go along Bardwell to NoWash, then up to the little trail on the left that connects back across the wetland to the canal. Forgot to bring GPS, so had phone as timer in car; seemed to have kept a steady pace that far, but heading up the canal was hard work, and I felt I slowed a bit. Up at the top, join rail trail and head back directly, running through as far as the car, stopping the clock. Later measured up on MapMyRun and got this:

Time: 1:02:31
Distance: 8.72
Pace: 7:10

Comment: wow, that was fast, given route and terrain. Running without a clock is supposed to make things a bit easier, slower -- and I was not aiming for pace at any stage, just keeping going. Quite cheering, actually. Still not close to ready for a distance race, so Monson Classic might be a strategy practice run and a social one...

Trail-ish Ten -- Sat. Nov. 6

*Failed* to get up in time for the Jack London 10K trail race in New Hampshire -- just not enough sleep this week, and getting home at 1 am after a l-o-n-g hard Friday to face a 6:30 am start = NOT a good idea. So I forfeited the entry fee ($20, alas) and slept in after turning off the alarm at 6. Found myself waking up only at 11 am, so probably a good idea not to have raced!

Headed out to run at 3 after doing some work. A chilly windy late autumn day, bright enough and dry though the ground was wet enough (quite a lot of rain this week). Decided on a mainly trail run, with Holland Glen in there somewhere: started down GeoHannum past the now-being-dug-up entry to the undiscovered country (grrr!): inspired to enter trail at Austin Gaugan field, and take the upper trail, stopping just before the descent after a mile or so to do stretches. Then down to head out on to Hamilton, but cross over and stay on the trail--rough encounter with a raspberry cane or two, then up Bay and up Allen, across 9 and up to the trail entry to follow the old town road in towards Holland Glen: make good progress, on lovely oak leaf strewn trails, and finally find my way into the blueblazed trail which eventually connects to the Holland Glen trail abut 1/3 of the way up. Then to the waterfall at the top, passing two young hikers coming down, and down the other side; out across 9 and trail all the way (running the right of way) as far as the town beach, then back to Metacomet as mileage was still too low to head home. Enjoyed the road stretch out on to Bay and up all the way to 9, then along to GeoHannum and run all the way past the development to hit 10 miles, thus:

Time: 1:21:56
Distance: 10.01 miles
Pace: 8:11s

Comments: after stopping at Greenwich, shoes off and barefoot home on grass and road: felt *good*! A bit bloodied from the bramble, but felt mainly pretty good. Still, I've definitely fallen off the base I built in the summer; too many weeks of running only Sat/Sun. Time to get building, as there are just 22 weeks until the next (Gansett) marathon -- that gives me 4 weeks of base running. Yo~sh!

SRRC run - Oct. 31

Out at 10 just in case any new runners might show up after the Monster Dash, but no. Bill and Landry had arranged to meet at 11 for a 13 miler, and Ken was doing similar, so I went back at 11 to join them. Double hill route, starting through BHS, along OldSpfld to cross 21 and then up Turkey Hill via RockRimmon, down to Summit road and left out onto 202; left and along to Barton, then up the same hill again from the other side now, and again down to Summit, then *right* this time to head back towards 21. Bill and Landry left us after the first climb, so it was just Ken and me, chatting as we went; finally along OldSpfld again, finishing up through BHS to get this result:

Time: 1:47:38
Distance: 13.24 miles
Pace: 8:08s

Comment: this was a good workout, with 666 feet total climb, in two big climbs. Felt okay, though I'm not as tanked up as I was a few weeks ago. . .

Clapp Memorial Monster Dash -- Oct. 30

After a late night at the office I wasn't exactly up with the lark, but I made it to the library by 9 to offer my help. Set up was all done, but Jennifer W found me a couple of jobs to do, including directing parking traffic. Nick D arrived in good time and we chatted a bit; then Ken, with family; plus lots of others -- a good turn out, over 100 runners and loads of kids for the mini-runs. Got someone to take over for me at traffic point, and headed off for a warm up. Got just over 1.5 miles in, then it was time to go (again nearly missed the start!). Joined F and R briefly, then headed to the front to join Bill: decided I was going to try and run with him for the first mile if I could, just to see what it felt like. . .

Yeah, not such a bright idea. On his shoulder after the first 50 yards, as we head from the library out to the common--no traffic control, so it's a bit interesting! --but then as we head to the other end of the common, it's just too much. Fade back on the corner and two highschoolers pass by; managed Bill's pace for about 1/4 of a mile. Ouf.

Once round the common, we head down Jabish, and I'm aiming to keep close, but as we pass the baseball fields, another guy (older, chap who'd groused about the start time being late; clearly a bit over keen) passes me (unwashed! why do people do that?!). That was the story, place wise, as I stayed in 5th the whole way through. Along Jensen I'm running out of energy, but baseline is solid enough. Overall, it's Bill and one of the HSers who're pulling away, the other three of us staying in relative place. Once we hit 181 at the cemetery, the uphill starts to affect the rear of the young lads, and guy in front of me and I start to gain on him. By the end, guy in front has passed him, and I've closed up, but no room to catch him before the end.

No sense of the overall time (digivice had run out of battery!), but Bill had indeed won with a sub-18:00 time. He and I then go back to meet family members: him, his mother, and me, R. Then run back up with R encouraging him as he flails in his melodramatic way, till he takes off like a rocket with about 400 yards to go~amazing! Then, true to form, he falls spectacularly in the leaves on the last corner. Such a joker -- he ends up just over 34 mins.

It was as very social and pleasant event, with nice eats and chats to finish up. When the results were finally posted, my time was pretty solid, all things considered:

Time: 19:23
Distance: 3.1 miles
Pace: 6:14s

Comments: The speed work was a bit of a shock, and left me sore the next couple of days. Overall, I covered 5 miles in about 38 minutes, so an easy day mileage-wise.

SRRC run -- Sun. Oct. 24

A bit stiff from yesterday, but at the DnD in time . . . and noone there. Ready to run solo, at 10:06 am, but just in time Ken arrives, so we go out just the twain. He's game for a new route, so I took him on the extended Jabish canal: rail trail to canal trail, along to 21, cross and reenter trail and along canal some more, then across the bridge and up the hill over to Ludlow Road. Get a bit lost at the hill top, but not for long; once out on to Ludlow, follow it to 21, then up and along to OldSPfld, heading to BHS and thence to DnD. *Almost * double digits at that point (9.86), so we run a tiny bit extra to trip the clock, ending up thus:

Time: 1:21:43
Distance: 10.01 miles
Pace: 8:10s

Comment: this was a good Sunday run--talking all the way through, a nice variety of conditions and views, and though it rained briefly the going was very good, still mainly dry. Weekend's goal accomplished. Now to see if I can get a run in during the week. . .

Restart Run -- Sat. Oct. 23

After MHM I felt moderately okay on Monday, and by Tuesday I was ready to run -- amazing lack of post-race soreness. However, the large backlog at work, followed by a long conference weekend, and then finally an incipient cold, all meant no running for me for most of two weeks. Ouf. Not good, so I was very happy to finally get out yesterday on a gorgeous fall Saturday. No real plan other than to do *some* trail, and maybe 8-10 distance.

Started down to the water plant, stretched properly there, then back up to Hamilton and along to Bay, and up Allen to 9. Decided to go to Federal and the town beach area, then across the isthmus and out to Federal again, taking the trails gently and just enjoying it all. Chose M&M trail next, the bit between Federal and Warren Wright, which I've not done for years. It's steep at first and then again mid way, but I pushed on up. Got thoroughly lost at one point, following various trails in large S curves around the main trail. Finally found my way out at the end of Old Bay, just next to Warren Wright, and then took roads back: Old Bay, Bay, all the way up to 9, and then along to the supermarket, stopping the clock thus:

Time: 1:27:21
Distance: 10.06 miles
Pace: 8:41s

Comment: I then added half a mile running barefoot, at a mild 10 minute pace. Pace on the road sections was much faster; the above average includes several sections of stumbling around in the woods looking for the trail. . . This was a good workout, leaving my calves feeling, ah, exercised.

MHM stats (partial report)

Still not time to go through the event in as much detail as I'd like, but I do have stats for the Mohawk Hudson Marathon from my GPS. My plan was to divide the run into quarters, three of 7 miles, and the last one of 5.2 (GPS measured it as 5.3). Target pace was 52:30 for each quarter, which would make 3:30; given how poorly training had been going the month prior, I wanted a safe pace. Plus, as the last quarter was only 5.2 miles instead of 7, I figured that even with massive fade I'd do it quicker, and thus get well under 3:30 in the end. That was the plan.

On the day, I felt good in the first few miles, and figured I could run three quarters at a decent pace, and then deal with the last quarter as it came. I still held back a bit, feeling that my original target pace of 7:20 ish was as fast as I dare go even if only for 21 miles. Here's how it turned out (mile splits):

1- 7:15
2- 7:20
3- 7:02
4- 7:05
5- 6:53
6- 7:51
7- 7:04
first quarter = 50:30

This first section had quite a few mild downhills, but notice the heavy throttling back after mile 5.

8- 7:25
9- 7:22
10- 7:24
11- 7:16
12- 7:24
13- 7:16 official (chip) first half time = 1:35:49
14- 7:36
second quarter = 51:43

Even with me being cautious in this second quarter, the first half was quite fast for me--7:18s, my goal pace for the next marathon. . . I couldn't keep it up this time, natch; most people in the race had positive half way splits, it turns out. Had one GU at about mile 14, first refuel apart from my gatorade bottle.

15- 7:18
16- 7:17
17- 7:09
18- 7:02
19- 7:33
20- 7:58
21- 7:49
third quarter = 52:06

Getting to 20 from 19 was a struggle, and I kept struggling to hit 21, then I let myself relax and feel tired--I'd done what i came to do, with fairly minimal fade up to 21 miles. Pace over 21 miles = 7:21s, perfectly in my mpace target range. . .
That said, the last quarter was not pretty. Still, once I got to within a mile or so I realised I had quite a bit left (or was it the 2X caffeine GU I'd had at 21 miles?)

22- 8:19
23- 8:32
24- 8:47
25- 8:31
26- 8:28
(+0.3- 2:14) >> GPS measured the finish at 26.3, hence the odd extra bit.
fourth quarter = 44:51

Solidly slower, but managed a fast finish (7:26 pace over the last 0.3) and felt fine shortly after the race. So, m a y b e this method is worth another shot, only I should hope to stay under 8:00 in the last quarter next time. . .

Mohawk Hudson Marathon - Sun. 10.10.10

Not time to post full report, but: somehow this ended up well, with a new PR for me and with me feeling quite reasonable, comfort-wise, afterward. Managed a sprint at the end to catch the guy ahead (though his net time was a second faster), came in #91 out of 850 or so, and generally had a great day. Not without pain (about 2/3 of the way through --e.g. left IT band (?) went sproing and started hurting) and tiredness (I was *really* ready to walk in miles 22~25), but given the last few weeks, I'll happily take that. Here's the official data:

First half: 1:35:49
Second half: 1:42:52
Total time: 3:18:28 (net -- 3:18:40 gun)

w00t! Splits from my digivice next time.

MHM -1/shortie -- Sat. Oct. 9

Yet ANOTHER week of no running and way too little sleeping, such that in the office at three a.m. on one morning I thought, "This is not a good idea--a marathon now." Friday night too I wasn't home until 1:30, after getting to the office before 9 that morning, but somehow I slept well, right through till almost 11 am. Bill's advice to my earlier gloomy email had been to play it by ear: his Saturday a.m. run was 4 miles and 4 striders, so I figured I'd try the same. Out to the water plant to stretch as usual, then back up to Jackson on a beautiful Indian summer midday, along to Howard, and through to 202, up the hill into town, and then along the common and down 202 to 9 -- steady all the way, and just enjoying the movement. Back to the supermarket and stopped the clock, then did telegraph pole striders (alternating fast pace and jogs) x 4, then barefooted it back up to the house. Here's the data:

Time: 33:01
Distance: 4.24 miles
Pace: 7:47s

Comment: hoping this is enough. Feeling more positive by the time I left for Albany at 2:15, at least.

MHM -7/SRRC run -- Sun. Oct. 3

Arrive a bit late, but Ken just there too; cool but sunny, a really good day for running. Wearing skinny undershirt and long-sleeve techshirt: really autumn now, for sure. Decide on a reverse Enfield, and head off through BHS, a steady easy pace (though after yesterday I'm feeling a bit leaden). Up to town, down Jabish and then up Enfield, keeping up chat to keep pace easy. Head down to Quabbin waters and along that trail, to add a bit of scenery and distance, then the regular way back -- Allen, Hamilton, Jackson, and finish w/ the trail under 202 to Checkers, thus:

Time: 1:29:58
Distance: 10.75 miles
Pace: 8:22s

Comment: a good start to the last week before the MHM. Hoping I can get 2-3 short ones (3-5 milers), maybe Tu, Th and Fri, before Sunday's race.

MHM -8/trails+ -- Sat. Oct. 2

Another week gone in no running, too much sitting, and too little sleep. And this morning busy on SPARK right through, finally getting clear (sort of) at about 3 p.m. Lovely day, cool but sunny and dry after a ton of rain, so off to see the canals. Out to geoHannum, then trail to state school and stretch there. Continue to Checkers and back on to rail trail, along as far as the underpass, then turn onto Jabish canal towards 21. Crew's been in to remove at least one beaver dam, and patch up bank where the quads drive across -- good to see. Such a beautiful day and season, feeling really good, not moving too fast (aiming for 7:45-8:00s), come out to 21 and go on over to the next part of the canal, along to the bridge, then over to follow trail to Ludlow St. Try a variant trail, but it seems to dead end, so double back and follow the route I used last time (same as I biked), and proceed nicely to Ludlow St, following it to 21, briefly until I get to OldSpfld, then plod along (feeling a bit tired now, but still good--only thing is right ball of foot bone pain came back, so I guess that's a long-term thing) to BHS, and through to CHCS, then cross 202 and enter trail to head past Wallace Pond and out eventually onto GeoHannum. A couple of quads approach from behind; I pull to the side but I'm not going to stop for them, so they decide not to pass, but follow me for a while -- this feels a bit odd, and I probably picked up speed a bit, but eventually there was a fork and they went the other way. Then up GeoHannum as far as the baseball field, where I stop to take off shoes, then continue (enjoying the chill bath of dew still on the front green) as far as Auggie's lawn -- stop clock to pet him and say hello. So, overall:

Time: 1:56:45
Distance: 14.7 miles
Pace: 7:57s

Comment: a bit further than I'd expected, but it felt great the whole way, and no speed involved. Sore a bit at the end, but hopefully not in a bad way. This week ahead, MUST get out even if only for 3-5 milers. . . And plan the trip to Delmar, too. Only a week to go !!!

MHM -14/SRRC run -- Sun. Sept. 26

After last week, determined to start this one solidly: drive to DnD in good time, giving Bill a ride, and we're joined by Ken. Decide on Barrett St loop, to get double digits: off along railtrail talking all the way, at a nice easy pace. Very pleasant day for it, golden foliage everywhere, and underfoot. Even pace until the last couple of miles, when Bill and I pick it up slightly, but no real push. Overall:

Time: 1:25:30
Distance: 10.5 miles
Pace: 8:09s

Comment: felt fairly good considering how hard yesterday was. Here's hoping for a better week ahead.

MHM -15/hill trails -- Sat. Sept. 25

Work ate up the whole week, and left little time for sleep - so Sat. a.m. (after doing chauffeur biz for R to marching band for the FAIR!) I slept extra. Finally able to face a run by mid-afternoon, and headed out thinking Holland Glen. To the water plant first to stretch, a bit too quick; then second mile (back up along Hamilton) even quicker (7:20), so going down 9 to Federal slow up a bit; enter trails directly, to B'town beach, then along across the lake (isthmus trail v. dry still) and through to MnM trail, heading round to bottom of Holland Glen. There at about 5 miles, and starting to feel it: up the glen slowly, even going off clock for a bit, then push on up further and out on to Munsell road trail, following that out all the way. Hot, but drier than in the morning, so quite pleasant, except for my weariness. . . Finally on to tarmac, and go straight out past Gold onto 202, then head down the hill a far as Allen (using the two little bits of old Pelham), and go right, up and over to 9, then back along 9 and home from there. Overall, adding in the quarter mile I walked off clock:

Time: 1:45:15
Distance: 12.28 miles
Pace: 8:34s

Comment: so this week I didn't even make it to 20 miles, and I got out twice. More or a guillotine than a taper. . . but still two weeks to go, so hope to get some rhythm back. . .

MHM -21/SRRC run -- Sun. Sept. 19

Bill emailed to say he couldn't make it, but Ken was there. Lovely day for it, and we headed off for a mainly trail shortie: along to the underpass, then road until diving back on to the trail, then a loop off to the other side of the trail, and finally back up the regular trail -- but go round through HS to finish off. Forgot GPS device, but took phone along as timer, then measured the route thus:

Time: 56:48
Distance: 7.26 miles
Pace: 7:49s

Comment: felt a bit sore after yesterday, and not helped by not stretching. But good miles, and I'm hoping this week I'll get more frequency. Still, TAPER begins now. . .

MHM -22/MPace half -- Sat. Sept. 18

Another all school week, but Saturday, glorious Saturday: out after a bit of a lie-in to try a mainly trail run. To GeoHannum and then rail trail back to Jackson, and into state school: good stretching session, and then on to Checkers, across and into rail trail, along as far as Jabish canal, then right along canal --beautiful time, very autumnal, with water level a bit higher than previous time thanks to new beaver weirs. Near the end take the little trail through to NoWash, and then down to Bardwell; right along to 21 and then rejoin canal on other side of 21 (diving in at a snowmobile trail). Along to the bridge, and then up over the hill trail (reversing the route I rode by bike a few weeks back). Down the other side to Ludlow road, out of the reserve area and then roads (Granby, 21, and OldSpfld) back to high school and state school to Jackson, then roads to reach 14 plus miles (having kept mpace since the warm-up mile). At Austin Gaughan stop and take shoes off, then complete run barefoot, thus:

Time: 1:50:57
Distance: 14.64 miles
Pace: 7:35s

Comment: ah, running after *not* running feels so good! and this was a beautiful route!! Still worried about my low mileage at this point, but 13.2 at mpace is solid enough.

MHM -26/MPacing -- Tue. Sept. 14

Somehow managed to get time on Tuesday morning for a good run, so out for a road run. To water plant for a stretch, then along to Boardman, across to Chicopee and then back up to GeoHannum and along as far as Rural, then along Rural and back home from there. After keeping pace down for first 3-4 miles, started to loosen up, so switched to mpace, and pushed at about 7:20s for six miles, then ease up again at the end, thus:

Time: 1:18:39
Distance: 10.55 miles
Pace: 7:27s

Comment: Felt good, and not too tired later in the day. This is how I planned the semester running to go, but Thursday I've got an 8 am meeting, so no prospects there. . .

MHM -28/Quabbin Tower -- Sun. Sept. 12

Semester took all my time till Sat., but then I was taking R and friends canoeing -- four hours in the boats, with three hours on the road to and from, so no time or energy for a run after. Sunday morning I was too tired to get to either the Summit run or the DnD run: went to 10:30 Mass, and then ran in early afternoon. Lovely fall day, and nice route: to VFW, 202 to Allen and along Old Enfield to Early, and along there towards the Quabbin, via Blue Meadow: then across the dam and up the hill up to the tower. Stop clock and run up the tower, but a bit full of visitors, so avoid a repeat; then down the hill again, and take a variant way back. Before crossing dam, down a trail to the river, along the river and out eventually via trails to route 9 at the bridge; then back up by road all the way. Second half about the same distance, and pace a bit faster (aided by the downhill start!), thus:

Time: 2:09:38
Distance: 16.96 miles
Pace: 7:39s

Comment: A bit tired at the end, but mainly this felt good. I added a bit on at the end (VFW) to try to get to over 17 miles, but didn't feel like working too hard for it. This was meant to be a 70 mile week, but school made that impossible. Now it's pretty much taper time. . .

MHM -33/Recovery -- Tue. Sept. 7

Took a rest day on Monday (as it were--it was a holiday, but I was at work), and then to start the semester right (classes open today) out for a morning run. Okay, it was a shortie, but it was useful: a stretched Hamilton, and came out thus:

Time: 43:29
Distance: 5.53 miles
Pace: 7:52s

Comments: quads *very* sore, but otherwise, more or less okay. Still chuffed about the PR, which was faster than the Westfield run by less than 10 seconds. Twice in one year now: maybe marathoning is better for my half racing? So I should so ultras to improve my marathon times, perhaps. . .

MHM -35/Covered Bridges Half -- Sun. Sept. 5

Up early and away before 7, driving up 202 to stop for coffee, then on to 32 and north all the way to Swanzey. Arrive at high school in time to get chip, etc., and then change to warm up. Loo situation pretty dire: boys locker room has 1 stall, それだけ。 But なんとかして and out for a warm up. Figured I'd need a couple of miles or more to loosen up, so started backwards along the course; quite useful to get a look at the end of the run. Pit stop after a mile, and stretch, then back to check in about the start -- head out there in good time and learn that one of the four bridges is closed, alas, but otherwise course clear. *Perfect* weather for running: gun goes more or less on time and I set off at a brisk pace, but comfortable. First few miles chugging up past a few folks, trading places with a female runner, a good marker for me: she's doing 6:45 ish pace, which I figure as my safe speed, and v. visible as a redhead. Enter a rail trail stretch and start to push a bit, leading the redhead now as we continue to pass a few others. Then out on to roads, and at that point, maybe 5 miles in, I realise I'm doing sub 6:40 and can try and keep it there; maybe one or two guys pass me between there and the end, but basically I'm running solo for the rest of the race. Friendly highschoolers dotted about the course, doing directional and cheering duty; hilarious moment when I passed two girls sitting at the base of a tree, and as I approached they dutifully but *totally* deadpan called out, "Yay, you go, you can do it. Oh yes, you're running great. You love to run." At this point I couldn't help grinning at their take on their role, so they both said, "see you're smiling, you're just loving this" -- all totally deadpan, but smiling. That was just after the halfway point, which had included a couple of short steeper bits of road, so I appreciated the boost. Then I just kept chugging, amazed at how many 6:30 something miles I was getting: it didn't feel like the racing I was doing at the Westfield half, but pace was similar. Managed a small push at the end, and came in under my previous best time, thus (official stats; GPS had same time, but longer distance):

Time: 1:26:06 new PB!
Distance: 13.1 miles
Pace: 6:35s

Comment: Placed 14th, but 7th in class, out of a field of 201. Took a minute before I felt like stopping to take off the chip, and I was thirsty -- the day warmed up a bit, and the sun was bright -- but lots of water, and a banana, then off to do some more miles, gently on nearby roads. Overall stats (w/ the 2+ miles pre- and 3 miles post-) were 18.2 in 2:06:23 @ 6:57s. Solid.
Then back to partake of the BBQ: eats were a bit limited, despite ballyhoo in program (like the loos!) but got a chance to chat to various, mainly Sri and some of his running mates. Headed off pretty rapidly, needing to get back to work, but stopped en route to get coffee and more snacks. A good race, maybe to add to the calendar?

MHM -36/recovering -- Sat. Sept. 4

Took a rest day on Friday, spending 16 hours at work instead. So this morning ready to enjoy the now dehumidified air (still sunny and almost 80 deg.) and gusty breeze--though a disturbed night (trying to connect with 小春ちゃん) and an early start didn't help. Felt pretty sore as I started, but to water plant to stretch (passing Bill coming the other way, finishing a 22 miler), then up into trails to Underwood, out on to 202 and go right, down as far as Eskett, then in and right at Boardman, up to geoHannum, left to do a Rural loop and then up home from there, keeping the pace slow:

Time: 1:05:37
Distance: 8.11 miles
Pace: 8:05s

Comment: after a few miles the slower pace seemed very natural, which was a bit alarming as I hope I'm not that tired. But it should give me some legs for tomorrow, which promises to be a rolling course, possibly a different challenge than I'd expected. I won't be looking for a PB, though: sub-7:00s will be fine.

After stopping the clock I did 3 x strides, each two telegraph poles long on GeoHannum by the supermarket; just wanted to open up a bit before resting.

MHM -38/Unfinished long run -- Thu. Sept. 2

Planned to do a long run in the morning, but other commitments made that impossible, so I re-planned for evening, but work is pressing in hard now, and I was home late and tired, facing running into dark on a wicked muggy night. So I shortened from 2 x 9 miles to a repeat figure of 8 (Geohannum/Boardman/Eskett/202/Boardman), each 4.4 miles, with another half lap and about 3 miles startup and run home -- the whole would have been 15-16 miles. Went out slowly, as fits a long run, but lacking in vim: the first lap was okay, and the second was doable, but by then it was late, I had an early start in the morning, and I wanted to save something for the weekend. So I headed back at that point, ending up thus:

Time: 1:37:54
Distance: 12.26 miles
Pace: 7:59s

Comment: this will end up being a lighter week than planned, though it has sure felt HEAVY.

MHM -39/Evening ten -- Wed. Sept. 1

A new month, after hitting my highest monthly mileage to date: 267.7 miles in August (yay!). Weather turned muggier and hotter, somehow, a late heatwave, so even at 8 pm when I finally got out it felt airless. Wanted to get an mpace run in, though this one barely qualified; headed out for a reverse Hamilton leading into a GeoHannum/Rural/Eskett/Boardman figure of 8. Kept it pretty steady the whole way, and came back around the development to get the required mileage -- and no more!

Time: 1:15:16
Distance: 10.01 miles
Pace: 7:31s

Comment: as I noted on Rnkpr, this was a slog. Yesterday wiped me out, and the weather is just rubbing it in. Not quite the week I'd planned, but do what I can.

MHM -40/NoHo 5K -- Tue. Aug. 31

Finishing a long month with a race; seems like ages since a 5K, so again with some trepidation: left work a bit after 5 (having had a decent lunch this time!) and drove to usual spot. Very hot (92 at start time, evidently) and getting muggier. Parked, clutched $5 tight and headed up trails to start, doing the 3 mile version. Arrive in good time, and sign up; decide to run shirtless, it's just too hot for else; good crowd (50+ people) and a fast start, dust clouds and gravel flying! Go for a fast first lap, sub-6:00, but not sure how long it'll hold. No one very close in front to chase after a mile, and I'm thirsty; also guy behind is nipping at my heels. Keep ahead with his push until mile 2, then get confused by sign and turn early; he says, "No.." (laconic, matter of fact) and I turn round and leap back onto correct trail just ahead of him (he kindly paused to let me in at that point), then to make it up I go bursting up the steep climb in the trees. That hits hard as I start the stretch around the field, but he's not close; in fact falling behind. Still I keep pushing, making mile 3 a 6:38. Thought I might even get a PB after miles 1 and 2, but this course is tough, even on days like this when one's feeling very fluid... Final push on the downhill gets me 6th place and this:

RaceTime: 19:36 ( (19:37)
RaceDistance: 3.1 miles (3.14)
RacePace: 6:19s

TotalTime: 1:15:57
TotalDistance: 10.38 miles
TotalPace: 7:19s

Comment: That's my best on this course by 10 seconds or so. After a banana, cookie and a drink, and chatting with April, headed back to the car, running fairly slowly -- still very muggy, and getting a bit dusky. As I set off, feel I'm missing something, but no, have drink bottle and GPS and am wearing shirt. get almost back to the car...and THEN realise I've left my car keys behind. Arg! Under the picnic table. Turn round and head back, picking up pace a bit now, hoping someone will still be there, or that noone will have found them. Go directly back, not longer route, and find April and co. packing up still ~ phew!! Sure enough, Sue had picked up the keys -- saved! Not relishing the prospect of another few miles back, accept a lift with those guys in the big Ford van, and get a chance to chat a bit. The total mileage and pace for the day was still a bit higher than I'd planned, but it's all training. . .

MHM -41/bikeride -- Mon. Aug. 30

Trial run of R's bike route to school, so start via GeoHannum, Jackson, state school, BHS, and then JBMS. After viewing the school, head out solo to find the other way into the new bit of Jabish canal trail from Sunday. Along Old Spfld, down 21 to Ludlow, along until it turns into a trail (gated a la Quabbin, ish) and keep going; then as it connects to the tarmac lane round Spfld res. take a left and sure enough, eventually get to the gate I was on the *other* side of on Sunday (and on the other bank of the canal). At this point, turn back and start looking for off road trail to get through to there -- I know there must be one from seeing the canal bridge, well travelled, on Sunday. Make two unsuccessful attempts, following rough trails in very low gear uphill only to have them peter out at the top ridge--each time, back down same trail, getting a very good workout! Finally, having rejoined Ludlow and heading out towards the gate, find THE trail, again steep uphill, but with occasional metallic blue blazes. Trail heads down, also steep, and finally come out to bridge; cross canal, then go left along to rejoin 21, but then cross onto the familiar bit of Jabish trail, following up to rail trail (startling a gorgeous great heron, twice! --second time, with fish in beak) and all the way home, finishing with Howard/Jackson/Geohannum.

BikeRide = 17.5 miles in 1:4:00 @ 10.5 mph.

Comment: this didn't seem so high effort at the time, more an extended medium effort, but MAN I was wiped out for the day (arms especially). Need to do this more often!

MHM -42/Solo club run(?) -- Sun. Aug. 29

Early start after a night spent half awake waiting for call from Japan; end up filling in for Ray at 8:00. A bit late heading for DnD, to find only Nick there, and him not about to run (football training in full swing). Chat a bit, then I head off for a double digit run. Start via trail to BHS, then out onto OldSpfld (stop and stretch after a slow first mile) and along to 21, planning a reverse Jabish canal, but at the canal go right instead of left, just to see how that trail compares. Turns out it's lovely, and the canal mainly follows 21 -- go all the way to the gate marking start of reservoir, then turn round. Keep pace up at 7:30ish, despite trail, which takes some focus, though keeping effort minimal. Back at 21, cross over (see another runner heading down Bardwell, and almost chase to chat as he looked like a potential Swiftie, but. . ) and continue on canal, taking usual route back, disturbing a beautiful big blue heron a few times on the way. Rail trail all the way back, stopping clock at Checkers, thus:

Time: 1:27:20
Distance: 11.62 miles
Pace: 7:31s

Comment: this was a good solo workout, though I was surprised at how little energy I had at the end; had been planning a couple of tempo miles, but no go. Put it down to disturbed sleep, I think.

MHM -43/Sunny day -- Sat. Aug. 28

More or less forced to take a rest day yesterday, with all the prep needed for 次女's trip to the other side of the world. We also ended up spending most of the night awake, driving to and fro' Logan, etc. I slept in the late morning, then -- it being a gorgeous day, dry, sunny, not too hot -- worked up enough energy to head out for the last run of a long week, with a few hills (though not feeling like attacking any). Aiming for 7-8 miles, but it was so nice, and I was feeling pleasant enough, so I added a bit. To water plant to stretch (and feed the mosquitoes!), then Hamilton, Allen, over 202 and more Allen, then Sheffield and Brandywine (more hills) and back to Allen; left at Enfield for a change, going right down to the water. The Quabbin is so *low* right now, there's beach everywhere...usual loop, startling a couple on the beach and a guy fishing along with his dog, then back up to Enfield and roll all the way easy but a bit faster to 9, and home directly, stopping clock after the super market, thus:

Time: 1:20:42
Distance: 10.23 miles
Pace: 7:53s

Comments: thinking kind of obsessively about the coming semester, but a very pleasant run otherwise. Felt really good right to the end; no fast miles, just steady, topping out at 7:25 or so. The week's mileage is a PB, at almost 70. Next week, the Covered Bridges half. . .

MHM -45/long one -- Thu. Aug. 26

The long run I've been planning a good while -- not sure if it was the best idea, but I'm itching to push a bit on my limits. Up in time to head out by 7:15 (feeling pretty creaky, I'll have to say), and start on planned route: two laps, first one a glorified reverse Enfield, with just over 400' climb and similar descent, then out to Goodell on Federal, and home via Orchard, Metacomet, and Hamilton; also close to 400' climb and similar descent. Decided after a slow first mile (8:30+) to go without a stretch stop, just chugging, with a goal of 7:45~8:15 overall pace. First lap went comfortably, and I took one GU (triple berry flavor, w/ caffeine) at 9 mile point, along with water. Running gently meant I had no hunger at that point; I'd had a mug of tea and a quarter PB sandwich before going. Stopped clock at house for pit stop, refill water, and grab second GU, then straight back out; felt a bit clunky at that point, and the second lap in general was much less comfortable, and probably a bit slower (must check). Overall pace stayed pretty similar, and I took the second GU at 18 miles, at Metacomet. The last four miles were uncomfortable: sore in various points, and the last mile I was chugging slowly with sore feet and beginning to get tired. Here's the overall data:

Time: 2:51:31
Distance: 22.01 miles
Pace: 7:48s

Comment: Probably the first lap was a bit over-paced; I need to go over splits to see. But also, 22 miles is still a push for me at any pace. I'll get one or two more long runs in before Oct., and eventually I'll get used to them. Conditions were *fine* for this run, btw, as the sun came out and the morning was lovely early fall...

MHM -46/midday easy -- Wed. Aug. 25

Transitioning to morning schedule just in time for tomorrow's long run. Out just before 11 for a mild one, starting very slowly out to 9, along to Bay and down to Hamilton, then back to GeoHannum for a Rural basic. Along GeoHannum and go past Rural to the end, then double back, thus adding a half mile to total. Keep pace slow and steady along Rural and back up Boardman, keeping going all the way to the development, just nicely meeting goal, thus:

Time: 1:04:38
Distance: 8.06 miles
Pace: 8:01s

Comment: Definitely slowed down in last two miles, feeling a lack of brightness. The day's persistent drizzle was occasionally rain, occasionally gone, and it was muggy enough, but I started with a hat and long sleeved shirt. This was really another donut run, part of my plan to get used to doing slower miles solo. This was also something of a recovery from the tempo run yesterday.

MHM -47/not a NoHo 5K -- Tue. Aug. 24

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Ouf. Headed out of work at 5, already changed, into the traffic to get to my regular NoHo spot down by the marina. I'd not eaten lunch, just trail mix and nuts, but for a 5K I was alright. Carried a shortsleeve shirt, water and with $5 bill tucked into strap of my Garmin, headed off to the gardens in good time (3 miles to cover slowly, with just about 30 minutes to do it in). Windy, cool, pleasant even if a bit muggy. Ran gently, keeping pace slow, taking slightly different route than previously to get mileage. Just as the gardens came into view, checked Garmin and noticed $5 bill was gone! Somewhere along the way, it had slipped out and blown away, and I'd not seen it. What to do? I backtracked, figuring if I found it within a mile or so I'd have time to run back and join the race -- if I didn't find it, couldn't enter the race anyway.

In the end I backtracked all the way to the car, with no sign of the folded bill. So, a speed workout? I'd done over 5 miles at this point, very slowly (8:30s max), so I dropped off the shirt and bottle and headed out running along the river, eventually hitting a rail trail and going as far as where 91 crosses over it, then doubling back. Aimed at 4 miles tempo, with only very mild hills and mix of road and dirt road surface: 6:45, 6:40, 6:29, 6:17. The last mile was great, cruising for a sub-6:00, but then just over half way through it got an awful stitch, and slowed way down (to 7:20s). Ah well, good workout, and equivalent to a 5K, more or less. Overall:

Time: 1:15:44
Distance: 10.09 miles
Pace: 7:30s

Comment: *bummer* about missing what was to have been my one shot at a NoHo race this summer. Maybe I'll get a chance next week, we'll see. Still, a good speed workout for me, and the ten miles I needed for the overalls. 頑張らなきゃ。

MHM -48/rainy run -- Mon. Aug. 23

Early evening, after a 6pm cup of tea, out into drizzly rain for some simple "just running" miles. Aimed for a basic figure of eight: started at water plant w/ a stretch, then up into trails to wake myself up a bit, along to Underwood, then double back to GeoHannum and on--Rural, Eskett, 202, Boardman and home, looping round the tree at DPW to round out the distance, thus:

Time: 1:01:40
Distance: 8.30 miles
Pace: 7:26s

Comment: this is an extended donut run, an in-between before the 5K planned for Tuesday. Felt pretty good, with a controlled pace, maybe increasing a bit near the end to keep the average under 7:30. Sort of an mpace run without working at it.

MHM -49/SRRC run -- Sun. Aug. 22

Pleasant day, & an early start again, but before I headed out it was already raining. Ed tweeted he couldn't make it this time, but I figured some others might show: to DnD by 10 to find Bill there, and then Ken arrived. Chatted a bit, then out into the rain for a reverse Enfield: through BHS and up into town, then down Jabish and up across to Enfield. Bill pulls away a bit so I followed but we were making a pretty steady pace all three. At Sheffield Estates Ken went straight and Bill and I did the extra loop, aiming for 10. Rain got *serious* as we hit Hamilton, but it was still mild (had shirt off) and we chugged on steady to the finish, thus:

Time: 1:20:43
Distance: 10 miles
Pace: 8:04

Comment: nice start to the running week, chatting about plans for races ahead.

MHM -50/trail workout -- Sat. Aug. 21

A mix-it-up today, with some mild road time and timed trail laps. Start by going to water plant to stretch, then back up to Hamilton; along and to Allen, cross 9 and up and over to 202, then up as far as the salamander trail (Jabish Brook Conservation Trail, as it bill itself). That was 4.8 miles, and I felt a bit heavy till near the end, when I started to warm up. Stopped clock once I'd reached the hutski, reset, and then off on lap 1. Turns out it's a 0.87 lap, and the way I do it the hills are on the first half. Managed to bash my sore foot again, including the big toe, which is sore as I write even now (but no swelling, fortunately). Did the first lap in 8:41, paused briefly, then off for lap #2, a bit more nimble on the latter part, and came in at 8:22. Third lap (feeling a bit tired) came in at 8:26. *Definitely* a good workout, though not one to take lightly: lots of room for ankle rolling and foot bashing. Then reset clock again and headed up to rejoin the road to finish with a tempo 2-3 miles. Did a good half mile at sub-6:00, on the downhill -- was good to stretch there, but then faded a bit to 6:30s. Down 202, with two sections of old Pelham, then VFW and into GeoHannum, and a bit of extra to get the 3 miles, averaging 6:35s for that section. Overall, thus:

Time: 1:22:34
Distance: 10.41 miles
Pace: 7:56s

Comment: a bit complicated, and probably not approved by real trainers, but I think of it as a sort of x-training, and it was fun to run the fast bit. Man, I'm sore in places now, especially on my bruised foot. Ouf. But good weekly mileage -- NEW PB (since this time last year, interestingly).

MHM -51/MPace 10+ -- Fri. Aug. 20

Took Thursday as a rest day, as I was at Yale all day again. Switched to morning schedule for this run, though a bit late in starting out; got away at 9:30 or so, and headed out planning an MPace with a bit of hill: to water plant to stretch, then with no further ado pick up pace (but no pushing, and backing off when necessary to keep average in 7:15~20 range. Along Boardman to 202, cross to Chicopee, along to Bagg hill, and down that lane (exchange greetings w/ a chap who's building stone wall, and making a lovely job of it) -- into the trail at the end and work a bit to keep pace up there. Bash right foot right on bruise again, alas; then out onto Rockrimmon and start on the hills. Not aiming for speed, so just keep it steady; as in a marathon, aim to even it out on the downhills. Along as far as Turkey Hill, then out to 21 and up to 202, then through state school, stopping clock at 11 mile mark to get the mpace 10, then restart and run home via Jackson and geoHannum, thus

Time: 1:29:18
Distance: 12.10 miles
Pace: 7:23s

Comment: With the two easier miles bracketing the mpace 10 this was a good run: solidly 7:15s, despite hill and trail, and without working at it hard. The day off might have helped there. . .

MHM -53/track work -- Wed. Aug. 18

Answering a tweet from Edo, invited him to BHS track at 7 pm. Got home myself in time to run over there, for nearly three miles of warm up, then we did four laps easy pace to loosen up (Ed not too familiar w/ easy pace), then launched into an 800 at a pretty good clip. Planned to do one lap chill after that, but Ed hadn't run since April, so he did various after this. I did two laps easy, then another 800, then more laps easy. Finally we did 3-4 100 meters, walking back in between -- I went barefoot for those, as Ed was in his Vibrams. Unfortunately my right sole bruise didn't enjoy that too much. Saw highschooler John S with his foot in a plastic boot and heard his side of the injury story; he's bulked up and his keen to get back to running. Walked Ed to his car, then jogged back home to round out miles, thus:

Time: 1:06:00
Distance: 8.59 miles
Pace: 7:41s

Comment: pace on the 800s was 2:55, I think - timed w/ my cell phone. It felt comfortable, so I should probably try both faster and more repeats next time. Still, this was a good workout, and Ed is interested in doing SRRC on Sunday. ..

MHM -54/late one --Tue. Aug. 17

Late day at work, and finally home about 9:30. Out almost immediately -- it was a beautiful early fall evening, moon diffused by clouds, but light enough to run even the darker lanes pretty easily. Aiming for a Rural figure of 8, so GeoHannum-Rural-Eskett-202-Boardman, but then start tempo section, after 4 miles, and while slow (7:00 and 7:06) it feels good so keep going, taking a left onto Hamilton, where mile 7 comes in at 6:47, and only then slack off a bit; continue round the Hamilton - 9 loop, stopping clock after supermarket as soon as 9 miles comes up, thus:

Time: 1:06:21
Distance: 9.02 miles
Pace: 7:21s

Comment: felt good to get a pace run in after several days of easy or slow running and rest. Ankle, etc. felt okay (did this one in road shoes). Now 40 to go for the week, starting with a track workout if I can get home in time for light.

MHM -55/Biking -- Mon. Aug. 16

Was going to take a rest day, but worried about getting stiff, and right foot too sore (somewhat bruised sole) to run on yet, so out for a mild ride. Took 9 to Ware, then 32 and OldBtown rd back, but ended up back on 9 somehow -- damp, misty, muggy, and dark by the time I got home, but it was a pleasant workout.

BikeRide = 26 miles in 1:45:00 @ 15 mph.

MHM -56/Savoy Mt Trail race -- Sun. Aug. 15

Up at 5:45 and get sorted and ready; pack for good weather, and head off at about 6:40. Drive 9-116-91-2, stopping for coffee in Charlemont, then dive off 2 into small roads, even dirt roads briefly, to arrive at the State Park at about 8:10. Good turnout, evidently; go and register, then change and warm up for most of a mile before stretching. Eat and drink a bit more, and decant Gatorade (unfortunately it's low-cal, I realise!); Ned J introduces himself, and chat a bit, then w/ minimal ado, we're off at 9.

Fabulous course: the best trail course I've ever done, for all that it beat me up a bit and wore me out. I'd do it again tomorrow if I had time! Despite the almost drought we're having, the bogs had mud in them (I can see how it would have been hellacious last year!) and the underfoot was tricky almost throughout, although very varied. Make a steady start, but after a mile and brief chat with Sri (who's just using it as a training run, and has done it before), start to move up a little at a time, but keeping pace gentle. Get into good rhythm with a couple of others (including Jeff D) but shoelace comes undone after three miles, so stop to let group pass; retie and launch off after them, but in haste miss footing and roll right ankle hard. Oww!! Curses -- surely the end of the run, I think -- but once restarted, jogging carefully until I finally catch up with someone again, the pain subsides, and I manage to keep splashing cold water or mud on ankles/feet, which helps. Realise I've missed the 4 mile turn-back point, so figure I'll do one lap at least. Keep pace gentle, imagining there's going to be a second lap, and after a while it feels possible. For the rest of the first lap I moved pretty steadily forwards, catching up with one or two runners at a time, caboosing a while, then passing. By the peak I was with Jeff D and a couple of others -- the view was indeed sublime, but we didn't stay long. On the steep initial descent (including two stone stairways) a guy who'd been downhilling hard asked to pass, and no sooner did he than he was sprawled, down with a twisted knee (I didn't see it but he looked hurt when we passed). Then three of us, and older guy, Jeff and me enjoyed the only fast wide section of the course, and I moved up to lead--just as I was passing him the older guy took a high speed slow motion tumbling skidding fall; I paused, but he yelled to keep moving, he was fine. After that the two of us chugged on, and eventually caught one other guy; we ran as three to the end, where I felt so good I went ahead and finished in 1:40 or so (Lap 1).

Went off track, grabbed a banana, took off shirt, refilled gatorade, drank water, then back out for round 2. Ankle and foot sore, but not obviously swollen, so fingers crossed. Jeff passed me (with a kind positive comment on rhythm; all I could manage was "I'm tired" -- this was very the truth) but after a bit I caught up with him caboosing on the third guy (Nick?) we'd run the end of lap 1 with; I tagged on and we chatted for a bit, but I was fading, and by mile 3 or so I was lagging -- even walking the steeper bits. Banana helped, and I took on water at all the stops, but I was just getting tired, worn out; chugged on as best as I could, holding place for most of the 7 mile ascent; food/water stop guy told me there were 7 ahead, which was encouraging, but all my walking eventually meant people were closing in. Two passed before I got to the summit, by which time I was bonking pretty badly--I'd stopped to tie a shoelace at one point and forgot to pick up the 1/3 banana that remained, and really I needed more than even that. Also a pit stop (at least I was hydrating properly) lost a bit more time. とにかく、 I found blackberries at the last desperate bit of the ascent, and then more at the top -- this gave me enough energy to push a bit at the wide flat trail, and I made it to the food stop at the second set of power lines -- two cups of water and two Fig Newtons (to carry and eat slowly), and I was good to go. Now only fatigue and footsoreness to slow me down.

The last couple of miles seemed like forever: I'd been passed by a few more people at this point, and I wanted to stop the rot. eventually I even caught up one guy, and by the finish I was able to race against the clock to try to get in under 3:47. Couldn't quite do it, but it felt good to try:

Time: 3:47:03
Distance: 22 miles (with a 0.8 mile warmup at easy pace too)
Pace: 10:19s

Comment: after the finish, I grabbed a brownie-ish thing, and a can of gingerale, then put on shirt (it was surprisingly cool, with a mild breeze) and headed down to the pond to soothe and rinse sore and muddy legs. Chatted a bit with others, especially Ned; enjoyed more food, w/ a couple of hot dogs and some bean salad, all after changing into dry clothes. Felt *much* better than post marathon; really quite good, considering. The second lap was of course *way* slower (2:08) than the first, but with a bit more general conditioning I think I could do the course in 15-20 minutes less than today. And one lap: maybe a 1:35-7, in those conditions (which, I guess, were pretty mild). Overall, a great course, good race, learning experience and a pleasant social one. On the map for next year, with a target of better time and better place in class (came third this time).

MHM -57/F's 5K debut -- Sat. Aug. 14

[Took Friday off as an extra rest day, given the race ahead and general busyness at home. . .]

Out to Yankee Candle for the debut performance of F in a timed race! Did a bit of a warmup myself, then at the race went as a bandit (saving $25!) to keep pace: Nick D and various other old regulars were there, quite a social event, for all that tons of people were up in Shelburne Falls for the BoF (including Bill and Ivan). We took it very steady, and F finished in 35:06 (just a little slower than R and S in their inaugural 5Ks, but she *enjoyed* it). Then I went off for some more miles, also all road, and still at a gentle pace, aiming to complete weekly mileage more or less without taking the edge off for tomorrow's race. Totals:

Time: 1:20:05
Distance: 9.26 miles
Pace: 8:39s

Comment: a few miles short of the 55 target for the week, but good enough. Comfortable and not too tired, although not exactly *raring* to go. . . This was a perfect day for running, barely 70 deg. and all round pleasant. Next year, this could be one to race, if I'm not doing BoF.

MHM -59/nightrun -- Thu. Aug. 12

After a day at Yale's East Asian collection, with a two hour drive each way, home in need of movement at around 8:30, and out into a dark and stormy evening for a simple road run. Goal was decent mileage at an easy pace, so I did a modified figure of 8 loop, adding a Hamilton to start. Not really raining, but cool, and srsly dark; fortunately traffic was light. Data thus:

Time: 1:18:20
Distance: 9.91 miles
Pace: 7:54s

Comment: useful miles for the week, and I'm getting the hang of slower, easy paced runs, I think.

MHM -60/Mixitup -- Wed. Aug. 11

Out not so early, despite plans, for a trail run w/ hills, and it became a multi trail run. By 9 and Federal to railside trail, crossing *for the first time this year* over the isthmus that the beavers had sunk -- it's been that dry. Punch through on white blazes to 9, and then up Holland glen -- good slog. Then go on right up to old Munsell, and head right, following it all the way out to Gold, then out to 202 and down as far as the salamander trail -- another mile on lovely trail just after getting pace up. Varied from 12 min. miles to 6:30s as I came down 202; ended up strongly all the way (via VFW) to entry to development, thus:

Time: 1:34:35
Distance: 11.11 miles
Pace: 8:31s

Comment: the overall pace is reflective of the amount of trail and hill trail - first hour I didn't even manage 7 miles, but sped up in the final section. Very good workout, for sure. But: drove to Boston and back yesterday after the run, w/out a nap, and then today after this run, similar to Troy. Sleep deficit building up, arg! Race on Sunday = time to sleep more!

MHM -61/MPace session -- Tue. Aug. 10

Rest day on Monday, then today a sort of mixed mpace/tempo run. Wanting to get the 7:15~7:20 pace fixed I headed out aiming for six miles at that pace, starting with two miles accompanying F (v. easy pace, 11:30s) then off down towards Rural at 7:30 pace, plenty warmed up. Do Geohannum, Rural, Boardman to 202 and across, along Chicopee to School, then back to 202 again, across, and along to Geohannum, then Rural round to Boardman and home --> effectively a variation on the figure of 8, ten miles and a bit in all (plus the two I did with F). After 2 x 7:30 pace, picked up and did 6 averaging about 7:15, then pushed to close, clocking a 7:06 and a 6:47 (with uphills, so happy enough), then keep going to get the extra 3/4 mile to balance Sunday's shorter run. Overall:

Time: 1:42:19
Distance: 12.79 miles
Pace: 8:00s

Comment: this was a good run for MPace, though I'll need a lot more mileage consistently at this to really get 7:15 fixed. Step by step. Man, it was muggy today, too!

MHM -63/SRRC run -- Sun. Aug. 8

Feeling fine, if a bit sleepy, so head to DnD and find Nick waiting inside, and then Bill joins us. Head out for a Jabish canal route, some gentle trails and about 9 miles. Start along rail trail, across at the underpass, then down the canal trail, all at very easy pace; change it a bit by heading into woodsy trail on left before we reach 21 -- very pleasant section, then on NoWash head down to Bardwell and along back to the canal and follow it all the way back, and rail trail back as far as OldSpfld--then I go off through BHS to get a bit extra in, and pick up the pace to finish off, thus:

Time: 1:15:01
Distance: 9.26 miles
Pace: 8:06s

Comment: perfect start to a day and a week.

Followed up with a gentle evening bike ride with R: 11.16 miles in 1:02:00 @ 10.8 mph.

MHM -64/Long one -- Sat. Aug. 7

Out early, meeting Bill at 7:30 on a *gorgeous* day, almost too cool -- wore my Boston long-sleeved shirt, and didn't regret it. Dry, mild breeze, sunny, with occasional clouds, and maybe mid-70s at the hottest. Set off at an easy pace, on first of three loops--Boardman/Eskett/202/Howard/Jackson and home again. Average pace 8:30s, then off after a quick stop for the second: Hamilton/Allen/Enfield/9 and home again, opening up a little, probably averaged 8:10? Then after getting fresh water off for the last short bit: Jackson/Howard; *up* 202 (the toughest bit of the run, what I'd been un-looking forward to throughout -- Bill got away on that climb, but by the lights, where the gradient eases, I rejoined him and we both opened up a bit (by prior agreement!). I was feeling great -- I love that 202 downhill -- and just rolled down to the turn into LordJeff, then through there and stopped the clock, thus:

Time: 2:27:50
Distance: 18.18 miles
Pace: 8:08s

Comment: first of planned series of long ones leading up to the MHM. This was a well varied run, overlall elevation 750' climb, and similar descent. Felt great, for sure.

MHM -65/donut B -- Fri. Aug. 6

Second part of what I started yesterday, but this time out with F for the first 2 miles out across 9 to VFW via the estate, then back again, at a chatty 11+ min. pace, then off for a second loop on Hamilton alone. Start steady, but once done w/ Hamilton and Allen onto 9, open up for the second half of third mile and the extra bit, with 3/4 mile at sub-6:30 pace in the end:

Time: 50:02
Distance: 5.38 miles
Pace: 9:18s (but really 2 x 11s and 3 x 7s)

Comment: the quick finish made me a bit tired today, but I *think* I'm ready for the 18 miler tomorrow. We'll see.

MHM -66/donut A -- Thu. Aug. 5

With 10 miles needed before Sat., decided to split it into two donut runs. First one today: Muggy and hot: down Geohannum to Rural, and back up, very simple:

Time: 40:59
Distance: 5.29 miles
Pace: 7:45s

Comment: Taking it very gently, given how muggy it was (Alabama style!).

MHM -67/trackwork -- Wed. Aug. 4

A bit later, but out to run slowly to the BHS track for some speed work. Take about 25 mins for the 2.5 + miles to get there, then start on laps at a decent pace (7:15~20 ish?). Overall do 20 laps in 35 mins, so 7:00 pace average, thus: run 10 laps plain, then 4 laps of sprint 100 and recover 300, then run 2 more laps plain, then do 2 x 200 meter sprints over the next 4 laps. Then much slower, and taking the Wallace pond trails, run home, thus:

Time: 1:18:36
Distance: 10.26 miles
Pace: 7:40s

Comment: this sort of workout hits new spots, but feels good. I need to do more 200s, I think, and a timed mile again. Next week, perhaps.

MHM -68/local roads -- Tue. Aug. 3

Out just after 8 am for a longer run, so I can fade distances before Sat.'s long one. Headed for Dufresne park via Boardman, Chicopee and Kendall, then back up 202 to St Hyacinth's and in to GeoHannum and home from there. Stop clock at mad pheasant corner, with last mile being fastest at 7:00:

Time: 1:30:55
Distance: 12.16 miles
Pace: 7:29s

Comment: happy with the pace, as I didn't push it except at the very end a bit. So far so good.

MHM -69/Rest day -- Mon. Aug. 2

Bill invited me to join him for an 18 miler on Sat. so this week should reach the 60 mile goal -- but a rest day is all the more important. Not even a bike ride.

MHM -70/Sun. Aug. 1 [backpost]

Finally a chance at an SRRC run again, after an early start for lectoring. Find Bill and Ken there, so we head out for a Barrett Rd, chatting up a storm and enjoying a very easy pace.

Time: 1:26:18
Distance: 10.5 miles
Pace: 8:13s

Comment: a perfect run, but left me wanting a bit more, so evening went out for a bike ride up to the Quabbin overlook, then down past the Sirius center and back along rail trail and Orchard/Federal. Good pace, but not racing: quite hilly, with 1100' climb and descent, and I felt the lack of zing from the morning's exertions too. But enjoyable:

BikeRide = 24.18 miles in 1:42:00 @ 14.22 mph.

MHM -71/Sat. July 31 [backpost]

Home from the trip, I calculated I was 0.3 miles short of 200 for the month. First we had to drive to Albany to retrieve stranded car, but after that 4 hr round trip, and after a failed attempt at a nap (38 hrs on the bus with no break much longer than an hour messes with sleep ability, though goodness knows I was tired), I headed out for a shortie. Can't remember the route, probably a Rural loop?

Time: 48:19
Distance: 6.16 miles
Pace: 7:51s

Comments: well, felt good enough once I got going, on autopilot I think. Brought the week *just* over 30 miles, and 205.9 miles for the month = w00t!

MHM -73/Thu. July 29 [backpost]

Striking camp after the run this morning, and the long bus ride ahead, so out for a bigger route: same as yesterday, but go further off CR 64 to Oakdale Rd beyond, and then along a red earth country road that felt so 'of the place' -- and hot and dusty! Two sets of dogs came at me today, even more pushy: quite a problem if one lived here, I think. But this was it for my Alabama running:

Time: 1:21:21
Distance: 10.49 miles
Pace: 7:45s

Comment: hopefully this was good enough to tide me over -- summer training always suffers an interlude like this, but it's refreshing in other ways, so all to the good.

MHM -74/Wed. July 28 [backpost]

Another early one, this time going the other way onto County Road 64 -- even before 8 am the sun is getting harsh and the shade is vanishing, but managed a bit further. Interrupted by three loose dogs at one house, black labs that came out at me. Used water bottle to squirt and delay the pushiest of them. Gyah. Here's the data:

Time: 1:00:59
Distance: 8.04 miles
Pace: 7:35s

Comment: obviously recovering from the trip; time for one more run down here before the trip back.

MHM -75/Tue. July 27 [backpost]

First run in Alabama. Arrived at the campsite Monday evening, no run that day. But first thing in the morning, still swelteringly hot but a tad less so than when we pitched the tent, out and pound the lanes a bit. Still sore from the road and tired, but got into it eventually, then ran out of steam quickly. No easy routes to run, as both lanes I tried dead-ended into the highway.

Time: 48:00
Distance: 6.16 miles
Pace: 7:48s

Comment: looking now on Mapmyrun I see I could have gone a bit further and found a trail -- 準備不足.

MHM -77/Sun. July 25 [backpost]

Only a walk today, after Friday evening, Saturday all day and half of Sunday spent on the bus to Alabama. Walked w/ F from the hotel to Little Flower church, and back, not too fast (wicked hot and humid) but at a steady good pace.

WALK 9 miles in 2:25:00 @ 3.72 mph.

Best thing was, it loosened me up and pretty much tamed the massively swollen ankles I had from 36+ hours on the bus.

MHM -79/Fri. July 23 [backpost]

Thanks to the longer run on previous day, only needed 8+ to round out the week. With a long bus ride ahead, no worries about getting tired; the only limit was time, so: tried a variation on the Rural/Eskett figure of 8, starting with a Hamilton: out on to 9, along to Bay, down to Hamilton, back to Geohannum, and then the figure 8 from there, thus:

Time: 1:03:03
Distance: 8.83 miles
Pace: 7:08s

Comments: Pretty useful route, another one for the grab bag. Pushed for some tempo at the end, hence the quick pace.

MHM -80/Thu. July 22 [backpost]

Fourth day in a row of running, and interestingly pace stayed quite high. This was a new longer route, Geohannum to Stebbins, then Bay->Old Bay, to Warren Wright and back up Orchard and Federal. So, a good few hilly bits, and a nice distance:

Time: 1:20:23
Distance: 11.06 miles
Pace: 7:16s

Comment: worth trying this route again, in reverse as well as the same way.

MHM -81/ Wed. July 21 [backpost]

Shorter run, via Rural w/ figure 8, ending by going up to DPW and round tree to add distance; opened out near end to get decent pace overall:

Time: 1:00:35
Distance: 8.26 miles
Pace: 7:20s

Comment: Backpost, I can barely remember this one. Hot, inevitably.

Update and Runkeeper

Been away on the Alabama trip, and so lots of backposts to do. Started using Runkeeper to record things quickly; not using the website, mainly, but posting from the iPod app, and making it accessible via twitter. Now I've got to go back through two weeks worth of that for dailies here -- they'll be brief, and marked as Backposts.

MHM -82/evening twelve-- Tue. July 20

Late start again, not home till 8 pm. Weather seems less bug-supportive than normal, so w/ flashlight & water head for railtrail straight from development, then through state school and past DnD though BHS (back way) to OldSpfld, then rejoin railtrail down to NoWash and head down, crossing Bardwell all the way to Barrett; across to NoLib and head back up towards town: go all the way, right up into town center and down 202 to 9, then stop clock when I reach the supermarket, thus:

Time: 1:30:45
Distance: 12.29 miles
Pace: 7:23s

Comment: slow start (8:10) and keep it steady, aiming for sub-7:30s once I'm warmed up (after 5 miles). Final mile is easiest, a sub-7, just. Sore ankles all round, but felt pretty good overall. A marathon pace run, I was thinking.

MHM -83/trackwork -- Mon. July 19

Worried about achilles most of the day, but seem more or less safe by the time I get home, and decide to play it safe with a track session. Clouding up, but head off via GeoHannum, Jackson, and state school to get some warmup miles in: go very gently, 2.67 miles at 8:10 pace. Then stretch at track, just as rain starts to come down. Goal is 20 laps, 5 miles, running constantly a bit wide to make sure the miles are good. Rain gets heavier, along with thunder and lightning -- keep ear out for how far away it is, as I feel a bit exposed. Get through first three miles and I'm already soaked (running sans top, which starts to get a bit cooler than planned...). Decide to slosh on anyhow, with track now heavily puddled and [road] shoes v. full of water. Keep pace even, with only the last couple of laps a bit faster, then pick up clock (which I'd left running by the track) and get a drink and finish PB sandwich before heading home the way I'd come -- goal was to complete 10 miles, which was accomplished as I passed AustinG. Rain of course stopping by this point...

Time: 1:16:18
Distance: 10.18 miles
Pace: 7:30s

Comment: despite feeling slow most of the time, the track work must have been solid, 7:20s or so, given the average time overall. N.B. the digivice recorded NONE of the track miles, as I wasn't carrying it -- it should show 5.18 miles, and the same time.

MHM -84/Bikeride -- Sun. July 18

Just too tired after a busy social Saturday to get up in time for 8:00, so ended up skipping SRRC run (ouf!). Not feeling very brilliant, either, after an afternoon in the office (left achilles v. sore), so opted for bike ride instead. AImed for another stretch of the powerline trails, hoping for less abrupt hills and some good clear trails. GeoHannum > Jackson > state school > rail trail behind Checkers; all the way down to 181 > Michael Sears > Bardwell > South > Railroad > entry point to the powerline trail. Made good time getting down there, and then slogged along the trail -- with some wet/muddy patches -- across SoLib and on through a cool gorge cut for a rail line to the intersection with South street -- but then a dead end. Carry bike up onto road, and look around for a way ahead, but nothing, so decide to head back (not v. sure where I am): up South to SoWash, up across West, then across Bardwell to NoWash, then take the trail on left in through woods to join Jabish canal; follow that back up to rejoin NoWash at the underpass, and up road from there all the way to town center, then home again via 202 and 9.

BikeRide = 19.67 miles in 1:26:00 @ 13.7 mph.

Comment: exhilarating as ever, and a good bit muddy. Short, but still a useful workout.

MHM -85/closeout -- Sat. July 17

Very much in my mind was getting to the week's mileage: had to run a.m., on the heels of last night's late run, and it's been a long week. But with the trip coming up soon there's no time to slack off. So, out with no route in mind but knowing I need 11.3 miles to hit 55. Head down to water plant, do moderate stretch session, then up trails to Underwood (jumping over new concrete barriers at the trail exit) and to 202, then right all the way to Barton: up the big hill, to Oak Ridge, steady and trying to stay in shade, then to Summit and back down to 202 that way; right and up to Underwood again, through back to GeoHannum, but need more miles, so add a Hamilton 5K from there, feeling pretty tired by this point. Pick up from the exit from Allen to 9, and make good pace along 9, running all the way to Greenwich to get this:

Time: 1:25:58
Distance: 11.36 miles
Pace: 7:34s

Comment: started slow, with both achilles tendons just sore, and feeling very end of week. But some good moments too, and I've only got a 10 miler to do tomorrow. Barefooted the last bit home again, after stopping clock; hope this is helping something too.