After taking about 3 weeks off from running (not intentioanl, but circumstances of work and holidays taking their toll), I was pleased to get out for a 7.3 mile run with my friend and fellow Boston Marathoner, John. Weather was cooperative, and cool.
But today's story is quite different. I am about to embark on a 5k - 5 miler, running solo in a -1 windchill, 17 degrees with 20-40 mph gusts...not a walk in the park. But as I digest my (too) many holiday meals and (too) many holiday snacks, and think about what the heck I've signed up for, yet again, I can't help but think how grateful I am to not be homeless today, or any day for that matter.
I hope that these acts of questionable sanity are understood by my family, friends, and passers/driversby who might be looking at me with that "why the HECK are you running today?!" look. If you're reading this, take a moment to be glad that you're not homeless, and please remember that not everyone has that privilege.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Came up short, but the race to end homelessness is endless
Wow - here it is September 15th and I'm less than 7 weeks away from my next marathon (NYC Marathon November 1st). It will be the 40th anniversary of the NYC Marathon. Not lost on me is the fact that I'm 40 y.o. and running for the Pine Street Inn this year on its 40th anniversary.
I'm not sure what that all adds up to (besides 120!), but a cool coincidence - and my 10th full marathon, as well! I hope to remain healthy for the next several weeks; most of my post-CO marathon "running" time has been spent nursing bursitis (inflammation) in my right heel ...thought it was a stress fracture or tendinitis, though, so I'm happy to say that after a relatively low-running summer, I feel pretty good this fall. Also, a cortisone shot in my arthritic right shoulder has me able to move that arm in full circles again, so I'm grateful for the quick fixes available to my (slowly?) breaking down chassis.
Results of my 2 marathons in 2 weeks were very good - just missing personal records in Boston and overall (ran the CO marathon in 3:42:43, missing a PR by 2 seconds!). Missed a Boston PR by less than a minute as well, so overall, I can't complain about the running last spring. It was the heel pain following all the running that made for an iffy summer of running. But between the 2 near-misses and coming up 10% short of my fundraising goal, I feel like 2009 was a series of "almosts." I'd like to finish NYC strong and begin the difficult and perpetual journey toward running a Boston qualifying pace of 3 hours 20 minutes one of these days...perhaps spring of 2010 will be my shot...maybe sooner? :-)
So as the weather has turned cooler, and the days are getting shorter, I recently went out for an 18 mile run and felt good - not great, but from a 14.1 mile long run last week to 18 was a big jump. Am happy to say that the feet are good, and the psyche is getting there...now I just have to get work off the brain and get out of my chair more often...you can't cheat the need for many runs and increasing miles as the big race approaches, and I've been slackin!
I am proud to say that many family and friends (Lena, among the many!) seem to have taken to running a bit more lately and I'd like to think my insanity has played a small, if not significant, role in it...as I type, I'm ready to hit the road, but I'll wait 'til morning...it's bedtime now, and I'm wide awake, thinking about too much work, too few hours in the day, and (hopefully) 10 good miles tomorrow...
I'm not sure what that all adds up to (besides 120!), but a cool coincidence - and my 10th full marathon, as well! I hope to remain healthy for the next several weeks; most of my post-CO marathon "running" time has been spent nursing bursitis (inflammation) in my right heel ...thought it was a stress fracture or tendinitis, though, so I'm happy to say that after a relatively low-running summer, I feel pretty good this fall. Also, a cortisone shot in my arthritic right shoulder has me able to move that arm in full circles again, so I'm grateful for the quick fixes available to my (slowly?) breaking down chassis.
Results of my 2 marathons in 2 weeks were very good - just missing personal records in Boston and overall (ran the CO marathon in 3:42:43, missing a PR by 2 seconds!). Missed a Boston PR by less than a minute as well, so overall, I can't complain about the running last spring. It was the heel pain following all the running that made for an iffy summer of running. But between the 2 near-misses and coming up 10% short of my fundraising goal, I feel like 2009 was a series of "almosts." I'd like to finish NYC strong and begin the difficult and perpetual journey toward running a Boston qualifying pace of 3 hours 20 minutes one of these days...perhaps spring of 2010 will be my shot...maybe sooner? :-)
So as the weather has turned cooler, and the days are getting shorter, I recently went out for an 18 mile run and felt good - not great, but from a 14.1 mile long run last week to 18 was a big jump. Am happy to say that the feet are good, and the psyche is getting there...now I just have to get work off the brain and get out of my chair more often...you can't cheat the need for many runs and increasing miles as the big race approaches, and I've been slackin!
I am proud to say that many family and friends (Lena, among the many!) seem to have taken to running a bit more lately and I'd like to think my insanity has played a small, if not significant, role in it...as I type, I'm ready to hit the road, but I'll wait 'til morning...it's bedtime now, and I'm wide awake, thinking about too much work, too few hours in the day, and (hopefully) 10 good miles tomorrow...
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Raffle to End Homelessness (has ended!)
Through the kind donations and support of several local business owners and friends, I was pleased to offer the "Raffles to End Homelessness" in support of my 2 marathon runs for the Pine Street Inn.Thanks to the following for their kind donations of tickets and services:
Frozen Ropes - Natick
Fitness Together - Natick/Sudbury
Donelan's Supermarkets - Wayland
Josh Ostroff
Please note: Raffle #1: Homerun to End Homelessness was drawn on Saturday, April 25, 12 noon
Congratulations to prize winners:
Dori Ross - (2) Bleacher tickets to Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, Sunday, 4/26
Anna Uliano - (2) RF Grandstand Tickets to Red Sox vs. New York Mets, Sunday, 5/24
Dave Pfahler - (3) Free Personal Training Sessions at FT Natick ($255 value) (http://www.ftnatick.net/)
Raffle #2: Marathon Maynia was drawn on Friday, May 15, 3 p.m.
Congratulations to prize winners:
Congratulations to prize winners:
Joel Haskell- (4) Bleacher Tickets to Red Sox vs. New York Mets, Sunday, May 24th
AND (2) Infield Grandstand Tickets to Red Sox vs. KC Royals, Thursday, July 9th (donated by Donelan's Supermarkets (http://www.donelans.com/)
Dave Margil - (2) U2: 360 Tour. General Admission (on the Floor/Field) tickets to see U2 at Gillette Stadium, Monday, September 21st.
Anne Porter- $100 Gift certificate and T-shirt from Frozen Ropes Natick (http://www.frozenropes.com/home/locations/natick-ma.aspx)
Halfway Home...
With the Boston Marathon completed in 3 hours and 53+ minutes, I am pleased to feel like I might actually run the second marathon even faster! (OK, thruth be told, my feet are still tender from blister/calluses and my quads feel like they've been beaten with a hammer, but hey, I've got a whopping 11 days for that to fade!).
In fact, I was thrilled to see that with my time, I actually placed ahead of running legend Bill Rodgers (who, BTW, is 61 years old...I should be so lucky to finish under 4 hrs by the time I'm 61!).
The weather was fabulous on Marathon Monday in Boston -- a bit windy (15 mph headwind!) but between my sub-4 hour finish, the Sox trouncing the Orioles for a 4-game sweep and the Bruins and Celtics playing like teams possessed, all-in-all a great way to start the week!
Thanks to my family and friends for donating so generously so far to this cause, and for those that came out on Monday to watch. Clearly, it puts a little more fuel in my tank knowing that you're all out there with me.
Will update this blog as I test these tender feet and sore legs ahead of Colorado!
In fact, I was thrilled to see that with my time, I actually placed ahead of running legend Bill Rodgers (who, BTW, is 61 years old...I should be so lucky to finish under 4 hrs by the time I'm 61!).
The weather was fabulous on Marathon Monday in Boston -- a bit windy (15 mph headwind!) but between my sub-4 hour finish, the Sox trouncing the Orioles for a 4-game sweep and the Bruins and Celtics playing like teams possessed, all-in-all a great way to start the week!
Thanks to my family and friends for donating so generously so far to this cause, and for those that came out on Monday to watch. Clearly, it puts a little more fuel in my tank knowing that you're all out there with me.
Will update this blog as I test these tender feet and sore legs ahead of Colorado!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Almost there
With a day and a half or so to go, I'm in that "anxious but not quite ready" state. With the amount of work that I have to do this weekend, coupled with our Albanian Orthodox Easter celebration (pasta for me, lamb for everyone else!) on Sunday, I feel like the Boston Marathon is becoming something on my "to do" list.
However, as I rode into Boston on the train today (going to the Marathon Number Pick Up and event at Hynes Convention Ctr), I sat next to a gentleman named David from Canada. He was also 40, and as we got to talking, it turns out he recently qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 3 hour, 11 minute "Boston qualifying" race.
Talking to David was a great reminder for this local, "charity" runner that the Boston Marathon is a big deal and should be savored. The energy at the convention hall was high, and as I came home for my last "warm up/taper down" jog, I felt pretty calm about the inevitable 26.2 looming on the next cool, potentially wet, and head-windy Monday.
I am pleased to have passed the half-way point for my targeted fundraising, and I hope that the upcoming raffles of tickets will put me over the $5,240 goal. I am grateful to all of my donors and to those who have reached out with words of kindness and good luck. I am truly amazed and humbled once again...now if I can get some sleep over the next couple of days, I'll be firing on all cylinders on Monday!
However, as I rode into Boston on the train today (going to the Marathon Number Pick Up and event at Hynes Convention Ctr), I sat next to a gentleman named David from Canada. He was also 40, and as we got to talking, it turns out he recently qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 3 hour, 11 minute "Boston qualifying" race.
Talking to David was a great reminder for this local, "charity" runner that the Boston Marathon is a big deal and should be savored. The energy at the convention hall was high, and as I came home for my last "warm up/taper down" jog, I felt pretty calm about the inevitable 26.2 looming on the next cool, potentially wet, and head-windy Monday.
I am pleased to have passed the half-way point for my targeted fundraising, and I hope that the upcoming raffles of tickets will put me over the $5,240 goal. I am grateful to all of my donors and to those who have reached out with words of kindness and good luck. I am truly amazed and humbled once again...now if I can get some sleep over the next couple of days, I'll be firing on all cylinders on Monday!
Monday, April 13, 2009
One week (and a trip to Atlanta) until Boston Marathon
With a week to go, I'm feeling pretty good, although a bit paranoid about anticipated lack of sleep in the days ahead. Ironically, I have "miles to go before I sleep".
Also, with the reality of logistics/bureaucracy settling in, turns out I will not be able to host the Home Run Derby as hoped, but will still move forward with raffles. Between permitting process and hang-ups securing commercial insurance for the event, I simply ran out of time to allow for a responsible level of promotion for my kind prize donors.
That said, details for the raffle will be released on Tuesday, April 14, and I'm looking forward to a couple of warm runs while in Atlanta on business this week.
Coming off of a great Easter weekend run in CT (10+ miles in sunny, but frigid, Southern CT), I'm feeling in about as good shape as I've ever been ahead of one of these races...hope the body steps up to it!
Also, with the reality of logistics/bureaucracy settling in, turns out I will not be able to host the Home Run Derby as hoped, but will still move forward with raffles. Between permitting process and hang-ups securing commercial insurance for the event, I simply ran out of time to allow for a responsible level of promotion for my kind prize donors.
That said, details for the raffle will be released on Tuesday, April 14, and I'm looking forward to a couple of warm runs while in Atlanta on business this week.
Coming off of a great Easter weekend run in CT (10+ miles in sunny, but frigid, Southern CT), I'm feeling in about as good shape as I've ever been ahead of one of these races...hope the body steps up to it!
Monday, April 6, 2009
You win some, you lose some
So I'm not sure where it ended up, but apparently, my latest entry (following a 23 mile run on Sunday) didn't post. Oh Well. Bottom line is this: 2 weeks to go for Boston and my legs are feeling (mercifully) pretty good. The key for me now is to get enough sleep, which is always a challenge. Teaching three classes, business travel, and my soon to be announced fundraiser - Home Run Derby to End Homelessness - will each take their toll on my energy in the upcoming weeks.
Funny, though, no one really gives a homeless person a break for being poorly rested, so who am I to complain?
I am grateful for the generosity of local businesses, friends, and even complete strangers that have stepped up to support me in countless ways.
With the Derby now in sight, and a likely raffle or auction to be held in parallel, I'd like to start by thanking the following contributors for making the event possible:
- Frozen Ropes (Natick)
- Fitness Together (Natick/Sudbury)
- Donelan's Supermarkets (Wayland)
- Josh Ostoff
- Natick Little League
- Natick Parks and Recreation and Natick High School for their help with securing the field
The list is growing, and the spirit of giving is empowering and humbling. Thank you!
Funny, though, no one really gives a homeless person a break for being poorly rested, so who am I to complain?
I am grateful for the generosity of local businesses, friends, and even complete strangers that have stepped up to support me in countless ways.
With the Derby now in sight, and a likely raffle or auction to be held in parallel, I'd like to start by thanking the following contributors for making the event possible:
- Frozen Ropes (Natick)
- Fitness Together (Natick/Sudbury)
- Donelan's Supermarkets (Wayland)
- Josh Ostoff
- Natick Little League
- Natick Parks and Recreation and Natick High School for their help with securing the field
The list is growing, and the spirit of giving is empowering and humbling. Thank you!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Heartbreak, No More!
After a 2-week excursion to/from China, it was great to get out and run for a serious distance - 22.1 miles - this a.m. Thanks to my loyal, long-run training partner John (who continues to out pace me! :-) - great inspiration. It's so great to live near the actual Boston Marathon route - going for an "out and back" to Heartbreak Hill in Newton from Natick gives us practice on what is considered by many to be the toughest part of the course.
I'm very pleased that my legs didn't feel like the consistency of all the noodles and dumplings I consumed while in China...perhaps the 1-hour foot massages there paid off. I'm not likely to get those again anytime soon so I'll just drop it altogether.
I got my BAA bib # today as well: 27144, for those watching me online that day. I can't believe we're just about 3 weeks away...time is flying faster than I am, but I'm please with my pace, and hoping to stay healthy as we get closer to "go" time.
I'm very pleased that my legs didn't feel like the consistency of all the noodles and dumplings I consumed while in China...perhaps the 1-hour foot massages there paid off. I'm not likely to get those again anytime soon so I'll just drop it altogether.
I got my BAA bib # today as well: 27144, for those watching me online that day. I can't believe we're just about 3 weeks away...time is flying faster than I am, but I'm please with my pace, and hoping to stay healthy as we get closer to "go" time.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Marathon Training in China
So far, best workout has been at the buffets...school where I'm helping to facilitate has a great lunch buffet, which, of course, follows the hotel breakfast buffet-- you can't eat enough dumplings and other dim sum after a course of bran cereal, yogurt and fruit!
So today I treadmilled about 5-6 km...too close to my classtime to get outside; but will try to go for an outdoors long run on Sunday before heading home. Been doing some push-ups, situps, core stuff, but mostly just teaching, eating, and sleeping sporadically.
The weather's been cool in dawn/dusk hours, but very warm and a bit humid during midday. It was very nice to see the green grass and sunshine today between sessions; groups of students outside picnicking for lunch made me eager to get home to Springtime weather.
I am hoping that my sleep schedule can be shocked back to normal fairly quickly after my return home...the fatigue comes in waves, between the travel and the intensity of teaching to the group. So much fun, though. I am lucky to have this opportunity to see how business and education is so similar and yet so different between US and China.
I can't believe the Boston Marathon is just over 4 weeks away. Overall, am feeling pretty strong and very confident that the 2 weekswill go well. Hopefully will demonstrate some speed at at least one of the two races!
So today I treadmilled about 5-6 km...too close to my classtime to get outside; but will try to go for an outdoors long run on Sunday before heading home. Been doing some push-ups, situps, core stuff, but mostly just teaching, eating, and sleeping sporadically.
The weather's been cool in dawn/dusk hours, but very warm and a bit humid during midday. It was very nice to see the green grass and sunshine today between sessions; groups of students outside picnicking for lunch made me eager to get home to Springtime weather.
I am hoping that my sleep schedule can be shocked back to normal fairly quickly after my return home...the fatigue comes in waves, between the travel and the intensity of teaching to the group. So much fun, though. I am lucky to have this opportunity to see how business and education is so similar and yet so different between US and China.
I can't believe the Boston Marathon is just over 4 weeks away. Overall, am feeling pretty strong and very confident that the 2 weekswill go well. Hopefully will demonstrate some speed at at least one of the two races!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Coming up short
So I left the house this a.m. at 6:15, ready to meet my friend, John, and to go for a 21+ mile run to the top of Heartbreak Hill and back.
John finished with no trouble, but we parted ways with about 5 miles to go...my stamina just didn't compare...and, I called in the cavalry at with about 3 miles to go. My net run was still a decent 18.8 miler, but it bugs me to not finish at my goal distance, especially with my trip to China next week and uncertain sleep/training time in next week or so...
John and I talk a lot about the mental aspects of running when we're out, and today was just one of those days; distraction and the threat of missing a 10:00 town meeting forced my head out of the tranquil rhythm of my shuffling feet and the musical sloshing of water in my "camel back" hydration backpack.
Oh well, overall, I'm feeling strong and no major aches and pains other than a few small blisters -- time to lose the thicker "cold weather" socks permanently! I can't believe the marathon is coming up so fast. 5 weeks and 2 days...I need a nap!
John finished with no trouble, but we parted ways with about 5 miles to go...my stamina just didn't compare...and, I called in the cavalry at with about 3 miles to go. My net run was still a decent 18.8 miler, but it bugs me to not finish at my goal distance, especially with my trip to China next week and uncertain sleep/training time in next week or so...
John and I talk a lot about the mental aspects of running when we're out, and today was just one of those days; distraction and the threat of missing a 10:00 town meeting forced my head out of the tranquil rhythm of my shuffling feet and the musical sloshing of water in my "camel back" hydration backpack.
Oh well, overall, I'm feeling strong and no major aches and pains other than a few small blisters -- time to lose the thicker "cold weather" socks permanently! I can't believe the marathon is coming up so fast. 5 weeks and 2 days...I need a nap!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
5 and 1/2 weeks...and 2 Olympic sites to go!!
So I'm looking out a dreary grey sky, getting ready to log (hopefully) a double digit (12-13 mi.?) afternoon training run. As I plan my next "long" run (18-22 miles range) for Saturday, I'm looking even farther ahead...the Boston Marathon is in 5.5 weeks; CO Marathon in 7.5 weeks.
Between now and then, I'll have flown to China (specifically, Shanghai)and back; and to Atlanta and back...all the while tyring to eat, sleep, and train well...yikes. This is where I should insert a Tom Hanks-esque running version of "There's no crying in baseball"!
And as I look ahead to the next 1.5-2 months of running, fundraising, business building, teaching (oh yeah, and parenting, spousing, doing taxes, cleaning my office, etc!!), it's easy to get overwhelmed by it all.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from all of this running has been the need to get something done...Even if it's not at the pace I had intended...as usual, I have too much on my plate, but like the miles of all these training runs, step-by-step, task-by-task, dollar-by-dollar, the big, hairy, audacious goals seem manageable...just don't ask Lena about that office mess...it seems like there are some races I'm doomed to repeat :-)
Between now and then, I'll have flown to China (specifically, Shanghai)and back; and to Atlanta and back...all the while tyring to eat, sleep, and train well...yikes. This is where I should insert a Tom Hanks-esque running version of "There's no crying in baseball"!
And as I look ahead to the next 1.5-2 months of running, fundraising, business building, teaching (oh yeah, and parenting, spousing, doing taxes, cleaning my office, etc!!), it's easy to get overwhelmed by it all.
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from all of this running has been the need to get something done...Even if it's not at the pace I had intended...as usual, I have too much on my plate, but like the miles of all these training runs, step-by-step, task-by-task, dollar-by-dollar, the big, hairy, audacious goals seem manageable...just don't ask Lena about that office mess...it seems like there are some races I'm doomed to repeat :-)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Weather - I like it or not
Running (OK, running and a bit of walking/stretching) 18 miles on Friday, it felt like spring. My pace was relaxed, the temps were in 40s and I was in shorts and a T-shirt. Yesterday, a little less relaxed,I raced to get a quick 7 miles in before the major snow storm hit (which it is, today!) bundled back up in pants, three layers on top, and winter hat, I'm reminded that March is certainly doing its part to come in like a lion.
But, there's nothing quite like running on a fresh, packed snow. A bit scary when the cars whizz by, but for the most part, the quiet country roads and trees absorb all but the sounds of my sneakers, literally crunching the snow. I try to keep my iPod to a reverent, low volume...sometimes I pause it altogether just to here the silence...it's pretty amazing.
As I watch the inches of heavy wet snow pile up today, I'm glad I snuck in that last 7-mile. With exactly 7 weeks to go before the Boston Marathon (OK, 7 weeks, 4 hours and 35 minutes, to be exact), I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be sporting the shorts and T-shirt look come April 20th...I'm all too happy to give up the 3-layered look at Mother Nature's earliest convenience!
But, there's nothing quite like running on a fresh, packed snow. A bit scary when the cars whizz by, but for the most part, the quiet country roads and trees absorb all but the sounds of my sneakers, literally crunching the snow. I try to keep my iPod to a reverent, low volume...sometimes I pause it altogether just to here the silence...it's pretty amazing.
As I watch the inches of heavy wet snow pile up today, I'm glad I snuck in that last 7-mile. With exactly 7 weeks to go before the Boston Marathon (OK, 7 weeks, 4 hours and 35 minutes, to be exact), I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be sporting the shorts and T-shirt look come April 20th...I'm all too happy to give up the 3-layered look at Mother Nature's earliest convenience!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Running to stand still?
So, I'm writing my first entry since (1) finishing the Maine Marathon in personal record pace of 3 hours, 42 min and 41 seconds and (2) committing to running 2 marathons in 2 weeks (Boston and Colorado)
What's funny is that my previous post (from last fall) mentions a guy named Duffy...wouldn't ya know I was out for a grueling 18 mile training run yesterday and as I'm heading home (INTO a headwind, mind you, after stopping to walk for about 1/4 mile in the below 20 degree wind-chill), who should I see parked on the side of the road, but Duffy...he's since participated in 2 more triathelons, so I don't dare compare.
What I will say is this - inspiration takes interesting forms and arrives at interesting moments...just as my mind was saying "pack it in", I pass this bald, cut, drill-sargeant of a guy who encouraged me, congratulated me and with a simple smile, a handshake and sincere recollection of our shared run last fall, inspired me to leg out my last mile.
I am in the process of training for these 2 marathons... a pretty serious endeavor for a guy like me (family, self-employed, traveling, marginally fit...you get the idea). I hope to get back to the sporadic blogging and will be interested to see whether/how much Facebook impacts my writing here...if you're reading, I'll keep writing.
Keep me in your thoughts, and spread the word that ESPECIALLY in a bad economy, the homeless and the hungry need our help.
Thanks, Paul
What's funny is that my previous post (from last fall) mentions a guy named Duffy...wouldn't ya know I was out for a grueling 18 mile training run yesterday and as I'm heading home (INTO a headwind, mind you, after stopping to walk for about 1/4 mile in the below 20 degree wind-chill), who should I see parked on the side of the road, but Duffy...he's since participated in 2 more triathelons, so I don't dare compare.
What I will say is this - inspiration takes interesting forms and arrives at interesting moments...just as my mind was saying "pack it in", I pass this bald, cut, drill-sargeant of a guy who encouraged me, congratulated me and with a simple smile, a handshake and sincere recollection of our shared run last fall, inspired me to leg out my last mile.
I am in the process of training for these 2 marathons... a pretty serious endeavor for a guy like me (family, self-employed, traveling, marginally fit...you get the idea). I hope to get back to the sporadic blogging and will be interested to see whether/how much Facebook impacts my writing here...if you're reading, I'll keep writing.
Keep me in your thoughts, and spread the word that ESPECIALLY in a bad economy, the homeless and the hungry need our help.
Thanks, Paul
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