So I'm back from several days in Maine, and following a cruise to Bermuda in early August...great to getaway, but difficult to maintain regular training schedule...a few sporadic runs, including an interesting one on a treadmill on the ship's 11th deck (while docked in St. George, Bermuda) and another CLIMB on some hilly roads in Maine - an exhausting 4-miler last Friday.
Today, back at work, I tackled "Grossman's Hill" in Wellesley on my lunch break -- it's on the Boston Marathon route, but in the reverse direction. A short (5-mile) run with some great hills. It was sunny and hot -- as it should be in August -- and reminded me that I should really try to get out earlier in the day!!
More to come in the weeks ahead...less than 9 weeks to go before Marine Corps run! I expect to hit Heartbreak and Hopkinton with increasing frequency as my long runs should climb from 15 miles to 22 over the next 5 weeks.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Corps competence?
It's been 4 months since my last blog update. For those of you receiving e-mail updates..."hi!"
In fact, after my mediocre performance in the Boston Marathon last April, I was quick to apply for my next marathon -- although my application for the NY Marathon was rejected, I will be running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on Sunday October 28th. Let me know if you'll be there with a big ol' sign and shouts of encouragement!
Training, yet again, has been sporadic, but now that I'm within 10.5 weeks, I'll be stepping it up, so to speak. I have been pretty consistently running at a 8.5-9 minute mile pace, and have taken a couple of 10+ milers up Heartbreak Hill and back from work. But I haven't been logging many miles yet on a consistent basis, and look forward to getting back into a groove in the coming weeks.
My goal for DC is to finish below 4 hours, so check back often, let me know you're checking back often, and keep me honest - especially as the weather gets colder!
Oh, and, by the way, I'll be running my 3rd consecutive Boston Marathon next year, and look forward to continuing to raise awareness and funds to fight homelessness and hunger. I will be re-joining the Pine Street Inn team in 2008, so please consider joining the fight by contributing to my 2008 Boston Marathon effort at http://www.firstgiving.com/pjoseph2008
Or, if you’d prefer to make a donation to support the Greater Boston food Bank, please go to: http://www.gbfb.org/marathon/ and select my name from the ‘drop-down’ list of team members, when prompted for "Designation."
Be well, and thanks for your interest and support.
Paul
PS – Congratulations to my cousin, Elaine C., winner of the pair of tickets to see Wicked in October. And thank you to her for generously re-donating them to another pair of my donors!
In fact, after my mediocre performance in the Boston Marathon last April, I was quick to apply for my next marathon -- although my application for the NY Marathon was rejected, I will be running in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC on Sunday October 28th. Let me know if you'll be there with a big ol' sign and shouts of encouragement!
Training, yet again, has been sporadic, but now that I'm within 10.5 weeks, I'll be stepping it up, so to speak. I have been pretty consistently running at a 8.5-9 minute mile pace, and have taken a couple of 10+ milers up Heartbreak Hill and back from work. But I haven't been logging many miles yet on a consistent basis, and look forward to getting back into a groove in the coming weeks.
My goal for DC is to finish below 4 hours, so check back often, let me know you're checking back often, and keep me honest - especially as the weather gets colder!
Oh, and, by the way, I'll be running my 3rd consecutive Boston Marathon next year, and look forward to continuing to raise awareness and funds to fight homelessness and hunger. I will be re-joining the Pine Street Inn team in 2008, so please consider joining the fight by contributing to my 2008 Boston Marathon effort at http://www.firstgiving.com/pjoseph2008
Or, if you’d prefer to make a donation to support the Greater Boston food Bank, please go to: http://www.gbfb.org/marathon/ and select my name from the ‘drop-down’ list of team members, when prompted for "Designation."
Be well, and thanks for your interest and support.
Paul
PS – Congratulations to my cousin, Elaine C., winner of the pair of tickets to see Wicked in October. And thank you to her for generously re-donating them to another pair of my donors!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
My goose (duck) was cooked, but healthy and happy today
So, I'm back at the office today...legs are very tight in major muscle areas, but overall am doing fine.
The marathon yesterday was not as horrible weather-wise as they were predicting; however, there were a couple of good, dousing rains and a few sustained blasts of wind (especially in the city itself). Despite finishing 40+ minutes slower than last year, I did have fun. Unfortunately, my legs tightened up and I started blistering a bit on my left foot even before the half-way point, so my pace declined quite rapidly over the 2nd (hilly) half. I spent a few water stops along the way massaging my quads and basically punching the muscles to loosen them up, so my final 10 miles or so was pretty much a battle of mind over matter (and given where my mind was wandering, "matter" proved to be a worthy adversary).
I CAN say that I finished the entire marathon wearing an inflatable duck around my waist (see pic on the blog page) ; and the optimist and quasi-superstitious guy in me thinks that the duck played a role in keeping the horrible weather at bay. And, once I realized that I wouldn't be setting any time records, having the duck proved to be a lot of fun for the brave souls lining the streets ("Hey, Duckman!" "Rubber Ducky, You're The One!" "Go Paul. Get the duck going!" these are a few examples of the gems I heard...kept me smiling, and that helped to conceal my wincing). Also, it was fun 'high-fiving' kids that were smiling at the duck as I waddled by.
Anyway, the competitor in me feels lame (lame duck?) for not doing better time-wise, but I gave what I could, when I could, this spring for training and throughout the race, and I did finish, so I'll take that.
As I told Lena, I felt more like the rodeo clown than the cowboy at this show, but I guess everyone plays their role and in the end 'the show' comes together. I'm just glad to have played some part and am happy to have been able to do this again...participating in the Boston Marathon is truly a wonderful and energizing experience. It's also especially rewarding to know that my kids have learned a little bit more about how deeply fortunate we are as a family, and how important it is to do what you can, when you can, to help another in need. Raising awareness and funds for the Food Bank, Pine Street (last year) and having them share in the experience, were/are my greatest motivators.
Thanks for your interest and your support.
Sincerely, Paul
PS: For those asking "what's next?" My hope is the 2007 NYC Marathon in November, if I'm accepted (I've entered the lottery and will learn by June whether/not I'm 'in'.) If not NYC, then I'm considering the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC or The Hartford Marathon in Hartford, CT as other options for my "fall marathon").
The marathon yesterday was not as horrible weather-wise as they were predicting; however, there were a couple of good, dousing rains and a few sustained blasts of wind (especially in the city itself). Despite finishing 40+ minutes slower than last year, I did have fun. Unfortunately, my legs tightened up and I started blistering a bit on my left foot even before the half-way point, so my pace declined quite rapidly over the 2nd (hilly) half. I spent a few water stops along the way massaging my quads and basically punching the muscles to loosen them up, so my final 10 miles or so was pretty much a battle of mind over matter (and given where my mind was wandering, "matter" proved to be a worthy adversary).
I CAN say that I finished the entire marathon wearing an inflatable duck around my waist (see pic on the blog page) ; and the optimist and quasi-superstitious guy in me thinks that the duck played a role in keeping the horrible weather at bay. And, once I realized that I wouldn't be setting any time records, having the duck proved to be a lot of fun for the brave souls lining the streets ("Hey, Duckman!" "Rubber Ducky, You're The One!" "Go Paul. Get the duck going!" these are a few examples of the gems I heard...kept me smiling, and that helped to conceal my wincing). Also, it was fun 'high-fiving' kids that were smiling at the duck as I waddled by.
Anyway, the competitor in me feels lame (lame duck?) for not doing better time-wise, but I gave what I could, when I could, this spring for training and throughout the race, and I did finish, so I'll take that.
As I told Lena, I felt more like the rodeo clown than the cowboy at this show, but I guess everyone plays their role and in the end 'the show' comes together. I'm just glad to have played some part and am happy to have been able to do this again...participating in the Boston Marathon is truly a wonderful and energizing experience. It's also especially rewarding to know that my kids have learned a little bit more about how deeply fortunate we are as a family, and how important it is to do what you can, when you can, to help another in need. Raising awareness and funds for the Food Bank, Pine Street (last year) and having them share in the experience, were/are my greatest motivators.
Thanks for your interest and your support.
Sincerely, Paul
PS: For those asking "what's next?" My hope is the 2007 NYC Marathon in November, if I'm accepted (I've entered the lottery and will learn by June whether/not I'm 'in'.) If not NYC, then I'm considering the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC or The Hartford Marathon in Hartford, CT as other options for my "fall marathon").
Sunday, April 15, 2007
it's "go" time
OK - for those of you tracking me in 'real time', you should have received a 'test' e-mail today from BAA.
For those who want to log on to track progress, go to http://www.baa.org/ and my bib # is: 20618.
For any brave souls lining the route, my bib # will be pinned to my left thigh.
I will be wearing my black knit/fleece hat or hood (if wind allows, will have a red, Red Sox visor wrapped around my winter headgear), black pants, blue jacket, but with a white T-shirt over it (I've ironed a small GBFB logo and "Can Do. Attitude is a Decision" on the shirt); but, if you still can't see me, I'm also going to be wearing a yellow, inflatable duck (wrapped around my waist), b/c, it will indeed be a good day for...well, you get the idea. Be warned...if the wind proves to be too much, I'm ditching the duck along the way, so headgear and/or my bib # is best way to spot me.
So, as I prepare for bed, I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who's been so supportive so far, and please keep me (and a tailwind) in your thoughts and prayers for Monday.
Also, please remember as you think about how crazy this is...there is someone homeless that deals with far worse conditions for more than 4 +/- hours per year, and there are people in your neighborhood that are struggling to find the resources to feed themselves and their families... thank you for doing what you can to help wherever and whenever you can.
Much like last year, I am filled with the positive energy, gratitude, and humility that this experience brings to bear. (yellow duck not-withstanding) :-)
Be well, Paul
For those who want to log on to track progress, go to http://www.baa.org/ and my bib # is: 20618.
For any brave souls lining the route, my bib # will be pinned to my left thigh.
I will be wearing my black knit/fleece hat or hood (if wind allows, will have a red, Red Sox visor wrapped around my winter headgear), black pants, blue jacket, but with a white T-shirt over it (I've ironed a small GBFB logo and "Can Do. Attitude is a Decision" on the shirt); but, if you still can't see me, I'm also going to be wearing a yellow, inflatable duck (wrapped around my waist), b/c, it will indeed be a good day for...well, you get the idea. Be warned...if the wind proves to be too much, I'm ditching the duck along the way, so headgear and/or my bib # is best way to spot me.
So, as I prepare for bed, I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who's been so supportive so far, and please keep me (and a tailwind) in your thoughts and prayers for Monday.
Also, please remember as you think about how crazy this is...there is someone homeless that deals with far worse conditions for more than 4 +/- hours per year, and there are people in your neighborhood that are struggling to find the resources to feed themselves and their families... thank you for doing what you can to help wherever and whenever you can.
Much like last year, I am filled with the positive energy, gratitude, and humility that this experience brings to bear. (yellow duck not-withstanding) :-)
Be well, Paul
Friday, April 13, 2007
Follow Me! (on Marathon Day)
Since many of you have asked:
If you'd like to receive an e-mail update or text message as I progress through the route on Marathon Day (Monday 4/16 from about 10:30-2:30 ET), please send me an email at: paul.r.joseph@comcast.net and I'll add you to the notification list called: wherespaulnow@googlegroups.com
Include the e-mail address or the text message address where you'd like to receive the notifications (something like 5555555555@yourmobileprovider.net). Check with your mobile service provider if you require additional information
Thanks, Paul
If you'd like to receive an e-mail update or text message as I progress through the route on Marathon Day (Monday 4/16 from about 10:30-2:30 ET), please send me an email at: paul.r.joseph@comcast.net and I'll add you to the notification list called: wherespaulnow@googlegroups.com
Include the e-mail address or the text message address where you'd like to receive the notifications (something like 5555555555@yourmobileprovider.net). Check with your mobile service provider if you require additional information
Thanks, Paul
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Running...out of time!
So I'm working late and NOT getting my planned 10-mile run in today...I was hoping to run Heartbreak Hill one more time, in the rain, to simulate the conditions predicted for Monday. Oh well. Stayed dry and was able to blast one last "Hail Mary" pass of an e-mail to many of you.
it's been a VERY interesting 'final' week before the big day. Total miles logged since Sunday = 0
One way or another, I'll get those last few miles in on Friday a.m. and probably Sunday (they say that it's best to rest and not run at all on Saturday and to do a light, loosening jog on Sunday...what they don't say is "why not just take the whole week before the race off!" :-0
So, let's run down the list:
Scary weather: check
Lame preparation: check
Poor sleep: check
Marginally regular and nutritious meals: check
Butterflies in stomach: ironically, not so much
overconfidence (or, perhaps, just good old fashioned optimism): check
...If I set a personal record this year I'll be insufferable!
(p.s. - don't worry, Mom, for the most part, I'd been sleeping, eating, and training right up until the last week)
it's been a VERY interesting 'final' week before the big day. Total miles logged since Sunday = 0
One way or another, I'll get those last few miles in on Friday a.m. and probably Sunday (they say that it's best to rest and not run at all on Saturday and to do a light, loosening jog on Sunday...what they don't say is "why not just take the whole week before the race off!" :-0
So, let's run down the list:
Scary weather: check
Lame preparation: check
Poor sleep: check
Marginally regular and nutritious meals: check
Butterflies in stomach: ironically, not so much
overconfidence (or, perhaps, just good old fashioned optimism): check
...If I set a personal record this year I'll be insufferable!
(p.s. - don't worry, Mom, for the most part, I'd been sleeping, eating, and training right up until the last week)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Weather looks grim!
OK...so "weather.com" isn't showing me the love for Marathon Monday: Hi of 49 degrees, Low of 36, 20 m.p.h. winds, and RAIN (70% chance and getting worse every time I check back).
So, to those of you who said they'd be out there cheering me on...bring an umbrella and a LOUD voice...I've done the 'slogging through 26 miles in the cold rain' run once before (Victoria, BC last October was wet and drizzly) and it's about as pleasant as, well, jogging in the cold rain for 4 hours...some metaphors kinda write themselves. (<--this comment holds true for similes as well, for my English major friends and family). Your encouragement would be most welcome, although your decision to stay indoors and shoot me an e-mail would be completely understandable!
Hope to see a few diehards out there on the course; and for those of you cheering from afar, please keep the following thoughts in your head come 10:30 a.m. Monday:
- warm, but not too warm,
- dry, and
- TAIL wind (one of the few ways that my superior surface area would give me a competitive advantage).
Gotta run! Paul
So, to those of you who said they'd be out there cheering me on...bring an umbrella and a LOUD voice...I've done the 'slogging through 26 miles in the cold rain' run once before (Victoria, BC last October was wet and drizzly) and it's about as pleasant as, well, jogging in the cold rain for 4 hours...some metaphors kinda write themselves. (<--this comment holds true for similes as well, for my English major friends and family). Your encouragement would be most welcome, although your decision to stay indoors and shoot me an e-mail would be completely understandable!
Hope to see a few diehards out there on the course; and for those of you cheering from afar, please keep the following thoughts in your head come 10:30 a.m. Monday:
- warm, but not too warm,
- dry, and
- TAIL wind (one of the few ways that my superior surface area would give me a competitive advantage).
Gotta run! Paul
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