OK, so I am very jazzed about the Red Sox winning their 2nd World Series in 4 years last week. But I was even more psyched about finishing the Marine Corps Marathon in a near PR time of 3 hours, 52 min and 51 sec. )about 30 seconds off my 2006 Boston Marathon pace).
It serves as a reminder to me that if the weather is perfect, and if I eat lots of spaghetti and meatballs the night before, and if I watch the Red Sox win Game 3 of a World Series until midnight the night before my 4 a.m. wake-up call, then anything is possible! Seriously, man, I slept 4 hours, 'prepped and commuted' for 4 hours, then ran for 4 hours. Yikes.
BUT, I was well-hydrated, well-fed, and ran at a blistering (literally) pace. All-in-all, it was a fabulous run, I felt great and am looking forward to possibly returning to Austin in Feb, ahead of the 2008 Boston Marathon...perhaps actually qualifying for Boston before I turn 65!
...stay tuned!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
3 Days until marathon in DC, info for tracking Paul
Down to the wire...I ran a comfortable 5 miler yesterday and am feeling pretty good about the weekend - weather forecast is perfect...sunny, relatively dry and temps in low 50s to low 60s. I'll take it!
For those who'd like to track my progress online, info can be found at:
http://www.doitsports.com/results/MSG-signup.tcl?sub_event_id=2941
Directions are pretty self-explanatory, but you'll need my name and possibly my "bib" number (4549).
Anyway, am flying to DC tonight, hopefully landing before the Red Sox score 13 more runs :-) and then enjoying a great weekend getting psyched up for race and visting with great friends.
thanks for your ongoing support, and especially to Lena, Noah and Ali. You'll be with me with every step, and I PROMISE that I won't call you for a ride home on Sunday!
For those who'd like to track my progress online, info can be found at:
http://www.doitsports.com/results/MSG-signup.tcl?sub_event_id=2941
Directions are pretty self-explanatory, but you'll need my name and possibly my "bib" number (4549).
Anyway, am flying to DC tonight, hopefully landing before the Red Sox score 13 more runs :-) and then enjoying a great weekend getting psyched up for race and visting with great friends.
thanks for your ongoing support, and especially to Lena, Noah and Ali. You'll be with me with every step, and I PROMISE that I won't call you for a ride home on Sunday!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
17 Days until Marine Corps Marathon...Hooah! (Oorah)!
So it's 2:40 a.m. and I can't sleep...I'm all fired up about the upcoming marathon (either that or the pint of Ben and Jerry's I inhaled as "fuel" last night just isn't agreeing with me!) <--probably the latter.
Anyway, I finally looked at the topographical map of the marathon route and the hilliness for miles 1-8 looks daunting. The fact that the last 1.2 miles are also straight uphill ain't helping my psyche, but I guess when you're running a route designed by U.S. Marines, flat and 'cushy' just isn't an option :-)
So I am "tapering" my training, which means working down from the long runs (which peaked at 20.6 miles, not my hope of 23), but am feeling pretty good about my pacing on the runs this time (averaging between 8 and 9.5 minute miles, depending on distance), so, bring on DC! My goal is to get back to the sub-4 hour time, but given the horrible events in the Chicago Marathon this past weekend (1 death, 10,000 no-shows, and an official early ending to the 88 degree race), I realize that finishing and staying alive (not in that order) are my 2 top priorities!
I am grateful to those of you who have been so supportive as I've tried to balance training with work and life and general, most notably Lena, Noah and Ali -- I know the "free" time I take for my runs isn't always 'free', and their love and support has truly been more consistent than my running! (including all the no-questions-asked rescue missions, which have consisted of Paul calling from his cell phone at random times on a weekend to beg for a ride home from an over-ambitious run). I am also grateful to my DC hosts, Angie and Luis, who've graciously allowed me to crash at their place for the weekend of the marathon.
As the cool fall weather hits and the winter weather will inevitably soon follow, I am hopeful to continue the running in the months ahead. I welcome your comments, and hope that reading about an everyday guy like me running marathons is entertaining, if not inspirational, for you!
Happy Thursday! Paul
Anyway, I finally looked at the topographical map of the marathon route and the hilliness for miles 1-8 looks daunting. The fact that the last 1.2 miles are also straight uphill ain't helping my psyche, but I guess when you're running a route designed by U.S. Marines, flat and 'cushy' just isn't an option :-)
So I am "tapering" my training, which means working down from the long runs (which peaked at 20.6 miles, not my hope of 23), but am feeling pretty good about my pacing on the runs this time (averaging between 8 and 9.5 minute miles, depending on distance), so, bring on DC! My goal is to get back to the sub-4 hour time, but given the horrible events in the Chicago Marathon this past weekend (1 death, 10,000 no-shows, and an official early ending to the 88 degree race), I realize that finishing and staying alive (not in that order) are my 2 top priorities!
I am grateful to those of you who have been so supportive as I've tried to balance training with work and life and general, most notably Lena, Noah and Ali -- I know the "free" time I take for my runs isn't always 'free', and their love and support has truly been more consistent than my running! (including all the no-questions-asked rescue missions, which have consisted of Paul calling from his cell phone at random times on a weekend to beg for a ride home from an over-ambitious run). I am also grateful to my DC hosts, Angie and Luis, who've graciously allowed me to crash at their place for the weekend of the marathon.
As the cool fall weather hits and the winter weather will inevitably soon follow, I am hopeful to continue the running in the months ahead. I welcome your comments, and hope that reading about an everyday guy like me running marathons is entertaining, if not inspirational, for you!
Happy Thursday! Paul
Monday, August 27, 2007
The hills are alive (with the sound of gasping)
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.
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.
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
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